Newsmaker Trailblazer 2012 Xavier “Arthur Al “Brother” Mims Ashe” Scholars Leads Crusade

Lighting The Road To The Future

Black Press Convention Data Zone Highlights Page 6 “The People’s Paper” June 30 - July 6, 2012 47th Year Volume 9 www.ladatanews.com

2012 Essence Music Festival Brings the “Power” to New Orleans

Page 2 Newsmaker Trailblazer 2012 Xavier “Arthur Al “Brother” Mims Ashe” Scholars Leads Crusade

Page 4 Page 5 Page 2 June 30 - July 6, 2012 Cover Story www.ladatanews.com

The 2012 ESSENCE Music Festival Presented By Coca-Cola Brings The “Power” To New Orleans

R&B Crooner Anthony Hamilton Added To Essence Music Festival Line-Up And Joins Powerhouse Performers Aretha Franklin, D’angelo, Charlie Wilson, Kevin Hart And Mary J. Blige As Well As Popular Acts Trey Songz And Ledisi Mary J. Blige

NEWLY EXPANDED FOUR DAY FESTIVAL KICKS OFF WITH YOUTH Empowerment Day and the First Ever New and Next Stage Concert Hosted by Rosci Diaz with Coco Jones and Katlyn Nichol added to the Lineup featuring Diggy Simmons the OMG Girlz and the Roots of Music Every year over 400,000 people from around the world descend upon New Orleans for the only music festival that offers show-stopping per- formances from top entertainers, free inspiring and empowering con- versations and messages from the world’s leading innovators, leaders, and thinkers, plus four days of family and cultural experiences: the

Trey Songz

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 Cover Story ...... 2 Data Zone ...... 6 Glenn Jones George Curry VP Advertising Cheryl Mainor & Marketing NNPA Newswire Cheryl Mainor Managing Editor Newsmaker...... 4 State & Local . . . 10 Art Direction & Production Edwin Buggage MainorMedia.com Editor Calla Victoria Editorial Submissions Trailblazer . . . . 5 Commentary . . . . 11 Executive Assistant [email protected] 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 June 30 - July 6, 2012 Page 3

Cover Story, Continued from previous page.

