ENROLLED
2023 Regular Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 284
BY REPRESENTATIVE ROBBY CARTER
A RESOLUTION
To commend Harold J. Smith on the honor of having a street in Kentwood named the Harold
J. Smith Thruway.
WHEREAS, Harold J. Smith was the first African American mayor in Kentwood's
history, and he served in that capacity with honor for twelve years; he also served for twelve
years on the Kentwood Town Council, was a member of the Tangipahoa Parish Zoning
Board and Tangipahoa Parish Library Board, and served as president of the Tangipahoa
Parish School Board Principals and Supervisors Association; and
WHEREAS, professionally, Mr. Smith worked for the Tangipahoa Parish School
System for thirty-three years; he began as a teacher and coach at Woodland High School,
then served as a teacher, coach, and assistant principal at Kentwood High School; his final
role was as principal of Chesbrough Elementary School; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Smith is a graduate of Dillon High School in Kentwood, and he
holds both bachelor's and master's degrees from Southern University and a master's degree
plus thirty from Southeastern Louisiana University; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Smith is a United States Army veteran who served during the
Vietnam War; he is also a life member of Oak Grove African Methodist Episcopal Church
where he has served as the chair of the trustee board and the renovation committee; and
WHEREAS, Harold J. Smith will be honored on June 19, 2023, during the Juneteenth
celebration, when the Harold J. Smith Thruway will be officially designated; he is most
deserving of the highest recognition for his unprecedented accomplishments in civil service.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby commend Harold J. Smith on the honor of having a
street in Kentwood named the Harold J. Smith Thruway and does hereby express gratitude
for his service to the citizens of Kentwood and Tangipahoa Parish.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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