Lighting The Road To The Future Allan Houston’s All-Star Data Fatherhood Zone Initiative Page 4

“The People’s Paper” February 15 - February 21, 2014 48th Year Volume 42 www.ladatanews.com

A Data News Weekly Exclusive

“Blessed 26” Family Breakfast

Page 2 Newsmaker State & Local All-Star Weekend Community Celebration Convicted Page 5 Page 6 Page 2 February 15 - February 21, 2014 Cover Story www.ladatanews.com

Kendal Francis’ “Blessed 26” Family Breakfast Planting the Seeds for Greatness in Youth

L-R Bernard H. Robertson III, CRPC, AAMS President/CEO Robertson Wealth Advisors, WDSU Meteorologist Damon Singleton, Glenn Jones, Marketing Director Data News Weekly, Kendal E. Francis, Blessed 26 Founder and Executive Director, Sky Hyacinthe, Executive Director of Elevate New Orleans, Dr. Danna “Dr. TRUTH” Andrus, Terrence Jones, Owner/Founder The Locker Room 10 Room Inc.

By Edwin Buggage about letting the young people of today understand And where their talents sometimes do not meet the op- Photos by Glenn Summers that the fountain of freedom from which the drink is portunities for them to climb the ladder of success; but from; a well others dug with their sacrifices, so that to- today there is a young man who is the embodiment of day would be a better day . And while it is brighter days the words that appear in the second book of Corinthi- Blessed to Be a Blessing for some, there are still those young people particu- ans, in that he is “Blessed to be a Blessing .” In the spirit of Black History Month, it is about shar- larly young males who live in a world where hope and Kendal Francis in his day job is an Assignment Edi- ing, and giving inspiration to the next generation . It is aspiring to reach higher is something of a pipe dream . tor at local NBC affiliate WDSU-TV, but his passion

Cover Story, Continued on next page.

P.O. BoxDATA 57347, New Orleans, NEWS LA 70157-7347 | Phone: WEEKLY(504) 821-7421 | Fax: (504) 821-7622 INSIDE DATA editorial: [email protected] | advertising: [email protected] Terry B. Jones Contributors CEO/Publisher Edwin Buggage Glenn Jones Ron Busby Cover Story ...... 2 Commentary . . . 6. . VP Advertising Glenn Summers & Marketing Edwin Buggage James A Washington Editor Art Direction & Production Data Zone ...... 4 State and Local News . 7 Cheryl Mainor MainorMedia.com Managing Editor Editorial Submissions Calla Victoria [email protected] Executive Assistant Newsmaker...... 5 June Hazeur 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 February 15 - February 21, 2014 Page 3

Cover Story, Continued from previous page.

