Lighting The Road To The Future Data Zone Page 6

Shoot Ya Best Shot “The People’s Paper” April 28 - May 4, 2012 46th Year Volume 48 www.ladatanews.com

Terrance Osborne The Art and Soul of a City

Page 2 Opinion Trailblazer What Happened Latoya on Saturday? Cantrell Page 9 Page 8 Page 2 April 28 - May 4, 2012 Cover Story www.ladatanews.com Terrance Osborne The Art and Soul of a City

New Orleans Artist Terrance Osborne

By Edwin Buggage The subject is Trombone Shorty; it is one of my favorites because Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews and I have many similarities .” Continuing he said, “He grew up in Treme and : America’s Artistic Mecca so did I, he went to NOCCA and so did I, so it was an easy It’s that time of the year again, when people from around the globe painting for me . And I wanted to paint Troy in the neigh- come to experience the culture of America’s most international City . For two weekends the New Orleans Fairgrounds will be ablaze with art, mu- borhood, and I knew I was certain that it was the setting I sic, and food at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival . The festival wanted . So as he is playing and the neighborhood is bending has grown by leaps and bounds from its early origin in to to his note, that’s why the houses are leaning his way . It is become one of the premiere festivals in the world . really about people coming together and living in harmony . Cover Story, Continued on next page.

DATA News Weekly P.O. Box 57347, New Orleans, LA 70157-7347 | Phone: (504) 821-7421 | Fax: (504) 821-7622 INSIDE DATA editorial: [email protected] | advertising: [email protected] Terry B. Jones Contributors CEO/Publisher Edwin Buggage Glenn Jones George Curry Cover Story ...... 2 Commentary . . . . 8 Parnell Herbert VP Advertising Terry Jones & Marketing Julianne Malveaux State & Local News . . 4 Opinion . . . . . 9 Cheryl Mainor Cheryl McNeil Pearson Managing Editor Oliver M. Thomas Edwin Buggage Editor Art Direction & Production Trailblazer . . . . 5 National News . . . 10 MainorMedia.com Calla Victoria Editorial Submissions Executive Assistant [email protected] Data Zone ...... 6 June Hazeur Advertising Inquiries Accounting [email protected] 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 28 - May 4, 2012 Page 3

Cover Story, Continued from previous page.

Terrance Osborne

year to get settled there because of course something as devastat- ing as Katrina would affect you ”. Continuing he says, “I must say at first I totally rejected living there, we were about an hour north of Atlanta . Things were so differ- ent, the houses were far apart, there was a lake out back and a wooded area, and I am a City boy so I rejected everything about it ”. Osborne creates “Porch Song”, paying homage to Troy “Trombone But after a while he became accli- Shorty” Andrews mated and learn to appreciate his new surroundings saying, “After a “Jazzfest has grown from a small gave me a call and asked me to do while I began to enjoy nature, but I community festival to become the a poster in 2007 and I produced soon realized one thing that while highest grossing festival in the a piece called “Rebirth” and that living there I began to lose one of world . And the Jazzfest poster is became the best-selling Jazzfest my sources of inspiration because the highest grossing poster in the Congo Square poster ever . And the people are not like New Orlea- world, so to anybody who gets the now I think the current poster is nians and I found myself some- poster it is a huge honor, and you selling at record numbers as well times lost trying to discover who I can go anywhere in the world and and is well on its way to become a was, forging a new identity in this see a Jazzfest poster hanging from bestseller .” new place that felt so foreign .” someone’s wall,” says Osborne . Speaking of the uniqueness “And it is my hope that my suc- and the familiar feel of New Or- cess continues as I can be one of An Artist Loses and leans he recalls of how he began the many voices that use my art to Regains His Muse to reconnect with his native City, introduce people to New Orleans “There is a sense of family that JazzFest 2012’s official poster entitled “Porch Song” and its traditions and heritage .” Art is an essential part of the people have in New Orleans that His journey from being an art landscape of the City, from the is unlike any other place . We’ll While the City is an artistic my favorites because Troy “Trom- student at Xavier University study- musicality of the language and walk down the street and speak to Mecca year round, one of the bone Shorty” Andrews and I have ing under renowned Art Instruc- the dissonant but harmonious each other, good morning, good most highly prized treasures for many similarities ”. Continuing he tors John Scott and Ron Bechet sound, rhythm, pace and color evening, good night and that’s an- festival goers is the official Jazzfest said, “He grew up in Treme and and outside of school he refined of life that is New Orleans . For other way of saying we’re all con- poster . This year this honor has so did I, he went to NOCCA and his skills working with Artist centuries this unique backdrop nected and that is our way of doing been bestowed upon Terrance so did I, so it was an easy painting Richard Thomas . He first came has served as the muse for artists it without saying it ”. Continuing Osborne, the wunderkind of the for me . And I wanted to paint Troy to the attention of many when of every stripe and type . Then in he says, “Where I was nobody artistic world whose colorful New in the neighborhood, and I knew I his work was displayed on the 2005 hit leav- speaks unless they know each Orleans themed paintings have was certain that it was the setting walls of MTV’s “The Real World” ing a City damaged and left the other and that is normal to them . I become the inspiration for a City . I wanted . So as he is playing and house when it was shot in New great artistic muse of many artist soon found while living there, we “I am glad I’ve been chosen to do the neighborhood is bending to Orleans . He says reflecting back ram shacked . This turn of events began to be that way and we stiff- the official poster that is entitled his note, that’s why the houses are on this time in his career, “Look- took its toll on many artists includ- ened up, so when we moved back “Porch Song,” says Osborne . Con- leaning his way . It is really about ing back at it I thought I’d arrived, ing Osborne who had to uproot or when we came down to visit tinuing he says, “This is actually people coming together and living since it was the biggest thing I’d himself and his young family to and people would speak and you my third poster for Jazzfest, I did in harmony .” done up to that point, but now a suburb out of Atlanta . Reflect- had that sense of community even the 2007 and 2010 Congo Square I realize I still had a lot of grow- ing back he says of this time and though our community was bro- poster that are for emerging art- ing to do as an artist ”. Continuing how it was a journey into self-dis- ken we still had that sense . I had ists, something I am proud of and An Artistic Journey he says of his life Pre-Katrina, “I covery, “Before Katrina, I’d never to readjust and realize I had lost this year’s poster is what the es- In the world of art, Osborne’s was a Schoolteacher, and I didn’t lived anywhere else, and of course something and so I began speak- tablished artists get .” accomplishment is huge and will have any Jazzfest poster, but I had I visited places over the summer ing to people . What woke me up Speaking of the piece and its add to his already large following . a good following and I was show- and things, but we moved to At- to this is when I was in a parking inspiration he says, “The subject He says of the poster and likens ing every year at Jazzfest . And lanta for three years and when Cover Story, is Trombone Shorty; it is one of it to his own evolution as an artist after Hurricane Katrina Jazzfest we got there it took me about a Continued on page 10. Page 4 April 28 - May 4, 2012 State & Local News www.ladatanews.com

