Lighting The Road To The Future Piano Great Henry Butler Data Zone Passes Page 8 “The People’s Paper” July 7 - July 13, 2018 53nd Year Volume 10 www.ladatanews.com
A Data News Weekly Exclusive 2018 Essence Festival The Party With a Purpose Shines Bright Under New Leadership Page 2 Newsmaker State & Local Local NOLA Richmond Artists Bring Receives the Heat Endorsement Page 5 Page 13 Page 2 July 7 - July 13, 2018 Cover Story www.ladatanews.com Essence 2018 The Party With a Purpose Returns Bigger and Better than Ever
Queen Latifah Presents “Ladies First” with Special Guests The dynamic girl group, Xscape returns this year to Essence Festival which promises to be one of Missy Elliott, Remy Ma, MC Lyte, Nikki D and more. the best ever for music fans.
By Edwin Buggage is in a transition and headed in a new direction . Data tival in the country and even serving as inspiration for Data News Weekly Editor News Weekly caught up with Joy Profet, Essence the hit movie Girls Trip . Communications General Manager and Cori Murray, “The festival has grown to four days . First day is our It is that time a year again where a sea of ebony Essence Entertainment Director, to speak about this day of service communities throughout the City . We faces will converge on New Orleans from July 5th thru year’s festival, the Essence brand, the importance of will also be giving out awards to heroines across the July 8th for the Party with a Purpose; yes, it is Essence their platform for Black women, the MeToo Movement City at an event we are having the Ashe’ Cultural Cen- Fest and this year it is bigger and better than ever . and the festival and its connection to New Orleans . ter,” says Profet . Additionally, this has been a year of change and Essence Fest continues to grow in its over two de- Also, as the City recently elected its first Black Fe- growth where Essence is under new ownership and cade’s existence; becoming the Premier Summer Fes- male Mayor LaToya Cantrell, Essence feels it is the
Cover Story, Continued on page 3.
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Cover Story, Continued from page 2. beginning of a new chapter in the taking the stage in the New Orleans dent is in a position to do new and relationship with the City of New Superdome over the three nights of exciting things with a brand that’s Orleans . “We are looking forward shows that will always delight . been serving African-American to Mayor Cantrell and a Kick-off Since this is a Party with a Pur- women for 50 years . “We are ex- Celebration . The first Black Female pose, the day programming is cited to be able to return this cul- Mayor a reader of essence and our meant to inspire, entertain as well turally relevant and historically sig- platform and we are looking for- as give festival goers a chance to nificant platform to ownership by ward to that relationship,” remarks support African-American busi- people and the consumers whom Profet of the City’s election of nesses that are from all over the it serves,” said Denis in a press re- LaToya Cantrell to the City’s high- country . This year’s keynote speak- lease about his company’s acquisi- est office . ers include, Rev . Al Sharpton, Mi- tion and future plans for Essence . chael Eric Dyson, Tarana Burke, Joy Profet talks about the syner- 2018 Best of the Fest Founder of the MeToo Movement gy between the new owner and the Headlining acts for this year and plenty of others that will leave Essence Brand, something that is include Janet Jackson, Mary J . those in attendance empowered . poised to make the company stron- Blige, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott and ger moving forward . “At the begin- the Roots an all-female hip-hop set 100 Percent Black: ning of the year an independent featuring Queen Latifah, Missy El- New Ownership and entrepreneur Richelieu Denis, who liot, Remy Ma and MC Lyte . Also, Direction for Essence had a history of working integrally standout artists who have become Earlier this year Essence, both with our community, as the Owner festival staples Ledisi and Xscape . its magazine and parent lifestyle of Shea Moisture Brand and the New Orleans will be represented brand were sold by Time Inc . to a Sundial slew of Brands . Before he by DJ Jubilee and Big Freedia holding company owned by Shea became our owner, he was a client who have both taken Bounce Mu- Moisture and Sundial Founder and deeply admired Essence . Addi- sic to new heights, also on deck is Richelieu Denis . “This acquisition tionally, he has five daughters who the alt hip-hop artist Pell and R&B of Essence represents the begin- are fans of Essence and a wife who Newcomer Daniel Ceasar, who ning of an exciting transformation is a fan as well .” has taken the music industry by a of our iconic brand,” said the com- Continuing speaking of the new storm . The festival as always has pany’s President, Michelle Ebanks, owner she says, “His entire life been something for everybody’s musical in a press release . about creating products for women palate and is a blend of classic artist Also, the company now being Cover Story, Continued along with new comers who will be Essence Communications General Manager, Joy Profet entirely Black-owned and indepen- on page 4.
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Cover Story, Continued from page 3.
of color, so it is great for Essence to join forces of his network of en- trepreneurs, promotional platforms into this rich audience of women’s FROECLUSRE network of expertise . They under- MAEKS stand the brand and how to invest in brand and its audience which is EEVRYHTIGN about, Black women and for Black women . The goal of building an COFNUISNG. audience of Black women glob- ally . It is existing as we are about the beginning of stages . They are all coming to New Orleans and we look forward to taking the Essence Brand to the next level, making it more relevant and reach- ing more people .”
