Lighting The Road To The Future

Alicia Carr’s Data Zone Big Birthday Bash Page 6 “The People’s Paper” March 2 - March 8, 2019 53nd Year Volume 44 www.ladatanews.com

A Data News Weekly Exclusive Mayor Cantrell Speaks with Data News Weekly

Page 2 Newsmaker National News Baby Dolls’ Calling for Unique Mardi Gras KKK Night Tradition Riders? Page 4 Page 11 Page 2 March 2 - March 8, 2019 Cover Story www.ladatanews.com

Mayor Cantrell Speaks with Data News Weekly Talks Fair Share, Infrastructure, Equity and Her Place in History

Mayor LaToya Cantrell breaking down barriers to equity in New Orleans.

Edwin Buggage Editor

On the eve of the Mayor’s Annual Mardi Gras Ball, Data News Weekly sat down with New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, where she spoke to Editor, Edwin Buggage and Pub- lisher, Terry Jones regarding a host of issues on this day . As we entered Mayor Cantrell greeted us like she always does as family members . Speaking with her is less like an interview and more like speaking to a relative or friend at a dinner table . The Mayor is one who is well

Cover Story, Continued on page 3.

Mayor Cantrell continues to make history as the first Woman Mayor of New Orleans. One of her goals is to inspire young girls and women that they can reach their full potential.

DATA NEWS WEEKLY P.O. Box 57347, New Orleans, LA 70157-7347 | Phone: (504) 821-7421 | Fax: (504) 821-7622 INSIDE DATA editorial: [email protected] | advertising: [email protected] Terry B. Jones Contributors bellsouth.net Edwin Buggage CEO/Publisher Glenn Summers Marc H. Morial Advertising Inquiries Edwin Buggage Ruthie Hawkins Cover Story ...... 2 Commentary ...... 8 Edward Carter, III Editor Nsenga K, Burton, Ph.D. datanewsad@ Dr. Anisa Shomo Cheryl Mainor Julienne Malveaux Newsmaker...... 4 Health News . . . 9. . bellsouth.net Hannah Joy Shareef Managing Editor Kelsyn Parker Calla Victoria Jordan Spencer State & Local News . . 5 National News . . 11. Lauren Victoria Burke Distribution Executive Assistant Art Direction & Production On The Run June Hazeur Pubinator.com Data Zone ...... 6 Editorial Submissions Accounting datanewseditor@ Courier Services Please call 504-309-9913 for subscription information or to obtain a back issue of the paper ONLY. Dated material two weeks in advance. Not responsible for publishing or return of unsolicited manuscripts or photos. www.ladatanews.com Cover Story March 2 - March 8, 2019 Page 3

