Opinion Captain Charles Birthers Shut Down? Annual Easter Egg Hunt Hardly

Lighting The Road To The Future

Jumping The Broom Data Zone Page 6 “The People’s Paper” April 30 - May 6, 2011 46th Year Volume 1 www.ladatanews.com

Scoop Jones - Founder

Anthony Bean Wendell Pierce Carol Bebelle Marc Morial William Oliver

Page 2 Data Around Town Opinion Captain Charles Birthers Shut Down? Annual Easter Egg Hunt Hardly. Page 7 Page 10 Photos by Victor Holt

Page 2 April 30 - May 6, 2011 Cover Story www.ladatanews.com Data News Celebrates Forty-Fifth Anniversary

Jerome Smith - Community Activist

Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) is a man with deep roots in the By Edwin Buggage activist community of New Orleans . “Data News Weekly has always served as the pipeline to Black New Orleans giving us the news that other outlets seemed to ignore,” says Smith . “It has been the paper that has chronicled Forty-five years ago Joseph “Scoop” Jones was a man with a dream of what’s important to our community .” creating a newspaper that would serve as a voice for the voiceless in the New He recounts the early days of Tambourine and Fan in the early 70’s, “When Orleans Community . In 1966 he and several partners started the New Orleans we first took over Hunter’s Field and worked with young people Data News Data News Weekly . Today under the ownership of his son Terry Jones, Data Weekly was the first newspaper to give us coverage ”. Smith feels that Black News Weekly has grown into one of the premier African-American newspa- newspapers are even more essential today in the city’s changing landscape, pers in the country winning awards and garnering praise from the community “I am glad to see Data is still around after forty-five years leading the charge as a news source people have come to trust . On this the Forty-Fifth Anniver- showing that we are still a relevant force in New Orleans .” sary a host of people from the civic, business, arts and activist community in As the city changes Data News Weekly continues to be rooted in the com- New Orleans have come together to congratulate Data News Weekly for its munity and on a weekly basis takes its pulse through cutting edge journalism service . that engages the public . Carol Bebelle is the co-founder and Executive Di- Jerome Smith of Tambourine and Fan and former member of the Student rector of Ashe Cultural Center and feels Data News Weekly is a lifeline giving

Cover Story, Continued on next page. DATA News Weekly P.O. Box 57347, New Orleans, LA 70157-7347 INSIDE DATA Phone: (504) 821-7421 | Fax: (504) 821-7622 editorial: [email protected] | advertising: [email protected] Terry B. Jones Contributors CEO/Publisher Edwin Buggage Cover Story ...... 2 Data Zone ...... 6 Glenn Jones Judge Greg Mathis VP Advertising Cheryl Mainor & Marketing Julianne Malveaux Cheryl Mainor Managing Editor Newsmaker...... 4 Commentary . . . . 8 Art Direction & Production Edwin Buggage MainorMedia.com Editor Melanie Mainor Editorial Submissions National News . . . 5 State & Local News . . 9 Copy Editor Intern [email protected] June Hazeur Advertising Inquiries Accounting [email protected] Please call (504) 309-9913 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 April 30 - May 6, 2011 Page 3 Cover Story, Continued from previous page.

