Lighting The Road To The Future Hip Hop Superstar DMX Has Data Zone Died at 50 Page 4 “The People’s Paper” April 17 - April 23, 2021 55th Year Volume 51 www.ladatanews.com

A Data News Weekly Exclusive

One on One with Troy Carter Candidate for 2nd Congressional District

Page 2 Newsmaker State & Local Missing Student Southern University Hosted Statewide Kori Gauthier Vaccination Day Page 6 Page 6 Page 2 April 17 - April 23, 2021 Cover Story www.ladatanews.com

One on One with Troy Carter Candidate for Louisiana 2nd Congressional District

Edwin Buggage Editor-in-Chief

The race for Louisiana 2nd Congressional District is in full swing as voters are heading to the polls for early voting that ends on April 17th . The run-off election is on April 24, 2021, and Data News Weekly is encouraging all to get out and vote . Data News Weekly caught up with State Senator Troy Carter, who is a candidate and finished first in the primary to speak about his campaign . “We feel optimistic heading into the run-off after a very strong showing in the Primary,” says Carter . Also, he spoke of how he’s built a strong coalition heading into Election Day . “It’s about connecting with voters and reaching them with our message .” Carter has an ambitious agenda, “If elected I will work to expand access to quality and affordable health care, ac- cess to COVID-19 vaccinations and stimulus relief for all Americans with an emphasis on small businesses and indi- viduals . Eliminate the ever-inflating student loan debt that is such a burden to students from working families . Fight for Criminal Justice Reform, environmental justice, equal pay, and a living wage for all Louisianians . Champion repro- ductive rights to ensure that government allow women to make 100% of decisions concerning their health . Continue to advocate for our citizens living with disabilities . Reduce police misconduct . Strengthen our community safety and homeland security from threats both foreign and domestic .” The Carter Campaign is resonating with voters from all walks of life across the 2nd District . He’s also been en- dorsed by , who served in the U .S . House of Representatives Louisiana’s 2nd Congressional District office for a decade and now is a Senior Advisor in the Biden Administration and is endorsing Troy Carter . “I am proud to have a broad coalition of support from lo- cal elected officials from up and down the district . Garner- ing these endorsements is a testament to the relationships State Senator Troy Carter is a candidate for Louisiana 2nd Congressional District. that I’ve built during my career in public service and my ability to work with others to provide meaningful and tan- gible change to strengthen our communities .”

Cover Story, Continued on page 3.

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Production CEO/Publisher Edwin Buggage Pubinator.com Cover Story ...... 2 State & Local News . . 6 Edwin Buggage Kai Davis Editorial and Editor Madison Brydie Advertising Inquiries Data Zone ...... 4 National News . . . 7 . Sharonda Green datanewsweeklyad N.O. Agenda Executive Assistant @gmail.com June Hazeur Dionne Character Newsmaker...... 6 Distribution

Accounting Stacy M. Brown by Terrence Lee Please call 504-309-9913 for subscription information or to obtain a back issue of the paper ONLY. Dated material two weeks in advance. Not responsible for publishing or return of unsolicited manuscripts or photos. www.ladatanews.com Cover Story April 17 - April 23, 2021 Page 3

Cover Story, Continued from page 2.

