Lighting The Road To The Future

Data Zone Passport Xmas Party Page 4

“The People’s Paper” December 20 - December 26 2014 49th Year Volume 34 www.ladatanews.com

A Data News Weekly Exclusive

The Holiday Spirit and the Season of Giving

Page 2 Newsmaker Commentary Dear Black Honored Elected Officials

Page 7 Page 6 Page 2 December 20 - December 26 2014 Cover Story www.ladatanews.com

The Holiday Spirit and the Season of Giving

Mattress Direct located at 200 N. Carrollton Avenue presented 39 local kids with new twin size Tempur-Pedic mattresses. Pictured above is General Manager Wayne John- son (back row left) with some of the children who received the mattresses and supporters. Johnson says he is excited that the national company is doing something to help the City’s youth. (photo by Glenn Summers)

By Edwin Buggage others are giving back across the Crescent City . tresses .” Continuing he says, “I think it is important Mattress Direct located at 200 N . Carrollton Avenue that we help people in need not just during the holiday It is again the season of giving and many from is one of several businesses that are doing something season, but year round and I am glad that we are able around the area are reaching out to help for those in need . General Manager Wayne Johnson to be in the forefront of doing something for the chil- those in need . And the help is coming from many says he is excited that the national company is doing dren of our City .” across the spectrum of the City including businesses, something to help the City’s youth . “We are present- Adonis Expose’ is Co-Owner of Funkshuns LLC, a Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs, individuals and many ing 39 local kids with new twin size Tempur-Pedic mat- full-service consulting firm and is also a member of

On The Cover: is Kyle Franklin at Drexel Prep toy drive with the Jr. class coordinators: Cover Story, Continued Chelsey Robinson on left and Mykai Scott on the right. on next page.

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 Edwin Buggage CEO/Publisher Brisket Cover Story ...... 2 Commentary . . . 6. . Edwin Buggage Julianne Malveaux Kevin Chavous Editor Calla Victoria Calla Victoria Art Direction & Production Newsmaker...... 4 State & Local News . . 7 MainorMedia.com Executive Assistant Editorial Submissions [email protected] June Hazeur Data Zone ...... 5 Advertising Inquiries Accounting [email protected] 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 December 20 - December 26 2014 Page 3

Cover Story, Continued from previous page.