Empowerment: The Essence of what it means to be a Black woman in the 21st Century Throughout its rich history Es- sence has been about giving voice GET CLEAR ON FORECLOSURE OPTIONS. to excellence in Black women . “We CALL 1-888-995-HOPE. No one is good at going through foreclosure. Thankfully, there’s want to put the spotlight on Black a way for you to get free, trusted advice. Call the Hope Hotline New Orleans’ fan favorite, Doug E. Fresh returns with Kool Moe Dee, Dres, Whodini, Lady of Rage, YoYo and today and speak to a HUD approved counseling agency. Female Entrepreneurs which is DJ Captain Charles. one of the faster growing segments of business owners in America,” ex- 470,000 people to the City, with 200 plains Cori Murray, Essence Enter- million dollars in economic impact tainment Director while recently in for the City . New Orleans . Continuing she says, “We have a great relationship “We want to continue to tell stories with the City . We are positioned that celebrate women in business, quite well, and we will renegotiate but also talk about their spirituality, our contract with the City in 2019 . self-care, personal finance and how This will also allow the mayor to SHELTER to be beautiful and most of all em- have her inaugural this year and powered Black women .” help us to create something spec- PET & Echoing this holistic approach tacular for the 25th Anniversary of to telling the story of Black women the fest next year,” excitedly says FASHION Profet says, “Our brand is about Joy Profet . inspiration and being an advocate Murray also talked about the ICON for women of color . She has such special connection between Es- a weight on her shoulders and this sence Fest and New Orleans and is the voice of her aspirations to sees no other City as a better fit . tell those stories to be an advocate “Essence and New Orleans have for Black women in nearly our 50- been connected for 23 of the 24 year period not just at festivals but years we have been doing this fes- across the pages of the magazine tival and it’s been a strong bond . and all of our platforms .” New Orleans is such an amazing City with so much history; it is the New Orleans and the birthplace of Jazz, you have the Future of Essence Fest food, the vibe of the people and the Essence Fest and New Orleans energy of the City . It is just a great have come to be synonymous with City to walk around and be in . It is one another over its 24-year his- a true spiritual connection we have tory . What was planned as a one- to New Orleans and I don’t think we time event has become the go to can be any place else .” summer festival last year drawing Essence Entertainment Director, Cori Murray
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TOAST 325K+ Instagram Followers www.ladatanews.com Newsmaker July 7 - July 13, 2018 Page 5 The Flavor of New Orleans at Essence Fest
By Edwin Buggage Data News Weekly Editor
People from all over the globe will be in New Orleans for the Es- sence Music Festival; they will as always leave fed with the spirit of America’s most interesting and in- ternational City . During this weekend the City that gave the world Jazz and more recently Bounce Music will be on full display during the Essence Fest .
Percy “Master P” Gives Back to New Orleans The Party with a Purpose will kick off on Thursday July 5th with a day of service and celebrity bas- ketball game at Xavier University Convocation Center, doors open at 4 PM . Percy “Master P” Hip-Hop Legend, Mia X For the second year in a row Entertainment Mogul and Philan- Hip-Hop Legend Mia thropist Percy “Master P” Miller, X Returns to Essence through his organization Team After taking part in the Essence Hope NOLA returns to his home- Fest last year as part of Master P town to give back, inspire and uplift . that showcased the classic hits of Team Hope NOLA will partner NO Limit Records . with Essence to do a beautification The first lady of New Orleans project at the Guste Homes located hip-hop Mia X will join rap legend in Central City, which accommo- Doug E . Fresh onstage on July 6th . dates 2000 elderly residents . Also, Team Hope NOLA will be honor- Pell: Alt Hip-Hop Star ing Mayor LaToya Cantrell for her Essence Debut dedication and commitment to the Pell is a New Orleans native community . who has become an underground hip-hop sensation building a global Kristi “DJ Sugar Cookie” Cole- audience with his infectious brand man keeping the Essence Daytime of alternative hip-hop . Last year he Experience Lit returned to the City of his birth On deck during the Essence blazing the stage at Voodoo Fest . Daytime Experience is Kristi Cole- He will be appearing at the fest on man, who is most known as the Friday July 6th . morning Traffic Reporter on Fox 8 . The music that’s been around for But this beautiful New Orleans more than two decades is now find- sista wears another hat, keeping it ing its place among the top stars in lit as DJ Sugar Cookie . She is an the industry sampling the sounds event DJ and Personality on New and dances of New Orleans own Orleans Cumulus Radio Station Bounce Music . Hip-Hop and R&B Power 102 .9 She will be at the Convention Center DJ Jubilee: Bounce during the Essence Daytime Expe- Music Pioneer take rience every day during the fest . the Essence Stage Bounce Music has been mak- The Soulful Sounds of Ledisi ing people of NOLA, dance, twerk kicks off Essence Fest and shake their thing for over two The night events begin on the decades . main stage Friday featuring New This exciting genre is finding Orleans own Ledisi, who’s in her itself on the stage at the Essence two decades long career is one of Fest as one of the pioneers of the the most talented and versatile vo- music DJ Jubilee is guaranteed to calists of her generation . get the party started . Newsmaker, Continued on page 11. Page 6 July 7 - July 13, 2018 Newsmaker www.ladatanews.com Not a Hoax! Senate Finds Russia did Interfere to Help Trump Win.
