New Orleans Urban League

Lighting The Road To Freedom Data Around Town

Page 8

“The People’s Paper” February 23 – March 7, 2008 41st Year Volume 37 www.ladatanews.com

Moving Forward

Newsmaker Trailblazer Tavis Comes of the Month to NOLA Burnell Moliere

Page 4 Page 7 Photos by Victor Holt

Page 2 February 23 - March 7, 2008 Cover Story www.ladatanews.com

New Orleans Urban League Moving Forward

New Orleans Urban League President Nolan Rollins with the NUL Young Professionals and other community supporters.

By Edwin Buggage Phillip Randolph, Bayard Rustin, Whitney Young, the National Urban League of Greater New Orleans . and their present CEO former New Orleans Mayor As a native of Baltimore, Maryland he worked as It is one of the oldest and largest community Marc Morial . While locally, people such as the late Senior Vice-President of Economic and Community based organizations in the country . Since 1910 the Clarence Barney, Harvey Britton and Edith Jones Development of the Baltimore branch of the organi- National Urban League has led the fight against over the years have fought for fairness in employ- zation while simultaneously holding office as Presi- discrimination, and has been a vigilant advocate ment and opportunities . dent of the NUL Young Professionals . of every American having access to the American Today as New Orleans faces the monumental This post as president was a training ground pre- Dream . task of rebuilding it can add one more soldier to the paring Rollins for his present position . He says of Over the years many great and courageous peo- names of so many who have been part of this his- this experience, “We were the activist arm of the or- ple have led and organized the masses under the toric struggle, Nolan Rollins . ganization, NUL actually runs programs, but what Urban League’s banner . On the national front, A . He is the new President of the local chapter of we did was to go into communities and find volun-

Continued next page. DATA News Weekly INSIDE DATA 616 Barrone Street, Suite 584, New Orleans, LA 70113 Phone: (504) 821-7421 | Fax: (504) 821-7622 editorial: [email protected] | advertising: [email protected]

Terry B. Jones Contributors Contributing Cover Story ...... 2 Data Zone ...... 8 CEO/Publisher Edwin Buggage Photographers Glenn Jones Tre Connerly Julie Plonk Glenn Summers VP Advertising Benjamin Todd Jealous Newsmaker...... 4 National News . . . 12 Common Ground & Marketing Cheryl Mainor AP Newswire Edwin Buggage Lawrence Martin NNPA Newswire State & Local . . . . 6 @Issue...... 14 Editor-in-Chief Xxavier T. Editorial Submissions Cheryl Mainor NNPA News Service datanewseditor@ bellsouth.net Managing Editor Art Direction Advertising Inquiries & Production Trailblazer . . . . 7 News...... 15 Distribution datanewsad@ Glenn Jones MainorMedia.com bellsouth.net 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. www.ladatanews.com Cover Story February 23 - March 7, 2008 Page 3

Cover Story, Continued from page 2.