Adonis Expose (above), Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club Parliamentarian, he has donated the toys he col- lects throughout the year (pictured to the right) to the Zulu’s for their annual toy giveaway. the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure and he speaks proudly of what the in mid-city and I was thrilled to be Club and serves as its Parliamen- organization does for the young part of something that meant so tarian . He has been throwing his people of New Orleans . “Zulu has much to children in our City that well-attended holiday parties for been doing a toy give away offi- are in need .” a number of years . Then in the af- cially for about 8 years, but they As stated by Leroy Haley, Christ- termath of Hurricane Katrina his have been giving things away for mas is mostly special for young parties took on a new purpose . He many years .” Continuing he speaks children . And one of the kids to get began collecting toys for the City’s on how he feels when he sees the a mattress on this day was named underserved youth . Initially, he young people waiting in line and Robert . With a smile on his face he worked with another organization receiving their gifts, “It is a great told Data News, “I feel good about but since becoming a member of feeling to see the families out there receiving a Tempur-Pedic mattress . Zulu he has donated the toys he touches your heart .” Continuing he says, “I attend MLK collects to them for their annual toy Leroy Haley is someone who School and I like to play basket- giveaway . “I started giving my an- has been directly impacted by the ball, and when I get home and go nual event 15 years ago, but after goodwill of others . As he continues to sleep my mattress is hard . This Hurricane Katrina I saw a need and to work hard to position himself to new mattress is going to help me started my toy drive because there do for his family that includes his sleep better and I want to thank were a lot of kids who did not have fiancée and two children he ap- Mattress Direct for giving me a new a lot and were displaced . I saw there preciates the help he is receiving mattress .” was a lot of hardship, so I thought during the holiday season . “I am The holiday season is a time it would be great to give back,” he grateful for the help Zulu is giving where people’s hearts open in big says of why he selflessly serves and other organizations around ways . And those who are helped others . Of the events he says, “It is the City to help people who unfor- are eternally grateful . “I don’t know overwhelming to see kids and their tunately do not have the resourc- where I would be without the good- families waiting in lines that were es to get gifts for their children . will of others right now as I seek around the corner, it is always a I believe more people should give, employment to care for my family . great feeling to give back to those but I know for me I am grateful for I feel blessed meeting Kyle through who are in need during this time of the help I am getting so my kids can my neighbor who mentioned the the year . It is an amazing feeling; enjoy Christmas .” great things Zulu does with their CALL NOW!!! words can’t describe the look in a During the holiday season many toy giveaway because without him kid’s eyes . Seeing the kids filled get as much joy out of giving as re- I don’t know where I would get gifts 504.947.3445 with joy is very emotional for me .” ceiving . Wayne Johnson says it was this season for my children,” says Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure great to see how excited the young Leroy Haley of the generosity of Call For a FREE Quote Today Club have been around for more people were after they received others . than a century . They are known their mattress “They were very ex- The holidays bring out the best e In around town for many things, but cited about the gifts; in fact one of in people, and it is great to see peo- m suran o ce is lc New MU what has come to become another the young girls laid on one of the ple extend themselves to help their e Or ST in W ! leans e ou thing that’s synonymous with this mattresses and went to sleep .” He fellow man and woman . Beyond W Y organization is their annual toy give also says that being a local business just the giving of gifts, this is what away that draws over 1500 young- he feels that it is important that if the season is all about serving oth- sters from around the City to re- you are going to do business in ers . And for all our readers we wish Let us see if we can SAVE you some ceive Christmas gifts . Kyle Franklin New Orleans that you should give you’ll Happy Holidays from Data money on your premium. is the Zulu Toys for Tots Chairman back . “We are a locally owned store News Weekly . Page 4 December 20 - December 26 2014 Data Zone www.ladatanews.com

Christmas Party at the New Orleans Passport Office Photos by Brisket

The Holidays’ best party hands-down had to be the Christmas party at the New Orleans Passport Office . Oh what fun they had ringing in the season!

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

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Monday Night Football at DJ Shine’s Party at Spice Photos by Brisket New Zulu Event Hall DJ Shine hosted a party at Spice Nightclub . Guests appearance by hip-hop star Photos by Brisket Choppa kept the crowd on their feet with his driving beats and lyrics, and DJ Shine Big Shot Roy Fox hosted a Monday Night Football at the newly opened Zulu Event on the ones and twos . A great way to start the holidays! Hall . The Saints rocked the Bears and everyone had a great time .

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

Editor/Reporters Sales Manager/Retail Ad Manager

About the Job About the Job Data News Weekly Newspaper is the leading African Ameri- skills and experience: can media company in New Orleans, publishing a weekly • Minimum 5 years print and digital sales and manager ex- newspaper. Additionally, its website under ladatanews.com Journalists — tired of reading of layoffs, closings, perience is the most read Black website in the region. the dire straights of the profession? Recent college We are currently seeking a strong leader to proactively man- • Self-starter, capable of executing within all phases of sales graduates — think your job prospects are bleak? age broad aspects of the advertising division. You will be cycle Not with us! working in a positive team-oriented atmosphere which has a modern press, leading website and award-winning news- • Strong relationship building and client service background At Columbia-Greene Media, we are expanding! paper. • Strong organizational, communication and presentation skills This includes starting a print newspaper/digital en- Responsibilities include but not limited to: deavor in one of the most dynamic and exciting • Prospect and develop sales leads for print and digital • Team player and leader cities, New Orleans. product lines • Understanding of Analytics and ad serving technology If you want to be an integral part of your commu- • Drive online and cross platform advertising sales • Strong motivational skills nity, tell stories in a multi-media environment — look • Identify, create strategies, develop influential contacts, • Recruit talent and help close new digital products no further. Our company provides a competitive salary, and an envi- • Increase overall revenue opportunities in both print and ronment that encourages personal and professional growth. If interested, send your resume, cover letter and online We are an equal opportunity employer. at least three clips of your work to Terry Jones Pub- lisher, Data News Weekly, 3501 Napoleon Ave, New • Develop a team sales atmosphere If you are interested in a rewarding career, email a cover let- Our ideal candidate will possess the following education, ter and resume to: [email protected] or mail to: Data Orleans, LA 70125, or via email to terrybjones@bell- News Weekly, c/o Terry Jones, Publisher, 3501 Napoleon Av - south.net. or call (504) 821-7421. enue, New Orleans LA 70125 Page 6 December 20 - December 26 2014 Commentary www.ladatanews.com

