Lighting The Road To The Future
The Camo 2 Data Zone Exhibit Opens Page 6 “The People’s Paper” April 28 - May 4, 2018 52nd Year Volume 52 www.ladatanews.com
A Data News Weekly Exclusive
The Power of the Black Dollar
Page 2 Newsmaker 42 Tribes Big Chief Jeremy New Orleans “Black” Lacen Eight Years Later Black Flame Hunters
Jason Williams City Council President Page 5 Page 9 Page 2 April 28 - May 4, 2018 Cover Story www.ladatanews.com
The Power of the Black Dollar Entrepreneur Wilbert “Mr. Chill” Wilson and WBOK Partner for Fundraiser and Meet and Greet with On Air Personalities
Veteran journalist and WBOK radio show host Warren Bell, co-owners of Mr. Chill’s First Class Hot Dogs and Sweet Pastries Joyce Wilson and Wilbert “Chill” Wilson, and Susan Henry, General Manager of WBOK 1230AM.
by Edwin Buggage in New Orleans . While there are a host of issues that inspiring a community has partnered with WBOK Data News Weekly Editor face the Black Community, it is the loss of historical to do a fundraiser and meet and greet with several institutions and Black businesses that are one of the personalities from the station . biggest threats post-Katrina . “I thought it was important to show that we can sup- On this Saturday afternoon at Mr . Chill’s First port each other as African-American businesses,” says Class Hot Dogs and Sweet Pastries, Wilbert “Chill” Wilson . “I also would like to say that while we have From the Slave Ship to the “Owner” Ship Wilson, an African-American Entrepreneur, who made strides with people having more opportunities WBOK 1230AM has become an important radio sta- since Hurricane Katrina has become someone who than ever we have neglected to continue our traditions tion in the City giving voice to African-American issues has been working for the cause; empowering and of owning businesses . I think while we have leaders
Cover Story, Continued on page 4.
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 Art Direction & Edwin Buggage CEO/Publisher Production Delaney George MainorMedia.com Edwin Buggage Cover Story ...... 2 Commentary . . . 8. . John Slade Editorial Submissions Editor Glenn Jones datanewseditor@ Newsmaker...... 5 State & Local News . . 8 Cheryl Mainor Oba Lorrius bellsouth.net Managing Editor Monte” Lambert Advertising Inquiries Jarrad McKay datanewsad@ Calla Victoria Data Zone ...... 6 42 Tribes . . . . .9 . Leland Johnson bellsouth.net Executive Assistant Chris Anders Distribution Fashion . . . . . 7. . June Hazeur Jeffrey L. Boney On The Run Accounting Ka’Lya Ellis 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. FRI, APRIL 27-MON, MAY 7 STAR REWARDS MEMBERS GET EARLY ACCESS FRIENDS IN STORE & ONLINE & FAMILY APRIL 26 YOUR FAVORITE BRANDS, OUR BIGGEST SAVINGS!
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N8030011J.indd 1 4/12/18 2:32 PM Page 4 April 28 - May 4, 2018 Cover Story www.ladatanews.com
Cover Story, Continued from page 2. in other areas we must also focus shops where Blacks could spend on how to empower ourselves and money that would stay in the build wealth by having more Afri- community . Today many of these can-American owned businesses .” places are owned by non-Afri- can-Americans or have become Finding a Voice part of a wave of gentrification Oftentimes the voices of the sweeping across New Orleans African-American Community are with mixed results as we witness muted and not heard . Therefore, small numbers of African-Ameri- when polices are made and the can business participation in this stories of the history of the City boom . are being told, the Black perspec- This is a trend that is trou- tive is absent or seen through a bling to veteran journalist and distorted lens . This is why WBOK present WBOK Radio Person- is an important resource; it is ality Warren Bell who hosts like the underground railroad of an early morning show called today; helping in giving the road- Morning Cup . “I am proud to say map to freedom and the aspira- I have been a witness to 1/6th tions of a people . of our history,” says Bell speak- “WBOK is vital to the community ing of his frontline view of the and is the only all talk Black radio history of New Orleans . “I have station in the Gulf South Region that been doing radio and news since provides a platform for the African- 1967 when I was in high school . American Community,” says Susan Some things unfortunately do Henry the station’s general manager not change, the inequities in our of its importance and relevance . community, but interestingly we Wilbert “Chill” Wilson and Joyce Wilson being interviewed by local NBC affiliate WDSU-TV News Channel 6. had more Black businesses 50 A Grand Slam: years ago .” Supporting Our Own Speaking of the station and its Wilbert “Chill” Wilson has two partnership with Wilson he be- businesses located on S . Carrollton; lieves this is a step in the right a barbershop and a restaurant . “We direction . “I think WBOK’s role have to support one another if we in this community is to make sure are going to not only survive but African-Americans remember thrive in New Orleans,” says for- our history because even though mer City Councilman and top rated we have advanced in many other WBOK Radio Host Oliver Thomas .” ways post-segregation, but I feel He believes with success one we cannot forget those times must reach back and do things for where we owned businesses of all the community and he feels Wilson types inside our community, and is a shining example of