Reflections on a Life Well Lived

Lighting The Road To The Future

Data Club Hawaii’s Zone Grand Opening Page 6

“The People’s Paper” December 14 - December 20, 2013 48th Year Volume 33 www.ladatanews.com

Special Commemorative Issue Nelson Mandela July 18, 1918 – December 5, 2013 Reflections on a Life Well Lived

Page 2 Newsmaker Home Style New Orleans Decking Your Remembers Garden for the Larry McKinley Holidays Page 4 Page 7 Page 2 December 14 - December 20, 2013 Cover Story www.ladatanews.com Nelson Mandela Reflections on a Life Dedicated to the Spirit of Freedom, Justice and Equality

Dorian Francis (center) is pictured above during his first trip as part of the New Orleans South African Connection (NOSACONN) earlier this year.

Luther King Jr . and Malcolm X come to mind . But White minority rule . Spending 27 years in prison By Edwin Buggage Nelson Mandela is another name that has come before being released and becoming the nation’s to symbolize the struggle for equality and has first Black and truly democratically elected Presi- Nelson Mandela the Freedom Fighter become the embodiment of the continued goal of dent . After choosing to serve only one term, he When one thinks of those rare individuals who making the world a better place for all . During his continued to fulfill his life’s work serving human- are selfless leaders who fight for a cause bigger amazing life he took on the call to fight against in- ity and inspiring people around the world in the than themselves names like Gandhi, Dr . Martin justice in South Africa’s Apartheid Government of struggle against injustice .

Cover Story, Continued on next page. DATA NEWS WEEKLY P.O. Box 57347, New Orleans, LA 70157-7347 | Phone: (504) 821-7421 | Fax: (504) 821-7622 INSIDE DATA editorial: [email protected] | advertising: [email protected] Terry B. Jones Contributors CEO/Publisher Edwin Buggage Glenn Jones George Curry Cover Story ...... 2 Home Style . . . . 7 . VP Advertising Marc H. Morial & Marketing Julianne Malveaux Edwin Buggage The Bookworm Sez Newsmaker...... 4 Commentary . . . 8. . Editor MG Calla Victoria Cheryl Mainor Art Direction & Production Managing Editor MainorMedia.com State & Local News . . 5 Dollars & Sense . . 9. Calla Victoria Editorial Submissions Executive Assistant [email protected] Data Zone ...... 6 National News . . 11. 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 December 14 - December 20, 2013 Page 3

Cover Story, Continued from previous page.