Breathing Life into a Movement

breathe, I can’t breathe” ought to How can any of us breathe in and ignorance . Can’t breathe . of Eric Garner, Michael Brown, and motivate all Americans, not just an atmosphere of compounded in- Whether he is svelte or obese, little Tamir Rice? Our president African Americans, but Americans justice? How can we breath in an carrying a briefcase or a bag of faced protest when he criticized of conscience to breathe life and atmosphere of hypocrisy, when skittles, wearing a Hermes suit or James Crowley, the White police energy into a movement for justice . justice has never been blind? We a hoodie, behaving respectfully or officer who arrested Harvard Pro- Breathing ought to be a simple live in a nation where a 12-year-old rudely, a Black man’s safety can- fessor Henry Louis Gates, Jr . in his thing . Air in, air out . It’s not so boy, Tamir Rice, is shot because he not be guaranteed, especially when own house in 2009 . Now, Obama simple when one’s neck is being has a toy pellet gun that wasn’t even a White police officer is involved . offers measured words in response Julianne Malveaux choked . Not so simple when one’s pointed at police . Hard to breathe The mothers, daughters, sisters, to the outrageousness of grand jury NNPA Columnist spirit is being choked . The image of when video makes it absolutely aunts and wives of these men hold failure to indict . Eric Garner’s neck in a chokehold, clear that it was not necessary for their breath, cannot breathe, except Attorney General Eric Holder the image of at least four White po- Daniel Panaleo to place Eric Garner to pray for the safety of their loved has been less measured in his com- “I can’t breathe,” gasped Eric lice officers on top of him, is galling . in a chokehold . Hard to breathe ones . Would the system be fairer ments . The day after the Staten Garner, again and again and again . All the more galling is the invisible when a grand jury comes to an in- if a White man walking down Park Island grand jury exonerated Dan- “I can’t breathe,” he said, as several choking of spirit that comes when comprehensible decision, one that Avenue had the same fears? Would iel Panaleo for his murder of Eric police officers were on top of him, people cannot breathe, cannot defies common sense – and what the protests look different if those Garner, Holder announced Depart- choking him, pushing his head onto speak, and cannot respond to injus- we saw with our eyes . who were massacred looked differ- ment of Justice’s findings of exces- the concrete sidewalk . The man tice . Difficult to breathe when an ent? sive force by the Cleveland Police was not resisting arrest; he simply To put this in a historical context, elected official, Congressman Pe- Can’t breathe has become a met- Department . Perhaps the Cleve- had the temerity to ask a police of- how many were as free to speak as ter King (R-NY), chooses to blame aphor for the African American con- land consent decree will be a first ficer not to touch him . And because Ida B . Wells was when she fought Eric Garner’s health for his death . dition, juggling the space between step toward cleaning up excessive he was allegedly selling loose ciga- against lynching . Even in her free- “If he had not had asthma, and a hopes and despair, between prog- police action around the country . rettes, the life was choked out of dom, Wells was threatened and run heart condition, and was so obese, ress and regress . Who would have Eric Garner did not have to die . him . out of Tennessee . But others feared almost definitely he would not have thought police violence against Afri- He did not have to stop breathing . No one tried to help him or stop to speak about lynching for fear of died from this,” King told CNN’s can American men would so visibly Did his last breath bring life to a the vicious assault, which was ruled being lynched themselves . Can’t Wolf Blitzer . King failed to note that escalate at a time when our nation’s movement, or did he gasp that last a homicide by the coroner . Emer- breathe . Think of the many African use of the chokehold was banned leader is an African American man . breath in vain? gency medical respondents of- Americans who have served in our by New York Police Department in Can President Obama breathe, or is fered no assistance . Eric Garner’s armed forces, treated unfairly, serv- 1993 . Instead, there is no shame, he in a figurative chokehold when Julianne Malveaux is an author and economist based in Washing- last words, “I can’t breathe, I can’t ing nonetheless, often silent . no condolence in his insensitivity he parses words about the murders ton, D.C.

