Jump to content

Greenwood, Louisiana: Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 32°26′10″N 93°57′50″W / 32.43611°N 93.96389°W / 32.43611; -93.96389
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
add "use mdy dates" template
 
(4 intermediate revisions by 4 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2023}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Infobox settlement
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Greenwood, Louisiana
| name = Greenwood, Louisiana
Line 148: Line 148:
| timezone2_DST =
| timezone2_DST =
| utc_offset2_DST =
| utc_offset2_DST =
| postal_code_type =
|postal_code_type = [[ZIP code]]
|postal_code = 71033<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.zipdatamaps.com/71033|title=Greenwood LA ZIP Code|publisher=zipdatamaps.com|year=2023|access-date=June 16, 2023}}</ref>
| postal_code =
| postal2_code_type =
| postal2_code_type =
| postal2_code =
| postal2_code =
Line 181: Line 181:
As in the rest of Louisiana, most Black or African Americans were disenfranchised from the turn of the 20th century into the 1960s, and the state was dominated by white [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrats]]; Caddo Parish [[Sheriff]] J. Howell Flournoy, who served a record 26 years in office from 1940 to 1966, was born in Greenwood in 1891 and was part of the political Flournoy dynasty.<ref>{{cite web |title=HistoricalFacts |url=http://www.caddohistory.com/historical_facts.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708111426/http://www.caddohistory.com/historical_facts.html |archive-date=July 8, 2011 |access-date=December 31, 2010 |website=Caddo History |publisher=Caddo Historical Society}}</ref>
As in the rest of Louisiana, most Black or African Americans were disenfranchised from the turn of the 20th century into the 1960s, and the state was dominated by white [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrats]]; Caddo Parish [[Sheriff]] J. Howell Flournoy, who served a record 26 years in office from 1940 to 1966, was born in Greenwood in 1891 and was part of the political Flournoy dynasty.<ref>{{cite web |title=HistoricalFacts |url=http://www.caddohistory.com/historical_facts.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708111426/http://www.caddohistory.com/historical_facts.html |archive-date=July 8, 2011 |access-date=December 31, 2010 |website=Caddo History |publisher=Caddo Historical Society}}</ref>


Earnest Lampkins (1928-2018), a native of Shreveport, earned a PhD and had a career as a music educator. He taught music at all levels, becoming supervisor of music for [[Caddo Parish]]. He founded the Louisiana School of Professions.<ref>[http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/shreveporttimes/obituary.aspx?n=ernest-lampkins&pid=187855963&fhid=10228 Obituary: Earnest Lampkins], first published in ''Shreveport Times'', 16 January 2018</ref> In 2004, Lampkins was elected as the first black mayor of Greenwood, where he had long been active in the community. Against running for a second term, Lampkins ceased any intentions due to gunshots fired into his house, alongside continued threats and racism.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Former Greenwood Mayor Ernest Lampkins dies |url=https://www.ktbs.com/news/former-greenwood-mayor-ernest-lampkins-dies/article_d468c3c6-f7f7-11e7-a95a-77ba4d65806f.html |access-date=2022-05-04 |website=KTBS |language=en |quote=But Lampkins’ toughest personal test came in 2007 during his first term as mayor of Greenwood, just west of Shreveport. Lampkins decided not to seek a second term, largely because someone fired shots into his home. He, his wife and one of their children were home but no one was hurt. "If I had any intentions of running again, that just killed my ambitions right away," Lampkins said at the time. "That was a cowardly act. It bothered me that someone would shoot in my house and endanger my wife and kid.”}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Flaherty |first=Jordan |last2= |date=2010-03-26 |title=Did a Racist Coup in a Northern Louisiana Town Overthrow Its Black Mayor and Police Chief? {{!}} Dissident Voice |url=https://dissidentvoice.org/2010/03/did-a-racist-coup-in-a-northern-louisiana-town-overthrow-its-black-mayor-and-police-chief/ |access-date=2022-05-04 |website=Dissident Voice |language=en |quote=Less than two weeks after that, shots were fired into the house of Earnest Lampkins, the first Black mayor of the northwest Louisiana town of Greenwood. Lampkins reported that he continued to receive threats throughout his term, including a “for sale” sign that someone planted outside his house.}}</ref>
Earnest Lampkins (1928–2018), a native of Shreveport, earned a PhD and had a career as a music educator. He taught music at all levels, becoming supervisor of music for [[Caddo Parish]]. He founded the Louisiana School of Professions.<ref>[http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/shreveporttimes/obituary.aspx?n=ernest-lampkins&pid=187855963&fhid=10228 Obituary: Earnest Lampkins], first published in ''Shreveport Times'', January 16, 2018</ref> In 2004, Lampkins was elected as the first black mayor of Greenwood, where he had long been active in the community. Against running for a second term, Lampkins ceased any intentions due to gunshots fired into his house, alongside continued threats and racism.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Former Greenwood Mayor Ernest Lampkins dies |url=https://www.ktbs.com/news/former-greenwood-mayor-ernest-lampkins-dies/article_d468c3c6-f7f7-11e7-a95a-77ba4d65806f.html |access-date=May 4, 2022 |website=KTBS |language=en |quote=But Lampkins’ toughest personal test came in 2007 during his first term as mayor of Greenwood, just west of Shreveport. Lampkins decided not to seek a second term, largely because someone fired shots into his home. He, his wife and one of their children were home but no one was hurt. "If I had any intentions of running again, that just killed my ambitions right away," Lampkins said at the time. "That was a cowardly act. It bothered me that someone would shoot in my house and endanger my wife and kid.”}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Flaherty |first=Jordan |last2= |date=March 26, 2010 |title=Did a Racist Coup in a Northern Louisiana Town Overthrow Its Black Mayor and Police Chief? {{!}} Dissident Voice |url=https://dissidentvoice.org/2010/03/did-a-racist-coup-in-a-northern-louisiana-town-overthrow-its-black-mayor-and-police-chief/ |access-date=May 4, 2022 |website=Dissident Voice |language=en |quote=Less than two weeks after that, shots were fired into the house of Earnest Lampkins, the first Black mayor of the northwest Louisiana town of Greenwood. Lampkins reported that he continued to receive threats throughout his term, including a “for sale” sign that someone planted outside his house.}}</ref>