this, “Chill where we did stick together and has been successful, and he gives supported one and other and Mr . so much back,” states Thomas . Chill, to say he is a younger man “This young man has done so much than me understands this history post-Katrina, and in the last several very well .” years supports the station, but what Wilson says of his work as he does for young folk and a lot of a businessman, that he stands people in our community its simply on the shoulders of those who amazing .” came before him that includes On this day people from around his late father Willie “School the City came and experienced Boy” Wilson . “I grew up in a great food; got to meet their favorite generation where I was sur- radio personalities and watched the rounded by people who were New Orleans Pelicans sweep the great entrepreneurs and did Portland Trailblazers in the NBA things to empower the commu- Playoffs . Thomas called this day a Veteran journalist and WBOK radio show host Warren Bell nity . And, what I want to do for ‘Grand Slam’ stating, “It was great this generation, is to be a leader to see people who call and come out Riverbend and supporting WBOK, Remembering our Rich versely, it reduced the number in the arena of business . Where to support as we watched the Peli- another African-American business History and Building of African-American owned busi- I can show that we can have cans win . It was a grand slam at a with our time and our dollars . We for the Future nesses . When we look around our own and also support each wonderful location at one of the few need to do more of this where we It is an irrefutable fact that de- the City of New Orleans where other; this is how we not only African-American owned business- make sure our dollars stay in our segregation did great things by there were once sprawling bou- honor and respect our history, es in that part of Carrollton on the community more than eight hours .” giving access to Blacks, but con- levards filled with Black owned but we build on our future .” www.ladatanews.com Newsmaker April 28 - May 4, 2018 Page 5
NewEight Orleans Years Later City Leaders Reflect on the Landrieu Years as We Prepare for the Inauguration of Incoming Mayor LaToya Cantrell
By Edwin Buggage Katrina you look where we were Data News Weekly Editor close to devastation . I think for a very long time after that we were in a triage state sort of mindset . That A Changing of the Guard is the right mindset to be in post- New Orleans is on the eve of disaster . Infrastructure, no schools the changing of the guard; see- ready to go, so when you make tri- ing the ending of one administra- age decisions that are not always tion and the beginning of another . the most thoughtful decisions,” It has been eight years where the explains Jason Williams, City Coun- Landrieu Administration took of- cilmember-at-Large, of the reasons fice taking the reigns of leadership surrounding the uneven recover of when the City was still in recovery the New Orleans . mode of what was nearly 5 years He believes that this was the after Hurricane Katrina . At that right direction to take but feels the time the direction of the City was in City must begin to shift resources many ways still uncertain . to help more people in need . “I Additionally, Landrieu’s pre- don’t think the City, or the execu- decessor, Ray Nagin, who is tive branch has been able to pivot presently serving a jail sentence from a triage mindset to make deci- for bribery, fraud and money sions for the next 20 years or next laundering . While this left a 50 years . I think what has been black eye on the City, many of Newsmaker, Continued the issues during his time in City Councilmember-Elect Jay Banks Erika McConduit, President and CEO of Urban League of Louisiana on page 10. office came to the forefront, in- cluding: income inequality, lack progress that has not been shared of affordable housing and issues by all members of the community surround race and what the City and that is something that has to be would be moving forward be- addressed not only by the Mayor’s came the ongoing debates the office but by all the stakeholders City would have until the pres- must make this a top priority,” says ent day . And as we move into the Kenya Smith . He served in the Na- historical moment of the City gin Administration in various senior celebrating 300 years and having executive positions including Exec- our first female Mayor in LaToya utive Counsel to the Mayor, Deputy Cantrell, many of these prob- Mayor for Intergovernmental Rela- lems still persist and we will get tions and Deputy Mayor for Com- to see how she captains the ship munity Development . as she assumes the City’s high- est office . Infrastructure and Making the City Whole A Tale of Two Cities One can say that the Landrieu While it has become a cliché Administration was one that stayed to call New Orleans a Tale of Two clear of major scandals surround- Cities, it rings an undeniable truth ing political corruption and that is when you look around the City . a feat in itself given the history of “What have happened is there are politics in both the City and state . too many disparities in segments But the one thing that continued of the community and it has got- to be a problem on his watch was ten much wider . There has been a the crumbling infrastructure in- great amount of economic boom cluding the much-maligned Sewer- that has taken place, but there is a age