Lighting The Road To Freedom Data Zone Page 9

Data’s Big Celebration Highlights

“The People’s Paper” September September 1,15, 2007 2007 41st 41st Year Year Volume Volume 3737 www.ladatanews.comwww.ladatanews.com

Newsmaker Links bring Hope Sen. Landrieu Holds Historic Recovery to Lower 9th Summit Page 5 Page 4 Photos by Victor Holt

Page  September 15, 2007 Cover Story www.ladatanews.com

By Edwin Buggage Photos by Glenn Summers

Katrina Two Years Later recovery is New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin who Slow Road Home Two years have passed since the devastation has seen many bouquets and brickbats thrown While the federal government has been slow in of Hurricane Katrina ripped through the city and his way since Hurricane Katrina, but has stood doling out monies to the city which have slowed the breaching levees as water spilled into the city steadfast as the leader of the crescent city in this down the recovery process, some residents are wreaking havoc on neighborhoods leaving the the city’s darkest hour . He says is excited by some also incensed by a city and state government that city resembling a set from a science fiction movie . of the activity going on in the city but admits that they see as doing a lackluster job handling the Presently, some parts of the city still lie like un- the city still has a long way to go before it is even recovery . A reality not lost on Mayor Nagin who occupied ghostowns where the eerie silence of close to what it was being a full recovery, “It is like understands some of the resident’s frustration . “I a place that once harbored the vibrant sounds a tale of two cities, many aspects of our city have understand their frustration from this standpoint of people are now hollow shells of their former recovered, I’m really encouraged by the number two years after Katrina no one could have told me selves; a façade of what was, and uncertain about of people who are back being over 300,000 have re- that we would be sitting here two years later with what it will become . turned but the recovery could be accelerated if we only 23% of people who were supposed to get road In the crosshairs in this barrage of criticism had the money and the dollars that were supposed home checks that would actually get them, and about what has been deemed by many as a slow to flow from the federal government ”. then New Orleans would have two billion dollars

Continued next page.

DATA News Weekly INSIDE DATA 616 Barrone Street, Suite 584, New Orleans, LA 70113 Phone: (504) 284-3840 | Fax: (504) 304-0203 editorial: [email protected] | advertising: [email protected]

Cover Story...... 2 Health News . . . . 11 Terry B. Jones Contributors Contributing CEO/Publisher Benjamin Bates Photographers Edwin Buggage Glenn Jones Mike Jones Newsmaker...... 4 In the Spirit . . . . . 11 VP Advertising Ed Cassiere Glenn Summers & Marketing Marian Wright Edelman Hazel Trice Edney Edwin Buggage Editorial Submissions State & Local . . . . . 5 Special Report . . . 12 Eddie Francis datanewseditor@ Editor-in-Chief Dr. Aaron E. Harold bellsouth.net Cheryl Mainor Larry Lucas Data Zone ...... 7 National News . . . 14 Managing Editor James Wright Advertising Inquiries Distribution Art Direction datanewsad@ Glenn Jones & Production bellsouth.net Opinions...... 10 Sports ...... 15 MainorMedia.com Please call (504) 284-3840 for subscription information. Dated material two weeks in advance. Not responsible for publishing or return of unsolicited manuscripts or photos. Cover Story, Continued from page 2. parish wide of infrastructure re- justice system that they see as a largest public healthcare facility fifty million to eight or nine hun- seems we’re going to have a lot of quest that have not been funded revolving door . Recently, Mayor Charity Hospital stands as a de- dred million dollar project ”. success in the Recovery School by the federal government ”. “This Nagin came out and criticized the caying boarded up building . And District with more qualified teach- has pretty much left us in a posi- D A. ’s. Office and wanted to bring as the days pass and those who ers, lower teacher to pupil ratio’s tion that we have had to stretch in additional help an office that are returning; the poor and el- Dedication to Education and better classrooms for our every dollar that we could to get in his opinion was ineffective in derly who cannot afford health in- As many of the city’s public kids ”. the city to the level that it is today, keeping the streets in the city of surance what are they to do? Can schools pre-Katrina resembled so I do understand why some peo- New Orleans safe for its citizens . they afford to be sick in this city; warehouses for many of the young ple are frustrated ”. Since that time an agreement where will they go to be cared for? people of the crescent city, rob- Race to Power: The “Home As the Louisiana Road Home was struck between the police Healthcare is at a crisis in the city bing them of the ability to dream, Ownership” Program seemingly has become and the D A. ’s. Office as well as and is such a vital part of the re- and where high achievement was The thorny issue of race has a roadblock that have many in the state and federal law enforce- covery of a city to have a healthy more the exception than the rule . reared its ugly head dividing the state wondering if they ever will ment agencies to help combat population . For some of the young people of city among racial lines . Several New Orleans the elections including the race for tumultuous wa- mayor found Nagin who previous- ters of Hurricane ly was the poster child for change Katrina may have and ethics in government and a been a watershed trusted ally in the business and moment, giving white community . But after Ka- the city a golden trina his image was transformed opportunity to as he became persona non grata, wipe the slate he soon found himself on the re- clean and replace ceiving end of negative editorials a failing school by the mainstream media, and a system with some- political and business establish- thing that provides ment who backed any number of hope, and a chance his white opponents who they felt to thrive for the could provide the leadership the next generation of city needed in this crucial time . young people of As neighborhoods that were New Orleans . once occupied by people of color Today many are hollow fixtures that resemble former school ancient ruins and other parts of buildings still are the city are thriving, there are unoccupied de- voices that see this as a second caying structures reconstruction and a plan by located all over some to reconfigure the racial the city, today re- and economic make-up of the city . forms there have Nagin who is no stranger to racial been reforms; a controversy says, “I don’t know if this idea of a racial land grab is a myth or not, receive the resources they need the crime epidemic . Mayor Nagin Nagin sees but I do know I to repair their homes Mayor Na- thinks crime is a serious problem this as a seri- have had situa- gin who has been a vocal critic of in the city and feels that making ous problem, tions with some the program since its inception the city safer is key to its recov- “Today we segments of the but has recently altered his views ery . “I think that crime is a seri- don’t have community who slightly saying, “There have been ous problem and the way we are enough beds were upset when improvement from my under- fighting it we need to improve in the metro- I would not issue standing, the company who is in several areas . We continue to politan area a moratorium handling the disbursement have work on that everyday, but un- not just New on rebuilding seemed to streamline their opera- fortunately the reality is that the Orleans, the certain sections tion and say they have projected criminal justice system was to- original Char- of the city and I threat they will have 90,000 dis- tally shut down after Katrina and ity Hospital rejected that be- bursements by year end . But I fell we have really had a tough time building is still cause I thought it still is moving way too slow ”. getting back in stride ”. “ But I’m shut down, it would hurt ho- seeing some very positive things and Univer- meowners and from the police department, their sity Hospital people who had 504 Murder Capital ranks are growing they have new is only up at a fraction of the num- new school superintendent has inherited thri property and the New Orleans has again become equipment, we have the National ber of beds it has for patients, so it arrived and a bifurcated school plan would render their properties the murder capital even with few- Guard, state troopers and the feds continues to be a challenge for us, system has been put in place with almost valueless and allow certain er residents . It was assumed that working with us in unprecedented we’re working with the state and mixed results . Nagin who has developers to take advantage of with the closing of many of the lo- ways ”. “We have some good strat- the private sector to get a hold of been concerned that their were them . And since I didn’t do that I cal public housing developments egies and we have to keep tweak- this problem under control ”. problems initially says he sees im- think it has helped stabilize those and neighborhoods where many ing them until the city gets safer Recently, the city has finalized provements . “I feel fine about the property values and those citizens of the violent crimes took place so people will not feel that when and sealed a deal with the Veter- direction it is going in under the if they choose to sell now they can are not as densely populated that they return they will be in harms ans Hospital who have agreed to new superintendent, but previ- sell and get a decent value ”. crime would decrease, but con- way ”. place a new facility in New Or- ously it was a concern of mine be- versely there has been an upsurge leans . This project Nagin says cause it seemed that all the focus Governor Nagin? of crime and violence . Earlier this can be the impetus to jumpstart was on the schools that were still With the decision of incumbent year citizens marched on city hall Healthcare at a Crisis a more diversified economy in under the jurisdiction of the New Louisiana Governor Kathleen expressing their outrage about a New Orleans pre-Katrina was the city of New Orleans “I am en- Orleans Parish School Board ”. Blanco deciding to forgo run- city where they feel crime has run a city where many people young couraged by the deal with the VA “But now I see more balance and ning in the upcoming Gubernato- amuck, and where criminals slide and old use the public hospitals which is going to be a six hundred I’m encouraged recently I went through the hands of a criminal when they became ill . Today the to a rally for the teachers, and it rial Election there had been wide

