Lighting The Road To The Future

Data Zone French Quarter Festival Page 6

“The People’s Paper” April 18 - April 24, 2015 49th Year Volume 51 www.ladatanews.com

A Data News Weekly Exclusive

Black & Blue in America

Page 2 Commentary Newsmaker New Orleans State of Goes to the Polls Black America May 2nd Page 8 Page 4 Page 2 April 18 - April 24, 2014 Cover Story www.ladatanews.com Black and Blue in America

African Americans throughout the nation in the last year, have joined together in protest against the police brutality that has been unleashed against Black men. The cellphone camera has become the key to holding those police responsible for the deaths of several, but has not proven yet, to be enough in all cases to warrant the arrest of those who killed unjustly unarmed Black men.

By Edwin Buggage have become the rallying cry of those who want fair- sighted to say that all police are going out with the ness and justice for all citizens of our nation . The intent of killing Black Men . Most are hard-working Recently, we have had several high profile shoot- deaths at the hands of police of Michael Brown, Eric doing a tough job putting their lives on the line and ings involving the police killing of unarmed Black Garner and more recently Walter Scott have brought should be praised for keeping us safe . But when they men . This sad state of events has caused protest across into focus questionable police tactics . do wrong, the blue wall of silence must not apply; bad America . It has resonated with many and slogans such These deaths of Black Men at the hands of police officers must be held accountable for their actions . as “Hands up don’t shoot” and “Black Lives Matter” are a major concern, but it is irresponsible and short- Admittedly, the job of a police officer can at times

Cover Story, Continued on next page.

DATA NEWS WEEKLY INSIDE DATA P.O. Box 57347, New Orleans, LA 70157-7347 | Phone: (504) 821-7421 | Fax: (504) 821-7622 editorial: [email protected] | advertising: [email protected]

Terry B. Jones Contributors Edwin Buggage CEO/Publisher Marc Morial Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. Cover Story ...... 2 Home Style . . . . 9 . Edwin Buggage Kichea S. Burt LMG Calla Victoria Editor Charlene Crowell Newsmaker...... 4 Dollar & Sense . . 10. The Bookworm Sez Calla Victoria Data News Weekly Staff Art Direction & Production Data Zone ...... 6 Book Review . . . 10 . Executive Assistant MainorMedia.com Editorial Submissions June Hazeur [email protected] Commentary . . . 8. . 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 April 18 - April 24, 2014 Page 3

Cover Story, Continued from previous page.

be equally stressful, demoralizing, history . That things for America’s finds its way in our consciousness, ate with the White race, either in and rewarding . But as non-law en- Darker Brother is not always fair . our public policy and our private social or political relations, and so forcement officer and Black male Finally, we must together com- thoughts that Black men are pre- far inferior that they had no rights in America are sometimes unfairly mit ourselves as members of the disposed to become criminals and which the White man was bound targeted by the police it can be as community, those elected into of- are potentially dangerous and that to respect .” We have made great equally stressful . It has been in- fice, and those in law enforcement presumption of innocence does not strides in many areas towards ra- grained into the consciousness of to begin to rethink police policy and apply to them . We must ask our- cial reconciliation in this country, many that the perception of Black procedures . Dashboard cameras selves in this nation how far have but in the area of law enforcement males being potential criminals is and body cameras on policeman is we come from Scott v . Sanford in and what sometimes happens to ever present in the minds of many a step in the right direction . But it is 1857 when Supreme Court Justice Black males, we as a nation still in law enforcement, where polices more important for us as a society Roger Taney wrote, “the authors have a long way to go because such as racial profiling, stop and to move, become not post racial but of the Constitution had viewed all sometimes Black Lives don’t mat- frisk and stopping individuals for post racist . To work towards chang- Blacks as “beings of an inferior or- ter or have equal value as oth- driving while Black is standard ing our tainted racist history that der, and altogether unfit to associ- ers… but they should . practice . While we all understand the emi- nent danger of police work but the shoot now, stop now, ask questions later mentality must cease . But the questions is how do we come to a common understanding where the folks in blue and Blacks can have a relationship based on mutual re- spect, and where the police actually serve and protect? This for some may seem like a pipe dream, because we are in an age where in these high pro- file cases it seems okay for law enforcement to have their way with Black males and be exoner- With respect to some police be- ated . It seems the cry for law and haviors we must keep in mind they order has given way for excusing have lives outside of wearing the police brutality and in some cases badge . And unfortunately some murder based on preconceived have internalized and mirror soci- notions of Black males being a po- ety’s prejudice image of Black men . tential threat . The police in these And without a historical framework cases sometimes overreact to situ- or familiarity to draw from they do ations that in some instances can not understand how Black men feel be defused, without causing major when they have to encounter the confrontations leading to injury police . and sometimes death of those Where Black Men sometimes who encounter the police . feel harassed and their dignity, We understand that it would pride, respect, intelligence, compe- be naïve on our parts to state that tence, and humanity, and honesty Black men do not commit crime, for are an issue . And one must remem- as it is well-known and documented ber that not so long ago in our his- that Black men commit a dispro- tory police could basically get away portionate amount of crime that far with throwing any charge on Blacks exceeds our numbers in the popula- and get away with it . tion . But contrary to what some of Police abuse of Blacks is not a the mean spirited self-serving poli- new phenomenon, because for as ticians, prosecutors and defense at- long as there has been an organized torneys, the police and some media police force to speak of, Blacks have organizations that use young Black been the enemy of the state . Then males as a scapegoat portraying even when those in charge of these them as young thugs who are out to agencies are Black their marching rob, rape, and kill to garner votes, orders, programs and initiatives win cases or acquit defendants or often times have already handed get high ratings . down on how to deal with Blacks . They are not the only ones cul- From John Punch in the 1600’s pable that must be called to task being given a harsher sentence because we have some in our own for the same so-called crime “run- community who are opportunist . ning away from indentured servi- That is the professional Black activ- tude” as his White cohorts, to the ist who uses racial inequality and Rodney King and Abner Louima strife to enrich themselves . While beatings, the murder of Amadou the people they supposedly rep- Diallo, and today Michael Brown, resent stay disenfranchised . But Eric Garner and Walter Scott . We they become six and seven figure see many of the same things hap- activist . They will come out and at- pening, but now because of tech- tack police and Whites in racial in- nology many outside the African- cidents, but will not come out with American community getting a the same fervor when Blacks do window into what we have known bad things to other Blacks . and experienced throughout our Page 4 April 18 - April 24, 2014 Newsmaker www.ladatanews.com Get Out and Vote in May 2nd Election

