Lighting The Road To The Future Data Zone Page 6

Congo Square Fest “The People’s Paper” March 31 - April 6, 2012 46th Year Volume 44 www.ladatanews.com We are Trayvon!

The Nation Stands Up!

Page 2 Trailblazer Publisher’s Page Jerrelda Standing Against Drummer-Sanders Injustice Page 5 Page 9 Page 2 March 31 - April 6, 2012 Cover Story www.ladatanews.com

Trayvon Martin’s Parents Re-live a ‘Nightmare’

Trayvon Martin On the cover and above, Tracy Martin, center, speaks at the Sanford City Commission meeting with Trayvon’s mother, Sybrina Fulton, left, and the family lawyer, Benjamin Crump at the Sanford Civic Center in Sanford Fla., Monday, March 26, 2012. Martin, a black teen, was fatally shot by a neighborhood watch captain last month. (AP Photo/Julie Fletcher)

watch captain armed with a 9 millimeter handgun visiting from Miami, had been killed around 7 p m. . By George E . Curry and a head full of stereotypes about African-Amer- that Sunday . NNPA Special Contributor ican males . Martin, Trayvon’s mother, Sybrina Fulton; Ben- According to 911 tapes, Zimmerman, 28, told the jamin Crump, the family lawyer; Al Sharpton and emergency police dispatcher that he had spotted former New York Gov . David Patterson participated On the night of Feb . 26th, Tracy Martin and his a suspicious young male walking in the neighbor- in an exclusive 1-hour telephone conference call last girlfriend had gone out to dinner in Sanford, Fla ,. hood . “This guy looks like he’s up to no good . He is Thursday with more than three dozen publishers leaving his 17-year-old son, Trayvon, behind at the on drugs or something ”. Zimmerman said, “These _ from the National Newspaper Publishers Associa- townhouse with plans to watch the NBA All-Star _ _holes . They are always getting away .” tion (NNPA) . game scheduled to be televised at 7 p .m . from Or- When the dispatcher asked Zimmerman if he was Martin told publishers how he learned that his lando’s Amway Center . following the young man in his vehicle, Zimmerman son had been killed . Trayvon decided to walk to a nearby 7-Eleven confirmed that he was . The 911 operator said, “OK, “I had been out to dinner . When we got back be- convenience store to pick up a bag of Skittles candy we don’t need you to do that .” Still, Zimmerman con- tween 10:15 and 10:45, he wasn’t at home . The night and a can of Arizona iced tea before settling in to tinued to trail Trayvon, who was unarmed . At one before, he had been to the movies with my nephew, watch East v . West all-stars . On his way back to the point, Zimmerman got out of his SUV, confronted who had recently moved up to the Orlando area gated community, however, Trayvon was stalked Trayvon and fatally shot him in the chest . from Miami . Every time Trayvon would come up by George Zimmerman, a non-Black neighborhood Tracy Martin was unaware that his son, who was here, they would find something to do, usually they

Cover Story, Continued on next page.

DATA News Weekly P.O. Box 57347, New Orleans, LA 70157-7347 | Phone: (504) 821-7421 | Fax: (504) 821-7622 INSIDE DATA editorial: [email protected] | advertising: [email protected] Terry B. Jones Contributors CEO/Publisher Edwin Buggage Kichea S. Burt Glenn Jones Cover Story ...... 2 Commentary . . . . 8 Ron Busby, Sr. VP Advertising Charlene Crowell & Marketing Jordan Flaherty Cheryl Mainor Terry Jones State & Local News . . 4 Opinion . . . . . 9 Donatus King Managing Editor Von Paul Reeves Edwin Buggage Trailblazer . . . . 5 Dollars & Sense . . 10 Editor Art Direction & Production Lynesia Carson MainorMedia.com Editorial Submissions Executive Assistant [email protected] Data Zone ...... 6 June Hazeur Advertising Inquiries Accounting [email protected] Please call 504-309-9913 for subscription information or to obtain a back issue of the paper ONLY. Dated material two weeks in advance. Not responsible for publishing or return of unsolicited manuscripts or photos. www.ladatanews.com Cover Story March 31 - April 6, 2012 Page 3