the community a much needed voice, “Data News has been a generous were many questions surrounding the source of news coverage and spotlight for Ashe’ Cultural Arts Center continuation of Black cultural traditions focusing on us in a big way and other times just keeping our news in the and institutions and Data News Weekly mix,” says Bebelle . Continuing she says speaking directly to Data, “For has kept the community informed and 13 of your 45 years we have been a grateful recipient of your commit- continues to inspire in the pages of its ted efforts to keep the community informed . Congratulations and Best publication .” wishes for 45 more years .” Actor Wendell Pierce is a man Data News Weekly in addition to being a whose roots run deep in New Orleans . valuable source of information has over the While his talent has taken him around years forged relationships with companies in- the world, the Crescent City is where terested in partnering with a newspaper with his heart lies . Coming back after Hur- an interest in serving the community . Bill Ol- ricane Katrina with renewed vigor he is iver is a former CEO of AT&T and has had a a beacon light in the struggle to rebuild business relationship with Data News Weekly his city, and says the community needs William Oliver for two decades, “This is a paper that in my Former CEO of AT&T an organ to articulate its aspirations . “I twenty years of doing business is a vital asset feel the most valuable thing in uplifting a and continues to serve New Orleans and de- community is knowledge and for 45 years Data News Weekly has been a serves continued support in its mission,” says fountain of information,” remarks Pierce . Oliver . He feels the movement towards Like Data News Weekly the Morial name change begins with a public that is prop- is synonymous with a tradition of serving erly informed, “Data News Weekly has Wendell Pierce the citizens of New Orleans . National Urban been a vehicle that has not only talked Actor League President and Former New Orleans about change, but also puts forward a Mayor, Marc Morial says of Data News message of optimism to fuel and imple- Weekly, “Congratulations for 45 years of service to New Orleans . Data ment that change .” The search for truth News weekly is very special to me for many reasons ”. He speaks of his is also another piece of what Pierce calls early years in New Orleans and Data News being a valuable resource for for in the struggle for justice and says the community to have a vehicle to have an Data News Weekly is the place where authentic voice to express its plight and aspi- one who is seeking truth can find it, rations, “First, as I grew up, I would pick up “Throughout its 45 years Data News my Data from Dooky Chase, Chez Helene,or Weekly is where truth can be heard and Ray’s Accident Records which was located on read and I give my congratulations in St . Bernard Ave . It was a source of truthful Marc Morial continuing to be the voice of a city and President - National Urban and insightful news on Black New Orleans at League its people .” a time when mainstream New Orleans newspapers ignored, and twisted news concerning Black New Orleans,” recounts Morial . bis the son of New Orleans first African- American Mayor Ernest “Dutch” Morial . During the ascendance of Blacks running and winning elected offices Data News Weekly Anthony Bean was important in helping the Black commu- Owner-Anthony Bean nity to become politically active . As Marc Mo- Community Theater rial followed in the footsteps of his father in his run for mayor speaks of Data News Weekly in helping to rally support around his candidacy, “Data News Weekly strongly endorsed my candidacy for Mayor in 1994 providing me with a welcome acceleration to our support during our stretch run and thus helping a decisive victory in that historic election,” says Mo- rial . Morial throughout his life has been a passionate advocate for the people of New Or- leans and feels Data News Weekly has been akin in their commitment to community up- lift for two generations, “Data News Weekly and the Founder “Scoop” Jones, and his son Terry Jones have always been community oriented, and have published with purpose and commitment to the people . I admire them, and will always support Data News Weekly .” Carol Bebelle Co-founder & Executive Anthony Bean is the owner of the Antho- Director -Ashe Cultural Center ny Bean Community Theater and has been involved in the arts for nearly four decades . He says Data News Weekly has always been supportive of his projects, “I remember “Scoop” Jones as someone who was passionate about the community and Data News Weekly has always been the paper that has shed light on our issues and given us a voice and recognized our unsung heroes .” “I congratulate Data News Weekly on its 45th Anniversary and hope to see it grow to even greater heights in the days to come,” says Bean . New Orleans is a city that’s experiencing a decline in its Black imprint in Katrina’s aftermath . And today the African-American media is more important than ever, a fact not lost on Bean, “After Hurricane Katrina there Page 4 April 30 - May 6, 2011 Newsmaker www.ladatanews.com

The Coca-Cola Company And Wendy’s Invite New Orleans To Experience The Fountain Of The Future New Orleans Wendy’s to Feature Coca-Cola Freestyle New Touch Screen Fountain