By Data News Weekly Staff Parish-wide Public Library Prop- current 3 .14 mills shall expire De- osition (New Millage) cember 31, 2021? Shall the City of New Orleans Law Enforcement District Propo- Voting is Important (the “City”) be authorized to levy sition (Millage) As we get into the full swing of fes- and collect annually, in addition to Shall the Sheriff of Orleans Parish, tival season with last week’s French any other authorized tax, a special as the governing authority of the Law Quarter Festival and the upcoming ad valorem tax not to exceed 2 .5 Enforcement District of the Parish New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Fes- mills on all property subject to taxa- of Orleans, State of Louisiana (the tival the City will be abuzz with great tion within the City (an estimated “District”), levy a tax of not exceed- food, fun and music . But against the $8 .25 million reasonably expected ing 2 .8 mills on all property subject to backdrop of all these great events at this time to be collected from the taxation in the District (an estimated there is an election on May 2nd that levy of the tax for an entire year), $9,366,050 reasonably expected at has two propositions on them that are for a period of 25 years, beginning this time to be collected from the levy important for our City . January 1, 2016 and ending De- of the tax for an entire year), for a pe- Both are millage propositions cember 31, 2040, which tax shall be riod of 10 years, beginning with the that will help operate and improve collected in the same manner as all year 2016 and ending with the year the New Orleans Public Library other ad valorem taxes and which 2025, for the purpose of providing branches across the City and one shall be dedicated to and used by additional funding for the operation, that will help fund the maintenance the New Orleans Public Library maintenance and upkeep of jails and and upkeep of the Orleans Parish System for the purpose of adequate- related facilities, the District and the jails and other related expenses . ly funding its continued operations, Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, with In the name of keeping our read- said tax to be levied and collected said millage levied each year to be re- ers informed and involved we at the in addition to the current 3 .14 mills duced by the millage rate levied that New Orleans Data News Weekly courage our citizens to vote . Early tions that are on the ballot in the May previously approved by the voters year for the District’s currently out- wanted to provide information about voting begins on April 18th and ends 2nd election and information sur- of New Orleans for the benefit of standing General Obligation Bonds? both of these propositions and en- on April 25th . Below are the proposi- rounding early voting . the City’s public libraries, which Important Dates for May 2, 2015 Election