Cover Story, Continued from previous page. would go to dinner . My nephew is He said, “I got up, got on a suspect .” their offices, in the next cubicle, dispatcher’s directive that he not 20 years old, a very responsible clothes, went outside because I Sharpton explained, “What hap- were saying, ‘No, this is me ’. They follow Trayvon – along with the young man . So there was not pan- knew my kid was going to walk pened to Trayvon is that it brought relate to Trayvon – it was me .” decision not to arrest Zimmer- ic at that moment that he was not back up to the door ”. Instead, to the surface the fear that all of After three weeks of mobilizing man, forced Police Chief Bill Lee home . I made several attempts to three cars pulled up to the door, us have for our children and our- on social media, keeping the story to temporarily step down as police call his cell phone and it was go- one of them an unmarked police selves . I think White America was alive in Black newspapers and Af- chief on Thursday . ing straight to voicemail . I called vehicle . stunned . Black America became rican-American radio, the mount- On April 10, a grand jury will be my nephew’s cell phone and it “The first officer approached . ignited when we finally got it out ing pressure forced Sanford, Fla . convened to determine whether was going straight to voicemail . I introduced myself and told him there . They [Whites] thought hav- officials to release the 911 tapes . Zimmerman should be indicted . So at that point, I figured they had I was filing a missing person’s ing a Black President had solved Those tapes – which show that Both the U .S . Justice Depart- been in the movies because they report . The second person to it . And now, people working in Zimmerman disobeyed the 911 ment’s Civil Rights Division and the FBI are looking into the case to determine if any federal statues were violated . Florida Gov . Rick Scott has ap- pointed a Task Force on Citizen Safety and Protection to investi- gate how such tragedies can be avoided in the future . Lt . Gov . Jennifer Carroll will chair the spe- cial panel . Rev . R .B . Holmes, Jr ., Publisher of the Capital Outlook in Tallahassee will serve as Vice Chair . Sharpton led a rally Thursday night of more than 30,000 people in Sanford, many of them from around the nation . Referring to the police chief, Sharpton said, “We did not come here for a temporary leave of ab- sence . We came for permanent Tulane University students show their support for this case with their Sharpton led a rally Thursday night of more than 30,000 people in justice – arrest Zimmerman now .” Occupy the Hood rally held this week on the campus of Tulane Sanford, many of them from around the nation. would always go to the movies .” approach was a plainclothes de- Tracy Martin and his girlfriend tective . He asked me if I had a went to bed . But the next morn- recent picture of Trayvon and it ing, the day Martin and his son just so happened that I had taken had planned to return to Miami, a picture in my camera, maybe a he learned that Trayvon still week or two prior to the incident . wasn’t back in the house . Tracy I showed them the picture . He You Can’t Change Your Genes called his nephew again, this time told me to give him a second . He reaching him and learning that walked to his vehicle, retrieved a But You Can Change Your Outcome. If You Have Diabetes, Trayvon wasn’t with him . folder and asked could we go into * “I had [his girlfriend] call juve- the house . We walked into the nile justice, just to check and see house . He told me he was going if anyone by the name of Trayvon to show me a photo and that he Text to Martin had been picked up . No was going to ask me if this was my HEALTH 300400 Trayvon Martin,” the father told kid . And he pulled out the photo . NNPA Publishers . “My next call From that point, it’s been like a was to the Seminole County Sher- nightmare .” iff’s Department to see if any kid That nightmare was com- had been picked up . pounded by the decision not to “My third call was to a non- arrest or prosecute Zimmerman, emergency number at the Semi- who admitted killing Trayvon . Led nole County Sheriff’s Department by Attorney Benjamin Crump, and I informed them that I was fil- the family has been making the ing a missing person’s report . I let rounds of national television pro- them know it hadn’t been 24 hours, grams to share their story – and but it was unusual for Trayvon not to express their outrage that Zim- to return home . I told them we merman hasn’t been brought to were supposed to be leaving that justice . Protests, many of them morning when we woke up . They led by college students, have tak- asked me a few questions about en place across the country . On him: date of birth, height, com- Monday, hundreds of students at plexion, weight and they told me Dr . Michael M . Krop Senior High they would dispatch a unit . Five School in Miami were dressed in minutes later, she called me back black and wore hoodies to mourn LIKE US ON FACEBOOK: txt4healthnola | FOLLOw US ON TwITTEr: txt4healthnola and asked what was he last wear- their slain schoolmate . ing . I gave them a description of “In the Black community, we * the clothes that he had on last . all see Trayvon in ourselves,” Signing up for txt4health is FrEE but standard text messaging rates do apply. Please contact your mobile phone carrier for questions about text messaging rates. Txt4health is available for Greater New Orleans area residents. She said a unit would be out .” Sharpton said . “We all subcon- For terms & conditions visit www.txt4health.com. Text ‘STOP’ to discontinue messages or ‘HELP’ to receive assistance. At that point, Tracy Martin sciously know that we’re born as still had no clue that his son was suspects rather than citizens and dead . that’s what Trayvon was – he was 01MK5130 R03/12 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association and incorporated as Louisiana Health Service & Indemnity Company. Page 4 March 31 - April 6, 2012 State & Local News www.ladatanews.com

“Best Chefs of Louisiana” SUNO Scholars Compete in Awards April 16 at Generations the 2012 National Honda Hall in New Orleans Campus All-Star Challenge