of the Southern Wild with film- ing Winnie Mandela when she makers, leading actress and the came to visit New Orleans . film’s star, Quvenzhané Wallis, and First Lady Michelle Obama Dorian Francis: at the White House . “Mandela Africans Unite always spoke of the children Every year Damon Batiste and making things better for the through his New Orleans next generation in addition to South African Connection planting imparting the spirit of brings groups to the mother- activism in them where they too land for what is a life changing would live to serve others . And experience . This was the case what we are doing is looking to for Dorian Francis, who went groom the next Mandela who earlier this year . “I have to say would lead the fight in our City that since going there the way I for a better life for all our citi- look at myself will never be the zens,” says Batiste of his work same,” says Francis, a Program and how Mandela inspired him Manager and Community Ad- to work to empower the youth . vocate who works with youth . Continuing he says, “As I looked Jerome Smith: The around and saw so many people Importance of Knowing who looked like me and many Your History and of the things they did reminded Continuing the Struggle me so much of New Orleans, it As Nelson Mandela was fight- made me feel like I’d returned ing against Apartheid in South home and it made me realize Africa, in the United States this that it is true when they say country was embroiled in a New Orleans is the most African fight against segregation in the City in the U .S . and that you can southern U .S . and against White take Africans out of Africa, but repression across the nation . you cannot take Africa out of the In New Orleans many fought, Africans .” struggled and died alongside Dorian says because of Man- many of those who have come dela they were able to do the to be part of the lore of Ameri- amazing things as far as cul- For over a decade, Damon Batiste (pictured far left) has been bringing groups of people over to South can History . One of the people tural exchange and the opening Africa through the non-profit organization of which he is the Founder, New Orleans South African who stood on the frontlines was up of South Africa . He also feels Connection (NOSACONN). He is pictured with actors Gabrielle Union (center) and Idris Elba (far right) who accompanied the group on one of their many trips. Jerome Smith, who today is that he was able to make valu- still working with young people able connections and feels that through his Treme’ Based Tam- some should consider looking Paying Homage to few men or women who leave industry leaders, both in New bourine and Fan that teaches at opportunities to do business Mandela’s Global such an indelible imprint and Orleans and in the Republic of young people about culture and and get to know more about Impact on the Struggle impact on the world that they South Africa . Since 1998 they working to better their commu- South Africa and the continent, towards Justice are remembered, honored and have produced special events in nity . “We have always taught our in general . In a lighter moment Recently, the world suffered celebrated by nations near and the City of New Orleans and the kids about Nelson Mandela and he talks about how he learned the loss of this great leader, far for centuries after they de- Republic of South Africa, these Apartheid, we also taught them that one of the poses Black men who passed away on Decem- part . There are few people for activities have allowed our or- what his life and struggle stands sometimes do squatting down, ber 5th at the age of 95 . Lead- whom even all the words in ev- ganization to serve as pioneers for and teaches about him right the South Africans do the same ers from around the world at- ery language fail to convey the of presenting art, culture and alongside Malcolm X and Mar- pose as well . And as a song- tended his memorial service magnitude and meaning of their tourism as the forefront of eco- tin Luther King Jr .,” says Smith . writer and performer when do- including President Barack lives . Without a doubt in mind nomic development . “I had the Smith has lived through a lot ing their song God Bless New Obama along with three other or heart, I know that Nelson opportunity to meet Mr . Man- and has many stories that are Orleans, he brought up some living U .S . Presidents . In his Mandela is one among a very dela briefly at his 80th Birthday sometimes not in the history young ladies and changed New remarks Obama spoke about select few .” Celebration when he was then books . He speaks of a time dur- Orleans to Soweto and now how Mandela inspired him and President and although our ing the Civil Rights Era, that in they have adopted the song as that one of his first times getting Damon Batiste’s New conversation was brief with him Chicago a group that included their own . involved in civic activism was Orleans South African encouraging me to keep doing Martin Luther King Jr ., Harry when he was a college student Connection (NOSCONN) what I am doing it was some- Belafonte and others from the Nelson Mandela’s speaking out against apartheid . brings New Orleans and thing that has stayed with me U .S . planned to go to South Legacy and Life Lessons He also spoke of Mandela’s South Africa Together and keeps me motivated in the Africa, but the trip was called for Future Generations larger global impact, “Mandela Mandela’s life is one that’s work that I am doing especially off,” he says speaking of the Nelson Mandela was a man moved a nation towards justice impacted people and inspired with young people,” says Batiste awareness of those involved who inspired so many with his and in the process moved bil- many . One such person is Da- of his meeting with Mandela . in the Civil Rights Movement courage and resilience and in his lions around the world,” Obama mon Batiste, who has for over As he continues his work as to the Apartheid regime and transcending this life his spirit of said during his speech . a decade been bringing groups one of the Founders of the Ba- seeing the parallel struggle for conviction to a larger cause lives Leaders from the national of people over to South Af- tiste Cultural Arts Academy re- Blacks in the U .S . and in South on . And while it takes a unified civil rights community also rica through his New Orleans cently receiving a “Turnaround Africa . He also spoke of many push to move the mountain of released statements on the South African Connection Arts Commission,” a grant from from New Orleans who went to some of the injustices in society . passing of Mandela including (NOSACONN), that is a non- President Barack Obama’s see Mandela in Atlanta when On some level change begins National Urban League Presi- profit 501 (c) 3 organization, Committee on Arts and Hu- he was first released from Cover Story, Continued dent and former New Orleans comprised of business, civic, manities . Students were invited prison, in addition to the kids on page 10. Mayor Marc Morial . “There are community and entertainment to a special screening of Beasts of Tambourine and Fan meet- Page 4 December 14 - December 20, 2013 Newsmaker www.ladatanews.com

New Orleans Remembers Larry McKinley Legendary Radio Host, Record Producer & Jazz Fest Fixture, Dies at Age 85

