Penelope Randolph-Biagas a Giving Tradition By: Eric Connerly

Lighting The Road To The Future

Data Zone Page 6 Super Sunday Highlights

“The People’s Paper” March 26 - April 1, 2011 45th Year Volume 41 www.ladatanews.com

Page 2 Newsmaker Trailblazer Laurence Martin Sr. Penelope Turns 90 Randolph-Biagas Page 4 Page 5 Photos by Victor Holt

Page 2 March 26 - April 1, 2011 Cover Story www.ladatanews.com African-American Female Entrepreneurs Lighting the Way to the Future

By Edwin Buggage

African-American Women in Business African –American women have been the back- bone of the Black community . Always carrying themselves with undeniable beauty, grace and style, they have been the ones that have nurtured and been the glue that have held us together . They have been the foundation that our community is built upon . Today women are taking on even larger She is Simply Divine roles, outnumbering men in college enrollment and Janice Meredith is a woman who over the breaking through the glass ceilings of corporate years has become a force to be reckoned America . Also there is a class of young women who with in the beauty industry . She is the own- are also venturing out on their own to start busi- er of Simply Divine, a full service salon . “I nesses . really enjoy my work, it is more than just a Three young entrepreneurs highlighted in this business, this industry is an important part article are beauty industry professionals toiling of our community; it is also a social space away in the same way a young woman named Mad- where people from all walks of life come am C .J . Walker did over a century ago as the first together; and that is the one of the many female millionaire in America . Making her fortune things I enjoy about this line of work,” says in the beauty industry and using her wealth to serve Meredith . others as well . And today as technology is the new Janice Meredith As a successful businesswoman she has gateway to wealth and riches and is the modern branched out extending her brand with Sa- equivalent to the gold rush, one of the women fea- lon Locators, a Beauty Industry Consulting Firm, “I saw a need for more organi- tured is in the field of information technology; which zation in the industry and I felt it was a service that I could provide to help other is the new frontier in a world where information and businesses more effectively market themselves,” remarks Meredith . She has also the mastery of new technologies equals power . ventured out into the world of magazine publishing, “I have a beauty industry mag- In the 21st Century the United States have seen azine called Stylebrity and I hold an Annual Hair Show and tattoo battle bearing a shift in power as the country elected its first Af- the same name that brings together beauty industry professionals and people from rican-American President, and along with that its across the region ”. first African-American First Lady and First Family She is also a woman who has a giving heart; she has been featured in newspapers that includes two African-American girls . This state and magazines for her charitable work . “I feel like I have been blessed in my life and of events has raised the profile of African-American I feel those who are fortunate enough to have been successful should look to give to women and girls to new heights . This century have those less fortunate ”. Meredith has started a Summer Camp for young people and a also seen the first African-American female billion- magazine that focuses on young people called Stylebrity Teen . “I feel it is important aire in Oprah Winfrey, a media and business mogul to build for the future, and if I as a businesswoman could be an example for and who’s leveraged as a celebrity and now has a televi- inspire someone or contribute to their success, that is something that I have always sion network called “OWN ”. This is the where these set out to do and that is to give back .” women are today, the descendants of slaves are now in ownership navigating their own way, taking their fate in their own hands .

Cover Story, Continued on next page. DATA News Weekly P.O. Box 57347, New Orleans, LA 70157-7347 INSIDE DATA Phone: (504) 821-7421 | Fax: (504) 821-7622 editorial: [email protected] | advertising: [email protected] Terry B. Jones Contributors CEO/Publisher Eric Connerly Cover Story ...... 2 Commentary . . . . 8 Glenn Jones Edwin Buggage VP Advertising Lee Daniels & Marketing Marc Morial Cheryl Mainor Judge Greg Mathis Managing Editor Newsmaker...... 4 National News . . . 10 Karen Reedus Jasper Edwin Buggage Editor Art Direction & Production Dionne Character Trailblazer . . . . 5 State & Local News . 11 Arts & Entertainment Editor MainorMedia.com Melanie Mainor Editorial Submissions Copy Editor Intern [email protected] June Hazeur Advertising Inquiries Data Zone ...... 6 Accounting [email protected] Please call (504) 309-9913 for subscription information. Dated material two weeks in advance. Not responsible for publishing or return of unsolicited manuscripts or photos. www.ladatanews.com Cover Story March 26 - April 1, 2011 Page 3 Cover Story, Continued from previous page.

