Lighting The Road To The Future Lenny Kravitz Releases New Book Data Zone “Let Love Rule” Page 4 “The People’s Paper” October 17 - October 23, 2020 55th Year Volume 25 www.ladatanews.com
A Data News Weekly Exclusive WHAT MATTERS THIS ELECTION
Page 2 Newsmaker Data Zone Early Voting Begins in A Beautiful Louisiana Mess Page 7 Page 5 Page 2 October 17 - October 23, 2020 Cover Story www.ladatanews.com What Matters This Election A NOLA PERSPECTIVE
Issues surrounding voting because of COVID-19 is causing people to think about how they will vote . Efforts are going on across the country to educate citizens
This election according to many people of New Orleans is the most important of their on voting during the pandemic . lifetime and plan to vote.
Aviwe DuBois elevated any conversation we did not know existed in tives, liquid courage to think that you’re supposed to Data News Weekly Contributor this country, notwithstanding that this country elected devalue Black bodies, Black lives, and specifically in Barack Obama twice,” said Telley Madina, a political this census even Black women,” said Madina, a sev- About 200,000 residents in the state have requested consultant who is President of The Madina Group, and enth ward native . mail-in ballots, which is almost triple the amount in the a Senior Policy Officer for Oxfam America . The 2016 election proved how much power the 2016 presidential election . Early voting in Louisiana The racial and class tensions in the country have Electoral College has during the election . Even though starts on Friday, Oct . 16th and runs through Oct . 27th . divided voters of all groups, and many are concerned Hillary Clinton won the overall popular vote, Trump Many Louisianians are weighing both the pandemic about the divisions in the country have emboldened won the electoral vote and was declared president . and the country’s economic conditions in determining White nationalist groups during the last four years . Civic groups say part of their role in this early voting how they should vote . “I think he has illuminated the things that we know period, with weeks leading up to the election, is to edu- “You hear every four years this is the most impor- to be true and probably allowed those to give some cate citizens about how important the electoral college tant election in U .S . history . I don’t think Trump has White individuals, drunk with hysteria and impure mo- is, and that every vote counts .
Cover Story, Continued on page 3.
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 Art Direction &
CEO/Publisher Production Edwin Buggage Pubinator.com Cover Story ...... 2 Commentary . . . 6. . Edwin Buggage Editorial and Editor Aviwe Dubois Advertising Inquiries Sharonda Green Data Zone ...... 4 Newsmaker...... 7 datanewsweeklyad Executive Assistant Eric Connerly @gmail.com June Hazeur Distribution
Accounting Dionne “Diva” Character by Terrence Lee 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 October 17 - October 23, 2020 Page 3
Cover Story, Continued from page 2.
Former City Council “I think it’s one of Member Cynthia the most important Willard-Lewis elections in my believes that it is lifetime given the important for people circumstances that to vote this election 2020 has manifested because of a host of for us,” says Norris issues that include Henderson, the COVID-19, Voter Executive Director of Suppression, Systemic Voice of the Experience Racism, Economic and Voters Organized Opportunities for more to Educate. people in the City.
