Lighting The Road To The Future

Downtown Super Data Zone Sunday Hihghlights Page 6 “The People’s Paper” April 14 - April 20, 2018 52nd Year Volume 50 www.ladatanews.com

A Data News Weekly Exclusive

Page 2 Newsmaker Data Zone Four Mayor’s Gather for Freret Street Tricentennial Festival Fun Page 5 Page 7 Page 2 April 14 - April 20, 2018 Cover Story www.ladatanews.com

Anthony Bean Community Theater A Camp Where Stars Are Born

The ABTC theater camp is an exciting 9-Week Developmental Theater Arts Program for children ages 7-17, under the Direction of the award-winning, highly acclaimed Actor, Director, & Playwright, Anthony Bean.

By: Edwin Buggage - ABCT Performing Arts Summer Camp . The ABCT velop,” says Bean . “Some even make it a career goal, I Data News Weekly Editor Summer Program is more than a Camp . . It’s Culture! am proud when I see many of my former students that The theater camp is an exciting 9-Week Developmen- includes renowned actors such as Wendell Pierce and tal Theater Arts Program for children ages 7-17, under Gary Anthony Sturgis doing well and knowing that I ABCT Summer Camp Inspires the tutelage of the award-winning, highly acclaimed was one of the bricks that set the foundation for them Greatness in Young People Actor, Director, & Playwright, Anthony Bean . reaching their full potential .” Summer is swiftly approaching, and registration “One of things I enjoy most is working with children The ABCT Summer Performance Arts Camp pro- has begun for the Anthony Bean Community Theater training them as actors are seeing them grow and de- vides a sense of community and promotes self-aware-

Cover Story, Continued on page 4.

DATA NEWS WEEKLY P.O. Box 57347, , LA 70157-7347 | Phone: (504) 821-7421 | Fax: (504) 821-7622 INSIDE DATA editorial: [email protected] | advertising: [email protected] Terry B. Jones Contributors Art Direction & CEO/Publisher Edwin Buggage Production MainorMedia.com Edwin Buggage Jade Myers Cover Story ...... 2 Commentary . . . 8. . Editorial Submissions Editor Kichea S. Burt datanewseditor@ Cheryl Mainor bellsouth.net Julianne Malveaux Newsmaker...... 5 State & Local News . . 9 Managing Editor Advertising Inquiries Temitayo Odulaja datanewsad@ Calla Victoria Stacy M. Brown bellsouth.net Executive Assistant Distribution Pool Photo Data Zone ...... 6 National News . . 11. June Hazeur On The Run Accounting Derrick Johnson Courier Services 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. EXTRA 20% 5-DAY SELECT SALE OFF ITEMS SPECIALS EXCLUSIONS APPLY; SEE BELOW. WED, 4/11–SUN, 4/15

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N8030008J.indd 1 3/30/18 10:46 AM Page 4 April 14 - April 20, 2018 Cover Story www.ladatanews.com

