Lighting The Road To The Future Data Zone Page 6

Kwanzaa Celebration “The People’s Paper” January 7 - January 13, 2012 46th Year Volume 32 www.ladatanews.com

SPECIAL REPORT 2011 More Trying Times for Black America Page 2 State & Local Sports XU Student For the Exchange Record! Page 10 Page 11 Page 2 January 7 - January 13, 2012 Cover Story www.ladatanews.com

SPECIAL REPORT 2011: More Trying Times for Black America

The median wealth of White households is 20 times that of Black households according to reports released this year. Individual families were not the only ones experiencing a rocky year. Even the nation’s oldest civil rights organization was faced with challenges.

immune to being disrespected, stereotyped and at- of Black activists, analysts, leaders and commenta- By Starla Muhammad tacked . tors . NNPA(FinalCall.com) For events and news stories affecting Black “Things have not gotten better for Black folks,” men, women and children, 2011 bears witness to Dr . Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University Finance the insight given by the Honorable Elijah Muham- Professor, Author and Creator of yourblackworld . mad that no man or woman can rise above the con- com told The Final Call . For Black people 2011 reinforced the glaring re- dition of his or her people . “I think that our spirit of independence grows ality that no matter who occupies the White House, What lessons did Black America learn this past every year . We are learning how to create our own overall conditions of the masses in the Black com- year and what did 2011 say about the state of Black jobs or at least we now understand that’s going to munity do not change and in many cases, it wors- America? The economy, health, crime, internation- be the solution and that really looking for state or ens . Even for the Black family living in the White al events and politics took center stage this year government sanctioned solutions is only going to House, 2011 further revealed even they were not yielding mixed results according to a cross section take us so far,” says Dr . Watkins .

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 Ray Bonnee Glenn Jones Charlene Crowell Cover Story ...... 2 Commentary . . . . 8 Kingfish VP Advertising Cheryl Mainor & Marketing Julianne Malveaux Cheryl Mainor Starla Muhammad State & Local News . . 4 Dollars & Sense . . . 9 Managing Editor Glenn Summers Edwin Buggage Editor Art Direction & Production MainorMedia.com Lynesia Carson Editorial Submissions Executive Assistant [email protected] Data Zone ...... 6 Sports . . . . . 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 January 7 - January 13, 2012 Page 3

Cover Story, Continued from previous page.

The Occupy Wall Street movement, morphed into Occupy (insert city name) all over the country bringing to light the struggles of the majority of American families. The movement in many ways mirrors the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom of 1968 (pictured right).