teers to help with things such as have gotten ourselves to the point is an advocate of autonomy and mentoring or teaching financial where access is not the problem accountability from its local lead- literacy and other things that it’s not an issue if can we sit at ers . “He has stated that it would would be helpful to the commu- lunch counter’s or go to certain be the local people who make de- nity .” “We would facilitate, build schools, it’s now can we afford to cisions about who the leaders of and nurture those kinds of rela- purchase the store or restaurant, their organization should be, and tionships with communities .” can we afford to send our kids he has been very open about giv- Hurricane Katrina has left a to these schools .” “So it’s really ing me access saying that what- city with a void in many areas, a about how do we empower our ever I need he is there for me, but fact not lost on Rollins as he talks folks economically in order to re- his expectation at the end of the about why he choose to come to alize the fight that everyone has day is for me to run the organiza- the Crescent City . “I think this gotten us up to socially at this tion locally .” is the place to be because the point .” So with this change in leader- city needs so many things right Rollins since coming on board ship, the young and vibrant No- now .” “If you are in the business in August of last year has been lan Rollins has focused his eye of change then New Orleans is in talks with many of the local on being an advocate and help- a place where we need soldiers elected and as civil rights leaders ing minorities become part of the who are about fighting the righ- and says that the meetings have power equation and on providing teous fight; it is not just about New Orleans Urban League CEO & President Nolan Rollins been productive and he looks a set of solutions for some of the rebuilding bricks and mortar, it’s forward to working with them problems of the city in the days about rebuilding families .” Add- for them as well so that they can the movement working together on initiatives to move the city in a to come . And he feels that the ing, “This is the opportunity of be in better positions to do more being the key to moving minori- positive direction . While Rollins National Urban League, which a lifetime to rebuild a city, not to for their children, because to help ties forward, “I think that if we leads the organization at the lo- is nearly a century old, is still rel- just where it was, but to where the children we need to build bet- look at the bigger picture I be- cal level, he answers to National evant and will continue to be so, it’s going to be and I think his- ter communities .” lieve that the NAACP or the NUL President Marc Morial . He says and it is here to stay . The Greater tory will write well of the people While education is important cannot do what it does without he has talked with him on several New Orleans Urban League is and the community folks who are Rollins sees the need for econom- people brining attention to issues occasions about the challenges ready to lead the charge and face engaged in this work and I think ic development and opportunities at the grassroots level ”. Stressing that face the city . “I think that the challenges of rebuilding the this is a great opportunity I be- for African-Americans and minor- the importance of economics he Marc Morial was a breath of fresh city and making it greater than it lieve to do some good for a lot of ity businesses being an essen- says, “But the economic piece air into the organization .” But he was before and where minorities people .” tial component of their program of the puzzle is the most essen- says that although he may offer can participate at every level . Rollins has been in the city at the Urban League as well . “I tial right now, because I feel we guidance to the organization, he of New Orleans for six months think also our focus needs to be and is still amazed at the amount empower minority business and of wreckage remains and the encourage them to do business amount of damage the city in- in the region and be part of this curred . “Neither is the written rebuilding process and move the word nor the pictures can do jus- city forward .” tice to what actually happened or Before coming to New Or- is happening here; you have to be leans Rollins oversaw 2 5. billion on the ground you have to go to dollars in contracts and through the Ninth Ward, Lakeview and the Urban League helped minor- other parts of the city, because ity owned businesses get a piece what I saw on TV is magnified by of the economic pie which in his a million and that’s just scratch- opinion is important as economics ing the surface ”. “There is so is the next frontier of civil rights much work to be done and we at in his mind . “I helped to make the Urban League are ready to available contracts for these busi- do whatever we have to do to be nesses so we could keep some of agents of change .” the monies coming in and circu- Under his guidance Rollins lating inside our communities be- says they will focus on several key cause if we are not empowering areas: youth and education cen- ourselves economically then we 5BLF5JNFUP4IBSF ters, early childhood education cannot turn around some of the and after school programs . But pressing issues that effect our A LITTLE HISTORY. he says that education does not communities .” Black History Month is about discovery. And with routes from the Carolinas to New York, simply start and stop at the school The new chief of the New Or- Florida to DC, and all points in between, Amtrak® makes it possible to discover history in any house, but that it is important to leans Urban League feels that part of the country. Relax in roomy Coach seats, grab a bite to eat from the dining car, or take also educate parents, “We believe economics is more than just the in the views from the lounge car. that if we are going to provide new frontier of civil rights, but students with a good education goes further to say it is the now Amtrak is the perfect way to connect with family as you reﬂect on the past and build we have to provide their parents frontier, but he feels that social possibilities for the future. We welcome everyone on board – especially those with a heart with opportunities to get them protest is still necessary and es- for discovering history. And best of all, kids ages 2-15 ride half price. into schools and provide training sential with all the components of Amtrak. Getting there is half the fun. Kids ages 2-15 ride half off.

www .ladatanews .com For more information: $BMM 1-800-USA-RAIL PSWJTJUAmtrak.com.

Children ages 2-15 receive a 50% discount off the regular full adult rail fare. Up to two children per paid adult. Offer not valid on all trains or at all times. Other restrictions may apply. Amtrak is a registered service mark of the National Railroad Passenger Corporation.

08AMT348_DataNewsWkly_BW.indd 1 2/8/08 5:52:07 PM vJob No: 08AMT348 Bleed: 0.125” Line Screen: Client Name: AMTRAK Trim: 6.167” x 7” Scale:100% 1320 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd., Atlanta, GA 30318 Contact: Tabia Parker, Traffic Manager Description: Black History Month Live: Output: 100% 404-892-2931 Publication: Data News Weekly Page 4 February 23 - March 7, 2008 Newsmaker www.ladatanews.com