On Monday, April 16, 7-10 gion’s most notable culinary art- Three Ben Franklin HS grads, ana college student can achieve, p .m ., The American Culinary ists . former two-time Delgado CC SGA I’ve experienced a lot,” he said . Federation of New Orleans will The award ceremony will be president on team “Being on the team has allowed host the 2nd Annual “Best Chefs hosted by food guru, Tom Fitz- Southern University at New me to totally be myself .” of Louisiana” Awards at Genera- morris . Attendees will be able to Orleans’ (SUNO) Honda Chal- During a pre-National Cham- tions Hall, 310 Andrew Higgins meet and greet with Best Chef lengers Team traveled this week pionship Tournament event held Drive in New Orleans . Thirty awardees, and enjoy all you can to to Los Angeles, site of the 2012 earlier this year at Prairie View of the New Orleans area’s best eat Chef Specialties and custom National Honda Campus All-Star A&M University, Tom Cunning- chefs will tantalize guests with beverages . There will also be a Challenge, March 30th through ham, an official with the national their signature dishes . Included silent auction and live entertain- April 3rd . Forty-eight (48) teams tournament, informed the audi- in this prestigious group are leg- ment by the renowned (and aptly were in competition for financial ence that SUNO’s team set a prec- endary chefs Leah Chase, Paul named) Louisiana Spice Band . grants from Honda ranging from edent by correctly responding to Prudhomme, Susan Spicer, Tory Tickets are value priced at $75 $3,000 to $50,000 . ten questions in one minute, with McPhail, Tenney Flynn and Phil- per person, inclusive of food and Honda Campus All-Star Chal- 29 seconds to spare, during the lip Chan . beverages . Proceeds from this lenge (HCASC) is a Q&A Game Ultimate Challenge Round . Best Chef Nominees include event will help local charities, that combines academic material, “I am often awestruck by these Aaron Burgau (Restaurant Pa- Children’s Hospital of New Or- popular culture and sports in a gifted young people, their schol- tois), Dominique Macquet (Tam- leans, the International School format emphasizing quick recall . arly banter and high-level dis- arind by Dominique), Spencer of Louisiana and the ACF-NO African-American history and course,” said Ruth W . Johnson, Minch (Emeril’s Delmonico), Chef and Legend Leah Chase Scholarship Fund . culture are prominently featured Director of SUNO’s Educational Joshua Laskay (Emeril’s NOLA) along with twenty-nine more For more information or to in the questions . The HCASC Talent Search Program (ETSP) of the New Orleans area’s best and Frank Brigtsen (Brigtsen’s) chefs will tantalize guests with purchase tickets go to www. season involves two levels of play- and Campus Coordinator of the along with 20 more of our re- their signature dishes. acfno.org. Campus Games and the National University’s Honda Challengers Championship . since 2006 . “SUNO is a Mecca of SUNO’s team consists of academic opportunities, where Benjamin Franklin High School unconventional yet gifted students graduates Terri Simon Coleman, converge to hone their skills as Andre Davis, whose also a mem- well as themselves . This activity ber of SUNO’s Men’s Basketball addresses the intellectual need Team, and Dalvin Ford, Jr . Other for students to pit wit-against-wit members include former two- in friendly, but serious competi- time Delgado Community Col- tion .” lege SGA President and Abram- Coaches include Amelia B . Sell- son High School graduate Marc ers, Data Manager for SUNO’s Guichard, Catheryn Major, who ETSP, and former SUNO SGA graduated salutatorian of Warren President and Honda Team Cap- Easton High School in 2008, and tain Eugenie Tobin . Since 1997, Tiffany Campbell . Guichard says SUNO’s Honda Challengers have that being selected for the team participated in ten National Hon- validates his family, himself, and da Campus All-Star Challenges, the child psychologist who said winning more than $32,000 in that he was beyond brilliant at the grants . age of four . “On the Honda Team, I’ve made “From graduating kindergar- lasting friendships and financed ten in five months to failing sev- my education . I found a fun activ- enth grade and barely graduating ity that I can be proud of and put high school, and then ascending on my resume,” said Ford . to the highest seat that a Louisi-

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Jerrelda Drummer-Sanders Overcoming the Odds by: Edwin Buggage

She is a woman who has overcome many her through a tough time in her life she hardships and setbacks in life and is an ex- says, “I found the beauty in writing in ample of someone whose known adversity 1994 when I was in a post high school and now is dedicating her life to giving back . program (The Dillard Teen Program) Jerrelda Drummer-Sanders’ life story is which was offered to females who lived filled with multiple triumphs and overcom- in public housing . I had an assignment ing overwhelming odds . “I tell my life story to write about an experience . I had lost many times over and if I had think about it, my brother to violence and I did not the little engine that would best describe know it at the time, but I was very an- me,” says Jerrelda . Continuing she says, “I gry . I was so angry that I wrote a poem have overcome the hardships of a difficult entitled “My Greatest Fear” The more upbringing, unstable household, teenage I read it and recite it this allowed me to pregnancy; I was a victim of youth violence, be the less fearful about the situation experienced the loss of my older brother . In and the fear of death .” my life there was knockdown after knock- She feels her early struggles made down, but, I had the ability to get back up . her stronger so when things came Now I have a story to tell and my testimony along later in life she was better able is not hiding from the enemies which are to deal with them, “There are a lot of the negative things and obstacles that can people who have gone through or are happen .” She continues, “Instead, I’m ex- going through traumatic events at a posing the enemy every chance I get and very early age and sometimes people knowing that overcoming is possible .” never come through those things . I Jerrelda’s life today is a picture of vic- have successfully done that and now tory . She’s is armed with words of positiv- I feel it is my duty to let people know ity and encouragement and is an inspiration that yes they can come through strug- to those who have the chance to meet her . She is In addition to running Mother’s Helpers, she is gles and not let that become something that holds a mother and grandmother and is the founder of the founder of New Orleans East Women of Action them back in reaching their full potential .” Mother’s Helpers, a mentoring program and full and the owner of DrumSands Publishing, where Jerrelda has been recognized by WWL-TV as a service learning center for youth ages 9 thru 17 . “I she publishes her own work and is looking to ex- Quiet Hero and now as a New Orleans Data News remember when I was this age and trying to find pand her company and begin to publish the work Weekly Trailblazer, “I am honored to be recognized myself and my path in life; when I looked around, I of other authors . She says her love for writing be- for the work I do, but giving back is something I live saw so many kids not getting what they needed so gan at an early age and has been therapeutic . She for and my greatest reward is seeing young people I created Mother’s Helpers to fill that void and pro- feels that young people can benefit by putting their armed with the tools they need to succeed ”. vide support for young people,” says Sanders . thoughts down on paper . Recalling how it helped When she holds workshops her goal is to in- spire young people to reach higher; giving her prescription to lead a successful and fruitful life she says, “You determine your limits, set your goals and prepare to put in the work, know your worth, believe in yourself and finally, understand that you have a responsibility to the elders, you are the hope and the dream of the slave and those who came before you .” JMJ Joseph M. Jones Continuing Education Fund Page 6 March 31 - April 6, 2012 Data Zone www.ladatanews.com