April 18-25, 2015: Early Voting Week . All locations for early vot- ing will be closed on Sunday the Pay Raises for More Than 16,000 19th . April 28, 2015: Last day to re- quest mail ballot from Registrar Walmart Associates in Louisiana May 1, 2015: Last day to return voted mail ballot to Registrar . Ballots must be received by 4:30 p .m . (not including military and As part of Walmart’s additional have greater choice in their work overseas citizens) . $1 billion investment in its work- scheduling to better fit their individ- . ers this year, Walmart is giving pay ual needs . To ensure consistency, Voters who need help finding raises to 16,028 associates in Louisi- some associates will have access to their polling location can call (504) ana for the pay period starting April fixed schedules that will not change 658-8300 or use the Louisiana Voter 4th . With the raises, associates earn for at least six months . Associates Portal at least $1 .75 an hour above the fed- also will have the option to pick eral and state minimum wage . The their own shifts or continue to be Early Voting Sites new full-time average hourly wage scheduled systematically based on 1) City Hall in Louisiana is now $12 .89 . their availability . 1300 Perdido Street, Room 1W24 This is the first company-wide in- Associates will also be intro- New Orleans, LA 70112 crease in wages since its announce- duced to a new development and 2)Algiers Courthouse ment in February to provide even opening doors for existing and new Walmart is acting purposefully training program developed by 225 Morgan Street, Room 105 more opportunity for its workers . associates by providing increased on wages all along the opportunity Walmart workers that allows them New Orleans, LA 70114 As of April 4th, all Walmart associ- scheduling flexibility and control, ladder . For example, the company to improve and build the skills nec- 3) Chef Menteur Voting Ma- ates earn at least $9 per hour and and new training opportunities for is reexamining the department essary to grow and enhance their chine Warehouse Site by February 2016 all current asso- continued growth and advance- manager roles and will raise the careers . The goal of Walmart’s 8870 Chef Menteur Highway ciates will earn at least $10 per hour . ment beyond entry-level jobs . starting wage for some of them to transformation effort is to set the New Orleans, LA 70126 Walmart is also raising the floor and “I’m excited to learn how I can at least $13/hour this summer and stage for future associates and 4) Lake Vista Community Center ceiling of its in-store pay bands in work my way up to a manager or at least $15/hour early next year . showcase the unique ways Walmart 6500 Spanish Fort Blvd . most stores and is providing raises supervisor position in these new As part of the company’s commit- offers appropriate onboarding and New Orleans, LA 70124 to associates earning at the maxi- training programs,” said Chasity ment to associate success, Walmart training . Robust onboarding and mum of their pay band . Banks, associate of Walmart Super- is also implementing comprehen- training programs are essential for All Elections are important so Starting wages are just one center #912 in New Orleans . “The sive changes to its hiring, training, associates and their careers, ensur- get out and vote, it is not just your part of Walmart’s commitment to pay raise and new opportunities to compensation, and scheduling pro- ing a greater chance for promotions right it is your responsibility . providing associates with clearer advance our career here shows me grams, as well as its store structure . and other advancements . career opportunities . Through its that Walmart really wants associ- Walmart associates from Loui- Opportunity initiative, Walmart is ates to succeed .” siana and around the country will ladatanews.com LegaL Notice Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Economic and Property Damages Settlement The Deadline to file a Claim is June 8, 2015

June 8, 2015 has been established as the  Economic Damage  Loss of Subsistence deadline to submit a claim in the Economic  Vessel Physical Damage and Property Damages (“E&PD”) Settlement Real Property Sales Damage with BP Exploration & Production Inc. and Vessels of Opportunity Charter Payment BP America Production Company (“BP”)  Coastal Real Property Damage related to the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill.  Wetlands Real Property Damage So if you are eligible to file a claim, you Economic Damage payments are available must act soon. for Individuals and Entities that lost profits or earnings as a result of the Deepwater Who is included? Horizon Incident. Coastal Real Property payments are available for property that The E&PD Settlement Class includes people, was physically damaged in connection with businesses, other entities, and properties in the the Deepwater Horizon Incident. Detailed states of Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi, descriptions of all seven categories are and certain counties in Texas and Florida, available at the website. that were harmed by the Deepwater Horizon There is no limit on the total dollar amount oil spill that occurred on April 20, 2010. The of the E&PD Settlement. All qualified and website DeepwaterHorizonSettlements.com timely claims will be paid in full once they has detailed descriptions and maps of the are approved. The Settlement also allowed included geographic locations to help you for Seafood Compensation claims, but the determine whether you are a part of the E&PD deadline for those claims has passed. Settlement Class. Additionally, you can call 1-866-992-6174 or e-mail questions@ DeepwaterHorizonEconomicSettlement.com hoW do i request a payment? to find out if a geographic location is included. You must submit a Claim Form to request a payment. You can get a copy of the various What are the payment Claim Forms by visiting the website or by categories? calling 1-866-992-6174. Claims can be submitted online or by mail. If you have The settlement provides payments if you questions about how to file your claim, you had economic loss or property damage should call the toll-free number for assistance. because of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The claims process can be complex, so if you By submitting a claim, you can request a are eligible to file a claim, you should act now payment in one or more of the following so you may complete your claim before the seven categories: June 8, 2015 deadline.