NOLA Hosts 2008 State of the Black Union

Tavis Smiley’s annual “State of Advanced free registration is re- partners who are currently ad- justice system and wealth-build- the Black Union” (SOBU) sympo- quired at www tavistalks. com. . All dressing community needs . The ing . sium will cast its lens on the role registered attendees will receive a sections selected for the projects Some of the panelists for the African Americans will play in the DVD of Jonathan Demme’s docu- represent some of the worst hit symposium include: Mayor C . 2008 elections and mobilize 1,000 mentary Right to Return: New areas of New Orleans . While mil- Ray Nagin; Norman Francis, volunteers to rebuild some of the Home Movies from the Lower 9th lions has been spent on these president of Xavier University; poorest areas devastated by Hur- Ward courtesy of ExxonMobil . neighborhoods, there continues Dr . Cornel West; Bishop Paul ricane Katrina . “Hurricane Katrina and its af- to be a need for recovery in three S . Morton; Newark, N .J . Mayor The 2008 State of the Black termath provided a portrait of key areas: housing, education and Cory Booker; the Rev . Al Sharp- Union weekend kicks off this disenfranchisement at its worst . recreation . Volunteers will be as- ton; the Rev . Jesse Jackson, Sr . weekend in New Orleans with The service we will provide to so signed to one of six projects . Lt . Gov . Mitch Landrieu; Angela SOBU Builds on Friday, Feb . 22, many still in need on Friday sets As Americans approach the Glover Blackwell, Michael Eric with volunteers working at six up the conversation on Saturday 2008 presidential election along Dyson and Michael Steele . simultaneous community service on what leadership must look like with important state and local The symposium supporters in- projects in the Upper Ninth Ward, for the next four years . If we can elections, this year’s panel will ex- clude Title sponsor Wells Fargo the Lower Ninth Ward, Central bring everyday people together amine the role that African Ameri- and National sponsors Allstate In- City, Hollygrove, New Orleans to restore hope to this jewel city cans can and must play to create surance Company, ExxonMobil, East and Broadmoor . in a grassroots, hands-on fashion; an America as good as its promise AARP and Community Sponsor Then, Smiley will host a con- the body politic should at the very from education and health to the McDonald’s . versation with 24 noted politi- least meet the people halfway and cians, educators, social scientists, Tavis Smiley do its part . That is the true inter- business leaders and clergy on, section of love and service,” Smi- What’s Happening Now? “Reclaiming our Democracy; Re- Participation in the service ley said . casting our Future,” from 8 a .m . – project and attendance at the pan- SOBU Builds in partnership 4:30 p m. . CT Saturday, Feb . 23 at el discussion is free and open to with Lt . Gov . Mitch Landrieu’s Of- the Ernest E . Morial Convention the public . fice will mobilize volunteers with Delgado Presents Nobel Prize Winning Center . the support of local community Play “Betrayal” March 5-9 Delgado Community College’s Theatre Department presents the Nobel Prize for Literature winning play, Betrayal, by Harold Pinter Mar . 5-9, 2008, in the 3rd Floor Drama Hall of Isaac Delgado Hall (Building One) on Delgado’s City Park Campus at 615 City Park Avenue Performances are March 5, 6, 7, and 8 at 8 p .m . with a Sunday matinee on March 9 at 3 p .m . General Admission tickets are $10 .00, and Senior citizen and student tickets are $8 00. . Reservations are not necessary, and tickets will be available at the Box Office before each performance . For further information please call (504) 671-6360 .

Business Networking Event Announced The Entrepreneurs Institute will is hosting an event, How to Do Business with the State of Louisiana . Come get valuable information on opportunities for small businesses and entrepreneurs and the State of Louisiana . Guest speakers will be Rosemary Jackson and John Matthews and others from the State . You are strongly encouraged to bring business cards and marketing materials and refreshments will be served . Thursday, February 28th, 5:30 - 8:30 pm at the Good Work Network, Business Resource Center 1824 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd . Call (504)309-2073 for more information .

Stella Jones Gallery Will Host A Student Thesis Exhibition “Mirror, Mirror on the Wall” – Selected African American female artists The exhibition will be curated by Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO), M A. . Museum Studies candidate, Michelle Briscoe-Long and features seventeen local and nationally acclaimed African American female artists, com- memorating Women’s Heritage Month .

EXHIBITION DATES: March 1 through March 31, 2008 Artist Reception’s: Saturday, March, 1 – 6-9pm GALLERY HOURS: M-F 11-6, Sat 12-5

For more information, contact Michelle Briscoe-Long or Stella Jones (504)669-7071 or [email protected]

If you would like to have your event listed in What’s Happening Now?, email us at [email protected]. WL800052_Black_History_Month.ind93 93 1/23/2008 3:05:33 PM Page 6 February 23 - March 7, 2008 State & Local News www.ladatanews.com

Lowes Gives $650,000 to Repair NO Firehouses

Grant from Lowe’s will assist (NOFD) was awarded a $650,000 operate out of temporary trail- running phone lines and NOFD in reopening firehouses grant from Lowe’s Charitable and ers . The repairs will range from replacing fuel tanks and damaged by Hurricane Katrina Educational Foundation for the the complete renovation of some fences .) and repairing renovation of 10 and repair of 4 stations (installing new mechani- Chief Parent said, “The other firehouses throughout firehouses throughout New Or- cal systems, sheet rock, furnish- NOFD is honored to New Orleans leans . During the 2005 storm, ings and fixtures and replacing have charitable corporate NEW ORLEANS, LA . – The 23 out of 33 Fire Stations were roofs) to repairs of others (install- sponsors reaching out to New Orleans Fire Department flooded forcing Fire Fighters to ing new lockers and ceiling tiles, help us rebuild . Thanks to Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation and the numerous organizations around the country that have convened to help us . We are truly grateful for the corporate community coming to opportunity is the ﬁrst step toward our aid in the aftermath of this devastating disaster . In order for our neigh- Greatness borhoods to rebuild, we must have a presence in our communities to en- Charitable and Educational Foun- (SFBUOFTTJTBDIJFWFE sure the safety of our citizens and dation . “This grant demonstrates CZUIPTFXIPSFBDI property . The revitalization of the Lowe’s continued commitment to NOFD and our beautiful city has the long-term rebuilding efforts GPSJUXIFOHJWFO truly been a team effort .” in the Gulf Coast and our New UIFPQQPSUVOJUZ “After the hurricanes, 75% of Orleans-area customers and em- New Orleans Fire Fighters saw ployees .” *UUBLFTMFBEFSTBUFWFSZ their homes destroyed by flood- Since its inception in 1957, ing, in addition to their firehouses Lowe’s Charitable and Education- MFWFM°QSPEVDUJPO EJTUSJCVUJPO being left in ruins . By helping al Foundation has helped com- the New Orleans Fire Depart- munities nationwide through em- BOETBMFT°UPNBLFPVS ment return to fully functioning ployee volunteerism and financial firehouses, Lowe’s believes this is contributions . In 2007, the Foun- PSHBOJ[BUJPOTVDDFTTGVM also an opportunity to help New dation supported community and Orleans residents feel more se- education projects across the 8FSFDPHOJ[FUIFFGGPSUT cure in their homes,” said Larry country through grants totaling PGUIFTFJOEJWJEVBMTXIP D . Stone, chairman of Lowe’s more than $25 million .