Continued on page 13. Page  September 15, 2007 Newsmaker www.ladatanews.com

U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu Hosts Hope and Recovery Summit

By Benjamin Bates were Democratic Presidential Katrina, we can do better ”. “We Photos by Glenn Summers hopefuls Hillary Rodham Clinton have a moral responsibility to get and Senator John Edwards who New Orleans back on its feet and I Louisiana United States Senator participated in the summit engag- applaud Sen . Landrieu for organiz- Mary Landrieu recently hosted ing in a question and answer seg- ing this forum and bringing New the “Hope and Recovery Summit” ment with CNN’s Soledad O’Brien Orleans the national attention it at the University of New Orleans where Sen . Clinton reiterated that needs and deserves ”. to commemorate the second an- New Orleans deserves to be re- The summit said Federal Coor- niversary of Hurricane Katrina . built with the help of the federal dinator of Gulf Coast Rebuilding The summit featured panels that covered a wide range of topics related to New Orleans and its re- covery including Coastal Protec- tion, Levees and Infrastructure, Education; Business Recovery, Rebuilding the Criminal Justice System; and Housing Recovery and Sustainable Community De- velopment . The summit attracted both lo- cal and national leaders who were concerned about New Orleans and its recovery including Rev . Al Sharpton and U S. . Congresswom- Louisiana U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu at Hope and Recovery Summit. an Maxine Waters . Also on hand

Al Sharpton and U.S. Congressperson Maxine Waters.

Come Back to Canal Street and see government, “Rebuilding this city Donald E . Powell; “It is not about what’s happening! is not a New Orleans obligation revisiting the past but looking for- or a Louisiana obligation it is an ward to the future and the rebuild- Construction is complete, American obligation ”. ing if the city and the region ”. He The former first lady and U S. . also talked about an effort that It's clean, it's safe & it's Coming Back! Presidential Candidate talked stressed unity in rebuilding the about the need for infrastruc- ture improve- Saturday, September 8 ments includ- ing hospitals All day: . .Merchant promotions . . . . River to Basin Street and adequate 11 a.m. . .Official Kick off/Remarks . Ritz-Carlton Hotel healthcare .Also 6 p.m. . . .Grand Prize Drawing . . . . Harrah's Casino she spoke of how her moth- er-in-law had ties to the city From the River to Basin Street enjoy a day of music, dining, as she trained fun and shopping. Play our Treasure-Trove of Trivia* game and as a nurse at be eligible to win a grand prize worth more than $1000! Charity Hospi- tal . Louisiana You can tell your story of Canal Street on camera and get an U S. . Senator autograph on your copy of Canal Street: The Great Wide Way Mary Landrieu by Peggy Scott Laborde and John Magill. chimed in say- ing of those who partici- Music by: Wanda Rouzan, pated, “It is re- assuring that U.S. Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton sharing views with audience. New Orleans Concert Band, some of the leading candidates are focused on affected areas, “We share a focus Storyville Stompers and The Wiseguys! keeping our recovery a national on forward looking efforts to as- priority ”. sist local leaders as they rebuild As the plight of those affected the Gulf Coast region and the city Visit www.neworleansdowntown.com for full details by Hurricane Katrina is no lon- of New Orleans in a stronger and ger part of the daily new reports, safer way . The American taxpay- Presented by: Sponsored by: Sen . Edwards stated New Orleans ers, especially taxpayers along Canal Street Development Corporation should continue to be a priority the Gulf Coast expect and deserve for the country . “We are not the nothing less ”. country of the Superdome after www.ladatanews.com State & Local News September 15, 2007 Page 

Lower 9th Ward Residents Get Assistance From Global Women’s Organization

During their recent governance team donated items were given to children and Express (Fed-X), Key Bank, Walgreens co-hosted the community service project in meeting in New Orleans (LA), over 200 their families . and Burger King, with assistance from the conjunction with the city of New Orleans members of The Links, Incorporated, pre- Post-Katrina, there was no health care Orleans Parish Criminal Sherriff’s Office, Health Department; the Coalition of 100 sented hospital and medical supplies and facility in the Ninth Ward . The Methodist city officials of New Orleans, and other Black Women, New Orleans Chapter; and equipment to the Lower 9th Ward Health Hospital previously served residents in this local sponsors . The Links, Incorporated, Healthy Start New Orleans . The health fair Clinic . This presentation was made at a community, but it has not yet reopened . Pa- who were the lead sponsor for the event, was open to the public . back-to-school family health fair at the Dr . tricia Berryhill, RN MFN, and Al- Martin Luther King, Jr . Charter School ice Craft-Kerney, RN BSN, nurses on August 11th . Dr . Gwendolyn B . Lee, from the community, founded the national president of The Links, Inc ,. and Lower 9th Ward Health Clinic and members of The Links in attendance, do- operate it from the renovated home nated $13,000 to help with the health clin- that belongs to Ms . Berryhill, who ic’s community outreach . serves as the Clinical Director of Robin Barclay, a member of the Greater the clinic Ms . Craft-Kerney, ex- Wayne County Chapter of The Links, Inc . ecutive director of the Lower 9th

STRONG COMMUNITIES ARE BUILT WITH COMMITMENT .