Information is Power In a field dominate by men Joaneane Smith stands out as the Owner, President & CEO of GCS, an IT Consulting Firm specializing in Software Engineering, Integration, Implementation, Cyber security, and Program/Project Management . She has more than 12 years experience in management consulting and information systems . “Yes this is a field where there are very few females, and that number is even smaller when you talk about African-American Women, but I feel it is important that women think outside the box and seek out new opprtunites and that’s what I’ve done,” says Smith . As a trailblazer in this field and as an entrepreneur she feels women are making great strides, but feels there is still more room for women to participate outside of the normal businesses that predominate, “Women-owned businesses make a significant contribution to the U S. . economy and have grown in number and size over the past two decades,” says Smith of women-owned businesses and their impact . Being a business owner can sometimes be an uphill climb, but it does have its perks according to Smith, “I like being able to create my own work, set my own rates, set my own hours, and be choosy about the clients I take on ”. “I am a dreamer and always dreaming up new ideas, planning for the future, and focused on the next item on my To Do List .” Joaneane Smith is an example of a 21st Century Woman that is focused on being a success in business . As she continues running her business she says of young women and her influence on them, “When I get a chance to speak to young women and tell them that they too could be successful in life and be whatever they want ”. Continuing she says “In order to reach your goals, you need to remain focused and not let anything prevent you from reaching your objective; prepare yourself for the long-term and migrate to people that have the same mindset .”

Joaneane Smith

Beauty, Brains and Finding the a Heart of Gold Secret to Style Shalome Jenkins is a woman and Grace, who is the full package, armed “Laced” with beauty, brains and a mind Lacie B . Robinson for business . Her love of styling is a stunning woman hair began at a young age, “Since of style, grace and I was very young I had a talent class . She has spent for styling hair but back then I many years working didn’t understand the gift that in upscale establish- was given to me and that what I ments such as Saks was doing in my mom’s kitchen Fifth Avenue, the would become a lifelong journey Ritz Carlton and Dil- of being in business for myself,” lard’s as an Aestheti- says Jenkins . cian and she is also She is the owner of Emolah’s a Licensed Cosme- Hair Restoration Center, a full- tologist . Three years Lacie B . Robinson Shalome Jenkins service hair salon where she ago Lacie took her specializes in repairing damaged gift for beauty and hair and regrowing hair in problem areas . Jenkins was raised in a fashion and opened an upscale boutique and salon called Laced . “My single-family home and was as determined to be successful from company is more than just the service or merchandise I provide, it is a very early age, “I think I was a natural born entrepreneur, I re- a lifestyle ”. Continuing she says, “It is a one stop shop for the woman member finding gratification in high school, being able to buy who desires a first-class beauty experience .” prom dresses and other things from monies that I earned in addi- Today as women are entering the upper echelons of society as ex- tion to being able to treat my Mom to nice things,” says Jenkins . ecutives, professionals and business owners, Lacie feels it is impor- Jenkins is a woman who understands she is part of a rich tradi- tant that there are services that match this bold new breed of woman tion in the beauty industry, “It is women like Madam C J. . Walker who desires to be pampered in an upscale atmosphere . “I feel every who paved the way for me to do what I do and her contribution is woman regardless of her income level deserves to pamper them- significant as a source of inspiration for women to be in business selves, or in the case of what I do are “laced” which simply means for themselves .” Shalome Jenkins is still a young woman but a vet- from head-to-toe, she exudes elegance style and class .” eran in business, she says to young women who want to become Robinson feels the woman of the 21st Century is one who knows successful, “You need to have self-discipline and vision and you herself and is self-determined . She is successful on her own and inde- can become a success at whatever it is you want to do whether it is pendent, but yet sexy and feminine . “I am a woman who went out and a doctor, lawyer, teacher or in my case a businesswoman .” followed her dream of becoming a business owner and it feels good everyday coming to a place I can call my own, and I acknowledge all the other female business owners and those who came before me, and while there are a lot of women in business for themselves there is still a need for more ”. Page 4 March 26 - April 1, 2011 Newsmaker www.ladatanews.com