and Water Board where over a very large segment of our commu- dozen years later a strong rain can nity that hasn’t participated in any devastate water pumps and streets of that,” says Jay Banks, the newly are flooded . Can we imagine as we elected councilmember from Dis- again are about to begin another trict B . hurricane season a City that is still These sentiments have also been not prepared even after the devasta- echoed by members of past admin- tion of Katrina . istrations . “It has still been a tale of With a City that was 80% under- two cities where we have seen great water after the storm and the levee progress in some parts of the City failures that damaged so much while other parts of the City are of the City, looking back you see still languishing and not enjoying nearly billions of dollars earmarked those dollars that were supposed to for the City’s recovery that nearly be invested Citywide . So as I look 13 years later we have experienced back while we have made economic an uneven recovery . “Coming from Page 6 April 28 - May 4, 2018 Data Zone www.ladatanews.com
Exhibit Celebrates Authentic Life of Seventh Ward Neighborhoods
Story and Photos By Ka’Lya Ellis Data News Weekly Contributor
It was a tribute to the “Year of the Camo 2: The Neighborhood,” an art exhibit put owned by Marigny Visual Artist and New Orleans Cen- ter for Creative Arts (NOCCA) Alumnus Jarrad McKay, also known as “Art by Jarrad .” The ex- hibit opening took place on April 21st and was displayed at 912 Julia St . The art showcased the essence of Black New Orleans Neighborhoods in the 1990s . This is also his second installment to his Camo Series that aims to represent the solider he sees in every New Orleanian, who battles through everyday adversities . McKay is also well-known as a tattoo artist and his live art shows at festivals such as Buku Fest . “I just wanted to continue to bring a dope ex- perience,” McKay said of his brand of creative work . For this exhibit, McKay said the collection recalled memories he held of growing up and that any New Orleanian native would easily rec- ognize as the culture of the inner-city neighbor- hoods . The paintings voiced the way a commu- Sierra McKay with artwork by Jarrad McKay. nity can inspire its children, he said . The inspiration to take on art came from his grandfather, who was a Mardi Gras Indian with the Seventh Ward Hard Headers tribe . From the age of 3, McKay had his first handcrafted suit and continues the tradition today . This heritage is expressed through one of his paintings named “Indian Suit” celebrating the legacy of the Mardi Gras Indians in the community . It is a painting of his eldest son, Vincent, who is now following in his father’s footsteps of becoming a Mardi Gras Indian . “I gotta keep my kids informed about it, if we don’t carry the legacy it will be extinct, it will dis- appear,” McKay said . The artwork also celebrated women in New Residents attend the “Year of the Camo 2: The Artist Jarrad McKay featuring his work “Give Me Neighborhood” opening night of the art exhibit on My Flowers While I Can Smell Them.” Orleans, who are a significant part of the City’s April 21. heritage . Paintings like “Looka my Baby” and “Inspired by Solange” both displayed how grandmothers, mothers, and aunts looked in the nineties with big smiles and gold teeth . Another piece inspired by women of New Orleans was his “Mia X” painting, featuring Female Rapper Mia X from his neighborhood of the Seventh Ward, who is a notable part of female hip-hop in the 1990s . Residents who attended the exhibit said they felt the nostalgia that McKay was portraying through his art . Ja’Vair Polk who went through adolescence at this time and grew up in the In- ner-City of New Orleans said the work spoke to her childhood experiences . “This show is a true depiction of my upbring- Ja’Vair Polk viewing “looka My Baby” painting. Indian Suit” By Jarrad McKay ing,” Polk said . Kenneth Ellis who is also from the Marigny area agreed with Polk . “At the end of day culture Visit www.ladatanews.com for more is all we have and seeing my culture on full dis- play makes me happy,” Ellis added . photos from these events. www.ladatanews.com DataFashion Zone April 28 - May 4, 2018 Page 7 Top Apps to Make Fashionable Photos
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WBOK1230AM A BAKEWELL MEDIA COMPANY
Real Talk for Real Times... 1639 Gentilly Blvd. New Orleans, LA 70119 (504)942-0106 www.wbok1230am.com
WBOK1230AM A BAKEWELL MEDIA COMPANY
Real Talk for Real Times... 1639 Gentilly Blvd. New Orleans, LA 70119 (504)942-0106 www.wbok1230am.com Page 8 April 28 - May 4, 2018 Commentary www.ladatanews.com
Stop Being Stunned Already
