Wendell Pierce

Lighting The Road To The Future Page 8 DataZone

Data News Weekly Showcases Essence Fest “The People’s Paper” July 18 - July 31, 2009 44th Year Volume 6 www.ladatanews.com

Newsmaker Trailblazer Xavier Alum Named as Actor U.S. Surgeon General Nominee Wendell Pierce

Page 4 Page 10 Photos by Victor Holt

Page 2 July 18 - July 31, 2009 Cover Story www.ladatanews.com

Soledad O’Brien Explores Race In America

O’Brien reports from CNN for Black in America 2. Credit: CNN

Edwin Buggage promise of freedom, justice, and equality has been ment ordinary people came together to raise their Editor-in-Chief a check that has for centuries been marked insuf- collective voice to do extraordinary things . “Data News Weekly Exclusive” ficient funds . In today’s America we see African-Americans As noted by the great scholar and activist W .E .B . the pinnacles of success and reaching the upper Race Matters DuBois, the problem of the 20th century was that echelons of society and in January 2009 we wit- The thorny issue of race has been front and cen- of the color line where things were defined simply nessed the culmination of this upward spiral when ter during much of the sojourn of African-Ameri- in terms of black and white and African-Americans Barack Obama made history being sworn in mak- cans in the U S. . It has been a history where Lady’s were confined to the margins of American society . ing him the first African-American President of the Liberty light shined dimly on the aspirations of But in spite of the roadblocks that were present United States . But as this celebration was taking generations of Americans who were locked out many people forged ahead, and during the water- place, conversely many African-Americans were of the promise of the American Dream and the shed moment of the modern Civil Rights Move- and are living in environments where crime, poor

Continued next page.

DATA News Weekly INSIDE DATA 616 Barrone Street, Suite 584, New Orleans, LA 70113 Phone: (504) 821-7421 | Fax: (504) 821-7622 editorial: [email protected] | advertising: [email protected] Terry B. Jones Contributors Cover Story ...... 2 Data Zone ...... 8 CEO/Publisher Dionne Character Glenn Jones NNPA VP Advertising Glenn Summers & Marketing Newsmaker...... 4 Trailblazer . . . . 10 Edwin Buggage Art Direction & Production Editor-in-Chief MainorMedia.com Shaniece Bickham Editorial Submissions Managing Editor [email protected] State & Local . . . . 6 @Issue...... 11 June Hazeur Advertising Inquiries Accounting [email protected] Please call (504) 284-3840 for subscription information. Dated material two weeks in advance. Not responsible for publishing or return of unsolicited manuscripts or photos. www.ladatanews.com Cover Story July 18 - July 31, 2009 Page 3

Cover Story, Continued from previous page.

schools and a host of other problems plague them from reaching their full potential . The beginning of this new millennium is an age where hopefulness and hopelessness dance a strange tango in this tale of Two Black Americas, where it is the best of times for some and worst of times for others . The question of the 21st century is: How can this be reconciled where all Americans can live, prosper and thrive in this nation?