Chaka Kahn Aretha Franklin

ESSENCE Music Festival . This year, in its 18th year anniversary, the 2012 ESSENCE Musical Fes- tival presents a newly expanded four day weekend celebrating the “Power of Our Voice” on July 5, 6, 7 and 8 with compelling pro- gramming featuring the biggest names in entertainment and the nation’s most influential speak- ers, artists, authors and educa- tors . The 2012 ESSENCE Music Festival will once again offer a world class musical line up which includes the legendary Aretha Charlie Wilson The Stylistics Franklin, Mary J . Blige, Charlie Wilson, Trey Songz, Kevin Hart, the New & Next stage that night Our Voice” will be celebrated Franklin, Alicia Keys, Al Green, Toni Braxton, Patti LaBelle and Ledisi, Eve, Marsha Ambrosius at the Superdome . throughout the three day free Beyoncé, Chaka Khan, Desti- Yolanda Adams and more . and more . The line-up also in- Actress Rocsi Diaz will host and open to the public ESSENCE ny’s Child, Earth, Wind & Fire, For information about ticket cludes the return of Grammy- the first New & Next Concert Empowerment Experience, fea- Gladys Knight, LL Cool J, Jamie sales and the latest news about Award winning Singer D’Angelo featuring a roster of today’s hot- turing Steve Harvey, Soledad Foxx, John Legend, The Isley the ESSENCE Music Festival, to the Festival; the newly added test young artists, including O’Brien, Fredricka Whitfield, Dr . Brothers, Lionel Richie, Luther visit ESSENCE Music Festival Anthony Hamilton, who will thrill the newly added Katlyn Nichol Steve Perry, Rev . Al Sharpton, Vandross, Maxwell, The O’Jays, www .essencemusicfestival .com . his fans from The Superdome’s and Coco Jones, hip-hop royalty Melissa Harris Perry, Rep . Max- Prince, Rihanna, Stevie Wonder, main stage for the first time; Diggy Simmons, R&B pop group ine Waters, Roland Martin, Iyan- R&B and soul music king and The OMG Girlz and New Or- la Vanzant, Terrence J, Lisa Raye ESSENCE Music Festival staple leans’ marching band The Roots McCoy, Tamar Braxton, Trina Charlie Wilson who will close out of Music . Sponsored by Verizon Braxton, Kobie Brown and an For All Your Insurance Needs the main stage on Friday night; Wireless and community part- “All-Star Gospel Salute to Mary CALL 504-947-3445 popular gospel duo Mary Mary ner Capital One, tickets for the Mary and Fred Hammond” with who will perform on Saturday New and Next Stage Concert are Yolanda Adams, Kim Burrell, Life Health (changed from Friday); and Leah available at essencemusicfesti- Tramaine Hawkins, Pastor Mar- Auto-Liability LaBelle who has been announced val .com . vin Winans, Byron Cage, Israel Homeowners to perform at the SuperLounge . Doug E . Fresh kicks off the Houghton and more . Commercial Property The official host each night will first free and daily ESSENCE Now in its 18th year, the ulti- Workers Compensation Bond be Nephew Tommy, Comedian Music Festival Block Party be- mate destination for entertain- Flood and Co-host of the Steve Harvey fore each of the nightly concerts ment and inspiration hosted Morning Show . As an added bo- that will take place in Champions over 422,000 attendees last year . • Bars nus, celebrated media personal- Square July 6-8 from 3-6pm . Host- What began in 1995 as a one-time • Churches • Contractors ity Steve Harvey himself will take ed by newly added broadcast event to celebrate the 25th Anni- • Day Care Centers the stage on Sunday for a special personalities Amanda Seales and versary of ESSENCE Magazine • Dentists tribute to the one and only Are- Carla Ferrell, Festival attendees has now grown into one of the • Law Firms • Fast Food Restaurants tha Franklin . will be able to enjoy lively DJ sets country’s “Top 10 Leading Brand • Janitorial Services Other highlights include: from Beverly Bond, MC Lyte Events” by Advertising Age . The • Assisted Living Facilities The Festival kicks off July 5th and DJ Spinderella with Captain ESSENCE Music Festival is the • Home Health Care Agencies with a full day youth empower- Charles added to the lineup that nation’s largest annual gathering 1925 St. Bernard Avenue ment experience at the Ernest includes Kourtney Heart, Dee 1, of African-American music and N . Morial Convention Center, and F . Stokes . culture . Throughout its history, New Orleans, LA 70116 culminating with the first ever The 2012 ESSENCE Musical the Festival has featured an array Office (504) 947-3445 Fax (504) 872-0208 youth empowerment concert on Festival theme of the “Power of of performers including Aretha Page 4 June 30 - July 6, 2012 Newsmaker www.ladatanews.com Xavier has Five Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholars in 2011-12

Patrice HightowerI Javon Mead Angelica Alexander Jolie Bellow Jamaan Kenner

Xavier University of Louisiana, were Patrice Hightower in women’s of East St . John High School, is Magnet High School, was named ond round of the NAIA Division I led by three-time recipient Jamaan volleyball and Angelica Alexander the fourth from Xavier to earn the third-team Capital One Academic National Championship each of the Kenner, has five student-athletes and Jolie Bellow in women’s bas- Ashe honor three times . Alexan- All-America® on Monday . He’s a past two seasons . recognized as Arthur Ashe Jr . ketball . Hightower was honored for dra Broussard (women’s tennis), two-time All-GCAC distance run- Mead is an accounting major; the Sports Scholars for 2011-12 . the second consecutive year . Kelechi Okoroha (men’s basket- ner . other four are biology/pre-medical Kenner (men’s basketball) and Arthur Ashe Jr . Sports Scholars ball} and Terry Richardson (men’s Alexander is a sophomore from majors . Kenner — a two-time Dak- Javon Mead (track and field/cross are student-athletes of color who tennis) were the others . Shreveport, La ,. and a graduate of tronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete and a country) are first-team representa- maintain a cumulative grade-point Hightower, a May XU graduate Byrd High School . Bellow is a soph- Pattison Champions of Character tives from Xavier . Diverse Issues average of at least 3 .2 and are active from New Orleans and a McGehee omore from Natchitoches, La ., and Scholarship recipient his senior in Higher Education, a magazine on their campuses or in their com- School alum, was an All-Gulf Coast a graduate of Natchitoches Central year — will attend LSU Health Sci- based in Fairfax, Va ,. sponsors the munities . Athletic Conference setter . Mead, High School . They helped the Gold ences Center in New Orleans this awards . Kenner, a May XU graduate a sophomore from Baton Rouge, Nuggets win GCAC Tournament fall . Also recognized from Xavier from LaPlace, La ., and an alumnus La ,. and a graduate of Baton Rouge championships and reach the sec-