lies in working with young people who are yourself with the right people as you strive determined to become successful in spite for success . Also during the event I did an- of adverse circumstances . For a decade other challenge where I lined up several he has touched the lives of many through young men like a soul train line and asked his non-profit “Blessed 26 .” His journey another of the participants what he wanted toward giving back began by watching his to be and he said ‘a lawyer’ and I sat at the father Kenneth Francis and his immedi- other end of the line and said I represent ate and extended family that provided him success, and you are going to have to get a template for how he would live his life, here without any arms and legs . Then I one dedicated to giving back and service . asked him how are you going to get here? “I feel my father was the epitome of man- And without saying anything the other hood for me growing up, and my mother young men picked him up and carried him Judy Francis is love in human form and over to me and that is what our community my older brother Kevin was literally my needs more people working together as a hero, my grandfather Rudolph McClain is team to uplift, encourage, inspire and sup- the most faith filled man I know and my port each other .” grandfather Earl Francis, who died at 100 As the African Proverb says, “It Takes a is the wisest man I’ve ever known; and Village to Raise a Child,” Francis realizes these are the people who imparted into all hands must be on deck doing their part me that’s fueled my desire to want to give with everyone using their unique gifts to back and serve others,” he says paying mold the leaders and citizens of tomorrow; homage to his family and how they shaped to aspire to greatness and reach heights what has become his passion . unknown to previous generations . Har- Growing up in Florida, while still in kening back on history and how so many high school he was a student/athlete; unsung” heroes” and “sheroes” took part while busy playing football as a star quar- in the liberation struggle he says of today terbacks earning his team a state cham- the same principles apply . “Back during pionship, he felt the urge to give back . the Civil Rights Movement we had Dr . Following in the footsteps of his father he King and others that made sacrifices, but volunteered working to help others . Upon it has been and always will be bigger than moving to New Orleans as a student en- any one person, for we are all agents of his- rolled at Tulane University on a football tory . It took people from all walks of life to scholarship he felt the need to not be in make a change and make historical steps the chorus of those complaining about the forward for our people and I believe every problems of the City, but to become part of person can do his own thing to accom- the solution . “When I looked around the plish this . For the Blessed 26 challenge I City and saw what young people were go- went into my personal network and asked ing through, it pained me to see that some L-R WDSU Anchor Norman Robinson, Xavier University of Louisiana President Nor- them to donate 80 cents a day to help for of them did not have the resources, and man C. Francis, and Patrick Johnson First NBA Bank Marketing and PR Assistant a benevolence fund . I find in my outreach then I thought how could I make a differ- and Xavier University Graduate. efforts you’d be surprised at what a small ence? And contrary to what some think it amount can do when it’s put all together, is not all about money, but it is about tak- together around the common theme of him . He also talked about living during the impact that it can have .” ing your time and talent to commit your- empowering our youth, so I thought why segregated times and how he never re- Speaking on how anyone can serve to self to helping people become successful not call it “family breakfast”, where we sponded negatively to a negative situation . better society Kendal feels the movement in fulfilling their dreams, goals and ambi- would share and break bread and to have He was determined and did not care what today is not solely as a mass movement as tions . Early in my life I watched my father a conversation about getting serious about people thought of him and that he was go- it was during the Civil Rights Movement, take kids to schools who received athletic being one unit committed to the goal of ing to beat the odds . He said in anything in but of individuals and small groups doing scholarships, and he was the one in the helping our young people .” life he wanted to do he followed it up with their part to affect change . “Today it is not community that filled a void to help people Speaking of some of the messages giv- action and I feel that’s what it’s going to about one leader we all can do something reach their goals, and that is what I am en to the youth he says, “Dr . Francis talked take for our young people to be success- to help invoke change . Like in our com- determined to do with “Blessed 26” links about opportunity and seizing the moment ful .” munity the barbershop has always been young people to resources that can help and I was excited and humbled that he a place where we discussed issues of the them become successful in life .” agreed to speak to the kids . To have some It Takes a Village: Passing the day and we have a person like my barber of the kids hear his inspirational words Torch and Aspiring to Greatness Wilbert “Chill” Wilson, who owns a bar- “Blessed 26” Targets New about pursing greatness and telling them Understanding the significance of his- bershop and several other businesses Orleans Young Men Who that they can do whatever they desire if tory and passing on the spirit of uplift and becoming civically engaged and started Strive For Excellence they put their minds and time into it was advancing the race Francis feels strongly “Walk A Mile for A Child .” He is a great Recently, Kendal held his “Family a great thing .” Also during the program about this saying, “We are standing on the example of something not just talking the Breakfast” at Xavier University, bringing Dr . Danna Andrus, hyped up the kids with shoulders of giants, none of us have got- talk but walking the walk, here is some- together a group consisting of high school call and response motivating them that it ten here on our own, so I had a vision to one who’s walked in the shoes of many students along with featured Speakers Dr . doesn’t matter where you start out in life bring 300 people together, young people of the young men we are trying to help Norman Francis (no relation) President it’s what you do to change your circum- and professionals to bridge the gaps of and now he serves as an inspiration for of Xavier University, WDSU Anchor, Nor- stances and realize that your future is in misunderstanding that sometimes happen the youth of our City . This is only one man Robinson, Motivational Speaker and your own hands and is a matter of mak- between the generations . example of the kind of things we can do Author Danna Andrus and Moderator ing wise life choices . Continuing he says, I spoke about some of the young people and I believe there is something we all can WDSU Meteorologist Damon Singleton “And for Norman Robinson to come off and how they’ve overcome adverse cir- contribute to the betterment of our City . It in addition to men who would serve to the anchor desk to allow the young people cumstances, I mentioned one young man is as simple as this, ordinary people work- mentor and inspire the young men in at- to see him in a different light; he was very who has a scholarship to Bard College in ing together can do extraordinary things, tendance on this day . Speaking of his rea- jovial with the kids and just telling them New York and he was given a standing all we have to do is our part and that is son for having the event he says, “I wanted stories about his grandmother and grand- ovation . And we went further and talked what I am trying do is be a blessing to oth- to do something that would bring people father and the lessons they imparted on about how it is important to surround ers with “Blessed 26 .” Page 4 February 15 - February 21, 2014 Data Zone www.ladatanews.com

Allan Houston & Soledad O’Brien to Host Fatherhood & Family Summit During NBA All-Star Weekend