Black In America 2 African-Americans have held countless forums and programs that have been aired where postur- ing and pontificating are ever so prevalent addressing the problems, but few if any have tried to tackle head on possible solutions . On July 22 and July 23, CNN will air “Black In America 2” reported by Sole- dad O’Brien and on Aug . 1 and Aug . 2 she will host a forum with CNN Contributor Roland Martin called “Reclaiming the Dream,” a partnership between CNN and Essence Magazine . O’Brien has been at the cutting edge of TV jour- O’Brien interviewed musician John Legend about his humanitarian efforts in New York City for Black in nalism covering everything from the Tsunami, to America 2. Credit: Presca Ahn/Reportage for CNN Hurricane Katrina, and more recently the election of President Barack Obama . “We decided that we were going to focus on so- boots to begin with . There are places where lutions that were scalable and replicable,” she says people simply don’t have the resources to of this installment of the series . “The first part will even get to the starting line, much less finish focus on pioneers, those people who are blazing the the race .” trail in their community with the positive work they While she is optimistic and cites that yes are doing and the second night is about tomorrow’s there has been progress, she feels there is leaders, those people who are making change that still a widening gap between those who have more people need to see and we want to provide a gained access and those who haven’t . And for vehicle for that to show that there are people out O’Brien it is problematic for the Black com- here who are making great contributions and community and the nation as a whole, “I think being up with solutions in Black America .” ing black in the 21st century we have a lot of The series are a composite of compelling profiles opportunities and hope ”. “I think the election on an array of African-Americans from familiar faces of an African-American President have bro- such as Tyler Perry, Colin Powell, and John Leg- ken down a lot of barriers .” “There is a lot of end, to people who are lesser known, but no less power in first and he is the most important important like Steve Perry, who is making strides first, but there is still a lot of work to do, and in the field of education . “The stories are not just Pete Thomas, Ph.D., Craig Spivey, Mike Woods and Marcus I am hopeful that the day will come where about celebrities, this is about real people doing real Murray work with Project Brotherhood to provide free race won’t be such a divisive issue in this healthcare services for black men in Chicago. Thomas and things that can inspire people in their community to Murray are the co-directors of Project Brotherhood. Credit: country .” create change,” says O’Brien . Christopher Martin/CNN “Although we have people who are in the public A Journalist’s Journey: Soledad’s eye, we have a host of others . For example you have New Orleans someone like Chris Rock who is a star, but it is his Soledad O’Brien has witnessed many wife Malaak Compton-Rock who took 30 kids and things as a journalist . After covering Hurri- brought them over to South Africa for a life chang- cane Katrina she says she was dismayed and ing experience,” says O’Brien . “We have problems disappointed by the lack of response . But she in terms of educating some of our young people and says she is hopeful when she comes to the we highlight Steve Perry . Here is a guy who lived in city, which she does quite often where she public housing, came back after receiving an educa- experience people in spite of what happened tion, then opened up a school where 100 percent of are upbeat and have not let life’s unfortunate its graduates go onto college . It is just a program occurrences get the best of them, “I come filled with stories of success, hope and optimism .” to New Orleans on business and to visit my friend Kim and as I look around I think back The Age of Obama: The End of Race as We to those days and yes some places still look Know It? like they did back then, but also I see where As Barack Obama won the Presidential Election people are working very hard to bring back in November 2008 and during his Inauguration in the city and that gives me hope .” January tears streamed down the cheeks of many CNN anchor and special correspondent Soledad O’Brien She says New Orleans is an amazing Americans who saw history unfold right before their travels to South Africa with young volunteers in Malaak place and will always have a special place in Compton-Rock’s Journey for Change program. eyes . This has led to some to say that the dream Credit: Jeff Hutchens/Reportage for CNN her heart, “New Orleans is a great city with a of Dr . Martin Luther King of a colorblind America rich history, but what makes the city so great has been fulfilled and that individual initiatives can mental event to have Barack Obama elected to the is the people, and it was sad what happened to the trump any racial barriers, and that the days of racial presidency, and there are those who say you can city on those days during the storm, but I am always repression are over in the age of Obama . O’Brien pull yourself up by your bootstraps, but there are encouraged when I come back and I see one more chimes in on this question saying, “Yes it is a monu- still people in this country who do not even have thing being fixed or improved and that is what will

See Cover Story, Continued next page. Page 4 July 18 - July 31, 2009 Newsmaker www.ladatanews.com