Ashe Performing Arts Center Presents Angola 3 Angola3 is an amazing play . ment would probably want to file blessed with a special monolog by It tells the ongoing true story of charges with the United Nations Death row Exonoree #119 Der- three men; Herman Wallace, Al- against another country guilty of rick Jamison detailing his story of bert Woodfox and Robert King . these acts of cruelty . suffering and surviving 20 years In the early 1970’s these men Angola3 opens with a history of wrongful incarceration . and others were co-founders and lesson in the form of a prolog Don’t miss Angola3 . Ashe Per- members of the first chapter of performed by all of the Black forming Arts Center 1712 Oretha the Black Panther Party for Self cast members, inmates at Angola . Castle Haley Blvd . Only two week- Defense in a U .S penal institu- Most of these cast members are ends remaining, April 27 - 29 & tion . then introduced to the audience at May 4 – 6 Fridays and Saturdays Framed for murders they did role call by the plays two white ac- 8:00pm * Sundays 3:00pm not commit to silence them as tors menacingly playing the roles Angola3 is a “Must see per- they fought to end inmate rape, of a warden and a prison guard . formance,” Written, produced, sexual slavery and brutality in From the plays 1971 open to directed and performed by New what was then known as the na- its 2001 finale, Angola3 provides Orleanians . It is destined for tions’ bloodiest and most brutal valuable information as it address- greatness . Hollywood actors are penitentiary . es probable solution to some of currently engaged in discussions Angola3 was written to inform the issues that affect our young to produce Angola3 as a major the public of cases of human people today . motion picture . Artist rendering of the Angola 3 (l to r) Herman Wallace, Albert rights violations which are so Woodfox and Robert King. The three are the subject of the play Angola3 Features Oliver Thom- For Additional Info Call Ashe outrageous that the U .S . govern- “The Angola 3” which will premiere at the Ashe’ Cultural Arts Center. as - As Poet and the audience is (504) 569-9070

City Issues Reminders In Advance Thai’la Henderson Finalist Of 2012 New Orleans Jazz And in ’s National Heritage Festival American Miss Pageant

With the 2012 New Orleans they must also apply for a permit . festival-goers inside the gates of National American Jazz and Heritage Festival set to Fees associated with permits for the festival . Miss is a pageant unlike open at the Fair Grounds Race parking operations are $265 25. For more information, call 504- any other . It is one that Course on Friday, April 27, City for a business and $30 for a non- 569-1401 or 1-800-535-7786 or visit is based on inner beauty officials issued a reminder today profit organization . http://www .graylineneworleans . as well as poise and pre- regarding the procedures and PARKING ENFORCEMENT com/jazzfest .html . sentation . It is a national requirements for permitting for REMINDERS: Parking enforcement personnel competition with each public parking in the festival’s The will be monitoring for illegal park- state is represented . Data vicinity as well as businesses sell- is located in a residential part of ing, including blocking hydrants, News Weekly would like ing goods . This year’s Festival the city offering restricted parking driveways and sidewalks, or park- to recognize one of the dates are April 27 – April 29 and in surrounding neighborhoods . ing within 20 feet of a crosswalk, finalists from the State May 3 – 6 . Festival-goers that are driving to intersection or stop signs, in the of Louisiana that will par- “Our goal is make commercial the Fair Grounds are encouraged residential neighborhoods adja- ticipate in the event in the business owners and non-profit to park in downtown long term cent to the Fairgrounds . Motor- Jr . Pre-Teen Division that managers aware of the rules and lots and use the shuttle system ists are also reminded to park in will take place in Baton regulations, and to eliminate con- festival organizers have arranged the direction of travel on one-way Rouge on June 1 . fusion in advance,” said Deputy or to take public transportation . streets, and with the right wheel Thai’la Henderson, Mayor and CAO Andy Kopplin . Gray Line Tours will operate con- to the curb on two-way streets . is nine years old and is “City enforcement officials will be tinuous round-trip transportation In addition, existing businesses the daughter of Mr . and on site to ensure that local busi- – the Jazz Fest Express - from the will be allowed to sell their prod- Mrs . Marc Henderson . nesses are in compliance with Sheraton Hotel, the Gray Line ucts on their property, both in- She enjoys dancing, gym- City ordinances .” Lighthouse at the Steamboat Nat- side and outside of their business nastics, playing the flute Thai’la Henderson City code requires that com- chez Dock (Toulouse St . at the contingent upon not blocking and collecting porcelain mercial businesses get the ap- River – next to Jax Brewery), and public right of way . However, the dolls . Her sponsors include The es . In addition to competing in propriate permits if they wish to (next to Marconi Mead- City will aggressively enforce the Famous Theatre Inc ,. New Roads the national pageant in California operate commercial parking on ows) daily from 10:30 a .m . until rules against transient vendors Chiropractic Center, Mr . and Mrs . they will receive a complimentary their commercially zoned prop- all patrons have been transported (carts, trucks, etc .) from improp- Douglas Woodworth, Mr . Curklin tour of Hollywood and two VIP erty during the festival . In the from the Fair Grounds . erly selling their products within Atkins Esq ,. Ms . Cheryl Scorza tickets to Disneyland, and we at event that a non-profit organiza- A special entrance will be used the festival’s “clean zone .” and Ms . Nia Pittman . Data News Weekly wish Thai’la tion plans to manage a parking only by Jazz Fest Express ve- The winner will receive a 1000 the best of luck . service on commercial property, hicles to avoid traffic and bring dollar cash award and other priz- www.ladatanews.com Trailblazer April 28 - May 4, 2012 Page 5