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UPCFHSFBU The Road Home And La Works Host An Employment Training Seminar L. Thornton Edwards Warren Anderson Carolyn Hardy Ralph Hargrow Cornell Boggs President/Owner Chief Executive Officer President/Owner Global Chief Chief Legal Officer Magic Valley Distributing Capital Distributing Chism Hardy People Officer Coors Brewing Company and Golden Eagle Sales Oklahoma City, OK Enterprises, LLC Molson Coors Golden, CO Eastern Idaho Memphis, TN Brewing Company The Road Home program, in conjunction with LA Works, Denver, CO will facilitate anemployment training workshop Thursday, Feb- ruary 28 in Slidell . Theemployment training seminar will provide hands-on assistance with resumepreparation, interview XXXDPPSTDPN skills and other valuable job seeking techniques . Theseminar is free and open to the public . To register for this event, please call (504) 584-1771 .

Where and When: East Tammany Career Solutions Center 316 Howze Beach Lane Slidell, La . 70461

Thursday, February 28 - 9:30 a .m . - 12:00 p .m .

The employment training seminar and job fair will not provide information on the application process for The Road Home program . To receive more details on Road Home Infor- mation Sessions in your community, please visit http://www. road2la.org/homeowner/events for a list of locations and

DATE: 2/13/08 – 1:05 PM LIVE: 6” x 10.5” CREATIVE DIR: ROUND CREATIVE DIR: CLIENT: Coors TRIM: n/a ART DIRECTOR: client ART DIRECTOR: FILE NAME: COOR0045F BLEED: n/a COPYWRITER: COPYWRITER: MEDIA TYPE/UNIT: print ad OUTPUT: 100% ACCOUNT: G. Haynes ACCT EXEC: B/W OR 4COLOR: b/w TRAFFIC MGR: D. Meachem MGMT SUP: LINE SCREEN: EPRO: A. Chang PROD MGR: E. Kozocas 1 PROD MGR: FONTS/LINKS: Arial (regular, bold), Bank Gothic (light), Franklin Gothic (book, book condensed), Helvetica Neue STUDIO MGR: (57 condensed, 77 bold condensed) / cbc_grad_4c_rev_reversed.eps, chw_staggered_logo.eps, GroupShot_grey.tif, ART BUYER: NewCorp21m21NOCBC_black.eps CLIENT: PUBLICATIONS: NY Amsterdam News, La Vida News, Data News Miami Times, Precinct Reporter www.ladatanews.com Trailblazer February 23 - March 7, 2008 Page 7

Burnell Moliere

By Tre Connerly suffered in the most fatal of scenarios; the death of a loved one and without He is a pillar in the New Orleans com- life insurance to bury them Moliere has munity who has over the years been a helped families bury their relatives . And force in the business community as well on the crime fighting front, he has given as a civic minded individual who has given to Crimestoppers . Of his helping those back to give a hand up to those less fortu- in their time of need he says, “Death of nate . This month’s Trailblazer is Burnell a loved one is a very hurtful thing and Moliere who is the owner of AME Ser- people should not have to be burdened by vices Inc . a building service contracting how they were going to bury their family company . members so I stepped in to help because In his several decades in business he that’s what people are supposed to do has been much more than an entrepre- when people are in need ”. He continues neur, he has inspired others through his saying, “I have had a blessed life and it is hard work and dedication, “I feel like what in the blessings that we are given that we I have done in business as well as other bless others .” “As far as contributing mon- African-American businessmen is to show ies to Crimestoppers I feel it is important that we can not only survive as business that we as citizens do whatever we can to people but through hard work we can also keep our city safe from violence .” thrive,” he says . Burnell Moliere’s life before and after In addition to running a success- Hurricane Katrina is an example that an ful company he has given his time and ordinary person can do extraordinary money where many have often provided things, and in so many ways Moliere’s lip service, he has been proactive in help- life has been a statement of that fact . And ing to solve some of the many problems as he moves forward his life one that has that plague the city of New Orleans . He taken him on a journey that has seen its has worked with several church groups peaks as well as it’s valleys, but in truth and schools providing them with comput- that is what life is essentially about, weath- ers so that children and adults can have ering the storms that life sometimes bring access to technology helping people forge our way and knowing that tomorrow will ahead and close the gap that is the digital be a better day, for perfection is a laudable divide . “It makes me feel good to give back goal many of us aspire to but is basically because I feel all people need is someone unobtainable . Moliere says his life’s work Trailblazer of the month, Burnell Moliere to believe in them and give them the en- has been about helping people and giving couragement that they can be better so them a chance to compete and succeed . that’s what I’ve tried to do throughout my “I’ve dedicated my life to service and have life is encourage people to shoot for the always tried to do the right things, and I stars and be the best possible person they hope that my life can inspire the next gen- can be .” eration to make the city of New Orleans In a city that has many people who and the world a better place .” were struggling before Hurricane Katrina and much more thereafter, the problems of crime and violence are of epidemic proportions . While some families have Page 8 February 23 - March 7, 2008 Data Zone www.ladatanews.com Data Around Town