Both Hal Clark, (above) Joyce Wilson, aka former host of WYLD Ms. Chill, the owner Sunday Journal and of Mr. Chill’s First WBOK’s and Former City Political analyst Class Cuts, said she Council Member Oliver Telley Madina said believes that even Thomas have their ear that this election after the election, to the street and say that is important for small businesses will people are tired of the determining how still need support if status quo and are paying the country deals they are to recover. more attention to the issues with racial tensions this election cycle and and divides, and believe more people will works to bring about be voting this election. justice. “This is a crucial time for the City and what I am hearing from ally . I am dismayed at seeing that my the listeners is that they are 214,000 people have lost their lives seeking answers to the pressing because of the policies set forth by “I think it’s one of the most im- commission on presidential de- questions that plague the City and this President . This election Crimi- portant elections in my lifetime, bates cancelled the second debate the Nation. And because of the nal Justice Reform and issues of sys- given the circumstances that 2020 between former Vice President Joe times we are in with COVID-19, tematic racism are also important . has manifested for us,” said Norris Biden and Trump that was sched- issues of racial and economic We must return to building bridges Henderson, the Executive Director uled for Oct . 15th after the presi- of understanding and decency in justice are things they want leaders of Voice of the Experience and Vot- dent decided not to participate in a our public discourse . And also, we who will not only address these ers Organized to Educate . “I think virtual debate . must look at expanding economic the general election is making sure The uncertainty of the country’s issues with rhetoric, but come up and educational opportunities for that people are safe and making leadership means that the recovery with solutions that affect people the people of our City and nation . sure that people’s right to vote is from the effects of the pandemic in a real way,” says WBOK radio One way we can work to achieve not being suppressed .” are delayed until residents know for host and former New Orleans City this is by voting .” An important part of the civic sure what is the national strategy to Council Member Oliver Thomas. Hal Clark is the former host of exercise is to help voters know combat the spread of COVID-19 . Al- WYLD FM 98 Sunday Journal, a what is at stake . Former associate though the City moved into Phase Public Affairs Show . He is also a justice of the Supreme Court, Ruth Wilson said . playwright and continues to have Bader Ginsburg, passed away on There are a host of voices in the his finger on the pulse of the people Sept . 18, 2020 . The Senate began community that include former of the City . “I believe the main issue confirmation hearings for Presi- The country is sharply divided in elected officials, radio talk show we are facing is the challenges to all dent Trump’s nominee to replace hosts and activist, who are voicing people having access to the polls . Ginsburg, Metairie native Amy issues related to access to healthcare, their views surrounding the issues There seems to be a concerted ef- Coney Barrett, on Oct . 12th . Vot- that concern them and the impor- fort by some to keep people away ers are concerned about what the COVID-19, systemic racism and tance of the election . from the polls . It is for reason shift in balance of the court could Oliver Thomas, WBOK-AM Ra- that people get all the information mean for Civil Rights Legislation what to do about it . This election dio Host says that his listeners have around voting and get out and cast and even for the Affordable Care voiced many concerns regarding their ballots .” Act, most commonly referred to is an important one to determine the elections, “Many who are call- Al Mims is a former member as Obamacare . President Trump ing in and speaking to me say they of the Louisiana Parole Board and urged the Senate to confirm his the direction of the nation . are tired of the status quo . They are is an activist that works to reduce Supreme Court nominee, in or- looking more closely at the can- crime and gun violence in New der for him to consider working didates and their platforms to see Orleans . “This president has legiti- with Democrats for a second- if they align with polices that will mized racism and division . He is a round of stimulus . 3 of reopening in early October, allocate resources to our small busi- benefit their families and communi- liar who is trying to divide us . The “I think the president of the Unit- residents said they are still hesitant nesses, so that’s our main focus,” ties .” difference in these candidates and ed States needs to exhibit and be a in returning to business and spend- said Joyce Wilson, aka Miss Chill, Cynthia Willard-Lewis is a for- the direction they want to take the person my children should be able ing as usual, particularly with many the owner of Mr . Chill’s First-Class mer member of the New Orleans country could not be clearer . We to emulate,” Madina said . “You were workers unemployed still, and busi- Cuts Barbershop . “We don’t want City Council, who is still involved in need to vote as if our life depends looking to the presidential forum in nesses only slowly returning to to be pushed to the back, we need work that improve the lives in the on it . I would go further and say, order to give your kids something larger capacity levels . to know what’s going on, especial- City . “I must say that first I am a this is the most important election to live up to and clearly that forum “For small businesses it is im- ly after this virus, a lot of the funds proud Democrat and support their of my lifetime; so, I am asking all and debate fell short,” he said . The portant that whoever gets elected, are running out or have ran out,” platform both locally and nation- please to get out and vote .” Page 4 October 17 - October 23, 2020 Data Zone www.ladatanews.com Lenny Kravitz Releases New Book “Let Love Rule”
Eric Connerly Data News Weekly Contributor
The eclectic soul that is Lenny Kravitz has a new book out call “Let Love Rule” and it is a great read not simply for those who love music, but it is a journey of self- discovery to find one’s authentic voice . “Let Love Rule” is an introspective memoir of Kravitz, written with David Ritz, who has written books on Marvin, Gaye, Ray Charles, and many others . This as many of his other biographies is well- written and is an engaging look inside the first 25 years of Kravitz life . The book enters the world of a young man whose musical taste runs the gamut from the Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, to Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix . Kravitz, 56, opens up about his early ex- periences with racism, making peace with his dad and his blended family with Bonet . Data Zone, Continued on page 7. Award Winning artist Lenny Kravitz, have just released the critically acclaimed book “Let Love Rule”.
