Louisiana SR 108: SPECIAL DAY/WEEK/MONTH: Designates Sunday, May 10, 2026, in honor of Eddie Eugene Hughes, and the "Shreveport Stuffed Shrimp Festival Day".

Bill Text

2026 Regular Session ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 108
BY SENATOR JENKINS
A RESOLUTION
To recognize Eddie Eugene Hughes and his culinary legacy, bestowed upon the city of
Shreveport, which created the "Shreveport Stuffed Shrimp Festival Day" event.
WHEREAS, Eddie Eugene Hughes, alongside his wife Lois Bryant-Hughes and their
children: Geno, Ora, and Mavice, founded Eddie's Seafood and Soul Food Restaurant in
1978 at the corner of Hollywood Avenue and Union Avenue in Shreveport, creating a
family-owned establishment that became a cornerstone of food, fellowship,
entrepreneurship, and community service; and
WHEREAS, the Shreveport-style stuffed shrimp gained regional and statewide
recognition through the historic Freeman & Harris Cafe in downtown Shreveport, where
legendary culinary pioneer Eddie Eugene Hughes was widely credited as one of the original
developers and early innovators of the renowned dish, helping establish a lasting legacy
within Louisiana cuisine and African American culinary history; and
WHEREAS, the Shreveport Stuffed Shrimp Festival represents a unique cultural
celebration rooted in a culinary tradition, highlighting a signature seafood delicacy that has
become a symbol of Shreveport pride, heritage, and community identity; and
WHEREAS, Eddie's Seafood and Soul Food Restaurant has achieved a remarkable
milestone, celebrating forty-eight years as one of Louisiana's oldest continuously family-
owned and operated restaurant establishment, serving generations of citizens and visitors
with excellence, hospitality, and tradition; and
WHEREAS, the festival, developed through the efforts of the Eddie G. Hughes
Foundation and supported by community partners, businesses, organizations, and citizens,
reflects a shared commitment to preserving local culture, honoring mothers and families,
uplifting future generations, and strengthening the spirit of Shreveport through collaboration
and community investment; and
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SR NO. 108 ENROLLED
WHEREAS, the Shreveport Stuffed Shrimp Festival serves not only as a celebration
of food and culture, but also as an opportunity to promote community unity, tourism, health
awareness, education, and positive fellowship throughout the city of Shreveport and Caddo
Parish, while supporting scholarships and charitable initiatives benefitting local students and
families; and
WHEREAS, the annual Shreveport Stuffed Shrimp Festival will be celebrated on
Mother's Day, Sunday, May 10, 2026, with opening ceremonies beginning at 11:11 am at
Festival Plaza in Downtown Shreveport, bringing together residents and visitors alike for a
day dedicated to celebration, heritage, and community pride.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
does hereby designate Sunday, May 10, 2026, as "Shreveport Stuffed Shrimp Festival Day"
and does hereby recognize and commend the outstanding legacy and contributions of Eddie
Eugene Hughes, the Hughes family, and all those who continue to preserve, promote, and
celebrate this treasured culinary and cultural tradition that remains an important part of the
history and identity of the city of Shreveport and the state of Louisiana.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to Eddie
Eugene Hughes' family through Ms. Thigpen.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
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