Members, fans, and friends of the Essence Music Festival, we welcome YOU to New Orleans for the 18th Anniversary of the Essence Music Festival. We wish you a safe, fun-filled and enlightening stay.

Sheriff Marlin N. Gusman

Westbank Office Eastbank Office Civil Division Office 3630 MacArthur Blvd., Suite E. 819 South Broad Street 421 Loyola Avenue New Orleans, LA 70114-6826 New Orleans, LA 70119-7418 403 Civil Courts Building Phone: (504) 826-7045 Phone: (504) 822-8000 New Orleans, LA 70112 Phone: (504) 523-6143 www.ladatanews.com Trailblazer June 30 - July 6, 2012 Page 5

Al “Brother” Mims It Takes a Village by: Edwin Buggage

ple are dying unnecessarily in the streets of New young and didn’t wait until I became older and I feel Orleans, “Since my father was murdered I have that this has made all the difference .” been to 2000 funerals,” remarks Mims on this star- Giving back and serving is a way of life for the tling number, but he remains optimistic, “While we entire Mims family . His wife Antoinette works in are losing so many young people to the streets we their church helping young people and feels that are still saving lives all the time and giving people many of the youth she encounters have the ability hope that they do not have to resort to some of the to become successful in life, but too often they are things that may cost them their lives, and what I am in environments where their potential is stunted by focused on is helping people make better choices low or no expectations and a lack of accountability, in life .” “We do all we can do to help, and we are fully in- As Brother Mims for over two decades has been vested in helping young people be better because on a mission helping to save many lives having one day they will be running the country and they helped and inspired his community to be better, he have to be given the skills to know how to do that says his biggest success story is his son Cameron, effectively and successfully ”. And of raising her son speaking with his voice resonating with pride “My she says proudly of Cameron, “I have taught him to son Cameron, to begin with was a miracle child and have integrity and to have a work ethic . I feel these he is my legacy and is what I live for, when I think are important qualities you should have . We have of the young men on the streets I think of my son always stressed education ”. Of their joint efforts to as being an example of what a young man can be if transform lives she says, “Right now we are work- he has parents that instill in him the proper values ing with the kids in our church, and there are so and things that build their character . He is on his many young people that could do amazing things if way to being a better man than I can ever be and I they had the nurturing they need and we are work- am saying that because I remember my father tell- ing to help guide them in a new direction .” He is a man who is well-known all over the City of ing me that if you do not grow to be a better man Al Mims, has been a member of the Louisiana New Orleans . Al “Brother Mims one who is always than me then I have failed as a father, and that is State Parole Board, and has been recognized for his beaming with positive energy and talking about his what inspires me every day to put the best of me work in the community as a Quiet Hero on WWL-TV life passion, the salvation of young people . He is into my son .” and by WDSU-TV Making a Difference . “Although tirelessly committed to putting a stop to the sense- Brother Mims is a man who lives for God and his I am humbled by these honors, it is about the work less violence that is permeating throughout the family and says these things are what keeps him of saving people’s lives and making this City a bet- Black community . His journey from champion kick focused . He cites Pastor Emmanuel Smith Jr . of the ter and safer place for our citizens,” says Mims . Al boxer to civic activist was spawned by a tragic event Israelite Baptist Church, located in Central City as Mims and his family are an example of a family that that changed his life and its purpose and meaning . his spiritual advisor . Recently, his son spoke at the lives to give . They are committed to serving and Recalling this moment he says, “My father was church and is becoming a youth leader in his own for their efforts Al “Brother” Mims and his family murdered in 1987 and my whole life changed, at right serving as a mentor to other youth . Talking are being honored as Trailblazers for the month of that time I was a champion kick boxer and when about his parents Cameron says they have given June 2012 . For they are the true embodiment of the I lost my father, I also lost my trainer, mentor and him the building blocks to be a success, “My par- old adage “that a family that prays together, stays friend,” continuing with passion ringing in his voice ents pushed me to be the man that I am, they led together” and they are an inspiration for families he says, although there were witnesses no one by example and they started doing this when I was everywhere . came forward and his murder went unsolved and this is a problem that continues in our community where people do not take a stand and these people continue to prey upon our community and this has to stop .” When talking to Brother Mims you cannot help but to get caught up in the fervor that is in his voice as he is committed to change . As even Stevie Won- der can see the threat of violence is something that plagues our City . Where daily people are murdered, and for Brother Mims it is sometimes an uphill bat- tle and the odds seemingly insurmountable, as peo- JMJ Joseph M. Jones Continuing Education Fund Page 6 June 30 - July 6, 2012 Data Zone www.ladatanews.com