Justice Department Issues Scathing Report on New Orleans Police Department

By Lee A. Daniels deficiencies existed long before” structure responsible for its over- aged—the police dogs were so Perez, the Assistant U .S . Attorney Special to the NNPA from Hurricane Katrina struck . sight – in the modern history of badly trained—that they often at- General in charge of the depart- thedefendersonline.com In fact, the department was en- policing . tacked their own handlers . ment’s Office of Civil Rights, and A U S. . Department of Justice meshed in scandal in the 1990s The report states that, bol- These attitudes and practices New Orleans’ Police Chief, Ronal report on the New Orleans Police after a series of criminal convic- stered by its unwillingness to made New Orleans itself less Serpas, and other city and federal Department released last week tions of police officers – including adhere to seemingly basic rules safe for its law-abiding citizens, officials . The city and the Justice has described it as wracked by a the conviction of two for murder and bureaucratic procedures, the the federal report stated, in part Department will sign a consent culture of incompetence and cor- – exposed widespread problems . New Orleans force indulged in because police officials had often decree that maps out specific av- ruption that is “serious, systemic, But, its deterioration in the wake “patterns or practices of uncon- failed to investigate actual crimes enues of reform, which will be wide-ranging and deeply rooted” of Hurricane Katrina, with a wider stitutional conduct and/or viola- and because their behavior pro- overseen by the federal court . and in need of complete reform . national and even international tions of federal law” so pervasive duced a widespread distrust of They said that Chief Serpas has The city’s police force, which audience looking on, has forced and constant that they came to the department among many citi- already begun making substan- nearly completely collapsed when the concerted, multifaceted effort be routine . They include: unwar- zens that inhibited their calling on tive reforms of the department, Hurricane Katrina devastated the at reform now underway . ranted use of force; illegal stops, or cooperating with police officers aided by a revision of some civil city in 2005, has been the subject Mitch Landrieu last year, asked searches and arrests; rampant when they witnessed a crime be- service rules to give him more of multiple city, state, and federal the Justice Department for a discriminatory behavior toward ing committed . flexibility in hiring, shifting, and investigation since then . Some of “top to bottom review” of the be- New Orleanians of color, lesbian, In fact, the report states, New firing personnel within it and the these probes have led to criminal leaguered police force, one that gay, bi-sexual and transgendered Orleans Criminal Courts have report pointedly praises what it indictments and convictions of would help him bring about its citizens; and, often, women who trouble empanelling juries be- describes as “a remarkably strong more than a dozen officers thus far “complete transformation . reported that they has been sexu- cause so many prospective jurors shared commitment to the City for unprovoked lethal and deadly Certainly, the resulting docu- ally assaulted . Not surprisingly, say they wouldn’t trust the sworn [among New Orleanians] that use of force against innocent citi- ment leaves no doubt that a com- sanctions against police officers testimony of police officers . spans race, class, and neighbor- zens in the storm’s aftermath . plete transformation is vital . For, who abused their positions were “There is nobody in this room hood … [and] provides a strong But, this investigation, conduct- believing its prosaic title, “Inves- virtually non-existent . that is surprised by the general foundation upon which to trans- ed by the federal agency’s Office tigation of the New Orleans Po- One of the more striking indi- tenor and the tone of what this reform” the police department . of Civil Rights, deliberately did lice Department,” it is one of the cations of the depth of the depart- port has to say,” Mayor Landrieu not consider those cases . In one most damning indictments of an ment’s managerial incompetence said at a news conference in New sense, it didn’t need to because, entire police department – and, cited in the report was that its Orleans . it stated, pointedly, “these serious implicitly, of a city governmental canine unit was so badly misman- He was flanked by Thomas E .

Happy 90th Birthday Laurence Martin Sr. www.ladatanews.com TrailblazerTrailblazer March 26 - April 1, 2011 Page 5

Penelope Randolph-Biagas A Giving Tradition by: Eric Connerly

She is someone who comes from a long line of also says she gets extreme women and a family that have lived their lives to joy from her grandchildren serve others . Penelope Randolph-Biagas has dedi- Caydance and Penelope . cated herself to the betterment of her community . “I As women roles in soci- was born into a family of social workers, my moth- ety have evolved, Randolph- er, Dorothy Sturken-Randolph was very involved in Biagas think much hasn’t the community and was the first Director of Social changed it’s simply the same Services at Charity Hospital and the first African- wheel with a new spin she American Professor at Tulane University School of says, “While women’s place Social Work,” says Randolph-Biagas . in society have changed I Continuing on the theme of her family and the don’t think the 21st Century importance they played in her being self-deter- Woman is that different then mined she harkens back to her mother, grand- the 20th Century Woman, we mother and great-grandmother, three generations have always spent time bal- of women who helped shape her drive to succeed . ancing work and family ”. “I “I am someone who believes everything is possible, came from a home where my but you have to be dedicated, serious and disci- grandmother did not work plined, this is something I learned early in life see- outside of the home but she ing strong female role models in my family,” says managed the home, and my Randolph-Biagas . Penelope Randolph-Biagas with her daughter, Judge Candice Bates mother always worked even As a social service professional she has wit- Anderson traveling to Baton Rouge for nessed many things change in the African-Ameri- school because Tulane did can community . She says of some of the problems and even in spite of some of its problems .” Continu- not accept African-Americans at that time .” surrounding the young women of today, ing she says, “I was fortunate enough to not have Penelope Randolph-Biagas comes from a long “I find that in some families and communities much damage and be in a position to help others .” line of people who have been examples of great there is not a lot of support that use to exist at one “That’s what we do in New Orleans we are just a women . Giving advice to young women she says, time, the breakdown of community is a product of giving, loving people and as we rebuild it is not just “Stay focused, know who you are and what you the breakdown of family and this is something we about the buildings that make the city great I be- want, set goals for yourself and be motivated, deter- have to work on to improve our community ”. “We lieve its greatest asset is its people ”. mined and disciplined while pursuing your goals .” need more unity and people to understand that if She is a loving mother to her daughter, Juvenile She is a woman tied to a rich history continuing to we don’t work to improve the lives of the people Court Judge Candice Bates-Anderson . Beaming dedicate her life to building for the future . That is at the bottom it makes life for people harder at the with pride when speaking of her, “My daughter is why today we honor Penelope Randolph-Biagas as top .” very determined and has grown into being an ac- New Orleans Data News Weekly Trailblazer for the Civic involvement is an important part of her complished young woman . Continuing she says, “I Month of March 2011 . giving back as she sits on several boards . One that am so proud of my daughter and what she’s done holds a special place and is dear to her heart is the with her life; she has had the will to do what she Jazz and Heritage Foundation . “We do so many wanted to do and made it happen .” Randolph-Biagas things in the areas of the cultural arts and that is a very important part of our city, preserving its heritage and culture,” says Randolph-Biagas . Over five years later the city is still experiencing the effects of the Katrina debacle that continues to impact the lives of many people . Randolph-Biagas likens her city to an old friend, “I love New Orleans JMJ Joseph M. Jones Continuing Education Fund Page 6 March 26 - April 1, 2011 Data Zone www.ladatanews.com

