A long-time Webster Parish educator will lead the 2026 MLK/Black History Parade Saturday in downtown Minden. “We are asking the city come out and join us in this great event fun for the whole family,” said parade coordinator Michael Walker

Lessie Brown has been a cornerstone of education and student enrichment in Webster Parish, dedicating her life to teaching, mentoring, and inspiring generations of students. Her impact on the community is both profound and enduring.

Ms. Brown has taught English, French, Spanish in East Baton Rouge, West Baton Rouge, Bossier, and Webster Parishes. Her passion for education has spanned over 50 years, a milestone recently recognized by the Webster Parish School Board when she was honored as Employee of the Month in February 2024 for her remarkable service and commitment to students and colleagues alike. She was also recognized as teacher of the year during her tenure in Bossier Parish and as a teacher at Webster Jr. High School.

As a Spanish teacher at Minden High School since the late 1990s, Ms. Brown has brought language and culture to life for countless students, helping them expand their horizons and prepare for an increasingly connected world. Her classroom has long been a place of encouragement, challenge, and laughter — where students were urged to strive for excellence both academically and personally.

Beyond her academic contributions, Ms. Brown is beloved for her role in founding and sponsoring the Minden High School Tider Line. Under her leadership, the Tider Line has a tradition of pride and performance that champions teamwork, discipline, and creative expression. Through workshops, retreats, and vision-building activities, she has helped students set goals, build confidence, and look toward their futures with determination. The Tider Line has won many awards at various camps and competitions including first place at Nationals Competition in Dallas, Texas. While teaching at Webster Jr. High School, Ms. Brown was the sponsor of the WJH Cheerleaders who also won first place at Nationals and were invited to perform at the Citrus Bowl.

More than a teacher, Ms. Brown has been a mentor and advocate for young people — guiding them not just through coursework, but through the challenges and triumphs of growing up. Her dedication to student success, on and off the field, has touched thousands of lives and helped shape the spirit of Minden High School.

Lessie Jackson Pearce Brown is a proud 1968 graduate of Webster High School. She continued her educational pursuits and achievements at Southern University, Louisiana State University, and Grambling State University.

She is equally proud of her family legacy which includes her children, Keyna, James, Jr., and Jamal; grandchildren, Jared, Asia, Keadria, Kyla, and Jazmin; and great grandchildren, Jacieon, Jared, Jr. Ryan, Jeremiah, Jaxton, and Jamari.

When asked how she has been successful as an educator in working in the school system, she without hesitation replies, “Teaching is not my job or career, teaching is my life!”