“You can’t do a whole lot better than having a Black President and we found that our suffering actually in- creased under a Black President relative to what it was before,” adds Dr . Watkins . Despite the grim statistics, Dr . Watkins says 2011 was overall a good year for Black people because “we are al- ways looking forward because we are survivors .” Dr . Watkins says Blacks have become increasingly more astute politically since the election of President Obama but channeling it into effective organizing has still fallen short . “You really can’t think of too many scenarios this year in which we actually organized toward a purpose and achieved our goals . You saw some of it happen maybe with the Troy Davis execution but that really wasn’t as “Things have not gotten better for Black folks,” Dr. Bayard Rustin (left) and Cleveland Robinson (right), much of a Black thing as it was a liberal kind of human Boyce Watkins,(pictured) Syracuse University Finance organizers of the March on Washington on August 28, 1963 rights sort of thing that happened to correlate with Afri- Professor, Author and Creator of yourblackworld. can-American interests,” says Dr . Watkins . “I think that we have a lot of work to do when it comes I see us more disenfranchised, disorganized, not commit- forded millions of Americans health care coverage, says to organizing effectively but I think in terms of learning ted to each other, more selfish than ever before,” says Mr . Shelton . The move to repeal the act was halted in the how to think for ourselves, I think we made a lot of prog- Ms . Smith . Senate so it is still in effect . “It’s still there and now we’re ress,” he adds . As President Barack H . Obama enters campaign mode working to get more African- Americans registered to be The Black community faced “everything” in 2011 says for the upcoming 2012 presidential election, the euphoria covered by the Affordable Care Act . When we started veteran, award-winning Journalist Bev Smith . “We faced and optimism felt by the many voters that helped sweep this fight, 47 million Americans had no health care insur- every kind of critical problem a community can face, from him into office three years ago has turned to skepticism ance and over 30 percent of those are African-Americans,” illness to crime . But I think it would be the combination and frustration . For Blacks, 95 percent who voted for Mr . notes Mr . Shelton . of crime and unemployment that are the two issues that Obama in 2008 this year left little to smile about . The fight keeping health insurance for millions of un- have not thoroughly in my opinion been addressed by The median wealth of White households is 20 times insured was one of many battles the NAACP waged dur- leadership across this country if there is any leadership,” that of Black households and the average median hourly ing the year . Ms . Smith told The Final Call . wage for Black men working full-time is $14 90. per hour International events also impacted Blacks in America, She was hard pressed to find positive highlights for compared to $20 .84 for White men, according to reports according to Chicago-based activist Pat Hill . The Obama the year . “You can always look for positive things in our released this year . Administration’s military intervention in Africa, especial- African-American community . You can look for young Individual families were not the only ones experienc- ly Libya was of great concern to many activists and the people that are graduating from high school and going ing a rocky year . Even the nation’s oldest civil rights orga- killing of Col . Muammar Gadhafi was pivotal, she says . to college . You can look for the three out of five young nization was faced with challenges . “His (President Obama’s) wars have been focused on African-American men who are not going to jail who are Hilary O . Shelton, Senior Vice President for advocacy the continent and so I think unwittingly we don’t realize not committing crimes . But the impact of the others who for the NAACP, says the good thing about 2011 is that the effect it’s having…the economic situation is really a are, is as severe on the community as a whole that there Black people were able to hold on . bi-product of the wars because war is very expensive,” is no portion of our community that isn’t affected by it,” “After a slew of victories from 2009 through the end argues the long-time activist and former Chicago police says Ms . Smith . of 2010, 2011 began on a really challenging note…this officer . One of the factors blamed for the disproportionate year was tough,” admits Mr . Shelton, referring to trying Ms . Hill says prices for everyday items have increased numbers of Black teens and young adults caught up in to move aspects of the NAACP agenda through Congress and much needed services have been cut, impacting the crime was unemployment which hit this group particular- and to the President for signature . Black community . “The money to pay for the wars has ly hard . In some parts of the county, the unemployment The 2010 mid-term elections saw the majority in the come from somewhere else and you can look at the cost rate for Black teens was anywhere from 40 to 50 percent . U S. . House of Representatives change from Democrat to of living just all around, how expensive everything has For Black adults the picture was not much brighter Republican . gotten and it is a direct impact of the wars,” says Ms . with the average unemployment rate hovering at or above “The toughness was we’ve lost a good friend as the Hill . 16 percent most of the year well above the national aver- speaker of the House that helped us move our agenda “People act as though this crisis is happening in a vac- age for Whites . through . And unfortunately the person that replaced her uum . There’s a cost for everything . It’s almost like we’ve “Our Black community has been suffering from unem- was someone that was strongly opposed to much of the accepted being in a war but not understanding the eco- ployment from the first four years of the Bush adminis- agenda that we were trying to continue to get through as nomic impact that it has on a society, on a country, on a tration . Now the country’s talking about unemployment well as many of the victories that we had accomplished people . And so if that were eliminated, you would be sur- but our numbers are triple those of the average person in the 111th Congress which ran from 2009 to 2010,” Mr . in America . So, was there anything good to report? I’m Shelton told The Final Call . Cover Story, Continued on page 9. usually optimistic and I usually can say there’s something There was an immediate move in January 2011 in the good coming out of everything but I don’t see it in 2011 . House to try and rollback the Affordable Care Act that af- Page 4 January 7 - January 13, 2012 State & Local News www.ladatanews.com

City Shows Progress in Fighting Blight Releases Blight Strategy Report on 2011 Progress