Japanese monster movie looking legal standing to make this arrest .” was chased by a 53-year-old armed Where’s the Black political estab- nervously at Tokyo Bay waiting for Now let’s understand this, what the White man who thought his fear lishment? Out elected leadership the next creature to rise up that we Commissioner said was not the was worth a child’s life like George should at least be irked, perturbed, know is coming . point . A Police Officer has the legal Zimmerman who didn’t have to do and disconcerted . Two Black men minding their standing to arrest Santa Clause for what he did also . Here’s one thing for sure as far as business were arrested because illegally entering a residence on The election of Donald Trump I’m concerned, I no longer want to they were sitting while Black in a Christmas Eve, but should he? I say has emboldened these folks who hear from any White person friend Starbucks . A Starbucks!! Starbucks, no . The police didn’t have to arrest seem to think it’s open season on or foe about what Black people are John Slade a company that likes to put on a pro- anyone seeing that White people Black Americans . Add to that a na- supposed to do to avoid trouble WBOK 1230AM gressive façade is now in the midst were sitting in the coffee shop for a tional government that can’t and with the Police or regular White of a public relations nightmare and much longer time without being ar- won’t protect Black people just people . Black people can’t even sit it will be interesting to see how they rested . If a purchase was required like the ineffectual governments quietly in a public establishment “The world is stunned to dis- escape this debacle . Now it appears where was the signage? Couldn’t a in those giant monster films who without some White person decid- cover that prehistoric creatures ex- that an employee called the Police barista have simply gone to the ta- couldn’t protect the populace; be- ing to exert their Whiteness just ist in the Twentieth Century .” That because the two Black men had sat ble and asked nicely that you have cause our humanity doesn’t seem because they can . It now appears to quote was uttered by a breathless down at a table and didn’t order any- to buy a cup of coffee to sit . Seems to matter to it . Black America there is nothing we news anchor in the American cut of thing . Of course, not ordering any- a better choice than having the men I understand the calls for a boy- can do to avoid trouble, so to White the classic 1963 picture, King Kong thing is an offense that demands arrested . cott but considering the intensity of America could you just hush? Don’t Vs . Godzilla in the moments follow- Police intervention . Now the Po- In addition, we have the awful the issue, what is the end game? Is need to hear your suggestions any- ing Godzilla’s reappearance in the lice could not have just figured out Detroit episode of Brennan Walker it to make Starbucks better? Is it to more, thanks . As for Black America film . After what happened at the what was going on and just as Fro- a teenager who missed a bus and get the employee who racially pro- and our would be allies, it’s time to Starbucks in Philadelphia and to a zen would suggest, let it go? The was lost in a residential neighbor- filed the two men fired? Is it to get be more than stunned that prehis- 14-year-old Black child in Detroit Philadelphia Police Commissioner hood . This Black child was looking Black people to spend their mon- toric people and attitudes exist in over the past week this should not defended his men by saying that for help to find his way to his school . ey at Black owned coffee shops? the Twenty First Century . stun us . But it does . We as Black “It is important to emphasize and Walker knocked on the wrong door Again, I’m not saying don’t boycott John Slade is Host Of WBOK’s Up people are like the characters in a underscore that these officers had and was met with gunfire as he but what is the goal? To Date. State & Local News Foundation Raises Funds to Continue to Support Local Students through College
By Leland Johnson tion’s work . “It feels great to be a Public School System, violence, Data News Contributor part of something that helps my crime, and extreme poverty in community .” New Orleans through moral and The months of April and May The Student Reunion Dinner scholastic education of the youth . mark the ending of the school year marks the college graduation in “The organization has existed for and high school careers for many May of the first students inducted 11 years and has grown and evolved students in New Orleans . The into the foundation . This cohort with our students,” Endom said . PLEASE Foundation (People Lead- included Mark Woods of the Uni- “We are now helping our students ing Educational and Spiritual Excel- versity of Louisiana Lafayette, get into college and find scholar- lence), an organization located in Alexis Irvin of Dillard University, ships . Once a student becomes Metairie, held a series of fundrais- and Leblanc from Dillard . Each of part of the PLEASE Foundation, ing events to show their support for the foundation’s students, includ- they are with the organization un- students who are making strides ing current seniors, graduated til they graduate high school and for their future, academically . The from Catholic schools in New beyond,” she said . foundation provides mentoring and Orleans like St . Augustine High The parents of PLEASE are also scholarships for low-income chil- School, and St . Katharine Drexel crucial to the organization and dren from grades Kindergarten to High School among others . their willingness to be part of it has 12th grade . The organization, founded by helped it to grow . The foundation’s events began New Orleans native Yvette En- “Most of our parents have not in April with the program’s Annual dom in 2007, helps children from been to college and/or work more Bake and Bowl located at Rock ’n’ low-income families gain admis- than one job . Therefore, family Bowl on April 14th, followed by the PLEASE Foundation students and Director, Yvette Endom on April 14 sion into Catholic High Schools income is low making it impos- during the Annual Bake-N-Bowl hosted at Rock n’ Bowl. (Photos by Fourth Student Reunion Dinner at Leland Johnson) in New Orleans and into colleges sible for them to afford a Catho- Irene’s on April 20th . The organiza- across the country . It provides lic School Education and the re- tion will conclude with a picnic for tional programs in New Orleans, tion for the cause during the stu- the students with scholarships, sources needed to succeed once the foundation’s members on April with the hopes of establishing an dent dinner such as: mentoring, tutoring, among other accepted,” Endom said . The foun- 28th, and a Senior Student Dinner alumni base for the foundation “I love everything the PLEASE resources . The program has a dation is not only an opportunity on May 7th . through the Student Reunion Din- Foundation does,” said Tyler Leb- beneficial effect on the New Or- for a better future for students, The goal of the events is to raise ner . The student members of the lanc, a Dillard University student leans Community, Endom said . It State & Local, Continued money for scholarships and educa- foundation shared their apprecia- who benefited from the organiza- does this by addressing the failing on page 11. www.ladatanews.com 42 Tribes April 28 - May 4, 2018 Page 9 WEEK 33 Big Chief Jeremy “Black” Lacen FROECLUSRE Black Flame Hunters MAEKS EEVRYHTIGN By: Glenn Jones and it was rockin, and it was rollin . Oba Lorrius Q) Many Chiefs say they feel free COFNUISNG. Data News Weekly when they put on their cer- Contributors emonial suit, what does that mean for you? A) This is freeing . You’re free . Tribal Timeline: Self-owned and self-made, 2018 – Big Chief Jeremy “Black” you’re Free . It’s what we did Lacen before slavery . You’re a differ- ent person . There’s so much Coming home to that you deal with in the year the culture: doing this . You lose so much, Although this was the first year please believe me I’ve lost a lot . Black Flame Hunters has hit the This destroys families . Some- streets, their Chief is a Wiley Vet . times either you accept it, or Growing up, uptown at the age of you just leave it alone . But this six he and his friends started imi- is free . No pain . I stick myself GET CLEAR ON FORECLOSURE OPTIONS. CALL 1-888-995-HOPE. tating the Wild Magnolias and Cre- with a needle but it’s no pain . No one is good at going through foreclosure. Thankfully, there’s a way for you to get free, trusted advice. Call the Hope Hotline ole Wild West, Big Chief Jeremy Its gonna hurt but it’s not pain today and speak to a HUD approved counseling agency. “Black” was destined to have his because that end result is free- own tribe . Playing Football success- ing . Literally like Freedom . Big Chief Jeremy” Black” Lacen Black Flame Hunters fully all the way to college pulled Q) The 1828 Webster Dictionary him away from his first love . Com- because that’s uptown, that’s ways wanted to do it . When I defines an American as a na- ing home, he started masking with what I’m used to seeing from was real young I wasn’t really tive of America; originally ap- Jeronimo Hunters and Big Chief Creole Wild West and Wild into it, my uncle and them was plied to the aboriginals, or cop- Tom Landry for fourteen years Magnolia growing up, the rich- a Chief and they would say, per-colored races, found here where he honed his skills and love ness of it . “come on and mask”, but I was by the Europeans; but now for this culture . Q) Uptown in your area the Tribes always playing ball through applied to the descendants of were so close . Were conversa- high school up until college . Europeans born in America . SHELTER Q) When was the first time you tions about Black Masking Katrina came, and right before History shows that this culture saw an Indian? Culture common? Katrina my uncle Tuba died . and your ancestors to this land PET & A) Since I could remember . A) Oh yea! As kids coming up I re- I was like you know what I’m predate colonialism . Was this Where I’m from, Simon Boli- member imitating . The news- just going to come on in . This history ever passed down to FASHION var between Jackson and Jo- paper was green and white and literally saved my life . A lot of you? sephine . Apache Hunters and every weekend in the back my friends were dying so I re- A) You know I’ve been seeing it on ICON Wild Magnolias coming out yard of my Chiefs house mak- ally came on in . Facebook . They have Black In- of the same house . Indians ing an Indian suit out of news- Q) Talk to me about footwork in dians . My 2nd Chief use to tell coming out of each door . The paper . We imitated our neigh- this culture? me, “I think you should change Chief I masked with was Wild borhood Tribes to the fullest A) Man, they have some guys who your men to brown and make Magnolia . Next door to him as little kids . really could put it down . From brown Indians .” I respect what his neighbor was one of the Q) Out of all aspects of this cul- Chiefs to little kids . They prob- he was saying . Now is time Apache Hunters . Creole Wild ture what attracts you most? ably can’t dance in the club, to start . Since knowledge has West was on Jackson . A) All of it . It’s exciting and it’s a so they hear them drums it’s been brought upon, now it’s re- Q) What’s some of the rich his- real Spirit and you must really something totally different . ally time to make them Indians tory of Uptown Black Masking feel it . Some people say they I’m not a dancer but when I brown . Culture? want to mask but when they hear