== Geography ==
== Geography ==
Greenwood is located in western Caddo Parish at {{Coord|32|26|10|N|93|57|50|W|type:city}} (32.436051, -93.963902).<ref name="GR1">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.html|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=2011-04-23|date=2011-02-12|title=US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990}}</ref> Greenwood Road (U.S. Routes [[U.S. Route 80|80]] and [[U.S. Route 79|79]]) is the main route through the center of town. [[Interstate 20]] passes through the northern part of the town, with access from exits 3 and 5. Downtown [[Shreveport, Louisiana|Shreveport]] is {{convert|15|mi}} to the east, and [[Waskom, Texas|Waskom]], [[Texas]], is {{convert|6|mi|0}} to the west. [[Carthage, Texas|Carthage]], [[Texas]], is {{convert|31|mi}} to the southwest down U.S. 79. Greenwood is approximately 165 miles east of [[Dallas]], [[Texas]], and about 290 miles northwest of [[New Orleans]].
Greenwood is located in western Caddo Parish at {{Coord|32|26|10|N|93|57|50|W|type:city}} (32.436051, -93.963902).<ref name="GR1">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.html|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=April 23, 2011|date=February 12, 2011|title=US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990}}</ref> Greenwood Road (U.S. Routes [[U.S. Route 80|80]] and [[U.S. Route 79|79]]) is the main route through the center of town. [[Interstate 20]] passes through the northern part of the town, with access from exits 3 and 5. Downtown [[Shreveport, Louisiana|Shreveport]] is {{convert|15|mi}} to the east, and [[Waskom, Texas|Waskom]], [[Texas]], is {{convert|6|mi|0}} to the west. [[Carthage, Texas|Carthage]], [[Texas]], is {{convert|31|mi}} to the southwest down U.S. 79. Greenwood is approximately 165 miles east of [[Dallas]], [[Texas]], and about 290 miles northwest of [[New Orleans]].