Free Event to be held ment for change, the event will Saturday at Franklin feature both a male and female Avenue Baptist Church panel that will each discuss the importance of fatherhood and New York Knicks Assistant family . General Manager and former The female panel will be mod- two-time NBA All- Star, Allan erated by Soledad O’Brien and Houston, along with award feature Senior Advisor to Secre- winning Journalist & CEO of tary of Education Arne Duncan, Starfish Media Group, Soledad Suzanne Immerman, Four-Time O’Brien, will host a Father- WNBA Champion and Olympic hood & Family Summit on Gold Medalist, Tina Thompson, Saturday from 11:30 AM - 1:30 NBA Wives Adrienne Bosh and PM at Franklin Avenue Baptist CleRenda McGrady and NBA Church, 2515 Franklin Avenue . Mom Sheryl Howard . “My Foundation has been at The male panel will be hosted the forefront of educating the by Allan Houston and Fred Hick- public about the importance of man and include New Orleans fatherhood and strengthening Pelicans Head Coach Monty the family unit for years,” stated Williams, San Antonio Spurs Allan Houston . “Now it is our Player Danny Green and Miami goal to unify members of the Heat Player Roger Mason Jr . NBA community and beyond in Also included is a youth panel one arena to promote this cause . that will feature an interactive We are excited to be able to part- segment hosted by former NBA ner with Soledad, Pastor Fred Player Keyon Dooling . Award winning Journalist & CEO of Star- Luter, Pastor Steve Jamison and The event is free and open to fish Media Group, Soledad O’Brien their organizations for what is the public on a first-come, first- sure to be a groundbreaking served basis and will include event .” prizes and giveaways for select Addressing the fatherless- participants . Doors open at 11 ness issue across the country AM . and continuing their commit-

New York Knicks Assistant General Manager and former two-time NBA All- Star, Allan Houston

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© 2010 Autism Speaks Inc. “Autism Speaks” and “It’s Time To Listen” & design are trademarks owned by Autism Speaks Inc. All rights reserved. www.ladatanews.com Newsmaker February 15 - February 21, 2014 Page 5 NBRPA to Host All-Star Weekend Community Celebration Rev. Jesse Jackson & Former Mayor Marc Morial Slated To Speak

The National Basketball Retired League as part of a formal speaking Players Association (NBRPA), the program at 3 p .m . only Association comprised of NBA, Free community lunch from Mc- ABA, Harlem Globetrotters and Donalds followed by a youth sum- WNBA alumni, will be hosting a mit conducted by Dillard University free community celebration, youth and youth basketball clinic conduct- summit and youth basketball clinic ed by the NBRPA, PAL and National at Oliver Bush Playground in the Urban League . Lower 9th Ward on February 15, 2014 from noon to 4 p .m . as part of Events will take place on its NBA All-Star Weekend activities . February 15, 2014 at the Supported by the global law firm Oliver Bush Playground, Dentons, this very special philan- 2500 Caffin Ave and the thropic event is collaboration be- schedule is as follows: tween the NBRPA, National Police Athletic/Activities League (PAL), 12-2 p.m. - Community Cel- , Dillard Uni- ebration with lunch provided by versity, Louisiana Justice Institute, McDonalds Rainbow PUSH Coalition Sports Commission and the New Orleans 2-3 p.m. - Youth Summit con- Recreation Development Com- ducted by Dillard University and mission and the New Orleans City the Louisiana Justice Institute Council offices of James A . Gray and Stacy Head . The event will be 3-4 p.m. - Podium program attended by more than 20 former featuring Rev. Jesse Jackson and NBA players and will include com- former New Orleans Mayor Marc ments from Rev . Jesse Jackson of Morial, followed by a youth basket- Rainbow PUSH and former Mayor ball clinic conducted by the NBRPA, Marc Morial of the National Urban PAL and National Urban League

National Urban League President & CEO and former New Orleans Mayor, Marc Morial and Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, President & CEO Rainbow Push Coalition.

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Real Talk for Real Times... 1639 Gentilly Blvd. New Orleans, LA 70119 (504)942-0106 www.wbok1230am.com Page 6 February 15 - February 21, 2014 Commentary www.ladatanews.com

Former New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin Found Guilty on Corruption Charges