On the federal level, I am proud building bridges of co-operation to have secured the endorsement of and getting things done Carter the outgoing Congressman, Cedric says, “As evidenced by my numer- Richmond, sitting members includ- ous local endorsements, I have a ing Rep . , Major- proven track record of cooperating ity Whip , CBC Chair and negotiating to get things done . , Chairman Hakeem While fighting for what’s right is im- Jeffries, Rep . , Rep . portant, I understand that this is not , Rep Filemon a zero-sum game .” Vela Jr, and Rep . Andre Carson, “As the Minority Leader of the among others . Locally, I am proud , I can tell to have been endorsed by State Sen- you that we don’t always have the ators: Joseph Bouie, Jimmie Harris, votes to get everything done that Paul Connick, Greg Tarver, Ed we would like to . However, that Price . State House Representatives: doesn’t stop us from choosing our Jason Hughes, Ken Brass, Randall battles and doing what we can to Gaines, Rodney Lyons, Kyle Green, help our constituents, this is why and Parish President Cynthia Lee I file a yearly billion raising the Sheng . I’ve also been endorsed minimum wage and enacting anti- by local organizations including; discrimination legislation .” LA Democratic Party, IWO, LIFE, The District as is many across SOUL, AFL-CIO, Alliance for Good “I am proud to have a broad coalition of support from local elected officials from up and down the district. the country is suffering as a result Government, and JPDEC .” Garnering these endorsements is a testament to the relationships that I’ve built during my career in public of COVID-19 . This is something Speaking of his experience of service and my ability to work with others to provide meaningful and tangible change to strengthen our that Carter plans to address if elect- communities.” ed . “People are hurting from both the COVID-19 Pandemic and the ever-present epidemic of racial in- justice . With that said, I know that we must do what we can to help people immediately . Empty slogans don’t pay bills” Voter turnout is important, and Troy Carter is encouraging all to get out and vote, so that he can go to Washington D .C . and serve the people of the District and get things done . “Exercising one’s civic duty and voting is paramount to a strong De- mocracy . As we learned from our past two presidential elections, it is on all of us to do our part and vote . When the margins are so slim, and the consequences are so big – peo- ple must vote and make their voices heard . I would be humbled to have your vote on April 24th . I’m proud Speaking of his experience of building bridges of co-operation and Troy Carter and Data News Weekly Publisher, Terry Jones at campaign of my career as a public servant . I getting things done Carter says, “As evidenced by my numerous event after his first place finish in the primary. have always, and I will always, fight local endorsements, I have a proven track record of cooperating for you .” and negotiating to get things done. While fighting for what’s right is important, I understand that this is not a zero-sum game.” Page 4 April 17 - April 23, 2021 Data Zone www.ladatanews.com

IN MEMORIAM Hip Hop Superstar DMX Has Died at 50

DMX (Earl Simmons) recently passed away at age 50. He was an icon who helped defined 90’s hip hop. He was also a critically acclaimed actor, appearing in several films.

Stacy M. Brown times we spent with him . Earl’s mu- quickly rose up the rap and pop music Before the end of 1998, DMX com- NNPA Newswire Senior National sic inspired countless fans across the charts . pleted his second album, and a pending Correspondent world and his iconic legacy will live on His seminal CD, “It’s Dark and Hell is buyout of Def Jam pushed the record into forever . We appreciate all of the love Hot,” cemented his legacy as a rap mu- stores that December . Featuring a contro- DMX, the sensationally talented and and support during this incredibly dif- sic genius . versial cover photo of the rapper covered gruff-voiced rap artist and actor who ficult time . Please respect our privacy The website AllMusic .com noted that, in blood, Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My rose from the hardscrabble streets of as we grieve the loss of our brother, following the deaths of Tupac Shakur Blood entered the charts at number one Yonkers, New York, to become one of father, uncle and the man the world and the Notorious BIG, DMX took over and eventually went triple platinum . hip-hop’s most prolific stars, has died at knew as DMX . We will share informa- as the undisputed reigning king of hard- The following year, DMX hit the the age of 50 . tion about his memorial service once core rap . road with Jay-Z and the Method Man/ Most famous for the “Ruff Ryders An- details are finalized .” “He was that rare commodity: a com- Redman team on the blockbuster Hard them,” DMX, whose real name is Earl Raised by his aunt, DMX took hip-hop mercial powerhouse with artistic and Knock Life tour . Simmons, suffered a heart attack last by storm in the 1990s . street credibility to spare,” editors at All- “The Ruff Ryders posse – of which week . He won Source magazine’s Unsigned Music .com wrote . DMX was a core, founding member – re- He was rushed to White Plains Hos- Hype Award in January 1991 and re- “His rapid ascent to stardom was ac- leased a showcase compilation, Ryde or pital where doctors worked for several leased the promo single ‘Born Loser’ for tually almost a decade in the making, Die, Vol . 1,” AllMusic .com editors wrote . days to try and revive him . Columbia Records . which gave him a chance to develop the “With contributions from DMX, “We are deeply saddened to an- After a nearly three-year hiatus, DMX theatrical image that made him one of as well as Eve, the LOX, and multiple nounce today that our loved one, returned to the limelight with an appear- rap’s most distinctive personalities dur- guests, Ryde or Die, Vol . 1 debuted at DMX, birth name of Earl Simmons, ance on LL Cool J’s “4, 3, 2, 1 .” ing his heyday .” number one in the spring of 1999, fur- passed away at 50 years old at White He worked with the Diddy protégé Hype Williams’ motion picture “Bel- ther cementing DMX’s Midas touch .” Plains Hospital with his family by his Ma$e on ’24 Hours To Live’, the LOX’s ly” was among the first to cast DMX in DMX went on to star in a myriad of side after being placed on life support “Money, Power & Respect,” and the leading roles . motion pictures and television shows, for the past few days,” the family wrote remix of Ice Cube’s smash hit, “We Be The 1998 film also included Nas, including “Any Given Sunday,” “Gone in a statement . Clubbin .’” Taral Hicks, Method Man, R&B singer in 60 Seconds,” and “Cradle 2 the “Earl was a warrior who fought till After signing a contract with Ruff Ry- T-Boz, and National Newspaper Publish- Grave .” the very end . He loved his family with ders/ Def Jam Records, DMX recorded ers Association President and CEO Dr . DMX reportedly is survived by a fian- all of his heart, and we cherish the his iconic hit, “Get At Me Dog,” which Benjamin F . Chavis, Jr . cée, his mother and 15 children . www.ladatanews.com Data Zone April 17 - April 23, 2021 Page 5 Spring has Sprung Decluttering Your Mind and Soul