Cover Story, Continued from page 2. ness and personal development . and practices kept us as second- The students are immersed in a class citizens . We have become free, theatrical experience that not only but many of the remnants of this educates them about the arts but still exist in our community . This is fosters cultural awareness, team why is it important for ABCT, and work, and respect for one another . any Black-Owned Enterprise must Additionally, it helps them under- support each other so we can con- stand how to use their emotions trol and to tell our stories and give to create roles and learn about ourselves a spiritual lift . We must do themselves . The program is all en- this to also let the world know that compassing as it relates to theater we are human beings and that we arts, which includes acting, play- deserve to be respected and pro- writing, rehearsal & production, tected as human beings .” performance, costuming, lighting and set building . ABCT Building for the Future Anthony Bean Theater has done Celebrating and amazing productions in its former Examining Community uptown location, but today Bean is through the Arts focused on securing the financing Beaming with pride of the suc- The ABCT Performing Arts Summer Camp experience always culminates with a much-awaited production, for a planned multi-purpose facility cess of his camp over the years showcasing the phenomenal ABCT kids. Last year’s end of the summer production was the Tony Award dedicated to the arts . Bean remarks, “I have been doing Winning hit musical play Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “CATS” “We have the plans drawn up for it for at least 45 years . The camp fo- stitution . Whether it is a university the building that is the old St . Ray- cuses on representation, self-pride, or a church, we need those kinds mond Church and school on Paris identity, communication skills all of alliances if we are to prosper as Avenue that will house a record- those things but most of all self- a people .” ing studio, a dance studio, a media worth . All of those things fit into newsroom and of course a theater acting lessons .” Art with A Purpose and the where we will be training kids . It is Bean feels that it is important Rebuilding of a Human also important to note that this will that African-Americans control the In the aftermath of Hurricane be it Black owned,” remarks Bean . narrative when telling stories about Katrina, we have seen the City go Continuing he says, “We need to their community . This has been through changes with some opin- teach them the true techniques of something that is key to his work ioned range of viewpoints; some acting but from our perspective . over the years as he’s presented for the better, worse or is it some- We can teach them to assimilate, many stories onstage over the years where in between? New Orleans is but how to be your true self, how that’s explored many topics but told a City that is a cultural jewel that’s we walk, and talk, we have a whole through an African-American lens . celebrating 300 years in 2018 . Its new magic to bring forth and the “Seeing yourself on stage and tell- heritage is that of living, breathing world would love us for it . Because ing your own story is important es- ever evolving culture . What Bean we already teach the world to sing pecially today . For too long it’s been has done throughout his years in and dance and we can continue that told by other races and oftentimes it theater is tell our stories, who we with acting if we understand who is distorted and plays to stereotypes are what we were, what we are and we are as a people and our stories and is a misrepresentation of who where we are going . He believes have value that all people can relate we are as a people,” Bean says pas- his and other Black owned and con- to .” sionately . “I think it’s very impor- trolled institutions are important in Over the years ABCT Produc- tant for a Black child or a Black per- telling our story? tions and his camps continue to be son in general to look at themselves Speaking about the importance successful by all measures . Bean is onstage or on television and say yes of art and artists telling the story of thankful for all the support he’s got- that is my story . We do exist, and I a civilization Bean says, “I don’t re- ten and says he will continue in his am important .” member exactly what empire it was mission to inspire the community The ABCT Performing Arts that was destroyed, but the king did through the arts . Summer Camp experience always not call on the architects he said “I have been blessed that the culminates with a much-awaited Pictured above surrounded by ABCT Summer students, Anthony Bean send in the poets, send in the artists Black parents have always given me production, showcasing the phe- says ““I have been blessed that the Black parents have always given I want to see the writers we need to their children . I have always had at nomenal ABCT kids . This year’s me their children. I have always had at least 100 children in my sum- give the people hope .” least 100 children in my summer mer program, they trust and believe in what I am doing” end of the summer production will Bean feels the creative arts are program, they trust and believe in be the Tony-nominated and OBIE many years and become stock play- get an opportunity to also have an a way that Blacks have historically, what I am doing . Financially that Award-Winning hit musical play, ers in his ensemble . Nyja White is enriching experience of being on made their cases and articulated is another story and I know a lot of “The Me Nobody Knows” . This pro- a junior at McDonough 35 who has the campus of an HBCU that’s pro- their inclusion as part of the human us do not have the money, but for duction is highly celebrated, touch- been part of ABCT since she was duced many of the great leaders of family . “In the 60’s we had Curtis those who do can help sustain what ing audiences throughout the world seven years old and has benefit- New Orleans and beyond . It also Mayfield, we had James Brown we I am trying to do we would love for for generations . Within the span of ted from her experiences at ABCT . shows that Black Institutions can had it in music for ages . We had the your support . Because there’s noth- a single day, the show poetically ex- “ABCT has helped me with my partner to do great things . Black Arts Movement in the 60’s ing like telling a Black child this amines the aspirations and fears of communication skills, confidence “SUNO is a Black college and and 70’s with Sonia Sanchez saying was designed with you in mind, and a multi-racial cast of young people . and expanded my love of theater it is very community oriented,” that we should love and understand really mean it . It is a beautiful thing Inspired by actual writings of stu- and because of ABCT I want to says Bean of his partnership with each other . This is important we to tell them I did it all for you .” dents in the New York City Public study theater in college .” SUNO . “But I hope that next year say these things through our art The ABCT Performing Arts Schools, the stories are universal, we will be back in our own space; because we have been stripped of Summer Camp begins Monday, and can be shared by and with all Empowering, Protecting brining my company onto a Black who we are . We have been stripped June 4 - Friday, August 5, 2018 for races . The powerful and contem- and Respecting our college is almost like, it’s inevitable, as a human being . In our history we kids aged 7-17 . No prior experi- porary score carries and propels Cultural Institutions its magic, it is supposed to be,” with had to rebuild a human being . We ence is needed . Camp hours are each individual journey . The size of This year’s camp will be taking a note of hope, optimism and pride had to reconstruct what it meant to Monday - Friday: 8:30 A .M . - 3 the cast may vary according to the place at Southern University at New in his voice . “If a cultural institu- be human, because when this coun- P .M . Breakfast and lunch are pro- needs of each production . Orleans (SUNO), Bean feels this is tion needs space until their space try first started we were looked at vided daily, on site . Register now! Many of the young people who a good fit where in addition to be- is ready, I don’t know what better as 3/5ths a person . Even though we *For registration, please call 504- participate are with the camp for ing exposed to theater the students place to go than another Black In- were out of slavery; laws, customs 862-PLAY today* www.ladatanews.com Newsmaker April 14 - April 20, 2018 Page 5 Tricentennial Event Brings Four New Orleans Mayors Together