By Edwin Buggage than the citizens who want to close this chapter in the City’s history . As A Chapter in the New Orleans evidenced during the days of the tri- Post-Katrina saga has ended with al with a that was half-empty most former Mayor C . Ray Nagin being of the time except when the former found guilty of accepting payoffs for Mayor took the stand, sparring City contracts, becoming the first with the prosecutor and dismissing mayor in the City’s history to be the charges against him as mislead- charged and convicted of corrup- ing and misinformed . tion . The details surrounding some Nagin’s rise and fall is ironic as of the counts against Nagin, who he came in on a note of anti-cor- left office in 2010 after eight years, ruption when he took office in the stem from a governmental probe 2002 . Prior to Hurricane Katrina alleged that the former Mayor ac- and the breaching of the levees he cepted hundreds of thousands of was a popular mayor a 60% approval dollars in bribes and truckloads of rating and praised for his work in free granite for his family business his fight to changing New Orleans’ in exchange for promoting the in- reputation as one of America’s terests of local businessman Frank most corrupt cities . After the storm Fradella . He also was charged with where there was enough blame to accepting thousands of dollars in go around at the local, state and fed- payoffs from another businessman, eral level, Nagin in an uphill battle Rodney Williams, for his help with was re-elected in 2006 defeating his sons’ granite business in ex- challenger and present New Or- change for City contracts . leans Mayor . But Nagin will remain free on bond his second term was mired with Pictured above is Former New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin leaving the courthouse on Wednesday, February 12, while he awaits sentencing . Each many problems as a result his ap- faced the press after the jury in his federal corruption trial deliberated for about six and a half hours before of the charges carries a sentence proval rating plummeted to 24% by finding Mr . Nagin, 57, guilty in 20 of the 21 counts against him. Photo credit AP from three to 20 years, but how the end of his second term . His fate long would he serve was unclear would then take another turn three The jury, deliberated for about came after a seven-day trial, with Williams who had pled guilty to and will depend on a pre-sentence years after leaving office with him six and a half hours before finding more than three dozen witnesses bribing Mr . Nagin in return for con- investigation and various sentenc- being indicted on 21 counts includ- Mr . Nagin, 57, guilty in 20 of the testifying, including the Federal tracting work with the City . In a trial ing guidelines . No sentencing ing bribery and wire fraud charges . 21 counts against him . The verdict Government star witness Rodney that garnered more media interest date was set .

Spiritually Speaking…

thing or two or three when you’re word about independence . I real- ity . Finding God in the context of sistent, but it is my consistent be- arrogant enough to think you ize now that I cannot do anything the Alpha and Omega brings cer- lief that God will never abandon have all the answers . I now know, without Jesus . I realize I don’t tain clarity to the existence of and those who seek Him out . I believe as a result of a rather enlightening function well outside the boundar- my perspective on my place in the in Deuteronomy it says that when Sunday service, that I am not the ies of faith, a faith predicated upon universe . You’ve all heard this be- all else fails, return to god and primary source of knowing why Father God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, fore . God so loved the world that He will be merciful . Recogniz- things unfold the way as they do . Savior of my soul existence . It’s He gave His only begotten Son for ing mercy as a blessing is a good My mistake had been to think that an eternal thing with me . That me . This is a life and death and life place to begin . Grace is the reality James Washington somehow, one day, through my means getting as close as I can, as that makes eternity real . My life of this journey . It’s a daily bread Guest Columnist own volition, “discover” the best often as I can to wallowing in the is a gift, granted to me by the Al- thing . It’s there for all of us . We’ve way to serve God . My “calling’ Word of God . He exists therefore mighty with purpose and destiny, just got to let go and partake of Sometimes I have put myself would be clear because, after all, I exist . My calling, my vocation, in whatever that might be . All I have the goodness and wisdom that is in the most difficult of situations I’m actively searching to see how this regard is to accept, listen and to do is accept it by seeking God’s God’s . It’s not a give and get thing . because without deliberate con- I might best serve the Lord, given obey . Scripture says lean not upon face, accept what is shown to me It’s a recognize and receive thing . scious effort, I forget God has what I perceived to be my gifts . your own understanding and seek and listen . It’s the listening part The work was done by Jesus . How worked this thing out, without any Wrong . That’s not letting go Him . If I do that He will be found that is so difficult to me at times bout dat? input from me . I used to think there and letting God . That’s holding and you know what? Where He is, because, in this world everybody May God bless and keep you must be something I’m not get- on and giving man (me) way to that’s where I’ll be . and everything is trying to get my always . ting because the more I searched much credit . The minister’s mes- So, therefore, the simple truth attention . I find that in order for James A. Washington is Publisher for the meaning of my own salva- sage was so simple, that I can is don’t try so hard . Finding God me to really listen, I need quiet of the Dallas Weekly and President tion, the more confused I would only believe it was God’s time in the context of man’s under- time . I need some consistent time & General Manager of The Atlanta become . You see life teaches you a to share His destiny for me via a standing can seem an impossibil- in the Word . I am not always con- Voice Newspaper. www.ladatanews.com State and Local News February 15 - February 21, 2014 Page 7 DATA CLASSIFIED Call 504-821-7421 to Hal Clark wins Playhouse on the Square’s New place your classified ad.