Mardi Gras Indians Super Sunday 2011 On Super Sunday 2011, thousands of people came to Central City for food, music, and to see the stunning costumes of New Orleans’ Mardi Gras Indians . The annual St . Joseph’s Day event included the parade, cultural activities and musical performances which were presented by the New Orleans Mardi Gras Indian Council and R .E A. .L .

Photos by Jordan Flaherty

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For more pictures check us out on Facebook. www.ladatanews.com Data Zone March 26 - April 1, 2011 Page 7

Jazz Filled Weekend on Broad Street It was a weekend for Jazz on Broad Street with Donald Harrison, Jazz Saxophonist performing at The Prime Example and Ka-Ville Music Experience performing at The Broad Street Cafe with vocalist, Vernon Ward and Data was there .

Photos by June Hazeur

Left to right - Percy Williams, Trumpeter, Uncle to Kermit Ruffins and Terri Barre’s Aunt, Mrs. Theda Gaudin celebrates her 82nd Birthday with Lester Singleton, Saxophonist family.

Left to right - Brice Egana, Terri Barre’ Egana, Donald Neveu and Elaine Seated left to right are Kim Krivjanick, Leah Green and Alicia Espadron Neveu.

For more pictures check us out on Facebook. Page 8 March 26 - April 1, 2011 Commentary www.ladatanews.com State of Black America Town Hall to Explore Jobs of the Future

America town hall meeting on March 31st, those lost jobs are never coming back . edies, including a plan to boost minority from 10 a m. . to noon at Howard University’s That is why the discussion about bring- participation in emerging Broadband and Cramton Auditorium . A panel of notable ing jobs back to urban America must focus Green Industries . We also call on Con- policy experts, scholars and journalists will on ensuring that people in our communi- gress to reform, revise and reauthorize the lead a public dialogue about ways to end ties are educated, trained and have access Workforce Investment Act to focus on pre- the jobs crisis in our communities . But the to the jobs of the future . The Bureau of La- paring and retraining workers for 21st Cen- most important voices invited to this meet- bor Statistics (BLS) projects that between tury jobs by targeting young adults with ing belong to you – the student struggling 2008 and 2018, the industries projected to less than college education as well as high to pay college tuition, the father who lost produce the largest number of new jobs school dropouts and older workers whose his job six months ago and is wondering are health care and social assistance, and jobs were eliminated by the recession . We if he will ever be able to support his fam- professional and business services . And must also do more to reverse troubling re- Marc Morial ily again, and the single mother having to nearly half of all new jobs created during cent trends in minority high school drop- President and CEO choose between child care and health care those years will require some type of post- out and college enrollment rates . National Urban League for her kids . secondary education . Because of high These are just some of the ideas that The great recession has seen a loss of dropout rates and low college graduation will be discussed at the March 31st town more than 8 million jobs . Many of those rates in communities of color, it is projected hall meeting . We need your input too . If Next Thursday, I invite you to join the jobs are in declining industries and may that 70 percent of prime working age Afri- you can’t attend in person, the event will be debate about the number one issue facing never return . According to a recent CNN can-American adults and 80 percent of His- webcast live at www nul. org. beginning at the nation – the deep and persistent jobs Money news report, “Home building lost panics will lack the requisite education for 10 a .m . ET . You can also join the conver- crisis that has been especially devastating nearly 1 million jobs since the start of 2008, almost 40 percent of projected new jobs . sation on Twitter@NatUrbanLeague using in urban communities of color . As part of while the auto industry shed 300,000 man- Clearly immediate action is needed to #SOBA11 or on Facebook . the National Urban League’s Annual Leg- ufacturing jobs due to plant closings . The turn this picture around . The National Ur- islative Policy Conference in Washington, finance and real estate sectors lost more ban League’s 12-point Blueprint for Quality DC, we will convene a Free State of Black than 500,000 jobs ”. Unfortunately, many of Job Creation offers several powerful rem-