Spring is here and it is time to declutter your mind and replenish your soul. Time to throw out the old things and replace with new things. We must change our mindset, eating habits and focus...becoming more aware of things that will set us free to enjoy a new season and reach our full potential.

of April along with the birds and are at and no matter who we are, us become more content with un- the bees, grabbing some fresh lem- we all long to live happier lives, derstanding what’s controllable . onade, replenishing our souls with connecting with the universe in It’s time to plant some new a good book as we lay in a field of finding our true purpose . Maybe seeds . It’s time to declutter those fresh daisies . it’s time to let go of unhappy peo- old thoughts . It’s time you focus Just as we have to throw out ple and unhealthy thoughts, which on where you going and not where the old and replace with new seem to stress our bodies, holding you’ve been all winter long . It’s things, we must change our us back from becoming more con- time to get a move on and do some- Diva Dionne Character mindset, eating habits and fo- fident and capable . Perhaps some thing fun! Female Empowerment cus-- becoming more aware of of us should practice solitude turn- Decide what you want today and Columnist the things that will set us free to ing off the television and our cell start saying “no” to everything else . Ladies, it’s time for us to clear our enjoy a new season . If we never phones, becoming more in tuned A simplified life is the key to a de- minds as we approach a new season get organized we will never be with where we really would like to cluttered mind and soul . of hope and joy, celebrating Spring, able to see our full potential . go and who we really are . Dionne Character can be reached “decluttering,” enjoying the month No matter what stage of life we These things will certainly help at www .characterhollywood .com

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by texting FINISH to 97779 or by visiting FinishYourDiploma.org. to opt out. No purchase Reply STOP Apply. Message & Data Rates May and Privacy: adcouncil.org/About-Us/Privacy-Policy. Terms necessary. Page 6 April 17 - April 23, 2021 Newsmaker www.ladatanews.com