Patricia DeBerry, Clinical Director/Nurse & Founder of the Lower 9th Ward Health Clinic; Marcella Jones, president of the Capital City Chapter (DC) of The Links, Inc. and major contributor; Alma Dodd, National Program Coordinator; Dr, Gwendolyn B. Lee, National President; Alice Craft-Kerney, Nurse/Executive At Coors Brewing Company, we’ve made a Director and Founder of the Lower 9th Ward Clinic; and Robin Barclay, member of The Links, Inc. and contributor of the hospital equipment. in Detroit, MI, and her family, owners of Ward Health Clinic, commented the United Community Primary Care Clin- on the donations . She said, “We solid commitment to support the efforts of people dedicated to ic in Detroit, closed their hospital and do- are eternally grateful for all of the nated equipment valued in excess of $500, assistance from The Links, Inc . 000 . “My family and I, including my Link and we look forward to a contin- sisters, are proud of the work done in the ued relationship because there is Lower 9th Ward and we are proud to be of a tremendous need for health care strengthening their communities. WE ARE PROUD assistance, said Ms . Barclay . in this community ”.

TO INVEST IN THE vision and dedication of these individuals

striving to make a difference — FROM OUR COMMUNITY TO YOURS.

Links Visit Lower 9th Ward Clinic

Children attending public schools in The health fair concept for the the Ninth Ward participated in the health Lower 9th Ward was presented by fair, which offered free physical examina- The Links, Inc . national program tions, vision screenings, immunizations, team, led by Alma Dodd, coor- STRENGTH , SUPPORT, COMMITMENT lead poison testing, and blood pressure dinator for national programs of www.coors.com and glucose level testing . School supplies, The Links, Inc . Contributing cor- childhood nutrition, health insurance in- porate sponsors for the project in- formation, educational games, and other clude Allstate Insurance, Federal © 2004 Coors Brewing Company, Golden, Colorado 80401 • Brewer of Fine Quality Beers Since 1873 • BEER

A8696_3a_C 300dpi Press PDF 08.17.04 16:00 100 Linescreen bh

DATE: 8/2/04 - 12:06 PM LIVE: 5.75” x 10.5” CREATIVE DIRECTOR: CLIENT: Coors TRIM: n/a ART DIRECTOR: FILE NAME: 530-122C BLEED: n/a COPYWRITER: MEDIA TYPE/UNIT: print ad DOC STATUS: 1 ACCOUNT: INSERTION DATE: PRINT IS OUTPUT AT: 100% PROD MGR: E. Kozacas BW OR 4-COLOR: BW TRAFFIC MGR: J. Tompetrini LINE SCREEN: EPRO: A. Chang DOCUMENT PATH: Studio Server/Current EPRO Jobs/530-122_Coors_newspapers/530-122C NOTES: Page  September 15, 2007 State & Local News www.ladatanews.com

Author To ‘Fill’ Ray Charles DA’s Office Rids Court Chair At Dillard Docket of 80 Percent of Jessica Harris named scholar-in-residence for Fall 2007 semester (September 4, 2007) – Jessica B . Harris, Ph D. ,. noted cultural scholar and author of Be- Pre-Katrina Cases yond Gumbo as well as a new release, The Martha’s Vineyard Table, joins the Dillard faculty as the scholar-in-residence for the Ray Charles Endowed Chair in African-American Material Culture . New Orleans, LA—Today, Orleans made appearances in Criminal Dis- Dr . Harris will deliver a lecture on “Creole Cousins: Culinary Connections in the Afro-Atlan- Parish District Attorney Eddie J . trict Court with an attorney after tic World” on Tuesday, October 23, 2007 in Stern Amphitheatre at Dillard . Jordan, Jr . releases findings of a 10- being evacuated to in-state correc- Dr . Harris is an English professor at Queens College, C U. N. Y. . in Flushing, New York . She is month long case recovery project . tional facilities due to Katrina re- the author of On the Side, Beyond Gumbo: Creole Fusion Food from the Atlantic Rim, The Af- The Final Report, which was com- lated flooding; 82 were released on rica Cookbook: Tastes of a Continent, The Welcome Table: African-American Heritage Cooking piled by the Case Recovery Manage- bond; and only 22, contrary to me- and a host of other books on cuisine and culture . Dr . Harris received a B A. . from Bryn Mawr, ment Team (CRMT), highlights a dia reports, had not been brought Licence ès Lettres from Université de Nancy (Nancy, France), an M A. . from Queens College, significant reduction in the office’s before a judge since the storm . and a Ph D. . from New York University . pre-Katrina caseload and provides Ultimately, all 22 prisoners were The endowment will allow Dillard to research, teach and publish about the historical and fact-based accountability for evacuat- located and procedures were imme- cultural contributions offered in the preparation and creation of authentic food of the African ed prisoners who were awaiting trial diately implemented to have them Diaspora . Dr . Harris will develop educational programs that will enrich the public’s knowledge at the time of the storm . brought to court . about African-American southern cooking and, in turn, preserve the culture’s rich traditions . According to the CRMT report, “Two years after Hurricane Ka- The Ray Charles estate awarded $1 million to establish the chair in October, 2006 . The leg- 80 percent of the pre-Katrina cases trina, my office, with the assistance endary singer and pianist, who never attended college, received an honorary degree from Dil- awaiting trial in Criminal District of the Case Recovery Management lard in 2003 . Charles died in June 2004 . Court have been resolved . The re- Team, has worked and continues to Dillard University, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), has been a corner- port also notes the following signifi- work incessantly to reduce the num- stone of educational excellence and a critical part of the New Orleans community since 1869 . cant results: ber of pre-Katrina cases in Criminal Dillard offers a quality, four-year, comprehensive undergraduate program to students that rep- • There are currently 420 pre-Ka- District Court . Pre-Katrina cases resent 29 states and several foreign countries . trina open cases awaiting trial in have been disposed of in an orderly the twelve sections of Criminal Dis- way, following a careful analysis of trict Court as opposed to the 2,020 the availability of physical evidence pre-Katrina open cases reported in and witnesses . CRMT’s findings November 2006 when CRMT be- point to significant productivity on gan its project . behalf of my staff under unusually • There are currently 2,520 open cas- difficult working conditions,” says Isaac Delgado Fine Arts Gallery Presents es in Criminal District Court; pre- Orleans Parish District Attorney Ed- Katrina cases account for 17 per- die Jordan . “Uncertain Territory: Losing Louisiana” cent of these cases . In November CRMT was a four-member team 2006, pre-Katrina cases accounted of prosecutors led by former fed- for 62 percent of the 3,290 cases eral prosecutor Linda Bizzarro . The New Orleans, La . – Isaac its surrounding wetlands is Losing Louisiana’ addresses awaiting trial in Criminal District team recently completed a ten-month Delgado Fine Arts Gallery, uncertain as the Louisiana the serious landscape issues Court . grant funded case recovery assign- located on the third floor of coastline disappears, leav- facing Louisiana,” said re- • CRMT also found that there were ment at the Orleans Parish District Building One on Delgado ing no protection from hur- nowned New Orleans artists 441 prisoners awaiting trial at the Attorney’s Office . City Park Campus at 615 ricanes . Jacqueline Bishop . “How- time of the storm . Of these, 337 City Park Ave ,. welcomes “Uncertain Territory: Los- ever, this issue is not limited were returned to New Orleans and the public to enjoy the invita- ing Louisina” was curated to our immediate environ- tional exhibition “Uncertain by the five prominent New ment, but bleeds across state Territory: Losing Louisiana” Orleans artists who served boundaries and beyond . It is Oct . 4 – Nov . 27, 2007 . There as Grand Isle Annual Exhibi- globally connected . There’s will be an opening reception, tion jurors: Allison Stewart, no question that culture ABCT Fall Semester Starts Soon free and open to the public, at Adrian Deckbar, Jacqueline comes from the land . Sadly, The Anthony Bean Community Theater & Acting School is now regis- the gallery on Thursday, Oct . Bishop, Bradley Sabin and much of our natural world tering for its fall semester, classes will be taught on all levels, with strong 4, 6 – 8 p m. . Raine Bedsole . The 15 artists is infected, deformed and emphasis on “Uncertain Territory: included in the exhibition quietly disappearing because Losing Louisiana” is a group are: Darlene Bigus-Doheny, of lack of leadership or un- retrospective of select work Sallie Ann Glassman, Jeremy derstanding about it . When Acting Technique Movement & Voice To increase awareness of self and To provide an introduction to the from past participants in the Jernegan, Mary Jane Parker, all else fails, perhaps an aes- to expand the repertory of expres- works of the master teacher, Con- Grant Isle Annual Juried Ex- Cynthia Scott and Carlos thetic approach to communi- sive choices using a unique series stantine Stanislavski, Gloria Good- hibitions . Over the last five Luis Zervigon (New Or- cating coastal wetlands loss of exercise developed over a thirty worth and Beatrice Lees . years, the Grand Isle Com- leans, La );. Karin Eberhardt is necessary . This exhibition year period by Mr . Anthony Bean . munity Development Team (Pascagoula, Ms );. Claire is meant to do just that ”. Classes will begin on Septem- Art Committee has invited Waguespach Fenton (Hou- For further information ber 13 . 2007 and held on Monday, established New Orleans ma, La );. Yvonne James (Fol- about the exhibition, please Improvisation Wednesday, and Thursday from artists to jury The Grand som, La );. Delaina LeBlanc contact Robin Pellegrin, Del- To develop spontaneity, playful- (4 p m. . - 6 p m. ). and (5 p m. . – 7 p m. ). . Isle Annual Juried Exhibi- (Thibodaux, La );. Dede Lusk gado Fine Arts Gallery direc- ness & Theatricality, using the tech- tions, which have explored and Ed Smith (Baton Rouge, tor, at (504) 671-6363; Sue niques of Anthony Bean & Viola For Class Registration or more coastal erosion in Louisiana La );. Wanda Sullivan (Mo- Galliano at (504) 915-0382 / Spolin . information call (504) 862-7529 through contemporary art . bile, Ala );. Janice C . Cartier suegalliano@mobiletel .com; Grand Isle is Louisiana’s only and Melissa Turner Drumm or Sidney Wilder at (504) inhabited barrier island, and (Dallas, Texas) . 452-5299/ swild@bellsouth . the future of the island and “’Uncertain Territory: net . www.ladatanews.com StateDataZone & Local News September 15, 2007 Page  The Stars Came Out to Celebrate Data’s 41st Photos by Mike Jones