DeepwaterHorizonSettlements.com  1-866-992-6174 Page 6 April 18 - April 24, 2014 Data Zone www.ladatanews.com

2015 French Quarter Festival Good to the Last Drop Photos by Kichea S. Burt

The 32nd Annual French Quarter a neighborhood festival and ‘locals’ eight new restaurants to ‘The World’s festival-goers into a unique cultural Festival presented by Chevron, was event’ has grown into the largest Largest Jazz Brunch’; employed over experience that cannot be replicated held on April 9th-12th and featured showcase of Louisiana music and 1,700 world class, local musicians; anywhere . The Festival had some- new stages and restaurants, ex- food in the world, with an economic launched two new stages; offered thing for everyone, and was good panded Film Fest, Children’s Head- impact of over $251 million . an expanded Children’s Headquar- to the last drop! And of course, Data quarters and more . What started as In 2015, organizers welcomed ters and Film Fest; and immersed was there .

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

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Real Talk for Real Times... 1639 Gentilly Blvd. New Orleans, LA 70119 (504)942-0106 www.wbok1230am.com www.ladatanews.com Data Zone April 18 - April 24, 2014 Page 7

Xavier Prep Annual Fundraiser

Photos by Terry B. Jones

Xavier Prep High School held it’s Annual Fun- draiser to support school programs at the school . The event was attended by family and supporters of the school and was a great success .

Visit www.ladatanews.com for more photos from these events 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 8 April 18 - April 24, 2014 Commentary www.ladatanews.com

Attacking Economic Racism

Why are so many Black Ameri- businesses and grassroots organi- and profiling coupled with the igno- America will require establishing cans still mired down in inter-gen- zations throughout the country? rance of racial prejudice and hatred . more internal unity and more ex- erational poverty, lack of health Why does the American econo- Yes, this is an admittedly com- ternal coalition-building and part- care, inadequate education, raging my remain racially segregated in plex definition of economic racism . nering with those who stand for unemployment, disproportionate 2015? Why are Black Americans The matrix of complexity concern- freedom, justice and equality with imprisonment, the highest rate of consigned to poverty and economic ing economic racism, however, their money, words and deeds . housing foreclosures and housing inequality? does not make it impossible to chal- Organizing and mobilizing an ef- discrimination, the lowest rate of The answer is amazingly simple: lenge and to overcome . No one is fective movement to challenge and bank lending and overall exclusion It is the reality of economic racism, born a racist . We can and will even- overcome economic racism is long Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. from access to sustainable wealth defined as the intentional racial dis- tually liberate ourselves from all overdue NNPA Columnist generation in every region of the crimination against Black Ameri- forms of of racial oppression and The perpetrators of racial injus- nation? cans and other people of color to economic racism . tice and discrimination are always Despite ill-intended efforts to do How is it mathematically pos- prevent economic equality, justice, We have not concentrated on eco- reluctant to confess or acknowl- it for us, Black Americans have a re- sible for Black Americans to spend parity, advancement, and empow- nomic racism as much as we should edge the reality of these centuries- sponsibility to define our own reality . more than $1 .2 trillion annually erment; it is the systematic racial have because of the overemphasis old phenomena . In the United It is a fundamental human right rec- in the United States, and yet the exclusion of Black Americans and on politics . But we eventually had States, in particular, there is a his- ognized and respected by the United overwhelming majority of the other people of color from econom- to recognize that even our political toric and contemporary denial of Nations . Therefore, it is incumbent companies that make huge profits ic policy-making at local, state and system is controlled by economics how race plays a determinative role upon us to define, without apology, from the annual spending of Black national levels in both corporate and politicians tend to be more re- in all aspects of society . As former the deadly and debilitating manifesta- Americans do nothing more than and governmental entities; and, sponsive to those who support their U .S . Senator Bill Bradley (D-NJ) tion of racial discrimination and injus- invest far less than 1 percent of it is economic institutionalization campaigns economically . Chavis, Continued on page 9. tice as “economic racism .” their profits back into Black-owned of racial oppression, stereotyping, The economic liberation of Black