By Jade Myers elected feels great, but that it also always trust your instinct,” Bar- wick Lecture Series hosted by the leaders could support the mayor- Data News Weekly comes with great responsibility . thelemy said as an encouragement Institute of Politics and the Norman elect and come together for the City Contributor Cantrell said that she knows there to Cantrell . “We all need to come C . Francis Leadership Institute . to progress into the next century . is much work that needs to be done, together for the goodness of the The former Xavier University Presi- “Cantrell is going to be a great It’s not often that you get four and that her top priority is improv- City,” Barthelemy said . dent said that the goal of the series mayor, we have to get behind her New Orleans mayors together in ing the Sewage and Water Board The event was the Ninth Ed Ren- was to engage in dialogue where and work together,” Francis said . one sitting . But on April 5th, may- but hopes to have people in office

New Orleans Mayor-Elect LaToya Cantrell joins Mayor and former mayors Sidney Barthelemy and for the Ninth Annual Ed Renwick Lecture at Loyola University on April 5th.

New Orleans Mayor-Elect LaToya Cantrell embraces Mayor Mitch Landrieu at a Tricentennial forum on April 5th. (Photos by Jade Myers)

ors: present-past-and-future, took that are looking out for all individu- a walk down memory lane in the als and not just certain groups . City they served, for a New Or- “We need to address the needs leans Tricentennial event hosted of our children and families, and I at Loyola University . Moon and believe that women bring a spirit Mitch Landrieu, Sidney Barthele- of empathy and compassion being my and LaToya Cantrell comprised able to meet people where they the group of City leaders who em- are,” Cantrell said . “I’m very ex- barked on this exercise . cited for the future of our City,” she “In order for the City to move said . forward, we must make sure that The former mayors gave Cantrell everyone in the City has a chance advice on how to handle situations to participate and we need to get she may face while in office . Mitch people to know that diversity in Landrieu told Cantrell that while New Orleans is a strength,” said serving his terms in office, many current New Orleans Mayor, Mitch people did not agree with some of Landrieu . his decisions, like removing the As the City turns 300-years old, Confederate monuments from the it also made history when voters City . elected the first woman to win a Landrieu said that he hoped that mayoral seat in New Orleans in people would eventually follow the 2017 . Mayor-elect LaToya Cantrell spirit of what he was trying to do for said that she is looking forward to the City . her inauguration day in May . She “Don’t be discouraged because said that being the first female to be everyone is rooting for you, but Page 6 April 14 - April 20, 2018 Data Zone www.ladatanews.com Downtown Super Sunday Highlights

Photos by Kichea S. Burt Data News Weekly Contributor

The Annual Downtown Super Sun- day parade and celebration took place last Sunday . People and tribes from all over came out to enjoy the festivi- ties and of course Data was there!!! www.ladatanews.com Data Zone April 14 - April 20, 2018 Page 7 Freret Street Festival Delivers Fun, Food and Memories

Photos by Kichea S. Burt Data News Weekly Contributor

The Freret Street Festival featured live music, food, artwork and handi- crafts and fun activities for all ages – especially the kids . The event’s fea- tures included a Kids’ Activity Area with inflatables, a Petting Zoo, Insta- Gator, arts & crafts, clowns, parades and second- lines and African stilt walkers . It was a great way to spend the day with family and friends, and of course, Data was there!!!

