OK--all you skeptics on whether or not Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson will deliver on his promises for Shreveport I hope you read this.

Yes, I know you are there whispering negative comments on the City of Shreveport's lease of Millennium Studios to Jackson, along with the proposed lease of part of Expo Hall to him.

The announcement of a Humor and Harmony Summer Festival should calm some of Jackson distractors. The Shreveport Historic Preservation Committee has approved a certificate of appropriateness for a temporary inflatable domed structure to be located in a parking lot behind Stageworks.

Next up will be the Shreveport Metropolitan Planning Commission, which must also approve this proposal.

The festival is scheduled for early August. It will feature comedy shows, music shows, classic car shows and a celebrity basketball tournament.

Yes, I know that the festival is tentative, but no one can doubt that the event is very promising. The same sentiments were expressed when I was on the DSU Board, and the first Mudbug Madness and Good Times Roll Festivals were announced for the 500 block of Milam Street. I am proud to say I worked at both of these inaugural events.

So, skeptics lets ease up on your negativeness. Let’s give the man the benefit of doubt and be thankful he has announced these plans. And as soon as the dates are firmed up, mark them on your calendar!