It has been over one-year since According to the 2011 report, Demolition: 200% increase in the City of New Orleans launched the City has already shown im- blight removal a new, aggressive blight strategy provement in performance and The City jumpstarted the Stra- aimed at reducing 10,000 blighted results: tegic Demolition program and re- properties by 2014 . Since then, the Revenues: Up by more than engaged FEMA to demolish Ka- City has conducted 28,024 inspec- 100% trina-damaged properties as well tions, demolished 2,280 blighted As a result of stricter enforce- as directed the Louisiana Land units, moved over 1000 properties ment and aggressive lien foreclo- Trust to demolish blighted struc- to code lien foreclosure, and col- sure, the City has dramatically in- tures sold to the State through the lected over $1 .5 million in blight creased revenues from previously Road Home Program . liens and fines . The City has also uncollected blight fines . Nuisance Properties: Creating held 29 BlightStat performance Sheriff’s Sales: Over 1,000 writs New Solutions management meetings . filed The City accelerated the Inter- “We’ve accomplished a great With increased financial sup- im Nuisance Abatement Program deal this past year—making our port for fighting blight, the Law and created the pilot Lower Ninth neighborhoods a better, safer and Code Enforcement depart- Ward Lot Clearing program em- place to live by reducing the num- The City has conducted 28,024 inspections,demolished 2,280 blighted ments executed over 1,000 writs ploying local residents and ex-of- ber of dangerous, blighted prop- units over the past year. of seizure against blighted prop- fenders . Since launching the pro- erties in our neighborhoods,” said erty owners to get properties out gram in September 2011, nearly Jeff Hebert, Director of Blight ization . “But in order to meet and izing the neighborhoods of this of the hands of irresponsible own- 900 lots have been cut . Policy and Neighborhood Revital- surpass our mutual goal of revital- city, we have a long road to go .” ers and back into commerce . MEDICAIDattend AND LaCHIP RECIPIENTS don’t miss this important meeting.

If you or a family member is enrolled in Medicaid or LaCHIP, please attend “Choose Health,” a special meeting about changes being made to Medicaid and LaCHIP and how they affect you.

Learn what Health Plans are and why you will need to choose one. Find out what doctors will be in each Health Plan. Be sure to bring a list of your doctors with you. Register to win in our prize drawing!

You can get help with choosing a Health Plan for each family member in your house, and our staff will be available to answer questions. If you need special assistance, please call 1-888-342-6207.

Next “CHOOSE HEALTH” Meeting:

Tuesday, Jan. 10 from 5-7 p.m.

BRIDGE CITY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 1805 BRIDGE CITY AVE. WESTWEGO, LA 70094 BAYOU Saturday, Jan. 14 from 11:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m. HEALTH Your Health Your Choice DELGADO COMMUNITY COLLEGE 615 CITY PARK AVE. NEW ORLEANS, LA 70119

Tuesday, Jan. 17 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. BAYOUHEALTH Your Health Your Choice GRACE KING HIGH SCHOOL A program of the Louisiana Department 4301 GRACE KING PL. of Health and Hospitals METAIRIE, LA 70002 Teal: PMS 320 Dark Blue: PMS282 bayouhealth.com 1-855-BAYOU-4U (TOLL FREE) (1-855-229-6848) Page 6 January 7 - January 13, 2012 Data Zone www.ladatanews.com

Happy Kwanzaa to All! Lest we forget, many of us also celebrate Kwanzaa this season . Pictured below are scenes from the Kwanzaa Celebration held last week at the Craige Cultural Center . Photos by Glenn Summers . www.ladatanews.com Data Zone January 7 - January 13, 2012 Page 7

A Big Happy New Year! Celebrators at The Zulu Big Shot, a new black owned business in New Orleans East welcomed 2012 at a New Years Eve Bash . Pictured are Ray Bonnee with Terry Williams, D . J . Riculfy and his wife of Millenium Limousines who sponsored the party, Terry Williams & “Lady Shot” Kim Lange with Nia and the Zulu Big Shot Staff .

