Morial Urges Halt to Merger

Home , Hip Hop Hooray, Treach, Uptown Anthem

Lighting The Road To The Future Data Zone Page 6 History of Black Hair pt. 2

“The People’s Paper” February 19 - February 25, 2011 45th Year Volume 37 www.ladatanews.com

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President Awards Morial Urges Freedom Medals Halt to Merger

Page 11 Page 4 Photos by Victor Holt

Page 2 February 19 - February 25, 2011 Cover Story www.ladatanews.com Today’s Young Leaders Make Tomorrow’s History

By Edwin Buggage

The Struggle Continues Throughout the history of this nation Blacks have struggled to gain a foothold on the American Dream . The scars of the stars and stripes have begun a slow healing process as the walls of op- pression have come tumbling down . Today African- Americans are navigating cultural and social spaces as a new breed of leaders are emerging . Historically, Lolis Elie Dr. Corey Hebert they have come from the pulpit, the courts and the streets protesting for equal rights . Picket signs and pressure groups worked vigorously to secure that the nation’s darker people could dine at the table of opportunity and access . Today, that day has come for a portion of the African-American population, at every corner of the nation’s shores Blacks are lead- ing the way forging ahead into the future . And as Blacks continue to be much maligned in the society, Data News Weekly would like to in an antidotal way remedy this state of affairs by spotlighting some of the new generation of African-American leaders who are emerging in the City of New Orleans .

Dedication to Education Education is essential to the upliftment of the city, the culture and the race if we are to be competitive in the 21st century . Dr . Kyshun Webster CEO of Op- eration Reach is a young visionary who has come a long way since his early days of being a resident of the St . Bernard Housing Development and Lower Ninth Ward to become a nationally renowned wun- Dr. Kyshun Webster Wilbert “Chill” Wilson derkind of sorts in the field of education . “I think

Cover Story, Continued on next page.

DATA News Weekly P.O. Box 57347, New Orleans, LA 70157-7347 INSIDE DATA Phone: (504) 821-7421 | Fax: (504) 821-7622 editorial: [email protected] | advertising: [email protected] Terry B. Jones Contributors CEO/Publisher Edwin Buggage Glenn Jones Eric Connerly Cover Story ...... 2 Data Zone ...... 6 VP Advertising Lee A. Daniels & Marketing Judge Greg Mathis Cheryl Mainor Janice Meredith Managing Editor Fred Watkins Newsmaker...... 4 Commentary . . . . 8 Edwin Buggage Dorinda White Editor Dionne Character Art Direction & Production Arts & Entertainment Editor MainorMedia.com Melanie Mainor Editorial Submissions State & Local News . . 5 National News . . . 11 Copy Editor Intern [email protected] June Hazeur Advertising Inquiries Accounting [email protected] Please call (504) 309-9913 for subscription information. Dated material two weeks in advance. Not responsible for publishing or return of unsolicited manuscripts or photos. www.ladatanews.com February 19 - February 25, 2011

Cover Story, Continued from previous page.