Ty Green Our Local Color Commentator

Jazz Violinist Michael Ward

Emcees for the evening, Surivior Fiji Star Erica Durousseau and WYLD’s Harold Clark

Big Fine Ellen Smith Trumpeter Kermit Ruffins Josephine Marie Page  September 15, 2007 Data Zone www.ladatanews.com

The DNW 41st Anniversary celebration at Ray’s Over the River was a night of fun and a party with a purpose. Friends, family and members of the community came to enjoy the festivities and raise funds for the JMJ Continuing Education Fund.

Data News Weekly publisher Terry Jones enjoys the evening with a guest Eldridge Randolph, Allison Randolph and Vaughn Randolph dancing

Zenobia Lieteau Kim Brown, Seth Brown, Allison Randolph II, Drorthy Randolph Esther Marie Randolph .

Kim Brown, President of the JMJ Continuing Education Fund with 2007 JMJ The Durousseau Sisters Raghan and Erica V2_30874.1_10.75x3_4C_Ad 9/10/07 11:01 AM Page 1 Scholarship recipients, and Dr. Laura Rouzan of Dillard University.

Saturday, September 15 Wednesday, September 19 Thursday, September 20 Friday, September 21 9:00pm to 1:00am 8:00pm to Midnight 8:00pm to Midnight 9:00pm to 1:00am Don Vappie Sharon Martin Luther Kent Cullen Landry and The Midnight Streetcar

Every Thursday • Ched Reeves • 5pm to 8pm Every Friday • DJ Greg Wells • 5pm to 8pm 2-for-1 Margaritas • $6 Ten Cane Mojitos $3 Level vodka drinks • $3 Miller Lite

Entertainment subject to change.

#1 - Data News Weekly - 09/15/07 www.ladatanews.com Data Zone September 15, 2007 Page 

Community Support makes the Difference

Gamble Hayden of PhRMA accepts the gratitude award from Terry Jones for sponsoring the event.

Ceeon Quiett accepts the Distinguished Community Service Award for Mayor C. Ray Nagin from Terry Jones

Glenn Jones of Data News Weekly presents the gratitude award to Winston McKissic of Diageo/Glazers for sponsoring the event

Keith Hitchens of AT&T accepts sponsors award from Terry Jones

Melanie L Campbell, Executive Director of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation accepts the Distinguished Community Service Award from Terry Jones Page 10 September 15, 2007 Opinion www.ladatanews.com