Cover Story, Continued from page 2. studied and abreast on the issues . Black and Woman: And in her first few months in office Mayor Cantrell and she has proven to be the fighter Her Place in History for people from all zip codes . This On this day as we speak to the is one of the things that’s endeared Mayor, we are nearing the end of her to the citizens of New Orleans Black History Month and nearing that elected her as she continues the beginning of Women’s His- her historic reign as the first Wom- tory Month . In our nation and in an Mayor of New Orleans . our City, we are at a watershed moment and as LaToya Cantrell Fair Share and is making history as the City’s Infrastructure first woman mayor; in addition to Improvements being an African-American holds In the forefront of her agenda special significance . was her ‘Fair Share Initiative’ “Making history as our first Cantrell said, “We need to get woman mayor in our city in 300 our fair share of revenue from the years is an awesome responsibil- state and business community to ity and knowing I might be the help rebuild the City’s infrastruc- first, but will not be the last,” ture problems .” With a sense of ur- she says with a smile and sense gency in her voice she says, “We’ve of accomplishment and triumph . kicked that can down the road and Understanding her role in being it can’t go any further .” Data News Weekly Editor, Edwin Buggage, New Orleans Mayor, LaToya Cantrell and Data News Weekly a trailblazer bringing hope to gen- Publisher, Terry Jones. erations of other women that they One project she spoke can achieve greatness . “I realize of pressing concern the significance of my election was Sewerage and and breaking the ceiling, but the Water Board most satisfying part is that it is not “All of reserves being spent just about me, but it can inspire so before our administration up- many other women .” wards to 85 million dollars . Understanding the challenges Right now, we are asking for 75 of how her leadership will be mea- million dollars to repair in some sured as being the first is some- cases 100-year-old drains . This thing she understands but is poised is something that as many of our to face the challenge . Something citizens know affects our quality she’s proven more than cut out of life and our safety as well .” for since Hurricane Katrina show- She is seeking the help of all ing she is a leader that can bring stakeholders to come up with cre- people from various constituencies ative solutions to solve the infra- together under one umbrella . “This structure problem . Recently, the is a great time not just for me but mayor reached out to Governor Ed- other women to show we can lead wards’ asking him to create a task “We need to look at infrastructure as our top priority. “We must focus on potholes, the Green Water Man- as executives . Also, it speaks to our force that would look at the issues agement Plan, and transportation accessibility. This is not only just common sense; it also makes good ability to build consensus that will surrounding re-directing revenues business sense,” says Mayor Cantrell in regard to her Fair Share Initiative, a plan aimed at rebuilding the not just uplift women, but our com- City’s infrastructure. to New Orleans towards infrastruc- munity as a whole .” ture projects and to re-convene in says, “The City of N .O . already 30 days with a decision . has a mandated 35% DBE minor- Mayor Cantrell is also the Co- ity participation . But in the case Chair on Infrastructure for the Na- of Sewerage and Water Board tional Conference of Mayors with they do not have a mandated 35 Mayor Eric Garcetti of Los Angeles . percent it has a greater flexibil- She is taking a holistic view of infra- ity . I think this can be a great op- structure improvements . “We need portunity to move more minori- to look at infrastructure as our top ty-based firms to become prime priority . It is one of the lessons we contractors .” should have learned post-Katrina .” In a City that even in the face Continuing she says, ‘We must fo- of some demographic shifts in cus on potholes, the Green Water certain neighborhoods it still is Management Plan, and transporta- a majority Black City . But when tion accessibility . This is not only it comes to contracting and busi- just common sense; it also makes ness opportunities it is often a good business sense .” tale of two cities . Where the pen- dulum of prosperity often swings Equity and one-way . Mayor Cantrell be- Opportunity for All lieves that expanding access and As the City possibly have more helping minority business build infrastructure projects coming capacity to become prime con- down the pipeline; it is important tractors could be a win-win for that more minorities are able to ac- the City . “We have an opportuni- cess contracting and employment ty to do more and to create more opportunities . equity in our city . We cannot get Mayor Cantrell speaks opti- tunnel vision and focus on 35% mistically about what she be- when structuring these projects . lieves is possible in this area . I feel we can be more ambitious Speaking enthusiastically, she where we can do both .” Page 4 March 2 - March 8, 2019 Newsmaker www.ladatanews.com

Purchased Lives Exhibit Examines the Roots of African Americans

By Kelsyn Parker connecting the bloodline of the Afri- sion,” Gaudin told the audience as Data News Weekly can-American Community, Honora she dissected her family’s origins Contributor reminded the audience . It was not with documentation of their story unusual for descendants of slaves that she has uncovered from Tu- Time flies by and memories to slightly change their given last lane University and family photos are often forgotten, however names for multiple purposes, he that were handed down to her . She a historical footprint left be- explained . A change of a last name added that knowing the history of hind by ancestors leave a rich might initially indicate a discon- her family amazes her as it gives history of their roots that still nect from heritage, but this is not her the feeling of fulfillment . thrives today . Documentation the case at all with documentation, “Purchased Lives has given me of their past grants today’s so- which will show what the original the opportunity to tell my story ciety an all access pass to their name after a change of last name . of discovering my background,” origins . Historian Wendy Gaud- Records from the past, such as birth Gaudin said, encouraging the audi- in and Professional Genealogist certificates, death certificates, mar- ence to engage in research about Jari Honora dissected Gaudin’s riage certificates, and even photo- their genealogy . Creole Heritage at a public lec- graphs all offer clues to the mys- Both Gaudin and Honora believe ture on Feb . 19, 2019 for the tery of who African- Americans are it is necessary that African-Amer- exhibit: “Purchased Lives: The and where they come from, he said . icans today become aware of their American Slave Trade from New Orleans Genealogist Jari Honora and Historian Wendy Gaudin “The case of Dr . Gaudin is an in- ancestral history in order to com- explain the significance of tracing one’s roots for the Purchased Lives 1808 to 1865 .” exhibit series on Feb. 19, 2019. (Photos by Keslyn Parker) teresting one,” Honora said . “She’s prehend where they come from and The travelling exhibit that done extensive, independent re- attain a sense of pride, which they spanned six weeks and ends on series . “Purchased Lives pro- Honora shared the search to find out more informa- believe today’s society is lacking . Feb . 28th allowed the public to con- vides the public with a platform importance of retracing tion about her ancestry . The fact “To understand who you are sider the lived experiences of en- to further explore their roots,” the roots of ordinary that she moved from California to and what and who makes you slaved Africans in the United States Vander added citizens in the Black New Orleans, where her ancestors the person you are is one of the for Black History Month . On Feb . 26th, the exhibit community. are from, to further her knowledge greatest feelings you can possibly “Record-keeping is signifi- hosted its final installment of the “Genealogy is the study of all shows that more and more people feel,” Gaudin said to the audience . cant as it is an available, physi- lecture series, “Reclaiming Afri- the individuals who contributed to are getting in touch with their “We don’t come from just slaves . cal reference to our origins,” can- American Legacies and the making the people we are,” Honora roots,” he added . We are the product of people who said Robin Vander, an Associ- Human Spirit .” The lecture high- said . “The documentation of our an- The purpose of genealogy serves have already walked a mile in our ate Professor of Literature and lighted recent projects on African- cestors’ cultural practices, nomen- more than just unveiling the past . It shoes, people who have experi- African-American and Diaspora American History in the Greater clature, and linguistics are all inte- allows researchers to feel a sense of enced the wonders of different Studies at Xavier University New Orleans area . The exhibit gral to unveiling who we are deep pride and confidence . eras, and people that are pieces to of Louisiana, who directed the was housed for public viewing at inside,” he added . “Knowing your family’s legacy the puzzle that makes us who we “Purchased Lives” public lecture Xavier’s Library on its 6th floor . Capturing the past is key to re- is an art of celebration and inclu- are,” she said .