The book is written with David Ritz, who help pen the biographies of Marvin Gaye, Ray Charles and countless others. In the book it explores how Kravitz grew up as an interracial child, his experiences with racism, making peace with his dad and finding his authentic musical voice. www.ladatanews.com Data Zone October 17 - October 23, 2020 Page 5 A Beautiful Mess
in all the wrong spaces, in ugly thoughts as we bring places that will always be shame upon men not real- too small for our minds be- izing they ain’t God, while cause we have never been we throw stones at glass healed from broken prom- windows we’ve created . ises yet—we expect a man We must fix up our own to be God when we are A houses before we shatter Beautiful Mess of colors the lives of men, those who Dionne “Diva” Character going outside the lines of will never be strong enough Data News Weekly Columnist a picturesque tale . to carry all of our burdens Chaotic, we have be- when they too have dusty come not realizing before rooms of their own; some Women – Some of us Ain’t we can love anything we that have never been thor- got no Daddy, some of us ain’t must focus on all the things oughly cleaned by their got no mothers, some of us we need to discard of our mothers and grandmoth- ain’t got enough confidence in own like old shoes with ers . ourselves and almost all of us crocked heels , breakups You are beautiful, strong, prance around like peacocks in —not salvageable holding and resilient . You got your full bloom walking tall like palm us hostage from healing as mind . You got a smile, and trees on boulevards, slinging we wear crowns full of bro- you got a heart . Walk be- our hair with grace, stretching ken promises yet, we still side a man, let him be your our long legs like everlasting riv- search for true love with strength . Realize that you ers of intuition splashing upon high expectations those have to rid yourself of your uneven rocks, wearing badges that will never be met be- own beautiful mess before of disappointment and grief; yet Dionne “Diva” Character is an author, vocal performer cause we have not cleaned you can strip a man of his we still ponder flying low like and life skills coach, who believes in empowering people up our own closets, housing goodness . crows in deserts looking for love with the skills to live a better and more productive life.
BUILD BACK BETTER JOBS AND ECONOMIC RECOVERY AGENDA
Joe Biden believes we cannot build back better without a major mobilization of effort and resources to advance racial equity across the American economy.
Visit joebiden.com/racial-economic-equity to learn more
PAID FOR BY BIDEN FOR PRESIDENT Page 6 October 17 - October 23, 2020 Commentary www.ladatanews.com
A Mockery of Democracy 2020 Trump, Blacks and America…Four Years Later
Trump has shown the worst of what A Gathering of White Men tive majority and this can have with higher turnout among Afri- America can become when it elects and the Dismantling of devastating consequences because can Americans in this election the an inept, incompetent leader to the Barack Obama’s Legacy these lifetime appointments have Trump Presidency can come to an highest office in the land . He has In his four years in office Trump far reaching implications on issues end and the journey towards de- not shown the maturity and respect has had in his cabinet more White around civil rights, the environ- cency and civility can return to our for the office and has proven he is men than any president since Ron- ment, preexisting conditions, a politics . unfit for office and does not believe ald Reagan was elected in 1980 . Of woman’s right to choose, criminal in healing the wounds of racial divi- the 23 top positions that requires justice, housing, employment and The Future of Black sion in America . Senate Confirmation there is only other gains for those who are dis- America Edwin Buggage This flirtation with many things one; renown neurosurgeon and enfranchised . As we have weathered nearly Editor-in-Chief racial has been a constant theme of former Presidential Candidate Ben four years of the Trump Adminis- Data News Weekly Trump’s administration, one that Carson as Secretary of the U .S . Voter Suppression tration and its assault on Blacks, seems that when he calls for Mak- Department of Housing and Urban Voting has been a right African women, immigrants, and the free Black America in the ing America Great Again it means Development (HUD) . Americans have fought to earn and press it is important that as citizens Age of Trumpism turning back the hands of racial Additionally, it seems that this now more than any time in history especially African Americans that The Trump Presidency has been progress and completely erasing President is obsessed with erasing must fight to