Black Publishers Convene in Atlanta The members of the National Newspaper Publishers’ Association (NNPA) also known as the Black Press of America, held their Annual National Convention in Atlanta, Georgia last week . New Orleans local papers Data News Weekly, The Louisiana Weekly and the Louisiana Tribune are all members of the prestigious organization . Below are some highlights of the events which featured R&B Legend Peabo Bryson, and of course, Data was there!!!

If you have photos of parties or events you would like to run in DATA, please send to datanewsad@bellsouth .net for inclusion . Newly eligible for Medicare?

Eddie Conrad, Peoples Health When Can I Enroll? plan member If you’re turning 65, you can sign up for a Peoples Health plan: • as early as 3 months before If you’re new to Medicare you have a lot of options and probably a lot of questions. the month of your birthday, Is Medicare enough by itself? Do I need to buy a supplement? What about Part D • the month of your birthday, or • up to 3 months after the drug coverage? Or a Medicare Advantage plan that combines benefits and Part D? month of your birthday. Make a phone call and find out why so many Louisiana residents get their If you already have Medicare coverage, Medicare may make Medicare benefits – including their prescription drug coverage – through a you wait until later in the year to $0 plan premium Peoples Health plan. Call Peoples Health today. change your plan. But you may qualify for an exception and be There’s no obligation. able to join Peoples Health now – for example, if you... • have just moved into the area, • are losing your coverage Call toll-free through your employer and 24 hours a day, 7 days a week you’re eligible for Medicare, • make less than 1-800-243-4755 $1,361 per month, or TTY users, please call 711 • have Medicaid too. www.peopleshealth.com

The benefit information provided herein is a brief summary, not a comprehensive description of benefits. For more information, contact the plan. Individuals must have both Part A and Part B to enroll. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium and live in the plan service area. Members may enroll in the plan only during specific times of the year. Contact Peoples Health for more information. Benefits, formulary, pharmacy network, premium and/or co-payments/co-insurance may change on January 1, 2013. Peoples Health is a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract. H1961_12N2MPA_CMSApproved12182011 LegaL notice LegaL notice Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill

Economic and Property Damages Settlement Medical Benefits Settlement Providing Money to Individuals and Businesses Providing Benefits to Clean-Up Workers and Certain Gulf Coast Residents