Baby Dolls Reflect on their Unique Tradition in Mardi Gras

By Edward Carter, III longer shy, you are no longer cam- munity,” said Baby Doll Dianne Data News Weekly era shy and you really enjoy it,” said “Gumbo Marie” Honoré . “We come Contributor Baby Doll Denise Trepagnier . together, and we share that same Current Baby Dolls said they spirit,” she said . The Baby Dolls emerged in seg- continue to maintain the practice Most Baby Dolls work to im- regated areas around Uptown, then the way the original Baby Dolls prove the community year-round became a mainstay during Mardi did . The celebration of womanhood and not just during Mardi Gras . Gras around 1912, and are now and sisterhood and the freedom to Honoré, for instance, is the known to be one of the first wom- express themselves during Mardi Founder of the Amazons, a group en’s masking organizations in the Gras is a tradition they want to pass who participates in community city, even the country . It is a group on to future Baby Dolls, they said . service and charity work . Vaz that is considered a sisterhood, sup- New Orleans traditional Baby Dolls and Kim Vaz-Deville, author, presented “I’d like to see more of our youth Deville, who has written about on this Black Mardi Gras tradition at Southern University New Orleans on porting women’s empowerment, Feb. 25, 2019. (Photo by Edward Carter, III) masking and costuming . I’d like to the Baby Dolls, emphasized that that still exists . For Black History see our children enjoy Mardi Gras despite decades since they start- Month, Southern University at New New Orleans” who is a Professor of mother happy and having fun mask- as we did,” Trepagnier said . “I’d like ed, it was still important for the Orleans paid tribute to the Legacy Education and the Associate Dean of ing, and that sense of joy intrigued to see the Mardi Gras come back to public to know what the Baby of the Baby Dolls as it marked “Afri- the College of Arts and Sciences at her about the tradition . when it was families,” she added . Dolls represent . can-American Carnival History” on Xavier University . “And if this was the most fun They acknowledged that while “It is something that is over 100 Feb . 25th . “My grandmother said Masking time she was having in her life, then some things are changing today for years old . It is a way that people The event brought local baby dolls Baby Dolls was the most fun she I was interested,” she said . Kimble traditional masking, they believe express themselves and for them Connie Abdul-Salaam, Diane Hon- had in her entire life,” said Merline said this first-hand experience is the essence of the Baby Dolls in the to know they are important . It is a oré, Merline Kimble, Rosaline Theo- “The Gold Digger” Kimble, the what got her excited about Mask- community is something that is still way for them to make their neigh- dore and Denise Trepagnier together granddaughter of an original “Gold ing Baby Dolls . relevant today . bors have a good time because with Kim Vaz-Deville, the Author of Digger” Baby Doll . She said that “Once you put on the costume, “The whole thing is about com- their neighbors weren’t included in “Walking Raddy: The Baby Dolls of she grew up watching her grand- that Baby Doll costume, you are no radery and giving back to the com- Mardi Gras,” Vaz-Deville explained . www.ladatanews.com State & Local News March 2 - March 8, 2019 Page 5 Local Businesswoman Calls for more Black Philanthropy