Data Staff EditedReport The assessment, which had been the sources, tradecraft and analytic ordered by President Obama, is a work underpinning the Intelligence WASHINGTON — The Senate “sound intelligence product” that Community Assessment and sees Intelligence Committee, reject- was prepared by analysts who no reason to dispute the conclu- ing doubts conveyed by President “were under no politically moti- sions,” said Sen . Richard Burr, the Trump as recently as last week, has vated pressure to reach any conclu- panel’s Republican chairman . Sen . become the latest body to officially sions” and was based on a “range of Mark Warner, the committee’s conclude that the Russian govern- all-source reporting,” albeit much Democratic vice chair, called the ment conducted a wide-ranging of it still classified . intelligence community findings campaign — including cyberat- The panel’s findings are hardly “accurate and on point,” adding tacks — to influence the 2016 presi- a surprise . All of those who have that the Russian effort was “exten- dential election . reviewed the January 2017 intel- sive and sophisticated .” Indeed, the An unclassified seven-page re- ligence community assessment — committee said that it has learned port, released by the committee including the most senior officials of about new intelligence and analy- Tuesday with full bipartisan sup- the Trump administration — have sis that has strengthened the case port, was based on an extensive, endorsed the conclusions that the against the Kremlin’s election med- year-and-a-half-long investigation Russians hacked the Democratic dling, including additional infor- into the U .S . intelligence commu- National Committee and undertook mation about Russia’s attempts to nity’s January 2017 assessment a wide variety of other measures to infiltrate state election systems and that the Kremlin carried out its interfere in the U .S . election . An unclassified seven-page report, released by the committee Tuesday manipulate social media platforms . campaign in part for the purpose of The only outlier continues to with full bipartisan support, was based on an extensive, year-and-a- But the report still is likely to promoting Trump’s candidacy and be the president who, in a tweet half-long investigation into the U.S. intelligence community’s January frustrate those looking for addition- 2017 assessment that the Kremlin carried out its campaign in part for discrediting Hillary Clinton . written shortly after the announce- the purpose of promoting Trump’s candidacy and discrediting Hillary al insights into the classified intel- The committee’s conclusion: ment he will meet Russian Presi- Clinton. ligence that led to the intelligence community’s original findings . The dent Vladimir Putin this month at a committee’s report provides no summit in Helsinki, once again cast insights into the sourcing for the doubt on the findings of his own January 2017 document, saying government . that will be discussed in a classified … . “Russia continues to say they report, portions of which the panel had nothing to with meddling in our hopes can be publicly released at a Election!” Trump tweeted on June later date . 28 . The disclosure on Tuesday is In his tweet, he went on to raise the second publicly released report questions about the failure of the growing out of the decision in Janu- FBI under former Director James ary 2017 to launch a full-scale inves- Comey (“Shady James Comey” he tigation into Russia’s meddling in called him) to take possession of the 2016 election and any possible the DNC’s server and then asked: links to the Trump campaign . Its “Why isn’t Hillary/Russia being findings about alleged collusion looked at? So many questions, so with the Trump campaign, clearly much corruption .” the most controversial part of its in- Whether the new report by the quiry, won’t be released for months . Senate Intelligence Committee will What remains unclear is whether make any dent in the president’s the panel will be able reach a bi- view of the matter seems doubt- partisan consensus on that issue . ful, in the view of one top Russia But the new seven-page report did expert . “Are you kidding?” replied include a brief reference to the role John Sipher, a former deputy chief that the so-called dossier, prepared of the CIA’s Russian operations divi- by former British spy Christopher sion . “You think he’s going to listen Steele and alleging extensive col- to the senators any more than he’ll lusion between Trump and Russia, listen to his own intelligence com- played in the intelligence commu- munity?” nity assessment . The dossier, the The committee, in a press re- committee report said, “did not in lease about the report, emphasized any way” inform the intelligence the extent of its inquiry into the community assessment “because it issue and the bipartisan nature of was unverified information and had its findings . “The committee has not been disseminated as serialized spent the last 16 months reviewing intelligence reporting .” ladatanews.com Black-Owned Businesses Are Part of the Fabric of New Orleans
New Orleans welcomes millions of visitors every year who come for the city’s food, music, architecture, and world-renowned culture.
Throughout history, the contributions of our African American citizens and businesses have helped make New Orleans one of the top destinations in the world.
Whether you’re a visitor or a local, we encourage you to support one of the many Black-owned businesses across the Crescent City that make New Orleans special.