To Be Equal The State of Black America Part 3: Justice American citizens of Ferguson, Mo . as a seemingly endless parade Ferguson this year . But this should states are now in line to codify into by the city’s police department . The of police officers are not held ac- not – and cannot – silence our call to law new ways to make it difficult for report’s tragic catalyst was – and countable by grand juries for their action in communities besieged by people to vote—laws that would dis- sadly remains – an all-too-familiar actions . We are also witnessing a police officers who treat the people proportionately affect communities story in Black and Brown communi- continual assault upon our voting they are intended to serve and pro- of color . Voting is a powerful tool ties dotted across our nation: an un- rights, as several states prepare to tect as presumptively guilty . for any individual or group in a de- armed black male was approached pass legislation that would erode The exoneration of the police of- mocracy to influence their govern- by an armed police officer and lost access to the ballot box for people ficers in those deaths of unarmed ment and create change . Without Marc Morial his life in the encounter . of color . men by grand juries signaled that this right, you have no voice . The President and CEO The National Urban League’s The state of justice in Black and police accountability for the tak- National Urban League and others National Urban League analysis of the relevant data told Brown communities is very often a ing of Black and Brown lives was will continue to press Congress to “I am cognizant of the interre- much the same story: the Ferguson shameful tale of injustice and clear reaching a modern-day low . At- pass the bipartisan Voting Rights latedness of all communities and narrative could be the narrative of racial disparities in the implementa- torney Benjamin Crump, who rep- Amendment Act of 2014 . This leg- states…Injustice anywhere is a so many U .S . towns, but within that tion of the law . resents the family of Mike Brown, islative fix would create new rules threat to justice everywhere . We are dark cloud we discovered strands The tragedy of Mike Brown’s penned an essay in the 2015 State of to determine which states require caught in an inescapable network of of silver linings . death in Ferguson, Eric Garner’s Black America® report: “It’s Time federal approval before making any mutuality, tied in a single garment Today, fewer African Americans death in New York, and the deaths to Pass the Grand Jury Reform Act changes their voting rules . Truth of destiny . Whatever affects one are the victims of violent crimes, of so many others, should under- of 2014 .” The bill calls for judges to be told, we cannot maintain our directly, affects all indirectly .” – Dr . there are more Black lawmakers score a difficult truth that should determine if the State should bring commitment to democracy as a na- Martin Luther King, Jr ., Letter from in Congress than ever and the U .S . not sit well with any American: law criminal charges against police of- tion while, at the same time, deny Birmingham Jail, April 16, 1963 Department of Justice is actively enforcement, in too many cases, ficers who fatally use deadly force the ballot box to so many of our What is the state of Black Amer- working to confront police miscon- provides neither equal protection and calls for governors to appoint citizens . ica in 2015? In short, and on many duct and improve police-communi- nor equal justice in far too many special prosecutors for those hear- There are tremendous challeng- fronts, Black America remains in ty relations . Yet, we cannot easily communities of color . And this is ings . Deciding whether or not to in- es ahead of us in what should be crisis – and we see justice chal- forget the images of anger and de- no blanket indictment of police offi- dict would be a judge’s decision, not our national fight for equality under lenged at every turn . spair we have seen in communities cers . There are, and will always be, a grand jury’s, and the proceeding the law, because to deny justice to A few weeks before the launch of rocked by protests over the kill- good police officers who put their would remain open to the public, one is threaten justice to all, and as the 39th annual 2015 State of Black ings of unarmed Black males at the lives on the line to keep law-abiding unlike grand juries that are, by law, long as justice is challenged on any America® report – “Save our Cities: hands of law enforcement . citizens safe . As the heated debates secret proceedings . front, we must—as a nation— keep Education, Jobs + Justice,” the U .S . These encouraging and neces- and protests continue, we know Following the Supreme Court’s pushing on every front . Department of Justice released a sary strides in our struggle for that police officers have become 2013 decision to strip pre-clearance scathing, and perhaps for some, equality in justice are overshad- victims of violence, most notably from the Voting Rights Act, allowing Marc H. Morial, former mayor of startling report on the systemic ra- owed by justice miscarried, with the two officers in New York City states to bypass federal approval be- New Orleans, is president and CEO cial bias inflicted upon the African- outrage spilling onto our streets late last year and police officers in fore changing their voting rules, 40 of the National Urban League. www.ladatanews.com Home Style April 18 - April 24, 2014 Page 9 Rainbow Iris Walk