By Jordan Spencer White organizations . Data News Weekly However, she stated the fact Contributor that two-thirds of African-Amer- ican households give $11 billion The African-American commu- per year in formal donations nity needs to expand its philanthro- mainly going to faith-based orga- py to change inequality within the nizations and educational institu- Black community . These were tions . As racial and ethnic diver- the main points raised at a public sity increases in organizations, talk by National Author Valaida Fullwood deemed it important Fullwood in conversation with New that Black organizations tell Orleans Community Leader Linetta their stories with meaningful en- Gilbert on “Engaging Black Philan- gagement and appeal to diverse thropists” on Feb . 20, 2019 . groups of donors to promote “Giving back to the community their cause . doesn’t necessarily mean you have “It is important we invest time to write a check, but it does mean in institutions that will move us that you have to be active and open forward,” she said . According to to working in the community,” said Gilbert, spending money within Marcus Cox, the Associate Dean the Black community is the driv- of Graduate Programs and the Di- ing force of Black Philanthropy . rector for the Center for Continu- “Philanthropy doesn’t do any- ing Studies at Xavier University of Linetta Gilbert advocates for more African-American Philanthropy within our own community on Feb. 20, thing, it causes something to hap- Louisiana, whose Sanford Institute 2019. (Photo by Jordan Spencer) pen,” she said . of Philanthropy organized the talk . “Part of the reason why we ap- Award . One-hundred percent of plied for this grant and partnership the book’s proceeds directly fund with Sanford was to try to make an grants and scholarships . impact in the Black community and “Conventional ideas around also in the New Orleans area,” Cox who’s a philanthropist is narrow,” explained . Fullwood said . She named her The event featured Gilbert, who philanthropic idols: entrepreneurs is considered a local model for Richard Allen, Absalom Jones, changing the Rules of Philanthropy . Catherine Ferguson, Madame CJ Gilbert’s extensive work with the Walker, and Matel Dawson Jr . as Ford Foundation spans housing, her early inspirations in the Philan- violence prevention, health and thropy Field . She recognized that education policies, and child-wel- often times the community knows fare services . Fullwood has worked them for their businesses, but their nation-wide as a community leader philanthropy in the community is documenting Black Philanthropy . often-overlooked . She describes herself as an “idea “With imagery and stories over whisperer,” forming her visions for the centuries in America, Black sto- the Black community into writings . ries were absent, and many stories Her book Giving Back contains a were untold,” she said . She noted collaboration of stories from Black that the Philanthropy Industry fo- Philanthropists and received the cused too much on wealth and the respected 2012 McAdam Book idea that donors always come from

more photos more stories more data Page 6 March 2 - March 8, 2019 Data Zone www.ladatanews.com Alicia Carr’s Birthday Party at Prime Example

Alicia Carr celebrated her big 60th birthday last Friday, February 22, 2019 with family and friends at The Prime Ex- ample Nightclub The music was pumping, the libations were owing, and of course Data was there!!

Data News Weekly is Hiring Data News Weekly Newspaper, The People’s Paper, is hiring in our New Orleans Office.

Sales Manager/Retail Ad Manager

About the Job Data News Weekly Newspaper is the leading African Ameri- Our ideal candidate will possess the following education, can media company in New Orleans, publishing a weekly skills and experience: newspaper. Additionally, its website under ladatanews.com • Minimum 5 years print and digital sales and manager ex- is the most read Black website in the region. perience We are currently seeking a strong leader to proactively man- • Self-starter, capable of executing within all phases of sales age broad aspects of the advertising division. You will be cycle working in a positive team-oriented atmosphere which has • Strong relationship building and client service background a modern press, leading website and award-winning news- • Strong organizational, communication and presentation paper. skills Responsibilities include but not limited to: • Team player and leader • Prospect and develop sales leads for print and digital • Understanding of Analytics and ad serving technology product lines • Strong motivational skills • Drive online and cross platform advertising sales • Recruit talent • Identify, create strategies, develop influential contacts, Our company provides a competitive salary, and an envi- and help close new digital products ronment that encourages personal and professional growth. • Increase overall revenue opportunities in both print and We are an equal opportunity employer. online If you are interested in a rewarding career, email a cover let- • Develop a team sales atmosphere ter and resume to: [email protected] or mail to: Data News Weekly, c/o Terry Jones, Publisher, 3501 Napoleon Av- enue, New Orleans LA 70125 www.ladatanews.com Data Zone March 2 - March 8, 2019 Page 7 Mayor’s Mardi Gras Ball Highlights

Last Friday our new mayor, LaToya Cantrell, started off the Mardi Gras season with a blast . The Mayor’s Mardi Gras Ball at Gallier Hall was very well attended with music of all different varieties throughout each room . Below are some of those who attended, be- cause of course, Data was there!!

