On March 8, 2025, the Winston County Self Help Cooperative (WCSHC) partnered with the NAACP Arcadian-Bienville Branch and Louisiana Appleseed to host a virtual heirs’ property informational session. This event provided critical legal education to 24 participants from Bienville and Claiborne Parishes, equipping them with the knowledge needed to secure their family land for future generations.
The collaboration stemmed from a connection made in July 2024 when Jonathan Evans of WCSHC met Dr. Carolyn Townsend, Communications Chair for the NAACP Arcadian-Bienville Branch, at the CME Church Conference. Recognizing the importance of heirs’ property education, Dr. Townsend sought to bring this knowledge to Louisiana. Louisiana Appleseed joined the effort by securing Attorney Jonathan Reynolds to lead the presentation.
During the session, Attorney Reynolds covered key topics such as intestate versus testate succession, the risks of heirs’ property ownership in Louisiana, and legal strategies for securing clear title. Participants also learned about wills, estate planning, trusts, and end-of-life documents. The heirs’ property example case covered many practical scenarios for the audience to recognize. This helped them address and navigate their heirs’ property.
By the end of the session, attendees left with a deeper understanding of legal tools available to consolidate and protect their property. This event reinforced WCSHC’s commitment to empowering landowners through technical assistance and advocacy, ensuring that families can preserve their legacy for future generations.