If you have economic loss or property damage because about how to file your claim, you should call the toll-free If you have a medical claim related to the Deepwater be submitted by mail. If you have questions about of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, you could get money number for assistance. Horizon oil spill, you could get benefits from a class how to file your claim, you should call the toll-free from a class action settlement with BP Exploration & The deadline to submit most E&PD claims will be action settlement with BP Exploration & Production number for assistance. Production Inc. and BP America Production Company Inc. and BP America Production Company (“BP”). April 22, 2014 or six months after the E&PD Settlement The deadline for filing a Claim Form is one year after (“BP”). Go to DeepwaterHorizonSettlements.com for becomes effective (that is, after the Court grants “final Go to DeepwaterHorizonSettlements.com for more the Medical Benefits Settlement becomes effective more information, including information on how to file approval” and any appeals are resolved), whichever is later. information, including information on how to file a (that is, after the Court grants “final approval” and a claim. There will be an earlier deadline to submit E&PD Seafood claim. Compensation claims. The earlier deadline to submit any appeals are resolved). The exact date of the Who is included in the economic & Seafood Compensation claims will be 30 days after final Who is included in the medical claim filing deadline will be posted on the website. It ProPerty damages settlement? approval of the Settlement by the United States District Benefits settlement? is highly recommended that Medical Class Members The Economic and Property Damages (“E&PD”) Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana (regardless of The Medical Class includes (1) clean-up workers and complete and submit their claim forms promptly. appeals). Actual claim filing deadlines will be posted on Settlement Class includes people, businesses, and (2) certain people who resided in specific geographic Please read the Economic and Property Damages the website as they become available. Valid claims will be other entities in the states of Louisiana, Alabama areas in coastal and wetlands areas along the Gulf Settlement notice because you may also be eligible paid as they are approved, beginning shortly after the Court- and Mississippi, and certain counties in Texas for a payment from that settlement. Supervised Settlement Program commences. It is highly Coast during specific periods in 2010. The website and Florida, that were harmed by the oil spill. DeepwaterHorizonSettlements.com has detailed The website DeepwaterHorizonSettlements.com recommended that E&PD Settlement Class Members your other oPtions descriptions and maps to help you determine whether has detailed descriptions and maps to help you complete and submit their claim forms promptly. Please a geographic location may be included in one of these If you do not want to be legally bound by the Medical determine whether a geographic location may be read the Medical Benefits Settlement notice because you zones. Additionally, you can call 1-866-992-6174 or Benefits Settlement, you must Opt Out or exclude included in the E&PD Settlement. Additionally, may also be eligible for benefits from that settlement. e-mail info@DeepwaterHorizonMedicalSettlement. yourself by October 1, 2012 or you won’t be able to you can call 1-866-992-6174 or e-mail questions@ your other oPtions com to find out if a geographic location is included. sue BP over certain medical claims. If you stay in DeepwaterHorizonEconomicSettlement.com to find out If you do not want to be legally bound by the E&PD the Medical Benefits Settlement, you may object to if a geographic location is included. Settlement, you must Opt Out or exclude yourself by What does the medical Benefits it by August 31, 2012. The Detailed Notice explains What does the economic & ProPerty October 1, 2012 or you won’t be able to sue BP over settlement Provide? how to exclude yourself or object. certain economic and property damage claims. If you The benefits of the Medical Benefits Settlement damages settlement Provide? The Court will hold a hearing on stay in the E&PD Settlement, you may object to it by include: (1) payments to qualifying people for The E&PD Settlement makes payments for the August 31, 2012. The Detailed Notice explains how to November 8, 2012 to consider whether to approve certain acute (short-term) and chronic (ongoing) following types of claims: (1) Seafood Compensation, exclude yourself or object. the Medical Benefits Settlement. You or your own (2) Economic Damage, (3) Loss of Subsistence, medical conditions occurring after exposure to oil The Court will hold a hearing on November 8, 2012 to lawyer may ask to appear and speak at the hearing at (4) Vessel Physical Damage, (5) Vessels of Opportunity or chemical dispersants; (2) provision of periodic consider whether to approve the E&PD Settlement. You your own cost. Class Counsel will ask the Court to Charter Payment, (6) Coastal Real Property Damage, medical examinations to qualifying people; and or your own lawyer may ask to appear and speak at the consider an award of fees, costs, and expenses of 6% (7) Wetlands Real Property Damage, and (8) Real (3) creation of a Gulf Region Health Outreach hearing at your own cost. The Court will also consider of the value of the benefits actually provided under Property Sales Damage. There is no limit on the total Program, consisting of projects to strengthen the Class Counsel fees, costs, and expenses including an the Medical Benefits Settlement Agreement. Class dollar amount of the E&PD Settlement; all qualified healthcare system. Benefits (1) and (2) will be interim payment of $75 million and additional awards claims will be paid. provided only after the Court grants final approval Counsel fees, costs, and expenses under the Medical equal to 6% of class claims and benefits paid. Class and any appeals are resolved. Benefits Settlement Agreement and the Economic Counsel fees, costs and expenses under the Economic hoW to get Benefits from the economic & and Property Damages Settlement Agreement and Property Damages Settlement Agreement and the hoW to get Benefits from the jointly cannot exceed $600 million. Class members’ ProPerty damages settlement Medical Benefits Settlement Agreement jointly cannot medical Benefits settlement You need to submit a Claim Form to request a payment. exceed $600 million. Class members’ payments will payments will not be reduced if the Court approves the You can get a copy of the various Claim Forms by visiting not be reduced if the Court approves the payment of You need to submit a Claim Form to request benefits. payment of Class Counsel fees, costs, and expenses the website or by calling 1-866-992-6174. Claims can Class Counsel fees, costs, and expenses because BP will You can get a copy of the Claim Form by visiting the because BP will separately pay these attorney fees, be submitted online or by mail. If you have questions separately pay these attorney fees, costs, and expenses. website or by calling 1-866-992-6174. Claims can costs, and expenses.