Visit www.ladatanews.com for more photos from these events

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Four Hundred Years and We Still Ain’t Clear Distortions of Black History

have been here even longer? There tinents, kidnapped people (some- breached . A North Carolina law many of these students Afrodescen- were captured Africans that came times with African acquiescence), said, “teaching slaves to read and dents? Why are the leaders of the from the mother continent in 1619, brought them to the Western Hemi- write, tends to excite dissatisfac- school silent about the discipline but also, thanks to the transatlantic sphere, and sold us . Goods and tion in their minds, and to produce that was ordered on the rogue slave trade, Africans here who had people flowed between England (or insurrection and rebellion .” Dis- teachers who took it upon their ig- come from Bermuda, Jamaica, and New England, the Americas, and obeying this law was punishable by norant selves to construct such an other places . Africa), including sugar, tobacco, thirty-nine lashes or imprisonment exercise? Why has David Stewart, Why is this relevant? Because manufactured products, guns and for a free Black person, or a fine of the principal of the Madison Trust there is this misguided group of humans . Understand that everyone two hundred dollars then, or about School in Louden County, sent out Julianne Malveaux NNPA Columnist Afrodescendants, who are throw- in the triangle was affected and that $5000 now . People violated the a vapid apology for a “culturally in- ing shade at those who are not enslaved people were freely traded laws, of course, but the warped sen- sensitive” exercise, and not a more “American descendants of slaves” between the United States and oth- sibility that prohibited the dissemi- strongly worded condemnation of According to some historians, ADOS . Their shade is an odd ver- er parts of the Americas! nation of knowledge is the basis for the racism implicit in this nonsense . Afrodescendents first enteredsion of the “am I Black enough I am not sure what kinds of many sick stereotypes, such as “if We have been here at least 400 these united states in 1619 off the for you” game that some folks ran warped brains dreamed up the re- you want to hide something from a years, and still, some folks aren’t coast of Virginia . If we believe that against President Barack Obama, alities of enslavement and the ways Black person, put it in a book .” clear about the ways enslavement narrative, Afrodescendents have and are now running against Presi- that a minority in the South was able Fast-forward four hundred has shaped our nation . In Virginia, been in this country for 400 years . dential candidates Kamala Harris to control a majority . The laws that years, or even two . Why are teach- where both the governor and the If the people who were kidnapped and Corey Booker . What is Black managed enslavement included ers in Louden County, Virginia, Attorney General (two of the top and brought here had to tell the enough, when we, Afrodescendant laws that prevented literacy, own- forcing fifth and sixth-grade stu- three elected officials in the state) story, would they tell the same one? people, all have enslavement in our ership, and much else . The laws dents to simulate enslavement with have admitted to masquerading in Would they say that we came before background? Let’s make it plain . often detailed the terms of punish- an obstacle course they called “The Commentary, Continued Columbus? That some of us might Europeans went to the African con- ment if restrictive conditions were Underground Railroad”? Why were on page 10.