For a list, scan below or visit NewOrleans.com/blackbusiness. Page 8 July 7 - July 13, 2018 Data Zone www.ladatanews.com
New Orleans’ Legendary Pianist Henry Butler Dead At 69
Data News Weekly Staff Edited ler was a prime force in the city’s piano tradition Photos Courtesy of — gifted with an exuberant touch and a keen, www.henrybutler.com razor-sharp musicality . Blind since birth, Butler grew up in the city’s Henry Butler, a pianist, singer and corner- Calliope Projects, and taught himself piano by stone of the New Orleans sound, died of can- ear . He went on to study classical music at the cer Monday morning in the Bronx, New York . Louisiana State School for the Blind, where His death was confirmed by his agent, Maurice he memorized scores written in Braille and at Montoya . Butler was 69 years old . Southern University, he majored in voice and Born Sept . 21, 1948 in New Orleans, La ., But- minored in piano . He also studied with such
exemplars of New Orleans piano as Professor Longhair and James Booker . Musically, Butler was the heir to his birth city’s vital piano tradition, and he passed that tradition along . He taught across the United States and developed a summer camp for visually impaired teenage musi- cians . That program was depicted in a documentary film that aired on PBS stations in 2010 . Away from the piano, Butler was an enthusiastic photographer — shooting images of scenes described by friends — and pursued that passion for more than three decades, exhibiting his work around the world . Butler’s piano and music collection, along with much of his other possessions, were ruined during Hurricane Katrina . He left his beloved city, and eventually resettled in Brooklyn . But home, in his heart and under his fingers, was always New Orleans . Butler was diagnosed with advanced-stage cancer last year . All through his illness, however, he kept playing: This May and June, he performed in Beijing, Melbourne and New York, with tour dates sched- uled in France and Vienna for later this month . “His approach was, ‘I’m going to keep playing until this thing over- takes me,’” his agent, Maurice Montoya, said . “He was committed to the band, and to the music, and advocating for the art form . That’s who Henry is .” Rest in Peace Henry Butler . Protect your bill from the summer spike. Save watts. Save money.
High temperatures mean higher energy bills. At Entergy New Orleans, we want to help you control your energy usage so you can control your bill during the summer months.
Turn up your thermostat. Adjust your water heater. Setting it just three degrees higher can Heating water accounts for almost make a big difference. Turn it up even 15 percent of home energy usage. more when you’re out of the house. Turn down the temperature to 120°F to save watts. Use ceiling fans. Ceiling fans help circulate the air so Switch to LED light bulbs. your air conditioner doesn’t have to While they may cost more, LED bulbs work as hard. use less energy and last 50 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs – Close your curtains. saving you money in the long run. Sunlight heats your house. Close your blinds or curtains during the day to lower your energy usage.
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13977 Entergy ENO High Heat 10.5x14.indd 1 6/29/18 8:53 AM Page 10 July 7 - July 13, 2018 Data Zone www.ladatanews.com Essence Music Fest Night Time Schedule
Data Staff Edited Report
Friday July 6, 2018
Main Stage 7:00 Doug E Fresh with Special Guest Mia 7:00 Ledisi
Superlounges 7:05 Pell 7:15 Lloyd MAKEMAKE TODAYTODAY ANAN AUDUBONAUDUBON DAY.DAY. 7:30 Damien Escobar Main Stage 7:45 Miguel
Superlounges 8:00 Mykia Jovan 8:30 Doug E Fresh Curation feat. Kool Moe Dee, Dres, Whodini, Lady of Rage, YoYo, DJ Captain — Charles 8:30 H.E.R. 8:45 Kelly Price “For the Love of R&B feat. Keke Wyatt and Vaughn Willis 9:00 MC Lyte — Main Stage 9:00 Snoop Dogg 10:00 Erykah Badu, Jill Scott and more in a — special curation by the Roots
Night Time, Continued on page 14. www.ladatanews.com Commentary July 7 - July 13, 2018 Page 11 New Orleans Must Keep Looking Forward in Education
far behind the rest of the nation, own board . funds go straight to schools—com- ganizations that work with students and facilities were crumbling . A few With more flexibility to use pared to just eighty-five or ninety with mental health challenges or years before, one high school had funds and design programming, percent in many districts nation- those involved in the justice sys- no working fire alarm system, and many schools flourished and grew . wide, who spend more on central tem . They’ll connect with partners had to hire people as “fire watch- Teachers created innovative class- office administration . that help students find internships ers” to monitor for signs of flame . room models . School leaders tried OPSB will be smaller than be- and career opportunities . Another lost nearly all its textbooks out new designs for the school day . fore, because teachers teach stu- The OPSB is poised for success . to a leak in the ceiling . Of 68 par- Families and alumni got involved, dents—bureaucracy doesn’t . Going Next, the unified system of schools Walter Isaacson ishes in Louisiana, New Orleans bringing the best of tradition forward, charter boards and school must use its structure as platform Professor, Tulane University ranked 67th in performance . alongside big hopes for the future . teams will continue to manage the for more change . We must ready Racial injustice played no small Things weren’t perfect, but there day-to-day operations of their own students to reach their dreams part in the problem; resources were was undeniable progress . schools . The remaining roles for beyond our classrooms . When unevenly divided, and students suf- In 2004, for instance, 60% of New the elected Orleans Parish School schools return to local control in fered . On the 2004 state standard- Orleans’ students went to a school Board and district leadership target July, we bring that day closer by ized test, the