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Vol. 3 Issue 19 Nov. 15-30, 2009 www.cenlalight.wordpress.com [email protected] Former Warhorse to lead ’s band in 2009 Bayou Classic

Tevin Coleman, former Peabody Magnet High School Marching Band’s Drum Major Drum Major for Southern University Marching Band

Courtesy of Southern University That’s Tevin “Too Cold” Coleman been angling toward being SU’s drum knew I always wanted that spot,” www.subr.edu describing how he feels about major since he was a child. That’s Coleman said. being drum major of the Southern when he says he was able to do the He also credits being the drum major “It’s a blessing just to be in this University Marching Band, one of crowd pleasing traditional back bend at Peabody Magnet High School, in position. I can’t even describe it. most celebrated aggregations in the that SU’s drum major does when he Words can’t describe what I go country. comes on the field. Tevin Coleman through every day. What I feel. What I The 19-year-old sophomore did not “I’ve known how to do the Continued on Page 4 experience. It’s just exciting.” get the position by accident. He has backbend since I was 4 or 5. I just Pa g e 2 Th e l i g h t – No v e m b e r 15-30, 2009 Too much money for 1 minority biz

In February 2009 Mayor Jacques able to do business with city. force them when it’s convenient. Roy maintained that Von Jennings, his Come on people! It’s not like all Yes, $70,000 sounds like a lot of assistant in charge of developing and of the money was spent so that the money. It sure does when it does not implementing a program designed Council could party into the wee happen every day. Besides, it’s just a to help minority-owned businesses hours of the night every week. drop in the bucket compared to the acquire city contracts, was failing at The taxpaying public benefitted thousands upon thousands of dollars her job. from the money spent. More than that other businesses have been In November 2009, it appears Roy $6,500 went toward the receiving since the City of Alexandria is suggesting that the city’s program is Municipal Association convention. An- was incorporated in the early 1800s. working too well. Alexandria Fairness, other $8,500 was allocated to feed the Equality, Accessibility and Teamwork, Grambling State University band dur- Clarification or AFEAT, is the program for which ing February’s Mardi Gras parade, and I’m speaking. nearly $10,000 went for the December Yes, I will continue to publish The You’ll remember that Roy claimed 2008 City Council inauguration. Light after I launch my new Web site, that Jennings was not doing enough It seems to me that the rules keep www.everythingcenla.com. to make sure people of color had an on changing. When minorities meet That should settle the matter for opportunity to do business with the the criteria to do business with the many readers who asked whether or city. city, it seems that getting too much not the Web site would replace the Therefore, I’m in complete shock business was never a part of the deal. newspaper. that the mayor, or someone who is up to justify the reasons behind the I’ve always said that it’s easy to Don’t worry until further notice, in his inner circle, is claiming that argument that the Council, specifically talk about the rules and the proper you will continue to pick up your free $71,000 is too much money for any Council President Myron Lawson may bidding process when it’s comes to copy of The Light. one minority business owner to re- have unlawfully spent more than people of color. The majority don’t ceive for work done with the city. $70,000 with Boutee’s Catering of make the rules for themselves. They That’s the only excuse I can muster Alexandria, who is ready, willing and make the rules so that they can en- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of La. to cover cost of flu shots for members

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana will cover the cost of the adminis- tration of H1N1 (swine) flu and seasonal flu vaccinations for its members, the company announced. All individual members and fully insured group members will receive full cov- erage for flu shots administered by a network physician or at a network retail pharmacy. Members will pay no co-payment, co-insurance or deductible for this benefit, the company said. For more information, visit the company’s Web site at www.bcbsla.com, and click “H1N1 Flu Information.”

