LA HR376

Commends Pastor Joe R. Gant, Jr., for more than 60 years of preaching the Gospel and over 50 years serving as pastor of Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Shreveport, Louisiana (since 1973)

Recognizes Pastor Gant as the first African American to graduate from Louisiana State University at Shreveport

Acknowledges his leadership roles including chairman of the Board of Supervisors of Southern University and A&M College, president of the Baptist Missionary and Educational State Convention of Louisiana, and moderator of the Mt. Hermon District Association (1979)

Notes his 14 years of service over three terms with the Shreveport Airport Authority and role as co-chairman of the Caddo Parish School Board Superintendent Search Committee

Recognizes his contributions to the National Baptist Convention of America, including preaching the first sermon at the 1976 convention in Detroit and hosting the first NBCA Congress and Youth Convention