Wendy’s is the first of The Com- fer the exciting These sleek, stylish new foun- lando, Phoenix, Salt Lake City and pany’s customers to complete a new fountain technology in the tains are touch screen operated, Northern and Southern Califor- market-wide test of Coca-Cola state . enabling consumers to select nia . The Company plans addition- Freestyle including drive-thru, To celebrate this milestone, from more than 100 regular and al U .S . introductions throughout installing 100 fountains in all 50 state Rep . Austin Badon, along low-calorie branded beverages 2011 . of its New Orleans restaurants by with Coca-Cola Freestyle and – including many varieties of wa- “We have created a concept that May 2nd . Wendy’s executives will gather ters, sports drinks, lemonades and is quickly becoming recognized Along with New Orleans, Wen- at the Wendy’s located at 5701 sparkling beverages that, prior to as the soda fountain of the dy’s is currently testing Coca-Cola Read Road, New Orleans, LA to the arrival of Coca-Cola Freestyle, future – a representation of the Freestyle in select locations in At- toast the arrival of the first Coca- were not available in the U S. . The way people will experience Coca- lanta, Chicago, Dallas and Phoe- Cola Freestyle in the city . self-serve fountains – which rep- Cola beverages years from now,” nix while expanding a second “We’re pleased to partner with resent a complete departure from said Gene Farrell, vice president market-wide test to its restaurants The Coca-Cola Company to test anything The Coca-Cola Company & general manager, Coca-Cola in Providence,RI . Coca-Cola Freestyle in our New has offered previously – were in Freestyle . “Wendy’s has been a The Coca-Cola Company’s new Orleans restaurants,” said Andy development for more than four valued customer and partner for proprietary fountain offering, is Sims, Wendy’s director of area years prior to launching in 2010 . more than 20 years . We are de- entering the New Orleans market . operations . “With more than 100 Coca-Cola Freestyle is now lighted to see Wendy’s expansion Long-time customer Wendy’s, one different choices, our customers available in more than 400 out- to marketwide testing of Coca- of the world’s most successful res- will like having a wide variety of lets and 25 markets across the Cola Freestyle as they bring this taurant operating and franchising beverages to enjoy with their fa- U S. ,. including Atlanta, Baltimore, exciting new technology to New companies, will be the first to of- vorite sandwich or salad .” Chicago, Dallas, Jacksonville, Or- Orleans .”

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO DATA NEWSWEEKLY FOR BEING THE VOICE TO A VOICELESS PEOPLE

Got a budding actor in the house? The ABCT/NORD SUMMER THEATER CAMP Anthony Bean Community Theater/NORD Talent Camp for ages 8 yrs. - 17 yrs. runs from June 6th to July 31st and includes acƟng classes/workshop, lectures, guest performances, and eld trips, it ends with the producƟon of America's favorite family musical, "CATS". A e S igh UM ts: t w M en Mo ee ER irem old. , nd k p TH equ ars skit ay - rog EAT R 7 ye o a Fr ram ER 8-1 nd d ida CAM een n a c. y, Jun etw diƟo e, et 9:0 e 6t P ls b e au iec 0 a h r gir th ng p P .m - Ju ys o e to acƟ rice . - ly Bo Com em, er! : $ 3:0 31 nt! , po read an 30 0 p st, tale cial od for 0.0 .m ve a mer a go 529 0 . Ha com t be 62-7 ! Mus 04-8 iƟon at 5 aud ater e to the t Ɵm l the men Cal oint app www.ladatanews.com National News April 30 - May 6, 2011 Page 5

AT&T Invests In Louisiana Network To Deliver Most-Advanced Mobile Broadband Experience Plans Call for Addition of More Than 30 New Cell Sites and the Expansion of Backhaul in 2011 as Part of the Initiative to Drive 4G Speeds, Increase Wireless Network Capacity.

AT&T* this week announced backhaul connections that enable “Louisiana residents are more than 50 existing sites to plans to add more than 30 new 4G speeds** . relying more and more on mobile broadband . From 2008 cell sites and upgrade more than The 2011 investment will also wireless technology to com- through 2010, AT&T’s capital in- 700 cell sites across Louisiana as support the build and upgrade of municate with each other vestment in its Louisiana wireline part of its 2011 initiative to deliver thousands of cell sites nationwide and access information,” and wireless networks was more the nation’s most-advanced mo- designed to increase network said Louisiana Gov . Bobby than $2 .8 billion . bile broadband experience . speed, coverage and reliability for Jindal . “Network enhance- “A more advanced mobile The Louisiana wireless network both mobile voice and broadband ments like these benefit broadband experience drives enhancements are part of AT&T’s services . AT&T also plans to install countless consumers while economic growth, stimulates jobs planned $19-billion investment additional radio “carriers” at more making our state an attrac- and equips Louisiana businesses in its national wireless and wire- than 30,000 cell sites nationally this tive place to work, live, and to meet the network demands of line networks and other capital year, enabling new layers of spec- play ”. today and tomorrow,” said Sonia projects in 2011 . The investment trum capacity to carry larger vol- This week’s announce- Perez, President, AT&T Louisi- will support plans to enable 4G umes of mobile broadband traffic . ment builds on the mo- ana . “We’ve significantly ramped speeds over an increasing portion This additional capacity enables mentum established dur- up our wireless investments to of the country throughout the AT&T to support rising mobile ing AT&T’s 2010 wireless enable an experience that of- year, including the planned initial data traffic volumes, which have investment, when it added fers Louisiana consumers better launch of LTE beginning mid-year increased more than 8,000 percent nearly 50 new cell sites in speed, better reliability and better and the deployment of enhanced over the past four years . Louisiana and upgraded availability .”