Celebrate Black History Month with Data News Weekly

Hosting an event or special presentation for Black History Month? Tell everyone about it in Data News Weekly’s Black History Month Event Section.

Send your event information to [email protected], by January 25th and include in the subject line BHM Event Announcement and Data will run your information during Black History Month.

Shoot Ya Best Black History Month Shot Got photos to show off of your BHM or MLK Day event, then send them to Data News Weekly at [email protected] and we will run it in Shoot Ya Best Shot. Please make sure that your photos are at Hi-Res, and large sized, and send in jpeg format as an attachment.

Data is proud to support our community as we celebrate our culture and heritage during Black History Month. Page 8 January 7 - January 13, 2012 Commentary www.ladatanews.com

Remembering and Recognizing Pioneers Who Have Passed

Data News Staff ine was a retired Orleans Parish paper . Mr . Logan’s contributions Happy New Year! School Teacher, a 71 year alum of to the Black Press of America The Staff at Data News Weekly Xavier University and a long-time and the citizens of Detroit, Michi- like most of you spent the last few member of St . Raymond Church gan are immeasurable . Besides weeks getting ready for and then in the 7th ward . chronicling the rise of the Black celebrating the Holiday S eason . middle-class and a city known for Our staff is made up of many tra- strong Black political power, The ditions, each one unique from the Michigan Chronicle was also her- others, but at the heart of them alded for its role in keeping the en- all, live the same thing . Honoring tire city informed when the city’s the spirit of the season, and cel- major daily publications were on ebrating the health and happiness strike for over a year . Mr . Logan’s of our family and friends . Katherine M. Clark participation within NNPA (Na- Washington, DC as the first Black It is with this in mind that we Katherine M . Clark passed tional Newspaper Publishers As- giant in public relations, and he take this opportunity to give rec- away in November in Katy Texas . sociation) spanned over 50 years . helped shape the messages of ognition to three distinguished She is the daughter of the Late He was a truly great leader in the some of our most beloved lead- individuals who made their tran- Paul E . Martin and Mary C . Mar- industry . ers . Dukes’ Memorial Service will sition during the Holiday Season . tin . She was preceded in death by be held in Washington, DC, where To voice our gratitude for the her husband Peter W . “Champ” Ofield Dukes New Orleans native Former Sec- roads they paved and our condo- Clark and daughter Ann Clark Sam Logan Ofield Dukes, the Veteran Pub- retary of Labor Alexis Herman is lences and comfort to their family Bonner . She is survived by daugh- With great sadness and deep lic Relations Adviser to Presidents, scheduled to speak . and friends . ter Mary Frances Clark and sons regret that we acknowledge the Civil Rights Leaders and Elected We join with our readers in re- Peter Clark Jr ,. John Clark, Paul passing of Sam Logan, Publisher Officials, died Dec . 7, 2011 in membering these three great in- Clark and Mark Clark . Kather- of the Michigan Chronicle News- Detroit . Dukes was renowned in dividuals .