Latoya Cantrell Rebuilding Hope by: Edwin Buggage

atoya Cantrell is a woman child for a successful rebuilding whose name has become post-Katrina . “Our community was synonymous with service . proposed to become green space, L Ever since arriving in New but we fought to develop not just Orleans from her native Los Ange- portions of Broadmoor, but the en- les as a student at Xavier Univer- tire neighborhood and while today sity she’s been dedicated to giving we are 86%% recovered we cannot back . “I remember being a student wave the flag of victory when 14% and back then I use to ride the of our people are still suffering, streetcar then transfer to the bus while we are happy about our suc- to get to school and witnessed the cess we still have work to do .” vast differences and disparities in In addition to her duties as Presi- how the people lived in the City .” dent of the Broadmoor Improve- Continuing she says describing her ment Association Latoya Cantrell is early years in New Orleans, “I saw committed to volunteer service as extreme wealth while riding the St . Vice Chair of the Broadmoor Char- Charles streetcar and I would ride ter School Board, Board Member it then ride Louisiana bus and saw of the Salvation Army of Greater so many people in need and felt New Orleans, Arts Council Com- conditions needed to be improved mittee of Greater New Orleans, and I decided then I would not sim- Neighborhood Partnership Net- ply complain about what is wrong, work, 4-H Foundation of Louisiana, but to work towards solutions,” Smart Growth Louisiana and the says Cantrell . National Association of Bench and She feels that one does not have Bar Spouses . to wait to serve their community Latoya continues to be a force and that all it takes is a spirit of self- for change in the City and has been lessness and that quality is within recognized in her post-Katrina re- all our reach and is our duty, “I covery efforts as a Restore Amer- think it is all of our personal obli- ica Hero by the National Trust of gation to improve the quality of life Historic Preservation, Young Lead- of all people because it makes our ership Council Role Model 2007, City a better place to live for every- New Orleans Magazine People to one .” Watch 2006 and Gambit Weekly’s Presently, she is the President of 40 Under 40 . Prior to Katrina, she the Broadmoor Improvement As- was recognized by the Mayor of sociation, a post she has held since the City of New Orleans as a Neigh- 2004 . While she and her husband borhood Knight for her community had their choices of many areas of service efforts . A woman full of the city Latoya felt she wanted to humility she says of these honors, reside in an area where she could “I appreciate being recognized for make a positive impact, “I moved in my work, but the reason I serve my the neighborhood with my family community is because it is the right and I knew wherever I lived I would thing to do and it is what I live for invest time and energy to make and my greatest reward is seeing things better,” remarks Cantrell . Broadmoor recover and become Continuing she talks about how her an inspiration for neighborhoods community has become the poster all over the City . JMJ Joseph M. Jones Continuing Education Fund Page 6 April 28 - May 4, 2012 Data Zone www.ladatanews.com

“2nd Annual “Best Chefs of New Orleans” After Party Honoring Leah Chase at Le Musée Le Musée was the backdrop for the after event of The American Culinary Federation of New Orleans’ 2nd Annual “Best Chefs of Louisiana” Awards and Data was there!

The Autocrat Club Mardi Gras Committee Annual Crawfish Boil The Autocrat Club Mardi Gras Committee held their Annual Crawfish Boil and Data was there! Photos by Terry Jones

If you have photos of parties or events you would like to run in DATA, please send to datanewsad@bellsouth .net for inclusion . www.ladatanews.com Data Zone April 28 - May 4, 2012 Page 7 Scandalous Sizzle or Fizzle?

