Dr. Jolivette Anderson-Douoning’s Discovery of Family Ledger Unveils Untold African-American Economic Rise in Post-World War II Shreveport
In 2013, Dr. Jolivette Anderson-Douoning stumbled upon her grandmother’s ledger, leading her on a journey to unveil the hidden stories of African-Americans’ upward mobility in Shreveport’s segregated economy after World War II.
While cleaning her late mother’s house, a chance discovery changed everything. Dr. Anderson-Douoning found a 64-page ledger dating back to 1946, meticulously kept by her grandmother, Mrs. Goldleana Abraham. The ledger documented the family’s transformation from rural tenant farmers to financially stable property owners in Shreveport.
The detailed entries showcased Goldleana’s efforts, from constructing a home to providing music lessons for her children. Dr. Anderson-Douoning turned this captivating story into the focus of her doctoral dissertation, shedding light on the lives of African-Americans in north Louisiana during the 1940s and 1950s.
In her research, she delved into the Northwest Louisiana Archives at LSU Shreveport, where archivist Dr. Laura McLemore assisted in exploring primary sources and historical documents. The dissertation highlighted the slow and patient economic uplift in segregated spaces, a narrative often overlooked.
Dr. Anderson-Douoning completed her dissertation this summer but remains dedicated to uncovering more historical facets. Her next endeavor involves researching how radio station programming influenced African-Americans in the 1940s and 1950s in Shreveport.
Embracing the legacy of notable historians like Willie Burton and C.O. Simpkins, she sees herself continuing their work. The plan includes donating her family’s ledger and papers to the Northwest Louisiana African-American History Collection, contributing to the preservation of African-American history.
Dr. McLemore, the William B. Wiener, Jr. Endowed Professor of Archives and Historic Preservation, emphasizes the importance of building collections representing the entire community. Actively seeking materials from various sources, including businesses, churches, and civic groups, she aims to create a comprehensive African-American history archive.
The archives not only document individual and movement histories but also illustrate how historical trends, such as segregation, impact present-day challenges in Shreveport. Dr. McLemore stresses the significance of understanding this history for its social and economic implications on the community.