The War against poverty and the promotion of economic development of African-Americans in Ouachita Parish began just after slavery; it continues today as new generations continue the fight with varying degrees of success.
Today, three Black community-controlled entities fight poverty or impact the Black community’s economic health: Ouachita Multi-Purpose Community Action Agency (CAP), Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC), and the Southside Economic Development District (SEDD).
All three organizations have roots in historical struggles to establish them to help fight poverty in Monroe.
As of 2022, CAP…
