2016 Regular Session ENROLLED
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOL UTION NO. 64
BY SENATORS PEACOCK AND TARVER
A CONCURRENT RESOL UTION
To express the sincere condolences of the Legislature of Louisiana upon the passing of
community activist Joe Robert Wills of Shreveport, Louisiana, a stalwart veteran of
the Modern Civil Rights Movement.
WHEREAS, it is with heavy hearts that the Legislature of Louisiana has learned of
the death of Joe R. Wills, an exceptional man of the people, who "made a difference" as a
political action organizer; and
WHEREAS, it is a privilege to honor the memory of Joe. R. Wills whose life was
dedicated to the betterment of all mankind by his exceptional contributions as a civic leader
who served as vice president of the Shreveport Chapter of the National Association for the
Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), as a charter member and president of Black
United for Lasting Leadership, Inc., and as president of the Eastside Brotherhood
Association; and
WHEREAS, Joe R. Wills was an extraordinary individual of profound moral
character, a self-taught scholar, and a pioneer for the cause that he knew to be just and
righteous – the concept that all human beings were to be afforded equal protection before
the law; and
WHEREAS, he was, first and foremost, a servant of God and a member and deacon
of the St. Peter Baptist Church; his Christian faith gave him strength of purpose to remain
steadfast in his beliefs and to help others; and
WHEREAS, as an advocate for change in the early days of the Civil Rights
Movement, Joe Wills would not be deterred by threats of bodily harm as he went
door-to-door encouraging others to exercise their constitutional right to register and vote;
and
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WHEREAS, Joe R. Wills brought about change in local government in its voter
redistricting measures, neighborhood improvements, and by supporting public recognition
of well-respected educators and community leaders; and
WHEREAS, he was born of humble beginnings and reared in the community of
Stoner Hill where he was affectionately known as "the mayor"; and
WHEREAS, he graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1963 at the
beginnings of the Civil Rights Movement and remained involved in political activism; and
WHEREAS, as a employee of AT&T and Avaya Technologies, Joe Wills retired
after thirty-two years of service, and, during his employment participated in the negotiations
of the Communications Workers of America union and served on its executive board; and
WHEREAS, after retirement Joe kept busy within his neighborhood, helping out at
church, offering sage advice, and showing concern for his fellow man; and
WHEREAS, Joe R. Wills was married for fifty-two years to his wife Shirley, and
together they made a Christian home built on God's love, and their union was blessed with
precious children, grandchildren, extended family and faithful friends; and
WHEREAS, Joe R. Wills shall long be remembered for his legacy of activism in
defiance of long-standing customs that suppressed minorities in either the availability of or
access to opportunities and services, and for his tireless advocacy to defeat racial
discrimination; and
WHEREAS, Joe R. Wills was a pillar of the community, an eloquent, charming man
filled with great kindness; and
WHEREAS, Joe Robert Wills remains an inspirational figure; his support of "making
a difference" resonates within the hearts and minds of all who seek a positive change for the
disenfranchised; and
WHEREAS, on March 11, 2016, Joe R. Wills found his place in the firmament with
his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and transitioned to his heavenly home to be with all the
great civil rights activists who have gone before him, both well-known and unknown.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
express heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Joe Robert Wills, an extraordinary
community leader.
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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
recognize the lifetime of devotion to racial equality that Joe R. Wills wrought; for he made
the world a more humane and compassionate place in which to live and his devotion to the
rights of all men reminds us of how far we all have come.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to his
widow, Mrs. Shirley Wills.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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