Thank you New Orleans and all our readers wherever you are for supporting Data News Weekly for the past 45 years.

We’ve enjoyed keeping you abreast of local and national news and “Lighting the Road to the Future” . We’ve given recognition to the unsung heroes in our community; Published your opinions and our own and provided you with Congratulations the information you needed and desired during election season. You’ve helped us to flourish Data News Weekly and we are thankful for this. We’ve grown and have enjoyed that growth along with the popularity. You gave us the title of For 45 Years of Publishing “The People’s Paper” and we will continue to maintain this title thanks to you. We look And Service forward to serving you for next 45 years. Terry B. Jones to our Community Publisher/CEO Page 6 April 30 - May 6, 2011 Data Zone www.ladatanews.com Jumping the Broom A Film that Inspires

“What’s inspirational about this Inspiration and redemption is an movie is to say that we’re all human important goal of this film, and the beings and we’re not perfect,” says stars of “Jumping the Broom” say Patton of the film . Continuing she New Orleans holds a special place says, “When you watch this movie at in their hearts . “Well, you have to the beginning, Sabrina is not a per- believe . You have to believe and fect woman . She’s made mistakes . trust in God and know that better She’s made some bad choices with days will always come,” says Patton . men . The idea is with the help and Continuing with her words of in- guidance of God, that she can be a spiration she says, “If you are good better person ”. in your heart, and you treat people “Jumping the Broom” is a film with kindness, and you try your that showcases the diversity of best, I truly believe that anything the Black community, something can be overcome . You can find suc- that is rarely shown in entertain- cess and find enlightenment . You ment . Alonso says while there is just can never give up . Never give still room for growth in the diver- up .” By Edwin Buggage sity of roles for African-Americans Alonso says that he is deeply In the world of Hollywood many films released promotes sex, violence and mayhem . on the big screen, he sees growth touched by the spirit of persever- The explanation simply being these types of films make money and in regards to films in quality roles in television for ance and resilience of the people of featuring African-American actors multiply this negativity by 100 . African-American actors, “When I New Orleans . “For me, when disas- It is the rare film that can marry the sex, sass, and class in a tasteful way, “Jumping first moved to L .A . in 2001, it was ter struck in New Orleans, it did not the Broom” executive produced by T .D . Jakes is a film that seeks to fill this prescrip- the year the NAACP, Jesse Jackson only strike one set of people, it hit tion . With an all-star cast of who’s who in the world of Black Hollywood the film stars and Al Sharpton were having talks the entire town . It did not discrimi- Laz Alonso and Paula Patton as a couple that falls in love and plans to remain celibate with different studios and television nate who got hit .” Continuing he until marriage . networks about the lack of minori- says of the citizens of New Orleans, ties on their channels and television “One thing that New Orleans did shows,” says Alonso . “Nine years was it came together . Once all the later, you can turn on a CSI and all panicking settled down and once all of the different one-hour dramas of the immediate reaction to what you now see, Laurence Fishburne happened set in, the city bonded to- heading his own show,” remarks gether, came together, and worked Alonso . “Forest Whitaker is heading together and believed together, his own show; Terrence Howard is prayed together, fought together to heading his own show . I have a show get out of that situation ”. on A&E called Breakout Kings that Continuing on the theme of peo- I’m one of the leads of . So, times ple coming together despite differ- have significantly changed in the ence Alonso says, “In Jumping the positive for African-Americans and Broom”, you see two sets of families minorities in general in television,” come together who, on the surface, says Alonso of the progress of Black may appear different . Some people talent in significant roles . have money, some people don’t, but Jumping the Broom is less a at the end of the day, we are more fairytale this film is rooted in the alike than we are different .” Spew- search for true and unconditional ing more words of wisdom Alonso love, “What’s most important about says, “If we focus on our likenesses this movie is love and hope and versus what makes us different, we creating—in some ways, movies— can get through anything . New Or- fairytales are the best,” says Patton . leans is an example of that . We saw “It’s to say that this is a possibility that . Once people focused on how for you . This is something for you they are more alike than how they to strive for .” Saying of the film and are different, New Orleans rose up its intent, “It’s a beautiful film that and is still continuing to rise . It is an makes you feel good, makes you feel inspiration to the rest of the country happy and want to strive for family, on how to come together and get out a wonderful husband—that’s what of a bad situation . So, I feel like New this movie’s about . I don’t know if it Orleans is actually inspiring the rest speaks to what it is to be single right of us as much as we can inspire the now, but it speaks to the dream that people of New Orleans .” we all have ”.