Larry McKinley, a charismatic executives at Atlantic Records, New Orleans, Joy McKinley (Ken- and beloved radio personality, for instance, felt that McKinley neth) Chancellor of New Orleans, music promoter, and record busi- played a crucial role in the suc- Glenda McKinley English of New ness impresario passed away at cess of Ray Charles’s 1959 hit Orleans, and Dana McKinley his home on December 8, 2013, “What’d I Say,” which was the la- (Lloyd) Landburg of New Bern, due to complications related bel’s best-selling song at the time . North Carolina; six grandchil- to chronic obstructive pulmo- As a testament to his standing in dren, Navis Hill Robinson, Blair nary disease (COPD) . He was the radio industry, McKinley was Brown Zeigler, Shon Cockerham, 85 . Known as “Friendly” Larry inducted into the charter class Ernest McKinley English, Maya McKinley, he was a key figure in of the Black Radio Hall of Fame, Sophia English, and Catilyn Ann- the overlapping histories of New founded in 1998 by legendary Marie Kelly; ten great-grandchil- Orleans rhythm and blues/rock deejay Jack “The Rapper” Gibson . dren; his long time companion and roll and the city’s radio indus- In 1959, McKinley co-founded Betty A . McLin; and a host of try . His sonorous voice was well Minit Records at the behest of Joe family, friends, and admiring New known in New Orleans from his Banashak, a local record-business Orleanians . career as an radio announcer and, veteran . He also promoted local He is preceded in death by his later, through his voiceover work concerts by national R&B super- father, the late Jesse McKinley, on numerous television and radio stars, including James Brown, his mother, the late Ester Fon- advertisements, most notably Sam Cooke, Jackie Wilson, and taine Jordan, and an only brother, those for the New Orleans Jazz & The Jackson 5 . New Orleans mu- the late Kenneth McKinley . Heritage Festival . sicians often opened the shows, The public is invited to a me- McKinley was born in Chicago, many of which took place at the morial celebration on Monday, Illinois on December 13, 1927 . Af- Municipal Auditorium, giving December 16, beginning at 6:00 ter attending Columbia College of homegrown performers a prime p .m . at the Lawless Memorial Broadcasting, he moved to New opportunity to broaden their ex- Chapel at Dillard University, lo- Orleans in September 1954 for an posure and ascend in the music cated at 2601 Gentilly Boulevard internship at radio station WMRY, business . Pictured above is Larry McKinley, legendary radio host, record in New Orleans . which later changed its call letters In 1970, McKinley embarked producer & Jazz Fest fixture. McKinley, was honored by Data News Visitation will be held from 4:00 Weekly as a Trailblazer of the Year prior to Hurricane Katrina and was to WYLD-AM . By the late 1950s, on a long and productive rela- inducted into the charter class of the Black Radio Hall of Fame. to 6:00 p .m . at the same location . McKinley had emerged as one of tionship with the New Orleans A private burial will be held on the most popular and influential Jazz & Heritage Festival, serv- later became a leader in political In addition to his induction into Tuesday, December 17, 2013 . deejays in the city, in part due to ing on the board of the festival’s and public relations campaigns the Black Radio Hall of Fame, In lieu of flowers, the family the “Larry and Frank” show in foundation, recording promos for various candidates and cli- McKinley was awarded an Off- requests that donations be made which he played two characters and commercials for the festi- ents . Along with longtime friend Beat Magazine Best of the Beat in Larry McKinley’s name to the using different voices . McKinley val, and later presiding as mas- Judge Eddie Sapir, he hosted an Music Business Award in 2005, George and Joyce Wein Jazz and earned high respect in national ter of ceremonies at the annual interview show on local cable- and he was inducted into the Loui- Heritage Education Center, 1205 circles for more than just his on- Foundation Gala . He returned to access television . Many of their siana Music Hall of Fame in 2010 . N . Rampart St ., New Orleans, LA air repartee, as major record-la- radio in 1975 to host a show on guests were former colleagues Larry McKinley is survived 70116, www .jazzandheritage .org . bels came to seek his imprimatur WNNR-AM and to serve as the of McKinley’s from his early by his four daughters, Melody Services are entrusted to D .W . before releasing new songs . The station’s program director . He days in the industry . McKinley (Edward) Watters of Rhodes Funeral Home . Data News Weekly

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Let us see if we can SAVE you some money on your premium. www.ladatanews.com State & Local News December 14 - December 20, 2013 Page 5 Rush Extend Poll Streak It’s the Longest in NAIA-D

The next top 25 will be announced Jan. 7:

1 . Columbia (Mo .) 9 . William Carey 17 . Faulkner 2 . Georgetown (Ky .) 10 . Rocky Mountain 18 . Culver-Stockton 3 . (tie) Pikeville 11 . Talladega 19 . St . Gregory’s 3 . (tie) Southwestern 12 . Concordia (Calif .) 20 . (tie) Life Assemblies of God 13 . Benedictine 20 . (tie) Wiley 5 . Evangel (Kan .) 22 . Hope International 6 . Arizona Christian 14 . Philander Smith 23 . Cumberland 7 . John Brown 15 . Freed-Hardeman 24 . Martin Methodist 8 . Cal State San 16 . Montana State 25 . Xavier Marcos Northern

Xavier University of Louisiana is 25th in the NAIA Division I Men’s Basketball Coaches’ Top 25 announced Tuesday . The Gold Rush (7-3) are in the top 25 for the 26th consecu- tive time -- that’s the longest ac- tive streak in this division -- and the 39th time in the last 40 polls . This is the first poll of the regular season; Xavier ranked 19th in the preseason . Xavier’s most notable victory this season was 90-80 in overtime at home against then-10th-ranked William Carey one week ago . The Gold Rush erased a 16-point second-half deficit to give the Crusaders their first loss of the season . For the first time since Feb . 15, 2010, there are three Gulf Coast Athletic Conference teams in the top 25 . Talladega (11th) and Phi- lander Smith (14th) joined Xavier in the rankings . It’s the first time since Jan . 25, 2010, that the GCAC has two teams in the top 14 . Columbia (Mo ). climbed from No . 4 to No . 1 after receiving 8-of- 10 first-place votes . Xavier will conclude final ex- ams of the fall semester on Fri- day, then play three road games before Christmas -- 4 p .m . Sat- urday at city rival Loyola, Dec . 17 at Spring Hill and Dec . 19 at 17th-ranked Faulkner . The XU men will play six straight on the road before their next home game at 5 p .m . on Jan . 11 against GCAC and city rival SUNO, which received votes in this week’s poll and is 31st .

ladatanews.com Page 6 December 14 - December 20, 2013 Data Zone www.ladatanews.com

Club Hawaii’s Grand Opening Photos by Glenn Summers

A new nightspot opened in Gretna on November 21st . Club Hawaii was the place to be . Patrons who came out to celebrate the Grand Opening, had a great night and of course, Data was there too!