Let The Games Begin

Now that Kwanzaa and New tion for reminding us of the in- gress reconvenes . Otherwise, and ther self or lobby financed . Year’s Day have past, the games come inequality that riddles our most likely, let the games begin . Occupy’s momentum suggests, will begin again . The House of nation and has gotten worse, not The games may have new perhaps, that the Occupy move- Representatives is back January better, in recent years . To begin rules this time around . President ment, if organized, can be a signif- 17th and the Senate returns on the occupation on Wall Street, Obama is rising in approval polls, icant political force . Could there January 23rd . House Republicans and to spread out to hundreds while Congress is falling . The pub- be an Occupy candidate, or two, will be hell-bent on finding ways of cities all over the world, was a lic is fed up by the obstructionism in key 2012 political races? ‘Could to pay for the legislation passed brilliant, headline-grabbing move . that seems to dictate almost every the street heat turn into the kind on December 22nd, and Boehner, Now, perhaps, our friends can get interaction between the White of Congressional heat that would Julianne Malveaux whose humiliating concession to more practical and Occupy some House and Capitol Hill . Congress give another perspective to these NNPA Columnist President Obama had to irk him, congressional home office to re- seems to exist in a Washington frequent impasses? WE expect to will probably be ready to rumble mind some of these tone-deaf folk bubble, disconnected from the see all kinds of games in the first when he returns to Washington . what many of their constituents rest of the world . Recent data six weeks of this legislative ses- In the time between now and are thinking and feeling . about the number of Congressio- sion . But the games desperately Most Americans have been January 17th people ought to be Congress will have less than six nal millionaires – many are part need new players . enjoying the holiday haze since writing, calling, and visiting mem- weeks to decide if the two-month of the one percent – suggest that The official games begin Janu- House Speaker John Boehner bers of Congress in their home tax cut will be extended through our legislators don’t share our ary 17th or so . But some of us need (R-OH) folded and allowed the offices, urging them to minimize the rest of the year . Given their concerns about the cost of gro- to start playing now by reminding two-month extension of unem- cuts to things like education . If penchant for taking deadlines ceries, gasoline, or health insur- our vacationing Congressional ployment insurance and the So- we need to make budget cuts, to the last minute, and refusing ance . It is virtually impossible for leaders, of both parties, what is at cial Security tax cut, and other perhaps those cuts can be con- to compromise with President an ordinary person to be elected stake with continuing high unem- key matters . Indeed, if the French centrated on our defense budget . Obama, we are likely to find our- to Congress, because ordinary ployment and increasing poverty . take the month of August off by Indeed, as the Occupy Movement selves in the same position on people don’t usually have the fi- Don’t let Congress come back to law, we almost do the same in the is reorganizing itself (I hear they February 20th as we were on De- nances to fund a campaign . The Washington without hearing from period between Christmas and plan to Occupy the Rose Bowl), cember 20th , at an impasse . The Obama Campaign proved to be you . These high-stake games af- New Year . Except for retail estab- perhaps they could target key of- brinkmanship is getting old, yet an exception, with frequent Inter- fect the economic status of most lishments that support the great fices, including Boehner’s, for a we can expect nothing else unless net requests for small amounts of of the 99 percent . American pastime – shopping – demonstration . While I’ve been a few House Republicans change money -- $5 or even $3 . Wealthy Dr. Julianne Malveaux is President few businesses got substantive critical about what I call “Occupy their minds about the way this legislators need not employ those of Bennett College for Women in Greensboro, North Carolina. work done in the last week . outcomes”, I salute the organiza- matter will be handled when Con- tactics . Their campaigns are ei- www.ladatanews.com Dollars & Sense January 7 - January 13, 2012 Page 9