Xavier University Graduate Selected as U.S. Surgeon General Nominee

The city was all abuzz earlier about helping people .” Dr . Benja- Center of Central Georgia . this week when the news spread President Obama said, “Health min received Dr . Benjamin received the Nel- that President Barack Obama had care reform is about every fam- her bach- son Mandela Award for Health announced his intent to nominate ily’s health and the health of our elor’s degree and Human Rights in 1998, and Regina M . Benjamin as Surgeon economy . And if there’s anyone in chemistry was elected to the American Med- General for the Department of who understands the urgency of Xavier in ical Association Board of Trust- Health and Human Services . Peo- meeting this challenge in a per- 1979 and is ees in 1995, making her the first ple were excited not only because sonal and powerful way, it’s the scheduled physician under age 40 and the Dr . Benjamin is an African-Ameri- woman who will become our na- to join the first African-American woman to can woman, but also because she tion’s next Surgeon General, D .r s c h o o l ’ s be elected . Dr . Benjamin was pre- is a graduate of both Xavier Uni- Regina Benjamin . I look forward board this viously named by Time Magazine versity of New Orleans and Tu- working with her in the months fall . She as one of the “Nation’s 50 Future lane University . and years ahead .” was in the Leaders Age 40 and Under ”. She “It’s a good day, it’s a great day,” Regina M . Benjamin, MD, 2nd class at was also featured in a New York said Norman Francis, president of MBA, is founder and CEO of the Morehouse Times article, “Angel in a White Xavier University in New Orleans Bayou La Batre Rural Health Clin- School of Coat”, as “Person of the Week” on on the university’s website . Ben- ic in Bayou La Batre, Alabama . M e d i c i n e ABC’s World News Tonight with jamin graduated with a bachelor She is the Immediate Past-Chair and received Peter Jennings, and as “Woman of of science degree in 1979 . “I think of the Federation of State Medical her MD de- the Year” by CBS This Morning . the president made a great choice . Boards of the United States, and gree from the She received the 2000 National Regina is a very special person,” previously served as Associate University Caring Award which was inspired he continued . Dean for Rural Health at the Uni- of Alabama, by Mother Teresa, as well as the “She is the model for what the versity of South Alabama College Dr. Regina Benjamin Birming- papal honor Pro Ecclesia et Pon- payoff really is,” said Francis, who of Medicine . In 2002, she became ham, as well tifice from Pope Benedict XVI . said Benjamin is due to join the President of the Medical Associa- woman to be president of a State as an MBA from Tulane Univer- She is also a recent recipient of Xavier board this fall . “She was tion of the State of Alabama, mak- Medical Society in the United sity . She completed her residency the MacArthur Genius Award . never about making money but ing her the first African American States . in family medicine at the Medical

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still in place where there are still dent and I said yes . While race ed to Blacks . This is the story of six degrees of separation between remains to be significant in her America and she thinks everyone racial camaraderie and chaos . world race does not hold a such a should tune in and get a portrait Today, America is at a cross- central place where it is so much of Blacks they rarely see on televi- roads as the world is a very dif- of an impediment to hold her sion . ferent place . The signposts of back,” says O’Brien . “I thought “‘Black In America 2’ is about the past are being decimated and about that and felt that would be a how we provide solutions so we supplanted by new ideas as young great place to be as we move for- can move to an understanding people see the world through new ward, where race would not be as where we can all work together eyes . The worlds of possibilities important as to determine where [and] make life better for every-

O’Brien reports from the home of Glorious Menefee, a student at Capital Preparatory Magnet School in Hartford, Conn., for Black in America 2. Credit: Christopher Martin/

really make the difference, people Where in a country where a little taking the initiative to bring back over four decades ago people their community and those are marched for the right to access, some of the things we are trying and to live with human dignity to highlight with the stories in and today a man who is the prod- Black In America 2 .” uct of a mixed marriage that was considered a crime in many states Moving Forward: Black in until 1967 occupies the nation’s Steve Perry CNN anchor and Soledad O’Brien interviewed Glorious Menefee at her home. Menefee, whose goal is to go to college, attends Capital the 21st Century highest office . It a nation where Preparatory Magnet School in Hartford, Conn. Credit: Christopher The world has changed so the founding fathers determined for some are limitless; a fact not Martin/ much as the lines between race, that blacks would be considered lost on O’Brien as she talks about and nation becomes blurred in a 3/5 a person and where the noose her 7-year-old daughter . someone ends up or how they are one and the hope that all people landscape that is becoming more became a symbol of racial reprisal, “My daughter asked me dur- perceived a certain way because can have the opportunity to live global as everyday pass . Where and stunted progress of a portion ing the inauguration about Ba- they are of a certain race .” the American Dream,” O’Brien old ideas about identity and what of the population it was a dream rack Obama and she asked is he O’Brien says the story of Black says . does it mean are being challenged . deferred that the remnants of are the first African-American Presi- America should not be just isolat- www.ladatanews.com State & Local News July 18 - July 31, 2009 Page 5

Recovery Act Changes To SBIC Program Mean Increased Funding Available For Small Businesses