According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], Greenwood has a total area of {{convert|23.3|km2|disp=flip}}, of which {{convert|0.04|sqkm|disp=flip|2}}, or 0.19%, is water.<ref name="Census 2010">{{cite web |title=Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Demographic Profile Data (G001): Greenwood town, Louisiana |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/G001/1600000US2231705 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200212182152/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/G001/1600000US2231705 |archive-date=February 12, 2020 |access-date=August 13, 2014 |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau, American Factfinder}}</ref>
According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], Greenwood has a total area of {{convert|23.3|km2|disp=flip}}, of which {{convert|0.04|sqkm|disp=flip|2}}, or 0.19%, is water.<ref name="Census 2010">{{cite web |title=Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Demographic Profile Data (G001): Greenwood town, Louisiana |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/G001/1600000US2231705 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200212182152/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/G001/1600000US2231705 |archive-date=February 12, 2020 |access-date=August 13, 2014 |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau, American Factfinder}}</ref>
Line 197: Line 197:
|2020= 3166
|2020= 3166
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|publisher=Census.gov|access-date=June 4, 2015}}</ref>
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|publisher=Census.gov|access-date=June 4, 2015}}</ref>
⚫
}}Since the establishment of Greenwood, its population was overshadowed by the larger and nearby Shreveport to its east, and Waskom, Texas to the west; at the [[1970 United States census]], the town of Greenwood had a population of 212. In 2020, the U.S. Census Bureau tabulated a population of 3,166,<ref name=":1" /> down from the historic high of 3,219 at the [[2010 United States census]]. At the publication of the 2020 census, Greenwood remained the third largest community in Caddo Parish, while Blanchard overtook [[Vivian, Louisiana|Vivian]] as the second-largest.
}}
⚫
There were 1,351 households at the 2020 [[American Community Survey]]'s 5 year estimates program, among which 755 were married-couple households.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=2020 ACS Selected Social Characteristics |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?q=Greenwood%20town,%20Louisiana%20households&tid=ACSDP5Y2020.DP02 |access-date=May 4, 2022 |website=U.S. Census Bureau}}</ref> The average family size was 2.80, and the average household size was 2.34; in 2000, the average household size was 2.55 and the average family size was 3.00. Among its population, 92.3% have attained a [[high school diploma]] or higher, and 27.2% of residents attained a bachelor's degree or higher.

⚫
<ref name=":0" />In 2000, the median income for a household in the town was $40,408, and the median income for a family was $52,955. Males had a median income of $38,750 versus $26,622 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the town was $19,374. About 9.3% of families and 13.3% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 19.3% of those under age 18 and 20.9% of those age 65 or over. In 2018, the American Community Survey determined the median income was $60,809; the mean income was $91,984, making Greenwood one of the wealthiest communities within the [[Shreveport–Bossier City metropolitan area|Shreveport-Bossier City metropolitan area]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?q=Greenwood%20town,%20Louisiana%20income&g=1600000US2231705&tid=ACSST5Y2018.S1901&t=Income%20(Households,%20Families,%20Individuals)&layer=place|title=Annual Income Estimates for Greenwood in 2018|website=data.census.gov|access-date=March 4, 2020}}</ref> During the American Community Survey's 2020 census estimates, its median household income was $55,034; the mean income also slightly declined to $86,979.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2020 ACS Annual Income Estimates |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?q=Greenwood%20town,%20Louisiana%20income&t=Income%20(Households,%20Families,%20Individuals)&g=1600000US2231705&tid=ACSST5Y2020.S1901 |access-date=May 4, 2022 |website=U.S. Census Bureau}}</ref>

=== Race and ethnicity ===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:right"
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:right"
|+Greenwood racial and ethnic composition as of 2020<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=2020 Race and Population Totals |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=1600000US2231705&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2 |access-date=2021-12-29 |website=U.S. Census Bureau}}</ref>
|+Greenwood racial and ethnic composition as of 2020<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=2020 Race and Population Totals |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=1600000US2231705&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2 |access-date=December 29, 2021 |website=U.S. Census Bureau}}</ref>
! scope="col" | Race and ethnicity
! scope="col" | Race and ethnicity
! scope="col" | Number
! scope="col" | Number
Line 228: Line 233:
| 5.05%
| 5.05%
|}
|}
⚫
Since the establishment of Greenwood, its population was overshadowed by the larger and nearby Shreveport to its east, and Waskom, Texas to the west; at the [[1970 United States census]], the town of Greenwood had a population of 212. In 2020, the U.S. Census Bureau tabulated a population of 3,166,<ref name=":1" /> down from the historic high of 3,219 at the [[2010 United States census]]. At the publication of the 2020 census, Greenwood remained the third largest community in Caddo Parish, while Blanchard overtook [[Vivian, Louisiana|Vivian]] as the second-largest.