Visit www.ladatanews.com for more photos from these events www.ladatanews.com HomeData Zone Style December 14 - December 20, 2013 Page 7

Decking Your Garden for the Holidays

will make your garden look beauti- snowdrift around with sweet alys- By MG Calla Victoria Check out my ful throughout the daytime hours . sums . Poinsettias will make a splash “Gardening Tip of the Week” You do not have to wait for night- Consider planting drifts of chrysan- anywhere in your garden as well as at www.thegardeningdiva.com fall, when the holiday lights come themums in coordinating colors . If bromeliads . Also consider planting on, to make your garden look festive . you are not living in a “White Christ- in geometric shapes with pansies for Remember, never get too busy to Colorful plantings for the season mas” zone, create the most fragrant some whimsy! stop and smell the beautiful flowers .

Photos:

Column 1 Poinsettia Tree

Column 2 Top. Sweet Alyssum Middle. Chrysanthemum grouping Bottom. Magic Garden in Dubai

Column 3 Top. Poinsettia Display Bottom. Bromeliad living wall hanging

Visit www.ladatanews.com for more photos in Home Style

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Real Talk for Real Times... 1639 Gentilly Blvd. New Orleans, LA 70119 (504)942-0106 www.wbok1230am.com Page 8 December 14 - December 20, 2013 Commentary www.ladatanews.com

Mandela’s Road to Freedom

ting votes out might be challeng- of our nation were involved . tions . Those American corpora- people speak of Mandela they will ing . But a cross section of activists Those of us who favored di- tions doing business with South inevitably speak of his spirit of committed to divestment worked vestment were following the lead Africa were getting lots of flack forgiveness, of the fact that even our tails off, and prevailed . San of the African National Congress, for choosing oppressors as their after having been unjustly jailed Francisco became among the who asked allies around the world business partners . for 27 years, he was committed to first, and one of the largest, of our to make South Africa “ungovern- The death of Nelson Mandela reconciliation in South Africa . nation’s cities to divest public pen- able .” If massive divestment could causes these memories to rush Nelson Mandela projected a sion funds . stop the flow of dollars to South back, memories of activism, of so- humble and forgiving spirit . His Julianne Malveaux I wish I could distill the energy Africa (dollars that could be used cial change, of the conviction that appearance of gentility was reas- NNPA Columnist that came from those rallies and to step up military action against change was coming . The Free suring to many who expected community meetings . I can re- innocent civilians), that would South Africa Movement wasn’t a someone formerly described as member, with just one eye shut, place pressure on the South Af- Black movement, or a White one; a “terrorist” to have little toler- the chants and songs, “South Af- rican economy to make choices it was a movement for justice . The ance for the status quo . Still, a If I close my eyes, I can re- rica will be free, South Africa will with dwindling resources . Would Free South Africa Movement, spirit of forgiveness is not a spirit member 1984 . I am among those be free, Will be free South Africa .” fighting to maintain apartheid be in Washington, D .C . and around that accepts social and economic running from meeting to meeting Students were among those to put one of those? Divestment might the United States, had an uncom- inequality . President Mandela’s working to pass Proposition J, the themselves on the line for divest- make apartheid too expensive to monly positive energy, even in the gentle spirit was a forgiving one, San Francisco ballot initiative that ment, confronting their college maintain, or so we hoped . The cynical Reagan era . but not a forgetful one . As presi- required the city to divest pen- and university leaders about the divestment efforts contrasted Nelson Mandela was freed dent, he managed to juggle com- sion funds from companies doing status of investments . The Free sharply with the Sullivan Princi- from prison in 2000, went on to peting constituencies, but he nev- business in South Africa . The bal- South Africa Movement was not ples, crafted by the late Leon Sul- be elected president of South Af- er retreated from his demand that lot initiative had to get two-thirds a student movement, not a grass livan, who asked US companies to rican, to dismantle apartheid, and justice be served . of the vote because it dealt with roots movement . It was simply stay in South Africa but only un- to begin the social and economic It is not clear when the eco- money, and even in progressive a movement for justice that suc- der certain conditions that dealt transition of South Africa . The nomic gap in South Africa will San Francisco, some thought get- ceeded because many elements with fair pay and working condi- rest of the story is history . When be closed, or even narrowed . In

Malveaux, Continued on page 10.