WASHINGTON – Small busi- to help sustain and grow small SBICs to invest 25 percent of common control . The cap for all censing and actively participate nesses that would otherwise businesses for their next impor- their investment dollars into licensees was set at $137 .1 mil- in the program . have difficulty securing private tant growth steps ”. “smaller” businesses . Also, the lion before the Recovery Act . The SBIC program was created equity or venture capital may find SBICs are privately owned and amount of funding an SBIC may • These limits are even higher to stimulate the growth of Ameri- funding easier to get as a result managed venture capital firms invest in a single small business for SBICs that are licensed af- ca’s small businesses by supple- of changes made as part of the which are licensed and regulated is set at 10 percent of an SBIC’s ter October 1, 2009, that cer- menting the long-term debt and American Recovery and Rein- by SBA . SBICs use a combination total capital rather than the pre- tify that at least 50 percent of private-equity capital available to vestment Act to the U S. . Small of funds raised from private sourc- vious limit of 20 percent of an their investments will be made them . Since the SBIC program’s Business Administration’s Small es and money raised through the SBIC’s private capital only . This in small businesses located in formation in 1958 through April Business Investment Company use of SBA guarantees to make translates to an effective 50 per- low-income areas, up to $175 2009, it has invested approxi- program . equity and mezzanine capital in- cent increase in funding avail- million for single licensees and mately $56 billion in more than “The Recovery Act expands vestments in small businesses . able to a single business by an up to $250 million for jointly 106,000 small businesses in the SBA’s venture capital program to There are approximately 338 SBIC . controlled multiple licensees . United States . For more informa- increase the pool of investment SBICs with $17 4. billion in capital • Maximum SBA funding levels • Changes made to the SBIC pro- tion about the SBA’s Investment funding available to the Small under management . to SBICs will increase up to gram under the Recovery Act Division and SBIC program, go to Business Investment Companies The changes made as part of three times the private capital are permanent . www sba. gov/INV. or call 1-800-U licensed by SBA,” said SBA Ad- the Recovery Act are: raised by the SBIC, up to a max- Industry associations have com- ASK SBA . ministrator Karen G . Mills . “We • The Recovery Act makes SBICs imum of $150 million for single mended SBA for these changes believe those companies will be eligible for greater SBA guar- SBICs, or up to $225 million for and SBA continues to encour- better equipped by these changes anteed funding and requires multiple SBICs that are under age new SBICs to apply for li- Page 6 July 18 - July 31, 2009 State & Local www.ladatanews.com

Michael Jackson’s Death Hits Close to Home for One New Orleans Native Shaniece B. Bickham, Ph.D. Managing Editor with the Jackson family, including family member,” said McLlin . “It er Marlin addressed the media’s formation of the Heal the World Michael, for over 30 years, even really hasn’t sunken in yet at this negativity and the fact that he Foundation to fight against AIDS, People all over the world serving as his publicist at one point, it hasn’t” . was never left alone during their and his support of the United Ne- watched in awe last week as news point . Back in the 1970s, the Jack- McLin said that by attending comments at the memorial ser- gro College Fund . stations and websites aired the son family patriarch, Joe Jackson, the memorial service, he was vice . McLin shares similar views “He was a humanitarian to the public memorial service of pop served as manager for McLin’s forced to think about Michael’s regarding the coverage Michael highest order because no one else icon Michael Jackson . New Or- band The Windjammer . The per- death . According to McLin, it has received over the years . in the entertainment industry has leans native Kevin McLin, a close sonal relationship that developed has been difficult for the family “The media in this country given more than he has,” said friend to the Jackson family, was as a result of their business deal- as well, and Katherine Jackson build you up to tear you down,” McLin . Michael had planned to able to experience the spirit of the ings only grew stronger over the made certain that the service was said McLin . “There is a sensa- donate a portion of his proceeds event first-hand when he attended years . McLin not only attended referred to as a memorial as op- tional appetite to find negative from the scheduled London tour the service in California . the public memorial service, but posed to a funeral, which sounds things about people and they want as well . McLin, chair of the mass com- also spent time with the family at much more final . to ignore the positive aspects of McLin said that Michael al- munication department at Dil- the Jackson compound . Many of Michael’s friends at people’s lives .” ways had a thirst for knowledge, lard University, has been friends “Losing Michael is like losing a the memorial service as well as For instance, Michael was very and also wanted to leave a legacy in interviews have been criti- instrumental to making several through his work . cal of the media coverage of charitable causes a success . He “Michael was always concerned Michael while he was alive and has dedicated time, provided with creating a body of work that even now after his death . Even funding and supported several or- would live well beyond him . I think with the heavy coverage of his ganizations over the years . A few he has done that,” said McLin . He memorial service and death, of his notable charitable contribu- created a body that will stand the several stories have aired re- tions include his spearheading of test of time, thus leaving a legacy . visiting the darker sides of the “We are the World” song and I don’t think anyone would argue Michael’s life . Both Rev . Al initiative to provide assistance with me on that .” Sharpton and Michael’s broth- to people starving in Africa, the