win for Blacks . And I’ll bet 1 40. and 1 39. million Black demographic segment if they you’re just dying to know how viewers, respectively . The only directly appeal to that seg- the ratings shaped up, so let’s program “Scandal” didn’t beat ment . “Scandal” is, accord- take a look . out was the “NCAA Basketball ing to Rhimes, the star and More than 7 million view- Championship” (CBS), which the inspiration, a show for ers (7 329. million to be exact) had 2 .85 million Black view- women . And the Newsweek/ watched the show . The 1 88. ers . Daily Beast reports, Rhimes, million Black viewers who Since the show centers Washington and Smith all felt tuned in placed it firmly in around an African-American “a tremendous responsibility second place as Black view- woman lead, it shouldn’t sur- to offer characters that differ ers’ choice for all shows that prise anyone that of the 1 82. from the regular negative por- aired on network and cable million Black viewers 1 .3 mil- trayals of African-American the week of April 2 – April 8 . lion of them were women . As women, particularly on reality It placed ahead of “Dancing The State of the African-Amer- television shows .” with the Stars” (ABC), which ican Consumer Report notes, As you can see from the rat- had 1 .82 million Black view- African-American women ings above, “Scandal” beat out ers, “The Game” (BET) with make up 64 percent of the U .S . standard favorites and reality 1 79. million Blacks watching, labor force compared with 60 shows the first week . But what “American Idol” (FOX) with percent of other women, and about week two? Well, not so 1 57. million Blacks and “Let’s Black women tend to be the much . Black viewers tuned Stay Together” (BET) with primary decision makers for in higher numbers for “The 1 .49 million . It also outpaced most household purchasing Game” (2 .01 million), followed “Basketball Wives” (VH1) decisions . This is relevant be- by “Dancing with the Stars” and “Real Housewives of At- cause marketers like to know Scandal, Continued lanta” (BRAVO), which had that they’ll attract a consumer on page 10.

Lighting The Road To The Future

May 5, “The People’s Paper” 2012 Kerry Washington

By Cheryl Pearson-McNeil NNPA Columnist And for African-Americans in particular, the concept of the Thursday nights have got- program has many Blacks ten hot . And I’m not talking puffed up with pride and about the weather . Thursday pleased to welcome the pro- is when viewers can tune into gram to the nighttime drama ABC’s new drama Scandal . line up for several reasons . The show revolves around 1) “Scandal” was created by the life and work of a powerful an African-American woman, and professional crisis man- Shonda Rhimes, who is also ager who left the White House the creator of the long-run- to create her own successful, ning, award-winning ABC hits, take-no-prisoners image con- “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Private sulting firm . Practice .” Even if you weren’t one of 2) It stars an African-Amer- the 1 .8 million African-Ameri- ican woman, Kerry Washing- LEMONADELEMONADE DAYDAY cans (out of a total of 7 .3 mil- ton, as Olivia Pope and is a FREE, community wide program designed to lion total viewers) who tuned 3) The program is inspired teach kids of all ages how to start, own, and operate a lemonade stand. in to “Scandal’s” premiere on by the life of a real-life former April 5, surely you’ve heard White House aide, Washing- the buzz about it . ABC heavily ton PR powerhouse and im- Registration is Open! neworleans.lemonadeday.org invested in a full-court press age-fixer, Judy Smith, who is or of broadcast (radio and TV), also African-American . Sign up at participating Rouses stores print and online promotion . This was a historic triple- rouses.com Space is limited, hurry!

If you have photos of parties or events you would like to run in DATA, please send to Want to learn more? datanewsad@bellsouth .net for inclusion . LemonadeDay.org Page 8 April 28 - May 4, 2012 Commentary www.ladatanews.com

Black Women Don’t Have the Luxury of Staying Home

work extremely hard to cook, This entire conversation is a the economic assistance they Patriarchal tradition kept clean, run a shuttle for their chil- blast from the past, reminiscent of need to raise a family . As a result White women home, while White dren and their various activities, articles that I wrote in the 1980s . of this burden, nearly 40 percent men were paid a “family wage” participate in school activities like Even then this was a mostly White of African American children live that was, by definition, enough “Room Mom” and “Cookie Mom ”. women’s’ conversation since few in poverty, too often supported by to support a whole family . Such How do I know, having never had Black women have or are married a single mom (more than 40 per- patriarchal tradition was not eco- chick or child? A very dear friend, to the kind of wealth that would cent of African American house- nomically present in the African a Harvard-educated lawyer, has allow them to stay home . Con- holds are headed by women) . American community . Few Afri- been mostly home with her chil- servative stay home moms often While there is a group of Afri- can American men were paid a Julianne Malveaux dren, one of whom is my godson, say that people have to make sac- can American stay-at-home moms family wage, but instead some- NNPA Columnist for the past decade or so, and it rifices to stay at home, perhaps called Mocha Moms, and there thing like a subsistence wage . shows . cutting out luxuries such as res- is little data to suggest the size Women needed to work to help I digress . Hilary Rosen mis- taurant meals and extra clothing . of the African American stay-at- keep the family together . spoke when she said Ann Rom- But unless food is a luxury, there home mom population, it is clear Until the late 1980s, the labor By Julianne Malveaux ney had never worked . What are Black women who are in the that historically, African American force participation of African NNPA Columnist she could have said is that Ann labor market simply because they women had no choice but work . American women exceeded that When Democratic strategist Romney never needed to work have no choice . I am not invoking ancient history of White women, which means Hilary Rosen said that Ann Rom- in the paid labor market . Even The official unemployment rate when I reference the women who, that proportionately more of us ney had “never worked a day in when Mitt Romney was in gradu- among is 14 as maids, were paid to take better were working . African American her life,” Romney behaved as if ate school, they survived by living percent . The actual rate is more care of their employer’s children women’s earnings often make the she had just hit the lottery . She on the returns from their invest- like 26 percent, and in many inner than they could possibly take of difference between poverty and smugly made the media rounds ments, according to them . So cities the Black male unemploy- their own . And then they often comfort for their families . Mom- talking about how hard it was for it isn’t that Ann Romney never ment rate is nearly 50 percent . paid, I part with used clothes her to raise her five sons . And worked, it is simply that she was This is a burden to African Ameri- and leftover food substituting for Malveaux, Continued she’s right . Stay at home moms never forced to . can women who often don’t have cash . on page 11.