To Be Equal Jussie Smollett Case Threatens to Distract from the Rising Tide of Hate Crimes accusations shock the conscience . at the history of racialized violence The SPLC said the 30% rise in the or hate crimes in America and think number of hate groups since 2014 I’m left hanging my head and asking why . Why some randos with bleach and a coincided with a 30% increase in the would anyone, especially an African American man use noose ain’t feasible?” number of hate crimes reported to the symbolism of a noose to make false accusations? The Chicago police appear to have the F .B .I . from 2015 through 2017 . done thorough work in Smollett’s At least 50 people were killed in a How could someone look at the hatred and suffering case . They took his complaint seri- wave of right-wing violence in 2018, associated with that symbol and see an opportunity to ously, devoted considerable resourc- Marc Morial according to the Anti-Defamation manipulate that symbol to further his own public pro- es to investigating his claims and President and CEO League . followed the evidence where it led . National Urban League Just a week ago, federal authori- file . How can an individual who’s been embraced by Every report of a hate crime should ties arrested a self-described “white the city of Chicago turn around and slap everybody in be investigated as thoroughly . This week, the Southern Pov- nationalist” Coast Guard officer the face making these false claims? Many questions remain about erty Law Center announced that who had stockpiled 15 firearms and the Smollett case . False reports – the number of hate groups in the more than 1,000 rounds of mixed – Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson particularly in a high-profile case United States continued to rise for ammunition and who wanted to – represent a squandering of pre- the fourth consecutive year in 2018 . use violence to establish a “white cious law-enforcement resources . Also, this week, a television actor homeland .” His hit list of prospec- dulity . “Why didn’t anyone do any- ankles to the bumper of a pickup Chicago, battling a wave of gun vio- was arrested on charges of staging tive victims included prominent thing?” he was asked . truck . He was dragged three lence, can ill afford the distraction . a fake racist and homophobic attack Democratic politicians, activists, “Take a deep dive into the his- miles, conscious for most of his Indeed, Superintendent Johnson on himself, allegedly so he could political organizations and media tory of racist violence in the Unit- ordeal until he was decapitated . said, “I just wish that the families appear more sympathetic in salary personalities . ed States and you’ll come away Shepherd’s attackers, motivated of gun violence in this city got this negotiations . In the face of the growing men- with countless items that sound by homophobia, tied him to a much attention, because that’s who The announcement by Chicago ace of hate-fueled terrorism, it absurd or even … conspiratorial . fence and pistol-whipped him really deserves the amount of atten- police of the case against Jussie would be tragic if the collapse of But they are true, and the truth into unconsciousness . He hung tion that we’re giving to this particu- Smollet sparked outrage and dis- Smollett’s story makes it harder for of them informs reactions today,” on the fence for 18 hours be- lar incident .” may across the nation, particu- true victims of hate crimes to be be- Bouie wrote . fore he was found, and lingered Rather than minimize the true larly among people of color and lieved . As New York Times colum- Bouie was responding to nearly a week in a coma before victims of hate crimes, we should LGBTQ people who are increas- nist Jamelle Bouie noted on Twitter a conversation that included he died . take this opportunity to turn our ingly targets of hate crimes like this week, the details of many hate mention of the 1998 murders “These crimes were so mon- attention to the rising threat . And the one Smollett allegedly staged . crimes are outrageous, and his ac- of James Byrd Jr . and Matthew strous and random and thorough should Smollett be proved beyond a Smollett is, of course, presumed counts of the horrors of lynchings Shepherd . White supremacists that they might seem to defy plau- reasonable doubt to have betrayed innocent until proven guilty and and other racially-motivated terror- attacked Byrd, spray painted sibility,” journalist Gene Denby of the public trust, must be held ac- is entitled to due process . But the ism are sometimes met with incre- his face and chained him by his NPR wrote . “How can anyone look countable for his actions . www.ladatanews.com March 2 - March 8, 2019 Page 9 Leave a Legacy

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Femme Fatale Rolled Through Uptown With Female Empowerment

By Hannah Joy Shareef Data News Weekly Contributor

Residents turned out to see Grammy Award-Winner Irma Thomas who served as the Grand Marshall this year for the Mystic Krewe of Femme Fatale’s Parade along the Uptown route on Sun- day, Feb . 24, 2019 . The primarily African-American all-women krewe was established in 2013 for women of all racial backgrounds to come together during the Mardi Gras Season and bring social awareness through the community . “Growing up, Femme Fatale has always been about meeting new people, having fun, the community coming together and forgetting about all of the negativity in New Leslie Carter and grandson, King, enjoying the Femme Fatale parade Participants in the Femme Fatale parade wore black and red on Sun- Orleans,” said Alana Lankster, a on St. Charles Avenue. (Photos By Hannah Joy Shareef) day, Feb. 24, 2019. Gentilly resident and student at Mc- Millian First Steps Academy . “Al- particular need to know that the ism, and sexism,” Reed said . er, who works for Louisiana State turned out to experience the though I am young, the women in community supports their talents,” The krewe customized their University’s School of Medicine . city’s food, music, and to catch this parade inspire me to believe in said Kimberly Reed, a local seventh floats and signature throws to re- “Today, women of all shapes and as many festive beads that they myself and these women give girls ward vendor . flect the organization’s mission to sizes accepted their true beauty by could carry back . hope every day to become whatev- Along St . Charles Avenue pa- support and empower women . This remaining sexy from their head to “New Orleans is a place where I er they want to be,” she said . rade-goers joined in on spontane- year’s throws ranged from plastic their toes,” Carter said . am able to feel free . I can do what I The parade featured local high ous line dances from the “Cupid lips, bags, flasks, and Femme Fa- Visitors to New Orleans for want without the thought of being schools and the St . Augustine High Shuffle” to the “Wobble .” The lat- tale dolls . the build up to the final days of “small enough” or “big enough,” School Marching 100, who danced, ter becoming particularly popular “Being a woman is much more Mardi Gras said that they chose said Danielle Booker, who lives marched, and played their instru- after the latest Saints football sea- than the cute clothes, hair and to attend this year’s Femme Fa- in Washington, D .C . On multiple ments along Napoleon Avenue on son . “The dances are a part of the makeup . It is the ability to remain tale Parade, citing the krewe’s floats women held up signs which to St . Charles Avenue . African-American Culture despite confident in your own skin . It is sim- purpose to inspire and motivate said, “I love me some me!” “And “Mardi Gras parades keeps our the situations that occur every ply the way you uplift and encour- women, while embodying New that’s what Femme Fatale was all babies off the streets . Our boys in day in our world like poverty, rac- age other women,” said Leslie Cart- Orleans’ Culture . They also about, loving me,” Booker said .