Coming December 1, 2009

www.everythingcenla.com Everything you need to know about the people, places and things of Central Louisiana

Sherri L. Jackson, Phone: (318) 487-9254 Publisher Or drop us a line at 1429 Third Street Email: [email protected] Alexandria, LA 71301 www.cenlalight.wordpress.com Th e l i g h t – No v e m b e r 15-30, 2009 Pa g e 3 Blame game full of players at Alexandria City Hall

Though I have been quiet on the down to finger pointing about who food) came out that could possibly current problems happening over at is making the other look bad in the make Lawson seem that he did some- Alexandria City Hall between Mayor public eye. thing underhanded. He has not been Roy’s administration and some mem- About two weeks ago, it came to accused of doing anything, and I want bers of the Alexandria City Council, light that the City Council, specifically to make that perfectly clear. However, don’t think that I haven’t been keep- Council President Myron Lawson had with the maneuvering to bring up the ing up with their shenanigans. spent approximately $71,000 for food “potential conflict” for Roy, it makes Too much doesn’t get by me. and beverages for council meetings. It it seem that some people, and I’m Sometimes I feel that it’s not my place wasn’t really stated who first brought not saying who, is trying to take the to comment. However, with what this spending up. Nevertheless, the wolves off Lawson’s tail and put them has been transpiring at our “hall of excessive spending was discussed in on Roy’s tail. I’m not saying that this is bickering” as of late, my self-imposed a council meeting. Both the admin- the case . We are smarter than that. silence has come to its end. istration and Lawson offered reasons Then there’s Roy, who has stated And that end leads me right into behind the amount of money spent. that this thing with his “potential commenting about the deep political Each one had their say, which wasn’t conflict” is the council’s (I’m sure divide between our mayor, Jacques, good enough for the other. Thus, it that he is not referring to all council and the city council, especially three was the beginning of another way members) way for Lawson to “deflect of our outspoken councilmen, Myron, of “taking the blame off of me and attention” away from him because of Jonathon, and Ed. This political divide putting it on you.” Discrediting one the large amount of money spent on both cripples the effectiveness of the another can be a bitch. food. council and administration and makes Now it appears that this “taking the This entire mess basically pits two there can be little doubt in anyone’s observers throughout Alexandria and blame off of me and putting it on you” men, who I think a lot of us consider mind that Roy has utter contempt for surrounding cities wonder what has has taken on a life of its own. The honorable. However, with the way Myron, Jonathon, and Ed. Likewise, and is happening in Alexandria City Council’s Legal Committee is now they have been playing the “blame it appears Myron, Jonathon, and Ed Hall. pressing for the Council to discuss a game,” it is getting difficult to say have utter contempt for Roy. Simply Some division between the mayor’s “potential conflict” of interest between put, they don’t like each other. administration and the council is his role as mayor and as an attorney This contempt among the “players” healthy, and disagreement on hot with someone involved with Cleco Council Conflict has now reached a new level. Both issues is expected. However, after Here’s the thing. Something (the Continued on Page 4 sides are ready to do battle in their the last several council meetings, large amount of money spent on “tit for tat” tug of war, which all boils Pa g e 4 Th e l i g h t – No v e m b e r 15-30, 2009 rather than try to force or tell someone at the Boys and Girls Club and par- Lawrence) Mr. Jackson, my high Tevin Coleman what to do.” ticipating in high school band camp school band director, my parents, and Continued from Page 1 Coleman also makes sure that he programs and noticing how much the the Man upstairs, I wouldn’t even be does not let his nerves get the best of students looked up to and respected here.” his hometown of Alexandria, as ad- him during band performances. “I’m him. He also credits his upbringing for ditional preparation to reach his goal a shy person, but when I’m on the “I saw that they just listened to me. I his down-to-earth attitude, saying he to be the drum major of “The Human field I try to show off a little bit. At want to be a teacher because I can be tries to refrain from bragging because Jukebox.” half-time, that’s when I’m ‘Too Cold’ a role model. I feel like I can really get he is a humble person. He also says While this is Coleman’s first year as (laughs). I have to get the butterflies to the children,” he said. that despite his high-profile position drum major, he looks like a veteran. out of me one way or another. Either Coleman says he grew up in a rough on campus, he does not like too much He takes his position seriously and is I can be scared and mess up or I can neighborhood in Alexandria and just attention. “At school I’m just a regular confident in his abilities, explaining take control of my fears.” a few years ago, was hanging with student,” he said. that the most challenging aspect of his The Marching Band’s front man is the wrong crowd. “A lot of the friends Coleman said one of the best parts front man position is making sure ev- equally as serious and fearless about I used to hang with are now in jail of being drum major and in the band erything goes well before the games. his education. Coleman says he is all or went to the Army. Some of them is the adrenaline rush he gets when Another challenge for Coleman was about academics. When he is not busy passed away. This was my ticket out.” performing for the crowd. “When I gaining the respect of the older band with the band or school, he is more Coleman credits the love, support, put on that Southern University band members when he was initially named than likely studying in his free time. and guidance of his family, friends, uniform I feel just like Superman.” drum major. “Of course there was The secondary education major and God for helping him to ultimately some conflict at first, but I’d rather wants to become a history teacher. It’s make the decision to go to college. show what I can do and earn respect a career path he chose after working “If it wasn’t for (the band director