Visit www.ladatanews.com for more photos from these events Freret Street Festival WBOK1230AM A BAKEWELL MEDIA COMPANYDelivers Fun, Food

Real Talk for Real Times... and Memories 1639 Gentilly Blvd. New Orleans, LA 70119 (504)942-0106 www.wbok1230am.com

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Real Talk for Real Times... 1639 Gentilly Blvd. New Orleans, LA 70119 (504)942-0106 www.wbok1230am.com Page 8 April 14 - April 20, 2018 Commentary www.ladatanews.com MLK50: Fifty Years after Kerner and King, Racism Still Matters

As cities burned with rage at “Whereas the Kerner Commission King’s murder, most of America had called for ‘massive and sustained’ already dismissed and forgotten the “Segregation and poverty have created investment in economic, employ- damning and prophetic report pub- ment and education initiatives, over lished only a month earlier by the in the racial ghetto a destructive envi- the last 50 years America has pur- presidential commission chaired by ronment totally unknown to most white sued ‘massive and sustained’ incar- Illinois Governor Otto Kerner . Offi- ceration framed as ‘law and order,’ cially called the National Advisory Americans . What white Americans have while the ‘war on drugs’ has failed,” Derrick Johnson Commission on Civil Disorders, says a new book, “Healing Our Di- President and CEO, the Kerner Commission identified never fully understood but what the Ne- vided Society,” co-edited by former National NAACP systemic racism and poverty as the Sen . Fred Harris, the sole surviving Fifty years ago, the nation was causes of the major Black rebel- gro can never forget—is that white society member of the Kerner Commis- rocked by the brutal and public lions in both Newark and Detroit is deeply implicated in the ghetto . White sion . assassination of Rev . Dr . Martin the previous summer . The report Today, many of America’s Black Luther King, Jr . Eerily echoing the warned that America was “moving institutions created it, white institutions communities bear the sustained title of King’s final book “Where Do toward two societies, one black, one scars of physical and economic in- We Go from Here: Chaos or Com- white – separate and unequal” and maintain it, and white society condones it .” juries . Even in Baltimore, the head- munity?”, his murder sent a power- offered concrete suggestions for quartered home of the NAACP, ful shock wave through the soul of confronting immediately this “deep- - Report by the Kerner Commission, 1968 communities are still reeling from America resulting in urban rebel- ening racial division .” the police-custody death of Fred- lions springing up in over 100 cities However, the Kerner Report’s heeded; in fact, they were actively Johnson went out of his way to sup- die Gray . The deaths of Black and placing the nation at a political recommendations for reconcili- disregarded . Despite commission- press the spread of its findings . The Commentary, Continued and social crossroads . ation and progress were never ing the report, President Lyndon B . consequences have been severe: on page 9.