Local Artist Showcases Talent at Tipitina’s

New Orleans native and artisit J . Pierre recently conducted a live art demonstration at Tipitina’s . Pierre incorporates the spirit of the City of Jazz in each of his vibrant paintings . The expressive reflection of New Orleans culture in his work led to the opportunity to exhibit and sell his art in interna- tional and national galleries and museums . J . Pierre was commissioned to create the exclusive 2007 Essence Festival official poster and one of the 40 Fleur De Lis displayed in the New Orleans Central Business District . His paintings have been exhibited at the Jazz and Heritage Festival and the Mis- sissippi River Festival and shipped worldwide through J . Pierre’s Fine Art Gallery . His fans laud his unwavering dedication to the preservation of New Orleans’ music and culture within fine art .

Couple Helps Keep New Orleans “Green”

Eric and Jennifer Weishaupt, owners of the Ruby Slipper Café, have struck “green” . Located on 139 South Cortez Street, this young couple is working together with their community in a sus- tainable and profitable way . In May 2008, the Weishaupts restored and opened what was a nuisance corner-store pre- Katrina into a community icon that is cleaner, greener, and more distinctly “New Orleans” than ever before . www.ladatanews.com State & Local July 18 - July 31, 2009 Page 7

Actor Wendell Pierce hosts Independence Day Picnic in Pontchartrain Park

New Orleans -- Actor and New Orleans native Wendell Pierce, president of the Pontchartrain Park Neighborhood Association, hosted a July 4 picnic in Pontchar- train Park to celebrate families in the historic, African-American neighborhood and to highlight the groundbreaking and placement of new homes in the subdivi- sion that is being redeveloped by Pierce and residents after being severely damaged by Hurricane Katrina . The “Classic Fourth of July Cel- ebration” lasted from noon to 9 pm . The event featured barbeque, games, waterslides, music, a talent show, movie and a fireworks dis- Data News Columnist Dionne Character catches up with Actor Wendell Pierce and U.S. Congress Representative Maxine Waters. play . Invited guests include U .S . Congress Representative Maxine placement of new homes in the Pontchartrain Park, which was Katrina . The picnic is designed 4th anniversary of Hurricane Ka- Waters, New Orleans Mayor Ray neighborhood . one of New Orleans’ first middle- to celebrate the residents of this trina . For more information, visit Nagin, national radio personality Pierce has spearheaded re- class African American subdivi- community and to spotlight the www .pontchartrainpark .org . Tom Joyner, and CNN correspon- development of his flood-rav- sions and was among the hardest successful redevelopment that is dent Roland Martin to witness the aged childhood neighborhood, hit in the aftermath of Hurricane taking place as we approach the

15th Annual Essence Music Festival is a Success

Edwin Buggage Photos by Glenn Summers Editor in Chief The Essence Music Fes- tival recently celebrated its 15th year with a star-stud- ded first class event that touched down in the city of New Orleans where a sea of beautiful people came to experience what has become the premiere event for African-Americans . It was a weekend that was an all day and all night affair that by day featured empowering inspirational words from some of the leading voices in the African-American Tom Joyner and Lionel Richie Eva Pigford Robin Thicke community . And as the sun set, the mood changed as a throng of well-dressed ebony faces made their way down to the Louisiana Superdome to hear some the most incredible soul stirring sounds running the gamut from, jazz, soul, r&b, and everything in between . It was something for everyone to enjoy, and Data News Weekly was front and center capturing the splendor that is the … Essence. Music Festival .

DJ Capt.Charles Charlie Wilson Ledesi Maxwell Page 8 July 18 - July 31, 2009 Data Zone www.ladatanews.com

New Orleans Filled with Essence Festival Fun Essence Festival was a huge success during the 4th of July weekend . Friends gathered at the concert and at special events and parties to enjoy the festivities . Data News Weekly was in the mix catching up with some of the party-goers . To have your photos featured in the Shoot Ya Best Shot spread, email photos and photo credits to datanewsphotos@gmail .com www.ladatanews.com Data Zone July 18 - July 31, 2009 Page 9