THE 36th ANNUAL STATE FARM STATE FARM BAYOU CLASSIC BAYOU CLASSIC HIGHLIGHTS SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 4 The only nationally televised historically black • Monday, November 23 college and university (HBCU) game annually. 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. Kickoff Press Conference The event is broadcast live on NBC the Saturday Louisiana Superdome following Thanksgiving. 4 Event Floor ESPN College GameDay headed to for the State Farm Bayou Classic in 2005. The visit • Friday, November 27 marked the first broadcast for College GameDay 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. KaBOOM! Playground Build from one of the historically black colleges and Mary D. Coghill Elementary School universities. 4 5500 Piety Drive, , LA 70126 The State Farm Bayou Classic was named one of Noon – 2 p.m. Coaches’ Luncheon the defining sporting events in the United States by Location: Sheraton New Orleans Hotel Sports Illustrated. 4 Room: Napoleon Ballroom A&B The only HBCU (one of only five rivalries) to be INVITATION ONLY included in the Greatest Rivalries exhibit in the Noon – 5 p.m. Super Job Fair and College Fair Sports Museum of America in New York, NY. In Location: Sheraton New Orleans Hotel the area, the museum highlighted Room: Napoleon Ballroom C&D the greatest rivalries of all time and included the 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Corporate Reception matchup between Southern and Grambling. 4 Louisiana Superdome Listed in Robert Tuckman’s “100 Sporting Events Room: Bienville Club Lounge You Must See Live: An Insider’s Guide to Creating INVITATION ONLY the Sports Experience of a Lifetime,” published by 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. Nerjyzed Entertainment Battle of the Bands and BenBella Books in April of 2009. Greek Step Show Louisiana Superdome

office and should go. Saturday, November 28 Council Conflict Lawson will also have his believers, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Fan Festival especially his allies on the council, Louisiana Superdome Continued from Page3 who also have every confidence in Free Admission him that he is doing a fine job. He also 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. 36th Annual State Farm Bayou Classic who’s being straightforward, and will have those who think that he is who’s talking with a “forked tongue.” Louisiana Superdome wrong for the council and should go. Roy will have his believers, especially Let’s see who is still standing come those in his administration who has election time. For additional information on all events visit the www.statefarm- every confidence in him that he is bayouclassic.com or call The Bickerstaff Group at 202-363-2375. doing what is right. He will also have those who think he is not right for the Th e l i g h t – No v e m b e r 15-30, 2009 Pa g e 5 Birthday Girls

