A Prescription for Good Health Dr. Corey Hebert Launches Blackhealthtv.Com

Lighting The Road To The Future

Latoya Cantrell Victory Celebration Data Zone Page 6 “The People’s Paper” December 15 - December 21, 2012 47th Year Volume 32 www.ladatanews.com

A Prescription for Good Health

Dr. Corey Hebert Launches BlackHealthTV.Com

Page 2 Newsmaker Home Style U.S. Attorney Jim Letten Resigns What is your Amidst Scandal Garden Type? Page 4 Page 11 Page 2 December 15 - December 21, 2012 Cover Story www.ladatanews.com

A Prescription for Good Health Dr. Corey Hebert Launches BlackHealthTV.Com

gonna fix your face, but I need you to By Dr. Eric Griggs chill out and trust me .’ ” In that moment Data News Weekly Contributor his decision was made . “I said I want to do what that dude does .” His destina- A Doctor’s Journey tion was set . These days, it is a rare occasion in He attended Morehouse College in life that we are able to sit with our col- Atlanta, then Meharry Medical College leagues and reflect on from where we in Nashville, Tennessee, arriving in have come to where we are now . Even New Orleans at Tulane University Hos- rarer is the opportunity to witness the pital for his residency training . Always evolution of the minds of friends as they keeping a constant ear to the pavement interact and shape their professional for changes in the community-at-large, world, and more importantly, the world what struck him during his training was around them . As the world gets small- the number of unnecessary visits to the er and technology faster, moments to Emergency Room for non-emergent chat, laugh, reflect and grow (in per- conditions and the number of events son) have become fewer and further that could have been prevented . So, he between . However, recently I was able decided to spring into action . He made to have such a chat with an old friend, some personal sacrifices to start a Dr . Corey J . Hebert, one of the hardest show on New Orleans Access Televi- working physicians on the planet . Be- sion called “Urban Pediatrics,” with tween his clinic schedule, travel sched- the goal of educating the general pub- ule, public service, and his most recent lic through media about Health and project, Black Health TV .com, it’s a empowering them to make smarter, wonder that he sleeps at all . informed decisions . The show was Dr . Hebert, now affectionately a success and he realized that this known as “The Doctor for the People,” would be his niche in changing the began his journey in Baton Rouge, Lou- world for African-Americans and the isiana, when a visit to the doctor for a world population-at-large . “People dog bite changed his life . He relates, “I don’t read . People don’t read and they actually got bitten in the face by a dog don’t go to the doctor . Especially in and I needed about sixty stitches . The populations that don’t have insurance, doctor came in the room and everyone they never get the health information Hebert by Dr. Photo provided shut up . He said ‘Look little dude, I’m nor the health care that they need .” Dr. Corey J. Hebert

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 Edwin Buggage CEO/Publisher Shawn Colin Cover Story ...... 2 Commentary . . . 8. . Glenn Jones Eric Connerly Dr. Eric Griggs, MD VP Advertising Benjamin Jealous & Marketing Doc Jones Newsmaker...... 4 Editorial . . . . . 9. . Julianne Malveaux Edwin Buggage Mary Matalin Editor M.G. Calla Victoria Art Direction & Production Calla Victoria State & Local News . . 5 Health News . . . 11 . MainorMedia.com Executive Assistant Editorial Submissions [email protected] June Hazeur Advertising Inquiries Data Zone ...... 6 Accounting [email protected] Please call 504-309-9913 for subscription information or to obtain a back issue of the paper ONLY. Dated material two weeks in advance. Not responsible for publishing or return of unsolicited manuscripts or photos. www.ladatanews.com Cover Story December 15 - December 21, 2012 Page 3