An Open Letter to Black Elected Officials

cent of African-American students dents outperforming their African- and acquaintances who are part of easy to pick up the baton and chal- drop out of high school nationally American peers up to 30 points on the education system and continue lenge the education establishment - 15 percentage points higher than standardized tests . Not only are Af- to work hard in that system each on behalf of the kids not served well their White counterparts . In urban rican-American students struggling day . Assurances of coming change by that system . school districts with a high concen- in high school, but are ill prepared that never comes for so many of our But, those challenges aside, tration of low-income and minority to succeed in higher education . kids trapped in failing schools . enough is enough . students, the gap is widened and Nearly 63 percent of African-Amer- On the other hand, it is hard to Those of us who are vested with graduation rates are even lower . ican students enrolled in a full-time join forces with some of your fel- some measure of authority or influ- Kevin Chavous According to the Schott Report on four-year college institution fail to low conservative legislators who ence need to take an all hands on

Black Males in Public Education, graduate . may be identified with education deck approach to addressing the African-American males have the For years, we have known that reform . I do understand that you educational shortfalls within our Each year, various social service lowest graduation rates out of any these deficits exist in many of the have fought with many of those community . As best we can, we organizations issue reports relating other race in 38 of our nation’s 50 schools in our community . And legislators for years over proposed need to lay aside the adult issues, to the state of Black America . While states, a 76 percent majority . For for years, we have put a band aid cuts to social service programs that the system preservation issues, issues such as affordable housing, over a decade, African-American on the problem and talked in plati- provide a needed lifeline for many and the tendency to go along to get jobs, crime and challenging family students have been the least likely tudes about future solutions . Yes, of your constituents . As one of your along and start to truly put our kids dynamics are generally discussed, to obtain a high school diploma many of you offer well intentioned peer colleagues from Mississippi first . the poor quality of the education out of every racial or ethnic group remedies consistent with the mem- said to me, “You need to realize Our new standard should be: received by far too many African- in the United States . Additionally ories of your own schooling - even that if I support charter schools or will this proposal - irrespective of American children continues to be the achievement gap between Afri- though those days represent a far- school choice, I am instantly identi- who proposed it - help our chil- a focal point found in these reports . can-American and White students away time that has long passed us fied with the enemy and viewed as a dren learn? If the answer is yes, we The facts don’t lie . According to has consistently grown or stayed by . Additionally, many of you have traitor to many of my people” . should support it . John Hopkins University, 32 per- stagnant nationally with White stu- relied on assurances from friends The truth is I know that it is not Commentary, Continued on page 7. www.ladatanews.com National News December 20 - December 26 2014 Page 7 DATA CLASSIFIED Call 504-821-7421 to place your classified ad. Aaron Neville Honored Mailboxes by Mark