gap between Black ranked in the bottom tenth of per- what they’ll do best . They’ll follow drawing on the greatest experts we and White students’ scores in New formance statewide . In 2017, only a clear plan to manage enrollment, have—educators, parents and stu- Orleans was double the size of the 11% did . In 2005, just 37% of high resources, and facilities . They’ll au- dents themselves . gap statewide . We needed change . school graduates enrolled in col- thorize new charters and expand In a rebuilding effort filled with When Hurricane Katrina hit, lege in the fall . Last year, that num- successful ones . They’ll set stan- local, national, and global leaders, the problem grew deeper . Schools ber was up to 61% . dards and make sure schools hold our students have impressed us Patrick Dobard were flooded, and materials washed These numbers mark growth, up their end of the bargain . They’ll most of all . They are brilliant . They CEO, New Schools away—damage to buildings alone but not victory . All students must help expand early childhood pro- are brave . They are generous . Not for New Orleans was estimated at over $800 million . attend great schools, and all seniors grams and special education ser- so long from now, they’ll usher in an Throughout its history, our Sixty-four thousand students were should graduate ready for college vices . era of innovation we can’t imagine hometown of New Orleans, like displaced . or a career . This summer, we take They will also harness commu- yet . much of America, has faced a per- The fall of 2005, schools began to a critical step in building that real- nity resources to support students We owe them schools that pre- sistent problem: grave educational reopen . In November, the Recovery ity—by unifying all the City’s public beyond the classroom . This is criti- pare them to lead the way . inequity . In the past thirteen years, School District, or RSD, launched schools back to local control . cal . Reports have shown that New New Orleans’ educators have de- in 2003 to support Louisiana’s un- On July 1st, the RSD returns Orleans’ young people show symp- Walter Isaacson, former CEO of cided to tackle it head-on . This derperforming schools, received New Orleans’ Schools to the Or- toms of PTSD at a rate three times the Aspen Institute, is a professor of history at Tulane University and summer marks the latest develop- oversight of most of New Orleans’ leans Parish School Board (OPSB) . the national average, and that 83% a member of the New Orleans ment in New Orleans’ educational schools . In the years that followed, In doing so, they create a powerful of our public-school students are Planning Commission. He served on the Louisiana Recovery Au- story—the City reimagining what a many became charters—public, new governing structure, one that’s economically disadvantaged, com- thority after Hurricane Katrina. school district can be . open-enrollment schools organized replicable nationally . pared to roughly half nationwide . We’ve come a long way in just around a “charter” that laid out its In the new OPSB, funding and fo- The new OPSB will lean on a net- Patrick Dobard, former superin- over a decade . In 2005, Academic vision . They were accountable to cus moves closest to children them- work of resources to support our tendent of the Recovery School District, is CEO of New Schools for Performance in New Orleans was the district but governed by their selves . Ninety-eight percent of their young people . They’ll leverage or- New Orleans.
Newsmaker, Continued from page 5.
Big Freedia: Diva of Bounce, Get Ready for a Twerk-Out This year will also feature New Orleans own Big Freedia, who will perform two shows in the Super Lounge on the July 8th . Over the past few years Freedia’s name have become synonymous with Bounce Music and is the ambassador for the music across the globe . Freedia has also a legion won legions of fans including that’s led to collaborations with chart topping artists Beyonce’ and Drake . Freedia also has a top-rated TV show on the Fuse Network . Essence Fest will witness the Big Freedia high energy of a Freedia Show for the first time . It will be a ans is now sweeping the nation Fest Data News says check out twerk out to the sounds that and the world . some of the local flavor and enjoy while familiar to New Orleani- While you are at the Essence your time in New Orleans . Pell Page 12 July 7 - July 13, 2018 Commentary www.ladatanews.com
A Letter from America’s Children
By Ron Harris As we watched the huge crowds NNPA Newswire Guest that stretched across 700 U .S . cities Columnist Saturday . We saw the signs proudly held high that read, “Family Separa- Dear U .S . Media, Democrats, Re- tions Are Cruel .” And we thought, publicans, Independents and to the “Yes, they are .” What about us? concerned Americans who poured Where is our march? Where is our out into the streets to protest Don- media coverage? ald Trump’s cruel and faulty immi- Half of us currently in foster will gration policies, be homeless within six months af- What about us? ter growing too old for the system . We understand and applaud your We are unprepared to live on our response to this administration’s own . We have limited education and malevolent separation of immigrant no social support . About a quarter families from their children—poli- of the rest will be homeless within cies and practices so un-American two to four years of leaving the sys- and shocking that they have come tem . Some of us will become part to dominate the national conver- of the 20,000 U .S . children annually sation . Your immediate, visceral forced into prostitution . response to evil spurred you into Another two million of us this action . year will separated from our fami- But there is another evil, a per- lies and placed behind bars and in vasive, chronic and unrelenting with parents that cannot afford to come almost accepted . It has be- There are 408,000 of us, Ameri- juvenile custody . Many of us, like wickedness that we, your children, put a roof over our heads . We live in come quietly and unconsciously can children, who also have been Clarice, one of twin 14-year-old sis- live with every day . We are being neighborhoods bereft of adequate perceived as part of the norm, part separated from our families and ters in Montgomery County, Md ., shot down on the nation’s streets, food sources and with fathers and of the landscape, like the air we placed in the care of others, like the can’t go home because there is no locked away in juvenile facilities, mothers so wrought with financial breathe, until little by little it be- 2,000 immigrant children who you suitable home to go to . Her parents poisoned by dangerous drinking and psychological instability they comes so caustic that it kills us or took to the streets to protect . Many are homeless, and authorities can’t water, threatened and harassed by can’t provide our needs . chokes us into action . Unfortunate- of us languish in foster care with release her to an unstable home . neighborhood gangs, left home- And because our nation has lived ly for us, your children, you haven’t little hope of ever being united with Other parents are dysfunctional or less, either alone from abuse or with this reality so long, it has be- reached that point . our parents or extended families . can’t provide the guidance we need . So, we go behind bars because there are not enough treatment fa- cilities for us . We want a march, too, one for better schools for all, because you recognize how the hopelessness created by faulty education dimin- ishes lives and leads to incarcera- tion – that 32 percent of white males in juvenile custody dropped out of school, and that nearly half of Afri- can-American and Hispanic male youth behind bars also quit . Media reported how families from El Salvador, Guatemala, Hon- duras and Mexico are fleeing to the U .S . to escape gangs in their coun- tries . Many of us live in gang-infest- ed neighborhoods, too . In cities like St . Louis, Baltimore, New Orleans, Detroit, Cleveland, Las Vegas, Kan- sas City, Mo ., Memphis, Newark and Chicago, the 10 U .S . cities with the highest murder rate, we have long understood their terror . We understand their fear . In Chicago, a city rife with street gangs and where at least 16 chil- dren have been murdered in the first six months of this year, more than 50,000 people demonstrated for the rights of immigrants fleeing gangs in countries few of them have ever visited . Commentary, Continued on page 14. www.ladatanews.com State & Local News July 7 - July 13, 2018 Page 13 Giffords Endorses Representative Cedric Richmond for Reelection The Endorsement Comes as Part of Giffords’ #VoteCourage Campaign to Elect Gun Reform Candidates Nationwide
Data Staff Edited Report the Louisiana House of Represen- tatives for 10 years, during which Giffords, the Gun Safety Orga- he sponsored a bill to ban assault nization founded by former Con- weapons . Richmond was elected gresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and to Congress in 2011, where he Captain Mark Kelly, announced its currently serves as Chairman of endorsement of Congressman Ce- the Congressional Black Caucus . dric Richmond for reelection . Rich- Congressman Richmond supports mond now joins a growing list of expanding background checks, re- endorsed candidates supported by starting federal research into gun Giffords in 2018, as part of the orga- violence, and banning assault weap- nization’s #VoteCourage campaign, ons and high-capacity magazines . an effort to elect gun safety cham- Congressman Richmond also voted pions . The organization expects to against concealed carry reciprocity announce additional endorsements legislation, voting to protect public in the weeks and months to come . safety by preventing permit holders Former Congresswoman Ga- from carrying hidden, loaded guns brielle Giffords, co-founder of Gif- across state lines . We are proud to fords: endorse Congressman Cedric Rich- “America experienced three of mond for Congress in 2018 . the deadliest mass shootings in Giffords’ #VoteCourage cam- modern history in just the past paign aims to elect gun safety advo- year . Over 38,000 people in our cates to Congress and defeat politi- country were killed by a gun . Loui- Congressman Cedric Richmond (LA-02) cians who have historically worked siana has not been immune to this against gun reform, or done noth- deadly crisis: somebody is killed by are ready to use their power to de- acknowledged the devastating toll Giffords is proud to endorse Ced- ing at all to prevent gun violence . a gun in Louisiana every 8 hours . mand that the leaders we elect to of our nation’s gun violence crisis, ric Richmond, a leader who has the The political program targets in- Despite this devastating reality, the represent us are committed to cre- and he is working tirelessly to com- courage stand up to the corporate cumbents in mostly suburban dis- gun lobby has used its cash and in- ating a world where gun violence is bat it . His passion, leadership, and gun lobby and who will never stop tricts and uses a mixture of TV and fluence to stifle any attempts to pass not a daily problem . Voters are call- dedication as a leading gun safety working to make Louisiana commu- digital advertising, on-the-ground laws on Capitol Hill to make our ing for leaders who will always put champion will be critical for our nities safer .” organizing, and a voter registra- schools, streets, and communities protecting the safety of our com- next victories in Congress to save Congressman Cedric Rich- tion push to create momentum for more safe . munities first, not themselves, and lives and prevent future tragedies . mond (LA-02) was a member of meaningful progress on gun safety . “The American people are out- certainly not the gun lobby . raged and tired of inaction . They “Representative Richmond has 86 million Americans Maybe even you, have prediabetes. person-ABOUT-TO- FACT-CHECK-THIS-FACT. Page 14 July 7 - July 13, 2018 State & Local News www.ladatanews.com
Commentary, Continued from page 12.