Cover Story, Continued from previous page. Photo: S hawn Colin When it comes to New Or- lieved this old adage to be true . ing every aspect of health possible leans, Dr . Hebert considers us a Nothing could be further from pertaining to Black people . So, if “special group” of people . We are the truth . Disinformation of this you want to learn about a new ex- a City of people, rich in spirit and nature was still lingering and ercise to tone up, you have an on- full of life . We love our Saints . We causing people to harm them- line video by a Black person (New love to celebrate, and we love to selves . He felt frustrated that in Orleanian Fitness Expert, Jordan eat . We love our food . The world spite of his efforts in multiple Vappie) doing it . If you want to loves our food . People travel for media platforms, people were still learn how to make stuffed bell miles just to sample our wares . uninformed and misinformed . He peppers healthy, you have a Black New Orleans boasts the best searched for another way, a way woman (Celebrity Chef Nikki food on the planet, but it comes to target a specific group in a man- Shaw) cooking the stuffed bell at a cost . “We have the most deca- ner they would understand from peppers in a video while you prop dent food in America, maybe the people they trust . He laughingly up your iPad in your kitchen and world . We eat excessively . We observes, “People might not stop learn how to make them healthily . don’t always know the difference eating greasy foods because their There is no excuse . If people don’t between complex carbohydrates doctor says so or they read it in have the internet at home, there and the good food that we are sup- an article, but they’ll stop eating it is a mobile online platform, which posed to eat . . we have a horrible if Michael Jordan says so because is where most Black people go paradigm set up for people that they trust him . If he says it on TV, these days to receive their health don’t have the appropriate infor- it must be true .” information . People can even sign mation, don’t have enough money up on the site to receive a Black to get the food that they need and Enter Black HealthTV.com. Health TV Health Tip of the Day don’t have the ability to get fresh “African-Americans surf the from Harvard University every food in their community when internet more than any other morning .” they do have the money . So, that group . They download health “We like to think of Black it is a setup for Hypertension, Dia- apps for iPhone more than any Health TV as the first-time where On a breezy December afternoon in New Orleans, Dr. Eric Griggs (left) betes, Early Death, Preventable other group . They go online for a Black man, woman or child and Dr. Corey Hebert (right) sat in a park to chat and catch up as Dr. Death, Sexually Transmitted Dis- TV more than any other group . can get on-demand information, Hebert explains the features of the new site, Black HealthTV.com. eases, and anything else you can African-Americans love to identify regardless of their level of edu- name that could be an ill of our with a person they see on TV .” cation or socioeconomic status . community,” says Hebert . All of After discovering these facts he Every second that a Black person which is evidenced in the patients found his solution . He decided to does not know about this website, he encounters in his practice . He create a site that provides online another Black person dies .” candidly relates the numerous health videos in a language that The years of hard work and tales of well-meaning patients suf- people can understand . Black ingenuity have culminated in an fering the consequences of their HealthTV .com was born, an on- unprecedented culture-specific mis- and disinformation . Take line mobile platform where Afri- website that provides much for example, the new mother can-Americans can go to get all of needed health information in a that brings her infant to the ER their pertinent health information manner that is easily digestible . for vomiting . “We want ‘big fine’ specific to their race and culture . It even goes so far as to provide Hebert by Dr. Photo provided babies so we think that fat babies The problem he faced was that 3-dimensional videos explaining are great . But, a baby that is two many times in our community we surgical and office procedures . months old shouldn’t have an 8 choose not to receive information Dr . Hebert has come a long way ounce bottle every 3 hours . The unless it is validated by an out- on his journey and has large plans baby’s stomach can only hold 3 .5 side, well-respected source . With on the horizon . “We will be rolling - 4 ounces . . I always tell them, if that in mind, he negotiated a part- out Latino Health TV .com, Asian the baby is vomiting and is gain- nership with Morehouse College Health TV .com, Irish Health ing a ton of weight, he’s only School of Medicine, which has TV .com, Jewish HealthTV .com vomiting what he doesn’t need . It produced a number of Surgeon and more in the near future . Ev- sounds logical, right?” Generals, and Harvard University . eryone has their subtle differenc- In describing Black HealthTV.com, Dr. Hebert says, “It’s nutrition. It’s fitness and it’s health. But, it’s all online videos, hundreds of videos But despite his tireless work Yes, Harvard University provides es, but the thing that will make covering every aspect of health possible pertaining to Black people.” to inform the community about content and standardizes the in- people understand and change is health issues some people still formation on the site . He also the way that the information is de- were not getting it . In spite of took the opportunity to partner livered and who is delivering the his efforts in clinic, his medical with some of the largest corpora- information . . If we don’t have the stories on the local news, radio tions in the country . The website knowledge, then we will never get shows geared towards health, the launched first in Durban, South to where we need to be .” numerous articles written, the Africa and Nigeria in September, On a breezy December after- appearances on CNN, the Dr . Oz followed by a launch here in New noon in New Orleans, two doctors Show and more, people were not Orleans in October and has been sat in a park to chat and catch up . making better health decisions . well received . “Interestingly,” he This one is really proud of his The numbers for African-Amer- explains, “the health issues faced friend . ican health disparities were still by Africans and African- Ameri- For more information, go to: on the rise . People still believed cans mirror each other through- www.blackhealthtv.com that they should place “butter on out the world .” Dr . Hebert can be reached at: a burn .” Dr . Hebert conducted a When asked to describe Black [email protected] or study of one-thousand African- Health TV .com, he excitedly ex- follow him on Twitter: @drhebert Americans of varying socioeco- plains, “It’s nutrition . It’s Fitness Prescription for the Week: nomic statuses . An alarming 87 and it’s Health . But, it’s all online Make BlackHealthTV.com your percent of those surveyed be- videos, hundreds of videos cover- home page . It could save your life . Page 4 December 15 - December 21, 2012 Newsmaker www.ladatanews.com