...And Sold

the Jewish holocaust . But forget sold their support to the white it for themselves; the residents cil-at-Large member Stacy Head the Middle Passage . “Slavery was candidate, not because not be- of the ever expanding boundary will have to work like an Egyptian abolished 150 years ago . We are cause they thought she was best lines of the “Historic Treme Dis- slave to prove herself worthy of all equal now ”. But where is the qualified but because she was the trict .” re-election in two years . Equity? highest bidder? Was it the Safe When we were flooded out Au- I am going to make Lemonade No I am not blinded by the il- Negroes who are convinced that gust 29, 2005 the plan was set into Out of a sour lemon named luminating reality of racism . And we cannot handle our own busi- action . It was time to shift the bal- Stacy Head yes I would vote for a decent, hon- ness so we need whites to come ance of power . “An Act of Nature” Prove your worthiness to me Parnell Herbert est and fair white candidate before in and straighten things out for and a man-made River And next election we will see . Data News Contributor I would vote for Clarence Thomas us? Or was it the Scared Negro Gulf Outlet presented them with I reflect on .Mardi Gras day and or Austin Badon . I love seeing my who refuses to set one foot off of the opportunity they had been uptown super Sunday . I ran with sisters wearing pearls but; not the plantation even with freedom awaiting ever since the election “Big Chief David Montana” chief all ladies in pearls are black and papers in his hand? when Dutch Morial took over the of the “Ouichita Nation” their in- Two hundred eighty-one votes Beautiful . Two hundred eighty-one votes office of Mayor of New Orleans . naugural run . We sang all of the that was the difference in Satur- Was it complacency? Did the determined the outcome of that They seized the moment and took typical Mardi Gras Indian songs . day’s Council at Large election; low wage earning African Ameri- election . And when I think of what advantage of the opportunity . This moment of transformation was it the rain, was it the cold can people get tired of going to happened I think it is partly the Well this is our moment . This in the New Orleans political are- or was the election “Bought and the polls to vote for “Do Noth- blame on newly imported white is the opportunity for us to seize . na makes me sing out the most Sold?” ing Politicians?” Some may have people . The ones who came to The message was delivered to spirited Inyun song of them all, People continually ask the asked themselves the question help us “Rebuild our city,” but Re- Black politicians, “You can no “LET’S GO GET EM!” chanted question; when are we going to and came to the conclusion, it build it for whom? Certainly not longer be elected just by being over and over again “LET’S GO stop voting based on race? That doesn’t matter whether they are for us, I feel they want to rebuild Black .” And newly elected Coun- GET EM!” question is easy for me to answer . Black or white, why should I go I will stop voting based on race out to vote for a do nothing politi- when Racism is no longer an is- cian who does nothing to enhance sue in this Racist nation . the “Quality of Life of the people “Remember the Alamo!” But they were elected to serve . forget Slavery . “Never Forget;” Was it the little Negroes who ladatanews.com www.ladatanews.com Opinion April 28 - May 4, 2012 Page 9