Essence Music Festival Honors Bishop T.D. Jakes

corted through a set of dark black cur- for an anointed soul who constantly re- you who may not like my hair, I was re- tains . On the other side were hundreds minds many of “knowing your purpose .” minded that “purpose” lies within all of of people standing, singing and dancing Mary Mary, Kirk Franklin, Ledisi, and us . We have to channel into it like we eat to the live performance of gospel singer Pastor Deborah Morton seemed to have gumbo, like we watch TV, like we report J . Moss . been touched by the spirit of Bishop T . to work everyday, with no fear . Hot from the 90 degree weather out- D . Jakes . Our own Mayor C . Ray Nagin This tribute was my resurrection to side, I surely appreciated the cool breeze spoke in a somber tone as he awarded my fingers and why I write . I received as the air from the vent above blew down A Key to the City of New Orleans to the the spirit to create, thank and reflect on my right arm, causing the hairs to dance Bishop for his eager support during Ka- what the creator has done for me indi- to the coolness of the room . trina . vidually . This All-Star Tribute to a man Everyone seemed to be full of joy as In spite of the good music, the back- with purpose was exactly what the com- Dionne Character the spirit in the room reminded them of ground singers, the cushioned red seats, munity and the people of New Orleans a man who has captured the universe in screen tvs and banners reading Essence needed—a weekend of soulful, compel- Data News Weekly Contributor his global efforts to make a world-wide Music Festival hanging from all corners ling, and inspirational words of reflec- Author difference across the nation . While he of the room, this movement was “free ”. tion, reminding us all from whence we’ve sat in his black and white ensemble with My spirit was awakened in knowing what come . a sense of reflection on face, there was my purpose really is . Each week that I As I entered Hall D at the Ernest N . a line up of stars who graced the stage am able to communicate to many of you Morial Convention Center, I was es- showing their appreciation through song who may enjoy my works and those of

Data Reviews “The Vixen Manual” Terri Schlichenmeyer Data News Weekly Contributor “The Vixen Manual” by Karrine Steffans c.2009, Grand Central Publishing $25.99 / $28.99 Canada 250 pages

Sick to death. That’s you – sick to death of buying lingerie with no one in mind to see you wearing it . Sick of one-serving meals eaten alone . Sick of watching sappy movies by yourself, of not wearing make-up because who cares, of looking at an empty calendar filled with empty weekends . Common sense tells you there are men “out there”, but you’d like to know where . Meanwhile, until you find one, you’re sick to death of being single . But then along comes real, down-to-Earth wisdom from a sur- prising source: in the new book “The Vixen Manual” by Karrine Steffans, you’ll learn how to find a man, catch his eye, and keep his interest . First of all, are you single or singular? The first word describes the state of not having a man in your life . The second one is the way you define yourself . Steffans says that you must remember to remain singular, even when you’re with someone . And who might that “someone” be? Steffans says it should be someones, plural . Limiting yourself to one man in the early stages of dating is doing yourself a disservice . And don’t let anyone call you out for seeing multiple men; what you do with your dating life is nobody else’s business . You might even want to consider a younger man, but check IDs to be sure he’s as old as he enjoy summer. claims to be .

See Vixen continued on page 11. Page 10 July 18 - July 31, 2009 TrailblazerTrailblazer www.ladatanews.com