By. Marian Wright Edelman dent attempting to attend a White Friday night NNPA Columnist party in December 2006 — the incident was very much related to the school events . The next day a White Jena graduate confronted a ® Child Watch Column group of Black youths at a convenience store The recent conviction of Black high school with a shotgun . Fortunately, they wrestled student Mychal Bell in the small rural town the weapon away from him without injury of Jena, Louisiana, demonstrates why the but were arrested for assault and stealing the struggle for civil rights and equal justice must gun . The gun owner was not charged with a continue with renewed vigor . crime . In a vindictive miscarriage of justice, La- The racial tension in the town came to a Salle Parish District Attorney J . Reed Walters head on Monday, December 4, when Justin the brought the full weight of his office as a prose- Barker, a White student who was vocally sup- cutor down on Bell, 17, who may face a 15-year portive of the noose hangers and called Black prison term for aggravated second-degree bat- students ‘’niggers,’’ was beaten by some Black tery for participating in a school fight . students . Barker went to the hospital was re- Five other Black students are at risk of sim- leased the same day and attended a ring cer- ilar convictions . These young men, known as emony that evening . The six Black youths the Jena Six, are victims of a double standard involved in the incident were arrested and ini- Jena too common throughout America where the tially charged with attempted murder . None of scales of justice are weighed against African- the Jena Six has a prior police record . Americans and other people of color . It is also In a July trial that turned justice on its head, a disturbing reminder of the increasing crimi- Mychal Bell was convicted as an adult of ag- nalization of Black youths and trying them as gravated second-degree battery and conspir- adults . acy . He was found guilty by an all-White jury The chain of events leading up to the Jena in a trial presided over by a White judge . Dis- Six arrests began with an old oak known as trict Attorney Walters argued that Bell’s ten- Six the ‘’white tree’’ in the middle of the Jena High nis shoes were deadly weapons because they School campus . According to news accounts, were used to kick Barker . by twisted tradition, the shade of the tree’s On September 4, Judge J P. . Mauffray threw spreading branches was reserved for White out the conspiracy conviction against Bell . He students only . In September 2006, a Black also granted a defense motion that trying Bell freshman asked if Black students could sit as an adult was improper and agreed that he under the tree . The administrators said that should have been tried as a juvenile . But the Black students could sit where they liked . judge let stand the conviction on aggravated Shortly after the query, several Black stu- second-degree battery, which means Bell may dents gathered under the tree . The following be condemned to a prison term of up to 15 day, three hangman’s nooses were looped years at his sentencing hearing on September over one of its boughs . There’s no mistaking 20 . the symbolism of this act . It recalls warnings Regrettably, what is happening in Jena re- of impending violence by the Ku Klux Klan minds me of the racial injustices I witnessed and other vicious White terrorist groups per- as a civil rights attorney in the Deep South mitted to flourish in the South for more than during the 1960s . We cannot go back to those a century . times . Despite the seriousness of their act, the Rev . Martin Luther King, Jr, used to say that three White students responsible were mere- the arc of the universe is long but it bends to- ly suspended for three days and given a verbal ward justice . I believe that . However, those of reprimand . The principal’s recommendation us who love justice must take a hand in bend- of expulsion was overruled by the superinten- ing the arc faster . We can start by taking ac- dent of schools who thought that was too harsh tion today and calling LaSalle Parish District a punishment for an adolescent ‘’prank ’’. Attorney J . Reed Walters at (318) 992-8282 Tensions escalated in the town of about and demand justice for the Jena Six . 3,000 where the number of African-Americans Marian Wright Edelman is President of is around 350 . Black students tempered their the Children’s Defense Fund and its Action outrage at the nooses and the school super- Council whose Leave No Child Behind® mis- intendent’s lenient treatment of the offending sion is to ensure every child a Healthy Start, students by staging a peaceful protest at the a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start and a tree . Moral Start in life and successful passage to Somehow, District Attorney Walters per- adulthood with the help of caring families and ceived a danger to the public, not in the noos- communities . es, but in the protests against them . Instead of attempting to bring the parties together and calming the agitated atmosphere, he made things worse by calling a school assembly ac- companied by local law enforcement officials . Directing an ominous threat toward the Black students, he said, ‘’I can be your best friend or worst enemy . I can take away your lives with a stroke of a pen ’’. Walters didn’t help matters by winking at White violence like the beating of a Black stu- www.ladatanews.com September 15, 2007 Page 11 Health In The Spirit

Where were you two years ago? Prostate Cancer Awareness Remembering Katrina

disease the most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in African American men . Yet, in a recent University of Chicago study, 55 percent of African-American men gauged their risk of prostate cancer to be zero percent, but a full 70 percent turned out to have prostate cancer . This may par- tially explain why the American Cancer Society says men in our community are Larry Lucas more likely to be diagnosed later, with Dr. Aaron E. Harold Data Columnist more advanced cancer, which is harder to Data Columnist treat and is often more lethal . It is so im- and other government monies, we see the portant to get tested regularly – through citizens of this great city pull together with regular visits to your doctor . These screen- love, hope, and faith to encourage one an- By: Dr. Aaron E. Harold By Larry Lucas ing tests can find cancer early, when it’s other that things are getting better . most treatable . King David went through much difficul- It’s that time of year again – time to get My brothers and sisters it has been Because approximately 90 percent of all ty with the lost of some of his children and our children and grandchildren ready two years after Hurricane Katrina dev- prostate cancers are detected in the early other personal issues, but he found joy in for school with annual health check-ups astated thousands of lives and the whole stages, the cure rate is very high – nearly God . In Psalms Chapter 16 verse 11, Jesus and vaccinations . But when it comes to Gulf Coast Region . August 29th, 2005 is a 100 percent of men diagnosed at this stage and his disciples got away from time to our own adult health, many of us would day where many of us cry , as we reflect will be disease-free after five years, accord- time from ministry work to go fishing, and rather stay on a permanent summer va- back on families that were once joined by ing to the Prostate Cancer Foundation . to enjoy each other . Folks, learn to get with cation . As a nine-year survivor of pros- living loved ones, precious belongings Still, you have to work to maintain your people that are positive and that will en- tate cancer, I’m here to tell you that when that were passed down from generation health by eating right and exercising . Ac- courage you . Take more time to meditate it comes to the health of your prostate, to generation, and hard work and sacri- cording to the NIH, more than half of Af- on the goodness of God, and not what you avoiding your annual health check-ups fice of homes that were built from blood, rican-American adults are overweight or lost during Katrina two years ago . Many can be life threatening . sweat and tears . Many of us, including obese . And, a new study from the medical of us can still remember that eerie feeling In fact, it’s that annual physical that myself, still stop and daydream about journal BJU International found that obese when meteorologists Carl Arredondo and saved my life . I had no symptoms and where we were two years ago . For me, men have an increased risk of prostate Bob Breck alerted us that this was going was enjoying activities like golf with no it was enjoying the most simplest thing cancer recurrence and death after they to be the “Big One ”. problem . Through the prostate screen- as a cup of coffee or listening to the birds have completed radiation therapy . Many of us two years ago were caught ing and blood tests that are a part of my sing . For others, it was enjoying a good More than ever before, medicines of- of guard and unprepared when Katrina regular physicals, I was fortunate enough nights rest in your bed in the comfort of fer hope to those battling prostate cancer . hit . A lesson hard learned is “You should to catch the cancer in its early stages, be- your own home . A new PhRMA report shows that today have at least three days supply of food fore it had spread to my lymph nodes or As President Bush spoke two years there are 50 medicines in development to and water per person on hand ”. However, other vital organs . ago of high hopes of government help treat prostate cancer . Several vaccines that lots of us had everything washed away, in- September is Prostate Cancer Aware- to aid the city of New Orleans, many of attempt to get the body’s own immune sys- cluding the three day supply of food and ness month and, according to the Na- us are still in despair and disbelief of the tem to fight the cancer are currently being water, but others just were not properly tional Cancer Institute, prostate cancer staggering amount of time it is taking to studied . One potential vaccine in clinical prepared . Can you imagine life again with- is the second most common type of get funding so that people can start piec- trials has tripled the survival rate of men out electricity, ATM’s don’t work, gasoline cancer among men in this country . Only ing their lives back together . Everyday with advanced prostate cancer . pumps don’t work, credit card machines skin cancer is more common . Out of ev- when we get up in the morning, we need The Prostate Cancer Foundation re- don’t work, no a/c, no food, no communi- ery three men who are diagnosed with to thank our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ ports that one new case of prostate cancer cations with your loved ones? This is why cancer each year, one is diagnosed with for a brand new day . However, many of occurs every 2 5. minutes; a man dies from we need to always take time to meditate prostate cancer . us are still facing some difficult challeng- it every 19 minutes . Help ensure you don’t on the goodness of God, because he cared Prostate health is particularly impor- es and changes in our lives . Some of us become a statistic by knowing the status of enough for you and me to bring us back to tant for African American men . Death have started the rebuilding process while your prostate health . Consider it your as- the place we call home (John 3:16) . rates for this cancer are nearly two-and- others are still stuck in limbo wondering signment for a healthy school year . Dr. Aaron E. Harold is the pastor of New Millennium a-half times higher in African-American what to do . In spite of the slow moving Breakthrough Ministries. To contact him with your com- men than white men, according to the ments or suggested topics he can be reached at rhar- Larry Lucas is the vice president for Pharmaceutical Re- progress of receiving Road Home Funds [email protected] or (504) 813-5767 National Institutes of Health, making this search and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA). www ladatanews. com. Page 12 September 15, 2007 Special www.ladatanews.com