Works @ The Works Playwriting Competition Mailboxes by Mark

You pay for the bricks or maybe you Playhouse on the Square Fishers of Men, which over the past have bricks already. You provide (POTS), Memphis, TN’s profes- two years has played to sold-out au- the mailbox. sional resident theatre company, diences in New Orleans and Baton I will provide the cement, wood, mortar, nails etc. You choose or recently named local playwright Rouge . He directed a staged read- create the design. Prices vary Harold Ellis (Hal) Clark one of two ing of the play starring original cast according to the design. winners in its New Works @ The members Al Aubry, Martin Brad- Contact: Mark (504) 723‐7318 Works Playwriting Competition for ford, Damien Moses and Oliver his play, We Live Here, about a black Thomas this past December at LeP- couple from New Orleans’ Lower etit Theatre (New Orleans) . It was 9th Ward who wins a brand new the featured theatrical production home in an all-white neighborhood of the 2013 Words & Music Confer- AVON and discovers their “dream come ence, hosted by the Pirate’s Alley The company for women $$$ true” is too good to be true . The Faulkner Society . Fishers of Men $$$$$ play’s world premiere took place on receives a full production at Wiley Can you use some extra cash? Try Avon!!! Avon is easy to sell, January 2-25, 2015 as part of POTS’ College (Marshall, Texas), Friday, no experience necessary. It cost 2014-15 season at Theaterworks, February 28th . A staged reading of only $10.00 to start. the company’s third performance the play starring original cast mem- Become your own boss or just earn extra money. Whether you space . The other winner is Teri bers occurs at Tulane University, are interested in purchasing Avon K . Feigelson, author of Mountain Saturday, March 15th for the Free- products or becoming an Avon Representa�ve yourself, I can View . Clark and Feigelson, were dom Summer Redux Conference . assist you. chosen from six finalists, winning He was one of two finalists for Call June ‐ 504‐606‐1362 cash prizes and travel accommoda- New Orleans Native Harold Ellis (Hal) Clark is one of two winners of the 2013 Stanley Drama Award for I will explain everything and help the Playhouse on the Square (POTS) in Memphis, TN’s, New Works @ you to get started. tions to participate in the develop- The Works Playwriting Competition for his play, “We Live Here”. his play, Tour Detour . That play ment and rehearsals of their plays . also earned him recognition as a The six finalists’ plays received superb . Several audience members elsewhere to visit Memphis for the finalist in Stage West’s 7th Annual individual staged readings at were visibly sitting on the edges of play’s world premiere .” (2013) Southwest Playwriting Com- POTS as part of the competition . their seats during the reading, and Clark wrote numerous unpub- petition, and as a semifinalist for Distribution Manager Clark, his wife, Cherie, and several later were quite candid about the lished novels and unproduced the 2013 Eugene O’Neill National Position Available friends attended a staged reading play’s various themes during the screenplays for more than 18 years Playwrights Conference . Clark’s of We Live Here this past Decem- talkback,” said Clark, a New Or- before writing his first play, Mar- screenplay, Chummy’s Spirit, based Data News Weekly is seeking a Distribution Manager for our ber . Afterwards, the audience and leans native who resides in Gretna, rero Action, in 2010 . It was pro- on his similarly titled 2006 self-pub- weekly newspaper distribution. cast participated in an engaging LA . “I’m confident that theatergo- duced a year later at the Anthony lished novel, was named an official and frank talkback session about ers will witness a captivating and Bean Community Theatre (New selection for the 2013 International The position requirements are: • Must have a valid Louisiana driv- Clark’s play that elicited a variety of entertaining production of We Live Orleans) . Clark won UpStage The- Family Film Festival (Hollywood, ers license strong emotions and observations . Here . I encourage people from atre’s 4th (2013) Annual Emerg- CA) . For more visit www .haroldel- • Must have a truck/van/SUV and must be insured. “The directing and acting were the New Orleans metro area and ing Playwright Project for his play, lisclark .com . • Must have a thorough knowledge of the City of New Orleans • Work days are Thursday, Friday, Saturday, flexible schedule on those days. Local Doctor This is a paid, Part-time Position. ladatanews.com Contact Terry at Data News Weekly to apply. Promoted to Partner (504) 821-7421 Dr. Robert J. Spears, DDS

Dr. L’Issa L. Gates, a General Dentistry 2013 Data News Weekly

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