LONGEVITY — Carrie “Granny” Williams, at left, enjoys the festivities of surprise birthday party celebrating her 93 years of living. The party, hosted by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, was held Saturday, Nov. 14 at New Bethel Community Baptist Church. Williams, a native of Rapides Station, had one daughter, the late Alma Lee Thomas Fields. She is the grandmother of six, great-grandmother of 12, and the great-great-grandmother of 10. She is an active member of St. Matthew Baptist Church in Boyce. At right, is Martha L. Reese, who celebrated her 70th birthday on Sept. 19, at Travelodge. “Mrs. Martha,” as she is affectionately called, is the mother of 19, grandmother of 48, great-grandmother of 63, and great-great-grandmother of 17. She is an active member of New Bethel Community Baptist Church. Going Away Party

GOOD TIMES — Gina Burrell’s friends and co-workers celebrate her new life with a going away party at the Corner Office in Alexandria. At right, Burrell and Karen Lawson share a moment at the party held in October. Burrell, who works with the U.S. Bureau of Prisons, moved to Dallas to take a position there. She is a native of Alexandria and a Peabody High School graduate. Pa g e 6 Th e l i g h t – No v e m b e r 15-30, 2009 Second Union to host gospel concert

The Joseph Hudson Memorial Mass Choir of Second Union Missionary Baptist Church will present its first Gospel Explosion at 6:30 p.m. Satur- day, Nov. 21. The concert will be at True Vine Missionary Baptist Church. Terri Proshee will be the guest soloist and Pastor Joseph Martin Jr., Second Union’s pastor, will make a special appearance. True Vine is located at 831 Broad- way Ave. David Hudson is Second Union’s Minister of Music. Fall revival to be held at New Birth

New Birth Fellowship Church, 1328 Enterprise Road, will a four-day revival beginning at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 22 through Nov. 25. HONORING VETERANS — Shown is a collage of photographs taken at New Bethel Com- The Rev. Errol Dorsey is pastor. munity Bapist Church’s annual Veteran’s Day service held Sunday, Nov. 8. Each veteran received a certificate. Dinner was served after the service. The Rev. Clarence Dupar Jr. is pastor.

5th Annual Women’s Conference Good Hope Baptist Church, Pineville Betty Boss & The Anointed New “Women Professing Godliness, Preparing to Meet Life’s Challenges” Gal. 5:22-23, I Tim. 2:10 Inspirational Gospel Singers 19th Year Anniversary 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009 6:30 p.m. Sat., Nov. 28 Registration Begins at 9 a.m. FREE 3:30 p.m. Sun. Nov. 29

Morning Session Evening Session New Scott Olly B.C. 10 a.m. 1:30 p.m. 2627 Willow Glen River Rd. Pastor Lynell Smith Speakers Speaker

Evangelist Carla Joseph Co-Pastor Delmarie Stampley of Zion Hill Baptist Church Shekinah Glory COGIC of Natchitoches Sis. Lilly Levan Special Guest of Good Hope Baptist Church Guest Choir Shekinah Glory COGIC of Newborn Gospel Singers & Company Lunch served at Noon Natchitoches Monroe, LA Spiritual Voices of Winnfield Good Hope Baptist Church New Vision of Alexandria 114 C.L. Bradford St., Pineville, LA N.S.O.B.C. Anointed Vessels of Alexandria Sensational Seller Singers of Monroe The Rev. Averri T. LeMalle, Host Pastor The Humphrey Family of Alexandria The Golden Links of Alexandria Th e l i g h t – No v e m b e r 15-30, 2009 Pa g e 7 25 years of Wedded Bliss

STILL TOGETHER — Shown are Kendall Maurice and Michele Williams Francois of Alexandria. The couple celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary with a vow renewal ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 14, at the Bolton Avenue Community Center. The couple’s children, Shataka, Laronda,Shatonya, Kendall Jr., Audrianna and Kyndall, hosted the event. Rev. and Mrs. Kendall Francois are natives of St. Bernard Parish. Kendall is employed with the U.S. Bureau of Prisons at Pollock, and Michele is employed by LifeShare Blood. Kendal, the former assistant pastor of St. Matthew Baptist Church in Boyce, is pastor of Hopewell Baptist Church in Colfax.

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