education is important if we are to ment . So she was about instilling become the community we aspire a certain discipline in me . My fa- to be,” says Webster, continuing ther is more of a free thinker . So he says, “Many of the ills that our the combination of her discipline community experience is a direct and his out of the box thinking result of problems in our educa- helped me imagine great things tional system .” and work toward accomplishing In education the scales are them ”. Although many walls have unbalanced and there is a dis- come down in the areas of racial connect between those who are relations, they’re perceptions of prospering and those who are Black men as ogre like figures struggling, “We cannot settle for of society and much of these mis- less from our kids, we must ex- perceptions are a direct result pect the best from all of them,” of media images . Elie addresses says Webster . Speaking of self- this issue saying, “There are two improvement he says, “Education things that we can do to improve is the number one equalizer and the image of Black men in the with that knowledge is a pathway media . First, we can stop patron- to power ”. izing films, television shows and Webster is one who has had performances that portray im- to overcome adversity and set- ages we don’t like . Second we can backs and says his story is one support those artistic endeavors that should inspire, “I am today that reflect our better selves . But an educator and I failed the first it’s really not clear that the aver- grade and because of that I under- age Black American is offended stand what some of our kids ex- by these images . So perhaps we perience, and it has been through get what we want .” hard work to get where I am to- In the period after Hurri- day,” says Webster of going down cane Katrina Elie has become a the road from plight to an eagle in staunch advocate for his city us- flight . He says of Operation Reach ing the arts first collaborating where the program has offices in with Lucie Faulknor, and Dawn Alabama and Georgia he hopes is Logsdon on the award-winning a recipe for the larger community, documentary, “Treme: The Un- “The fight to save our children is told Story of Black New Orleans not about school alone, it is about and becoming one of the writers all of us working together to en- for the critically acclaimed HBO sure our children have what they Series “Treme ”. “The single History is still happening, need to succeed from the cradle to greatest challenge facing this the grave this is what we have to city is the intrusion of American do to make our community better culture - be it from Baton Rouge expect more to come... and I have been dedicated since I or Washington, D .C .,” he says of was 12 years old to doing my part the problems facing the city and to not simply talk about the prob- the rebuilding effort . “Certainly lems but offer solutions .” no person who understands our city would support destroying At Regions and Morgan Keegan, we know that her future can be whatever The Power of Words Mid-City to build this new sub- she chooses. That’s why during Black History Month we celebrate the As a writer, filmmaker, avid art urban style parking arena with a countless contributions African Americans have made in strengthening our collector and city advocate Lolis little hospital in the middle . Who Eric Elie was born into the spirit would be foolish enough to tear nation and reaffi rm our commitment to do all we can so future history makers of struggle as the son of noted down public housing at a point reach their full potential. Our fi nancial literacy program and long-term Civil Rights Attorney Lolis Elie when our most acute need was and mother who was an educator . for affordable housing? But these partnerships with organizations such as the United Negro College Fund Armed with an Ivy League edu- moves both reflected national and the INROADS internship program are just some of the ways we are cation but a spirit rooted in the trends instead of local insight . helping young leaders achieve now and into the future. community he is an example of a Instead of approaches that reflect new form of leader that is taking the uniqueness and richness of shape . For today it is not simply New Orleans culture, we are bur- Regions. When Our Communities Succeed, We Succeed. the courtroom battles or picket dened with a gaggle of politicians signs it is one of the lived revolu- who really think progress is in be- For more information, visit www.regions.com/blackhistory tion of Blacks picking up the ba- ing more like Dallas .” ton of opportunity and running with it moving the race further The New Face of along the run to freedom, justice Politics and Justice and equality . In droves women have been Today Lolis attributes his ac- grabbing the mantle of power and complishments to his parents, are now major players in politics, “The most important element of business, education and many my success has been the influ- fields of endeavor . Today women ence, assistance and example in the U .S . both Black and White of my parents . My mother is a outnumber men that are enrolled © 2011 Regions Bank. Investment services are provided through Morgan Keegan & Company Inc., a subsidiary of Regions Financial Corporation and a member teacher by training and tempera- in colleges and universities . The FINRA and SIPC. Securities and insurance products sold through Morgan Keegan are not FDIC-insured, not a deposit, not an obligation of or guaranteed by Regions Bank, its affi liates, or any government agency, and may lose value.

Continued on page 9.

BRD-1027 NewOrleans.indd 1 1/31/11 3:45 PM Page 4 February 19 - February 25, 2011 Newsmaker www.ladatanews.com

National Urban League Ceo Urges Louisiana State Officials To Halt University Merger Plans

Louisiana’s proposal to merge Young, who said Saturday that Morial further noted that the the University of New Orleans in order for a city to develop eco- average ACT score of a SUNO and Southern University of New nomically, it must grow jobs by student is 20; at UNO, 23 . SUNO’s Orleans is a step backward that growing minds .” smaller classes and high student would diminish both schools, ac- “Southern University at New to faculty ratio offers a nurturing cording to Marc H . Morial, Presi- Orleans is specifically targeted environment for students who dent and CEO of the National Ur- to first-generation, non-traditional need extra attention, while UNO’s ban League . students from economically and environment allows more free- “They are distinctly unique in- socially disadvantaged back- dom for higher achievers . stitutions with distinctly unique grounds,” Morial said . “University “An alliance plan should be cre- missions,” Morial said . “Stu- of New Orleans serves the tradi- ated between UNO, SUNO and dents at both schools would be tional, college-ready student . The Delgado,” Morial said . “All univer- ill-served by the state’s plan ”. He schools have different admissions sities should have the opportunity said the plan was based on politics criteria and student profiles . to fully recover and service their rather than Louisiana’s education- “Education is not a one-size- mission with an engaging and al needs . fits-all proposition,” Morial said . spirited faculty .” He suggested a Morial said he agreed with “Different students have different National Urban League CEO and Former Mayor of New Orleans, Marc plan could be developed that of- former U .N . Ambassador and fel- needs, and they need a variety of H. Morial addresses reporters at press conference to urge halt to fers shared services between the low New Orleans native Andrew options to meet those needs .” SUNO/UNO proposed merger schools .