joins 26 other songs deemed time- You pay for the bricks or maybe you By Calla Victoria have bricks already. You provide less, influential and historically the mailbox. New Orleans crooner, and significant . Among the other 2014 I will provide the cement, wood, mortar, nails etc. You choose or member of the legendary Neville Grammy Hall of Fame inductees create the design. Prices vary family, Aaron Neville received the are Lou Reed’s Cosimo Matassa’s according to the design. supreme honor of having his sig- hit “Walk On The Wild Side,” The Contact: Mark (504) 723‐7318 nature hit song “Tell it Like it Is” 4 Seasons’ “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” inducted into the Grammy Hall of ABBA’s “Dancing Queen,” the Sex Fame, The Recording Academy Pistols album “Never Mind The announced on Tuesday December Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols,” 16, 2014 . To be inducted into the and Alice Cooper’s “School’s Out .” AVON Grammy Hall of Fame, a record- Other inductees include record- The company for women $$$ ing must be at least 25 years old ings by Harry Belafonte, Leonard $$$$$ and “exhibit qualitative or histori- Cohen, Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, Can you use some extra cash? Try Avon!!! Avon is easy to sell, cal significance . “Tell it Like It Bonnie Raitt, Otis Redding, and no experience necessary. It cost Is” was written by George Davis Hank Williams . Other New Orleans only $10.00 to start. and Lee Diamond, recorded at artists to have been honored over Become your own boss or just earn extra money. Whether you Cosimo Matassa’s Studio in New the years are ’s “Ain’t are interested in purchasing Avon Orleans, and released in 1966 . It That a Shame,” “ Blueberry Hill” products or becoming an Avon Representa�ve yourself, I can peaked at number one on the R&B and “Walking to New Orleans,” assist you. charts and number two on the pop Professor Longhair’s “Tipitina,” Call June ‐ 504‐606‐1362 charts in 1967 and on the Billboard and several songs by Louis Arm- I will explain everything and help you to get started. Hot 100 . Musicians performing strong including “West End ,” on the single included “Deacon Willie Tee, June Gardner, Emory also arranged the single . “St . Louis Blues,” and “What a Won- John” Moore, Alvin “Red” Tyler, Thomas and George Davis, who Neville’s song “Tell it Like It Is” derful World .”

Commentary, Continued from page 6.

Of course, this new approach forts promoted by State Superin- requires something equally hard: tendent John White . Often, these Oh Come Let taking the politics out of education . Louisiana Black Caucus members Now is time for us to do all we can find themselves voting with con- Us Adore Him to take partisanship and party cau- servative colleagues with whom This space can be cus prioritizing out of the education they oppose on most other issues . Public Invited as Central City’s policy and funding discussion . Such But, as former New Orleans State partisanship continues to curtail Senator Ann Duplessis says, “At Israelite Baptist Church Hosts Live the reform effort in many school some point, we have to come to- districts hurt our kids . gether to help our kids, or accept Nativity Scene December 22 and 23 Rather, the example set by the fact that we will continue to many of your peers in the Loui- lose more of them” . yours for only $80 siana Black Legislative Caucus With all of the challenges fac- is one to follow . In recent years, ing Black America, none is more several of those members have important to our future than the New Orleans City Council Pres- by the Israelite Baptist Church, embraced bold education reform education of our young . As you en- ident Stacy Head is proud to sup- Reverend Emanuel Smith, Jr ., Pas- initiatives ranging from charter ter your respective legislative ses- port the Israelite Baptist Church’s tor, City Council President Stacy schools, virtual learning, com- sions in the New Year, I truly hope 2014 Christmas production of a Head, NOPD, 6th Police District, mon core and the statewide op- that that you find the way to extend live nativity scene, in partnership Central City Partnership, Inc ., Call Now! portunity scholarship program . yourselves beyond yourselves and with the NOPD’s 6th Police Dis- Young Men Olympians Benevo- Moreover, some of those same build the needed alliances to get trict, the Central City Partner- lent Association and features Gos- members have been supportive of our kids in good schools now - by ship, Inc ., and the Young Men pel Musician Jo “Cool” Davis and the aggressive system reform ef- any means necessary . Olympians Benevolent Associa- other community choirs tion . Community members, es- The live outdoor nativity scene pecially those from the Central with costumed actors, children, and City neighborhood, are invited live music will take place at the Is- to attend this unique neighbor- raelite Baptist Church, 2100 Martin 504-821-7421 hood event and share in the spirit Luther King Junior Boulevard, New of the holiday season . Outdoor Orleans, on Monday, December 22 seating will be provided . and Tuesday, December 23 from more photos This special event is supported 5:30 p m. . - 8:30 p .m . more stories more data ladatanews.com