The Urban League of Greater New Orleans held the inaugural celebration for “I AM THE MOVEMENT”, the new organization aimed at uniting young professionals between the ages of 21 and 44 . The event was held Friday at the New Orleans Museum of Art and Data was there . Photos by Lawrence Martin

(l - r) Dellona Davis, Michael Hubbard, Jr., Lamar Smith, Christian Fauria-Robinson , Roman & Sheila Burns, Gary and Denise St. Etienne, Dottie Reese, Winston Burns

Warmoth Guillaume, Keith Hitchens and Data News Weekly Publisher Terry Jones Kenya Smith of the Mayor’s Office, NO City Councilman James Carter and Terrell at the Urban League Event Clayton attended to show their support of the Urban Leagues new program.

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2008 Black History Month Data News Weekly Black History Month

Honoring the Sacrifice Page 10 February 23 - March 7, 2008 Data Zone www.ladatanews.com Love ‘Em or Leave ‘Em?

I called him and asked him why he has my responsibility . with the Office of Family Support . This is not offered to help us . He said, ‘Someone It seems as though he is trying to forget how you can ensure that your son gets all is staying with me .” I asked, “Is this your about us . He recently asked me to bring our of the provisions entitled to him . girlfriend?” Now he says yes . Not one time son to spend a night at his house . I told him If you don’t trust this woman, do not al- has he ever referred to her as his girlfriend . that our son doesn’t need to be in this type low her around your child . Keep in mind I wanted to know when all this happened . of situation . His private life should be his that your Ex does have rights, and he He said, “Not that long ago ”. own business . Am I wrong for not letting should be allowed to exercise his parental A month prior he was about to spend the him stay over at his house? What should I responsibility . You will need to work out a weekend at my place . Four months prior do about this? Please help! fair visitation agreement that does not put he was saying he was confused about what Keyless and Crushed your son in physical or emotional danger . he wanted . He always tells me that he still I also recommend creating a plan for Xxavier T love me . He acts so nice to me one day but Dear Keyless, your own personal growth . Happy, healthy Data Columnist the next day he is jumping down my throat Who cares if he called her the chick or mommies make better parenting deci- about the problems he is having with the the broad? The bottom line is that she lives sions . Find a support group of women to chick . It’s like he is blaming me for what- with your Ex, and she has a key to the front encourage you, mentor you and help ease ever is going on . And he even says he is door and you don’t . He moved another the burden of parenting without a husband . My ex has just confessed that the girl confused about her and he thinks that she woman in his home while stringing you Some churches have organizations where he has staying with him is now his girl- is what he is looking for he guesses . I feel along emotionally and told you she was liv- married women with life experience men- friend . When he first told me about her liv- like he has lied to me since the beginning . ing there . That’s a bold brother . He’s not tor single moms . You should also work on ing there, he said they were not messing The question is why? I am starting to feel trying to forget about you; he already has . additional training so that you can expand around, and she was having a hard time that he told me about them so he won’t You’re the only one who needs to move on . your job skills . The more skills and train- and he was helping her out . I inquired be- have to offer us a place to stay, but why? I You also need to be tested if you were not ing you receive the more money you can cause we were still sleeping together . I had would not have accepted his offer because using protection . Obviously, your ex has no command . Stay positive . God will provide a funny feeling that he was sleeping with we have been through a lot, but he could problem sleeping with two women . Please for you and your son . You are not alone . her too . I told him about my feelings . He have offered to help me some other way, if use condoms with anyone you meet from LOL, told me that it was not so and that I was not for me, for our son . Am I wrong to ex- now on . Your health is your wealth . Xxavier tripping . Recently I have run into a few pect him to offer to help us out? This man It is disappointing that your Ex is not problems . Our son and I need a place to is not involved in his son’s life . He does equally concerned about providing shelter Xxavier T. is the author of Treat Your Man Like A V.I.P. available on Amazon.com. She is also the host stay . I told him about this a month ago; not not call regularly . He wants me to call him for his defenseless son, but there are laws of Love’em or Leave’em? on WBOK 1230-AM. Email one time has he offered to help us out in when I am in the area . Why do I have to call to address this unfair situation . Gather your questions to [email protected] or visit xxaviert. com any way . him to see his son? I don’t feel like that is documents and schedule an appointment

