It was fitting that the Shreveport City Council voted unanimously on April 24th to place commemorative markers on Alton Street to celebrate the public service of former City Councilman Joe Shyne. Shyne has lived on Alton Street for over 40 years.

It was appropriate that Council member Stephanie Lynch introduced the resolution. Lynce grew up living between Shyne and Jerry Tem Brooks, another black Shreveport pioneer.

Shyne represented District F on the Shreveport City Council for 23 years. He served from November 1982 to January 1994; November 1995 to November 2002; and November 2006 to December 2014.

Shyne has an undergraduate degree from Grambling State University and a Master’s degree from Louisiana Tech University.

He is a retired Caddo Parish school teacher and coach.

Shyne was known to be the ultimate people’s representative. He constantly advocated to improve the lives of all who lived in District F. He was known for tangling with anyone, especially those in the mayor’s office who did not share his compassion for his constituents.

Shyne was a one of a kind politician and in many ways, the type that is still needed today.

Hats off to Joe Shyne and the Shreveport City Council!