drums its different . Q) In 300 years what do you want A) Uptown Indians, we’re kind of sit down and start beading ev- Q) What’s the role of the tambou- to be said about the Black different from the downtown erybody taps out . You got to be rine in Black Masking Culture? Flame Hunters and yourself? Indians . It’s about half and careful what you ask for . A) To be honest with you, when I A) That we are well respected and half what we do . Other guys Q) When did you pick up that first even went to Indian prac- that we respected everyone downtown they might do the needle and thread and say this tice as a kid, there wasn’t a and that I did my thing . That I flat beading like we do, they is it? drum it was all tambourines . put my time on the street and I probably bead a bigger patch, A) You know the crazy part is Somebody probably had a little had fun doing it and I’m merry Amazing stories start in shelters and but we bead ours in sections . that it took me a minute to bucket or something in there, about it . Hopefully the culture rescues. Adopt today to start yours. We kind of jewelry our stuff up come in from the streets . I al- but it was all tambourines and will keep going . TOAST 325K+ Instagram Followers
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Wages, Political Representation Explains Disparities for Black Families in New Orleans
By Chris Anders “The majority of New Orleans Data News Weekly is African-American and wages for Contributor African-American people are way underpaid,” Graham said . “It sets A group of local experts ranging the City up to fail .” from university professors to a for- There are so many things politi- mer city councilman held a panel on cians can do, added Oliver Thomas, April 19, 2018 focusing specifically former President of the City-Coun- on the welfare of the City of New cil, who resigned his seat after Orleans’ African-American Commu- pleading guilty to bribery charges nity . The panel sought to consider in 2007 . He still believes politicians what people of color in the New Or- must play a role to address econom- leans Community can do to attempt ic disparities for African-Americans . to bring equality in America’s cities . “Education and economics,” The panel titled “State of Black Thomas said . “New Orleans is a America in New Orleans,” attracted poor City, but we get a lot of money a room full of young students in the through tourism, but we have to Convocation Annex of Xavier Uni- Host Brian Turner joined Silas Lee, Oliver Thomas, Rachel Graham, and Alanah Odoms Hebert as speakers spend it in the right places and that for the State of Black New Orleans forum on Thursday April 19th. (Photos by Chris Anders) versity’s Campus, as the speakers starts by getting the right people in touched on topics such as econom- Thomas, the former City Council for Whites, he noted . in the City . office .” ics and politics . President, Rachel Graham, the “That’s a severe disparity and “What’s holding us back is the The discussion raised awareness “I chose these people because President of the New Orleans As- that disparity causes inter-genera- lack of political participation,” said on how important it is for the Afri- they are local, and they are com- sociation of Black Journalists, and tional consequences in institutional- Alanah Odoms Hebert, an Attorney can-American Community to vote . petent, caring, and capable,” said Alanah Odoms Hebert an Attorney ized poverty,” Lee said . for the Louisiana Supreme Court . Xavier Psychology student Jayna Brian Turner, a Clinical Psychology and Head of the Division for Chil- This data explains why the com- “A large part of the African-Amer- Motley, who attended the event, Assistant Professor at Xavier . dren and Families for the Louisiana munity has suffered erosion of eco- ican Communities is not running said she really was intrigued about Turner, who hosted the event, Supreme Court . nomic mobility for African- Ameri- or voting for office because they do the discussion about how some explained the discussion was meant In public policy, there is much cans, according to Lee, because not believe they can win,” Hebert people just aren’t fit to serve in the to bring people to action in the com- to do to improve the quality of life new data shows the average income said . government . munity while highlighting that the for families in the City, according per household for Blacks is down The City of New Orleans and “The panel helped me under- guest speakers were all passionate to Silas Lee . His work focuses on $2,000 and up $10,000 per house- its people have seen firsthand the stand more about how important about bringing changes to better examining the social-economic sta- hold for Whites since 2010 . struggles poverty brings such as elected officials are to the commu- the lives of the African-American tus of African-Americans in New The speakers also exchanged violence . Graham also noted why nity,” Motley said . “From now on I Community . The panel included Orleans . In 2010, the per capita in- thoughts on how the African-Amer- she thought poverty in the African- will always vote and pay very close insights from Silas Lee a Professor come rate for Blacks was $15,000 a ican Community could stop the American Community was a major attention to the policies of everyone in Public Policy at Xavier, Oliver year compared to the $42,000 a year trend of unequal wealth distribution problem in the City . running for office .”