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Art, Beats and Lyrics Spotlight National and Local Artists

By Eric Connerly will be provided by a line-up of Art and music goes hand in turntable scientist, including DJ hand and the Gentlemen Jack Chicken, DJ Wop and DJ Dave Art, Beats and Lyrics tour has Soul on the one’s and two’s, and taken the country by storm bring- more . Past guests of GJ AB+L have ing independent artist together to included DMC of Run DMC, Killa showcase their talent . Its next stop Mike, Pastor Troy, Actor Jamal is New Orleans on Feb . 18 from Woodard, (NOTORIOUS), BET 7 P .M . to Midnight at Club Met- Host Terrence J, and DJ Lord of ropolitan and admission is free . Public Enemy . As the reputation Over 25 cutting edge visual art- of the Gentleman Jack Art Beats ists from around the country are + Lyrics tour continues to grow, headed to New Orleans, including so have the attendance numbers; Mad Clout, Flux, Michi, Shannon crowds have reached upwards of McCollum, Gilbert Young, City of 3,500 in some markets . Ink, Occasional Superstar, Wak, “Some people didn’t understand and Co-Producer Dubelyoo . New how we were fusing together cul- Orleans visual artist will include ture, art and music, but Gentle- Charlie V, Humidity Skate Shop, man Jack got it from the start,” Traffic Boutique Gallery Selec- said Founder and Producer Jabari tion, and Lionel Milton . Artwork by local, national and internationally renown artist Lionel Milton Graham, of Atlanta . “We want The most recent high profile people to get excited about the addition to the tour is, famed DJ’s . “This is another great oppor- for New Orleans includes live mu- phenom Nesby Phips, hot new arts again — to get exposed and hip-hop pioneer, Photographer, tunity for me to do something I sic performances by, The Stooges drum sensation, ALIEN (www . excited,” added Graham . “Gentle- and Author Ernie Paniccioli . love in the city that I love and I re- Brass Band (Jumpshive), live soul alienanimal .com) and internation- man Jack Art, Beats + Lyrics is The author of the hip-hop clas- ally want people to come out and band YVPG, independent hip-hop al Soul Singer, Joi . Other tunes the perfect experience for that .” sic, “Who Shot Ya,” will display see the diversity of artists that are iconic photos from his unmatched compre- hensive collection of classic hip-hop works . In Honor of Black History Month His photographs have been displayed at The I celebrate Our Progress Brooklyn Museum of Art and The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame . This is a homecom- ing for two of the artist participating . Char- lie V is a visual artist, hip-hop archivist and connoisseur of New Orleans urban culture . Since Hurricane Katrina he has been living in Atlanta and is excited about coming home to present his work . “This is where my inspiration comes from, the people and places of New Orleans, DJ and Producer Dave Soul inside the Soul Lab so I am glad to be coming home to show my work and I participating,” says Soul . look forward to returning to the “Art, Beats + Lyrics opens with city and eventually as a full-time a look that reflects the image of HON. DALE N. ATKINS resident to contribute to the artis- the Gentleman Jack consumer – tic legacy of my city,” says Charlie classically smooth and refined . Clerk, Civil District Court V . Those are characteristics that Dave Soul is a master of the Gentleman Jack has always rep- one’s and two’s and as a DJ and resented,” said Tracey Johnson, Music Producer has been putting Gentleman Jack Brand Manag- out mix-tapes on various genres er . “Gentleman Jack knows this “And so we shall have to do more than register and more than from soul, house and hip-hop . He generation expresses themselves vote; we shall have to create leaders who embody virtues we as is Charlie V is living in Atlanta through art, dance, and music . and has been making a mark for Gentleman Jack Arts, Beats + Lyr- can respect, who have moral and ethical principles we can himself coming back and forth to ics gives them the opportunity to applaud with enthusiasm.” ~Martin Luther King, Jr. New Orleans for gigs as diverse do just that in a one-of-a-kind in- as private events, to being one of teractive environment . the Essence Fest Super Lounge Hosted by Hustle, the line-up Page 6 February 19 - February 25, 2011 Data Zone www.ladatanews.com

Data Around Town Beauty & Beyond The History of Black Hair……Part 2

By Janice Meredith applied at home . A women’s chemical straightener 1880: Metal hot combs, invented in 1845 by the follows . French, are readily available in the United States . 1962: Actress Cicely Tyson wears cornrows on The comb is heated and used to press and temporar- the television drama “East Side/West Side .” ily straighten course hair . 1966: Model Pat Evans defies both Black and 1900s: Madame C J. . Walker develops a range of White standards of beauty and shaves her head . hair-care products for Black hair . She popularizes the 1968: Actress Diahann Carroll is the first Black press-and-curl style . Some criticize her for encourag- woman to star in a television network series, “Julia .” ing Black women to look White . She is a darker version of the all-American girl with 1910: Walker is featured in the Guinness Book of straightened, curled hair . Records as the first American female self-made mil- 1970: Angela Davis becomes an icon of Black Pow- lionaire . er with her large afro . 1920s: Marcus Garvey, a Black Nationalist, urges 1971: Melba Tolliver is fired from the ABC affili- followers to embrace their natural hair and reclaim ate in New York for wearing an afro while covering an African aesthetic . Tricia Nixon’s wedding . 1954: George E . Johnson launches the Johnson 1977: The Jheri curl explodes on the Black hair Products Empire with Ultra Wave Hair Culture, a scene . Billed as a curly perm for Blacks, the ultra- “permanent” hair straightener for men that can be moist hairstyle lasts through the 1980s .

