By Marva J. Sneed
Columnist
On “From Marva with Love,” we recently heard from Carl Moore, owner of Mo’ Bettah Wings. Moore is from Shreveport, Louisiana, and a graduate of Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He is also an Army Veteran and Elementary School Teacher. He also has a nonprofit organization in Shreveport, COOPER ROAD USA, that promotes unity in the community. He says, ”We are responsible for telling the proud past of one of the largest African American communities in the United States.”
MS: I am really intrigued by Copper Rd. USA. Please tell us a little about it.
CM: Copper Rd. is a proud, predominantly Black community in Shreveport, Louisiana. It was established in 1928 it was established outside of the city limits. So for the first 50-55 years, we had our own police department, our own sheriff department, our fire department, schools, and stores. We were very similar to Black Wall Street in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In 1978, we joined the city of Shreveport; we were annexed to Shreveport. Before that, we were self-sufficient. You could actually go from kindergarten to college right there in the community. Southern University-Shreveport is located inside the perimeter of Cooper Rd., a proud place to be from.
MS: Tell how you got started on this journey to have Mo’ Bettah Wings?
CM: Actually many years ago I helped my nephew finance a business in Shreveport. His name is Richard Washington. We call him Snapper. He started a wing business and it has been very successful for the last 15 years. So last year I asked him if he would come out to help me. My son, who’s 28 wants to have his own business. My nephew came out and got us started and so far business has been really good. The first year was rough like most businesses when they start. As we became a part of the community people came and they have been eating our food and they love our customer service. We have over 30 flavors of wings, tenders, and po’boys. We are blowing up over in that corner in Oak Cliff.
There was so much more to the interview with Moore. Go here to hear the full episode.
Mo’ Bettah Wings is located at 2860 East Ledbetter, Dallas, Texas. They have a great take out menu. Call your order at 214-964-0082. You will enjoy it.
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