⚫
There were 1,351 households at the 2020 [[American Community Survey]]'s 5 year estimates program, among which 755 were married-couple households.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=2020 ACS Selected Social Characteristics |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?q=Greenwood%20town,%20Louisiana%20households&tid=ACSDP5Y2020.DP02 |access-date=2022-05-04 |website=U.S. Census Bureau}}</ref> The average family size was 2.80, and the average household size was 2.34; in 2000, the average household size was 2.55 and the average family size was 3.00. Among its population, 92.3% have attained a [[high school diploma]] or higher, and 27.2% of residents attained a [[bachelor's degree or higher]].<ref name=":0" />


⚫
In 2000, the median income for a household in the town was $40,408, and the median income for a family was $52,955. Males had a median income of $38,750 versus $26,622 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the town was $19,374. About 9.3% of families and 13.3% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 19.3% of those under age 18 and 20.9% of those age 65 or over. In 2018, the American Community Survey determined the median income was $60,809; the mean income was $91,984, making Greenwood one of the wealthiest communities within the [[Shreveport–Bossier City metropolitan area|Shreveport-Bossier City metropolitan area]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?q=Greenwood%20town,%20Louisiana%20income&g=1600000US2231705&tid=ACSST5Y2018.S1901&t=Income%20(Households,%20Families,%20Individuals)&layer=place|title=Annual Income Estimates for Greenwood in 2018|website=data.census.gov|access-date=2020-03-04}}</ref> During the American Community Survey's 2020 census estimates, its median household income was $55,034; the mean income also slightly declined to $86,979.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2020 ACS Annual Income Estimates |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?q=Greenwood%20town,%20Louisiana%20income&t=Income%20(Households,%20Families,%20Individuals)&g=1600000US2231705&tid=ACSST5Y2020.S1901 |access-date=2022-05-04 |website=U.S. Census Bureau}}</ref>


For a majority of Greenwood's history, the town has been predominantly non-Hispanic white, though diversification has broadened the racial and ethnic makeup of the suburban community alongside much of the United States.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Frey |first=William H. |date=2021-08-13 |title=New 2020 census results show increased diversity countering decade-long declines in America’s white and youth populations |url=https://www.brookings.edu/research/new-2020-census-results-show-increased-diversity-countering-decade-long-declines-in-americas-white-and-youth-populations/ |access-date=2022-05-04 |website=Brookings |language=en-US}}</ref>
For a majority of Greenwood's history, the town has been predominantly non-Hispanic white, though diversification has broadened the racial and ethnic makeup of the suburban community alongside much of the United States.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Frey |first=William H. |date=August 13, 2021 |title=New 2020 census results show increased diversity countering decade-long declines in America’s white and youth populations |url=https://www.brookings.edu/research/new-2020-census-results-show-increased-diversity-countering-decade-long-declines-in-americas-white-and-youth-populations/ |access-date=May 4, 2022 |website=Brookings |language=en-US}}</ref>