U.S. Attorney Jim Letten Resigns Amidst Scandal

wards . He also successfully pros- serving U .S . Attorney . By Eric Connerly ecuted dozens of high-profile cas- Letten’s career up to this re- In some circles Jim Letten, es, including the Jefferson family cent bump in the road has been New Orleans’ corruption-busting political dynasty, former Orleans one where even some of his crit- federal prosecutor was deemed a Parish School Board President El- ics took note that his office was hero for successfully prosecuting lenese Brooks-Simms, former Jef- doing a good job . Where some and convicting many public elect- ferson Parish Judges Alan Green of his support came from across ed officials in a state that is well- and Ronald Bodenheimer, former party lines; one of his advocates known for graft and corruption . In St . Bernard Parish Judge Wayne was Democratic Party U .S . Sena- a surprising turn of events Letten Cresap, former St . John Parish tor Mary Landrieu . recently resigned under a cloud President Bill Hubbard, former In his time serving in the office of suspicion after the discovery Mandeville Mayor Eddie Price, he was a figure that loomed much that two of his top deputies were former Jefferson Parish Presi- larger than his position, in a pub- caught posting anonymous com- dent Aaron Broussard (and sev- lished report Rafael Goyeneche, ments that threaten to undermine eral associates), and former New Director of the Metropolitan some of his biggest cases . Orleans City Council members U.S. Attorney Jim Letten, gave no reason for his resignation in his Crime Commission of New Or- In his 11 years as a U .S . At- Oliver Thomas, Jon Johnson and recent news conference, but stated the decision to step down was leans, a watchdog group said of ultimately his and was not connected to the recent shakeups within torney for the Eastern District Renee Gill-Pratt and possibly an his office. Letten . “In many respects, he is of Louisiana, Jim Letten’s won upcoming indictment of former the public face of what the people bi-partisan support for his office New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin . his and none of it came from the 2001, appeared on his way to of Louisiana want to change about vigilantly working to root out During his short news confer- recent shakeups at his office . retain his post during President the pre-Katrina ways of doing corruption . His most well-known ence, Letten, gave no reason for Until recently, Letten, a Re- Barack Obama’s second term . business in Louisiana .” conviction was that of longtime his resignation but stated the de- publican-appointed holdover Instead, his departure ends his Newsmaker, Continued Louisiana Governor Edwin Ed- cision to step down was ultimately who has held the post since tenure as the nation’s longest- on page 10. www.ladatanews.com State & Local News December 15 - December 21, 2012 Page 5

Super Bowl XLVII Host Committee Holds Media Luncheon

ensure that the impact of the Su- Environmental Committee will Edited by Data News Weekly per Bowl lasts long after the game partner with a number of organi- On February 3, 2013 New Or- is over . Matalin announced that, zations, including Entergy, RePur- leans will be hosting the Super- when the Host Committee began pose Nola, Hike for KaTREEna, bowl for the Tenth time and re- recruiting volunteers in 2009, Shaw, America’s Wetlands, Make cently, the Super Bowl XLVII Host their database had a dedicated It Right, Second Harvest Food Committee held their second base of 600 members . Now, as of Bank and Green Light New Or- media luncheon at the Mercedes- December 7, the Host Committee leans, to carry out several venue Benz Superdome . The host for has over 17,000 total volunteers . and fan-based green initiatives . the event was Mary Matalin, Host Matalin expressed her gratitude These initiatives will include pro- Committee Co-Chair and mem- on behalf of the Host Committee viding carbon offsets to neutralize bers of the host committee spoke to those who have already volun- the environmental impact of en- to media to give them updates teered and reminded people that ergy usage at Super Bowl venues and their plans leading up to Su- there is still an opportunity to be a and of travel by Super Bowl teams per Bowl XLVII . During the one part of Super Bowl XLVII and sign and NFL officials, installing recy- hour luncheon the speakers in- up to volunteer . cling stations in the CBD, French cluded Jay Cicero, President and Rod West, Chair of the Commu- Quarter and Woldenburg Park, CEO of the Greater New Orleans nity Affairs and Emerging Busi- providing free bike valet to fans, Sports Foundation and Executive ness Committee, provided the recycling food donations from Director of the Super Bowl XLVII media with an update on the Su- Super Bowl events, repurposing Host Committee, Mark Romig, per Saturday of Service and other Super Bowl décor, providing fans Co-Chair of the Media/PR Com- Super Bowl Community Affairs with emissions calculators, plant- Super Bowl Host Committee Co-Chair Mary Matalin and Data News mittee, Mary Matalin, Rod West, initiatives . The Host Committee is Editor Edwin Buggage at the second media luncheon at the Mercedes- ing trees in the Greater New Or- Chair of the Community Affairs proud to announce that the NFL’s Benz Superdome. leans area, hosting an NFL sport- and Emerging Business Com- $1 million contribution toward ing goods and book drives and mittee, Environmental Chair renovating five New Orleans has invested a total of $45,000 in volunteers who will donate more others . Patty Riddlebarger and NFL Vice Recreation Department (NORD) the NFL YET Center and another than 5,000 hours of their time . Jay Cicero, President and President of Special Events Frank playgrounds has been matched $250,000 to complete 10 home The Geaux Green Initiative, as CEO of the Greater New Or- Supovitz and NFL Experience by another $1 million of local repair projects in the McClendon- outlined by Environmental Com- leans Sports Foundation and Spokesman Noah Gold . funds from the City and sponsors ville neighborhood . Other organi- mittee Chair Patty Riddlebarger, Executive Director of the Super Mary Matalin, Host Commit- like Chevron . The Young Leader- zations have taken on long-term will work to “green” the Super Bowl XLVII Host Committee, tee Co-Chair and media luncheon ship Council, New Orleans Area goals in partnership with the Su- Bowl by minimizing the impact on announced that the Host Com- host, reminded attendees that Habitat for Humanity and the per Saturday of Service, includ- the environment through sustain- mittee is successfully hitting all the Host Committee is tirelessly Urban League of Greater New ing Hike for KaTREEna, Play 60, able practices, as well as by using of the marks and goals set upon working with the NFL to make Orleans Young Professionals has Green Light New Orleans and the platform of the Super Bowl bidding for Super Bowl XLVII a lasting impact on the Greater taken leadership roles with the Samaritan’s Feet . In its entirety, to educate fans, guests and resi- four years ago, and that the Host New Orleans community . The event . West announced that Re- the Super Saturday of Service will dents about smart environment Committee is on track to make it NFL and Host Committee want to building Together New Orleans have over 1,000 local and visiting choices . The Host Committee the best Super Bowl yet .