Newsmaker, Continued from page 5. ond most cost burdened City in the cess to services . And that they can workforce development and sup- woman in a leadership position country after San Francisco . It is live in clean, safe and affordable port services and they partnered must work harder than her male a sad state where once affordable neighborhoods . It is my intention with community resource provid- counterparts . “The reality is all done was successful, but we must housing existed now has seen a to be a councilman for the entire ers and non-profits with us being women in leadership have to work move to the next level and all peo- wave of gentrification that’s pushed district . I fully understand the one of them,” says Erika McCon- harder to accomplish more with ple need to be part of that .” out longtime City residents and also needs of the Garden District are duit, outgoing President and CEO less, so I would encourage us all to Moving forward Williams thinks has displaced some to never return . very important, but they are no of Urban League of Louisiana . provide as much support for wom- more resources need to be invested Jay Banks is dismayed by what more important than the needs of “The Cease Fire Program to stop en in leadership and not let that be in empowering local people who he sees happening across the City Gert Town and we’ve got to have a retaliatory violence, working on ra- an impediment to a successful ad- are natives often left out of many and inside his district as it relates to balance that everybody in the dis- cial justice and healing, taking the ministration . I think she is highly of the initiatives aimed at spurring housing . “Over the past eight years trict matters regardless of race or lead to remove Confederate Monu- capable,” McConduit, says of the growth in the City . “We must work I have seen the acceleration of peo- socioeconomic status . ments, The Welcome Table Initia- incoming Mayor LaToya Cantrell . harder to incentivize the growth of ple being forced out or losing their tive, and community circles . I feel “I think the City is at a critical our own entrepreneurs and small homes and not being able to afford Moving in the even if some things haven’t been time that not just for this admin- businesses giving those owners op- to stay in the most special place in Right Direction as successful as others this admin- istration but for any after this we portunities and they will hire locals the City; which is uptown New Or- Some believe while there are istration, I can say they have put the need to be sure to lay the ground- who will spend their money in the leans and that is terrifying to me . problems with the Landrieu Ad- time and resources in trying to dis- work for what it means to be a suc- City . We must also have more local We have got to address it . People ministration that they have laid the sect and understand the problems . cessful mayor whether or not you DBE participation not only as sub- who have lived here their entire groundwork for initiatives that can I think this is something the next are a woman or a man the playing contractors on City contracts but as lives should have the opportunity to benefit the citizens of New Orleans, administration can build on .” field should be level . It is in all our prime contractors as well, this can live where they want .” and where fairness and equity are best interest; her success is in all of help build wealth for locals in our Continuing Banks says speaking the goals . “This administration has First Female Mayor our best interest .” community .” of his priorities once he is on the taken on getting to the root of un- and Working with the Jay Banks, who has worked with City Council, “It is not about blam- derstanding crime particularly mur- New Administration the incoming mayor, sees this as Housing and Race ing anyone, but it is about balanc- der, identifying putting reforms in The New Administration is an a great opportunity to get things The Big Easy is not so easy to ing the scales where everybody can place for young people that may be historic one as New Orleans will Newsmaker, Continued live in these days as post-Katrina benefit, that are economically able, susceptible . They have developed a have its first female mayor . And on page 11. has bared out becoming the sec- have quality of life and having ac- youth violence reduction strategy, while it should not be an issue, a www.ladatanews.com State & Local News April 28 - May 4, 2018 Page 11 DATA CLASSIFIED Call 504-821-7421 to Tricentennial Reception Honors First Lady place your classified ad. of The Republic of Haiti Job Opportunity Freelance Story and Photo By she made to be here, it means a lot,” Writers Monte’ Lambert Montes said . Wanted Data News Weekly The historical connections be- Contributor tween Haiti and New Orleans was Data News Weekly, “The one of the reasons the organizers People’s Paper, is looking for freelence writers to The local Haitian-American said they felt it was important to join our team print and Community welcomed Martine invite a Haitian official during the digital team. We want Moïse, the First Lady of Haiti at a anniversary year . to hear from you if you Tricentennial Reception on April “At one point in time in New Or- are a working journalist, or an aspiring journalist 21st . The reception was held in leans History, the population was who has 2 years or more the Administration Auditorium doubled when you had a migration of newspaper or PR on Xavier University’s Campus . of Haitians who came to New Or- writing experience. We The current President of Xavier, leans and this was not long after the need writers who can C . Reynold Verret, who is Haitian- Haitian Revolution,” Vilmenay said . cover New Orleans news stories, ranging from American, welcomed the First “So now you have generations of local high school sports, Lady to the City and spoke on the