Fashion Week Highlights Photos by Von Paul Reeves 2012 New Orleans Fashion Week was several evenings of glitz and glamour . Fashion Week New Orleans was a huge success, and is planting the seeds to make New Orleans one of the future fashion meccas, and Data News Weekly was there!

If you have photos of parties or events you would like to run in DATA, please send to datanewsad@bellsouth .net for inclusion . www.ladatanews.com Data Zone March 31 - April 6, 2012 Page 7

The Congo Square New World Rhythms Festival Photos by Kichea S. Burt

From the Congo to Cuba, from Brazil to Basin Celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Louisiana, the world marveled at the rich culture . It was the Street and New Orleans “bounce,” the universal the festival showcases the influences from Africa, mix of African influences with those from Europe, drum were beating in Armstrong Park on March 24 the Caribbean and Latin America that combined in Latin America and elsewhere that led to the devel- and 25, when the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foun- the Crescent City to make New Orleans a melting opment of jazz and all that followed . Congo Square dation presented the Fifth Annual Congo Square pot of world culture . is truly the birthplace of American music . New World Rhythms Festival . Newly reopened after Congo Square is the location just outside of New With two stages of music and dance, plus a huge years of post-Katrina repair, the park came alive with Orleans’ French Quarter where, starting in the mid- arts market, food vendors and beverages and a So- the sounds of the African Diaspora . 1700s, African slaves were permitted to gather on cial Services Community Center, the Congo Square The Congo Square New World Rhythms Festival Sunday afternoons to practice their ancestral tradi- New World Rhythms Festival is more than just an is the Premier World-Music Event in New Orleans . tions of drumming and dance . Visitors from around event . It’s a true community celebration .

If you have photos of parties or events you would like to run in DATA, please send to datanewsad@bellsouth .net for inclusion . Page 8 March 31 - April 6, 2012 Commentary www.ladatanews.com

From NYPD Spying to Trayvon Martin Current Policing Makes Us Less Safe

the guise of safety, had gone torious stop-and-frisk program, spraying young White women on It is not just in New York that whitewater rafting with college which has led to the criminaliza- a New York sidewalk . Subsequent there is a divide in how people students and aggressively moni- tion of virtually an entire genera- instances of police violence, such see – and experience - police . The tored and infiltrated mosques tion of young men of color in the as the wounding of former Ma- national outrage over the killing and Muslim businesses . They city, is one example . The New rine Scott Olsen in Oakland, and of Trayvon Martin shows that his operate in at least 9 foreign York Civil Liberties Union report- the nonchalant pepper spraying of death – and the continued free- countries, so why shouldn’t they ed that more than 4 million stops UC Davis students, brought more dom of his killer – has struck a come to New Orleans, listen to and interrogations from 2004 public outrage and attention . The nerve among Black communities me say a few words at a public through 2011 led to no evidence response from many in the Black nationwide . Jordan Flaherty Data New Contributor event, and write a classified re- of any wrongdoing – about 90% of community has been, “welcome Here in New Orleans, public port about it? Perhaps the only all stops . Other recent revelations to our world .” outrage has been mounting over strange thing about the case is about NYPD abuses have includ- Step-by-step, we have seen any the abuses carried out by our own that I don’t fit their regular pro- ed arrest quotas, sexual assaults, idea of privacy disappear – ev- City’s police department . More When I heard that my name file . As a White US citizen, I feel and the harassment and arrest of erything we do is the business of than a dozen officers have faced was featured in a New York City my case is a bit of an anomaly for an officer who had turned whistle- police . This has always been true charges for their involvement in Police Department report, I a department that has developed blower . So my little brush with vi- for communities of color; now the the murder of unarmed civilians should have been outraged . I had a reputation for targeting immi- olation of privacy was just a small scope has simply gotten wider . in the aftermath of Hurricane followed revelations of NYPD spy- grants and communities of color . taste of what is possible from a po- While law enforcement repre- Katrina, most notoriously in the ing, but it hadn’t occurred to me My privilege has given me a cer- lice department that never met a sentatives defend the presence of Danziger Bridge shootings . In that they would come to New Or- tain amount of security and expec- boundary it didn’t want to cross . officers filming at every protest that incident, two families fleeing leans to watch me speak at a film tation of privacy that many others The Occupy Movement – now around the country as harmless the storm’s devastation were at- festival . simply don’t experience . just over six months old - first public safety measures, there is However, I also knew that the Recent revelations about NYPD captured mainstream attention no doubt this has had a chilling Flaherty, Continued NYPD, in their crusade under abuses go beyond spying . The no- when police were filmed pepper effect on dissent . on page 11.

