News Summary
Following disparaging remarks from British influencers about their stay, Shreveport residents have rallied to promote the city’s positive attributes. Local figures, including musicians and community advocates, are actively showcasing the city’s rich musical heritage and cultural landmarks. Initiatives such as social media campaigns and promotional videos are aimed at countering the negativity and bolstering local pride, demonstrating the community’s commitment to highlighting Shreveport’s charm, history, and artistic contributions.
Shreveport, Louisiana is experiencing a surge of community pride following a wave of negative comments from British influencers regarding their recent visit. In August 2024, these influencers described their stay in Shreveport as being at the “worst hotel in America,” prompting a backlash from local residents who rallied to showcase the city’s positive attributes.
In response to the criticism, local musician Winston Hall has taken to social media to advocate for Shreveport’s rich musical heritage and vibrant culture. His involvement extends to promoting the local music scene, and he uses a guitar strap named the Jimi Hendrix Shreveport Strap, which reflects the area’s deep connections to music history.
On May 9, 2024, prominent local figure Sara McDaniel, known for her property restoration work in Minden, produced a video showcasing Shreveport’s best features. With a following of 360,000 on social media, she highlighted several notable landmarks in her video, including the historic Strand Theatre, the Municipal Auditorium where Elvis Presley famously began his career, and the Oaklawn Cemetery. She also featured local attractions like the statue of musician Lead Belly and the Louisiana History Museum, which houses a collection of works by Clementine Hunter.
Moreover, the local tourist bureau, Visit Shreveport-Bossier, aimed to counter the negative narrative by releasing a video on May 11 titled “6 Reasons to Visit Shreveport-Bossier, Louisiana.” This video focused on luxury accommodations and dining experiences available in the area, spotlighting popular casino hotels like Margaritaville and Horseshoe.
Shrevepossible, a community initiative, also contributed by producing a video that celebrated local culture through visuals of Mardi Gras parades, dining at Mae & Co., and events such as the Catahoula Wine Mixer. These initiatives collectively aim to alter perceptions and promote local pride amid the criticism faced from the influencers.
Community Response and Support
In addition to these initiatives, Wade Hampton Marshall, the film and entertainment commissioner for Visit Shreveport-Bossier, promoted community spirit with a social media post encouraging residents to wear “I heart Shreveport-Bossier” buttons. Winston Hall also expressed his frustration over the influencers’ remarks, suggesting that they failed to explore significant local attractions, including casinos and visitor centers.
The infamy of the influencers’ critique spread rapidly on social media, accumulating 3.3 million views on TikTok. The platform was flooded with comments reinforcing negative stereotypes, which further motivated local advocates to respond decisively.
Importance of City Identity
While acknowledging that aspects of the city need improvement, Hall emphasized that every locality has its challenges and should be portrayed fairly. He expressed dedication to advocating for the city, emphasizing gratitude for the opportunities Shreveport has provided him over the years.
Additionally, Shreveport is home to impressive public art, such as the “Once in a Millennium Moon” mural, which spans over 12 stories and required a monumental effort in paint and community participation. This mural, initiated by the Shreveport Regional Arts Council in 1999, stands out as one of the largest public art projects in the country.
Finally, the Red River Revel Arts Festival, an annual event established in 1976, is accepting applications for artists for its upcoming 49th iteration scheduled for September 2025. Such events and cultural assets contribute to the city’s identity and are crucial for bolstering its image both locally and beyond.
The recent criticisms have sparked a unified response from Shreveport’s citizens, who are committed to showcasing their community’s charm, rich history, and promising future.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Shreveport Faces Challenges with High Poverty and Financial Instability
SporTran Bus Explosion in Shreveport Sends Shockwaves
Bossier City Experiences Surge in Weekend Arrests
The Boot’s Initiatives Aim to Retain Veterans in Louisiana
Massive Fire Erupts at Mattress Warehouse in West Baltimore
EF-1 Tornado Strikes Shreveport Area, Causing Damage
Shreveport Man Identified as Victim in Deadly Car Crash
Shreveport Police Investigate Homicide and Officer-Involved Shooting
Shreveport Homicide Leads to Fatal Officer-Involved Shooting
Concerns Rise Over Shreveport’s Red River Expressway Construction
Additional Resources
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate
- Wikipedia: Shreveport
- KSLA News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Shreveport
- K945
- Google Search: Shreveport Louisiana
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