To Be Equal What Mandela Meant to America

freedom-loving people around the Nobel Peace Prize winner, the late The connections between our Fauntroy, Mary Frances Berry world but was especially inter- African-American statesman and struggles did not end there . In and Randall Robinson, founder twined with the spirit of the Civil internationalist, the Rev . Martin the 1970s American youth on of TransAfrica, in support of Rights Movement in America . Luther King, Jr . He, too, grappled college campuses across the U .S . economic sanctions against African Americans felt a special with and died in the effort to country held large anti-apart- South Africa . relationship with Mandela, a man make a contribution to the just so- heid demonstrations, urging After years of demonstrations, who, like Dr . Martin Luther King, lution of the same great issues of the United States to divest its arrests and political action, the Jr ., endured years of persecution the day which we have had to face investments in South Africa U .S . Congress finally passed the Marc Morial and discrimination in pursuit of as South Africans .” until the government ended its Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid President and CEO freedom and equal opportunity Twenty-nine years earlier, in brutal subjugation of the ma- Act of 1986 . Sponsored by Califor- National Urban League for his people . his own Nobel Prize acceptance jority Black population . While nia Congressman Ron Dellums Both Mandela and King were speech, Dr . King had related the I was a student at Georgetown and supported by the Congres- “Our victory in defeating apart- unafraid to agitate for justice American civil rights struggle University Law Center in 1981, sional Black Caucus, the Act im- heid was your victory too . We and equality, but each ultimately to the freedom movement in I co-led an effort to boycott the posed significant economic sanc- know that our pride in regaining changed the course of history South Africa . He said, “So you cafeteria operator because of tions against the government of our dignity is shared by you . To through the power of reconcilia- honor the dedicated pilots of our its investments in South Africa . South Africa and was a major fac- you, and to all of the American tion and unity . Though Dr . King struggle who have sat at the con- During this same period, I was a tor in the abolishment of the sys- people who supported the anti- was 11 years younger, Mandela trols as the freedom movement member of the leadership team tem of apartheid in 1991 . apartheid struggle, we thank you often spoke of his admiration soared into orbit . You honor, once of the National Black Law Stu- As the world mourns the pass- from the bottom of our heart for for America’s fallen civil rights again, Chief Luthuli [Africa’s first dents Association that pushed ing and celebrates the life of Nel- your solidarity, and for having champion . In fact, in his 1993 No- Nobel Peace Prize winner and for divestment of South African son Mandela, America is espe- cared .” Nelson Mandela, Septem- bel Peace Prize speech, Mandela Mandela mentor] of South Africa, investments by U .S . companies . cially indebted to the great leader ber 1998, New York City praised King, saying, “It will not whose struggles with and for his Early in my career, I was arrest- for his inspiration and solidarity Nelson Mandela’s heroic be presumptuous of us if we also people, are still met with the most ed at the South African Embassy in our shared struggle for human struggle for a free, non-racial and add, among our predecessors, brutal expression of man’s inhu- as part of a mass, peaceful pro- freedom, equal opportunity and democratic South Africa inspired the name of another outstanding manity to man .” test led by Congressman Walter justice for all . www.ladatanews.com Dollars & Sense December 14 - December 20, 2013 Page 9