Race Matters 2.0

finally dealt a death blow to the the shooter Zimmerman is a the American Dream . Also Blacks and that in majority Black cities thorny and divisive issue of race White Hispanic, and on the blo- experiencing a long history where like New Orleans voters can elect and racism in America . Today gosphere there are people who their humanity or right to live with a White mayor . This is the future four years later it is again front write is there such a thing . Not dignity was thwarted by a system of the world we live in where race and center as the country grap- recognizing that Spain is in Eu- of oppression and repression; for matters less . And while there is ples with issues of police abuse, rope and they colonized countries this recent case in Florida is not six degrees of separation between vigilante justice and racial para- where Native Americans, Afri- unprecedented and is not a new racial chaos and camaraderie and noia in the political arena . I ask cans and others were transported phenomenon . The list goes on and that in cases like the Trayvon Edwin Buggage today are we more divided today to what is now South, and Central on of young Black men who have Martin outrage is justified but Editor-in-Chief than we were four years ago? Are America, Mexico and the Carib- been wronged by America’s law the racial divide is exaggerated we closer to solutions than we bean so people exist in all shades enforcement and judicial system . and exploited by the mainstream sometimes think? Or as we move and each society have determined But today the question is can we media that helps to magnify further into the 21st Century has their own racial classification sys- make it right? Can we do as Rod- these issues . And because of this At the end of the last century, this become more complicated of tem . And it is further to note that ney King said in the aftermath of us vs . them framing of the issue African-American Scholar Cornel an issue where we have to look at race is a social construct not root- the Los Angeles uprisings, “Can’t mistakes are made by people on West wrote a book entitled “Race racial issues and paint a picture ed in biology . We All Just Get Along?” both sides of the issue and they Matters,” where he examined with a broader stroke of wrong vs . But I digress to say that while In spite of the recent spate are quick to judge and make race the issue of race in America . A right and not always simply Black race is not rooted in biology, it is of racial incidents, we are still a alone the central issue and play problem that was first posited vs . White . a social reality . One that’s plagued country that has moved the ball the blame game . A game where by W .E .B . Du Bois who in 1903 Today race is a central issue in this country since its inception, forward in the racial arena . We sadly no one wins and creates re- published in the “Souls of Black some people’s minds that’ve had for example counting Black slaves must remember we are a nation sentment and misunderstanding; Folk,” where he wrote, “The prob- a hard time adjusting to the tides as 3/5ths a person, or supreme where a majority of people mostly but we must recognize that racial lem of the 20th Century is that of of social change . These people court decisions saying that Blacks White, elected its first Black pres- issues in the 21st Century are not the color line ”. Fast Forward to are not only White but Black and didn’t have rights that anyone ident . What does that say about as Black and White, both literally 2008 and we were at a moment in in other groups as well . The case White was bound to respect, that race in America? Or that Blacks and figuratively as it was in the our history where the buzzword of the young man Trayvon Martin segregation, lynching and other and Whites now live side by side was post -racial; that we were at has sparked all types of debates impediments both in law and in in many neighborhoods in Amer- Buggage, Continued a place where the country had surrounding race . For example fact kept Blacks from accessing ica that were once segregated, on page 11. www.ladatanews.com Publisher’s Page March 31 - April 6, 2012 Page 9