Moody’s Investors Service Ironically, they never marched for the children slain this year in a city they traverse every day: Maysia Woodard, 12 mos .; Damarcus Wilson, 16; Deshawn James, 17; Rhomel Wellington, 17; Mateo Nathan Aguayo, Raises Outlook on State’s 2; Joseph Smith, 16; Jose Agular, 14; Jayton Jones, 17; Erin Carey, 17; She’Vaughn O’Flynn, 12; Jechon Anderson, 11; China Lyons-Upshaw, 17; David Thomas 16; Parris Purdis, 17; Kyle McGowan, 17, and Jazmyn Jest- Credit to Stable er, 15, who was among four people murdered and 13 others shot over 17 hours on a Tuesday and a Wednesday in May . BATON ROUGE, LA - Moody’s Where do families like theirs emigrate to escape the violence? Investors Service has raised the Many of us live in poverty, one of every four children in Arizona, Geor- outlook on the state’s credit from gia, California, Kentucky, Texas, Nevada, New Mexico and New York, one negative to stable, according to in three in the nation’s capital . At least 2 .5 million of us will spend some State Treasurer John M . Schroder . period of life this year homeless; maybe a month, maybe six months or In a report issued today, Moody’s maybe the whole year . Most of us will spend at least one day every month said the state’s outlook improved without food . because of “the recent stabiliza- Look at us . Pivot your cameras and microphones to us, as well . We are tion of the state’s economic base your children, and there is real evil that plagues us too . and recurring, albeit time-limited What about us? solutions to large structural budget Ron Harris is a Journalist, Adjunct Professor at Howard University and co- gaps .” author of the new book The Black and The Blue, A Cop Reveals Crimes, Racism and Injustice in America’s Law Enforcement. “This is good news, but we have much more work to do to imple- ment structural reforms to our sit well with me .” The state’s bond rating is similar budget,” said Treasurer Schroder . Moody’s stated that factors that to an individual’s credit rating . The “The fiscal cliff was mainly solved could lead to a rating upgrade in- better the rating, the cheaper it is on the revenue side, now it’s time to clude a significant increase in bud- for the state to borrow money for get to work on the spending side of getary reserves, a sustained trend infrastructure and other projects . the problem . Extending temporary of structural budget balance, and The state’s bonds are currently taxes for the next seven years with long-term growth and diversifica- rated Aa3 with a stable outlook no real structural reforms doesn’t tion of Louisiana’s economy . from Moody’s .
Night Time, Continued from page 10.
Saturday July 7, 2018 Sunday July 8, 2018
Mainstage Main Stage 7:00 Doug E Fresh with Special Guest V. Bozeman 7:00 Doug E. Fresh
Superlounges Superlounges 7:00 Ella Mai 7:10 DJ Jubilee 7:15 Kelela 7:15 Ro James 7:30 Yanina 7:30 Louis York 7:45 Jussie Smollett Main Stage Main Stage 7:45 Teddy Riley New 7:45 Xscape Jack Swing Curation featuring SWV, Superlounges Blackstreet, Guy and 8:05 Serani more 8:15 Daniel Ceasar 8:30 For the Soul featuring Kevin Ross, Major Superlounges and Marsha Ambrosius 8:00 Victory Boyd 8:15 Mali Music Main Stage 8:30 Big Freedia 8:40 Queen Latifah Presents “Ladies First” with Special 8:50 DVSN Guests Missy Elliott, Remy Ma, 9:40 Big Freedia MC Lyte, Nikki D and More Main Stage Superlounges 9:55 Fantasia 9:00 Idris Elba 10:40 Janet Jackson
Main Stage 10:10 Mary J. Blige www.ladatanews.com National News July 7 - July 13, 2018 Page 15 DATA CLASSIFIED NNPA Honors Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr., with Call 504-821-7421 to Lifetime Legacy Award place your classified ad. “Conscience of the Nation” Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr., Job Opportunity Honored with 2018 Lifetime Legacy Award Freelance By Stacy M. Brown week, nothing would stop her from Writers NNPA Newswire Contributor attending Jackson’s big night, she Wanted said . Reverend Jesse L . Jackson Sr . “We stand on his shoulders,” Du- Data News Weekly, “The received the highest honor pre- bois Harris said . “He continues to People’s Paper, is looking for freelence writers to sented by the National Newspaper be a pioneer of civil rights and hu- join our team print and Publishers Association (NNPA) at manity and he’s all that’s good and digital team. We want its annual convention in Norfolk, right in the world .” to hear from you if you Virginia . Over decades, Jackson has are a working journalist, or an aspiring journalist The legendary activist received earned the respect and trust of who has 2 years or more the NNPA Lifetime Legacy Award presidents and dignitaries and his of newspaper or PR for his decades of service as one of Rainbow PUSH organization has writing experience. We the country’s foremost civil rights, aided countless Black and minority need writers who can religious and political