1979: Braids and beads cross the color line when Bo Derek appears with cornrows in the movie “10 .” 1980: Model-Actress Grace Jones sports her trade- mark flat-top fade . 1988: Spike Lee exposes the good hair/bad hair light-skinned/dark-skinned schism in Black Ameri- can in his movie “School Daze .” 1990: “Sisters love the weave,” “Essence” magazine declares . A variety of natural styles and locks also become more accepted . 1997: Singer Erykah Badu poses on the cover of her debut album “Baduizm” with her head wrapped, ushering in an eclectic brand of Afro-centrism . 1998: Carson Inc ., creator of Dark & Lovely and Magic Shave for Black men, acquires the Black- owned beauty company Johnson Products of Chica- go in 1998 . L’Oreal purchases Carson two years later and merges it with Soft Sheen . 1999: “People” magazine names lock-topped Grammy award-winning Artist Lauryn Hill one of its 50 Most Beautiful People . 2001: Rapper Lil’ Kim wears a platinum blonde weave, while Singer Macy Gray sports a new-school afro . Some Black women perm, some press, and others go with natural twists, braids and locks . 2006: New York City Police Department’s new, more rigid professional appearance standards pro- hibit such hairstyles as cornrows, dreadlocks and twists . These natural hairstyles are deemed to be “extreme” and a “fad” by the department . 2008: African-American began to obsessively use hair weave, extensions causing traction alopecia to their hair . 2010: Stylebrity MAG featured and expose’ on the Asian monopoly of the African-American beauty in- dustry .

Sources: Wikipedia, Stylebrity MAG, Naturally Curly www.ladatanews.com Data Zone February 19 - February 25, 2011 Page 7

Data Around Town Valentine’s Day Love was in the air in New Orleans and at LeRoux Restaurant & Bar with BRW performing and Data was there!

I used to think

being good was enough

until I learned that

I could be great.

Today, I realize

I can choose to…

BE LEGENDARY.

Celebrate Black History with Coca-Cola visit www.mycokerewards.com/blackhistory

N1RZ0001_DataNws_6_25x7.indd 1 1/25/11 9:16 AM Page 8 February 19 - February 25, 2011 Commentary www.ladatanews.com Save Ex-Inmate Programs gets is in the penal system . As a result, ex- to invest in programs designed to reduce prison population by about 15 percent dur- offender re-entry programs that help reha- recidivism, Florida, in an attempt to get ing the last four years and has saved more bilitate those who are at risk for returning its fiscal house in order, plans to cut such than $200 million each year . to prison are on the chopping block . Sure, programs . Other states are also weighing Here’s hoping other locales will follow cutting funding to these programs may help significant budget cuts to all parts of their Michigan’s lead . With your help, maybe balance budgets in the short term . But, as criminal justice systems . they can . Call or write your county, state, ex-offenders become repeat offenders and This is just bad business . In many states, and federal legislators and demand they return to jail or prison, we end up shelling the number of ex-offenders committing not be so short sighted; ask that they avoid out more money in the long run to incar- new crimes has increased, partly because making budget cuts to prison re-entry pro- cerate them . Additionally, communities of cuts to programs that help them trans- grams at all costs . and individuals will continue to be victim- form their lives and stay out of prison . In these difficult economic times, it is Judge Greg Mathis ized by crime and trapped in a seemingly Any state considering such cuts should only reasonable that lawmakers conserve never-ending cycle . look to Michigan for guidance . Budget gaps resources where they can . The criminal Recently, USA Today reported on these and increasingly high unemployment rates justice system, particularly ex-offender re- cutbacks and the impact they could have have lead lawmakers there to address both entry programs, is not the place to make on states across the country . Florida, for problems with a novel plan: help ex-offend- these cuts . Our lawmakers must think Mathis’ Mind example, saw a small decrease in the num- ers find and keep jobs that will keep them about the effect these budget reductions One of the first places state and federal ber of ex-offenders who committed a new out of prison . According to a report by the will have on our overall safety and the eco- governments look to make cutbacks in an felony while on probation . Instead of look- Institute for Research on Poverty, Michigan nomic impact they will have on taxpayers attempt to balance their ballooning bud- ing at the bigger picture and continuing has used job placement programs to cut the down the road .