Taking a Stand Against Injustice

on citizens concerned about the When I think of this case I shooting deaths of two young think of how many Trayvon Mar- men in one week by officers from tin type cases we’ve had where the New Orleans Police Depart- either vigilantes or misconduct ment . While my intention is not to of police have happened over the indict all those in law enforcement years and there are too many to or citizens who are concerned count . Where the circumstances about their communities being are the same, but the names sim- safe, I feel it is an important time ply change . This is a shame for for us to have a continued conver- our country that has come so far, Terry B. Jones sation about race and justice in but still has a long way to go . As Publisher America . these protests take place all over It is 2012 and even with an Af- the U S. . I see in my City young rican-American President and the people marching that attend Mar- leaps and bounds of our society in tin Luther King School, located in The Rev . Dr . Martin Luther regards to racial access over the the Lower Ninth Ward . I think of King Jr . once said “Injustice Any- past 50 years; we still grapple with my time as a young person grow- where is a Threat to Justice Ev- racial intolerance and ignorance . ing up and how we fought for erywhere .” With the recent up- We must today as President Ba- change and I look at these young roar over the slaying of Trayvon rack Obama stated when asked people and think they may have Martin in Sanford, Florida it has of this issue, do some real soul Students around the country are waking up and giving their voice and found an issue that may be the created outrage all over America searching, and begin to look at presence to something that is bigger than they are; they are realizing spark to make them civically en- finally, that they are as the signs says Trayvon Martin too. about the death of a young man how far we have come and how gaged . They saw a young person whose assailant George Zimmer- far we still have to go as a society are not clear there are several ongoing . just like themselves; this could man, a neighborhood watch cap- to erase racism in America . The things that are; Trayvon Martin People are protesting across have been their friend, brother or tain claims he fatally wounded days of overt racial discrimination is dead, according to 911 call America about what they see is relative . I felt proud to see young Martin in self-defense . Martin that I remember of my youth are George Zimmerman was told not a miscarriage of justice and the people organizing and fighting who was unarmed and at the time no longer there, and while legis- to approach the subject, and ac- unfair targeting of Black men . for justice . And we at Data News preceding the incident was com- lation has taken down some of cording to Martin’s girlfriend, he Although this is not a new topic, Weekly along with all our NNPA ing from 7-Eleven after purchas- the barriers it alone cannot bring said he was being followed . Much this case is one where a self-pro- (National Newspaper Publish- ing a bag of skittles and an iced about understanding and peace of what the police did when they claimed vigilante decided to take ers Association) partners across tea; this incident has outraged between the races or to eradicate arrived on the scene was fraught the law into his own hands . This America stand united in demand- people across America . And at the the institutional practices of rac- with miscues and errors in as- in my view is wrong . If this type of ing justice not only in the case center of it is the issue is race, law ism or polices whether written or sessing the situation in my opin- behavior is allowed we will cease of Trayvon Martin, but in cases enforcement and the targeting of unwritten that are racially bias . ion . Some of these things lead to to be a civilized society, if people across the country where injus- Black males . And while the specifics of this the temporary resigning of their feel like it is ok to take the law into tices against any citizen threatens Recently, we ran a cover story case is unfolding and all the facts police chief as the investigation is their own hands . not just Black men but us all .

To The Editor

First, the New Orleans Branch time that people all over the Unit- the Louisiana State Conference NAACP prays for the safety of all ed States, Black, White, Brown, NAACP President and is invit- our citizens following the recent- Yellow, all colors and races are ing the President/CEO of the ly reported alleged statements decrying the murder of Trayvon National NAACP, Mr . Benjamin made by NOPD officer Jason Martin, Jason Girior, who is still Jealous, to come to New Orleans Girior . Our City has been sitting under investigation for the mur- and help us address these issues on a precipice of civil unrest, par- der of Justin Sipp; the same Jason at a planned April 7, 2012, Com- ticularly following the murders of Girior who calls himself “the Pun- munity Rally and a planned April Justin Sipp and isher” and brags that he some- 21, 2012, March . Wendell Allen by NOPD offi- times does not do “everything For more information, please cers . Now, in the middle of this in- by the book,” that Jason Girior call 504-821-3221. cendiary atmosphere, Jason Giri- reportedly feels comfortable Sincerely, or, the NOPD officer that killed enough in the existing culture of Danatus N . King Justin Sipp, reportedly makes a the NOPD to make statements President public statement ridiculing about Trayvon Martin now being New Orleans Branch NAACP Trayvon Martin, another Black “in Hell .” 2475 Canal Street, Suite 308 youth killed under questionable The New Orleans Branch New Orleans, Louisiana 70119 circumstances . At the very same NAACP has been in touch with (504) 821-3221 Telephone Page 10 March 31 - April 6, 2012 Dollars & Sense www.ladatanews.com

The High Cost of Higher Education More Than $1 Trillion in Student Debt Both Black Parents and Students Borrow Heavily to Finance College