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UNLEASHING THE POWER OF TECHNOLOGY

By Marc H. Morial, President and Chief Executive Officer, National Urban League

Prices of both have come down dramatically, but for some families, these costs still present a significant—even unbridgeable—hurdle. Once exposed to technology, however, people A few years ago, a repair man came to my house realize how much it can do to make life easier, to fix my washing machine. Before he even more productive and fun. Once they cross the touched the washer, he pulled out a computer, digital divide, they never go back. connected it to the machine and, as I looked At the National Urban League, as we think over his shoulder, the computer told him what about our future and how to bring about eco- was wrong. If you don't know how to use tech- nomic justice, we recognize that technology is nology, he said, you can’t be a repair man in power. And we are constantly working to place the 21st century. that power into the hands of people in our Technology today touches everything we do. various communities. Knowing how to use it can be the key to success This is not a task that we can do alone. in today’s workforce generally, and specifically Partnerships are helping reduce barriers to careers that offer great opportunity. Over to economic opportunity. the past 25 years, the number of jobs in information technology has grown tremendously, and Fortunately, we have help from partners such the number is expected to double in the next as Microsoft, which recently awarded us a $5 five years. million software grant to bring the power of Sadly, too few African Americans fully engage technology into over 100 Urban League affiliate with technology to help unleash their full potential. offices serving more than 2 million people Currently, fewer than six out of 100 profes- nationwide. This generous gift from Microsoft sionals in information technology are African will significantly enhance local capabilities and American, and even fewer are graduating with increase access to digital technology for the degrees that prepare them for information disadvantaged students and adults participating technology careers. in a wide variety of programs, from educational Access to computers and the Internet at assistance to job training. home can help put young people on a path These efforts are incredibly important. It is toward technology careers, but one of the imperative that we expose the people we serve biggest roadblocks for African Americans is to the power of technology—from repairing a financial. Acquiring a computer and a high- washing machine, to planning for the economic speed Internet connection takes money. success of the next generation.

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CLIENT: MICROSOFT Page 12 February 23 - March 7, 2008 National News www.ladatanews.com Fidel Castro Resigns as Cuba’s President

Havana- Fidel Castro stepped a new head of state, Mr . Castro re- release politi- them the vice president, Carlos down Tuesday morning as the signed permanently, and signaled cal prisoners Lage Davila, and the foreign min- president of Cuba after a long his willingness to let a younger and to be- ister, Felipe Perez Roque — would illness . The announcement was generation assume power . He gin building play in the new government . made in a letter to the nation writ- said his failing health made it im- “institutions Mr . Castro also made it clear ten by Mr . Castro and published possible to return as president . necessary for he is not fading into the sunset early Tuesday morning on the “I will not aspire to neither will I democracy but pledged to continue to be a Web site of Granma, the official accept — I repeat I will not aspire that eventual- force in Cuban politics through publication of the Cuban Commu- to neither will I accept — the posi- ly will lead to his writings, just as he has over nist Party . tion of President of the Council of free and fair the last year and a half . “I am not he resignation ends one of the State and Commander in chief,” elections .” saying goodbye to you,” he wrote . longest tenures as one of the most he wrote in the letter . But the an- “I only wish to fight as a soldier all-powerful communist heads of He added: “It would betray my nouncement of ideas .” state in the world . conscience to occupy a responsi- puts Raúl Cas- That statement raised the pos- In late July 2006, Mr . Castro, bility that requires mobility and tro in position sibility little would change after who is 81, handed over power the total commitment that I am to be anointed Sunday’s vote, that Cuba will con- temporarily to his brother, Raúl not in the physical condition to as the Cuban tinue to be ruled in essence by Castro, 76, and a few younger offer .” head of state two presidents, with Raúl Castro cabinet ministers, after an acute President Bush, traveling in when the Na- on stage while Fidel Castro lurks infection in his colon forced him Rwanda on a tour of African national Assem- in the wings . At times over the last to undergo emergency surgery . tions, greeted the news by saying bly meets on year and a half, the current gov- Despite numerous operations, he that the resignation should be the Sunday, ce- ernment has seemed paralyzed has never fully recovered but has beginning a democratic transition menting the when the two men disagree . In remained active in running gov- in Cuba that should lead to free power struc- Fidel Castro Washington, John D . Negropon- ernment affairs from behind the elections . “The United States will ture that has te, deputy secretary of state, said scenes . help the people of Cuba realize run the country since Mr . Castro pected announcement left it unit was unlikely that the United Now, just days before the na- the blessings of liberty,” he said . fell ill . clear what role other high-level States would lift its trade embargo tional assembly is to meet to select Mr . Bush called for Cuba to However, Mr . Castro’s unex- government ministers — among on Cuba, Reuters reported . UEP Gulf Coast, Inc. Presents THE SMALL BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY EVENT