Haitians that are now identified as community events, City historical ties between New Or- New Orleanians,” he added . Hall and entertainment. leans and Haiti . The reception was The First Lady spoke briefly Experience in print is organized by Joel Vilmenay, the Xavier University President Dr. C. Reynold Verret speaks with Haitian during the reception, addressing necessary, experience in First Lady Martine Moïse at a Tricentennial Event on April 21st on the digital and social media President and General Manager university’s campus. (Photo by Monte’ Lambert) the audience and sharing plans on are encouraged. of WDSU-TV, who welcomed the how the government of her hus- community to greet Moïse . her and to hear from her directly,” American Anthems and other band President Jovenel Moïse was Compensation is “This City’s connection with Vilmenay said . classics from the country . working to improve life in Haiti . competitive and great Haiti is significant and it goes back The First Lady spoke on cur- “This event is very special,” Moïse said the country of Haiti is story ideas will be to the beginning and the inception rent developments in Haiti, and Montes said . “I’ve been here for working to use more of its natural appreciated. of New Orleans,” Vilmenay said . the event featured musical selec- about a good 30 years in this coun- resources to better serve needs of “In celebration of its 300-Year An- tions by Jean Montès, the Direc- try and we never had anybody from the Haitian people . If you are interested, please email your resume niversary, it was wonderful for the tor of Orchestral Studies and the government take the time and “Everywhere I go I want to speak and 3 writing samples to: City to invite the First Lady of Haiti Coordinator of Strings at Loyola come out and really encourage the to my sons and daughters,” Moïse terrybjones@bellsouth. to come to New Orleans and her ac- University New Orleans, who is work of the Haitian Community, but said in Haitian Kreyol . “I’d be really net and datanewseditor@ cepting that invitation also gave of also a member of the local Haitian- also celebrate with us some things hurt if I came to New Orleans and bellsouth.net. the opportunity as the Haitian Com- American Community in the City . that we are a part of which is the did not come and speak to you all munity here in New Orleans to host Montes conducted the orchestra culture of New Orleans,” he added . today,” she said as Xavier’s Presi- a reception with her and to meet in the playing of the Haitian and “I thank her for the effort that dent translated on her behalf . We can’t wait to hear from you! Newsmaker, Continued continue this work as mayor . from page 10. State & Local, Continued from page 11. The City’s future is in the hands done for those in need . “I think of a new mayor and mostly new City LaToya gets it . I think she will be a Council, but it is important that the but also for parents . ence to develop and nurture our valuable asset because she under- shaping of our City moving forward “My family views the PLEASE youth to become productive adults stands the issues I am talking about is a partnership between our elect- Foundation as a blessing from in our society,” she said . and I feel we will be working very ed official and all the stakeholders, God,” said PLEASE Foundation The foundation has set goals to closely together to try to bring out that includes citizens, advocacy parent Frederica Perriott . “After provide more opportunities and some real substantive changes . I groups and the business communi- Hurricane Katrina, our financial greater resources to each of its stu- This space can be feel very good that she is commit- ty and others that means the future circumstances changed dramati- dents now and in the future . These ted to the community and balancing of the City is in all our hands and cally, dropping from a two-income goals include providing students the scales . She has shown this in we must work together to shape it family to a one income family . with college scholarships, taking her work in the community and on where we can have a better City for Without this foundation, we would students on college tours and edu- yours for only $80 the council and I am sure she will all and move forward together . not be able to afford to give our cational trips to Washington D .C . three children that type of Chris- The organization also employs the tian education we value so much .” foundation’s college graduates in The PLEASE Foundation has order to serve the New Orleans This space can be yours for only $80 given 318 scholarships and has Community . Call Now! awarded over $1,156,000 .00 in Many parents shared their ap- scholarship money in the City of preciation for the foundation and CALL NOW!!! New Orleans . These scholarships its efforts at the Annual Bake and are important to the community, Bowl such as PLEASE Foundation said Chervonda Fortenberry, a parent Tanisha Johnson-White . 504-821-7421 PLEASE Foundation parent . “I want to be a part of every- 504-821-7421 “The Please Foundation has thing that this foundation does and helped a lot of families cover por- to be perfectly honest it’s still not tions, if not all tuition, for selected enough,” Johnson-White said . “I children throughout the City,” know that Yvette has stayed up at Fortenberry said . “Overall, The night and has experienced very Please Foundation and the parents long days for our children, her ladatanews.com of these children want an excellent adopted children, and that is price- education and faith-based experi- less,” she said . AMERICA,
LET’S DO LUNCH TM Maurice McGriff, SINCE 1941. This kind of wisdom can only come from doing one thing: living. Now, he and 1 in 6 seniors face the threat of hunger and millions more live in isolation. So pop by, drop off a hot meal and say a warm hello. Volunteer for Meals on Wheels at AmericaLetsDoLunch.org