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Captain Charles Annual Easter Egg Hunt Children from across the city came to A L. . Davis Park last Saturday for the 3rd Annual Captain Charles Easter Egg Hunt and Data Was There!

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For more pictures check us out on Facebook. Page 8 April 30 - May 6, 2011 Commentary www.ladatanews.com Women in Prison What About the Children?

the car with the drugs, but they weren’t torial discretion cuts a break for some wom- not jailed, for their tenacity . When we theirs); an equal number are in jail for prop- en, but not for Black women . Police officers, choose to recklessly disregard the power erty crimes – stealing, shoplifting, kiting prosecutors, parole officers, and judges of mother advocacy and motherlove, the re- checks, all crimes that are crimes of pov- are disproportionately White male . They sult is a multi-generational cycle of societal erty . If these women were rehabilitated and bring all their biases about Black women indifference . given good jobs instead of incarcerated, we to the table when they arrest, charge, and Michigan State University’s African- might save both money and lives . sentence Black women . Why else would an American Studies Department produces a Between 66 and 80 percent of the wom- Ohio court (thank you Boyce Watkins for Biennial Race Conference, and this year’s en who are incarcerated are mothers . Most lifting this case up) sentence Kelley Wil- theme was Race and the Criminal Justice of them provided primary care to their liams-Bolar to days in jail because she sent System . In preparing my closing keynote children before they were locked up . Many her children to the “wrong” school, using on the Economic Impact of Women in the of the children whose mothers are incar- her dad’s address to allow them access to a Criminal Justice System, I had the oppor- Julianne Malveaux cerated are in foster care, although some better education? Had Williams-Bolar been tunity to revisit some of my old work, and NNPA Columnist remain with relatives . Some are allowed to a White woman, she would be a poster to think about the many complex ways that visit their mothers in jail, but what kind of child for the school choice movement . In- gender collides with a “just-us” system that maternal bonding experience is that? The stead, this sister will not be able to pursue is replete with bias . I am grateful to col- children of the incarcerated are likely to be her dream to teach (as she completes her league Curtis Stokes for the opportunity There are more than 200,000 women incarcerated themselves a generation later . education), if she is convicted of the crime to review this issue once again, but I am who are currently incarcerated, 115,000 in In some ways they serve time for their ma- she is accused of . How dare Connecticut mostly chagrined that things have gotten federal or state prisons and 99,000 in local ma’s crimes . Why, in some of these cases, prosecutors go after Tonya McDowell for worse, not better, for women who connect jails . Nearly one million women are on pro- is rehabilitation not an option? grand larceny because she used a friend’s with the Criminal Justice System . bation – representing 26 percent of those White women are the majority of those address to send her child to school? Home- The United States incarcerates more on probation and 98,000 are on parole . incarcerated, at 45 percent . African-Amer- less, what was she supposed to do? Keep people than any other country – about 753 Women’s incarceration has grown by more ican women, just 13 percent of the popula- her child out of school and support igno- people per 100,000 in 2008 . The next high- than 800 percent in the last three decades, tion, are 33 percent of those incarcerated . rance? Again, a White woman might be est countries are Poland, at 224 per 100,000, while men’s incarceration has not grown Latina women are 16 percent of those incar- described as enterprising for taking these and Mexico at 209 per 100,000 . Ten percent as rapidly . African-American women’s in- cerated . This is not a “Black thing” though steps . A Black woman is incarcerated . of those we incarcerate are women, and too carceration has grown more quickly than Black women are so disproportionately What about the children? What happens many of them have children . Can we do the incarceration of other women, at 838 incarcerated that it is striking . Why? Per- when a child sees her mother fighting for better? If we prioritized rehabilitation over percent . haps because the Criminal Justice System her rights only to end up in prison? What incarceration we could . And if we can’t, we Why do women collide with the criminal is a system that is mostly White male, and kind of bitterness and anger does this en- will have hell to pay next generation . justice system? Twenty-eight percent are there is little sympathy for women of Afri- gender? What does it mean for the next there because of drug-related offenses, can descent . generation? When mothers choose to fight Julianne Malveaux is President of Bennett College for Women and Author of Surviving often associative offenses (they were in The well-documented reality of prosecu- for their children they should be affirmed, and Thriving: 365 Facts in Black Economic Smarter on Crime