Sam Bonart Playground In Come with the New Orleans The Lower Ninth Ward Reopened Black Chorale “To Bethlehem!” Mayor Mitch Landrieu was Administration’s 100 commit- new court with Salvation Army The New Orleans joined by Dell Demps, General ted capital projects, this park as a part of the reopening of Sam Black Chorale’s Annual Manager of the New Orleans will once again be an important Bonart Playground,” said Hor- Christmas Concert Hornets earlier this week, to gathering place for young and nets Owner Tom Benson . “This Saturday December 15, 7:00 pm reopen Sam Bonart Playground old alike . I also want to thank park will provide the neighbor- Trinity Episcopal Church at 1200 Forstall Street in the the New Orleans Hornets and hood with a beautiful place for 1314 Jackson Avenue Lower Ninth Ward . The newly the Salvation Army for their kids to play and come together FREE refurbished park was destroyed commitment to help restoring and enjoy the game of basket- by Hurricane Katrina and repre- the basketball shelter . Through ball, while also learning team- Special guest narrator: sents one of Mayor Landrieu’s strong partnerships, we are work and leadership skills .” Norman Robinson Guest Narrator, WDSU-TV News 100 Committed Projects . The building the city we always knew “On behalf of The Salvation Guest soloists: Darah Rahming, Anchor Norman Robinson renovation cost $473,915 with we could be .” Army of New Orleans it is a Ivan Griffin, Gregory Dixon funding coming from FEMA This park’s restorations in- great pleasure to work with the Organist: Albina Prizgintas with narration by local news an- public assistance, City bond clude renovation of the conces- Hornets Organization in provid- Accompanist: Veronica Downs chor Norman Robinson . NOBC funds, the New Orleans Hor- sion building, improvements to ing not only a means of recre- Dorsey member Clyde Lawrence, nets, and Salvation Army . the pool building and replace- ation, but also a means of devel- known around the city as Mr . “The repairs to Sam Bonart ment of the basketball posts, oping leadership and motivation The NOBC’s selections fo- Music, will perform a gospel Playground are another sign backstops and hoops . The bas- for the young people that will cus on Bethlehem for this year’s arrangement of the Negro spiri- of renewal for the Lower Ninth ketball shelter and courts were be using the basketball court Christmas celebration . tual Bethlehem Babe . Ward community,” Mayor also repainted . at Sam Bonart,” said Salvation Featured will be Lena The concert is FREE and open Landrieu said . “As one of my “We’re proud to unveil this Army Major William Owens . McLin’s Christmas Cantata to the public! Page 6 December 15 - December 21, 2012 Data Zone www.ladatanews.com

Latoya Cantrell Victory Celebration Photos by Eric Connerly Latoya Cantrell won a hard fought race to become the representative of New Orleans City Council District B, and Data News Weekly was there .

City Council-At-Large Stacy Head, Eric Strachan and Cantrell supporters celebrating her victory. Councilwoman elect Latoya Cantrell and Data News Louisiana State Senator Karen Carter. Editor Edwin Buggage. 504 Magazine Celebrates Anniversary 504 Magazine celebrated its First Anniversary on December 6th at Irvin Mayfield’s I Club at the Marriott . The event was sponsored in part by Data News Weekly and was well attended by supporters from the business and entertainment community and by loyal supporters . Congratulations to 504 Magazine . Photos provided by Doc Jones of 504 Magazine .

Happy Birthday Derrick! Was your home in the FORECLOSURE PROCESS in 2009-2010, and was your mortgage loan serviced by one of the companies listed here?

America’s Servicing Co. EMC PNC Mortgage

Aurora Loan Services EverBank/EverHome Sovereign Bank Mortgage Company BAC Home Loans Servicing Financial Freedom SunTrust Mortgage Bank of America GMAC Mortgage Beneficial U.S. Bank HFC Chase Wachovia Mortgage Citibank HSBC Washington Mutual (WaMu) CitiFinancial IndyMac Mortgage Services Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. CitiMortgage MetLife Bank

Countrywide National City Mortgage Wilshire Credit Corporation

If you believe foreclosure errors cost you money, you can request a free review of your mortgage foreclosure file by a neutral party. You give up nothing by requesting a review and waive no rights by accepting compensation. IF AN ERROR IS FOUND, YOU COULD RECEIVE A PAYMENT OR OTHER COMPENSATION THAT MAY INCLUDE REFUNDED FEES, STOPPING OF A FORECLOSURE OR PAYMENTS UP TO $125,000 PLUS EQUITY.* Visit IndependentForeclosureReview.com or call 1-888-952-9105 to request a review today. You must submit a Request for Review Form no later than December 31, 2012.

Don’t pay for help to request a review. Federal bank regulators—the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, a bureau of the U.S. Department of the Treasury—are directing and monitoring the review process.

