Louisiana Bill to Rename Highway After Acclaimed Author Ernest J. Gaines Advances

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A bill that would dedicate a section of Louisiana Highway 1 in Pointe Coupee Parish to honor acclaimed author Ernest J. Gaines has passed the state Senate and is now headed to the House. The legislation, authored by Sen. Caleb Kleinpeter, would designate the 'Ernest J. Gaines Memorial Highway' to recognize the renowned writer, who was born in the parish and penned acclaimed works such as 'A Lesson Before Dying' and 'The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman' before his death in 2019 at age 86.

Why it matters

Gaines was a highly respected and influential author who helped shine a light on the African American experience in the South through his acclaimed novels. Renaming a portion of the highway in his honor would serve as a lasting tribute to his literary legacy and impact within Louisiana and beyond.

The details

The bill, SB 104, passed the state Senate with a unanimous 37-0 vote. If approved by the House, it would designate a section of Louisiana Highway 1 in Pointe Coupee Parish as the 'Ernest J. Gaines Memorial Highway.' Gaines, who was born in the parish, was a world-renowned author known for works that explored themes of race, class and the human condition.

• The bill passed the state Senate on March 31, 2026.
• Gaines passed away in 2019 at the age of 86.

What’s next

The bill now heads to the Louisiana House of Representatives for consideration.