An Analysis Of The At-Large Special Election

the population if we would go back when we want to celebrate 12% sively ask for their votes . One of reduce the Poverty stats, by engag- to better days . In the last few years and virtually no % the other way? the good things Mrs . Head did was ing more Black entrepreneurs, by more money has come to New Or- Black political leaders have a tre- to strategically engage Black com- hiring more black teenagers who leans per capita than just about any mendous opportunity if they want munity leaders in N O. . East who qualify for work other than wait- other place, and African-American to foster more participation, and were able to deliver enough votes ers or room service . Maybe we’ll people have had less participation . the numbers from the At-Large to give her the edge she needed, finally have a White leader who is So how have we moved forward? Election are quite encouraging if now we’ll see if those Leaders will so grateful for the crossover that So what are some realities about you’re willing to do some work, not be part of her ongoing team that they will proclaim to the world that Oliver Thomas Leadership in New Orleans? The reign from up above, or fear being benefits Economically, Socially, we can’t have a viable city (low Guest Contributor Riverfront was developed under too vocal for Blacks will hurt your and if they’ll be considered for ap- Crime, high Homeownership) Black Leadership, The Aquarium chances of advancing politically pointments to Major Boards and when the Majority of your popu- of the Americas, The Warehouse raising money, or being looked Agencies, that have historically lation is fighting for its economic District was developed under Black at too closely . And let me tell you been held for the same old families, existence . Finally someone who You won’t get this from the Leadership, Harrah’s Black Lead- something most Whites don’t care and the same old people . Also will takes seriously Dr . Peter Danger- Paper, the Media, or the hand- ership, Lower Garden District, if you fight for your people as long there be a commitment to reduce field’s Report on Institutionalized picked Pundits who too often give O C. . Haley Blvd ,. Growth in the as you’re being fair and just! They the Poverty Statistics by 12% more, Poverty (TCA)! you what they wish for instead Hotel Industry, Essence, Boom in see the problems in our commu- or increase African-American par- So there you have it an indepth of the Social, and Political Reali- the Jazz Fest, Bayou Classic, First nity and those that don’t have Po- ticipation by 12% more in contracts look at something other than who ties . Now the election, Mrs . Head French Quarter Fest, etc ., etc . . litical or Profit agendas want to see and hiring . Black Political leaders won, or who lost . Let’s see if the won because White turnout al- But we didn’t build independent everyone improve . have always made sure that White community that’s been losing now most doubled Black turnout, so wealth and create a strong Middle, So Black Leaders need to en- Businesses do well . Maybe for the has a chance to win . 281 votes a the 12% crossover that they may and Working Class that could sur- gage their White constituents, and first time in history we could have Landslide, I wonder who’ll be at want to spin is not anything to re- vive no matter who was elected . Black Candidates need to work a White Political Leader who chal- the bottom of the pile? ally celebrate when you talk about The White community does busi- White Communities and aggres- lenges the Business community to - OLIVER M . THOMAS JR . increasing voter confidence and ness no matter who is elected, and participation . they don’t have to rely on Govern- Well if everyone who didn’t vote ment Contracts, but the Black would vote they could wipe every- community has to rely on Political The Joseph S. Clark Class of 1972 one elected out of office, so that relationships, and hope that a few means no one on the ballot excited have political favor, because those the electorate, and that people or that are out of favor can’t count on th more turned off by the process . participating or benefitting if their 40 Year Also confidence in Black Leader- guy or gal does not WIN ! We have ship didn’t inspire African-Ameri- also had many great White leaders cans to at least match their White who have contributed! But don’t counterparts as it relates to turn- distort the facts, because you want out . (White Leaders aren’t inspir- to re-write history!! Class Reunion ing their community to turn out in If I were giving White Lead- record numbers either) Mrs . Head ers real talk I would tell them not was attributed with making a com- to celebrate too loudly, because May 25-27, 2012 ment in her victory speech which this election is very telling if you th said she feared that we were going want to tell the truth . And that is! The Joseph S. Clark of 1972 is having its 40 Year Reunion to go backwards . What? Back to The Black community had a can- lower Crime, back to over 41% ho- didate with little to no Crossover Memorial Day Weekend (May 25-27, 2012). The activities meownership, back to a growing Appeal who ran against a Major th Black Middle Class, back to a time White political figure who raised include a social event on Friday May 25 , picnic on when political leaders engaged $500,000 .00 dollars for a Special th th the community instead of run- Election to a Council seat, and Saturday May 26 and a church service on Sunday May 27 . ning away from it, back to a time lost by a couple of hundred votes . when Murder and Violent Crime What would have happened if Ms . were cut 60%, double the National Willard-Lewis had just a little more averages of any Major city, back crossover appeal, or if she inspired J. S. Clark Alumni and Friends of Clark are to a time when we didn’t lead the greater participation by black vot- Nation (Pugh Report, National ers, or if she had access to greater invited to celebrate with the Class of 1972. Please Census) in many categories for resources to be able to paint a bet- Poverty in the Black Community, ter picture? come out and celebrate with us our memorable past back to a time when we didn’t lead Black voters have historically the Nation in teen unemployment, crossed over to votes for whites . in this milestone occasion. and poverty (Covenant House In- That is nothing new, and 12% stitute, New York Report on Teen crossover is not how you create Homelessness) . unity . I remember Former Mayor The City has gotten more vio- Marc Morial being called a re- lent and poorer in the Black com- verse Racist or anti-white, but on For more info please all 504-430-6002 or 504-975-2874 munity in the last Two Years (a his worst day he could count on statistical fact) . So it would be to 23 to 25% crossover at the least, or visit us on Facebook at Joseph S. Clark c/o 1972. the benefit of the larger portion of so where are we today politically Page 10 April 28 - May 4, 2012 National News www.ladatanews.com

Zimmerman Released From Jail

By George Curry on police tapes . There was this stand at his murder trial, some NNPA National exchange: jurors may hold that against him, Correspondent Dispatcher: How old would you though the judge will certainly in- WASHINGTON (NNPA) – say he looks? struct them not to infer anything George Zimmerman, the neigh- Zimmerman: … late teens . from that decision . borhood watchman who killed Dispatcher: Late teens, OK . Until his trial, Zimmerman will 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in Zimmerman’s attorney, Mark be out on bond but will have his Sanford, Fla ,. was released from O’Mara, said Monday on “CBS whereabouts monitored via satel- jail on bond shortly after midnight This Morning” that Zimmerman lite by the Seminole County Sher- Monday morning and left for an would not have apologized to the iff’s Office . undisclosed destination . Martin family Friday if O’Mara Circuit Judge Kenneth Lester Zimmerman, who wore a had known the family felt it was Jr . imposed a 7 p .m .-6 a .m . cur- brown jacket and blue jeans, was the wrong time . few on Zimmerman, lifted his fitted with an electronic monitor- Friday’s nationally-televised passport, and said he cannot have ing device before being released . bond hearing raised as many access to guns or alcohol, and He was carrying a bag as he left questions as it answered . must not have any contact with the facility with an unidentified Supporters of Trayvon were Trayvon’s family . A GPS tracking man in a white BMW, according disappointed that Dale Gilbreath, device will be used to monitor his to news reports . During a court one of state’s lead investigators, movements . hearing Friday, Zimmerman’s performed so poorly on the wit- The teen’s parents placed a bond was set at $150,000 bond . Be- ness stand . ‘‘Card of Thanks” advertisement cause he had to put up 10 percent An affidavit of probable cause, in the Miami Herald’s obituary of that amount, only $15,000 was signed by Gilbreath and another page on Sunday . required to secure his release investigator, T C. . O’Steen, stated: In the ad is a photograph of While being questioned by “Zimmerman confronted Martin Trayvon wearing a hoodie, a gar- his attorney Friday, Zimmerman and a struggle ensued .” ment he was wearing when he apologized to Martin’s parents, Under questioning by defense Accused Gunman George Zimmerman was released from jail earlier was killed . The parents said they who were in attendance at the attorney Mark O’Mara, the inves- this week in Sanford, . Zimmerman stands accused of gunning “wish to express their heartfelt bond hearing . tigator acknowledged that he did down 17 year old Trayvon Martin as he walked home from the store. appreciation for all your words “I wanted to say I am sorry not know who initiated the fight . of encouragement, your peaceful for the loss of your son . I did not Gilbreath was also unable to de- bond hearing . However, because ultimately paid to secure his re- rally support, the millions who know how old he was . I thought fend his assertion that Zimmer- the state requested that Zimmer- lease early Monday morning . signed petitions, poems, painting, he was a little bit younger than I man had profiled Trayvon . man’s bond be set at $1 million, The decision to put Zimmer- music, video tributes, monetary am, and I did not know if he was For tactical reasons, prosecu- they were expected to make a man on the stand at his bond hear- gifts to our defense fund (Wepay . armed or not,” Zimmerman said . tors typically try to disclose as lit- stronger showing in court . The ing could later be problematic for com) and all other acts of kind- However, that directly contra- tle information as possible during defense requested a bond of the defense . If a decision is made ness shown to them during this dicts what Zimmerman, 28, said pre-trial proceedings, such as a $15,000, which is the amount he to not let Zimmerman take the difficult time .”