LSU Students Voice Safety Concerns In the Case of Missing Student Kori Gauthier

Kai Davis Data News Weekly Contributor

Young Black college students took to social media to join in on the ongoing search for a missing Louisiana State University fresh- man since Tuesday April 6, 2021 . In addition to Gauthier’s case, a report outlining LSU’s failed compliance to Title IX reporting stemming from sexual misconduct reports have LSU students hold weekend prayer vigils for missing freshman. left many young people and parents in the greater New Orleans-Baton cerning the disappearance of one of a “highly recruited football player” Rouge area concerned about the their students,” said Colbe Perry, a was responsible for the sexual alle- safety of the state’s flagship Public senior LSU transfer student . gations made on campus . University Campus . Students believe the campus is LSU handled the news with Crews continue to search for not taking timely precautions to lenient punishment being “disci- Kori Gauthier as of Monday, April handle Title IX reports and creat- plinary probation .” Which forbade 12th, after the LSU freshman from ing a safe space for students . LSU him from studying abroad, but Opelousas, was reported missing Opelousas native Kori Gauthier has been missing since April 6. President Thomas Galligan said in still allowed him to play the entire when her car was discovered on a statement that the investigation 2017 and 2018 season, according the Mississippi River Bridge on In- that safety concerns regarding the appointing, it really makes me ques- reports were “brutally honest and to reports . terstate 10 . Baton Rouge police indi- recent news of Gauthier’s disap- tion if they care to listen to their objective evaluation of our culture .” Upon the ongoing investigations cate they do not have any evidence pearance and the ongoing coverage students’ stories and to stop their Students said they want the univer- and disappearance of Gauthier, LSU to suspect foul play or any criminal of sexual misconduct at the school horrendous situations from hap- sity to begin to address all forms of students have spread flyers, hosted activity in the case . And while the has elevated conversations around pening,” McGill said . safety on campus . prayer vigils, and walked the Mis- search continues for Gauthier, whether the school is actively lis- Students complained on social “LSU makes it seem as if it is a sissippi River levee to continue to current students say they feel not tening to students . media that university officials were safe campus for all students no mat- spread over social media and in the enough is being done to create a “When I was an undergrad stu- initially removing posters to help ter gender or race, when in actual- community, about Gauthier’s disap- safe space for students . dent, I did not feel the safest . Some find Gauthier . Amongst response to ity, there are certain groups who pearance . “I think it’s 1, pretty scary and students could stay out late and how LSU is handling Gauthier’s sit- cannot experience this safety and “It makes me feel very con- 2, disheartening to realize it took not have a problem, but I was not uation, students said they felt there comfort,” Perry said . “It is a great cerned for the family especially, I LSU a few days until she was big one of those students,” said Loreal is a divide on what LSU students be- school, but until it’s safe for all, the just really hope they’re able to find on social media to say anything,” Johnson, an LSU graduate student lieve is the best for the school and only thing LSU can do to prevent her,” Johnson said . “Yes, LSU has a said Naya McGill, a graduating who will earn her master’s degree what administration believe is best these types of circumstances from lot going on but the fact that a stu- senior at LSU . “By the time LSU there in May . for the school’s image . happening is to remain accountable dent is missing, and the family and sent an email, everyone on cam- Routinely mishandling multiple “Maybe eight-to-nine hours and vigilant,” Perry added . students had to beg and plead to pus knew about Kori through sexual allegations, LSU is now un- passed following her disappearance Four of the 10 football players get information about her posted social media . It was just very dis- der its second federal investigation and students were already mak- accused of sexual assault were ar- is really unacceptable . I really hope appointing to watch all of that un- of sexual misconduct . ing it aware, and efforts to spread . rested, while the other six faced LSU makes necessary changes to fold,” McGill said . “The whole situation with sexual While an entire day and a half later, allegations at LSU . In response to become a better university overall,” Students who attend LSU shared misconduct allegations is very dis- LSU finally made a statement con- these allegations, LSU found that Johnson added . State & Local News

Southern University Hosted Statewide Vaccination Day

Story and Photos by Johnson Vaccine across its five “We have to put out more in- community on how important it is “Being able to be okay, because Madison Brydie campuses and four additional formation about it and we have to to maintain their health and get vac- I had a sister that had it and she Data News Weekly sites, including its Southern Uni- circulate it on social media and cir- cinated . Despite wasn’t okay, it took a while for her Contributor versity of New Orleans (SUNO) culate it through traditional media being disproportionately affected to come back to us,” said Shongyla Campus . The university system outlets as well, but to provide more by COVID-19, the community is Williams, 60, a retired Harrah’s Ca- As the number of fully vac- provided the vaccines in collabo- information on how these vaccines still recording a lower vaccination sino host who said that it was this cinated residents in Louisiana ration with the Louisiana Depart- were developed, [the] testing that rate statewide, Alfred explained . up-close reference to the effects of increased weekly to 413,000 by ment of Health, that was admin- it went through, and it has been ap- Dozens of community mem- COVID-19 when her sister tested April 12th, Southern University istered by the Louisiana National proved by the USDA,” said Alfred bers gathered on a Saturday at the positive, that encouraged her to get joined the statewide push in the Guard . The vaccination event is E . Harrell III, the Executive Direc- SUNO Campus to get their vaccina- vaccinated . fight against COVID-19 through part of the Southern University tor of the Southern University Sys- tion and to access the free vaccine . “As soon as she got on her feet its statewide vaccination day . On system’s “Don’t Wait . Vaccinate!” tem Foundation . After getting vaccinated, some resi- and they started developing the April 10th, the university admin- effort to encourage racial minor- The event is the second step in dents shared their relief knowing State & Local News, istered the one-dose Johnson & ity groups to get vaccinated . educating the African American that they are safer from the virus . Continued on page 7. www.ladatanews.com National News April 17 - April 23, 2021 Page 7 DATA CLASSIFIED Call 504-821-7421 to Winners of Local Competition for place your classified ad. National Spelling Bee Announced Job Opportunity Freelance Writers Wanted Data News Weekly, “The People’s Paper, is looking for freelence writers to join our team print and digital team. We want to hear from you if you are a working journalist, or an aspiring journalist who has 2 years or more of newspaper or PR writing experience. We need writers who can cover New Orleans news stories, ranging from local high school sports, community events, City Hall and entertainment. First-place, Ms. Zaila Avante-Garde Second place - Annalise Perez Third place - Harper Hill Experience in print is necessary, experience in digital and social media New Orleans Agenda News Home School, Metairie Academy Young Audiences Charter School; feature spellers from across the are encouraged. Release for Advanced Studies, St . Angela and third place - Harper Hill who is U .S . and the globe who will gather Merici School, St . Francis Xavier a 4th grader at Metairie Academy near Orlando, Florida, on July 8th Compensation is NEW ORLEANS - The New Or- School, Stuart Hall School for Boys, for Advanced Studies . All winners to compete in the nationally tele- competitive and great leans Chapter of The Links, Incor- and Young Audiences Charter were presented with gift cards, tro- vised event . The final rounds of this story ideas will be porated hosted the local competi- School . In total, fifty-seven students phies, and ribbons . Their teachers year’s Bee will be hosted in person appreciated. tion of the Annual Scripps National were assigned the online test . were also presented with gift cards at ESPN Wide World of Sports Spelling Bee on Friday, March 12th The winners of the local bee in appreciation for their support . Complex at Walt Disney World Re- If you are interested, please email your resume via virtual platform . Students from are: first place - Zaila Avante-Garde The first-place winner, Ms . Zaila sort . The finals, featuring 10-12 ac- and 3 writing samples to: these schools participated: Chris- who is an 8th grader at Clover Land Avante-Garde, will receive an all- complished spellers, will be broad- terrybjones@bellsouth. tian Brothers School, Clearwood Home School; second place - An- expense-paid trip to the Scripps cast live in Primetime on ESPN2 . net and datanewseditor@ Junior High School, Clover Lane nalise Perez who is a 6th grader at National Spelling Bee which will bellsouth.net.