By Charlene Crowell own names to attend four-year in- dard of living . NNPA Columnist stitutions, both public and private . These devastating financial ef- Whether beginning a career Instead of comparing curricu- fects have attracted the attention or seeking to keep one going, the lum choices or graduation rates of some Capitol Hill lawmakers as competitive edge in today’s job to guide a choice of college, today well . market usually goes to those with the weightiest influence in select- According to U .S . Rep . Hansen college degrees . In our recov- ing a college is the financial aid Clarke of Michigan, “Graduates ering economy with fewer jobs package offered . The value of a are finding that their degrees, like available than there are people financial aid package, according homes at the height of the real who need them, there is strong to the Sallie Mae Report, was the estate bubble, were vastly mis- motivation to earn degrees . But determining factor for 57 percent priced assets that are now hard to higher education also costs mon- of Black students . Additionally, 52 finance . Yet, unlike the debt from ey – more than many household percent of Black students live at a home bought in the boom years, finances can afford . As a result, home while studying to contain it is impossible to walk away from many Americans are counting on costs . the debt incurred by getting a de- the potential benefits of higher Overall, students who graduate gree . Student borrowers cannot incomes derived from strong aca- leave campuses with a degree in discharge or even refinance their demic credentials against the cost one hand and a stack of student debts in bankruptcy, regardless of of going in to debt to fund that debt in the other . The average how desperate their situations be- degree . amount of debt new undergradu- come . We must set these students The New York Federal Re- young people, but for all of us . Too cent); and parent borrowing (7 ates amass is $25,000 . But for free .” serve determined that 37 million much debt means too much risk percent) . Students invest in their Black students receiving a bach- Finding solutions to this stu- Americans now owe more in stu- for a generation of young people, own futures by a combination of elor’s degree from 2007-2008, dent debt dilemma is another ini- dent debt than is owed on either many of whom are struggling in borrowing in their own names (15 27 percent borrowed $30,500 or tiative of the Consumer Financial car loans ($730B) or credit cards today’s economy .” percent) and working/saving (11 more . The highest student loan Protection Bureau (CFPB) . Later ($693B) nationwide . Chopra is right . How America percent) . debt was most common among this year, the bureau will publish Further, according to Rohit Pays for College, a research re- The Sallie Mae Report also families with incomes between a report of their findings on this Chopra, the Consumer Financial port from Sallie Mae, the nation’s found that the recent increase $30,000 and $59,999 . mounting issue . Protection Bureau’s student loan largest financial services compa- in grant usage occurred among As young graduates enter the If you or someone you know ombudsman, outstanding student ny specializing in education found middle and high-income families . workplace, student debt burdens is experiencing problems with loan debt hit the trillion dollar that parents’ income(s) and sav- Low-income families — with the will likely defer their ability to student loan debts, register that mark several months ago . In just ings are being stretched as well . least financial resources – actually purchase a home, the traditional concern with CFPB: http://www . one year, 2011, federal student For the average American, 70 paid more of their incomes and gateway to building personal consumerfinance .gov/ . loan volume totaled $117 billion . percent of college funding comes savings for college . Among Black wealth . For their parents, the ad- Charlene Crowell is a Communica- In a recent blog, Chopra said, from three sources: grants and families, 51 percent borrow for col- ditional debt of borrowing for tions Manager with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be “If current trends continue, there scholarships (33 percent); par- lege costs and 35 percent of Black their children will probably defer reached at: Charlene.crowell@re- will be consequences not just for ent incomes and savings (30 per- students take out loans in their retirement and/or alter their stan- sponsiblelending.org.

Women’s History Month We Have Good Reason to Celebrate

by Ron Busby Sr . ed as Women’s History Month . has been a rise in corporate affir- men continue to benefit the most . 2007, there were nearly 912,000 As this year’s Women’s His- This is a time to focus on and mative action programs, meant to It is believed that for this reason African-American women owned tory Month comes to an end, I am acknowledge the important roles help diversify the workplace and Black businesses have suffered businesses in America . From reminded of how proud I was to that women take on in today’s make way for more Black entre- when it comes to all levels of gov- 1997, that is a 191 .4% increase . have our history acknowledged world and the contributions they preneurs and businesses . It was ernment contract opportunities Businesses owned by African every February for Black History continue to make to history . This intended that African-Americans and access . Federal contracting -American men during that same Month . My parents made sure I year, the theme of Women’s His- and other minorities would find a still does not fall equally between time period increased learned everything possible about tory Month is the empowerment level playing field in the business each minority and disadvantaged 93 .1% . Of all African-American- our Black heritage, the struggles of women through education . world . Somewhere along the way, groups . The U S. . Black Chamber, owned businesses, 47 4%. are and obstacles we endured and the For many years, women have women were also thrown into the however, chooses to embrace this owned by women . The U S. . Black importance of African-Americans struggled to obtain the rights so category of minority . point of diversification and cel- Chamber sees this opportunity on the history of our nation . long held by men alone- the right This is often seen as a point of ebrate women-owned businesses to partner with this fast growing In 1986 our government decid- to an education, the right to vote, frustration for many minorities each day of the year . sector . ed that women also deserved to the right to work, the right to fair because while women may own African-American women have When we think of Black wom- be honored in the same way . So, wages, and the right to own their the businesses, in many cases the struggled to overcome these dis- en who have been successful en- while February is Black History own businesses . companies are still being man- advantages, and with persever- Women/Continued Month, March has been designat- Within the last 20 years, there aged by White men, and White ance they have succeeded . In on page 11 www.ladatanews.com News March 31 - April 6, 2012 Page 11

