SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) – Beginning Saturday, and running through September 30, thoroughbred racing returns to Louisiana Downs.

Saturday, the historic venue will celebrate ‘Kentucky Derby’ Day, by having watch parties of the big event, alongside having live racing.

After this weekend, Louisiana Downs will race on a Monday and Tuesday schedule, with post start times slated for 4:05.

Exceptions to the normal schedule include a July 3 date to celebrate Independence Day.

• Civil rights leaders say a Supreme Court ruling striking down Louisiana’s congressional map weakens Black voting power.
• The ruling dismantles the state’s second majority-Black district, according to critics.
• Advocacy groups like the NAACP and All Streets All People are calling for continued community organizing and voter engagement.
• Leaders expressed disappointment but stated their resolve to continue fighting for fair representation.

Civil rights leaders and groups responded to the U.S. Supreme Court’s Wednesday ruling to strike down Louisiana’s congressional map, saying the decision dismantles the state’s second majority-Black district and weakens Black voting power across the state.

In a statement to the Times, All Streets All People (ASAP), a Shreveport-based community organizing and grassroots organization, said the Callais decision is a reminder of something everyday people across North Louisiana already know — the systems that govern our lives are not neutral — and they do not move unless we move them. 

The organization said for far too long, decisions that shape their communities — schools, resources, political power — have been made without us, or in ways that dilute our voice when we do show up. They said the decision does not exist in isolation. It sits inside a larger pattern where power is protected, access is managed, and the people most impacted are expected to accept less.

“This is exactly the gap we are organizing to close,” said Omari Ho-Sang, executive director of All Streets All People. “You cannot ask people to defend a democracy they don’t feel while they are struggling just to survive. Our responsibility is to make civic power real in people’s lives — to connect it directly to whether our communities can live, not just get by.”

Louisiana District of NAACP

The Louisiana District of the NAACP issued the following statement:

“Today’s ruling in Louisiana v. Callais is a reminder that progress is never guaranteed and that the work of protecting our communities is ongoing.

“While the decision carries serious implications, it does not change who we are or what we are called to do. We have never backed away from a challenge, and we will not start now. Our commitment to fair representation and equal protection under the law remains firm.

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“We know that change has always come because people were willing to stand up, speak out, and stay engaged. That responsibility continues today. We encourage our communities to remain informed, to stay involved, and to continue building the power needed to shape our future by holding elected officials accountable and showing up at the ballot box every election.

“This moment does not stop us. It strengthens our resolve. We will keep organizing, mobilizing and advocating until every voice is fully represented and respected.

“The NAACP Louisiana State Conference moves forward with determination, knowing that the path ahead requires persistence, unity, and action.”