Don’t Cut Head Start!

ied early education programs since it be- balancing the budget they’d take a look at licans – and Democrats – which programs gan more than 40 years ago . The program programs with inflated and misappropri- can handle significant cuts . has proven itself to be one of the United ated budgets, starting with the military . If you believe in the power of Head Start States’ most successful social experiments Sure, it’s critical that the U S. . has a strong and can testify to how it helped a child – past and an efficient use of taxpayer dollars . Re- military in place but studies have shown or present – in your life, call your elected of- search shows students who complete Head that program is rife with wasteful spending . ficials . Let them know that they absolutely Start do better both socially and academi- It’s not the only area where money is either cannot cut Head Start . Our children’s – and cally and are less likely to drop out of high being wasted or being misused . A good, our nation’s – success depends on it . school . honest budget scrub will show the Repub- Yet, Republicans want to cut the program by more than 22-percent . They say Head Judge Greg Mathis Start isn’t as effective as supporters claim . www.ladatanews.com NNPA Columnist To be fair, some studies show that achievement levels of some Head Start attendees start to drop off after first grade . However, this could speak to the quality of the school they enroll in after the pro- Mathis’ Mind gram . Additionally, the program’s oppo- After being urged by President Obama nents say too much money is spent main- to invest in our nation’s students, you taining the program and not enough on would think our federal lawmakers would enrolling new students . do anything they could to preserve a pro- It’s not clear if the Republican Party is gram that sets the foundation for a lifetime against poor people, working mothers, low of achievement, right? Wrong . Once again, income children or all three . All of the cuts Republicans are moving to cut a program it’s leaders have moved to make have been that helps average Americans and, in this to programs that support and empower case, specifically the poor . the poor . If they are successful in taking The Head Start Program is yet another away the building blocks that many have social program the Republican Party has used to create a foundation for future suc- targeted for major cuts . Head Start pro- cess, America’s middle class will continue vides educational and health services to to shrink and the number of families living low income children and their families . below the poverty line will increase . Head Start has been one of the most stud- If the Republicans were serious about www.ladatanews.com Data Zone March 26 - April 1, 2011 Page 9

Phenomenal Woman: Melanie Fiona

By Edwin Buggage am from Toronto, Canada and at and the progression of women The great Writer Maya An- heart I am a Caribbean woman and how they are viewed in the gelou composed a poem entitled who grew up listening to differ- music industry, and I root that “Phenomenal Woman” an ode to ent types music and my music re- in that I want to be respected for the inner beauty of Black Women . flects that diversity of growing up my talent and my intelligence and These are two words that de- with different cultural influences ”. what I have to say and contribute scribe the talented chanteuse of Continuing in her very engaging to society,” says Fiona . song Melanie Fiona, who embod- way she lists some of the greats Since gaining more recogni- ies with her music and style a tem- that filled her musical plate, “Sam tion and notoriety she remains plate for women to emulate . She Cooke, Sade, Bob Marley, Mar- humble in her success, Fiona is an is stunningly beautiful, a great vo- vin Gaye, Brandy, and of course accessible artist that seems to sin- calist with thought provoking lyr- Whitney Houston, I have always cerely love people and has a giv- ics, and is extremely intelligent . been in love with anyone who was ing heart . She has been involved She has come a long way from a great singer and storyteller and in several important projects that her days as a young Canadian all these singers have done that speak to important issues facing girl with a dream of becoming and I just want to add to that tradi- society, performing on “We are a singer . Today she is a woman tion with my music .” the World 25” a song for Haiti and who has been nominated for a Armed with hits in the U S. . and collaborating with John Legend, Grammy and her songs resonate abroad Fiona is making an impact the Roots and Common on the with audiences across the globe, Melanie Fiona and Data News Weekly Editor Edwin Buggage in the entertainment industry . remake of the classic anthem of as evidenced by her infectious One that sometimes unfortunate- uplift, Harold Melvin and the Blue music that transcends genres and mance at the House of Blues in vorful gumbo blending the best of ly objectifies females, she hopes categories had the captive crowd New Orleans . the old and the new . Talking about to empower women through her Data Zone, entranced during a recent perfor- Her musical palate is a rich fla- herself and her music she says, “I music, “I think I exude integrity continued on page 11.