DeepwaterHorizonSettlements.com  1-866-992-6174 DeepwaterHorizonSettlements.com  1-866-992-6174 LegaL notice LegaL notice Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill

Economic and Property Damages Settlement Medical Benefits Settlement Providing Money to Individuals and Businesses Providing Benefits to Clean-Up Workers and Certain Gulf Coast Residents

DeepwaterHorizonSettlements.com  1-866-992-6174 DeepwaterHorizonSettlements.com  1-866-992-6174 Page 10 June 30 - July 6, 2012 State & Local News www.ladatanews.com

Recovery School District Creates DBE Program to Encourage opportunities for local businesses.

In an effort to maximize the contractors in building and reno- seeking par- High School and Phyllis Wheatly number of local businesses and vating schools throughout the ticipation in Elementary School are set to go employees working on the next city . RSD construc- out for bid later this summer . round of school construction and To create the DBE program, tion projects . Other school construction proj- renovation projects, today the the RSD cooperated with com- Provide in- ects set to go to bid within the Recovery School District (RSD), munity organizations, including formation on next 12 to 18 months are: So- along with supporters from the the Urban League of Greater New general con- phie B . Wright Charter School, local business community, an- Orleans, to study aspects of DBE tractors for Dwight Eisenhower Elementary nounced the creation of its Dis- inclusion in expanding outreach capital rebuild- School, Gentilly Terrace Elemen- advantaged Business Enterprise to contractors, contractor associa- ing projects . tary School, and Samuel J . Green (DBE) Program . The announce- tions, and the minority contract- Keep gener- Charter School . A complete list of ment fulfills Commitment 12 as ing community . al contractors upcoming projects will be avail- outlined in the What Will It Take? Additionally, the RSD restruc- informed of in- able on the RSD website in the report, which details the RSD’s tured the contract language for all terested, quali- near future . commitments to the city of New District construction contracts, re- fied DBEs and Disadvantaged businesses in- Orleans . quiring that construction contrac- DBE outreach terested in RSD construction con- “As we build great facilities for tors make every effort to ensure opportuni- tracting opportunities can visit the the children of our community, that 25 percent of all construction Williams will provide tracking and ties/mechanisms . RSD website to download a copy the RSD also endeavors to provide work is provided by DBEs . The oversight to ensure compliance Keep interested, qualified of the DBE vendor form . The in- great opportunities for socially contract language also speci- among contractors . Williams’ DBEs informed of RSD opportu- formation submitted by vendors and economically disadvantaged fies the ‘good faith’ efforts that work will include mandating that nities and related events . will be used to build a viable data- business concerns of our com- each contractor must put forth to contractors report clearly how Engage RSD contractors, pro- base of qualified interested DBEs munity” said RSD Superintendent achieve these new DBE goals . well they hit Disadvantaged Busi- viding assistance in addressing to share with RSD contractors . Patrick Dobard . Sombra Williams has been ness Enterprise goals and will barriers to meeting compliance For additional information The RSD is establishing the named director of the DBE Pro- require that they employ in-state goals and with identifying/articu- about the RSD Disadvantaged DBE Office as a strong, fair, and gram for the RSD and will lead residents, per the laws of the State lating ‘good faith’ efforts . Business Enterprise Program, viable program that encourages the program implementation . of Louisiana . Track and review actual con- visit the RSD website at www .rs- the participation of local DBE Through the new DBE Office, The DBE Office will: tractor compliance/compliance dla .net or call (504) 373-6200 ext Establish and maintain ‘en- efforts . 20082 . trance points’ for qualified DBEs George Washington Carver Data News Weekly