Black America Has Pneumonia, And The Fact That It’s Winter Has Nothing To Do With It

By Lee A. Daniels NNPA Columnist ployment rate does have meaning – a grim unemployed has all but disappeared from of Black American society today: a highly- significance . It underscores the fact that most media venues since President Obama credentialed “opportunity class” that is do- No, the virus that’s gripped growing the official number of out-of-work Ameri- and the Congressional Republicans forged ing well co-exists with a sizeable, and now numbers of Black Americans is a long- cans hovers around 14 million, six million a compromise tax bill that extended emer- growing, segment who seem to be locked standing economic ailment intensified to a of whom have been jobless longer than the gency unemployment benefits for another in poverty . devastating degree by the consequences of base unemployment measure of 26 weeks . 13 months . That dynamic is why the Black unem- the Great Recession, America’s worst eco- Given that monthly job growth continues That extension has eased the pressure ployment rate for every category of Black nomic crisis in 70 years . far below the hundreds of thousands of on those who’ve been out of work for more workers from those who are school drop- It proves once again the old adage about jobs needed to make a real dent in unem- than 26 weeks; but a social and economic out to those with advanced degrees has al- the economic fortunes of Black America ployment and that there are no jobs for catastrophe looms in both the short- and ways been nearly double that of Whites at compared to White America when White more than three out of every four jobless the long-term . Both consequences spring the comparable level . Today, for example, America has a cold, Black America has workers, prospects that those numbers will from the same source: the combined dy- while the White unemployment rate is 8 0. pneumonia . decline appreciably are dim . namics of globalization and technological percent, the Black unemployment rate re- It is true, of course, that the Great Reces- That reality has driven millions of dis- advances have made it possible for more mains in its usual place of being the highest sion itself, which officially ended two years couraged jobless workers to stop, at least and more businesses to “produce” profit- of all the racial and ethnic groups at 15 7. ago, has wrecked the job prospects and ca- temporarily, looking for work . ably with fewer and fewer workers . percent . reers of millions of all kinds of Americans, “One can only take ‘no’ so many times,” That means that more and more skilled In many communities, and for particular not just Blacks – as a substantial number one erstwhile job-seeker told The Huffing- and even highly skilled workers, like the groups of African-American, the crisis of of governmental and private-sector studies ton Post recently after spending the last worker mentioned above, have become joblessness is even worse . For example, and reports have documented with both three years fruitlessly sending out hun- surplus labor . To put it bluntly, some signif- a new report from the Community Service dry statistics and often-wrenching personal dreds of job applications . The holder of a icant number may never again regain the Society, of New York City, found that in stories master’s degree in biology who had worked income and status of their previous jobs – if Gotham from 2009 to mid-2010, only one in At the high levels of the national econ- for a biotechnology firm before being laid they ever again work at a stable job at all . four Black males aged 16 to 24 had a job omy, a slow-moving recovery appears un- off in 2008, the married father of two said, What is now happening to millions of and that the overall Black unemployment derway — the stock market is back over “I thought, ‘I’ve got over 12 years of experi- American workers has a bitter resonance rate of 14 9. percent was more than twice 12,000 again, and a cautious confidence is ence … with excellent success . So I looked in the recent history of Black America . In that of Whites . more and more being expressed by those for a year and a half and got nowhere . All the 1960s and 1970s, the inexorable disap- The racial disparity also showed itself in the government and in the financial sec- these years of experience and this fabulous pearance of industrial jobs that required in the predicament of those out of work tor . degree, and no one cares .” only a high school diploma, and the move- more than 26 weeks . Among the long-term But, strikingly, the news last week that Such stories prove that beyond the ment of many other jobs out of the cities unemployed, 30 percent were out of work the unemployment rate for January fell to boundaries of those who can afford to view – out of “transportation reach” – to sub- for more than a year; but 40 percent of all 9 0. percent — its lowest level in more than the crisis with a certain amount of detach- urbia (today, for American workers as a Black jobless New Yorkers had been out of a year — provoked no cheering at all . In- ment, the vast pool of pain persists – the whole it’s the movement of jobs to foreign work for more than a year . deed, it was quickly dismissed as mean- more so because a cloak of invisibility shores), along with the persistence of dis- The data about New York City are part ingless, because it was accompanied by seems to have been thrown over the mil- crimination which made many jobs from of a welter of statistics showing, as a report an anemic job growth of about 36,000 new lions of the jobless . The possibility that the lowest to the highest rungs of the oc- from the Center for American Progress, a jobs . America may be building a huge class of cupational ladder “off-limits” to Blacks, set liberal-leaning think tank based in Wash- However, January’s 9 .0-percent unem- the once-employed-but-now-permanently- seemingly in concrete the social structure ington, D .C ., states, “All U .S . households Pneumonia, Continued next page. www.ladatanews.com Cover Story February 19 - February 25, 2011 Page 9

