On Saturday, April 27, Bogalusa’s first ever “Community Unity Potluck” event was held at Bethlehem Baptist Church on East Seventh Street in Bogalusa.

Over 50 people attended the event, which was graciously hosted by the Rev. Christopher Matthews and members of Bethlehem Baptist Church. Bruce Sampson, chairman of the Bogalusa Strong Unity Movement and founder of Believe Camp, emceed this event. Stephanie Dean and Debra Young of Greater Bogalusa Community Center joined Sampson to help organize this event.

In addition to an assortment of culinary delights, the event included several enjoyable icebreaker activities to get participants involved in working together as a team. The purpose of the community unity potlucks is to create unity among our townspeople, break down barriers, and allow citizens to become better acquainted with one another as neighbors of a small town. Ultimately, Bogalusa Strong Unity movement seeks to facilitate a “paradigm shift” toward unity and positive growth for our community.

In attendance at the potluck were: Sheriff Randy Seal and his wife, Sheila Seal, City Councilman Teddy Drummond, City Councilwoman Danielle Keyes, Taffy Morrison of Louisiana Department of Health/Bogalusa Strong, Pastor Marcus Rosa and his wife Toni Rosa, Stephanie Dean and Debra Young of Greater Bogalusa Community Center, other community and church leaders, and numerous local citizens.

Subsequent Community Unity Potlucks and other Unity events will be held throughout the year and will be held at various churches around the community.