Cracking Down on Payday Lenders

of the military or their families . for recognizing the harms caused By Charlene Crowell Affected consumers will receive by this type of lending and send- NNPA Columnist a full refund . Additionally, Cash ing a clear message to the banks Just in time for the holiday America will also pay a $5 million they supervise . We urge the Fed- season, three federal regulators fine for those violations and other eral Reserve to do the same with have taken two separate actions misconduct . regard to Fifth Third Bank and against payday lending . One CFPB’s regulatory action is Regions Bank, as both of these seeks to remedy outrageous particularly significant because banks continue to push payday wrongdoing by refunding money Cash America is one of the larg- products . And we hope the CFPB to past customers . The other will est and most influential in the will continue its work on payday protect existing or new borrowers industry . In fact, Dan Feehan, its lending by promulgating a rule from further financial exploita- CEO, said at a 2007 Jeffries Finan- that stops any payday lender from tion . By actively righting wrongs cial Services conference, “[T]he trapping borrowers in debt .” and implementing common-sense theory in the business is [that] Indeed, further regulatory ac- reforms, these regulators offer you’ve got to get that customer in, tion is needed . Research has long consumers prospects for a hap- work to turn him into a repetitive shown that many payday loan pier holiday season . customer, long-term customer, borrowers soon become mired On November 20, in its first because that’s really where the in a turnstile of debt that worsens enforcement action against a pay- profitability is .” with every repeat loan . day lender, the Consumer Finan- November 21, the next day, the lish a clear limit on repeat loans . nior vice-president of policy and Earlier this year, Rebecca cial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Federal Deposit Insurance Cor- “Every year, abusive payday advocacy . “We also commend the Borne, CRL’s senior policy coun- secured an agreement from poration (FDIC) and the Office of loans strip billions of dollars of FDIC and the OCC for their guid- sel, testified before the Senate Cash America International, Inc . the Comptroller of the Currency wealth from African-American ance on payday loans as we move Special Committee on aging, ad- to reimburse $14 million to ap- (OCC) issued supervisory guid- families and we applaud the CFPB one more step forward in advanc- vising how more than 13 million proximately 14,000 consumers . ance to rein in payday lending by for the enforcement action taken ing economic justice for all .” older Americans struggling to live The refunds are a result of “robo- banks . These two regulators will against Cash America,” said Hil- The Center for Responsible on $21,800 a year or less are often signing” debt collection docu- now require banks making pay- ary Shelton, who holds the dual Lending (CRL) also commented caught into payday lending’s debt ments and also overcharging on day loans to assess a borrower’s roles of director of the NAACP on the regulatory actions, saying: Pay Day Loans, payday loans given to members ability to repay the loan and estab- Washington Bureau and its se- “We applaud the FDIC and OCC Continued on page 10. Book Review Dusk afternoon, a boy, his grand- was looking for gifts for her “Dusk,” then, because this By The Bookworm Sez father, and their dog decide kitten . People were looking book won’t take long . This time of year, one of to take a walk around the for yummy things and weird Author Uri Shulevitz tells a your favorite things to do is city . By the time they got to things . story of an evening stroll on a to look at lights . the edge of the water, the sun But the boy, his grandfa- cold night and he does it with Your entire neighborhood was disappearing beyond the ther, and their dog kept right a handful of words; some is filled with all kinds of them . horizon . on walking . It was starting to pages, in fact, hold just a half- Lights on houses, lights on “How sad,” the boy said, get dark . “As nature’s lights sentence . That forces you to trees, lights on bushes, wire, “the day is no more .” go out, city’s lights come on” take a slower, ambling pace decks, and steps . You might But the grandfather (who and so did the lights on all in reading – somewhat like a see them on boats, in the had a very long beard) wasn’t the downtown stores! The leisurely walk . park, on a statue, or made worried . It was only dusk, boy saw Christmas lights And maybe because those into shapes in someone’s which is what happens when on the streetlamps and on words are so sparse, it’s easy front yard . And you might the sun goes down . Christmas trees inside and to focus on the illustrations even have them inside your On their way back to the outside . He saw candles on here – which are, perhaps, own house, on a tree or in a city, they noticed that people a menorah, and children cel- what you should be doing “Dusk” window . were scurrying everywhere . ebrating Hanukkah . He saw anyhow . Shulevitz’ drawings by Uri Shulevitz They’re twinkly . They’re Some were on their way back candles in another window, are done in gorgeous color, bright . And you can’t stop home at the end of the day . standing proud on a kinara evoking the night chill and c.2013, looking at all the lights . So Others were hoping to do a and surrounded by children the warmth of the lights . let’s take a walk to see the little shopping at the down- celebrating Kwanzaa . If you’re looking for a Farrar Straus Giroux lights in “Dusk” by Uri Shu- town stores . It was beautiful . It was Kwanzaa-Christmas-Hanuk- $17.99 / $19.99 levitz . The grandfather and the magnificent . It was almost as kah book that will dazzle It gets dark very early in boy met a lot of unusual if the sun was still out . your 2-to-6-year-old, this Canada 32 pages the winter, sometimes even people as they walked . One So your child wants a read- one’s it . Read it, and “Dusk” before you get home from man was shopping for toys . A aloud tonight, but there’s could become one of her fa- school . On this one winter woman with a very fancy hat not much time for it . Grab vorite things . Page 10 December 14 - December 20, 2013 State & Local News www.ladatanews.com St. Mary’s Academy Senator JP Morrell Announces Pre-K4 Students Holiday Essay Contest Celebrate The Life Of Nelson Mandela

Dear Friend: Date of birth I am excited to announce a Telephone number holiday essay contest, open to E-mail address all elementary, middle, and high School name school students of Orleans, Jef- Grade level ferson, and St . Bernard Parish If you are not able to email, call schools . The holiday season is my office for assistance at (504) a time for family, celebration, 284-4794 . I look forward to read- and joy for people all around ing about our students’ different the world . I encourage students traditions and celebrations, and I from across District 3 to submit wish you all a very happy holiday essays answering the following season . question: What makes the holiday sea- Giving Back Over son so important to you? In your the Holidays essay, explain why your holiday During the holidays we must State Senator JP Morrell Pictured back row left to right :Lindsey Arnold-Pre-K4 Teacher and traditions, experiences, and/or remember to give thanks for what Barbara Carlton -Pre-k4 Teacher favorite memories make your we have and give back to those holiday season special . How to Enter less fortunate . If you’re interested As people around the globe mourn the passing of Nelson Mandela, Two contest winners from each All entries must be submitted in donating time or goods over St . Mary’s Academy’s Pre-K4 students celebrated the international parish will be selected, one from no later than Friday, December the holidays, I urge you to check icon’s life . Donning African garments made by their teacher Barbara Grades 1-6 and one from Grades 20th Email your entry as a docu- out the charities listed below: Carlton and her sister Annie Williams, students learned about the 7-12 . The six winning students ment attachment to MorrellHoli- St . Bernard Project freedom fighter’s life and impact of his work around the world . will receive a Kindle Fire for their dayContest@gmail .com . WithSanta on the Bayou “Nelson Mandela was a great man who stood for love, peace and hard work and accomplishments . your email submission, please Boys & Girls Clubs of forgiveness,” said Carlton adding that it is vitally important to teach Sincerely, provide the following information Southeast Louisiana children at an early age about the sacrifices that were made by others JP Morrell in the body of your email: Ozanam Inn - Forgotten on their behalf . “Education is the most powerful tool that we can give State Senator, District 3 Name Angels Christmas Party our youth so that they too can become world changers like Mandela .”

