Shreveport Community Honors Teen Killed by Gun Violence 36 Years Later

Doug Williams' family turns tragedy into purpose with annual Easter celebration and scholarship fund

Apr. 6, 2026 at 1:52pm

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Thirty-six years after Shreveport high school student Doug Williams was tragically killed by gun violence on Easter Sunday, his family and community continue to honor his memory through an annual Doug Williams Easter Family Fun Day in the Park. The event celebrates unity, youth, and giving back, while the Doug Williams Scholarship Foundation awards scholarships to help local students build brighter futures.

Why it matters

Gun violence continues to devastate communities across the country, and this story highlights how one family has turned their personal tragedy into an opportunity to bring people together, support young people, and create a lasting positive impact.

The details

On April 15, 1990, Fair Park High School senior and standout basketball player Doug Williams was shot and killed at Bilberry Park, just months before he was set to graduate. Every year since, his family, friends and community have gathered to honor his memory through the Doug Williams Easter Family Fun Day in the Park, which marks its 33rd annual celebration this year. The event is focused on unity, youth, and giving back, while the Doug Williams Scholarship Foundation awards scholarships to help high school students build brighter futures.

  • Doug Williams was killed on Easter Sunday, April 15, 1990.
  • The 33rd Annual Doug Williams Easter Family Fun Day in the Park will be held this year.

The players

Doug Williams

A Shreveport high school senior and standout basketball player who was tragically killed by gun violence on Easter Sunday in 1990 at the age of 18.

Cheryl Williams

Doug Williams' sister, who said the family decided to turn their pain into purpose by creating the annual Doug Williams Easter Family Fun Day in the Park.

Murv Seymour

Doug Williams' former assistant basketball coach, who remembered him as a hard-working, dedicated, and exemplary player.

Doug Williams Scholarship Foundation

A scholarship fund established by Doug Williams' family to help local high school students build brighter futures.

Fair Park High School

The high school Doug Williams attended, where he was a standout basketball player.

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What they’re saying

“Easter for our family had become kind of sad, so we decided to turn our pain into purpose.”

— Cheryl Williams, Doug Williams' sister

“You know He was a joy to coach. He was a kid that listened, a kid that worked hard, a kid that gave the game everything he had. He always had a good attitude. He always did the extra work. And he was always an example for everybody else on the team.”

— Murv Seymour, Doug Williams' former assistant coach

What’s next

The 33rd Annual Doug Williams Easter Family Fun Day in the Park will be held this year, continuing the legacy of honoring Doug's memory and supporting the local community.

The takeaway

This story demonstrates the power of turning personal tragedy into positive community impact. By honoring Doug Williams' memory through an annual celebration and scholarship fund, his family has created a lasting legacy that brings people together, supports youth, and makes a meaningful difference in Shreveport.