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Remaining Awake Through a Great Revolution

Delivered 40 years ago, the mes- has shown that he’s the most We raise our children to believe nature of our times . sage like the messenger remains electable of all the prospective if they work hard enough, they too Dr King’s challenge delivered relevant today . King warned that nominees . He’s faced off against can be President . But we Ameri- to a congregation at the National too many people live through pe- the formidable Clinton political cans of a darker hue, live with the Cathedral in March of 1968 has riods of great social change with machine, matched them in fund acidic knowledge that one day our particular resonance during this their eyes closed to the possibili- raising, and shaken the walls children will confront the reality intense primary election season ties, reduced to Rip Van Winkle in around that political principality of race that renders some of their when African American voices unfamiliar surroundings, dumb- in Iowa . He came in close in New dreams categorically impossible . will matter most . Remain awake Ben Jealous founded and lost . Hampshire, and racked up more That’s how it’s been for the 232 through the great revolution of Data Columnist The 2008 presidential race is a delegates than Clinton in Nevada . years since our democracy was 2008 . great revolution . We have an op- Perhaps most importantly, founded . That’s how it will be . We don’t want to wake up the portunity in Barack Obama unlike Obama gets it: He watched his Until now . day after the election and realize none before, an option that I never cancer-stricken mother confound- My daughter is 2, and every that we’ve slept through the op- In one of the last sermons thought I’d see in my lifetime . ed by her health coverage . Fifteen night, after a few minutes of Ses- portunity to participate in a trans- preached before his death, Dr . My fervor is not motivated by years out of law school, he and his ame Street we watch the news . formative moment that matters King references the fictional char- mere racial solidarity . Look no wife were paying more to service Invariably she sees this man who tomorrow . acter Rip Van Winkle, noting that further than Clarence Thomas or their student loan debt than their looks like he could be her cousin Because of what Obama has al- when the old man went up into Condoleeza Rice for evidence that home mortgage . He turned down or uncle, and she gets excited . ready achieved in 2008, that pos- the mountain for a 20-year nap he shared race does not translate a six-figure corporate law job to Unable to interpret the latest sibility is within my daughter’s passed a sign that pictured King into shared values . work for $13,000 00. a year as a remark by the candidate, his op- reach . That a black child can hon- George III of England . Obama is well-prepared: Har- community organizer . He under- ponents, or their surrogates, she estly dare to aspire to the presi- When the bended, bearded vard law degree, community or- stands how the economic system does know that when she utters dency is revolutionary . man emerged two decades later, ganizer, civil rights attorney; and is designed to hold us back . He the two words “Barack Obama,” Benjamin Todd Jealous is the the sign pictured George Wash- more legislative years than his has felt bludgeoned by that sys- everyone – even her 91-year old former executive director of the ington, the first president of the rival Hillary Clinton . He inspires tem . great grandmother – gets excit- NNPA, and the former managing United States . political activism in youth and And, yet, on top of all of this ed . editor of Mississippi’s Jackson Rip Van Winkle, as Dr . King the voiceless who did not believe Obama’s political boat has risen And she just beams . We see Advocate newspaper . He lives in reminds us, had literally slept electoral politics mattered . and so have the possibilities for reflected in her eyes the bigness Northern California with his wife through the great revolution . Obama can win: Poll after poll all children of color . of this moment, the revolutionary and 2-year-old daughter Morgan .

SHERIFF MARLIN N. GUSMAN The Road Home Hosts Information Sessions NEW ORLEANS - The Road Home Homeowner and Rental programs are having Information Sessions in New Orleans . The Informa- tion Sessions provide homeowners and rental property owners the chance to ask questions about application status, required documenta- tion and more .

What: Information Sessions on The Road Home program

When and Where:

Tuesday, February 26, 2008 Thursday, February 28, 2008 10 a .m . - 4 p .m . 6 p .m . - 8 p .m . St . Bernard Community Center St . Maria Goretti Community Center 1107 Le Beau Street 7300 Crowder Boulevard Arabi, LA New Orleans, LA

Wednesday, February 27, 2008 Friday, February 29, 2008 6 p .m . - 8 p .m . 10 a .m . - 2 p .m . Chalmette High School Odyssey House Community Center 1100 E . Judge Perez Drive 3614 Bienville Street Chalmette, LA New Orleans, LA

TO SERVE AND TO PROTECT Sheriff Marlin N. Gusman’s Office of the Criminal Sheriff is dedicated to respect, rehabilitation and reform. Service, public In preparation for one-on-one consultations, The Road Home encour- safety, accountability, transparency and the public trust have true meaning for everyone in the Sheriff’s Office. New Orleans ages homeowners to bring their Application ID numbers and photo will be safe when its citizens believe in our entire Criminal Justice System, and we are working every day rebuilding and IDs . This session is free and open to the public . Space is limited . Hom- maintaining this system. eowners who are unable to attend may call 1-888-762-3252 to schedule Advisory Service appointments at a Road Home Housing Assistance “An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his Center . If you have any questions regarding the Rental program, call individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity,” 1 .888 .762 .3252 and select the Rental program prompt (#1) . REVEREND MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. For more information on The Road Home program, visit www.Road2LA.org or call 1-888-ROAD-2-LA (1-888-762-3252). TTY callers use 711 relay. www.ladatanews.com News February 23 - March 7, 2008 Page 15