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DATA CLASSIFIED Call 504-821-7421 to Mitt Romney place your classified ad. Gets a Free Pass sponsored by Dick Durbin (D-Ill ). tion” that Obama was responsible statements of Rev . Wright, then Orrin Hatch [R-Utah], President for high gas prices . in the interest of fairness, Rom- Obama issued an executive or- But everyone knows that a sit- ney should be asked what he der that incorporated many of the ting president has about as much did to repudiate the church’s provisions of the bill . control over gasoline prices as a former teachings . Under the executive order, meteorologist has over the weath- Although there were two people younger than 30 who came er . Black priests under Mormon to the United States before they The federal Energy Informa- founder Joseph Smith, his suc- were 6 years old, pose no criminal tion Center breaks down the cost cessor, Brigham Young, in- George C. Curry or security threat, and were suc- of a gallon of regular gasoline this stituted a policy of excluding NNPA Columnist cessful students or served in the way: the cost of crude oil accounts males of African descent from military can get a two-year defer- for 76 percent, refining expendi- the priesthood . In 1949, he said, ral from deportation . tures and profits are responsible “What chance is there for the One of the most remarkable “This is not amnesty . This is for another 6 percent; distribution redemption of the Negro? The things about Mitt Romney’s run not immunity . This is not a path to marketing and retail costs add 6 Lord had cursed Cain’s seed for the White House is that the citizenship . It’s not a permanent percent and taxes contribute 12 with blackness and prohibited presumptive Republican nomi- fix,” Obama said upon signing the percent . them the Priesthood ”. That nee is allowed to attack President executive order . “This is a tempo- That reality notwithstanding, policy remained in place until Mailboxes by Mark Obama on everything from sav- rary stopgap measure .” Romney was able to gain media 1978 . ing the automobile industry to Speaking to the National As- coverage by pretending that Pres- Although religion is a deeply immigration . Yet, the news media sociation of Latino Elected and ident Obama, not market factors, personal matter, you can bet rarely point out that Romney is Appointed Officials (NALEO), dictates the price of gasoline . your 2008 “Barack Obama for You pay for the bricks or maybe you against many things, especially Obama said, “When I meet these The price of a gallon of regular President” campaign button have bricks already. You provide if proposed by President Obama, young people, all throughout gasoline peaked at $3 .97 in April . that Republicans will resurrect the mailbox. but is usually evasive on what he communities, I see myself . Who But that figure has since fallen to Jeremiah Wright’s comments I will provide the cement, wood, is for . knows what they might achieve . $3 41,. a decline of 56 cents per this fall . And they will do it close mortar, nails etc. You choose or create the design. Prices vary In a departure from the busi- I see my daughters, and my gallon, according to the AAA . to Election Day . according to the design. ness-as-usual coverage, Politico nieces, and my nephews . That’s If Obama was at fault for the Political maneuvering aside, Contact: Mark (504) 723‐7318 published a story Sunday under the promise that draws so many steep increase in gasoline prices, journalists have a responsibil- the headline: “Mitt Romney’s no- talented, driven people to these shouldn’t he now get credit for ity to press Romney to move policy problem ”. It stated, “Vague, shores . That’s the promise that tumbling prices? Romney can’t past his carefully studied talk- $$$ $$$ $$$ general or downright evasive pol- drew my own father here,” said have it both ways . ing points . And they can do that AVON Do you need money? icy prescriptions on some of the Obama, whose father was from Finally, I don’t think a can- by forcing him to share what he most important issues facing the Kenya . didate’s religion should be fair plans to do beyond criticizing The company for women Can you use country are becoming the rule Appearing before the same game in most instances . That’s President Obama . some extra for Romney . Hoping to make the group a day earlier, Romney said, why I objected to the media try- George E . Curry, former cash? Try Avon!!! Avon is easy to campaign strictly a referendum “I will put in place my own long- ing to Velcro the outspoken Rev . editor-in-chief of Emerge mag- sell, no experience necessary. on the incumbent, the hyper- term solution that will replace and Jeremiah Wright to candidate azine, is editor-in-chief of the It cost only $10.00 to start. You cautious challenger is open about supersede the president’s tempo- Barack Obama . Similarly, I have National Newspaper Publish- can become your own boss or his determination to not give any rary measure .” advised against focusing on Rom- ers Association News Service just earn extra money. 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4.625x2.5 All ads are one color only (preferably black) Black border does print ladatanews.com Marc H. Morial, President & CEO JULY 26–28, 2012 National Urban League CAREER FAIR, EXPO HALL AND OTHER FREE EVENTS AT THE MORIAL CONVENTION CENTER