Cover Story, Continued from page 3. results are being seen as women some make claims spirit of the people of the city and parents and citizens, I think many ascend to power . While there is that it is not their their will to rebuild . “I came back of the leaders in education get a debate regarding the future of responsibility to be to the city when a lot of people it wrong ”. I feel it is the simple Black political leadership in the role models just be- had given up and I simply wanted things that matter most when city the number of African-Ameri- cause they are in the to be a beacon of light and hope raising a child such as spending can females winning elected seats public space . This is and inspire the people of my city,” time with your child, nurturing is growing at a steady rate . One of something Hebert says Wilson . and guiding them and letting those people who have taken up speaks out against, On leadership he feels people them know that they are loved, the mantle of leadership is Can- considering him- of the city should take a broader these are the things that gives the dice Bates-Anderson, who was re- self a role model for look at how they view what is a child the confidence to go out in cently elected to a judge’s seat in future generations leader . “A leader is not always the world to be a success,” says the New Orleans Juvenile Court . he says, “I am sick someone who is openly political Wilson . She says a strong and nurtur- and tired of people or an elected official, it can be an During the aftermath of Hurri- ing family environment where in the spotlight not entrepreneur such as myself, or a cane Katrina, Wilson’s business, excellence was expected is what wanting to take this coach, a teacher or parent or care- Chill’s First Class cuts has not contributes to her success . “My responsibility . You giver, “says Wilson . “In essence a simply survived but thrives now grandmother Dorothy Sturken might as well accept true leader is just someone who reaching new heights of success . Randolph was the first African- the position and do cares and through their actions “I have been able to seek out new American professor of the School something great makes the sacrifices to make the opportunities and have grown of Social Work at Tulane Univer- with it . You owe it to world a better place and does not my business to service the entire sity . My grandfather Alison Ran- our forefathers who seek accolades or recognition .” community irrespective of race .” dolph Jr . owned many business- Judge Candice Bates Anderson fought and died so In addition to running a Speaking of its larger social mean- es .” In her capacity as a judge it we could have the successful business Wilson has ing of the barbershop, “In my is about being stern but compas- cancer . . .that’s a whole different opportunities and luxuries that penned a book entitled, “When shop people come together from sionate . For she understands that story . Don’t get me wrong I take we sometimes take for granted . the Walls Came Down” that has all walks of life and in my estima- there are many factors that leads care of adults I am just harder If everyone that was doing well been well received and led many tion leave out more informed and to a young person’s decision to on them because they choose to took someone else under their community initiatives aimed at enlightened, I would hope that break the law and feels more have the behaviors that eventu- wing and mentored them we helping young people . “I created what I have been able to do could preventive measures are need to ally cost them precious years on wouldn’t have all the problems “Walk A Mile For A Child” to give be an inspiration to the people of divert kids before they become this earth .” that we have in our communities parents, children and the com- the city to begin to build bridges career criminals, “Crime, lack Hebert is one who sees a lot now .” munity a template to be better of understanding .” of diversionary programs for at of young people and feels that it risk youth, lack of programs for is important that parents devise The Little kids in our city, lack of parental new strategies to help their chil- Business involvement and concern for our dren lead more productive lives . that Could youth, poverty, and unconcern Providing this prescription he New Orleans is for education, poor graduation says, “You are not your child’s not a city known rates and father figures not pres- friend . Just because it was hard for its Fortune ent in the homes ”. As a parent for you growing up, doesn’t mean 500 companies . she says what young people need you should not have the same ex- It is one of small are, “Guidance, love, mentors and pectations of your child that your family-owned busi- persons to look up to .” parents had of you . You succeed- nesses . In the af- ed because of those things, not in termath of Hurri- Health, Wealth spite of those things . Quit giving cane Katrina many and Healing your child everything without re- of the businesses Dr . Corey Hebert is a young quiring him to work for it . No- suffered so much man on a mission to help the body in the world gets anything damage that many young and disenfranchised in his without working for it . Teach were unable to re- multiple roles as a pediatrician, that to your children at an early open . While many educator, and media personality . age and it will benefit you both in folded up the tent, He says of his choice to become a the long run,” says Hebert . another business- pediatrician came out of a love for Being a public person can be man used a tent young people, “Children’s prob- an arduous task for some with and generator to lems are not self-inflicted . They demands for one’s time and ac- rebuild his life and are very pure so if a child gets can- countability are at higher levels his business . Wil- cer then it’s just an unavoidable particularly for African-American bert “Chill” Wil- set of events, if an adult smokes media figures that have the dual son is a man who for 30 years and I have told them responsibility of being a role came to embody to stop for 30 years then they get model . Eschewing it all together the resilience and