DATA CLASSIFIED Buggage/ Continued from page 8. Women/ Continued from page 10. Call 504-821-7421 to

previous century . place your classified ad. trepreneurs, we often look back at Madame C J. . Walker . She We cannot be naive and pretend it has disappeared, and note that traveled the country, demonstrating her method for straighten- yes racism is still with us and from time to time is like a cancer ing African-Americans’ hair . She was the first Black female to spreading trying to kill the soul of a new America . Where people Mailboxes by Mark own a business valued at over $1 million dollars . have found ways to become more enlightened and realize that Fast forward to recent history we can refer to the success we have more in common than not and the bridges that bring us of business women like self-made billionaire Oprah with her together is wider than the gulf that separates us . I say that to say Harpo Productions, Janice Bryant Howroyd founder of Act1- we must begin to look at issues of race through a different lens, You pay for the bricks or maybe you Group, the largest minority-owned employment agency in the so when incidents happen we can figure out ways to solve these have bricks already. You provide the mailbox. country and Cathy Hughes, Founder and Chairperson of Radio problems together . While we are all justifiably outraged when jus- I will provide the cement, wood, One, a multi-media company that focuses on African-American tice is denied, we must not let these incidents undo what we have mortar, nails etc. You choose or and other urban consumers across the country, and so many done positively in the area of racial relations . That we must realize create the design. Prices vary others . that like minded people working together can stamp out injustice according to the design. We can also look to the strength and perseverance of our own both of the individual and institutional type . And that as we move Contact: Mark (504) 723‐7318 women, the women of the U S. . Black Chamber that we serve on further into the 21st Century we the American people must come a daily basis and celebrate all year long . A woman such as the to the conclusion that we cannot be divided and be a strong nation, President and CEO of this month’s featured Black Chamber, and that while race is still a social reality, at this point in our history $$$ $$$ $$$ Natalie Cofield . Natalie heads the Capital City African- Ameri- should we be asking ourselves why does it still matter? AVON Do you need can Chamber of Commerce in Austin, Texas . She has brought money? her extensive skills and knowledge to the chamber in order to The company for women Can you use help with the economic development on behalf of the African- some extra Flaherty/ Continued from page 8. American community in the greater Austin area . cash? Try Avon!!! Avon is easy to Another shining example of strong female leaders is the own- sell, no experience necessary. er of the U S. . Black Chamber featured business of the month, It cost only $10.00 to start. You Leah Brown, President and CEO of A10 Clinical Solutions, Inc . tacked under a hail of police gunfire that left four wounded and can become your own boss or Ms . Brown has earned the honor of being Inc . Magazine’s two dead, including Ronald Madison, a mentally challenged just earn extra money. Whether Number One African-American-Run Business . Her company is 40-year-old, and James Brissette, a sixteen-year-old who had you are interested in purchasing one of the fastest-growing businesses in America . been called nerdy and studious by friends . Most alarmingly, our Avon products or becoming an New York, Georgia and Florida are the three states which local media, district attorney, and other systems of accountabil- Avon Representa�ve yourself, I have the highest number of businesses owned by African- ity mostly failed in their oversight – it was not until the US Jus- can assist you. American women . The top industry in which African-American tice Department became involved in 2009 that the officers faced women own businesses include social assistance and health charges . The next year, a Justice Department investigation of Call June ‐ 504‐606‐1362 care (32%) . the NOPD found “reasonable cause to believe that patterns and I will explain everything and help No matter the industry, African-American women have a practices of unconstitutional conduct and/or violations of fed- you to get started. place to stake a claim . They have the ability and opportunity to eral law occurred in several areas .” become leaders and to make a true difference in their commu- In the latest outrage, during the first week of March, two nities . It takes drive, passion, strength and knowledge to get to young Black men were killed by New Orleans police in separate PROMPT PROFESSIONAL where these women are today . incidents . One of the victims, Justin Sipp, was shot by officers TAX SERVICE Through education and inspiration, we can see a country that during a traffic stop . The other youth, 20-year-old Wendell Al- is full of businesses that are owned and operated by African- len, was shot in his own home by an officer executing a war- 4639 Magazine Street American women . Those businesses cannot help but succeed if rant . Allen was apparently unarmed and only partially dressed . (located inside we work together and take their dreams for a future company Allen’s killer remains free, as does George Zimmerman, who Ace Cash Express) and turn them into reality . killed Trayvon . The U .S . Black Chamber takes great pride in celebrating the This week, it was revealed that one of the officers who killed Ask for LISA successes of Blacks and women, not just during a single desig- Sipp recently wrote a racist rant about Trayvon Martin on a CALL - 504-298-6407 nated month, but all year long . news website, saying the young man deserved to die, and is now “in hell .” Referral Fees and Register to win up to $20,000.00 in cash. I am disappointed that the NYPD choose to make me a target – however peripheral – of their spying . But I am truly angered Mention you saw the ad in by the role that police play in communities of color, at the crimi- DATA NEWS WEEKLY nalization of young Black children wearing a hooded sweat- shirts . These latest revelations have had the effect of renewing To receive a $25.00 discount my commitment to fighting for a system that knows that true on your Tax Preparation. safety and security comes from providing justice, liberation, and human rights for all; not in the harsh and violent justice of law enforcement . Jordan Flaherty is a Journalist based in New Orleans, and the Au- thor of Floodlines: Community and Resistance From Katrina to the Jena Six. Red Hot Deals! SUBSCRIBE Data News Weekly special TO DATA NEWS WEEKLY offer for Non-Profits and Small CALL 504-821-7421 TO SUBSCRIBE! Businesses Call Now! (504) 821-7421