For more information, go to the government websites: occ.gov/independentforeclosurereview or federalreserve.gov/consumerinfo/independent-foreclosure-review.htm

If you need free help to complete the Request for Review Form, contact a HUD-approved nonprofit organization that helps homeowners in distress. Information about HUD-approved nonprofit organizations that can provide free assistance is available at makinghomeaffordable.gov/get-started/housing-expert or by calling 1-855-778-0855.

Si usted habla español, tenemos representantes que pueden asistirle en su idioma para darle información sobre la Revisión Independiente de Ejecución Hipotecaria.

Assistance is also available in over 200 languages, including: Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Hmong and Russian.

提供中文幫助。 Trợ giúp hiện có bằng tiếng Việt. 한국어 도움을 제공합니다. Peb muaj cov neeg hais lus Hmoob pab nej. An important message directed by Помощь на русском языке. Available ang tulong sa wikang Tagalog. the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency * Any payments made to you if errors in your foreclosure are found may be reported to the IRS and may have tax implications. Consult a tax advisor to discuss those implications. INDEPENDENT FORECLOSURE REVIEW Page 8 December 15 - December 21, 2012 Commentary www.ladatanews.com

Opportunity and Diversity One Industry at a Time

The American economy has of people of color in the lowest majority of their individual hotels . rived from the 1964 Civil Rights always been strongest when it’s paying entry level positions, the This is unacceptable Act . Title VII of the 1964 Civil kept the middle class within reach under representation in the more The NAACP is calling for these Rights Act focused on prohibiting for most Americans . But with highly paid career track positions corporations to collect the diver- racial discrimination in employ- white households holding nearly and finally a lack of commitment sity data already mandated by the ment and almost 60 years later 20 times the wealth of black or to collecting basic diversity data government through EEO1 re- we still find great racial and eth- Latino households, and with ris- that could be used to strengthen ports . We are also asking for plan- nic disparities in business and its ing disparities in unemployment, inclusion efforts . ners of major events to request workforce . The Opportunity and poverty, and income, the future Our report shows that black- EEO1 reports from any individual Diversity Report Card and our call Benjamin Todd Jealous of the middle class has never owned businesses, which com- hotel they are considering for to action for greater use of EEO1 President, NAACP looked more uncertain . As the prise 7% of all businesses in the their event so they can make di- data should not be seen as just a country rapidly becomes majori- U .S ., make up only 0 .9% of all ven- versity and inclusion part of their “civil rights” matter but should be ty-minority the nation’s economic dors receipts —a troubling red assessment as to which hotel is understood as a means of dealing well-being is increasingly tied to flag that signals how far corporate worthy of their business . The Na- with one of the greatest threats There is a missing component overcoming racial economic in- America has to go in their suppli- tional Coalition of Black Meeting facing the American economy to the national discussion con- equality . er diversity outreach . And while Planners has already voiced sup- over the next thirty years, racial cerning how to strengthen and The economic challenges that people of color are 36% of the pop- port for this action and we will be economic inequality . We at the rebuild the American economy . people of color face is reflected ulation, only 13% of the governing working with our community and NAACP have always seen racial It is true that high unemploy- in the recently released NAACP bodies in the hotel and lodging in- civil rights partners as well as lo- inequality as a grave threat to the ment, a weak national infra- Opportunity and Diversity Report dustry consists of people of color . cal bureaus of tourism to make country and in the next few de- structure, the need for stronger Card which analyzes the hotel One of the most disconcerting widespread the use of EEO1 data cades if serious action isn’t taken public education, the concen- and lodging industry . Mediocre findings of our report card is that as an important and widely used to bridge this divide the entire na- tration of wealth and the deficit grades among the five leading all of the top 5 hotel and lodging factor for determining which ho- tion will see the economic results are all challenges to the nation’s hotels we examined—Hyatt, Star- corporations do not collect di- tels qualify to hold major events . of this inequality . economy but being left out of wood, Wyndham, Marriott and versity data from their franchise The EEO1 survey is a primary the discussion is the continued Hilton—reveal the widespread properties . This means for four means that the Equal Employ- Benjamin T. Jealous is President economic marginalization of ra- lack of investment in minority out of five of these leading corpo- ment Opportunity Commission of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, cial and ethnic minorities . suppliers, the over representation rations no data is collected for the uses to advance its mission de- NAACP in Baltimore, MD.

What about Kasandra Perkins?