Will HUD Secretary Ben Carson Enforce the Fair Housing Act? nedy (D-Mass .) was especially fo- pushed subprime loans on African pick of Carson to administer the power from consumers, especially cused on the legislation . Americans, even those who quali- agency was a strange one, given those of low and moderate incomes . The Fair Housing Act is also fied for traditional loans . that Carson’s only qualification for By making it more difficult to file known as Title VIII of the Civil The Department of Housing and running one of the government’s class action lawsuits, individuals Rights Act of 1968 (which was Urban Development (HUD) is the largest agencies seems to be that who experience banking discrimi- later amended in 1988) prevents federal agency that is responsible his mom avoided public housing nation are handicapped in their discrimination in the sale, rent- for enforcing the Fair Housing Act, because of its “dangers .” Trump ability to fight back . Carson, sing- al, financing, and advertising of as well as providing rental assis- does not seem to be high on finding ing from the “45” playbook, when housing because of race, color, tance, public housing, and housing qualified people to run HUD . For he opens up his mouth at all, is not Julianne Malveaux religion, disability, family status, vouchers for those who cannot af- example, Lynne Patton, the HUD likely to be an effective advocate for NNPA Columnist and national origin . But with the ford housing on their incomes . Our administrator for Region II, which the people he has frequently dis- severe wealth inequality in our 45th president had proposed deep includes New York and New Jersey, dained . nation, there are still major gaps cuts in the HUD budget, but the was Eric Trump’s wedding planner . Indeed, though he has thrown The Fair Housing Act was between homeownership by race; budget that was passed on March It may seem snarky to point out his wife, Candy, under the bus on passed a week after Dr . Martin African American households 23, 2018, just hours before the gov- things that some would call “mi- the matter of the dining table, he is Luther King, Jr . was assassinated . were more heavily impacted by ernment was scheduled to shut nor,” and both Patton and Carson no different from other cabinet offi- President Lyndon Johnson en- the Great Recession than any oth- down, actually adds money to the will, perhaps, grow into their roles . cials who have a “let them eat cake” couraged Congress to pass the er racial group . Between 2004 and HUD budget, especially in the rent- They have to; their work makes a attitude toward those they serve . legislation as a tribute to the slain 2016, every group experienced a al assistance and public housing difference in the quality of life, and First class travel, high-end furni- civil rights leader, who, along with decline in homeownership, but capital funds program . Still, cuts are the quality of housing, for millions ture, and chicanery are the name of several civil rights organizations while Whites experienced a 4 .1 scheduled for the next fiscal year, of Americans . And, there is no evi- the “45” cabinet game . Fifty years (including the NAACP), strongly percent decline, African Ameri- and the issue of non-discriminatory dence that Carson has spearheaded after the passage of the Fair Hous- supported the act . African Ameri- can households experienced a 7 and affordable housing remains a innovative programs (wait – did I ing Act as a tribute to Dr . Martin can veteran’s organizations (in- percent decline, dropping from pressing one . write Carson and “innovative pro- Luther King, Jr ., it is not clear that cluding the American GI Forum) nearly half (49 percent) of Black But will HUD Secretary Ben grams” in the same sentence?) to the current HUD Secretary will be were especially passionate about households owning homes to just Carson enforce the Fair Housing close the homeownership gap or to a warrior in the fight against hous- the legislation, especially since 41 .9 percent . Meanwhile, White Act and effectively administer an help African American families re- ing discrimination . Vietnam veterans were among homeownership remained over 70 agency that can make a difference cover from the ravages of the Great Julianne Malveaux is an author, those experiencing severe hous- percent . As much as a third of Af- in the quality of life for low-income Recession . economist and founder of Eco- nomic Education. Her latest book ing discrimination . Senator Ed rican American wealth was wiped people? One has to raise the ques- Furthermore, while this has lit- “Are We Better Off? Race, Obama Brooke (R-Mass .), the only Afri- out by the Great Recession, and tion, especially as Dr . Carson seems tle to do with Carson, the effort to and Public Policy” is available to order at Amazon.com and can American in the Senate at the this is partly due to discrimination to want to spend more time looking roll back Dodd-Frank reforms and at www.juliannemalveaux.com. time, along with his Massachu- in banking, including the ways for a $30,000 dining table than ad- the evisceration of the Consumer Follow Dr. Malveaux on Twitter @ setts colleague, Senator Ted Ken- that some banks aggressively ministering his agency . Trump’s Financial Protection Bureau strips drjlastword. www.ladatanews.com State & Local News April 14 - April 20, 2018 Page 9 Sports Journalist Jemele Hill Shares Her Journey to Success