Commentary, Continued from page 8. OPSO Chief Earl Weaver Part of Mardi Gras Blackface, albeit thirty-odd years lective ignorance allows us, all of Security Detail at Gallier Hall for 43 Years ago, teachers don’t see anything us, African Americans, European wrong with subjecting Black stu- Americans, and others, to live in When dignitaries gathered at man and Mayor LaToya Cantrell, dents to a reenactment of enslave- denial, pretending that there is Gallier Hall Friday night for the whose Police Superintendent is ment . Oh, they said they were fairness is a racist, patriarchal, Krewe of Oshun Parade, they Shaun Ferguson . teaching “teamwork .” Really . predatory, capitalist society . did so under the watchful eye of Chief Weaver joined the Or- We have been here at least We have been here at least 400 OPSO Chief Earl Weaver, who has leans Parish Criminal Sheriff’s 400 years, and our nation is not years, but we still aren’t clear about been part of the Mardi Gras secu- Office in December 1973 as yet clear about its flawed founda- the nonsense and exploitation that rity detail at Gallier Hall for the Prison Officer 1 under Sheriff tions . There would be no house affects and infuses our very founda- past 43 years . Louis Hyde . He has worked at at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, tion . Our entire nation needs to go Chief Weaver, who joined the the Old Parish Prison facility . which should not be called the back to school to learn some his- Sheriff’s Office 45 years ago, be- He continued to move through White House, but the House that tory . But there is a special place in gan working the security detail the ranks, serving as head of Enslaved People Built, were it hell for teachers in Louden County, at Gallier Hall for the 1975 Mardi the Criminal Sheriff’s athletic not for the labor of kidnapped Virginia who think that enslave- Gras Season, spanning the admin- department, warden of the juve- people and their descendants . ment is some kind of game! istrations of four sheriffs, seven nile division, commander of the There would be no banking sys- Julianne Malveaux is an author mayors and 14 police chiefs . reserve division, and Chief of tem if enslaved people were not and economist. Her latest book Chief Weaver began his 45th Security . He is semi-retired now used as collateral for European “Are We Better Off? Race, Obama and Public Policy” is available via security detail at Gallier Hall pro- and serves on the sheriff’s staff devilment . There would be no www.amazon.com for booking, viding security under the admin- as Chief of Courts and Commu- insurance industry were it not wholesale inquiries or for more info OPSO Chief Earl Weaver istrations of Sheriff Marlin Gus- nity Services . for the enslaved . But in our col- visitwww.juliannemalveaux.com