manized, even enshrined, as his house in the middle of the night . Too often, men beat and even the KC team, there is a villain and friends have talked about him not Go figure . kill women when they step outside a victim in this incident . having a violent bone in his body . What do we know about Kasan- their sphere of control . Women This type of violence is such What about Kasandra? It has dra Perkins? The 22-year-old are beaten or killed because they an epidemic that the Violence been disturbing that the news woman from Texas aspired to be didn’t cook dinner, because they Against Women Act (VAWA) was focused mostly on Jovan (yes, I a teacher and was studying at a raised their voice, because they passed in 1994 . The act estab- know, he was the famous one), local community college . She had chose to spend time with friends lished an office in the Department with a focus on Kasandra only a 3-month-old child, Zoey . She or family, because, because . This of Justice works to prevent vio- later in the week . Her friends said made friends easily and worked violence does not know race, lence, and allocated $1 .6 billion to Julianne Malveaux they did not want her life to be with other wives and girlfriends of class or gender, though different work on violence against women NNPA Columnist overshadowed by the sympathet- Chiefs players . She enjoyed going groups have different levels of vi- issues, including strengthening ic coverage of Jovan . out with friends . There is prob- olence . While 1 .5 million women existing state laws and raising While Jovan Belcher was clear- ably lots more to her story, but it experience domestic violence an- awareness of this issue . Now the By now, it’s old news that ly a troubled man, the bottom line has been scantily reported . nually, African American women law is up for reauthorization, and Kasandra Perkins was murdered is that Jovan Belcher murdered Nobody knows what goes on in are 35 percent more likely than some Republicans are holding by Kansas City Chiefs football Kasandra Perkins . Not just shot a relationship except those who White women to be battered . it up because they do not agree player Jovan Belcher, who was her, he murdered her . And then are in it . So it is also disturbing to Without mentioning names, with protections for Native Ameri- her boyfriend and the father he killed himself . Yes, this is a see Belcher’s friends take to the the Kansas City Chiefs called for can women, immigrant women, of her daughter . By now we’ve tragedy, but it is also a murder, media to describe the relation- a moment of silence for victims and people in same-sex couples . read about how great a team- so let’s not use euphemisms, let’s ship as troubled and to suggest of domestic violence during the We know that VAWA is effec- mate Belcher was, how dedicated just call it what it is . The news re- that Kasandra is at fault for her game that Jovan Belcher did not tive . Since its passage, intimate to his girlfriend and daughter . ports that Belcher was angry be- own murder . According to some, play . With football as the focus, partner violence has dropped by We’ve read his hardscrabble cause Kasandra Perkins went to a she provoked her own murder by they did not have the grace to about 60 percent, but it didn’t save story of moving from the Univer- concert and came home at about staying out late at night . Guess mention Kasandra Perkins by Kasandra Perkins . If nothing else, sity of Maine, hardly a football one in the morning . But another what? Belcher’s mother was car- name . It would have made a dif- powerhouse, to a coveted slot in report says that he was parked ing for their infant . Sounds like a ference if they had . Despite the Malveaux/Continued the NFL . Belcher has been hu- outside some other woman’s control issue to me . fact that Belcher was a member of on page 11. www.ladatanews.com State & Local News December 15 - December 21, 2012 Page 9

The Teacher Who Changed My Life

An Essay Contest By New ELIGIBLE CONTESTANTS not your relative, who might have tered a love of learning . We are America Media and New All contestants must reside in passed away or lost contact with, looking for real life examples Orleans Ethnic Media New Orleans or the surrounding or a teacher who taught you in and expect the entries will help FOR ENTRY FORM & OFFICIAL parishes . You can ONLY enter your home country . us expand our definition of what RULES, PLEASE VISIT: www. WHAT: New Orleans Data one of the following categories: a “great teacher” is . ladatanews.com News Weekly and the Joseph M . Teenagers between 14 to ESSAY FORMAT Jones Continuing Education Fund 18 years old; Essay writers are invited to AWARDS is partnering with New America Write about a teacher, who is write up to 500 words . Essays Winners in the “Teenager” Media (NAM) and other media not your relative, who teaches in should be sent via email or regu- and “Adult” categories will each TO ENTER, PLEASE EMAIL YOUR partners in New Orleans, LA public or private school in the City lar mail, along with the Entry receive a cash award of $500 and ESSAY ALONG WITH THE ENTRY to organize an essay contest on of New Orleans or the surround- Form (See instructions below) . the teachers profiled will also re- FORM TO: teachers . We invite you to write a ing parishes . ceive an award of $500 . Winner in [email protected] short essay (500 words max) de- Adults 19 years of age and JUDGES AND “Teacher In Memory” will have subject line: scribing the teacher who changed older; SELECTION CRITERIA the honor to pick a local public Teacher Essay Entry your life or the life of your child . Write about a teacher, who is Distinguished educators, school in New Orleans or the Who is this remarkable person? not your relative, who teaches journalists, scholars and advo- surrounding parishes to donate a Did this person mentor you, open in public or private school in cates will select a winner from $500 check made by NAM . your mind to a subject that be- the City of New Orleans or the each category . Judges will look OR MAIL T0: came your passion, help you in a surrounding parishes who have for evidence that the teacher AWARD PRESENTATION Data News Weekly personal crisis? changed your life or the life of opened up a new pathway of We will host a special presenta- Attn: Edwin Buggage your child . knowledge or opportunity for tion of the awards in New Orleans 3501 Napoleon Avenue DEADLINE: the student that he or she had in February . Winning essays will New Orleans, LA 70125 January 14, 2013 . (Mail-in en- Teachers in Memory previously not been aware of, or be published by NAM and other tries must be postmarked by then) Write about a teacher, who is that the teacher inspired or fos- media outlets .