By LMG Calla Victoria on the other hand, prefer a drier well-drained soil . They are called Irises should be planted in the “walking” Irises because their fall, but April is the time to enjoy blooms are not upright like other their unique beauty and variety . Irises but drape over and wherever You can find them in bloom every- they touch the ground a new Iris where right now . The Longue Vue plant will grow . My Walking Irises House and Gardens and the Sydney are now in bloom and fabulous . and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Gar- The fleur-de-lis symbol which is den at City Park held their Annual the adopted symbol of New Orleans Rainbow Iris Walks recently . If you is based on the shape of Iris plant . Ac- love irises and would like to grow cording to the history of the fleur-de- several varieties, this is the time to lis from the French “fleur,” meaning view most of these amazing flowers flower, and “lis,” meaning lily); the at those public gardens that label all Iris plant was the inspiration . of their Iris species . That way you can write down the names of the Check out my “Garden- ones you like, and in October when ing Tip of the Day” at www. Iris societies have their sale you ing up, and by April you will have couple of years you can separate drainage holes, the more water the thegardeningdiva.com can pick up what you like and plant gorgeous blooms . them to sell or share with friends . better which is why you will find them . In January you will start to I love all plants the readily multi- Most Iris varieties like wet feet so them living happily near ponds . Remember, never get too busy to see the long strap-like leaves com- ply and Irises do just that, so every you can grow them in pots with no Walking Iris (Neomarica gracilis), stop and enjoy the beautiful flowers!

Chavis, Continued from page 8. ladatanews.com was fond of saying, “Slavery was the under-girding factors that cause nic and minority communities for America’s original sin, and racism racism to exist and persist in the exposure to toxic and hazardous CDI HEAD START Serving Orleans Parish remains its unresolved dilemma .” first place . waste sites and facilities, coupled And we see that racism manifest- In my home state of North Caro- with the systematic exclusion of CHILDREN BIRTH TO 3 yrs. ed in so many ways . lina more than 32 years ago, while racial minorities in environmental Today, it now appears that the helping to lead civil rights protests policy making, enforcement, and HOME VISITOR: Responsible for educa�on, case management, and family advocacy to families in home‐based se�ng. Links families to comprehensive only way to get people to acknowl- against the digging of a massive tox- remediation . As a result of the de- services including home visits and socializa�on ac�vi�es. Works with edge racially-motivated police mis- ic waste landfill in predominantly finitive work that we did on this is- typically developing children and children with disabili�es. Also serves as a conduct against Black Americans African American Warren County, sue back in the 1980s, today there social service referral person and shares responsibility for parent and other people of color is to have I coined the term “environmental are effective and transformative involvement in the program. a video tape of the transgression . racism .” Warren County was also environmental justice movements Thank God for the recent videotape the place where Congress of Racial and organizations across America Requirement is a current CDA creden�al [home‐based se�ng preferred] or related cer�cate/creden�al including knowledge and experi‐ of the police murder of unarmed Equality Chairman Floyd B . McKis- and throughout the world . ence in child development and early childhood educa�on; the principles of Walter Scott in North Charleston, sick Sr ., the first African American One day, I hope we’ll be able to child health, safety, and nutri�on; adult learning principles; and family S .C . Sometimes, as was the case to receive a law degree from the look back and say the same about dynamics. Must be skilled in communica�ng with and mo�va�ng people and with Eric Gardner in New York University of North Carolina, at- economic racism . have knowledge of community resources and the skills to link families with City, we can have videotape and tempted to build Soul City as an appropriate agencies and services. AA/BA degree in ECE or related eld rouge cops still escape punishment . economic empowerment zone and Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. is the Presi- preferred. Racism in all of its oppressive a new city for Black Americans and dent and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Associa- In addi�on, training and experience to develop: consistent, stable and manifestations must not only be others who considered themselves tion (NNPA) and can be reached suppor�ve rela�onships with very young children; knowledge of infant and consistently called out and chal- progressive . for national advertisement sales and partnership proposals at: toddler development and safety issues including reducing the risk of Sudden lenged, but also we must be vigilant Environmental racism is the [email protected]; and for Infant Death Syndrome; and methods for communica�ng effec�vely with and diligent to make sure that we intentional racial discrimination lectures and other professional infants, toddlers, parents and other staff are a requirement of this posi�on in the deliberate targeting of eth- consultations at: http://drben- are effective in the elimination of jaminfchavisjr.wix.com/drbfc for Early Head Start home visi�ng. SALARY: 52 wks. /year; 40 hrs. /wk. ‐ $13.75 hourly with CDA/ $14.25 hourly with One Year Cer�cate. Email: [email protected] for job descrip�on/applica�on or apply in person. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of applica�ons. Applica�ons are available Monday thru Friday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm at the CDI Head Start more photos Serving Orleans Parish, LA Early Head Start Administra�ve Office, which is located at 2714 Canal Street, Ste 407, New Orleans, LA 70119, only. more stories Completed applica�ons may be returned to the Administra�ve Office or mailed to P. O. Box 8249, New Orleans, LA 70182. Successful applicants more data must possess a clear criminal records and background check acceptable under LA codes to work with children, clear TB screening and health exam. Applica�ons will be accepted un�l the closing date which is April 30, 2015 or un�l posi�on is lled. CDI HS is an Equal Opportunity Employer Page 10 April 18 - April 24, 2014 Dollars & Sense www.ladatanews.com Holding the Loretta Lynch Nomination Hostage