According to the [[2000 United States census|2000 U.S. census]],<ref name="GR2">{{cite web |title=U.S. Census website |url=https://www.census.gov |access-date=2008-01-31 |website=U.S. Census Bureau |publisher=}}</ref> the racial and ethnic makeup of Greenwood was 77.01% [[White Americans|White American]], 20.63% [[African Americans|Black or African American]], 0.41% [[Native Americans in the United States|American Indian and Alaska Native]], 0.33% [[Asian Americans|Asian]], 0.16% [[Native Hawaiians|Native Hawaiian]] or [[Pacific Islander Americans|other Pacific Islander]], 0.45% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races and ethnicities]], and 1.02% from [[Multiracial Americans|two or more races]]. [[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic or Latino Americans]] of any race were 1.79% of the population. By the 2020 census, its racial and ethnic makeup was 60.27% [[Non-Hispanic whites|non-Hispanic white]], 27.13% Black or African American, 0.69% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.76% Asian, 6.1% multiracial or of another race or ethnicity, and 5.05% Hispanic or Latino American of any race.<ref name=":1" /> The growing Hispanic or Latino American population reflected nationwide demographic trends following the 2014 to 2019 census estimates and 2020 census.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Passel |first=Jeffrey S. |last2=Lopez |first2=Mark Hugo |last3=Cohn |first3=D’Vera |title=U.S. Hispanic population continued its geographic spread in the 2010s |url=https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2022/02/03/u-s-hispanic-population-continued-its-geographic-spread-in-the-2010s/ |access-date=2022-05-04 |website=Pew Research Center |language=en-US}}</ref>
According to the [[2000 United States census|2000 U.S. census]],<ref name="GR2">{{cite web |title=U.S. Census website |url=https://www.census.gov |access-date=January 31, 2008 |website=U.S. Census Bureau |publisher=}}</ref> the racial and ethnic makeup of Greenwood was 77.01% [[White Americans|White American]], 20.63% [[African Americans|Black or African American]], 0.41% [[Native Americans in the United States|American Indian and Alaska Native]], 0.33% [[Asian Americans|Asian]], 0.16% [[Native Hawaiians|Native Hawaiian]] or [[Pacific Islander Americans|other Pacific Islander]], 0.45% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races and ethnicities]], and 1.02% from [[Multiracial Americans|two or more races]]. [[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic or Latino Americans]] of any race were 1.79% of the population. By the 2020 census, its racial and ethnic makeup was 60.27% [[Non-Hispanic whites|non-Hispanic white]], 27.13% Black or African American, 0.69% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.76% Asian, 6.1% multiracial or of another race or ethnicity, and 5.05% Hispanic or Latino American of any race.<ref name=":1" /> The growing Hispanic or Latino American population reflected nationwide demographic trends following the 2014 to 2019 census estimates and 2020 census.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Passel |first=Jeffrey S. |last2=Lopez |first2=Mark Hugo |last3=Cohn |first3=D’Vera |title=U.S. Hispanic population continued its geographic spread in the 2010s |url=https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2022/02/03/u-s-hispanic-population-continued-its-geographic-spread-in-the-2010s/ |access-date=May 4, 2022 |website=Pew Research Center |language=en-US}}</ref>


=== Religion ===
According to ''[[Sperling's BestPlaces]]'' in 2020, the population of Greenwood has remained primarily [[Christianity|Christian]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bestplaces.net/religion/city/louisiana/greenwood|title=Greenwood, Louisiana Religion|website=bestplaces.net|access-date=2020-03-04}}</ref> Dominated by [[Protestantism]] as most of [[North Louisiana|North]] and [[Central Louisiana]], [[Baptists]] were the largest Christian tradition by adherence. Baptists in Greenwood are mainly served by the [[Southern Baptist Convention]], though the [[Black church|predominantly Black or African American]] [[National Baptist Convention of America International, Inc.|National Baptist Convention of America]] and [[National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.]] have congregations throughout the area. Following, [[Methodism|Methodists]] and [[Pentecostalism|Pentecostals]] dominated the religious landscape, with [[Catholic Church|Catholic Christians]] served by the [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Shreveport]].
According to ''[[Sperling's BestPlaces]]'' in 2020, the population of Greenwood has remained primarily [[Christianity|Christian]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bestplaces.net/religion/city/louisiana/greenwood|title=Greenwood, Louisiana Religion|website=bestplaces.net|access-date=March 4, 2020}}</ref> Dominated by [[Protestantism]] as most of [[North Louisiana|North]] and [[Central Louisiana]], [[Baptists]] were the largest Christian tradition by adherence. Baptists in Greenwood are mainly served by the [[Southern Baptist Convention]], though the [[Black church|predominantly Black or African American]] [[National Baptist Convention of America International, Inc.|National Baptist Convention of America]] and [[National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.]] have congregations throughout the area. Following, [[Methodism|Methodists]] and [[Pentecostalism|Pentecostals]] dominated the religious landscape, with [[Catholic Church|Catholic Christians]] served by the [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Shreveport]].