By Temitayo Odulaja this point in her career . for sports at a very young age, she Data News Weekly “I grew up in the hood of De- told the audience . She, like every Contributor troit and my father and I were es- sports zealot, would read sports tranged,” said Hill, a nominee of columns to keep in touch with the Acclaimed Sports Journal- the 49th NAACP Image Awards . latest statistics . ist Jemele Hill elaborated on the However, her separation from her “I began my journalism career struggles and triumphs that even- father is what shaped her, not just early and I did five internships be- tually made her a prominent sports as a sports expert, but as a woman . fore graduating,” she said . “When I personality . She spoke at the Brain “It helped me get through col- said I wanted to be a sports writer, Food Series at Dillard University’s lege,” said Hill, who attended everyone thought I was crazy, no Georges Auditorium on April 8th . Michigan State University on a one knows any sports writer,” she Hill, who now works for ESPN’s scholarship, and studied Mass said . The Undefeated made national Communication and Spanish . Col- However, such criticism did not headlines when she denounced lege led her to her career path, as come from her “inner circle,” so it President Donald Trump on social it exposed her to an array of op- was easy for her to dismiss the neg- media as a White Supremacist in portunities to explore her gifts and ative opinions . 2017 . President Trump responded abilities . “I never put myself in any situ- that “ESPN is paying the price of its “College made me critically ation where I did not have many politics” after calling for Hill to lose think,” she said . It was her start choices,” she said . her job . Hill said her upbringing Jemele Hill speaks to audience members after she delivered the for questioning why certain things She encouraged the audience prepared her for the tough year she Brain Food Series Lecture on April 7th at Dillard University. (Photos were happening in society . Jamele Hill, Continued by Jade Myers) had in the news and her journey to She developed her enthusiasm on page 10.

Commentary, Continued recognize the temporal connection from page 8. between America’s past and pres- ent identities . Our country has let Americans like Michael Brown, the pestilent wound caused by a Alton Sterling, and, most recently, continuing legacy of racism fester . Stephon Clark—shot eight times This chronic condition is aggravat- by police in his own backyard—re- ed by the often-silent progressives mind us we are still not seen as full- who still cannot grasp the stark citizens by many in our nation . emotional reality of what partial In our recent Economic Inclu- freedom feels like to a full human sion Reports on Baltimore, Char- being . lotte and St . Louis—three cities In his commencement address impacted by protests and revolts to Oberlin College in 1965, King linked to police violence and mis- said, “We must face the honest fact conduct—the NAACP noted “simi- that we still have a long, long way larities between the past economic to go before the problem of racial realities of dur- injustice is solved .” ing Reconstruction and legalized Half a century after Kerner’s re- racism and the current economic port and King’s assassination, our realities more than 150 years after government continues to perpetu- the abolition of slavery and promise ate an unacceptable level of sys- of freedom .” temic and structural racism, which Our reports expose that Afri- permeates our communities and can Americans are “still living in fuels our protest . highly segregated communities As we remember King and and school districts, comprising Kerner, we will not do so in solemn the lowest median household in- reflection, but instead with resolve . come, highest unemployment rate, We commit to making the social highest poverty rate, and ongoing and political healing America has barriers to the creation of small continued to defer become a real- businesses .” For example, the mid- ity . The progress for which NAACP 2000 housing crisis caused by Wall members fight rings in harmony Street excesses led to trillions of with the Kerner Commission’s un- dollars in bailouts and the decima- apologetic condemnation of White tion of major portions of African America’s failure to make democ- American wealth—wrapped up in racy real for all of us . their foreclosed homes . This re- cession removed huge swaths of intergenerational wealth and many Derrick Johnson is the President families have yet to recover . and CEO of the NAACP, Ameri- ca’s largest civil rights organiza- As the leader of the oldest and tion. Follow him on Twitter @Der- largest civil rights organization, I rickNAACP. Page 10 April 14 - April 20, 2018 State & Local News www.ladatanews.com Gov. Edwards, LDH Unveil Economic Impact of Medicaid Expansion Program’s Infusion Of $1.85 Bill In Federal Funds Leveraged Into $3.57 Billion Economic Activity For State