The Learning Curve of Rebuilding New Orleans Part 3 in a 3-part series about the progress of rebuilding New Orleans’ Public Schools

Where We Have Been And Where We Are Going

By Eddie Francis all year long . At the same time New school . At the same time local main- 11th also enjoyed the re-dedication of Orleanians were appalled to find out stream media outlets gave the group King’s original Ninth Ward site . The 2006-2007 school year began that some schools had not even been little exposure in their efforts . Not to outdone is Southern Uni- with both excitement and anxiety . As renovated properly with basics such Others have been watching, how- versity at New Orleans (SUNO) the year progressed the Recovery as doors on restroom stalls missing . ever . In January Bill Cosby came to who runs Sophie B . Wright Charter School District (RSD) came to serve Another area of huge concern was New Orleans on the invitation of the School . Chartered on July 1, 2005 as the center of controversy . At the school security . The real point of con- FYRE Youth Squad, and addressed SUNO has made tremendous strides same time the bold experiment of tention for all New Orleanians came students at Sarah T . Reed High with the once-troubled school, even charter schools came into focus with when problems at John McDonogh School . It was during that time that winning the compliments of BESE supporters and opponents speaking High School (John Mac) drew at- the group also won support from the Board vice-president, Leslie Jacobs . loudly . In the midst of the difficulties tention to poor school security . Citi- non-profit Downtown Neighborhood Only two out of 24 fourth graders have come a couple of voices that are zens were shocked to find out that Improvement Association . Cosby failed the 2006-2007 LEAP Test and cleaning their sunglasses in prepara- security personnel at John Mac were also supported the group in their de- 70% of eighth graders passed . tion for a bright future . young, inexperienced, unorganized, mands for better preparation for the One of the most interesting groups unmotivated and often immature . A LEAP Test in the “Look Before You is the Tremé Charter School Asso- visitor did not have to wait long at any LEAP” march . FYRE has even been ciation (TCSA) who is now running Cold lunches, cold personnel, number of schools to catch security featured in the Washington Post . McDonogh No . 42 in the Sixth Ward . cold environment guards unapologetically playing in TCSA is an energetic group that was There were not many who felt pes- hallways, often with students . supposed to have received a charter simistic about the 2006-2007 school Unsung heroes for two schools in 2006 . The group year . Excitement filled the toxic New There have been those adults who ran into road blocks and never got the Orleans air as school administrators, They’ve got the FYRE have taken steps in the right direc- chance to show what they could do . teachers and staff prepared to receive Despite school personnel issues tion . Buried in the doomsday talk After re-applying under the tenacious their students . What New Orleans, and bevy of additional school issues, about charter schools have been leadership of veteran educator, Ros- its educators, students and commu- something encouraging happened . A those groups that have taken steps in lyn Smith, TCSA got an RSD charter nity received was a far less-than-per- group of high school students, mostly the right direction . One such group this year . fect year . John Mac students, formed to speak is Friends of King, the organization Don’t tell Smith that charter schools Working with a skeleton crew, out about the conditions of schools . responsible for the Dr . Martin Luther are an experiment, however . She re- RSD, faced the daunting task of open- The FYRE Youth Squad came into King, Jr . Charter School for Science jects the label because “you perform ing mostly damaged schools all over existence out of the concerns of stu- and Technology . experiments in a lab ”. She continues, the city with only weeks to go . The dents from all over New Orleans . Not After their original building in the “We’re more like pioneers than sci- state organization succeeded in open- only did the group consist of public Ninth Ward had been demolished, the entists . This school is our journey to ing a great many of those schools but school students but at least one pri- King faculty, staff and student body a better place ”. Smith contends that educators and students, alike, seemed vate school student joined the ranks wandered from school to school, it those who insist on labeling New Or- to pay the price . Complaints poured of the student activist group . seemed, like a lost tribe . It started as leans’ charter schools an experiment into local and national media outlets The group opened the eyes of both a short trip across the Industrial Ca- are “disrespectful and are people who documenting schools with lists of the New Orleans adult community nal and up St . Claude Avenue to the don’t have kids in school ”. problems . and others around the nation when campus of Charles J . Colton Middle TCSA plans to focus on culture It all seemed to start with space they protested on the steps of John School set for a September, 2006 open- education . The group, like others, is and food . Many teachers wound up Mac . On an October 2006 morning, ing only to experience a construction primarily concerned with improving teaching classes in environments the group gathered on the steps of delay . King’s charismatic principal, the school’s academic performance . that were more challenging than the the troubled Mid-City high school to Doris Hicks, motivated her students Because of its location, however, the infamous pre-Katrina environments . demand basic tools for academic suc- and parents on the would-be first day school will also place an emphasis on The most consistent complaint was cess . Their lengthy list consisted of of school bellowing into a bullhorn, providing its students with an educa- the lack of classroom space, forcing things such as: working water foun- “We want to show the world that we tion on the arts indigenous to New teachers to teach classes often in tains, books for every class, hot food, love you, that we want to get you in Orleans . Smith relishes the oppor- gyms . That would not be so bad had full-time school nurses, bathroom school as soon as possible!” tunity to engage McDonogh No . 42’s there not been other classes in gyms breaks, kitchen supplies, after-school The delay turned out to be more surrounding community in the educa- with the teachers . Over the course activities, maximum class sizes set at than RSD bargained for so the King tion rebuilding process . The group is of frustrating days students at many 30 students, better pay and working community had to deal with a change in the process of planning a commu- schools had to deal with unhealthy conditions for teachers, etc . of plans and location . Not able to nity engagement forum designed to cold lunches . What the group seemed to get was meet their deadline of September 11, keep parents informed and educated A lack of basic technology and oth- a pat on the head for their efforts . 2006 to have students in school, RSD about education . Says Smith, “We see er necessities also came into focus . Ironically one of FYRE’s biggest sup- arranged for King to be moved to the ourselves as redeveloping this civili- Many offices and classrooms oper- porters was Donald Jackson, the prin- old campus of Edgar P . Harney El- zation called New Orleans ”. ated with little or no computer equip- cipal of John Mac . Jackson publicly ementary School . Hicks and her staff ment only to find out that boxes of new spoke of his support of the students simply rolled with the punches and computers had not even been opened and allowed them to meet at the enjoyed a successful year . On June www.ladatanews.com Cover Story September 15, 2007 Page 13