By Charlene Crowell yet to schedule a vote on the nomina- attorneys generals combined . and disability . Enforcement actions Center for Responsible tion of the first Black woman to be- The delay is even more disturbing resulted in almost $33 million in com- Lending come the nation’s Attorney General . because . Lynch was previously and pensation for victims and victims’ Nominated on November 14, the unanimously approved by the Senate funds . The two top reasons cited in It is ironic that April is Fair Hous- nomination of Loretta Lynch has lin- – twice – to serve as the U .S . Attor- these complaints were disability and ing Month and the U .S . Senate has gered longer than the seven previous ney for the Eastern District of New race . The combined fair housing ef- forts of DOJ and HUD have forced substantial settlements for those who have violated the law . Even so, more housing litigation is pending . For example, in Novem- Loretta Lynch ber 2014 the National Fair Housing York . Representing the interests of Alliance, a consortium of more than 8 million people residing in Brook- 220 private, nonprofit fair housing lyn, Queens, Staten Island and Long organizations throughout the na- Island, Lynch won a number of Wall tion, expanded a racial discrimination Street financial fraud cases . complaint filed against U .S . Bank . That kind of leadership and expe- The original lawsuit, filed in 2012, al- rience would rightfully continue the leged multiple fair housing violations fights for fair housing and a stop to in the neglect of bank-owned foreclo- predatory lending . As with any organi- sures in communities of color . The zation, the tone is set at the top . At the amended complaint now adds the Department of Justice (DOJ), the suc- cities of Cleveland, Columbus, Grand cessor to outgoing Attorney General Rapids, Kansas City, Minneapolis, Eric Holder will determine whether ag- and Muskegon to those already filed gressive enforcement of laws designed for Atlanta, Baltimore, Denver, Dal- to provide equal access to housing and las, Miami-Ft . Lauderdale, Memphis, credit will be sustained . Milwaukee and other locales . In 2015, 47 years since passage of With these and other housing is- the Fair Housing Act, DOJ’s actions sues, it is inexcusable for the Senate to prove we are still seeking justice in delay a floor vote on the Lynch nomi- housing – especially in instances nation . The upper chamber has a con- where consumers of color have been stitutional duty to ‘advice and consent’ . denied fair and equal treatment un- Fortunately, a few members of the ma- der the law . jority have indicated their commitment Since 2010, according to Vanita to vote for the delayed nominee . Gupta, Acting Assistant Attorney On February 26, the day that the General, DOJ’s Civil Rights Divi- Senate Judiciary Committee voted sion has reached settlements in 18 on the Lynch nomination, its former lawsuits charging discrimination in chair and longest-serving member, mortgage lending, pricing discrimi- Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) said, nation, racial steering and redlining “The case against her nomination, as affecting both large and small num- far as I can tell, essentially ignores her bers of consumers . These cases professional career and focuses sole- have been as large as the $335 mil- ly on about six hours that she spent lion settlement with Countrywide before this committee on January 28 . that brought a measure of justice for I do not believe that is a proper way 200,000 borrowers who were targets to evaluate any nominee’s fitness for of discrimination and shared $335 any position .” million in relief . Wells Fargo, one of Mike Calhoun, president of the the nation’s largest banks, paid more Center for Responsible Lending than $184 million to thousands of vic- agreed adding, “Lynch has impec- tims of steering and pricing . cable credentials, distinguished ex- Other actions have affected far perience, and her values have shown fewer victims, but still led to mon- she is committed to independent and etary compensation . For example, fair application and enforcement of eight Brooklyn families who were our laws, and in particular, protecting sold homes at inflated prices by a de- working American families from eco- veloper, United Homes, shared a $1 nomic and consumer violations of our million settlement . protections . It’s time for this to end In addition, HUD officials advise and for this extraordinary candidate that in FY 2014, its Fair Housing As- to be confirmed .” sistance Program partner agencies Loretta Lynch and the nation are received 8,468 complaints alleging waiting – still . discrimination based on one or more Charlene Crowell is a communi- of the Fair Housing Act’s seven pro- cations manager with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can tected classes: race, color, national be reached at Charlene.crowell@ origin, religion, gender, family status, responsiblelending.org. www.ladatanews.com Book Review April 18 - April 24, 2014 Page 11 DATA CLASSIFIED Call 504-821-7421 to Reach place your classified ad. 40 Black Men Speak on Living, Leading, and Succeeding Mailboxes by Mark