Mathis’ Mind Much of this increase in prison spend- the right approach . The nation’s decades long war on drugs ing can be blamed on mandatory sentenc- Reducing the prison population and, in and ‘tough on crime’ posture has failed to ing laws that require mandatory jail time turn, reducing prison budgets, stabilizes reduce crime rates and control the rising for even low-level, non-violent offenses rob state budgets so that other key programs prison population . Additionally, our current the sentencing judge of the ability to hand won’t have to take such hard hits . Restor- crime fighting strategy puts us at a disad- down a punishment that is more suitable to ing the judge’s ability to use creative sen- vantage in other critical sectors, namely the crime . Instead, offenders who might be tencing for non-violent offenders is one way education . Knowing what we now know, it better served in a drug rehab program are to reduce prison populations around the is clear that it’s beyond time to take a differ- sent to prison, causing prison populations country . Employing alternative sentencing ent approach on crime…a smarter one . to go up and requiring prison budgets to methods, such as home confinement and According to a recently released NAACP increase in order to keep up with the ‘de- drug treatment, is another . Judge Greg Mathis report entitled “Misplaced Priorities: Over mand’ . Our priorities as a nation are currently Incarcerate and Under Educate,” state As states around the country are forced skewed…we are placing far more empha- NNPA Columnist spending on prisons in the last 20 years to make tough cuts to balance their bud- sis on incarcerating people than we are on grew six times faster than education spend- gets, very few are pulling funds from educating and healing them . By taking a ing . In fact, 33 states increased prison those allocated for prisons . Instead, they smarter approach to crime, one that looks spending in 2009 while simultaneously re- are pulling money from education, health- for lower cost ways to punish and rehabili- ducing education funding . care and social services programs that tate offenders, we can free up billions of serve those in need . This is definitely not dollars that can be put to much better use . www.ladatanews.com State & Local News April 30 - May 6, 2011 Page 9

Louisiana NAACP and Others Say State Agencies Failed to Register Minority and Low-Income Voters Under Voter Registration Act (NVRA)

Special to the NNPA from The NVRA requires public as- also cites the results of agency into compliance with federal law, ple, the number of clients regis- thedefendersonline.com sistance agencies that provide investigations and interviews of left us with no other alternative .” tering through public assistance New Orleans, LA –The NAACP services to low-income residents public assistance recipients show- In recent years, similar law- agencies in Missouri and Ohio Legal Defense Fund, Inc . (LDF), to offer their clients the opportu- ing widespread non-compliance . suits in other states have resulted has increased more than tenfold Project Vote, and New Orleans nity to register to vote with every “Registration at public assis- in tremendous increases in voter following settlement of NVRA Attorney Ronald Wilson filed application for benefits, renewal, tance agencies is important for registration numbers . For exam- lawsuits in those states . a complaint in federal court on recertification, or change of ad- reaching populations that are less behalf of the state conference of dress transaction . The complaint likely to register through other the NAACP and several private cites evidence showing that Loui- means, including low-income individuals, alleging that Louisi- siana agencies are failing to carry residents, minorities, and per- ana is disenfranchising minority out their responsibilities under sons with disabilities,” says Ni- and low-income voters by failing this law . cole Zeitler, Director of the Public to offer them the opportunity to Despite consistently high Agency Voter Registration Project register to vote as required by the numbers of participants in Loui- at Project Vote . “By ignoring this National Voter Registration Act siana’s food stamp and Medicaid vital law, Louisiana is denying this (NVRA) . programs, voter registration ap- right to thousands of its residents “By failing to comply with the plications originating from public every year .” National Voter Registration Act, assistance agencies have been “Of course, we would have pre- Louisiana is denying minority and surprisingly low . As of 2008, voter ferred to resolve this matter ab- low-income voters across the state registration applications originat- sent the need for litigation,” said equal access to the ballot box,” ing in these agencies had dropped New Orleans Attorney Ronald said Dale Ho, Assistant Counsel 88 percent since 1995, despite in- Wilson . However, continued Wil- with LDF’s Political Participation creased participation in public as- son, “the State’s refusal to make Group . sistance programs . The complaint the changes required to bring it