A New Year Resolution for Consumers Say ‘No’ to High-Cost Lending

By Charlene Crowell or maintaining minimum balanc- Further, if a consumer wants to The New Year’s tradition of es may be available options that ‘re-load’ the card once original making resolutions is sometimes could spare consumers pesky funds have been depleted, anoth- an opportunity to turn dreams monthly fees . If you earlier opted er fee could kick in . In short the into specific goals and efforts - in for overdraft coverage, now is fee totals deny consumers full use like losing pounds gained during a great time to opt out of it and of their own money . holiday excesses . When it comes the accompanying average cost of Perhaps the highest cost of to financial matters, now is a per- $34 per transaction . Surveys have fringe lending occurs with payday fect time to also assess lending shown that the vast majority of and car title loans . Each year, the habits and ways to develop great- consumers would prefer to have 12 million Americans using pay- er financial security . In a down- a transaction declined rather than day loans generate $4 .2 billion in turned economy, where jobs are incur these fees . fees alone . According to research scarce and dollars are short for If your bank does not currently by the Center for Responsible many Americans, learning how offer these kinds of cost-savings Lending, most payday customers to keep a greater portion of your options, it might be time to shop borrow an average nine loans per monies is a resolution worth the around with area competitive year at 400 percent interest; 76 effort . If changes in consumer banks or credit unions . As non- percent of these loans represent financial habits can begin in the profits, most credit unions offer repeat borrowing on the same New Year, chances are there will lower rates than commercial lend- would be to avoid fee-based and consumer would keep is $213 . principal . be a big and better difference by ers . Lower rates and fees translate high costs of check-cashing ser- That amount of money could be The 17 states and the District this time next year . into significantly cheaper financ- vices, pre-paid debit cards as well better used for utilities, groceries of Columbia that have enacted a These changes can especially ing costs for major purchases as payday and car title loans . or even savings . double-digit rate cap on payday benefit consumers with modest such as homes and vehicles . Typically, check-cashing ser- Pre-paid debit cards, a grow- loans have together saved their incomes as well as those living Although bank and credit vices charge a percentage of the ing financial product may also be consumers $1 .4 billion in fees . on governmental assistance and union accounts are widely used, check being cashed . As an ex- a more expensive way to transact While the legislative battles fixed incomes . In fact, the fewer approximately nine-million Amer- ample, if a Social Security check personal business as well . Wheth- over these high-cost loan prod- the financial resources, the more icans have no bank account at all, of $1,000 is cashed at a cost of er offered online or from a grow- ucts continue, right now every important it becomes to avoid according to the Federal Deposit $24 75,. in a year’s time, the store ing list of major retailers, pre-paid consumer can say no to high-cost high-cost lending and derive Insurance Corporation . FDIC will take $297 from the recipient . cards frequently come with mul- lenders . It is one time when say- greater use of your own money . estimates that one in five Black Even with a bank account month- tiple costs . Beyond converting ing ‘no’ will mean ‘yes’ to improv- For example, if your bank has households is unbanked and re- ly service charge, the recipient money into plastic, activation ing your own financial future . begun to charge service fees for lies upon fringe financial services would keep more of their money . fees are often charged . If ATM Charlene Crowell is a Communica- checking accounts, review the to transact their personal busi- If a bank or credit union charged use is allowed, additional costs tions Manager with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be fine print that announced those ness . A sure way for these con- $7 00. per month for an account or may be incurred for using these reached at: Charlene.crowell@re- changes . Payroll direct deposits sumers to begin building savings $84 per year, the difference the conveniently-located machines . sponsiblelending.org.

Cover Story / Continued from page 3.