==References==
==References==

Latest revision as of 23:26, 7 August 2024

Greenwood, Louisiana
Suburban town
Town of Greenwood
Greenwood Municipal Complex
Greenwood Municipal Complex
Official logo of Greenwood, Louisiana
Wordmark
Motto: 
Gateway to Louisiana
Location of Greenwood in Caddo Parish, Louisiana.
Location of Greenwood in Caddo Parish, Louisiana.
Location of Louisiana in the United States
Location of Louisiana in the United States
Coordinates: 32°26′10″N 93°57′50″W / 32.43611°N 93.96389°W / 32.43611; -93.96389
Country United States
State Louisiana
ParishCaddo
Founded1839
Government
Area
[1]
 • Total
9.01 sq mi (23.34 km2)
 • Land8.99 sq mi (23.29 km2)
 • Water0.02 sq mi (0.04 km2)
Elevation
249 ft (76 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
3,166
 • RankCD: 3rd
 • Density352.01/sq mi (135.91/km2)
Time zoneUTC-6 (CST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP code
71033[2]
Area code318
FIPS code22-31705
Websitegreenwoodla.org

Greenwood is a suburban town in southern Caddo Parish, which is located in the northwest corner of the U.S. state of Louisiana. With a population of 3,166 at the 2020 United States census,[3] it is the third most populous incorporated municipality in Caddo Parish after Shreveport and Blanchard. Part of the Shreveport-Bossier City metropolitan statistical area, it is located 15 miles west of downtown Shreveport.

History

[edit]

Greenwood was established by European Americans in 1839 after the forced Indian Removal of the Caddo people to Indian Territory (now Oklahoma) west of the Mississippi River.

The Dunn House, a hospital for wounded Confederates, now serves as headquarters of the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce

As in the rest of Louisiana, most Black or African Americans were disenfranchised from the turn of the 20th century into the 1960s, and the state was dominated by white Democrats; Caddo Parish Sheriff J. Howell Flournoy, who served a record 26 years in office from 1940 to 1966, was born in Greenwood in 1891 and was part of the political Flournoy dynasty.[4]

Earnest Lampkins (1928–2018), a native of Shreveport, earned a PhD and had a career as a music educator. He taught music at all levels, becoming supervisor of music for Caddo Parish. He founded the Louisiana School of Professions.[5] In 2004, Lampkins was elected as the first black mayor of Greenwood, where he had long been active in the community. Against running for a second term, Lampkins ceased any intentions due to gunshots fired into his house, alongside continued threats and racism.[6][7]

Geography

[edit]

Greenwood is located in western Caddo Parish at 32°26′10″N 93°57′50″W / 32.43611°N 93.96389°W / 32.43611; -93.96389 (32.436051, -93.963902).[8] Greenwood Road (U.S. Routes 80 and 79) is the main route through the center of town. Interstate 20 passes through the northern part of the town, with access from exits 3 and 5. Downtown Shreveport is 15 miles (24 km) to the east, and Waskom, Texas, is 6 miles (10 km) to the west. Carthage, Texas, is 31 miles (50 km) to the southwest down U.S. 79. Greenwood is approximately 165 miles east of Dallas, Texas, and about 290 miles northwest of New Orleans.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Greenwood has a total area of 9.0 square miles (23.3 km2), of which 0.02 square miles (0.04 km2), or 0.19%, is water.[9]

Demographics

[edit]
Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1970212—
19801,043392.0%
19902,092100.6%
20002,45817.5%
20103,21931.0%
20203,166−1.6%
U.S. Decennial Census[10]

Since the establishment of Greenwood, its population was overshadowed by the larger and nearby Shreveport to its east, and Waskom, Texas to the west; at the 1970 United States census, the town of Greenwood had a population of 212. In 2020, the U.S. Census Bureau tabulated a population of 3,166,[11] down from the historic high of 3,219 at the 2010 United States census. At the publication of the 2020 census, Greenwood remained the third largest community in Caddo Parish, while Blanchard overtook Vivian as the second-largest.

There were 1,351 households at the 2020 American Community Survey's 5 year estimates program, among which 755 were married-couple households.[12] The average family size was 2.80, and the average household size was 2.34; in 2000, the average household size was 2.55 and the average family size was 3.00. Among its population, 92.3% have attained a high school diploma or higher, and 27.2% of residents attained a bachelor's degree or higher.