Cover Story/ Continued from page 3. lot at Wal-Mart and this lady was like this poster is the symbol of City of New Orleans be without are a product of the City and the what this City is about and that is saying to me ‘Baby I don’t know that, it shows the evolution of the its creative people, there would City is the product of the artist . our job . When you’re younger you where I parked my car,’ and I was City from my piece “Rebirth” in 07 probably not be a jazz fest with- So I feel that when you raised in a just go with the motions, but when almost like why is this lady talking to this piece called “Porch Song” out the local creative people . After place as eccentric as New Orleans you’re more mature and when you to me . And then it hit me, nothing I don’t believe we could have briefly pondering the question he you don’t realize that there is any- realize you are part of something was wrong with her it was me . I had a piece called “Porch Song” answers, “We are a product of the thing unique about it until you very special; being born into this had changed because if this would back then . “I think of the beauty environment, so then we would leave . And when you’re able to culture and learning to appreci- have happened before Katrina I of Trombone Shorty blowing his have to ask ourselves what would step back almost like an astronaut ate it by stepping back from it is would have started talking to her horn is like a bird in the morning the environment look like if we you can see it from a different something that I think people without even thinking about it . I waking people up and bringing weren’t creative?” As he contin- perspective . I think that at some value when they look at my work; think post-Katrina everyone un- them together as one City on one ues he says, “I can’t imagine what point I was doing my artwork, and they can see it and my appre- derstood what it meant to be re- accord .” Striking a contrast be- it would be like if there weren’t but I didn’t quite appreciate what ciation for our City .” born . So I almost had to become tween the mood of the City from people dancing in the streets and I was doing until I realized what I a tourist and then become part of 2005 until now and how it affected people painting their houses dif- was doing and that is expressing rejuvenating the City and becom- his art and what he created he ferent colors, there would prob- ing part of its rebirth .” says, “I think the “Rebirth” piece ably be no Mardi Gras or Jazzfest CELEBRA TE the An American Heart was so successful because this is and I would imagine it would be a Association Memorial gift lets where we were and it is interest- gray day every day .” you honor your loved Home Is Where ing that it is only now I think our While Osborne is still a young P AST one and gives hope to others. community feels more together man he has established himself as b y GIVING i n th e The “Art” Is For more information, please and closer to the City I remem- a force in the world of art, not just call 1-800-AHA-USA-1 or visit us Today Osborne is back in the ber .” in the City but the world . He talks PRESENT online at americanheart.org City and has seen his profile rise, As the City is rapidly changing about how his career has taken t o P R OMO T E our reflecting on the City moving for- and continues to face challenges off, that much his work continues ward and the art he’s producing post-Katrina where many artists to have the stamp of the place that he says, “I think the City has done have not returned . This poses gave birth to his talent, “Being a FUTURE a great job coming back and I feel the question of what would the New Orleans artist I think that we ©2008, American Heart Association. 1/08CB0243

4.625x2.5 All ads are one color only (preferably black) Black border does print www.ladatanews.com News April 28 - May 4, 2012 Page 11

DATA CLASSIFIED SBA Offers Free Computer Security Call 504-821-7421 to Workshops To Small Business Owners place your classified ad. Mailboxes by Mark