continued from page 3. speculation that Mayor Nagin was I really like what they’ve done over considering a run for the state’s the past couple of years ”. “They’ve highest office . He says that it was put a winning team together and more media hype than actual fact, the fans responded, and now “It got started because the media they have a long waiting list for was kind of bored with the gov- people trying to get tickets, and it ernor’s race and they kept asking helped us last year because it was me why was I raising money after a release for us and a psychologi- being a term limit mayor, and I cal boost and gave us a sense of told them I would keep my options normalcy for us to see the saints open and I never said what I would play on the weekend during last or what I wouldn’t do, and they football season ”. He is optimistic built up this hype ”. about the prospect of them having Nagin says that the he will re- another stellar year, “I think it’s main in his present seat, “I am go- going to be the same this year, and ing to stay put in New Orleans, I I believe they are going to have a don’t think I want to move to a dif- real successful season ”. ferent role than the role of being mayor of the city and stay focused on the recovery, and not take my Two Years and Counting family through another big race, Mayor Nagin has been at the and I think the city needs stability helm since this unfortunate fate right now in its leadership ”. As the befell the city . It has changed the Join my ® election is right around the cor- city’s cultural landscape possibly NOW ner with gubernatorial candidate forever . Nagin has seen his popu- Bobby Jindal as the front runner larity go up and down and in the ONLY who Nagin supported him in the shell game that is politics where $ 99 last election says that he will not shifting alliances and fair-weather Add Family be supporting him this time . “Ac- friends are many, he has been 49 the symbolic leader for America after $100 mail-in rebate tually in the last election Bobby Lines FREE! with 2-yr. service agreement. Jindal was my second choice, and the world to see making deci- for three months* Randy Ewing was my first choice sions about what direction the city • MP3 player should be headed . • 1.3 MP camera with video • Bluetooth® • Available in blue, green & silver LG AX8600

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SM he was the former president of the The question of how history state senate, but then I looked at will judge him right now one the match ups and chose Jindal ”. knows, but for better or worse “But since then I’ve looked at his he is the captain of this ship, and track record, not what he’s saying the decisions he make may affect Switch and start saving shopalltel.com Take the Challenge with My Circle today! 1-800-alltel-1 but what he’s doing and it causes how the city will look in the future . me a lot of concern when I look at What is to come is uncertain as Alltel Retail Stores Slidell LaPlace • These Retail Stores Now Open Sunday. 1302 Corporate Sq. | (985) 847-0891 Superior Comm. | (985) 651-3464 his voting record ”. the city tries to regain its footing, Covington Shop at a participating retailer: Marrero the city has fallen down and may 808 Hwy. 190 | (985) 893-7313 Equipment & promotional offers at these V. 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A7944ALAA.6.3x10.BW.LA2.indd 1 8/31/07 2:51:11 PM Page 14 September 15, 2007 National News www.ladatanews.com

