Finding Something Safe To Do: How One Woman is Transforming Cedar Grove
Satonia Small Davis: The Heart and Soul of Community Activism in Cedar Grove
When it comes to community leadership, few embody the spirit of grassroots activism quite like Satonia Small Davis. For 25 years, this self-proclaimed "Community Lady" has dedicated her life to transforming her community, specifically focusing on the Cedar Grove neighborhood where she was born and raised. During a recent interview, Davis shared insights into her community work, the challenges facing her neighborhood, and her unique approach to creating positive change.
Davis began her community service journey in 2000 with the Cooper Road and Cedar Grove Bicycle Drive, and she hasn't stopped since. Her portfolio of community initiatives is impressively diverse, ranging from women's empowerment programs to feeding the homeless, organizing toy giveaways for children, and creating safe Sunday activities through her "Find You Something Safe to Do Sundays" program. What makes her work particularly remarkable is her ability to collaborate across different sectors, working closely with other nonprofits throughout Shreveport to maximize impact. "I just do what God has called me to do," she explains with characteristic humility.
The motivation behind Davis's tireless community service stems from recognizing "a great need" in her neighborhood. Growing up in Cedar Grove, she witnessed firsthand how the community needed someone to reactivate community engagement and create safe spaces where residents could feel both secure and loved. When asked about the most pressing challenges facing Cedar Grove today, Davis doesn't hesitate: "They need resources and they need jobs." She particularly emphasizes the often-overlooked needs of elderly residents who struggle with basic tasks like getting to stores and accessing essential services. Additionally, she highlights the critical need for mentorship programs for children from broken homes who lack adequate support and guidance. "The homes are broken and it's not their fault," she notes compassionately, "so they need a big sister, big boy, big brother program."
What sets Davis apart in the crowded field of community activism is her action-oriented approach. "I'm not a talker, I'm a doer," she asserts, "and anybody who knows me, that's what I do. If I say something, I stand on my brand, I stand on business." This commitment to following through on promises has earned her the respected title of "Community Lady" throughout Cedar Grove. Perhaps the achievement she's most proud of is her ability to bring people together without violence—a significant accomplishment in a community that has faced its share of challenges. "That's the biggest thing that I'm proud of, that I'm able to bring everybody together with no violence," she emphasizes. "Every day that I have been, I haven't had no violence... I have done something that nobody has ever been able to do in the city of Shreveport."
Davis's vision for community work is refreshingly collaborative. "It's not about me, it's about us as a collective whole," she says, adding that she wants to "bring everybody in where everybody can eat a little piece of pie." This inclusive approach has made her an effective bridge-builder across different segments of the community. For those inspired by her work and looking to support her efforts, Davis welcomes donations, volunteers, and collaboration opportunities. Her Cedar Grove Weekend initiative and various other programs provide multiple avenues for community members to get involved. As she succinctly puts it: "Let's not talk about it, let's be about it" and "Let's make Shreveport better. We are better together."
Kimberly S.
Business Coach, CEO, Author, Fashion Designer, Influencer
I remember looking in the mirror, and not being able to recognize my own face. I didn’t have any physical make-up on. I was wearing so much emotional make-up, I truly couldn’t tell who the person was that was looking back at me. In life, we get so caught up in: pleasing our flesh, pleasing other people, and becoming the puppet people want us to be. After we’ve done all this changing for them, they move on to the next person. I’m here to tell you that, you don’t have to be a people pleaser, nor do you have to give into pleasing your flesh. Those things won’t and doesn’t define who you really are. God gave me Experiencing Amazing Transformations to tell my story and be transparent in it. “My truth” Often times, our truth does not look or feel good, and looking through someone else’s eyes, they don’t see your story like you do, but it’s your experience not theirs. By coming together, we can overcome and be the best versions of ourselves. I pray that E.A.T. helps you become more open and honest about what you're going through. I also pray that E.A.T allows you to celebrate your victories no matter how big or small because you deserve those moments. I pray E.A.T helps you stay encouraged. This is the time to celebrate yourselves when no one else will. Lastly, I Pray that E.A.T leaves you feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and empowered from the steps of how to get through the good times and the bad times. So, come and listen to E.A.T!
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