Data Staff Reports gives a big boost to our economy . important policy change can have For too long, the people of Louisi- so many benefits . We will contin- On Tuesday, Gov . John Bel Ed- ana were sending their tax dollars ue to build upon this work to im- wards and Louisiana Department to Washington without seeing any prove both the financial health of of Health (LDH) Secretary Dr . Re- benefits here at home . Those days the State and the physical health bekah Gee touted a report from Dr . are over, and this report shows us of our residents .” Jim Richardson of the Public Ad- what’s possible when we make “Our analysis focused on net ministration Institute at Louisiana important investments like expan- new dollars that would not have State University (LSU) highlighting sion in our people .” been spent in Louisiana were it the economic impact of Medicaid The report, Medicaid Expansion not for Medicaid Expansion,” said expansion . The report, released and the Louisiana Economy, shows Dr . Richardson . “We found that today, shows that Medicaid expan- that: new federal spending in Louisiana sion, the federal/state health care This large federal contribution, that would not have otherwise program that provides health cov- $1 .85 billion, represents an infusion occurred has positively affected erage for individuals with income of federal spending in Louisiana every region of the state . This less than 138 percent of the Feder- that would not have occurred if the is comparable to any other ma- al Poverty Level, is leveraging an state had not accepted Medicaid ex- jor injection of spending in the infusion of $1 .85 billion in federal pansion . state that had not occurred in the funds to create or retain nearly This infusion of federal funds is past . This new spending is spread 19,200 jobs and support nearly creating or supporting 19,195 jobs across all healthcare providers in- $3 .6 billion in economic activity across the state of Louisiana . cluding hospitals, outpatient care, for the state of Louisiana . In addition to having a positive pharmaceuticals, physicians and “In Louisiana, Medicaid expan- impact on Louisiana’s job market, other professionals, other medical sion is saving $317 million that Medicaid expansion is leveraging services, and the administration we are able to invest in other pri- the federal funds into $3 .57 billion Governor John Bel Edwards said “Improving health outcomes in Loui- of the program .” siana so we can have a productive workforce has been our goal, but orities, but most importantly, it is of economic activity, which includes this report further suggests that Medicaid expansion gives a big boost Prior to expanding Medicaid, the saving lives,” said Gov . Edwards . $3 .48 billion in business activity, to our economy.” state of Louisiana would spend ap- “Improving health outcomes in $103 .2 million in state tax receipts, proximately 40 cents on the dollar Louisiana so we can have a pro- and $74 .6 million in local tax re- said this would give more people boost the economy,” said Dr . Gee . for uninsured care . However, under ductive workforce has been our ceipts . access to health care coverage; we “We have fulfilled all three of expansion, the state of Louisiana goal, but this report further sug- “Two years ago, when we an- said it would save the state mon- these promises . I am proud of this will never spend more than 10 cents gests that Medicaid expansion nounced Medicaid expansion, we ey; and we said expansion would news as it demonstrates how one on the dollar .

Jamele Hill, Continued from page 9. als and reaching success was the reason Dillard University President not to limit themselves, but rather Walter Kimbrough said he wanted explore several options . Hill said no Hill to speak to students and the one can truly realize what they are community . skilled in, unless they engage in it . “There have been speakers who “I never wanted to work for have made students here go on to ESPN, my dream job was to work grad school,” Kimbrough said . “We for Sports Illustrated,” she said . are giving back to society,” he said Eventually, at 22, she was offered of the Brain Food Series . a position at Sports Illustrated as a The program exposes students sports writer . to diverse prominent figures that “A lot of things will happen that would affect their academic journey will take you down a different path, positively, said Sheryl Haydel, Dil- but that does not necessarily mean lard’s Director of Communications that it would take you to a bad path,” and Marketing . she said . “Brainfood allows students at She urged the students to con- this university to have a taste of tinue to practice hard at what they what occurs in big schools,” Haydel are passionate about . said . “Do what you would do even if “I think she is very relatable,” you would not get paid, that comes Haydel said of Hill and her experi- later,” she said . “What would you do ences . “Brainfood is very important for free, I would write for free,” Hill because of the information the stu- said . dents can learn,” she said . Her journey of overcoming tri- www.ladatanews.com National News April 14 - April 20, 2018 Page 11 DATA CLASSIFIED Costs Run High in Bill Cosby Call 504-821-7421 to Sexual Assault Trial place your classified ad.