We can’t wait to interactions with other medi- hear from you! cine and the long-term effects of that,” Bonita said . However, her daughter Brianna shared she was indifferent toward the vaccination . “I didn’t feel strongly about get- ting it, but I didn’t feel strongly op- posed to getting it, so why not get it . I got my mom to get it and got This space can be my friend here to get it as well,” Bri- Alfred E. Harrell III is the SUNO student Sonaia M. joined Conrad Barre, a Retail Manager, anna said . Executive Director for the many of her classmates to be said he went to the Southern Southern University System vaccinated on her campus. University Statewide Vaccination Despite varying motivations to Foundation. Day event because he wants life getting vaccinated, the SUNO event yours for only $80 in the city to return to normal maintained a steady flow of resi- again. dents throughout the day . About State & Local News, VID-19 in everyday lives . People skepticism toward the vaccines, 81 residents were vaccinated at the Continued from page 6. hope to weaken the fear that affects even after getting vaccinated her- SUNO location and over 100 Louisi- vaccine she got it and she told me them every day and get back to nor- self . Both Bonita and her daugh- anans vaccinated statewide . Call Now! to get it, and I did .” mal,” she shared . ter’s primary motivation behind The university aims to host ad- Other participants felt a similar Normalcy was 43-year-old Retail getting the vaccine was concern ditional vaccination events in May, sense of relief after their vaccina- Manager, Conrad Barre’s main mo- for Bonita’s mother and Brianna’s collaborating with Ochsner Health . tion, like 19-year-old SUNO student tivation for his vaccination . “I aspire grandmother’s health . They also The university system will also hold Sanaia M . Despite a lower risk of se- to get back to regular, and get back had different opinions on the vac- webinars on the differences be- vere complications from the virus, to normalcy,” Barre said . Just like cine research and trials . tween the Johnson & Johnson, Pfiz- 504-821-7421 she shared that she still maintained Williams, he said when he left he Bonita said she still had reserva- er, and Moderna vaccines on May a serious concern for COVID-19 . felt great after receiving the vaccine tions even after her vaccination . 4th . The public can get information After her vaccination, she was most and ready to continue his day . “No, I was not excited about on accessing the vaccine through excited about the new sense of safe- A positive reaction was common getting it . I got it for my moth- the university’s vaccine resource ty from the immunity the vaccine among other participants; however, er . I don’t think enough testing page on its website . creates . Bonita Robinson, 53, who got vac- was done . I don’t think 100,000 “Our goal is to continue to edu- “This vaccination has become a cinated with her daughter Brianna people is enough to test . I don’t cate our citizens on how important safeguard to relieve the fear of CO- Robinson, 29, continued to hold think they did enough tests on it is to get vaccinated,” Harrell said . Page 8 April 17 - April 23, 2021 www.ladatanews.com

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