Pneumonia, Continued from previous page. were severely hurt by the recession but socio-economic ladder are able to regain communities of color experienced larger solid economic footing; specific propos- losses than Whites . This also means that, als to help communities of color, because as the economic recovery deepens and the they are most in need of aid; and, finally, labor market recovers, communities of col- the pursuit of policies that reduce the ex- or will have to climb out of a deeper hole to traordinary degree of income inequality in regain the same level of economic security the society . as they had before the crisis .” The report identified three policy di- Lee A. Daniels is Director of Communica- tions for the NAACP Legal Defense and Ed- rectives that are needed to pave a road to ucational Fund, Inc., and Editor-in-Chief of recovery: the enactment of policies that TheDefendersOnline. ensure those at the lower rungs of the Page 10 February 19 - February 25, 2011 State & Local News www.ladatanews.com Hip Hop Hooray Legends of Rap Perform in the N.O. Story and Photos Edwin Be Alright” “Uptown Anthem ”. Buggage Treach gave a rousing and emo- A few years ago the Rapper Nas tional tribute to the fallen soldier made the bold claim that hip-hop and friend Tupac Shakur, before was dead . In a sense he was right ending their show with their ode that at much of the mass mar- to hip-hop “Hip-Hop Hooray” with keted commercial level it has lost the crowd hands to the sky, mov- its bite and intensity that made ing from side to side, waving like the music cutting edge during they just don’t care, screaming its ascendance into the public’s OH Yeah . consciousness . Today the musi- Finally, the act all came to see cal landscape of an art form that hit the stage . The original first shaped a generation is littered ladies of Hip-Hop, Salt-N-Pepa with auto-tune, tattoo laded, car- looking grown and sexy came toon artist who are caricatures out to represent . With a cata- and sometimes even worse, char- logue of hits they started their acterize some of the worst stereo- set with the club banger “I’ll Take types of African-Americans . They Your Man” as the mature crowd are more hip-pop than hip-hop . of hip-hop lovers relived the Recently, the Lakefront Arena days of Club Discovery, Whis- hosted a show where some of pers, The Bottom Line, Flirts the originators who blazed the and The Big Easy just to name trail showed how it is supposed a few . Their set was reminiscent to be done . The stage rocked with of the days of Bally’s, Kangols, funky beats and lyrics that kept Girbaud, Polo and Sundays dur- the crowd on their feet moving to ing the summer chilling on the the infectious sounds of hip-hop’s Lakefront . Salt-N-Pepa effort- hypnotic beats . lessly traded off verses accom- The show featured a host of panied by background dancers . acts beginning the show with a They ran through their songs short set by Rob Base who got that during their heyday were a the party started with his dance blend of dance floor gems with floor anthem the classic “It Takes gold nuggets of feminism sprin- Two .” Then the show really be- Hip-Hop First Ladies Salt-N-Pepa giving stellar performance. kled in for good measure . While gan as one the original Kings of their set kept the people on their Rap Kurtis Blow hit the stage . feet, Salt-N-Pepa also took this He was the first hip-hop artist opportunity to address real is- to have a major recording deal sues between songs affecting (Mercury Records) and the first the community including rela- certified gold selling record “The tionships and spirituality . Their Breaks” in 1980 . Blow’s show was amazing set concluded with the a showcase of the true essence of song that is still played in clubs hip-hop, great showmanship, lyri- around the world some 20 years cal ability and engaging the audi- after its release, “Push It .” Wear- ence . He went through his array ing more updated versions of of hits including: “The Breaks,” the iconic leather jackets that “If I Ruled the World “and “Bas- were worn in the video the la- ketball ”. Blow showed that even dies sashayed across the stage at the age of 50+ he was still the performing with sass, class and ultimate b-boy as he and several pizazz . members of the audience relived After seeing this show I thought the days of cardboard boxes and “wow” it has been over 25 years linoleum by breakdancing with since I attended my first rap con- the audience going wild . cert and it was amazing to see Next to flex was the clown how it has matured and grown . prince of hip-hop Biz Markie who Now it is everywhere and spans in recent years has reincarnated the globe, and it was great to see himself into a party DJ du jour, artist from the music’s heyday, as rocking parties on the ones and well as, the crowd enjoying the twos, but on this night as simply music that changed the world . an MC he gave an uneven show Local Rap Legend Tim Smooth, Data News Editor Edwin Buggage and legendary producer/artist Mannie And as I walked out of the building that was full of peaks and valleys . I thought to myself that hip-hop is But he soon recovered driving the was the bad boys from Jersey . fire from the onset with their sem- what women saw as sexy thug not dead it is still alive, and taking crowd wild with his monster hit Naughty By Nature’s with origi- inal hit “OPP” blasting through swagger moved the crowd . Their a page from Naughty By Nature I “Just A Friend” as the crowd sang nal lineup Vinnie and Kay Gee . the speakers and lead man Treach 30 minute set was a medley of hits said to myself “I give props to Hip- along with Biz . Next to hit the set Torching the stage setting it on with his rapid fire rhymes and including “Everything’s Gonna Hop, Hip-Hop Hooray ”. www.ladatanews.com National News February 19 - February 25, 2011 Page 11