There isn’t an app for this. Live, learn, and work with a community overseas. Be a Volunteer. peacecorps.gov Page 10 December 15 - December 21, 2012 Health News www.ladatanews.com Taking the Red Pill

reality is that we have “trapped” taking the red pill, making dif- ourselves without even being con- ferent and healthier decisions, scious that we are doing so . We we are forced to leave our “com- simply follow the script laid out for fort zone” . Change is oft times us, thinking that by a miracle we neither comfortable nor conve- will not arrive at the predetermined nient . By deciding to exercise, end that has been laid out for us . we must make the sacrifice of Making poor lifestyle decisions by getting up earlier or making the overeating, not exercising, drug time in our schedules . To eat Dr . Eric Griggs, MD use, smoking, and overindulging in healthier, we must become more Data News Columnist alcohol all have decades of statisti- disciplined in our food choices, cal data to show that diseases such with limits on the amounts and as Hypertension, Diabetes, COPD, content of our diets . By deciding “This is your last chance . After Cancer, Stroke, Heart Attacks and to get more rest, we must sac- this, there is no turning back . You more will bring us to an early death . rifice the possibility of missing take the blue pill, the story ends; “You take the red pill, you will stay in Wonderland, and I show you how Choosing to do these things day-in our favorite show on television you will wake up in your bed and deep the rabbit hole goes.” Morpheus (The Matrix, 1999) and day-out creates a vicious cycle . (even though DVR exists) or believe what you want to believe . The only way to break this cycle is we might miss out on the most You take the red pill, you will stay on the scripted path to a predeter- whether or not we are going to to change our decision-making . We exciting event of the year . There in Wonderland, and I show you mined destiny or to take control make the same decisions today that must take the red pill . are a multitude of reasons not to how deep the rabbit hole goes .” of his life and make his own deci- we made the day before . We decide My grandmother always told make healthier decisions . How- Morpheus (The Matrix, 1999) sions, saving not only his life, but what to wear, what to eat, what to me that “if you don’t like some- ever, the cost of not doing so is Who can forget this line from consequently, the rest of human- do, whether or not to exercise, and thing, CHANGE it .” It is re- largely outweighed by the re- the cult classic movie, The Ma- kind . The X factor in the equation the list goes on… However many ally that simple . These were her ward - a longer, happier, health- trix? In this pivotal scene, Neo is “fear of the unknown .” Let’s times, after years and years of mak- words long before The Matrix ier life . has to make a simple decision examine this situation and how ing the same decisions, we find our- was ever created . In essence, it is Prescription for the Week: In that will forever change his life, it parallels to our everyday lives selves feeling “trapped,” or “stuck” the same decision as in the movie . the spirit of the Holiday Season, and on a larger scale, the course when it comes to our health . in situations that we cannot escape Take the blue pill and wake up to take the red pill - make the choice of history . In this crossroads mo- Every morning we wake up, we (i .e .- being overweight, havingthe same reality, or take the red to live a happier, healthier life and ment, he had to decide whether make a similar decision . We ask diabetes, or hypertension, or even pill and take control of your life . be a better YOU . Get checked . to take the blue pill and continue ourselves, albeit subconsciously, difficult financial situations) . The The problem here is that by Get fit . Get moving!

Newsmaker/ Continued from page 4.

As he steps down, Dana Boen- Letten had a stellar record of con- criticized judges and politicians man Fred Heebe, whose landfill in motion as Defense Attorneys te, a first Assistant U .S . Attorney victions, but his house of cards and commented on cases in anon- operations are under federal in- in the Danziger Bridge case have in Virginia, has been appointed began to fall when one of his pros- ymous posts on NOLA .com, The vestigation . And it is well-known asked for a new trial, arguing that to Letten’s post in the interim . ecutors, Sal Perricone, resigned Times-Picayune’s website . that Heebe and Letten have a the online posts and other media Before this unfortunate incident in March after acknowledging he Among many of his incendiary history . In 2001 Heebe had been leaks were part of a campaign to posts it was published that Per- nominated by then-President smear the officers and possibly ricone described a federal judge George W . Bush for U .S . Attor- influence potential jurors . in New Orleans as someone who ney, but withdrew when allega- Last week, Attorney General “loves killers,” and charged that tions surfaced he had abused Eric Holder announced the ap- “Obama and his West Wing band an ex-girlfriend and his ex-wife pointment of John Horn, a First of Bolsheviks have a master de- which he denied, subsequently, Assistant U .S . Attorney in Geor- sign to strangle America’s econ- Letten filled the post . gia, to investigate the online posts LeRoux's Soul Food Restaurant omy .” And following this pub- But as Letten is stepping and leaks . The ramifications of lic relations fiasco Letten then down, another high profile case the findings may be precedent "Home of the $6.00 Soul Food Lunch Special " demoted his top assistant, Jan is being investigated which is setting if it is discovered that this “For some of New Orleans Best Soul Food and Mann, after she, too, confessed looking into former New Or- practice is wide-spread and not Seafood dishes … Dine In or Take Out” to posting anonymous comments leans Mayor Ray Nagin and simply isolated incidents . on the site . Presently, the Justice questioning business activity With the resignation of Jim Department’s Office of Profes- that took place during his reign Letten, whose office has gained sional Responsibility is investigat- in office . This probe has already praise for rooting out corruption; ing the postings, which defense resulted in guilty pleas by two with these recent events leading attorneys have cited as evidence businessmen who said they up to him steping down will pos- the prosecutors improperly tried bribed an unidentified city of- sibly leave a stain on his legacy . to influence cases . ficial . And in the history books it re- Delicious Homemade Greens Seafood Pla�ers and other dishes As it is quite evident the story While the recent discovery mains to be seen that an asterisk of Louisiana politics sometimes of misconduct by members of may appear by his name and his 1700 Louisiana Ave, (1 block oﬀ St Charles Ave) resembles the John Kennedy Letten’s office have taken place record of wins . Only time will tell Open weekdays ‐ Monday ‐ Thursday 10 am ‘�l 3pm Toole book, The Confederacy of its provided ammunition for de- how he is seen in the full frame Fridays ‐ 10 am ‐ 8:00 pm Dunces . The story of Letten’s res- fense attorneys that will more of history, but in the meantime ignation began when the authors than likely challenge other high- Louisianians depending on their Call 504‐897‐5445 of the posts in question were un- profile prosecutions . vantage point Letten’s work may wi available masked in court filings by attor- An example of what is poten- or may not have left Louisiana a neys for New Orleans business- tially to come is already been set more a less corrupt place . www.ladatanews.com Home Style December 15 - December 21, 2012 Page 11 DATA CLASSIFIED Call 504-821-7421 to place your classified ad.