Costs Prosecuting Bill Cosby in Sexual Assault Trial Dwarfed by Costs to Defend Him Job Opportunity Freelance By Stacy M. Brown budget that included a seven per- Writers NNPA Newswire Contributor cent increase for the district attor- Wanted ney’s office in 2017, the county can Judge Steven O’Neill has warned afford to continue its high-profile Data News Weekly, “The that the retrial in the criminal case battle against Cosby, who’s report- People’s Paper, is looking for freelence writers to of comedian Bill Cosby will likely edly worth $500 million . join our team print and last longer than the first trial . It’s been reported that Cosby digital team. We want For Pennsylvania taxpayers, that paid his former attorneys, a firm to hear from you if you means shelling out more money on led by Brian McMonagle, as much are a working journalist, or an aspiring journalist top of the more than $220,000 spent as $1,500 per hour . He’s now hired who has 2 years or more on last year’s trial . an even higher profile team headed of newspaper or PR “The cost of the Cosby trial did by former Michael Jackson attor- writing experience. We not adversely impact the 2017 bud- ney Tom Mesereau . need writers who can get, and we have planned for it in “The costs of representation vary cover New Orleans news stories, ranging from our 2018 budget,” Montgomery by jurisdiction, client and circum- local high school sports, County Chair of the Board of Com- stance,” said attorney Gregory Q . community events, City missioners Dr . Val Arkoosh told the Carter of the G . Carter Law Firm, Hall and entertainment. NNPA Newswire . “Pennsylvania an African American-owned firm Experience in print is necessary, experience in law gives the Montgomery County in New Orleans . “Considering the digital and social media District Attorney, an independent high-profile nature of Mr . Cosby, are encouraged. elected official, sole legal authority the numerous reports of second- for decisions relating to the prose- ary accusers, and the voluminous Compensation is cution of criminal activity, including Bill Cosby will likely spend much more defending himself against the amount of discovery, it’s likely the sexual assault charges in the Andrea Constand case, than Montgom- competitive and great the decision to move forward with a ery County will spend prosecuting him. Photo taken of Cosby spokes- defense costs will dwarf that which story ideas will be retrial of any case .” man Andrew Wyatt (left) leading the comedian into court during his trial the county reported .” appreciated. Arkoosh continued: “The op- last summer at the Montgomery County Courthouse on June 5, 2017 in Carter continued: “In a trial of Norristown, Pennsylvania. (POOL PHOTO) eration of the court system is the this stature, it is typical for the de- If you are interested, please email your resume responsibility of the Montgomery home, other times the two would the incident to authorities . fense firm to be solely dedicated to and 3 writing samples to: Court of Common Pleas, an inde- cozy up near a fire in a hotel room During the two-week trial last representing the individual client . terrybjones@bellsouth. pendent branch of government . sipping cognac . year, a jury failed to unanimously In addition, it is likely the defense net and datanewseditor@ The Montgomery County Commis- However, on the night that Con- agree on a verdict after more than requires investigators, additional bellsouth.net. sioners are responsible for the cost stand believed to be in January 60 hours of deliberating which re- staff attorneys, and experts to be of administering justice . We will, as 2004, Cosby offered his friend two sulted in O’Neill declaring a mis- employed to fully vet and present always, fulfill those responsibilities blue pills which he said were Bena- trial . the defense .” We can’t wait to to the justice system .” dryl to help her relax . Some believed the costs associ- Unfortunately, money plays a hear from you! Cosby is charged with three Constand said the pills made her ated with the trial—which included major factor in most criminal tri- counts of aggravated sexual as- drowsy and eventually incapaci- shuttling a sequestered jury from als, said Thaddeus Hoffmeister, a sault, a case that stems from a 2004 tated her . Pittsburgh to and from hotels and professor of law at the University of encounter with former Temple Uni- She awakened to find Cosby’s assigning extra deputies for Cos- Dayton . versity employee Andrea Constand . hands in her pants; he had placed by—would lead prosecutors to de- “It dictates many things that you The two had formed a relation- her hand was on his penis, Con- cide against a second trial . can and cannot do . Our system is ship—he says romantic, she claims stand said . As night turned to morn- Now, with O’Neill’s declaration built on a plea-bargaining system mentorship—in which they’d get ing, Cosby prepared breakfast—a that the retrial should last at least that’s stacked against the defense in together for dinner, cocktails and muffin and Constand’s favorite tea . one month and the judge allowing that the government has a bottom- This space can be career discussions . He asked her to call him when she five other accusers to testify, the less pit,” Hoffmeister said . “They’ll Sometimes they’d meet at Cos- got home . trial may spill over into summer . never run out of money .” by’s Elkins Parks, Pennsylvania A year later, Constand reported With a more than $410 million yours for only $80

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