President Obama Presents Nation’s Highest Civilian Honor to Three Blacks Dr. Maya Angelou, Congressman John Lewis, and the NBA Great Bill Russell Receive 2010 Presidential Medal of Freedom in White House Ceremony

marched with Dr . Martin Luther By Dorinda White King, Jr ., and has been a consis- Photographs By: Fred tent advocate of equality . Russell Watkins received the Presidential Medal of Washington, D .C .-President Freedom in recognition of his ef- Barack Obama awarded the na- forts which helped to change the tion’s highest civilian honor to culture of a sport and the course a diverse group of recipients, in- of a nation . cluding three African Americans Dr . Angelou’s words and ac- prominently known for their civil tions continue to stir our souls, rights activism . The president energize our bodies, liberate our and First Lady Michelle Obama minds, and heal our hearts . An- honored the winners at a White gelou, a prominent and celebrated House ceremony this week . author, poet, educator, producer, The Presidential Medal of Free- actress, filmmaker, and civil rights dom is presented to individuals activist, is currently the Reynolds recognized for “especially merito- Professor of American Studies at rious contributions to the security Wake Forest University in North or national interests of the United Carolina . Dr . Angelou served States, to world peace, or to cul- on two presidential committees, tural or other significant public or and was awarded the Presidential private endeavors .” Medal for the Arts in 2000 and the Among the 15 recipients of the Lincoln Medal in 2008 . 2010 Presidential Medal of Free- “Dr . Maya Angelou, out of dom were Congressman John youth marked by pain and injus- Lewis of Georgia, celebrated au- tice, rose to fight for civil rights . thor and poet, Dr . Maya Angelou Through soaring poetry and President Obama presents poet Maya Angelou with Medal of Freedom and former basketball great Bill prose she has spoken to the con- Russell . These well-known Af- science of our nation,” said Presi- rican Americans received their One of the African American “John Lewis is not only an Ameri- has continued his service to the dent Obama . The President bent medals along with former Presi- awardees, Civil Rights hero Con- can hero and a giant of the Civil nation as the U S. . Representative down to kiss Dr . Angelou on the dent George H .W . Bush, busi- gressman John Lewis (D-GA), Rights Movement but time and for Georgia’s 5th District, which cheek after putting the Medal of nessman Warren Buffett, cellist served as chairman of the Stu- time again, John Lewis has faced encompasses all of Atlanta . From Freedom around her neck . Dur- Yo-Yo Ma, amongst others . It was dent Nonviolent Coordinating down death and today is the con- his activism in the civil rights ing the President’s speech, he especially befitting that the Afri- Committee (SNCC), helped to science of the U S. . Congress,” movement to serving 25 years in said Dr . Angelou had such an can American Medal of Freedom organize the first lunch coun- said President Obama . “He is an U S. . House of Representatives, he impression on his mother, she recipients were honored for their ter sit-in in 1959 at the age of 19, American who knew that change rose with fortitude and purpose named her daughter Maya . Dr . achievements during Black His- and was the youngest speaker at could not wait for another place to organize during the civil rights Angelou received the Presidential tory Month . the 1963 March on Washington . or time . Since 1987, John Lewis movement .” Lewis received the Medal of Freedom for her poetry Presidential Medal of Freedom in and activism . recognition of his pursuit of equal- The complete list of the 2010 ity and justice for all . Presidential Medal of Freedom VP Biden Holds Black History Month Celebration Basketball great Bill Russell award recipients is as follows: was voted the National Basket- former President George H . W . at the United States Naval Observatory ball Association Most Valuable Bush, German Chancellor An- Player five times . He was the gela Merkel, Congressman John first African-American coach in Lewis, Natural Resources De- national sports . He is known to be fense Council co-founder John a staunch advocate for civil rights . Adams, poet and activist Maya “When Bill Russell was in junior Angelou (Winston-Salem NC na- high school he got cut from his tive), Industrialist and Philanthro- basketball team . He learned from pist Warren Buffet, Artist Jasper that . He was the first African Johns, Civil rights activist Sylvia American to coach a major league Mendez, VSA founder and former sports team of any sort,” said Ambassador to Ireland Jean Ken- Obama . “More than any athlete of nedy Smith, Holocaust survivor his time, he is defined as a winner . and activist Gerda Weissmann When asked if he was a basketball Klein, Dr . Tom Little (posthu- player, he’d reply, “That’s what I mous) who was killed in Afghani- do, not who I am . I am a man who stan, Musician/cellist Yo-Yo Ma, plays basketball ”. He endured former Boston Celtic basketball insults and vandalism as a profes- player Bill Russell, Baseball Hall sional Black basketball player and of Famer Stan Musial, and for- Vice President Joseph Biden during Black History Month celebration at the VP’s residence at coach . However, through it all mer AFL-CIO President John Number One Observatory Circle, on the grounds of the United States Naval Observatory. he focused on making his team- Sweeney . mates better players ”. Bill Russell Why do good When you can do great As a founding sponsor of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund since 1987, MillerCoors has helped raise over $100 million in scholarships. This year, Miller Lite is partnering with local retailers and you. For every t-shirt you redeem, they’ll make a donation to the TMCF. Visit Miller Lite on Facebook to learn more and see how you, too, can help inspire greatness.