figures . families with various struggles . cover New Orleans news stories, ranging from After a video tribute that chron- But his work not only has helped local high school sports, icled Jackson’s life and a surprise the poor or minorities . community events, City solo performance of “Hero,” by Reverend Jesse Jackson, Sr. (center) accepts the 2018 NNPA Lifetime In 1984, Jackson secured the re- Hall and entertainment. Legacy Award from NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Experience in print is Jackson favorite, Audrey DuBois Jr. (left) and NNPA Chairman Dorothy Leavell, during the 2018 NNPA lease of captured Navy Lt . Robert Harris, the iconic preacher accept- Lifetime Legacy Award Black Tie Gala in Norfolk, Va. (Freddie Allen/ Goodman from Syria, and he also necessary, experience in AMG/NNPA) digital and social media ed the award from NNPA President help shepherd the release of 48 Cu- are encouraged. and CEO Dr . Benjamin F . Chavis, ban and Cuban-American prisoners Jr ., and NNPA Chairman Dorothy newspapers . “We couldn’t see the toric run for the presidency in 1984 in Cuba . Compensation is R . Leavell . other side of Jackie Robinson . We in a campaign that registered more Jackson was the first American competitive and great “I’m not easy to surprise,” Jack- couldn’t see the other side of Sugar than 1 million new voters and cata- to bring home citizens from the story ideas will be son told the crowd, which gave him Ray Robinson,” he said, noting that pulting Democrats in their success- United Kingdom, France, and other appreciated. a standing ovation as he headed to the Black Press told the full stories ful effort to regain control of the countries who were held as human the podium to accept the honor . of those sports heroes . Senate . shields by Saddam Hussein in Ku- If you are interested, please email your resume The Presidential Medal of Free- He reminisced about the fateful Four years later, Jackson ran wait and Iraq in 1990 . and 3 writing samples to: dom winner, Jackson has been night in Memphis in 1968 when an again, this time registering more He also negotiated the release of terrybjones@bellsouth. called the “Conscience of the Na- assassin’s bullet cut down King . than 2 million new voters and earn- U .S . soldiers held hostage in Koso- net and datanewseditor@ tion,” and “The Great Unifier,” chal- “I was with Dr . King on that ing 7 million popular votes . vo and, in 2000, Jackson helped ne- bellsouth.net. lenging America to be inclusive and chilly night in Memphis and I went “It’s a wonder that my neigh- gotiate the release of four journal- to establish just and humane priori- to the phone to talk to Mrs . King . I bors didn’t call the police the night ists working on a documentary for ties for the benefit of all . couldn’t really talk,” he said . “I told he gave that iconic speech at the Britain’s Channel 4 network who We can’t wait to Born in 1941 in Greenville, her, ‘I think Dr . King was shot in the Democratic National Convention were held in Liberia . hear from you! South Carolina, Jackson began shoulder,’ even though I knew he [in 1984],” said Leavell, whom Jackson said President Trump his theological studies at Chi- was shot in the neck . I just couldn’t Jackson presided over her wedding should and can be defeated, with cago Theological Seminary, but say it .” ceremony more than 40 years ago . the aid of the Black Press, who this deferred his studies when he be- During the General Motors- “There was so much emotion that year has led a drive to register 5 mil- gan working full time in the Civil sponsored ceremony, Leavell and night that I felt, they told me that I lion new African-American voters . Rights Movement alongside Dr . Chavis said Jackson has carried could be anything that I wanted to “The first time I saw an image of Martin Luther King, Jr . King’s legacy well . be,” Leavell said, pointing to Jack- Black achievement was in the Black “This honor takes on a special “We still need him,” Leavell said son and photographers flocked to Press,” Jackson said . “Today, the meaning for me because my first of Jackson . take pictures of the civil rights lead- Black Press is more important than This space can be job was selling the ‘Norfolk Journal Chavis called Jackson a “long- er while holding his coveted NNPA ever . This is the season of ‘Fake and Guide’ newspaper and then the distance runner who’s made a dif- award . News,’ but we need the truth now ‘Baltimore AFRO-American’ and ference not only in this country, but Dubois Harris said Jackson is more than ever .” then the ‘Pittsburgh Courier,’” Jack- all over the world .” a “King of a man,” and, although This article was originally pub- yours for only $80 son said of the iconic Black-owned Leavell recalled Jackson’s his- she had been under the weather all lished at BlackPressUSA .com .
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