[12]In 2000, the median income for a household in the town was $40,408, and the median income for a family was $52,955. Males had a median income of $38,750 versus $26,622 for females. The per capita income for the town was $19,374. About 9.3% of families and 13.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.3% of those under age 18 and 20.9% of those age 65 or over. In 2018, the American Community Survey determined the median income was $60,809; the mean income was $91,984, making Greenwood one of the wealthiest communities within the Shreveport-Bossier City metropolitan area.[13] During the American Community Survey's 2020 census estimates, its median household income was $55,034; the mean income also slightly declined to $86,979.[14]

Race and ethnicity

[edit]
Greenwood racial and ethnic composition as of 2020[11]
Race and ethnicity Number Percentage
White (non-Hispanic) 1,908 60.27%
Black or African American (non-Hispanic) 859 27.13%
Native American 22 0.69%
Asian 24 0.76%
Other/Mixed 193 6.1%
Hispanic or Latino 160 5.05%


For a majority of Greenwood's history, the town has been predominantly non-Hispanic white, though diversification has broadened the racial and ethnic makeup of the suburban community alongside much of the United States.[15]

According to the 2000 U.S. census,[3] the racial and ethnic makeup of Greenwood was 77.01% White American, 20.63% Black or African American, 0.41% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.33% Asian, 0.16% Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, 0.45% from other races and ethnicities, and 1.02% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino Americans of any race were 1.79% of the population. By the 2020 census, its racial and ethnic makeup was 60.27% non-Hispanic white, 27.13% Black or African American, 0.69% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.76% Asian, 6.1% multiracial or of another race or ethnicity, and 5.05% Hispanic or Latino American of any race.[11] The growing Hispanic or Latino American population reflected nationwide demographic trends following the 2014 to 2019 census estimates and 2020 census.[16]

Religion

[edit]

According to Sperling's BestPlaces in 2020, the population of Greenwood has remained primarily Christian.[17] Dominated by Protestantism as most of North and Central Louisiana, Baptists were the largest Christian tradition by adherence. Baptists in Greenwood are mainly served by the Southern Baptist Convention, though the predominantly Black or African American National Baptist Convention of America and National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. have congregations throughout the area. Following, Methodists and Pentecostals dominated the religious landscape, with Catholic Christians served by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Shreveport.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
  2. ^ "Greenwood LA ZIP Code". zipdatamaps.com. 2023. Retrieved June 16, 2023.
  3. ^ a b "U.S. Census website". U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  4. ^ "HistoricalFacts". Caddo History. Caddo Historical Society. Archived from the original on July 8, 2011. Retrieved December 31, 2010.
  5. ^ Obituary: Earnest Lampkins, first published in Shreveport Times, January 16, 2018
  6. ^ "Former Greenwood Mayor Ernest Lampkins dies". KTBS. Retrieved May 4, 2022. But Lampkins' toughest personal test came in 2007 during his first term as mayor of Greenwood, just west of Shreveport. Lampkins decided not to seek a second term, largely because someone fired shots into his home. He, his wife and one of their children were home but no one was hurt. "If I had any intentions of running again, that just killed my ambitions right away," Lampkins said at the time. "That was a cowardly act. It bothered me that someone would shoot in my house and endanger my wife and kid."
  7. ^ Flaherty, Jordan (March 26, 2010). "Did a Racist Coup in a Northern Louisiana Town Overthrow Its Black Mayor and Police Chief? | Dissident Voice". Dissident Voice. Retrieved May 4, 2022. Less than two weeks after that, shots were fired into the house of Earnest Lampkins, the first Black mayor of the northwest Louisiana town of Greenwood. Lampkins reported that he continued to receive threats throughout his term, including a "for sale" sign that someone planted outside his house.
  8. ^ "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
  9. ^ "Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Demographic Profile Data (G001): Greenwood town, Louisiana". U.S. Census Bureau, American Factfinder. Archived from the original on February 12, 2020. Retrieved August 13, 2014.
  10. ^ "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  11. ^ a b c "2020 Race and Population Totals". U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved December 29, 2021.
  12. ^ a b "2020 ACS Selected Social Characteristics". U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved May 4, 2022.
  13. ^ "Annual Income Estimates for Greenwood in 2018". data.census.gov. Retrieved March 4, 2020.
  14. ^ "2020 ACS Annual Income Estimates". U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved May 4, 2022.
  15. ^ Frey, William H. (August 13, 2021). "New 2020 census results show increased diversity countering decade-long declines in America's white and youth populations". Brookings. Retrieved May 4, 2022.
  16. ^ Passel, Jeffrey S.; Lopez, Mark Hugo; Cohn, D’Vera. "U.S. Hispanic population continued its geographic spread in the 2010s". Pew Research Center. Retrieved May 4, 2022.
  17. ^ "Greenwood, Louisiana Religion". bestplaces.net. Retrieved March 4, 2020.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Greenwood,_Louisiana&oldid=1239214052"