preserve this right we remain vigilant in what makes one that’s been full of controversy . the legacy of Barack Obama . It is the legacy and legislative achieve- and get to the polls . Across the and keeps this country great . Our From his attacks on the media, to an America that’s shown based on ments of the country’s first Afri- country as people are attempting spirit of dissent and engagement embracing White Supremacists and high cabinet post, Supreme Court can American President, Barack to vote in a variety of ways because that makes us too America . That we throughout his term being a threat Nominees, voting rights, the econ- Obama . In his term in office he has of the COVID-19 Pandemic; many have fought to amend this country to our democracy . And in many omy; that making America Great signed legislation and proposed Republicans and this President are into a more perfect union . ways being the lighter fluid that is Again means going in a different changes or ending DACA, pulling attempting to place roadblocks that And that a people who have fueling our polarized nation . and dangerous direction that does the country out of Transpacific target African American voters and endured, survived, and thrived in In his nearly four years in office not benefit Black America . Partnership (TPP), The Paris Cli- other minority voters from getting spite of slavery, segregation and mate Accord among many others, to the polls to cast their ballots . discrimination are now armed with but most importantly he and fellow But even in the face of new laws, the power of the ballot to remove Republicans are still working fever- it is important that more people get Donald Trump and his racist, xe- ishly to end his signature legislative out and vote; in this past election nophobic, and sexist agenda . It is achievement the Affordable Care it was 77,000 votes in three states time for African Americans to re- Act (Obamacare) . Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsyl- engage and get to the polls during vania that put Donald Trump into this election in record numbers . Reshaping the Courts the White House . In two of these If we do, then our hands can help As we are now headed into a states Wisconsin and Michigan the shape our continued journey to- Supreme Court Hearing that may number of Black turnout dropped wards a true Democracy for all reshape the courts to a conserva- by twelve percent; so it is possible people of this nation .
ladatanews.com - The People’s Website www.ladatanews.com Newsmaker October 17 - October 23, 2020 Page 7 DATA CLASSIFIED Call 504-821-7421 to Early Voting Begins in Louisiana place your classified ad.
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Data Zone, Continued from page 4.
He writes a great deal about his and maintains a close friendship This space can be sometimes-tumultuous childhood with Real Estate Developer Sid- and growing up bi-racial . He speaks ney Torres IV . glowingly of his close bond with In interviews for the book his mother, “The Jefferson’s” star Kravitz explained why he focused yours for only $80 Roxie Roker, and conversely, he ex- on only the first twenty-five years plores his often-rocky relationship of his life . “I figured there was with his stern father, TV News Pro- enough books on rock stardom ducer Sy Kravitz . and fame . I realized this was a book In the area of creativity and about finding my voice . I needed Call Now! finding true love, Kravitz, touches to take the time to go through on his relationship with his now- my experiences as a child: all the ex-wife, Actress Lisa Bonet (“The love I got, and all the artists I saw Cosby Show”) who he called his growing up in New York City in creative must that helped him find the ‘70s and then moving to Los his true voice as artist and was Angeles . All those people and ex- 504-821-7421 the inspiration for his first album periences were notes of the music “Let Love Rule” and with whom he that I would eventually make .” shares a daughter, rising star Zoë “Let Love Rule” is a must read Kravitz (“The Batman,” “Big Little and I believe one will come away Lies”) . inspired to find their own authen- Kravitz, who once lived in tic voice and live a life where they Lenny Kravitz once called New Orleans home and produced songs for Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews, who was once a member of his New Orleans and produced can be true to themselves without band and maintains a close friendship with real estate developer and songs for with Trombone Shorty limitations . businessman Sidney Torres IV, who once worked as Kravitz assistant. Page 8 October 17 - October 23, 2020 www.ladatanews.com
WHEN ICONIC MEETS INNOVATIVE THE RESULT IS ELECTRIC!
*Preproduction computer generated image shown. Available late 2020.