In the 1960s, the land was owned by the Morvant family, sitting vacant with no immediate plans for development. However, a group of visionaries, Dr. William "Bill" Hicks, Dr. Edward R. Brantley, Dr. G. Leon Netterville, Admon McCastle, Dean Smith, Ben Harbor, Dr. Everett Gibson, and Sherman Robinson, saw its potential. They proposed the creation of a subdivision that would provide stable housing for Black families. Their idea was met with strong resistance from the all-white city council, which feared the neighborhood would turn into Section 8 housing and refused to approve the project.
Understanding the importance of homeownership and community building, ...
Understanding the importance of homeownership and community building, the early Parkwood Terrace residents pushed for the development’s approval, despite facing political and racial opposition. This early group of residents—small but mighty, consisting of approximately five families—succeeded in forming the Parkwood Terrace Improvement Association, a group committed to overseeing the growth and success of the neighborhood. Eventually, their persistence paid off, and the project was approved.
Construction began with just four homes in 1973. The first group of homes created an optimistic community that was then—and still is—proud to be Baker residents. During the early days, there were many empty lots in the subdivision, and these early residents occasionally heard growls and other sounds from the nearby zoo.
What was once an undeveloped cotton field in the Alsen area of Baton Rouge has transformed into a thriving Black neighborhood.
However, environmental challenges arose almost immediately. That same year, a devastating flood swept through the area, damaging homes and hampering progress. The residents came together, with support from local leaders, to restore what had been lost. The assembly of the Parkwood Terrace Improvement Association—and later, the Baker Improvement Association—worked with then-Baton Rouge Mayor Woody Dumas to clean drainage and prevent further flooding. These efforts contributed to the continued growth of the Parkwood Terrace subdivision.
Beyond natural disasters, Parkwood Terrace also faced social and racial adversity. The Ku Klux Klan, which was still active in the area, attempted to intimidate new Black homeowners. They harassed families, vandalized property, and even drove vehicles through yards targeting those who had fought to establish the community. Despite these attempts to drive them out, the residents stood firm, and their refusal to be intimidated reinforced the neighborhood’s strength and unity.
Today, Parkwood Terrace stands as a testament to the strength, vision, and determination of the people who built it.
Over time, Parkwood Terrace flourished. From its initial few houses, it expanded to over 200 homes, providing a safe and nurturing environment for generations of Black families. The community’s progress was further supported by local organizations such as the Women’s Club, Quarterback Club, and the Holiday Street Lights Committee, which strengthened neighborhood pride and engagement.
The neighborhood has produced a range of professionals, educators, plant workers, and business owners, proving that Parkwood Terrace was more than just a housing development—it was a foundation for success. The Parkwood Terrace Improvement Association continues to monitor the area’s upkeep and advocate for its residents, ensuring that the values of unity and perseverance remain intact.
Today, Parkwood Terrace stands as a testament to the strength, vision, and determination of the people who built it. From the struggles against racial discrimination to the fight for development, its history reflects the power of a community that refused to be denied its rightful place. It is a living symbol of what can be achieved through resilience, activism, and collective effort—proving that progress is not just given but earned through unwavering dedication.