Heatlh News Doctors Express Plans to Revolutionize Urgent Care in the New Orleans Area First National Urgent Care Franchise Awards Territory to Local Physician

Doctors Express, the first ever fering a consistent, broad range ence . Dr . Gary will deliver afford- of primary care physicians is Discounts for those without in- National Urgent Care Franchise, of treatment and services on the able, efficient, non-emergency shrinking because nearly half of surance/pay in cash . has awarded a territory to a local spot . Under one roof, experienced treatment to almost anyone who our nation’s primary care docs, The Doctors Express Urgent couple in the medical field who physicians will diagnose and treat walks in the doors of Doctors Ex- including pediatricians, plan to Care in Metairie begins seeing plan to revolutionize urgent care illnesses, dispense medication, press . She has teamed up with stop practicing or reduce the patients on Saturday, April 1st . in the New Orleans area . Dr . John provide travel health vaccinations Doctors Express franchise own- number of patients they see It’s located at 3348 W . Espla- Pigott is a Practicing Cardiac Sur- and have the capabilities to x-ray ers, the Pigotts, and will treat pa- over the next 3 years . nade Ave ., Suite A . geon with more than two decades and stabilize fractures . The cen- tients and oversee all of the day- • The CDC attributes the in- Center hours: Monday-Friday of experience . He and his wife, ter will also include on-site labs to-day medical operations of the crease in ER visits partly to the 8 a .m . to 8 p .m . and Saturday-Sun- Rebekah, a former nurse, have that give quick test results for center . difficulty patients have getting day 8 a .m . to 5 p .m . been awarded the exclusive rights ailments such as mono and strep Consider this: an appointment with their pri- Currently, there are 33 Doctors to the Doctors Express Center in throat . Plus, the average wait time • 46 million Americans (1/6 of mary physician . Express Centers up and running Metairie . They, along with their to see a physician is only 15 – 20 the population) do not have The Doctors Express Differ- throughout the country . A total of Medical Director, Dr . Pat Gary, minutes . This is the first time ur- medical insurance and many do ence 81 franchises have been awarded plan to establish a high quality, gent care has been nationally fran- not have a primary physician of All patients are handled in a in 23 states and 40 will be operat- state-of-the art, walk-in medical chised . The national franchise choice . single visit: initial doctor’s exam, ing by the end of the first quarter center that is comfortable, conve- will benefit the local Doctors Ex- • The American Medical Associa- lab work, x-rays, minor surgical of this year . The long term goal nient and affordable for patients . press by sharing best practices tion reports it takes an average procedures and in-house medica- is to have 1,000 Doctors Express The Pigotts and Dr . Gary are across all centers and leveraging of 18 days to get an appoint- tion dispensing . Centers across the nation, so that committed to friendly, courteous its size to keep prices lower for lo- ment with an internist and 30 Every patient is seen by an ex- a recognizable, reliable health- and prompt care . cal consumers . days for an appointment with a perienced physician . care option is available wherever The Metairie Doctors Express Local Physician, Dr . Gary, is specialist . Services are affordable and you travel in the U .S . walk-in Medical Center differs board certified in emergency • A study by the Physicians most insurance, including Medi- from other medical clinics by of- medicine with 30 years experi- Foundation reveals the number care, is accepted . Page 10 March 26 - April 1, 2011 National News www.ladatanews.com

