The John H. Scott Memorial Fund sponsored a tribute luncheon to honor the legal and community work of Attorney Louis G. Scott on Sept. 3.
Friends, family colleagues and community leaders gathered at the Northeast Louisiana Delta African American Museum in Monroe to acknowledge the hard work and unwavering dedication Attorney Scott has exhibited in his life’s work. Living out his father’s dream of having good legal representation for Black people in northeast Louisiana, Scott has practiced law for the past 37 years.
The program was uplifting with tributes from family members, clients, community leaders and colleagues and with dance, music, video and the spoken word.
Among the community dignitaries and elected officials attending was Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo who commended Attorney Scott for being, “a person who has been very committed and dedicated to his work and his profession.” He added that, “we honor you and appreciate all that you have done. God is not through with you yet.” Monroe City Councilman Kenneth Wilson, former Jonesboro Mayor Lester Thompson and Scott’s first law partner, former state representative Willie Hunter, Jr. all reflected on how Scott has impacted their lives.
The program’s mistress of ceremonies was Alease Scott, daughter of Attorney Scott, a recent graduate of the Southern University Law Center. Dr. Elsie Scott, sister of Attorney Scott stated that the tribute was an opportunity to honor Atty. Scott while he is still alive.
The attendees were urged to give flowers to the living. Flowers for Scott were given in many forms. Colleagues and clients shared personal reflections and appreciation of Attorney Scott’s tenacity, authenticity and dedication to right the injustices in their community and abroad. There was moving praise dance performed by Power, a group of youth members of North Star Missionary Baptist Church where Scott is an assistant pastor. Family members honored Attorney Scott through expressions of love and the spoken word, including a beautiful poem written by Amatullah Umrani, sister of Scott.
To cap off the afternoon, the attendees were blessed to receive a word of gratitude and encouragement. Reverend Attorney Scott thanked all of his friends and family for their love and kind words. He recognized the John H. Scott Memorial Fund as a steadfast organization that cements the family and helps the community. Scott also shared how his life’s work is designed to parallel the mission of Christ, which is to save others even if they do not deserve to be saved. This powerful messaged was followed up by a declaration to, “Live for what you believe! Get up in the morning, say a prayer and live for what you believe everyday”. He closed with a medley of old meter hymns that moved the crowd and got them engaged in song. One song’s lyrics reads, “If the Lord don’t help me, I can’t stand the storm.” Solidifying his steadfast trust in God.
The John H. Scott Memorial Fund (www.jhsfund.org) was established in 1981 as a living tribute to work and legacy of Rev. John H. Scott, minister and civil rights activist. Every year, the Fund awards two new scholarships and gifts to deserving public high school graduates from five parishes in northeast Louisiana.