WASHINGTON – Small busi- niques . Participants will also nesses around the country can learn useful and practical steps take advantage of free comput- to take to protect their business’ You pay for the bricks or maybe you er security workshops to help operations . have bricks already. You provide the mailbox. strengthen their information se- In addition, business owners I will provide the cement, wood, curity, determine their readiness often cannot afford extensive pro- mortar, nails etc. You choose or against security breaches and grams or a full-time expert in create the design. Prices vary safeguard their business infor- information security . The com- according to the design. mation from computer attacks . puter security workshops will Contact: Mark (504) 723‐7318 The U .S . Small Business Ad- help educate business owners on ministration, Commerce Depart- potential weaknesses and the ment’s National Institute of Stan- corrective actions to take . $$$ $$$ $$$ dards and Technology and the AVON Do you need Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dates for New Orleans and money? InfraGard will conduct a series of Louisiana are as follows The company for women Can you use Lake Charles, Louisiana workshops on information securi- some extra Lafayette, Louisiana ty threats and solutions designed cash? Try Avon!!! Avon is easy to Baton Rouge, Louisiana for small businesses . sell, no experience necessary. This joint federal partnership Slidell, Louisiana It cost only $10.00 to start. You promotes information security New Orleans, Louisiana can become your own boss or training and computer protec- LaPlace, Louisiana just earn extra money. Whether tion for the nation’s small busi- May 21, 2012: 8:30am – 12:30pm you are interested in purchasing ness community and will help May 22, 2012: 9:30am – 1:30pm Avon products or becoming an to identify information security May 23, 2012: 8:30am – 12:30pm Avon Representa�ve yourself, I vulnerabilities that can put small May 24, 2012: 8:30am – 12:30pm can assist you. businesses at risk and the protec- May 25, 2012; 8:00am – 12:00pm tive tools and techniques used to May 25, 2012: 1:30pm – 5:30pm Call June ‐ 504‐606‐1362 assess, maintain and guard their cess . A computer failure or other learn how to protect themselves I will explain everything and help information and systems . system breach could undermine from intentional attacks or unin- For additional information you to get started. The protection of sensitive data a company’s reputation, expose tentional damage, guard them- on the computer security work- such as business invoices, payroll it to costly recovery expenses, selves from decreased productiv- shops, including local area reg- records, client and employee data and disrupt the business’ overall ity caused by security istration information, visit online PROMPT PROFESSIONAL and other proprietary information operation . breaches and evaluate the at http://csrc.nist.gov/groups/SMA/ TAX SERVICE is essential to a company’s suc- Small business owners will needed security tools and tech- sbc/workshops.html#dates. 4639 Magazine Street (located inside Ace Cash Express) Scandal/ Continued from page 7. Malveaux/ Continued from page 8. Ask for LISA CALL - 504-298-6407

(1 .99) and “Real Housewives of Atlanta” (1 .87), with “Scandal” drop- my wars? Give me a break . Let’s This hits women of all races, Referral Fees and Register to win up to $20,000.00 in cash. ping to 1 .74 million Black viewers . talk about survival wars . but it may hit African American As I’ve mentioned before in this space, African-Americans watch 40 Even those African American women harder . Mention you saw the ad in percent more television than any other group and prefer live program- families who have been blessed We can only laugh and shake DATA NEWS WEEKLY ming with sports, drama and reality shows being the most popular . with higher education and “good our heads at Hilary Rosen’s And, these numbers reflect that trend . But, the second week’s lower jobs” are well aware that African faux pas and Ann Romney’s To receive a $25.00 discount “Scandal” numbers don’t coincide with the outcry I often hear from Americans are “last hired, first smugness . We working African on your Tax Preparation. Blacks about the need for “quality programming with positive images ”. fired” . Too many so-called mid- American women, stay at home It’s been 37 years ya’ll since an African-American woman has held a dle class families are a paycheck or in the paid labor force under- starring role in an hour-long primetime network dramatic series . Not or two away from poverty . Last stand that “life for us ain’t been since 1974, when ABC starred Teresa Graves in “Get Christie Love” time I checked, African Ameri- no crystal stair” . Educated or un- has a Black woman held that honor . So, if ABC and Rhimes are bold can households had only 2 per- educated, middle class or work- enough to give Blacks what we “say” we want, wouldn’t one expect that cent of our nation’s wealth, hard- ing class, the labor market has Red Hot Deals! the number of Black viewers to increase and not decrease each week? ly a cushion to fall back on, with never been a level playing field Data News Weekly special Each column, I ask you to consider carefully how you use your con- few investment returns to live on for us, and our salaries show it . sumer power . Advertisers and marketers make their decisions based when no one is working . Mommy wars? We fight survival offer for Non-Profits and Small on it . Broadcasters base their programming decisions on it . And by Tuesday was Equal Pay Day, wars in the workplace and in this Businesses “it,” I mean what you prove you want – through your actions, spending which counts the extra days economy . patterns and viewing habits – instead of what you say you want . If you women have to work to earn Julianne Malveaux is president Call Now! don’t support quality shows they could disappear, for say, another 37 as much as a man did last year . of Bennet College for Women in Greensboro, N.C. (504) 821-7421 years . And that truly would be scandalous . Cheryl Pearson-McNeil is senior vice president of public affairs and gov- ernment relations for Nielsen. For more information and studies go to www. nielsenwire.com. ladatanews.com Newly eligible for Medicare?

Eddie Conrad, Peoples Health When Can I Enroll? plan member If you’re turning 65, you can sign up for a Peoples Health plan: • as early as 3 months before If you’re new to Medicare you have a lot of options and probably a lot of questions. the month of your birthday, Is Medicare enough by itself? Do I need to buy a supplement? What about Part D • the month of your birthday, or • up to 3 months after the drug coverage? Or a Medicare Advantage plan that combines benefits and Part D? month of your birthday. Make a phone call and find out why so many Louisiana residents get their If you already have Medicare coverage, Medicare may make Medicare benefits – including their prescription drug coverage – through a you wait until later in the year to $0 plan premium Peoples Health plan. Call Peoples Health today. change your plan. But you may qualify for an exception and be There’s no obligation. able to join Peoples Health now – for example, if you... • have just moved into the area, • are losing your coverage Call toll-free through your employer and 24 hours a day, 7 days a week you’re eligible for Medicare, • make less than 1-800-243-4755 $1,361 per month, or TTY users, please call 711 • have Medicaid too. www.peopleshealth.com

The benefit information provided herein is a brief summary, not a comprehensive description of benefits. For more information, contact the plan. Individuals must have both Part A and Part B to enroll. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium and live in the plan service area. Members may enroll in the plan only during specific times of the year. Contact Peoples Health for more information. Benefits, formulary, pharmacy network, premium and/or co-payments/co-insurance may change on January 1, 2013. Peoples Health is a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract. H1961_12N2MPA_CMSApproved12182011