African American

Leadership Project To Hold Town Hall Meeting

Neighborhood Development Foundation (NDF) established in The African-American Lead- has special historical challenges measuring progress in year two September 1986 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded ership Project (AALP) has an- which must be addressed by City of Mayor Landrieu’s tenure” said on the belief that decent affordable housing is essential to the nounced that it will follow the government . We think it is only Jones . physical and emotional health, productivity, and self-esteem of an Mayor’s “State of the City” Ad- fair that we articulate approaches In addition to the Town Hall individual and the community in which they reside. dress with a Town Hall Meeting to meeting those challenges which Meeting, AALP will hold its an- NDF relies on the generosity of the philanthropic, government, designed to elicit goals for the are clear, understandable, and at- nual commemoration of the elec- and business communities to finance its program operations. second year of the Landrieu Ad- tainable with reasonable effort .” tion of the first African-American ministration . The Town Hall Meeting will dis- Mayor of New Orleans, Ernest Other operational fees are generated from service fees, service AALP is a network of communi- cuss areas which impact the qual- “Dutch” Morial on Sunday, May contracts, consulting fees, fundraising events, and individual ty, religious and business leaders, ity of life in New Orleans with a 1st . donations. activists, educators, researchers, special focus on economic issues . According to Gail Glapion, attorneys, and interested citizens . Dr . Calvin Mackee will lead the AALP Chairperson, “Dutch was All Donations are tax deductible. It carries out its work through overall economic discussion and a strong personality with both To Donate: go to www.ndf-neworleans.org or make check direct and indirect involvement Dr . Raynard Sanders will guide admirers and detractors, but payable to neighborhood development foundation send to: in policy analysis, research, advo- the discussion on school system no one can deny his historical 1429 South Rampart Street, New Orleans, LA 70113 cacy, organizing, agenda develop- issues . Patricia Hightower will importance to this city .” As we ment and consensus building . discuss home ownership and rent- have done since 2004, we will ARE YOU CONSIDERING YOUR FINANCIAL FITNESS? “Whether we view the glass al property issues in the city . commemorate his election, and as ‘half-full’ or ‘half empty’, the Following the panel presenta- the lessons learned since he left ARE YOU CONSIDERING HOMEOWNERSHIP? undeniable fact is that it is not tion, the public will be invited to us . The Commemoration will CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT 504-488-0155 close enough to the top” said At- comment on the issues discussed take place on Sunday, May 1, th torney Ernest L . Jones, current as well as make recommenda- 2011 at 1:30 p .m . at the African- Financial Fitness Training: May 9th - 12 AALP Project Manager . “While tions on future public policy . “Our American Museum at 1418 Gov- Homeownership Training: May 16th - 19th we share in the gains and losses intent is to end with a set of spe- ernor Nicholls Street . A Wreath- of New Orleans as a whole, the cific recommendations which can laying at St . Louis Cemetery will Happy Mother’s Day African-American community provide goals and timetables for immediately follow . Page 10 April 30 - May 6, 2011 Opinion www.ladatanews.com April 27, 2011 A Day of Shame for America