ladatanews.com www.ladatanews.com National News March 2 - March 8, 2019 Page 11 DATA CLASSIFIED Call 504-821-7421 to Black Filmmakers Win Big place your classified ad. Job Opportunity Freelance By Nsenga K. Burton, Ph.D Prolific filmmaker Spike Lee Writers NNPA Newswire won an Oscar for Best Adapted Wanted Entertainment and Culture Screenplay for BlacKkKlansman Editor after having been overlooked in the Data News Weekly, “The competitive categories . Lee liter- People’s Paper, is looking for freelence writers to The 2019 Academy Awards have ally jumped into the arms of prolific join our team print and come to an end and #BlackGirlMag- actor and fellow Morehouse man digital team. We want ic and #BlackBoyJoy were in full ef- Samuel Jackson in celebration of to hear from you if you fect as some of our favorites walked the win . are a working journalist, or an aspiring journalist away with gold statuettes, some af- While Jackson held the statu- who has 2 years or more ter a 30-year uphill climb . ette, Lee went on to discuss slav- of newspaper or PR Black Panther was a big win- ery, Black History Month, his writing experience. We ner, taking home Oscars for Best grandmother, a Spelman College need writers who can Costume Design (Ruth E . Carter) graduate, and his alma maters: cover New Orleans news stories, ranging from and Best Production Design (Han- Morehouse College and New York local high school sports, Spike Lee and Samuel L. Jackson celebrate Lee’s 2019 Oscar win for University . nah Beachler) . Both women mak- Best Adapted Screenplay. community events, City ing history . Carter, who thanked The filmmaker said, “Make the Hall and entertainment. her 97-year-old mother during her moral choice between love versus Experience in print is necessary, experience in speech, is the first Black woman to the Moonlight and Lemonade pro- rated actress cried as she thanked hate . Let’s do the right thing,” when digital and social media win the coveted category . Beachler duction designer . her mother . accepting his award . The academy are encouraged. is the first African-American and Ludwig Göransson won the Best Mahershala Ali became a two- finally did the right thing by ac- only Black woman to be nominated Original Score category for Black time Best Supporting Actor Acad- knowledging the contributions of Compensation is and to win for set design . Panther . He also thanked Coogler, emy Award-Winner with his win African-Americans in front of and competitive and great Carter thanked Spike Lee for his collaborator while the two were for Green Book . Ali thanked his behind the camera . story ideas will be helping to launch her career in students at the University of South- grandmother for her sage advice Nsenga K. Burton, Ph.D. is en- appreciated. the entertainment business while ern California’s film school . and always believing in him . Peter tertainment and culture editor for NNPA/BlackPressUSA. A film Beachler thanked Black Pan- Regina King started the night off Ramsey won for co-directing the and media scholar, Dr. Burton is If you are interested, ther co-writer and director Ryan with a win for Best Supporting Ac- Best Animated Feature Spider- founder and editor-in-chief of the please email your resume award-winning news blog The Bur- and 3 writing samples to: Coogler stating, “I stand here be- tress for her role in Barry Jenkins’ Man: Into the Spider-Verse, making ton Wire, which covers news of terrybjones@bellsouth. cause of this man who offered me If Beale Street Could Talk . Her role history as the first African-Ameri- the African diaspora. Follow her net and datanewseditor@ on Twitter @Ntellectual or @The- bellsouth.net. a different perspective of life,” says was small but mighty and the deco- can to win the award . BurtonWire.

We can’t wait to Alabama Publisher Calls for KKK to ‘Night Ride hear from you! Again’ and ‘Clean Out’ D.C.

By Lauren Victoria Burke Sutton and suspend the membership NNPA Newswire Contributor of the Democrat-Reporter following the publication of the editorial . Goodloe Sutton, publisher of Color of Change, a young civil This space can be the Democrat-Reporter newspa- rights group, tweeted that, “The per in Linden, Alabama, wrote Democrat-Reporter has a history that the Ku Klux Klan should of anti-Black racism and their re- “night ride again” in an editorial cent editorial calling on the KKK yours for only $80 the week of February 11 . to lynch members of Congress is “Time for the Ku Klux Klan to unabashed white supremacist vio- night ride again,” he wrote . Sutton, lence .” the publisher, says he stands by the The University of Southern editorial and that the KKK, a white Mississippi, “removed the name Call Now! supremacist group founded in the of a newspaper publisher from its late 1800s after the Civil War, “didn’t journalism hall of fame after Sut- Goodloe Sutton, (former) publisher of the Democrat-Reporter newspa- ton urged the KKK to ‘ride again’” kill but a few people .” per in Linden, Alabama, wrote that the Ku Klux Klan should “night ride “We’ll get the hemp ropes again” in an editorial the week of February 11. and “strongly condemned” Sutton’s out, loop them over a tall limb “dangerous” editorial . and hang all of them,” Sutton ex- condemnation . pens when we stand by while Though many expressed shock 504-821-7421 plained in an interview regarding Sutton didn’t walk back his com- people — especially those and outrage on social media, oth- the editorial . ments after receiving press atten- with influence — publish rac- ers pointed out that the recent rise “If we could get the Klan to go tion for the controversial editorial . ist, hateful views . Words mat- in hate crimes and normalization of up there and clean out D .C ., we’d “OMG! What rock did this ter . Actions matter . Resign racism and white supremacy over all been better off,” Sutton told the guy crawl out from under? now!” Wrote U .S . Senatorthe last few years is a contributing Montgomery Reporter after news This editorial is absolutely Doug Jones of Alabama . factor in Sutton’s boldness regard- broke of his editorial . The editorial disgusting & he should resign On February 19, The Alabama ing writing such a forceful endorse- has gained national attention and -NOW! I have seen what hap- Press Association voted to censure ment of the KKK . Page 12 March 2 - March 8, 2019 www.ladatanews.com

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