Cover Story/ Continued from page 3. Malveaux/ Continued from page 8. Pay Day Loans/ Continued from page 9.

with self, “When I think of Man- Mandela that carried me and many ways, Black South Africans control the po- trap . In two states – Florida and California – one in dela, although he was part of a many others through .” litical sphere, while the white business establish- five payday borrowers is age 55 or older . movement he had to be a man On his many trips and speak- ments control the money, just as is the case in Similarly, other research has shown that more of courage and look at himself ing with many associated with several cities in the U .S . South . People speak of than one-quarter of bank payday borrowers are So- first and what he was willing to Mandela, the one thing Damon Mandela’s “forgiveness” much as they speak of cial Security recipients and are 2 .2 times as likely to sacrifice . The power to change Batiste has heard over and over Dr . Martin Luther King’s “dream .” Can forgive- have a bank payday loan as other bank customers . starts with the man in the mir- again is passing on the tradi- ness be poured from a can of tinned milk to com- Further, to repay bank payday loans, an average of ror . One must go through a real tion of fighting for freedom fort the hungry child in the shanty? Is forgiveness 33 percent of retirees’ next Social Security check is self-assessment and know that to young people . “Today the a simple rhetorical term for those South Africans taken . it will take not just heart, but a struggle is for us to build fu- who are moving’ on up, and a broken promise for Don’t let your holiday season become a financial bigger heart to become a com- ture leaders from the ranks of those who remain down here on the ground? nightmare . Every day, but particularly at this time of munity servant and advocate,” our young . But today it is not Nelson Mandela left us much to celebrate, and year, consider these facts on payday loans: says Dorian Francis . just about only Black kids, but also much to ponder . Where does the movement The typical payday borrower remains in debt for Living a life with a greater young people from around the for freedom and justice go from here, both in 212 days; purpose is what Mandela globe to embody the spirit of South Africa and in the rest of the world? Which The average payday borrower has nine transac- embodied . Jerome Smith is Nelson Mandela and look at young people have ideas innovative enough to get tions per year; a kindred spirit, giving his the incredible things he was us past freedom to equality of opportunity? How Ninety percent of the payday lending business is life to make the City a better able to do . And look at the does one ameliorate an imposed inequality from generated by borrowers with five or more loans per place for the citizens of New many steps he took in his life the decades-old system of apartheid, and is there year; and Orleans . In his many years of in becoming an inspiration for a desire to do so? More than 60 percent of business is generated by being an activist and advocate all people, and if we are able to And two decades ago, the idealists sang, borrowers with 12 or more loans per year . of uplift he oftentimes looked do that we can make the world marched, and chanted – “South Africa will be free . This year and every year, avoid any financial prod- to Mandela as inspiration . “I a better place for all . Today I South Africa will be free . Will be free, South Af- uct or loan that leaves borrowers with more prob- have been involved in the fight say the world has suffered a rica .” lems than before . Whether from a storefront or from for human rights my entire great loss, but we celebrate Ache’ Madiba . Thank you for your ferocious for- a bank, a payday loan is nothing more than a debt life and there have been times a man of great courage, resil- giveness and for your persistent perusal of justice . trap by design . when I have been placed in ience and sacrifice, whose life Julianne Malveaux is a Washington, D.C.-based Charlene Crowell is a communications manager with the jail during protesting against is a lesson for greatness for fu- economist and writer. She is President Emerita of Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at Bennett College for Women in Greensboro, N.C. [email protected]. injustice and it is the spirit of ture generations .” www.ladatanews.com National News December 14 - December 20, 2013 Page 11 DATA CLASSIFIED Call 504-821-7421 to Obama Praises Mandela place your classified ad. as ‘Great Liberator’ Mailboxes by Mark