By Cheryl Mainor what they tell him to do… I think I with the next pound of flesh they “My name is Barack Obama”, I heard one follow it up with “Boy”? will require, calling on the Presi- was born in Hawaii, the 50th State, Okay, I didn’t hear that, but I dent to now produce his college and I am an American Citizen .” know where this goes from here transcripts, and making slimy ref- - President Barack Obama, if left unchecked . One Republican erences to his not being “a very April 27, 2011 . Presidential candidate even boast- good student” while at Occidental It was with great or Columbia . Go- sadness and dismay ing further, he today, that I watched, questioned how along with now hun- Obama could dreds of thousands, have been admit- and perhaps even mil- ted to Harvard if lions of Americans, as he wasn’t a very our duly elected , 44th good student . I President of these seem to recall the United States, had to open secret that bow down, and pro- our last President, www.ladatanews.com duce his papers . And G W. . Bush was at while many Demo- best a “C” student crats and others who pulled a lot of breathed a sigh of re- strings to get into lief, as I was tempted Yale, but that was to do at first; my sec- not an issue . He ond thought overtook deserved to be the momentary relief, there because, and a wave of pro- well, just because found sadness rolled he did . Trump, like a wave through my body, and ed that he is proud he forced the pontificated on it, opening the I quietly cried for him and for us White House to produce the birth next leg of the inquisition of Presi- as Blacks in America . certificate . How can they be dent Obama by proxy by insert- How can it be, that in 2011, we proud that they have again chosen ing the convenient phrasing, that still have to prove our American- to revisit the darkest period of our “the word is” and “they say” and ness? How can it be that this existence; the days when America of course “I’ve read” never citing man, this Black man, who has ac- only counted, or you only counted what, who or where the sources complished some of the greatest if you were a whole person (mean- are he cites . Just letting the words things one can do, and has done ing White) , you know, the 3/5th drip from his lips, like water for Dr. Robert J. Spears, DDS it not by being born into privi- rule? What sane person would be the thirsty, he shows that he is lege, or favors . Rather, this man proud of this shameful behavior? morally and intellectually bank- General Dentistry accomplished great things just Have things really changed when rupt and is willing to go to what- as we all have; by using what is our President is reduced to this ever lengths to put this man, in his supposed to be the best of Ameri- level? What’s next, proving he is place . Based on his “questions”, can values, the “bootstrapping” fully human? Are they going to I venture to guess that according authentic American way that we eventually call for samples of his to Trump, and his ilk, including boast makes this the best nation DNA? Where does this stop? many of the other Republican can- in the world . According to history Yet through it all, he has my didates and elected officials and teachers all over the country, this deepest gratitude and admiration even our illustrious Governor and makes us an “exceptional nation”, for showing time and time again, his Louisiana State Birther Bill, the yet when a Black man achieves how gracious and good he is, for place our President must learn to greatness, he must prove he is even while his basic humanity has reside in is in the back of the bus, American . It makes me want to been unfoundedly and disgusting- where all good and happy darkies scream . It makes our ancestors ly questioned, he has remained belong . They cannot imagine this cry out-loud from beyond, for it above it all, and keeps his focus nation as it is today, a place where seems the more things change, on what is important for the na- a proud and strong Black man, Extrac�ons Fillings the more they stay the same . It’s tion . Yes, he showed his papers, could be President, and leader of a sad day indeed, now how do we and gritted his teeth, smiled and the free world, so they continue Dentures Crowns explain this to our children? How moved the conversation along on, pushing to put him in back in do I tell my Black children, that while remaining Presidential . Or his place . Root Canals Cleanings yes, you can be the President of did he? It’s a sad commentary that they this country one day, but you will As our President stood in front were in fact correct, in this coun- Schedule an appointment today!! never be a “Real American” . of the cameras, and showed his try, today, all of the change and Today, I witnessed several Re- papers and proved his citizenship, hope and the votes of the major- 9235 Lake Forest Blvd. publicans say” oh well now that the ultimate media whore, Don- ity of Americans are not enough proves it, but what took him so ald Trump, held his own press to conquer that old snake, racism New Orleans, LA 70127 long ”. Or it’s their relief because conference in New Hampshire, and white superiority that still he should have shown his papers and true to form, sprinkled more seethes just under the surface . (504) 241‐8214 three years ago when they first unfounded and unprecedented Cry for America today because demanded he bow down and do innuendo into the conversation today is her day of shame . Chosen THREE times as one of the

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