House Resolution No. ___, introduced by Representative Phelps, commends Anita Whitaker-LaFontaine for her significant artistic contributions as an author, actress, and singer. A native of Shreveport, Louisiana, Anita has a diverse background, including being the first African American Miss Louisiana in 1984 and a former registered nurse. She has achieved notable success in her singing career, performing with renowned artists and contributing to major musical productions, including original demos for Whitney Houston. Additionally, she has authored award-winning books and made her Broadway debut in a Tony-nominated play.
Anita's dedication to the arts extends beyond her personal achievements; she actively advocates for literacy through her nonprofit organization, In A World with Books, which has provided thousands of books to children. Her work has been recognized with various awards, including the 2022 Artivist Award for her contributions to children's literacy. The resolution expresses the House of Representatives' sincere appreciation for Anita Whitaker-LaFontaine's accomplishments and wishes her continued success in her future endeavors.