2025 Regular Session ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 5
BY SENATOR BARROW
A RESOLUTION
To commend Archbishop/Dr. Joyce Turner Keller for her unwavering dedication to
combating HIV/AIDS stigma and discrimination and for her years of service as a
minister, advocate, and community leader.
WHEREAS, Archbishop/Dr. Joyce Turner Keller, a native of Slaughter, Louisiana,
has demonstrated remarkable courage and resilience in the face of adversity, transforming
her personal challenges into a lifelong mission to educate, support, and advocate for
individuals affected by HIV/AIDS; and
WHEREAS, in 1995, Archbishop/Dr. Keller survived a violent attack that ultimately
resulted in her being diagnosed with HIV six years later, a revelation that led her to become
an outspoken advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness, prevention, and treatment; and
WHEREAS, recognizing the widespread stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS,
Archbishop/Dr. Keller has tirelessly worked to dismantle misinformation and fear, speaking
before congressional groups in Washington, D.C., multiple times to advocate for increased
awareness, resources, and support; and
WHEREAS, Archbishop/Dr. Keller is the founder of Travelers of Christ Evangelistic
Ministry, an interdenominational organization dedicated to spreading faith and providing
support to those in need, and has incorporated HIV/AIDS education into her ministry; and
WHEREAS, she is also the founder of Aspirations, a nonprofit organization that
educates youth on violence prevention, self-esteem building, conflict resolution, and
HIV/AIDS awareness, helping young people make informed and healthy life choices; and
WHEREAS, Archbishop/Dr. Keller has dedicated her life to comforting and
supporting those living with HIV/AIDS, recognizing that loneliness and societal rejection
are as harmful as the disease itself, and advocating for acceptance and compassion within
families and faith communities; and
WHEREAS, she has had a diverse and accomplished career, working as a paralegal,
seamstress, paraprofessional educator, and even a flight attendant, all while pursuing
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academic studies at Louisiana State University, Southern University, and William Carey
University in theology, art, psychology, gerontology, and African-American history; and
WHEREAS, she received her doctorate in theology in 2009 from Belle Glades
Theological Center, further cementing her commitment to her faith-based advocacy work;
and
WHEREAS, despite the physical toll of AIDS, Archbishop/Dr. Keller remains
tireless in her activism, maintaining a disciplined routine of exercise and proper nutrition to
stay strong, often using her personal experiences and medicine regimen as teaching tools to
educate youth on the realities of living with HIV/AIDS; and
WHEREAS, her impactful work has been recognized nationally, including the
Honoree Champion for Children Award from the Children's Defense Fund Beat the Odds
program in 2011, being profiled in the July/August issue of "Positive Aware Magazine" in
Chicago, Illinois and receiving a nomination for the "L'Oréal Paris Woman of the Year 2009
Award"; and
WHEREAS, Archbishop/Dr. Keller's work has reached beyond the borders of the
United States, including faith-based missions in Africa, where she furthered her commitment
to human rights and health advocacy; and
WHEREAS, her story is one of faith, perseverance, and unwavering dedication to
uplifting others, and her legacy as an advocate and minister continues to inspire countless
individuals affected by HIV/AIDS and beyond.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
does hereby commend Archbishop/Dr. Joyce Turner Keller for her outstanding contributions
to HIV/AIDS education and advocacy, her dedication to eradicating stigma and
discrimination, and her commitment to empowering individuals and communities through
faith, education, and compassion.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to
Archbishop/Dr. Joyce Turner Keller.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
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