Black Press Week Commemorates the Founding of Freedom’s Journal

By Karen Reedus Jasper munity Service Award Recipients, Special to the NNPA from The John Boyd, of the National Black Chicago Crusader Farmers Association and Timo- In celebration of the 184th thy Pigford, a Black Farmer from Anniversary of the founding of North Carolina, who filed the Freedom’s Journal, the first Black class action lawsuit to aid Black newspaper on March 16, 1827 by Farmers; and the 10 members of John B . Russwurm and Samuel E . the Congressional Black Caucus Cornish in New York City, the Na- Financial Services Committee tional Newspaper Publishers As- that took a courageous stand to sociation Foundation held three benefit African-American citizens, days of activities to commemo- as well as the Black Press . rate the milestone as part of Black NNPA Foundation partners Press Week . - the National Cancer Institute, Activities held during Black represented by James Alexan- Press Week included a visit of the der, Centers for Disease Control, Martin Luther King, Jr . Monu- represented by Dr . Robert Bailey, ment, which was sponsored by NNPA Publishers and General Motors executives, represented by Jocelyn Allen, stand in front of the and a representative from the Uni- General Motors Corporation and prophetic words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project. GM, versity of Maryland - discussed was led by Jocelyn Allen, GM’s a major contributor to the monument, sponsored the publishers’ tour of the site. (Photo by Carole Geary) their relationship with the Foun- Regional Grassroots and Diver- dation and the publishers . The sity Communications Director . Senior Program Director . During attended by several members of Rangel (D-NY), Karen Bass (D- Republican National Committee, More than 40 Black Publishers the event, the publishers were the Congressional Black Caucus CA), Marcia Fudge (D-OH), Al represented by Rick Wiley, Politi- and guests were greeted at the briefed on the construction pro- (CBC) . Rep . Emanuel Cleaver Green (D-TX), Sheila Jackson Lee cal Director, also spoke with the monument by Harry E . Johnson, cess that has taken nearly eight (D-MO), CBC Chair, served as (D-TX), and Laura Richardson publishers about a collaboration Sr ., President of the Martin Lu- years to complete . The publish- host of the gathering that includ- (D-CA) . Joining the CBC mem- with Black publishers . ther King, Jr . National Memorial ers marveled at the beauty and ed Reps . James Clyburn (D-SC), bers was Democratic Leader and The culminating event for Project Foundation, Inc ., Dr . Ed concept that captures the life of Donna Christensen (D-VI), Cha- House Minority Speaker Nancy Black Press Week was the En- Jackson, Jr ., Executive Architect, the Nobel Peace Prize recipient ka Fattah (D-PA), Danny K . Davis Pelosi (D-CA), who expressed shrinement of Deceased Pub- and Richard W . Marshall, Chief and Civil Rights Icon . (D-IL), former CBC Chairwoman her appreciation and pleasure lishers in the Gallery of Distin- Financial Officer, and Lisa- An The annual visit to Capitol Hill Barbara Lee (D-CA), Bobby Scott in meeting with the Black Press guished Publishers at Howard ders, of McKissack & McKissack, began with a breakfast meeting (D-VA), Mel Watt (D-NC), Charles each year during Black Press University’s Moorland Spingarn Week . Sharon Jenkins, a repre- Research Center . A highly emo- sentative for Cong . Bobby Rush tionally charged ceremony was at- (D-IL), also attended . tended by the family members of During the two and one-half the deceased Publishers honored hour meeting on Capitol Hill, the during the event, including Cloves Black Publishers and political Campbell, Sr . and Dr . Charles leaders discussed issues affect- Campbell, Publisher of the Arizo- ing African-Americans and the na Informant, Charles W . Cherry, nation . Publisher of the Daytona Times Following the Capitol Hill and Florida Courier Newspapers, event, Danny J . Bakewell, Sr ,. and N A. . Sweets, Publisher of the presented the power of the Black St . Louis American, all of whom Press message during a National joined the 63 other NNPA Pub- Press Club luncheon, at which he lishers inducted in the Gallery also announced a NNPA initiative of Distinguished Publishers . Dr . to have the Wilmington 10 par- Clifford L . Muse, Jr ,. University doned . Emceed by noted Journal- Archivist of the Moorland-Spin- ist and NNPA Columnist George garn Research Center, received Curry, the audience was spell- the plaques of the deceased pub- bound by the video of the Wilm- lishers to add to the Gallery . ington 10 and remarks by the Publishers in attendance most well-known member of the lauded the coordinators for one group, Dr . Benjamin Chavis, who of the best Black Press Week is now President of the Education observances in recent memory . Online Services Corporation . Cheryl Pearson McNeil, Senior Among the highlights of the Vice President, Public Affairs and activities were the Newsmak- Government Relations for The ers of the Year ceremony . More Nielsen Company, Larry Waters, than 200 guests attended the Director of Multicultural Rela- semi-formal event that honored tions, for MillerCoors Brewing Newsmaker of the Year Shirley Company, and Chuck Morrison, Sherrod, former employee of UniWorld Group, representing the U .S . Department of Agricul- Ford Motor Company, were ma- ture; Lifetime Achiever Publisher jor supporters of the events . Emeritus Garth Reeves, of The Miami Times; NorthStar Com- www.ladatanews.com State & Local News March 26 - April 1, 2011 Page 11

New Orleans Carpentry Apprentice Completes Prince’s Foundation Historic Restoration Program With Trip To London New Orleans is commonly referred to as the most European City in the United States.