What is Your Garden Type? Mailboxes by Mark

tolerates little, if any lawn . From You pay for the bricks or maybe you By MG Calla Victoria have bricks already. You provide the curb to the front door you the mailbox. Data News Columnist will find mass plantings of flow- I will provide the cement, wood, In the world of landscape de- ers and grasses . To some the mortar, nails etc. You choose or create the design. Prices vary sign there are several specific Cottage Garden may look a little according to the design. garden designs . This article is the overgrown but that is the charm Contact: Mark (504) 723‐7318 beginning of a three-part series of the design, just basically al- on Garden designs . lowing plants to do what they For all of you OCD (obsessive do naturally; trail, flop or inter- compulsive disorder) gardeners twine with other plants with no $$$ $$$ $$$ AVON Do you need there is the Formal or Parterre respect of space or definition . money? Garden with very clipped and The third and final garden de- The company for women manicured hedges with corners sign to be discussed today is the Can you use so sharp they could cut you . For- Chinese Garden, also known some extra mal gardens are on a level sur- as a Chinese Classical Garden . cash? Try Avon!!! Avon is easy to face consisting of planting beds, This type of garden design is sell, no experience necessary. edged in stone or tightly clipped characterized by an enclosed It cost only $10.00 to start. You hedges usually symmetrical pat- wall and has one or more ponds, can become your own boss or Pictured here is a Chinese Classical garden tern . Parterres need not have any a rock garden, trees and flow- just earn extra money. Whether flowers at all as the beauty of this one must marvel at how they kept nounced a1-lay) . ers, and an assortment of halls you are interested in purchasing type of garden is the geometric those acres of hedges so finely Now the polar opposite of the and pavilions within the garden Avon products or becoming an designs created and can best be manicured back then with no formal garden is the Cottage Gar- connected by winding paths and Avon Representa�ve yourself, I appreciated from looking down power tools . If you are not travel- den . This garden design is most zig-zag galleries that create a can assist you. on the garden from a porch or ing to Paris any time soon, a trip informal with dense plantings and sense of mystery and curiosity; Call June ‐ 504‐606‐1362 balcony . French parterres origi- to the Viscaya Mansion in Miami a mixture of ornamental and ed- as you wonder what will unfold I will explain everything and help nated in 15th-Century Gardens will do just fine . I was there for ible plants . English in origin, the around the next curve . you to get started. of the French Renaissance, with Thanksgiving and was intrigued Cottage Garden depends on grace Come back next week for the most famous being the gar- at the use of plant materials that and charm rather than grandeur Part 2 of Garden Designs, and den at Palace Versailles in Paris . were cut into hedges, specifically and formal structure . The Cot- check out my Gardening Tip of I had the pleasure of touring that a bank of spruce pine trees cre- tage Garden design encompasses the Week at www .thegardening- garden which is breathtaking, but ated a soft and wispy alley (pro- both the front and backyard and diva .com .

Malveaux/Continued from page 8. Wilson Charter School High School This space Fair Big Success! her brutal murder reminds us why this act On December 4, Andrew H . Wilson Charter School held its 3rd Annual High School Fair is so important . for 7th and 8th Grade students . All middle school students and parents in Orleans Parish can be yours Jovan Belcher had a temper, drank heav- were invited to attend and learn more about prospective high schools . Representatives from ily, and had at least eight guns . Some say several Orleans Parish High Schools were on hand to answer questions about their school he had suffered multiple head injuries play- and participants learned about the many educational high school options in New Orleans . ing football . That’s no excuse for a murder so brutal that he shot Kasandra nine times . for only $80 And the stories about his supposed nonvio- lence is contradicted by some of his college behavior, including punching through a win- dow when he was frustrated by a girlfriend who did not want to see him . This man was a serious candidate for anger management! Call Now! Kasandra Perkins isn’t the only woman who has been murdered by a husband or boyfriend . According to the Depart- ment of Justice, three women are killed by spouses or partners every day . I don’t want to hear about the tragedy of football 504-821-7421 player Jovan Belcher . I want to mourn Kasandra and the many women like her . And in her name, and in the name of others, we must all fight to get the Violence Against Women Act renewed .

Julianne Malveaux is a Washington, D.C.- based economist and writer. She is President (left to Right) Andrew Wilson Charter School students Daishawn Tobias, Cory Robinson, and Emerita of Bennett College for Women in Troy Rollins speak to Brandon Bonona and Jacques Janvier from The New Orleans Military Greensboro, N.C. and Maritime Academy (NOMMA).