Chaka Khan Bishop Paul Morton Kim Fields

EMPOWERING THE ENTIRE FAMILY! EMPOWERMENT ALL AT THE OPENING KICK OFF! “STATE OF THE NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE PROJECT READY SEMINARS URBAN LEAGUE” ADDRESS COLLEGE FAIR FREE AND OPEN TO PUBLIC: MORIAL With Marc H. Morial and Bishop Paul Morton Saturday, July 28 from 11:00 AM–2:00 PM Thursday, July 26, 2012 CONVENTION Thursday, July 26 at 10:00 AM Discover more than 60 colleges and Boyz to Men: Empowering African (doors open at 9:00 AM) universities as well as scholarship American Males: 3:30 PM–4:30 PM CENTER organizations that can assist in the N.U.L. EXPERIENCE EXPO HALL AND college application and entrance process. Friday, July 27, 2012 JULY 26–28, 2012 EMPOWERMENT ZONE Facing Your Financial Fears: CAREER & NETWORKING FAIR, FEATURING 1:00 PM–2:00 PM Come on out to the N.U.L. Experience MORE INFO AT THE “BRAND U STUDIO” for THREE full days of exciting exhibits, Empower Your Mind, Body and Soul: nul.org/conference giveaways, live entertainment, the National 2:30 PM–3:30 PM Looking for a new job? Come meet FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK Urban League Centennial Exhibit, volunteer recruiters waiting to hire you! Donna Richardson Joyner—Fitness AND TWITTER @NatUrbanLeague opportunities, and a Health Zone! Thursday, July 26 from 11:30 AM–5:00 PM Special: 3:30 PM–4:00 PM Thursday, July 26 from 11:30 AM–5:00 PM Friday, July 27 from 11:30 AM–5:00 PM Saturday, July 28, 2012 • Come to the Expo Hall on 7/26 and get a Saturday, July 28 from 11:00 AM–4:30 PM FREE pair of tickets to see Chaka Khan at “It’s a Love Thang” Relationship the New Orleans arena that evening. Seminar: 1:00 PM–2:00 PM FREE SHUTTLE BUSES to and from the • Veterans Appreciation Day Transforming Your Life, Reclaiming Convention Center on 7/26, 7/27 and 7/28, GET A Your Power: 3:00 PM–4:00 PM with FREE PAIR OF TICKETS TO SEE Friday, July 27 from 11:00 AM–5:00 PM picking up at the Mahalia Jackson Kim Fields • Empowerment Store Fashion Preview Theater parking lot every 30 minutes CHAKA KHAN Saturday, July 28 from 11:00 AM–4:30 PM from 10:30 AM–3:30 PM. The last shuttle AT THE NEW ORLEANS ARENA! • Youth Empowerment Day leaves the Convention Center at 5:30 PM. (FOR THE FIRST 1,000 PEOPLE TO GO THROUGH EXPO HALL ON JULY 26TH)

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