prised as the money flows and page as reported by the New working to improve the condi- Million Man March in Philadel- action to bring about the results the jobs come back,” she says . York Daily News . tions in the Black community phia is needed . “Are the leaders that we’ve been begging others While some pundits still con- Incidents like these show but the organizational skills and more concerned with their own for, which will never come to us! tend having a Black family as the racism is still a virus in society unity demonstrated by these agenda than they are with the We have got to do it ourselves! first family of the United States even in 2011 Rev . Marcia L . Dy- same groups working together agenda of the African-American And if we don’t have the mind the past three years points to a son told The Final Call . “I think is lacking and has to change community? I don’t know . The and the spirit to bring ourselves “post-racial” society, 2011 ends we haven’t come as far in race next year, says Ms . Smith . community has to answer that out of the condition that we are pointing out even the President relationships . Electing a Black “There are people individu- question . My answer is I think in, then we deserve whatever and First Lady cannot escape the man for President is about ally working themselves crazy we’ve become very selfish as chastisement Allah will bring racial animus that continues to choosing one Black man but it trying to help . One is of course Black leaders and we don’t have upon us for our refusal to accept permeate the very fabric of the has nothing to do with how they Ben Jealous from the NAACP, the the commitment of the leaders our responsibility,” Min . Farra- world’s most powerful nation . really may think about African- other one is Marc Morial from in the past,” says Ms . Smith . khan told the audience Oct . 9 . Congressman Jim Stensen- Americans in general,” says the the Urban League . They’re all In his address, Min . Farra- Rev . Dyson says as Black brener (R-Wisc .) was recently ordained minister and lecturer . working but they’re all working khan reminded the audience Americans head into another overheard making inappropriate “Obviously if a non-Black said within their own group…they’re that the success of the historic year, the upcoming 2012 Presi- remarks about First Lady Mi- it, they still have a fixation on the working to get things done but Million Man March in 1995 was dential Election is time to once chelle Obama’s backside, har- Black female body, something unfortunately we do not have because of courageous religious again become actively engaged kening back to the days when that they can no longer have as the grassroots organization that and political leaders and various in the workings of the political White slavemasters commented chattel . So since you can’t lock we had in the ’60s, ’70s, ’80s and groups that rose above process . on the physique of Black slaves it down in iron you can try to into the middle of the ’90s, we their differences to make it a “I hope that we become as they stood on the auction throw straws at it . But Michelle just don’t have it,” says Ms . Smith success . The Minister said the better citizens in 2012 and not block prior to being sold off In Obama is a fierce Black woman who challenged churches and same level of unity and commit- so much choose a man or a a separate incident, former Tea from the South Side of Chicago other religious organizations to ment among Black leadership is woman but to choose the issues Party political candidate Jules and has more grace to even be in- become more involved in collec- required today . into which we will fight for to Manson was visited by the Se- sulted by the ignorance of a few in tively solving problems . “What is our call today? It is make sure once the elected of- cret Service after reportedly America,” says Rev . Dyson when Ms . Smith added that the for us to rise above the things ficial is in office that the things calling for the assassination of asked about the comments made critical analysis of issues raised that we differ about, because that are relevant to us, that we President Obama and his “mon- by Rep . Stensenbrener . by Minister Louis Farrakhan the future of our people depends let them know who is the boss,” key children” on his Facebook Individual organizations are at the 2011 Anniversary of the upon our ability to mobilize for says Dr . Dyson . Page 10 January 7 - January 13, 2012 State & Local News www.ladatanews.com

Adult Literacy Center to present Job Xavier Students Participate in Preparation Workshops, January 12

NYU Exchange Program The New Beginnings Schools Call (504) 598-6535 to register Foundation Adult Literacy Cen- or receive additional information . ter of Greater New Orleans pres- Three Xavier University of Lou- ents job preparation workshops Thursday, January 12th isiana students will be spending to assist adults seeking to enter 9 to 11 a m. . at Medard Nelson Spring 2012 in the “Big Apple” at the workforce or find a new job . Charter School, 3121 St . Bernard New York University participat- Workshop topics include: Ave ,. New Orleans, 1 to 3 p m. . at ing in the NYU/Xavier Student • Interviewing skills Gentilly Terrace Charter School, Exchange Program . • Resume writing techniques 4720 Painters St ., New Orleans Participating in the program • Applying for jobs online are: Jade Crutch, a Sophomore WORKSHOPS ARE FREE Political Science Major from Gar- AND OPEN TO PUBLIC land, TX (Lakeview Centennial High); Shaniese Foster, a Junior Political Science Major from Houston, TX (Westside High); 1st Annual Literacy Benefit to and Breanna Thompson, a Junior Art Major from Pass Christian, Honor Mr. Stanley Schofield as MS (Pass Christian High) . BITE OF THE APPLE: (from left) Breanna Thompson of Pass Christian “The student exchange pro- MS; Jade Crutch of Garland TX; and Shaniese Foster of Houston TX, are all smiles after meeting with Dr. Kenneth Boutte, XU Associate Mentor of the Year gram at Xavier gives students an Dean for Summer Programs and External Initiatives, about their opportunity to study and learn forthcoming trip to the “Big Apple” where the trio will be attending New in a new and different environ- York University through the NYU/Xavier Student Exchange Program In honor of the Dr . Martin Lu- case some of the City’s talented next spring. ment at no additional cost, as ther King, Jr . Celebration, Moth- youth . The Board of Directors will well as a chance to take courses er’s Helpers Mentoring Company also be presenting the Lifetime not offered here,” said Dr . Ken- sponsible for their travel and edu- that several NYU students have is hosting a “Literacy Benefit” to Achievement Award to a mem- neth Boutte, Associate Dean for cational materials such as books . attended XU in past years . raise money for their building ber of the community selected Summer Programs and External Exchanges usually take place in Boutte said Xavier currently fund, student scholarships and for service and dedication to our Initiatives . “Just as importantly, it the spring semester and eligible also has active student exchange classroom technology . youth, and honoring Mr . Stanley enables students to explore post- students are required to have a agreements with Howard Univer- The event will take place on Fri- Schofield as Mentor of the Year . graduate programs offered at minimum 3 .00 grade point aver- sity and the University of Wiscon- day, January 13, 2012 at Crystal For more information or to those institutions .” age (GPA) . sin-Milwaukee, and is actively ne- Magnolia Country Club, located purchase tickets, please contact Students pay regular Xavier “It’s a two-way street because gotiating with other institutions at 7221 Curran Rd . Antrelle Banks at 504-508-5844 or tuition, fees, and room and board students at the other institutions to establish new programs that The dessert reception will in- email mhelpers@yahoo .com . using their financial aid and fi- have the option to spend a semes- will provide even more student clude entertainment and show- nancial resources . They are re- ter at Xavier,” said Boutte, noting exchange opportunities . www.ladatanews.com Sports January 7 - January 13, 2012 Page 11