Name your future, says Van Jones . You pay for the bricks or maybe you Become involved in politics, get an have bricks already. You provide education, and cultivate empathy . the mailbox. Be financially literate, and promote I will provide the cement, wood, mortar, nails etc. You choose or entrepreneurship . Be a role model, create the design. Prices vary and ask for mentors . Work collab- according to the design. oratively, and lift up future genera- Contact: Mark (504) 723‐7318 tions who come after you . And above all, stay hopeful . Loss of hope, says Reverend Tony Lee, can “sabotage [your] faith .” Says Yusef Shakur, “without… hope, pov- AVON erty becomes overwhelming .” The company for women $$$ Says Senghor, “… hope, man – $$$$$ hope is the saving grace .” Can you use some extra cash? Try Avon!!! Avon is easy to sell, Wow . Though it’s only a few no experience necessary. It cost ounces of paper and ink, “Reach” only $10.00 to start. truly packs a punch . Become your own boss or just earn extra money. Whether you Author, Benjamin T. Jealous Author, Trabian Shorters There’s a lot of takeaway in this are interested in purchasing Avon book, for starters . Editors Ben Jeal- products or becoming an Avon Representa�ve yourself, I can “Reach: By The Bookworm Sez ally encouraged me to pay atten- ous and Trabian Shorters invited 40 assist you. tion to my gift” of drawing and de- black men from all walks of life and Call June ‐ 504‐606‐1362 40 Black Men sign . Realize your “true potential,” achievement to tell their stories and I will explain everything and help you to get started. Speak on Liv- Where do you go he advises . share what helped them succeed . ing, Leading, and from here? Says actor Louis Gossett Jr .: While it’s natural that there’d be You’ve been looking at your life learn that you can play Superman . some repetition, you’ll find dozens Succeeding,” and everything around you, and Shaka Senghor was still a teenag- and dozens of short chapters to up- that’s the question you’ve been ask- er when he was sent to prison and lift and inspire . edited by Ben Jealous ing: what next? What will you do “was on course to become the best I loved that in this book – but with the rest of your days? In the predator I could be,” until journaling there was one thing that bears and Trabian Shorters, new book “Reach,” edited by Ben helped him look at his life and “the mentioning: pay attention, and foreword by Jealous and Trabian Shorters, fore- most absurd stuff you can imagine .” you’ll start to notice that many au- Russell Simmons word by Russell Simmons, you may Write down your thoughts, he says . thors here were raised in fatherless find some guidance . Read them and “understand that households . It truly struck me as What you see is what you do . [they] have power .” further proof that there are no ex- c.2015, Atria That’s natural . Says Ben Jeal- Read, says Dr . Eddie Connor . cuses not to succeed . This space can be $15.00 / ous, “…imitation has always been “We’ve got to promote books in- While I think anyone will be the first step for those who achieve stead of prison bars…” glad they read this book, I can defi- $18.00 Canada great things .” It’s easy to emulate Ben Jealous advises taking risks . nitely see it being a great gift for 275 pages positive behavior and success, once Learn math, says Emmanuel Ce- any young man on his way to high you see it done – which is what phas . Broadcasting executive Ron school, college, or post-college life . you’ll find in this book . Davenport says to “Be in the room It will give him something to think When D’Wayne Edwards was where the decisions are made .” about on his path to success . For yours for only $80 sixteen, he lost his beloved older Learn to fail, says aviator Barrington him, “Reach” is a great book to brother . That, says Edwards, “re- Irving , but don’t let it be an option . have, wherever he goes .

State & Local News Call Now! DSEF 5th Annual Scholarship Essay Contest

The Dinerral Shavers Educa- typed and 250 country, their community, the tional Fund is proud to announce to 500 words minimum wage, the desensitiza- its 5th Annual Scholarship Essay in length . This tion of violence, healthcare, why Contest . The contest deadline year’s essay topic their lives matter, or anything that 504-821-7421 date will be July 31, 2015 . All com- is, “Dear Presi- they would like to see him change pleted essays should be mailed to dent Obama…” about our society . P .O . Box 6832 New Orleans, LA Students are en- There will be three cash prizes: 70174 or emailed to dseducation- couraged to write 1st Place $500, 2nd Place $250 and alfund@gmail .com . an essay to the 3rd Place $100 . Participants must be a resident President of the The winners will be announced of New Orleans or any of the sur- United States during DSEF’s Annual Back to rounding areas . The essay contest and express their School Extravaganza which will be is opened to all students from feelings about held this coming August . grades 7-12 . All essays must be Dinerral Shavers poverty, their