By Diane Haag
The (Shreveport) Times

Shreveport-Bossier Community Renewal is the 2007 recipient of the Omar N. Bradley Spirit of Independence Award sponsored by the PetroSun Independence Bowl.

The award will be presented at halftime of the Independence Bowl, which kicks off at 7 p.m. Dec. 30 at Independence Stadium in Shreveport and will be broadcast by ESPN.

Since 1978, this honor has been bestowed upon American citizens or organizations which symbolize freedom and independence. Previous winners range from entertainers John Wayne and Bob Hope to the Boy Scouts of America and Heroes of New York City.

Shreveport-Bossier Community Renewal works to restore communities by building caring relationships. Founded in 1994, SBCR is today an international model for all cities looking for renewal.

"This is an incredible honor," said Mack McCarter, founder and coordinator of Shreveport-Bossier Community Renewal. "We need an army of caring partners marching together to defeat fear, ignorance and evil within our own cities. We fight this battle so that our children can truly be free- spiritually, emotionally and physically."

Since its founding 13 years ago, Community Renewal has touched the lives of more than 1,700 at-risk youth. More than 25,000 people have joined the "We Care" team and over 850 have been trained to serve as Haven House leaders, who build relationships on their blocks.

"We are proud to recognize the success of their efforts and the strength of their convictions,"said Joe Darwin, 2007 PetroSun Independence Bowl chairman.