New Orleanian and Carpentry that in a relatively short time he the future, to build a career in cus- Apprentice, Wilbert Brass will would be on his way to London, tom cabinet making . ECPAP, the get to determine that for himself England as well as to making 3rd program that launched Brass’s when he visits London, England Year Carpentry Apprentice . With carpentry career, is part of CPWR this summer to complete his credits for completing the pre- – The Center For Construction 9-month Prince’s Foundation For apprenticeship program and on Research and Training Minority The Build Environment historic the job training, Wilbert entered Worker Training Consortium and building craft apprenticeship . The the Local Carpenter’s 1846 and is funded through a grant from Prince’s, as in Prince of Wales, started his apprenticeship as a the National Institute of Environ- Foundation is a London-based, second year apprentice . When it mental Health Sciences (NIEHS) . non-profit organization founded was time to recruit for this year’s ECPAP gave Brass a solid trade by Prince Charles to revive the historic building craft apprentice- foundation including: construc- crafts associated with historic ship Carpenter’s Apprenticeship tion job readiness and life skills, restoration, conservation, and to School staff encouraged Brass to basic construction safety, CPR/ promote environmentally-friendly apply . First Aid, trade-related math and new building techniques . Since In his two-week visit to England vocabulary, environmental reme- 2006, the Foundation has invited this summer, Brass will tour the diation, basic carpentry, intro to Louisiana craftsmen to apply for city and the University of Oxford green construction, weatheriza- the apprenticeship in an effort to as well as Fountain’s Abbey in tion, confined space, and scaffold support the post-Katrina restora- Yorkshire, England . He will work New Orleanian and Carpentry Apprentice, Wilbert Brass erection . tion of New Orleans’ abundant in the stained-glass and stone ma- Since 1996, ECPAP helped antique housing stock . son’s workshops at Lincoln Ca- During the apprenticeship smith, and plaster trades . He laid launch the careers of its more A little over a year ago, Wilbert thedral . Brass will even visit the classes/workshops and work sites bricks in a herringbone design, than 450 unemployed/underem- Brass was finishing the Environ- sustainably-planned town expan- in New Orleans, Brass learned learned to plaster cast and install ployed New Orleanian trainees . mental and Construction Pre- sion at Poundbury in Dorchester to restore old structures and to a ceiling medallion, and observed Most ECPAP graduates move up Apprenticeship Program (EC- developed by the Prince’s Foun- build new ones . In the mill work- metal-work fence making . the career ladder by entering the PAP) in a carpentry workshop at dation using environmentally- shop on Japonica Street he made According to Wilbert Brass, he carpenter’s apprenticeship pro- the Carpenter’s Apprenticeship friendly new building techniques windows, doors, mantles, brack- is so excited about all the new skills gram to continue skills upgrades School at 1215 Japonica Street to produce structures with histor- ets, cabinets and even furniture . he’s acquiring he hasn’t missed a in an ‘earn-while-you-learn’ sys- in New Orleans’ Ninth Ward . At ic architectural detail and natural Besides carpentry, Brass was ex- day of the 9 month historic resto- tem leading to journeyman car- that time, Wilbert never dreamed materials . posed to the brick mason, black- ration apprenticeship and plans, in penter status .

Data Zone, continued from page 9.

Notes “Wake Up Everybody .” She says of these character and personality and so much life, and projects and others, “I feel it is an honor and a the people here really enjoy their city .” Con- blessing and I take pride in what I do and I love tinuing her appreciation for the city she says, collaborating with people I respect and admire “New Orleans has a rich history and amazing Dr. Robert J. Spears, DDS like Cee Lo Green, John Legend, Common, the energy, and is one of the most unique cities in Roots and Stephen Marley ”. America .” She says of working on songs that are rel- Melanie Fiona is truly a “Phenomenal Wom- General Dentistry evant and touches people hearts and making an” exuding both an inner and outer beauty . them aware of issues gives her a great feeling She is an angelic presence who has blessed the of satisfaction . “I feel so blessed to be a part of world with her gift of song . The future seems meaningful projects and I am humbled by the to be paved with great things as she continues respect of those artists choosing me to be on to blaze a new trail and impact in the entertain- their record ”. “Secondly, I think it’s important ment industry showing that a female artist can that artist unite to use their voices to create be unabashedly bold, beautiful and brilliant awareness around social causes and whether coupled with sexiness, sass and class . This is the songs are relevant to radio or not it’s rel- a recipe for the 21st Century Woman and as evant to the people and that’s what really mat- Melanie Fiona continues her journey down ters .” the road of success she says of her mission Her connection to her Guyanese roots runs in life and career, “I strive to be the best that deep and as some say New Orleans with its cul- I can be, and do things and make choices that tural similarities is the northern most point of positively affects the world . I am using my voice Extrac�ons Fillings the Caribbean . Fiona has been to New Orleans and through music I hope I’m getting closer to many times and loves the Crescent City and achieving that every day ”. Dentures Crowns its people, “I love New Orleans, it has so much Root Canals Cleanings First NBC Bank Contributes $250k To Daughters Schedule an appointment today!! Of Charity Services Of New Orleans 9235 Lake Forest Blvd. Daughters of Charity Services of New Orleans (DCSNO) and First NBC Bank have part- New Orleans, LA 70127 nered to build a healthier community with First NBC Bank’s $250,000 contribution . The Gift is the largest awarded by First NBC locally . The gift will assist in the delivery of patient (504) 241‐8214 centered health care and supportive services by ensuring primary health care accessibility for our community . My Medicare Health Team

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