Tom Joyner, NAACP Launch Voter Empowerment Hotline

The Tom Joyner Morning in both the Primary and General 3) Record up to ‘’Since the start of this new Show and the NAACP National Elections .’’ a: 60 second com- partnership in late November, Voter Fund have partnered to Bond added, ‘’The NAACP and plaint if they have 2007, over 10,000 listeners have launch 1-866-MYVOTE1 as part NAACP National Voter Fund’s encountered any already responded,’’according of a year-long voter registration, Partnership with the Tom Joyner problems, or to Greg Moore, executive direc- education and empowerment Morning Show could not come 4) Transfer to tor of the NAACP National Voter campaign . at a better time . The Tom Joyner a person at their Fund . ‘’Our overall goal is to reg- ‘’This is truly one of the most Morning Show’s national promo- local county elec- ister 100,000 new voters who will exciting and important presiden- tion will play a major role in our tions office . play a decisive role in the 2008 pri- tial election years we’ve ever had,’’ efforts to register and empower Throughout the mary and general elections ’’. said Joyner, the nationally syn- hundreds of thousands of African primary season The NAACP National Voter dicated radio personality whose Americans and especially young and Election Day, Fund (NVF) was established by radio show is aired in 115 mar- voters throughout the United Joyner and the the National Association for the kets reaching nearly eight million States ’’. NAACP will be en- Advancement of Colored People listeners . ‘’This partnership with The toll-free number can be couraging tens of (NAACP) as a free-standing 501C the NAACP National Voter Fund used by callers around the coun- thousands to reg- (4) corporation in June 2000 to is our way to make sure we reg- try and will operate through the ister to vote and be engage in civic participation and ister as many voters as possible, November 2008 election . After able to monitor any community-based mobilization and give our community the tools callers dial the 866-MYVOTE1 problems voters efforts through education and to become active players in this (866-698-6831), they can enter might have at their Tom Joyner awareness campaigns surround- year’s election .’’ their zip code and select from one polling places . ing key issues in communities Julian Bond, chairman of the of several options: The voter AmericWeb .com blackameri- of color . NVF’s expertise lies in nation’s oldest and largest civil 1) Request a voter registration hotline is a part of Joyner’s and caweb.com will feature a special increasing voter turnout in the rights organization, said that ‘’the application, which they can sign the NAACP broader initiatives to ‘Moving America’ section that will African-American communities stakes in this year’s elections are and return to their local county educate and inform residents to exclusively be devoted to cover- through non-partisan voter regis- extremely high and for the first elections board; get involved in what is one of the ing the presidential race as well tration, voter education, and get- time in US History the African- 2) Find the closest polling place most racially diverse presidential as other critical issues affecting out-the vote efforts . Their Web American vote will be decisive to their home; campaigns ever . Joyner’s Black- African-Americans . site is www .naacpnvf .net .

Scholarships available for Say Goodbye Jesse L. Jackson Sr. Fellows to the Blues

Reverend Jesse Jackson and PUSH-Excel are pleased announced that they are currently accepting applications for this year’s Jesse L . Jackson Sr . Fellows . “We believe that a dream deferred is a dream denied . PUSH-Excel is committed to improving the quality of life for Join us on a humanity through advocacy efforts, coalition building and direct ser- vices . The Scholarship program provides funding to students to begin, Community Journey to continue and complete college,” says Reverend Jackson .

Jackson Fellows are awarded to strong high school students . Se- Emotional Wellness lected fellows will receive $5,000 00. . The award will be paid directly to the college or university he/she is attending . Selected fellows must meet the following criteria: Saturday, March 8, 2008 from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm

* Senior attending a high school and graduating in Spring of 2008 UNO Lindy Boggs Conference Center * Will be attending a four-year college or university in the U .S . 2500 Lakeshore Drive * Cumulative 3 .0 grade point average or above * Demonstrate academic preparation to attend college New Orleans, Louisiana * Ability to overcome obstacles to achieve academic and * This scholarship is awarded one time only . Free Admission, Free Lunch, Free Children’s Activities, Free Giveaways

Scholarship applications are being accepted now through April 30, Pick up helpful tips and learn about dealing 2008 . Applicants may apply online by visiting www pushexcel. org. . with the blues, helping your children and Make sure to choose Jesse L . Jackson Sr . Fellows in the application drop-down menu . recognizing the signs of emotional challenges. Scholarship winners will be notified by May 23, 2008 . To register call 1-800-814-1477. For more information visit www.redcross.org/goodbyeblues From frustrations to celebrations...

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