Monroe Dispatch - No Struggle, No Progress

Little Flower Academy/Catholic Church in Monroe, LA, holds a cherished place in the hearts of those who attended from 1940 to 1968. The institution provided students, from kindergarten to high school, with an exceptional learning environment rooted in Franciscan values and investment in the Black community. Here, students received a holistic education encompassing discipline, values, sportsmanship, and the Catholic faith. At Little Flower, basketball reigned supreme as the sole competitive sport, with teams renowned for their skill and tenacity. Competing against the best in Northeast Louisiana and beyond, Little Flower teams consistently showcased their talent, earning widespread respect. Despite its illustrious history, Little Flower Academy fell victim to integration in 1968, a fate shared by many other esteemed Black institutions. Yet, the memories and successes of Little Flower Academy endure, forever etched in the hearts of its alumni. While the academy may have closed its doors, Little Flower of Jesus Catholic Church continues to thrive, remaining a beacon of hope and love in the community. Every Sunday at 9:00 AM, the faithful gather to worship and celebrate the enduring legacy of Little Flower. For those who experienced its warmth and spirit, there truly was no place like Little Flower.