Sharpton to Lead Former D. C. First Lady Effi Barry March on Jena, Ask Remembered as Servant Leader for Prosecutorial Misconduct Charge By. James Wright It is as if a part of me has left this elegant first lady we ever had . world today as well ”. She was a friend to my family Special to the NNPA from The Calling her ‘’a model for all and nurtured me in politics . ‘’She Afro-American Newspapers women,’’ Marion Barry said that truly loved D C. ’’. By. Hazel Trice Edney “White Tree” . The three students WASHINGTON (NNPA) - For- the city is better off because of D . C . Congresswoman Eleanor Hazel Trice Edney were suspended for the nooses, mer District first lady Effi Barry her . Holmes Norton recalled that the NNPA Editor-in-Chief which were in response to a Black died Sept . 6 from complications of “Effi was D C. ;. we will all miss former first lady was a servant student having sat under the tree leukemia at Anne Arundel Medi- her,” he said . “She will never be leader even in her illness . WASHINGTON (NNPA) - The one day earlier . cal Center at the age of 63 . forgotten . Her place in the his- “It was characteristic of Effi, Rev . Al Sharpton, preparing to In a December fight at the Barry was married to now tory of this great city is already who was a dedicated educator, to lead a march in Jena, La ,. on be- school, directly related to noose D C. . City Councilman Marion etched in stone ’’. use her battle against leukemia half of the Jena Six Sept . 20, says controversy, six Black male stu- Barry (D-Ward 8) during his Barry moved back to the Dis- to encourage African-Americans the case of the six Black high dents, now called the “Jena Six” first, second and third terms as trict and became an employee of to donate urgently needed bone school students hits home across were arrested for beating up a mayor . She played a high profile the D C. . Department of White student, whose role as the city’s first lady, arrang- Health . The department wounds were so mi- ing activities ranging from help- mourned her death . nor that he attended a ing the poor to representing the ‘’Ms . Barry faced the school function later city when luminaries such as a end of her life with a grace that day . pope and various world leaders and elegance that were Five initially were visited the city . not only the hallmarks of charged as adults Barry was also a study in dig- her tenure as D C. ’s. first with attempted sec- nity during her husband’s drug lady, but characteristic of ond-degree murder . trial in 1990, sitting quietly in the her contributions at the Following the national court room knitting while it was (Health Department),’’ protests and publicity revealed that then Marion Barry the director of the Health surrounding the story, had sex with model Rasheeda Department, Dr . Gregg charges against three Moore and smoked crack co- Pane, said . of the students were caine . Marion Barry was sen- It was noted that she reduced from attempt- tenced to prison while Effi Barry managed a grant project, ed second-degree mur- stayed in the city to raise her son, initiated by then D C. . City der to aggravated sec- Christopher . Councilman Vincent Gray, ond-degree battery . A After Marion Barry served his to expand HIV service the nation and the issues are no sixth student is being charged in time, the couple divorced . She among community-based longer contained to the small juvenile court . and Christopher moved to Hamp- organizations and church- Louisiana town . Sharpton says a double stan- ton, Va ,. where she accepted a po- es in Wards 7 and 8 . She contin- marrow and join the registry for “It gives a real focus on the fact dard exists because the prosecu- sition as an instructor at Hamp- ued to work to improve the city’s bone marrow transplants, need- that all over this country, young tor failed to file criminal charges ton University in its physical and health infrastructure in commu- ed for life-threatening diseases Blacks, particularly young Black against the students who hanged health education department . nities east of the Anacostia River like leukemia,” Norton said . males . are being overcharged the nooses, viewed as a life-threat- Marion Barry, in a statement, after than project . Barry was born in 1944 to by a criminal justice system and ening gesture, or against a young said his ex-wife was a wonderful, D C. . Mayor Adrian Fenty (D) Polly Harris, and, it was later re- prosecutors who have gone wild . White man said to have pulled a caring person . said that Barry was a great public vealed, a White man in Toledo, It is also important because of the shotgun on three Black students ‘’Effi was my cherished friend, servant . Ohio . She attended Hampton double standards of justice being at a local store amidst the contro- a wonderful mother to my only ‘’She was truly a great woman and received a bachelor’s degree used against young Blacks,” says versy . Instead, three Black teens son, Christopher, and a beauti- who devoted her life to public in home economics and got a Sharpton . were arrested and accused of ag- ful human being,’’ the statement service for this city and who was master’s degree in public health The march is set to start at 9 gravated battery and theft after said . ‘’Effi was born to serve and beloved by its people,” Fenty from City College of New York . a m. . at the Court House in Jena . they took the gun from him . help others, but long after her said . “She will be remembered She had a previous marriage to Sharpton will be accompanied by Sharpton says he plans to service to this city was done, as for her work on public health is- a musician Stanley Cowell that Martin Luther King III, author request a state investigation in first lady, she continued to give sues for our residents and as an ended in divorce in 1975 . and radio talk show host Michael the case and to file misconduct even more of herself in an effort incredible example of poise and She married Marion Barry Baisden, as well as other national charges against District Attorney to help those who could not help grace ’’. in 1978 before he was elected leaders . Reed Walters, the prosecutor in themselves . Chief among her Fenty ordered that District of mayor . They met in 1976 at a cel- The march was to coincide with the cases . many accomplishments was her Columbia flags be flown at half- ebration of the country’s bicen- the sentencing of Mychal Bell, He says, “If they can put the successful effort to secure city staffed till the end of her funeral . tennial . who could face up to 15 years on prosecutor at Duke in jail, cer- funding for HIV and AIDS aware- D C. . City Councilman Harry In later years, she helped her an aggravated second-degree bat- tainly they can deal with this ness programs for the poor . Thomas (D-Ward 5) said that husband win the Ward 8 coun- tery conviction . prosecutor that Whites commit- “She was a genuinely caring Barry was an inspiration to him cil seat in 2004 and became a The ruckus started a year ted against the Blacks in Jena and person with a huge heart . I feel and his family . spokesperson for Blacks to con- ago after three White Jena High then overcharged these young fortunate to have had her as a “This is a great loss for the tribute to the bone marrow trans- School students hang nooses in a Black students ”. part of my life for so many years . city,” he said . “She was the most plant project . tree at the school, known as the www.ladatanews.com Sports September 15, 2007 Page 15

Dumas Impresses at Adidas Where’s Data?

Basketball Experience Looking for where to

in assists . Collison and Love were teammates pick up your favorite of Dumas in all six games he played . In short, Dumas was in heady company . “I wasn’t expect- Local Newspaper ing it,” Dumas said of Ellis’ comments and the ensuing applause from his peers . “It made me feel good . I thanked God for having the oppor- tunity ”. Two other observers said Dumas, a New Go to Orleanian and a 2004 graduate of St . Augustine High School, made the most of his opportunity . www.ladatanews.com “Shaun represented himself and Xavier well,” said Randy Livingston, a native New Orleanian and former national prep player of the year who has spent 11 years in the NBA and coached Du- For a detailed listing mas during the adidas event . “He did everything I asked him to do . He proved himself against some of the best guys in the country . He played of locations and pick all 94 feet and got his teammates involved ”. Aggrey Sam, a writer for slamonline com,. one up today! called Dumas one of the 10 players who im- pressed him most . “The quickest player on the court, an intense full-court defender and a su- preme set-up man, don’t be surprised if you hear more about him in the near future,” Sam wrote . Dumas has been building his basketball re- By Ed Cassiere sumé since his arrival at Xavier . He was the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Freshman of the Year NEW ORLEANS . -- Harold Ellis, the Atlanta in 2004-05, averaged 6 7. points per game and led Hawks’ minor league coordinator and scout, NAIA Division I with 106 steals . Xavier did not wanted to give proper credit . “Let’s give Shaun compete in athletics in 2005-06 because of the ef- Dumas a hand,” Ellis told a group of players fects of Hurricane Katrina, but Dumas showed in early August at the conclusion of the adidas no adverse affects from the layoff . He averaged Basketball Experience . “Let’s give him a hand 13 2. points this past season and ranked among for coming out here from a small school and the national top five in assists and steals . His working hard and doing a good job ”. Ellis could 2006-07 honors included third-team NAIA All- relate . Like Dumas, Ellis played at a non-NCAA American and Louisiana Small College Player of Division I institution and an HBCU (Historically the Year . Black College and University) . Ellis competed “If he gets into the right situation, he could at Atlanta’s Morehouse College and never was play professionally,” Livingston said . “It only drafted by an NBA team, but he played three takes one coach to like you ”. Dumas called the NBA seasons in the ‘90s and scored 29 points in event a great and valuable experience . “I gained a game against the Boston Celtics . a lot more confidence,” Dumas said, “but I also Dumas -- a 5-doot-11 junior guard on the men’s learned I have to work a lot harder than I have team at Xavier University of Louisiana, an NAIA been ”. Division I and HBCU institution -- was a late His goal for 2007-08 is to become a most con- roster addition to the adidas Basketball Experi- sistent jump-shooter -- he shot 43 percent from ence August 3-7 in suburban Westwego, La . The the floor and 39 percent (29 of 74) from 3-point event showcased male amateur U S. . and foreign range this past season -- and use what he learned players in a series of games at the Alario Center . in August to the benefit of the Gold Rush . “I U S. . players included UCLA junior guard Darren learned how to set up players better, how to Collison and freshman forward Kevin Love, the change pace and how to use the ball screen bet- Gatorade Male High School Athlete of the Year ter,” Dumas said . “I learned a lot of things that in 2006-07; Kansas junior guard Mario Chalm- will make me a better player ”. ers, the Big 12 Conference leader in steals this Dumas will need those skills Nov . 2, when he past season; and Texas sophomore guard D J. . matches up against Augustin and the Longhorns Augustin, a former standout at New Orleans’ in an exhibition game at Texas . Advertise in Data Brother Martin High School who led the Big 12 News Weekly Call 504- 284-3840 Louisiana needs you.

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