In 1974, Edward Jordan played in the first Bayou Classic when he was a college athlete. Sixteen years ago, he conferred with area leaders about an event that would capitalize on the name of the popular long-held football tradition – the annual matchup of Grambling and Southern.

What he had in mind was an event with much farther-reaching consequences than scoring touchdowns.

In 2005, the first Bayou Classic Christian Fellowship of Southwest Louisiana (BCCF of SWLA) was held here for the purpose of furthering the gospel of Jesus Christ and assisting youth and young adults in making career and educational choices.

“God is concerned about the whole person,” Jordan said.

Faith is such an integral part of Jordan’s life, that’s what he named his daughter.

“I believe in God,” Jordan said. “I believe in the hereafter and I believe he wants to make a difference in our lives here, now, because I know what he did in my life.”

This year, the BCCF of SWLA will be held Nov. 20-21 at Zion Tabernacle Baptist Church, 910 North Shattuck Street, where Jordan is evangelism director.

“We provide small scholarships to help seniors who are attending a Louisiana university,” Jordan said. “It’s not a lot, but the point is to encourage kids coming out of high school to continue their education. It doesn’t have to be at Southern or Grambling.”

On Nov. 20, the BCCF of SWLA parade will begin at 2009 Simmons St. in front of the MLK Jr. Center. Lineup begins at 9 a.m. and the parade starts at 11 a.m. going south on Simmons to Moeling. The procession will continue west on Moeling turning south on Prater, west on Opelousas, north on Shattuck, ending at the Zion Tabernacle Baptist Church.

“This event has the opportunity to re-energize and bring the community together after months of shutdown from the pandemic. We encourage our entire community to come and celebrate the 15th annual Bayou Classic Christian Fellowship of SWLA with us,” says Stella Brown Miller, event coordinator.

Following the parade, from 12 p.m. until 2 p.m., there will be a college and career fair held at The Allen P. August Sr. Multipurpose Annex, 2000 Moeling Street. Attendees will be able to connect with a potential school or employer.

On Nov. 21, a worship service will begin at 11 a.m. at the Washington Marion Gymnasium. Dr. Tamara Foster-Montgomery, Director of the Career Service Center at Southern University in Baton Rouge, will be the guest speaker. Dr. Montgomery is a motivational speaker and gospel singer and serves as the Southern University National Alumni Chaplain. Mr. Ronnie Harvey, Principal at WMMHS and Louisiana High School Principal of the Year, will be honored by ZTBC and the community.

For more information, contact Edward Jordan at (337) 513-2924 or jordan.edward47@yahoo.com