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By Kingfish In the ‘09 season I was worried three-headed monster running but shut them down after making Data Sports Columnist with the three game losing streak game, which is Thomas, Sproles adjustments . If they continue to Call Now! What more can you say that going into the playoffs . I worried and Ivory are healthy going into improve the sky is the limit for the records don’t already say? that the Saints lacked the mental the post-season unlike last year . the Saints . The Saints are now the most pro- toughness to stay focused on a Coach Payton vowed not to have The first Playoff game for 504-821-7421 lific Offense ever in NFL history . stage which they had never won that be an issue this year and has the Saints is Saturday at 8 p .m . Eclipsing the Rams greatest show before . They proved that year played it masterfully . The major against the Detroit Lions . Yes the on turf for the most yardage in an they were up to the challenge . reason for the success of running Saints dominated them early this NFL season is absolutely remark- This year I feel no fear of any of the ball is mainly due to the offen- year but the Lions are clicking able . Brees breaks Dan Marino’s those issues, plus there’s a lot sive line playing extremely well . right now . They gave the Packers single season passing yards . Dar- to be said for “been there done They were banged up early this all they wanted this past Sunday . ren Sproles breaks the single that” . year, which called for a lot of subs This game is not by any means season all-purpose yards . Brees The Saints performance to play, but as of now with three gimmie for the Saints . No Playoff Red Hot Deals! most completions in a season and against the hot Carolina Panthers games to the Super Bowl they game is a gimmie in the NFL, just Data News Weekly special breaking his on record for the was stellar . Chris Ivory is healthy are strong, dominating and con- ask the Saints about Seattle last highest completion rate for a sea- and running like a beast, gained trolling at the line of scrimmage . year . There are two major factors offer for Non-Profits and Small son with 71 6. percent; tells us the 127 yards on the ground to close The Saints Defense is improv- in the Saints favor in this game . Businesses Offense is operating on another out the record setting day . If you ing at the right time . The rookie One, they’re at home; and two, level, heck another planet! don’t know, one of the biggest Cam Jordan had his best game of it’s in prime time and we all know Call Now! The funny thing is these aren’t signs of a possible championship the year . Martez Wilson did very this year with those factors in (504) 821-7421 all the records the Offense has team is the ability to get a lead and well getting his first sack of the place the Saints have dominated . broken this year . With all that then grind the game out on the year . Malcolm Jenkins was out I look for the Saints to keep that said, what I love the most is the ground . It gives a team the abil- but his replacement did really going in this game . attitude of the team . They are ity to take time off the clock and well and Dunbar has done a great very focused on the end goal, keeps the ball out of the oppos- job filling in for Vilma . The De- Let’s Geaux Saints!!!! which is another Super Bowl win . ing team’s offensive hands . The fense gave up some early points