You pay for the bricks or maybe you have bricks already. You provide “Nothing was planned in terms the mailbox. of the president’s role other than I will provide the cement, wood, mortar, nails etc. You choose or his remarks,” Deputy National create the design. Prices vary Security Adviser Ben Rhodes told according to the design. reporters traveling with Obama . Contact: Mark (504) 723‐7318 “He really didn’t do more than exchange greetings with those leaders on his way to speak, it wasn’t a substantive discussion .” The fact that Obama and Cas- AVON tro were at the same event dem- The company for women $$$ onstrated the breath of Mandela’s $$$$$ impact on their world . Can you use some extra cash? Try Avon!!! Avon is easy to sell, “He was more than one of the no experience necessary. It cost greatest leaders of our time . He only $10.00 to start. was one of our greatest teach- Become your own boss or just earn extra money. Whether you ers,” U .N . Secretary General are interested in purchasing Avon Ban Ki-moon told those in atten- products or becoming an Avon Representa�ve yourself, I can dance . “His baobab tree has left assist you. deep roots that reach across the Call June ‐ 504‐606‐1362 planet .” I will explain everything and help you to get started. Following in the footsteps of Mandela is a tough act to follow, as South African President Jacob Zuma has already discovered . He and the ruling ANC Party Distribution Manager are unpopular because of a poor Position Available economy and record economic inequality . When Zuma rose to give Data News Weekly is seeking a Distribution Manager for our Coincidentally, the memorial sacrifice – the sacrifice of count- the keynote speech Tuesday, he By George E. Curry weekly newspaper distribution. service fell on United Nations Hu- less people, known and unknown, was widely booed . Some gave the NNPA Editor-in-Chief man Rights Day . Obama used the to see the dawn of a new day . thumbs down sign or rolled their The position requirements are: • Must have a valid Louisiana driv- SOWETO, South Africa occasion to deliver stern words Michelle and I are beneficiaries wrists, a soccer gesture for substi- ers license (NNPA) – President Barack to leaders who repress their own of that struggle,” Obama said to tution . • Must have a truck/van/SUV and must be insured. Obama described Nelson Mande- people yet profess to admire applause . “But in America, and in “There is no one like Madiba . • Must have a thorough knowledge la, South Africa’s first Black elect- Mandela, whom Obama mostly South Africa, and in countries all He was one of a kind,” Zuma said, of the City of New Orleans ed president, as “the last great referred to as Madiba, the former around the globe, we cannot allow as the booing subsided . “Mandela • Work days are Thursday, Friday, Saturday, flexible schedule on liberator of the 20th century” president’s Xhosa tribal name . our progress to cloud the fact that believed in collective leadership . those days. and thanked the grieving nation “There are too many people our work is not yet done .” He never wanted to be viewed as a This is a paid, Part-time Position. for sharing their beloved former who happily embrace Madiba’s Mandela, a former amateur messiah or a saint . He recognized Contact Terry at Data News leader with the rest of the world . legacy of racial reconciliation, boxer, gave his last public speech that all of his achievements were a Weekly to apply. Speaking Tuesday at a rain- but passionately resist even in the soccer stadium where the result of working with the A .N .C . soaked memorial service here modest reforms that would tribute was held . Fittingly, the sta- collective .” (504) 821-7421 attended by nearly 100 current challenge chronic poverty and dium is located in Soweto, a town- President Obama relayed how and former international leaders, growing inequality,” President ship were Blacks were forced to Mandela’s fight for freedom im- Obama said, “It is a singular honor Obama said . “There are too live under apartheid and where pacted him personally . to be with you today, to celebrate a many leaders who claim solidar- Mandela and Bishop Desmond “Over 30 years ago, while still life like no other . To the people of ity with Madiba’s struggle for Tutu have homes . a student, I learned of Mandela South Africa, people of every race freedom, but do not tolerate dis- Accompanying Obama on Air and the struggles in this land . It and walk of life – the world thanks sent from their own people . And Force One were former president stirred something in me . It woke This space can be you for sharing Nelson Mandela there are too many of us on the George W . Bush and his wife, me up to my responsibilities – to with us . His struggle was your sidelines, comfortable in com- Laura, and former Secretary of others, and to myself – and set struggle . His triumph was your placency or cynicism when our State Hillary Clinton . Former me on an improbable journey that yours for only $80 triumph . Your dignity and your voices must be heard .” presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy finds me here today . And while I hope found expression in his life . Like many U .S . civil rights Carter arrived in South Africa on will always fall short of Madiba’s And your freedom, your democ- leaders, Obama drew a parallel separate aircrafts . example, he makes me want to be Call Now! racy is his cherished legacy .” between Mandela’s struggle for Like many international gath- better . He speaks to what is best Mandela died last Thursday at majority rule in South Africa and erings, journalists observe every inside us .” the age of 95 after a long illness . African-Americans’ struggle to detail, including whether adver- Gen . Thanduxolo Mandela, a The memorial service kicked off overcome slavery and Jim Crow saries shake hands . relative who offered one of the 504-821-7421 a week of celebrations that will laws that treated Blacks as sec- Obama and Cuban President eulogies, said: “I am sure Madiba culminate Sunday with his burial ond-class citizens . Raul Castro shook hands but, is smiling from above as he looks in his ancestral village of Qunu, “We know that, like South Af- White House officials were quick down at the multitude of diversity in the Eastern Cape region . Flags rica, the United States had to to note that it amounted to noth- gathered here, for this is what he are flying throughout the country overcome centuries of racial sub- ing more than an exchange of strove for – the equality of man, at half-staff . jugation . As was true here, it took pleasantries . the brotherhood of humanity .” Odds of a child becoming a professional athlete: 1 in 16,000

Odds of a child being diagnosed with autism: 1 in 88

Some signs to look for: No big smiles or other joyful No babbling by No words by expressions by 6 months. 12 months. 16 months.

To learn more of the signs of autism, visit autismspeaks.org