Wendell Pierce An Artistic Visionary by: Edwin Buggage Editor-in-Chief

New Orleans and Pierce also said he feels that this is a good venue must continue to show another face of the people of the city . “All to be part of the too often when we are presented it is not very accu- city’s footprint as rate, so with this production it is our hope to show we move forward the world who we are and that we are working hard in rebuilding the to put our lives back together . I hope this series city .” can be sort of a window where people can get a real While jetting slice of New Orleans,” he says . between both Pierce is a graduate of Benjamin Franklin High coasts he still con- School and he also attended The New Orleans Cen- siders New Or- ter for the Creative Arts(NOCCA) before going off leans home and to Julliard to pursue his dream of becoming an ac- is committed to tor . He said he feels strongly that education is one its recovery . “Re- of the most important ingredients to success . gardless of where “Every time I get an opportunity I try to talk to my career takes young people and commit my time to try to give me this will al- something back and to be an inspiration . Some- ways be home for times all some of our kids need is someone to tell me . My family is them that they can do and be whatever they want still here and the to be and for me that is what I have always done-- people who are tried to inspire people to be better at whatever they important to me, choose to pursue,” says Pierce . so I will always be When he is not working Pierce is a common connected to the sight at cultural events around town . “That is the city,” Pierce says . thing I enjoy about this city, it is a cultural Mecca As he has en- and there is no other city like it . People come from joyed recent suc- around the world to experience what we have to of- He is a versatile talent who has graced us on- cess in HBO’s “The Wire,” he has again teamed up fer and that is something we have to retain as we stage, and in television and film . Wendell Pierce is a with creator David Simon and will star in a show rebuild and that’s what I am trying to do in the com- New Orleans native who has made his mark on the called “Treme” set in New Orleans . munity I grew up in . This is my contribution to our screens big and small, but today he is preparing for “This show is about people trying to recover in renewal as a city to hopefully be even better than another role with his sights set on doing something the wake and aftermath of what happened to their we were,” says Pierce . more, serving his community . city . We will be showcasing a lot of local talent and Wendell Pierce is a true renaissance man, and a “I felt it was necessary to get involved in the re- music and I just feel good that I can be home doing talented New Orleanian that has taken his gifts to building of the city of New Orleans . It is where my my craft,” says Pierce . give back, and Data News Weekly is proud to honor roots are and [what] made me the person I am, so him as our Trailblazer recipient for July of 2009 . I felt it was important to come back to my city and use my visibility to help a city I love,” says Pierce . Pierce has come back, and with residents in the Pontchartrain Park, is developing a non-profit en- tity working with the city and the state to acquire homes in the community, redevelop them and put them back into commerce . “After Hurricane Katrina there was a buzz that there were plans to redevelop the area as an upscale golf community,” says Pierce . “But this was and is a viable community and an important part of Black JMJ Joseph M. Jones Continuing Education Fund www.ladatanews.com @Issue July 18 - July 31, 2009 Page 11

McNair’s Death Ruled a Case of Murder-Suicide

several times before shooting him again each other for six months . None of us truly It must be difficult for Mechelle to not only in the head . She then allegedly turned the knows what goes on in the minds of others, deal with her husband’s death, but also gun on herself . Even more disturbing about and sometimes that is a curse . Obvioulsy, deal with the fact that he was killed at the these events is that evidence suggests Ka- Kazemi’s mind could not process every- hand of his mistress . And while consider- zemi shot McNair while he was asleep . thing that was happening to her and the di- ing Mechelle, you can’t possibly forget I don’t know what the circumstances of rection her life was going in . The same way about McNair’s four sons and the devasta- McNair and Kazemi’s relationship were, some people are physically stronger than tion they are experiencing because of their or what circumstances would cause her to others, some are also mentally weaker . father’s death . want both McNair and herself dead, but I It is utterly disturbing that this young When entering relationships, whether don’t think they required this form of ac- lady could not see beyond her problems to they are innocent friendships, business tion . From reading various reports that in- realize that at such a young age she argu- acquaintances, or romantic involvements, Shaniece B. Bickham, Ph.D. dicate that Kazemi had mounting financial ably had a lot of time to start anew . It is sad consider the feelings of all parties involved Data News Managing Editor problems and emotional issues because to think about her feeling as though she and how your decisions may or may not of the status of her relationship with Mc- had found the love of her life, only to real- affect them . Be mindful of how these indi- Nair, it appears as though Kazemi was a ize the she was not the love of his, and to viduals respond to you and monitor their confused, young woman who may have al- then not be able to deal with that reality . It behavior so that you can recognize any lowed the stresses of life to overwhelm her . is even more depressing that in addition to change from when the relationship started . After about a week of probing, Nashville But what 20-year-old isn’t overwhelmed taking her own life, she found it her duty to Do not throw caution to the wind, take your police finally confirmed that they had rea- and confused? take another’s . Was this a case of “if I can’t life into your own hands and never take son and evidence to believe that former Just because someone has reached the have you no one can”? threats lightly . Kazemi’s friends are now NFL quarterback Steve McNair’s girlfriend age to legally be declared an adult does not But then you have to consider McNair’s reporting that she said she wanted to end is behind the 4th of July killings that left mean that they are equipped mentally to wife, Mechelle McNair, who reportedly, her life . Obviously none of them took her him as well as her, Sahel Kazemi, dead . Ap- make adult decisions . What may have been had no idea who Kazemi was or that she seriously and I am sure they are now wish- parently, according to Nashville police, it a mere secret rendezvous for McNair was was part of her husband’s life . I don’t know ing that they had . was a murder-suicide . It appears as though obviously something more to Kazemi, even whether McNair was separated from his Kazemi shot McNair in the head and chest though they had reportedly only known wife, but they certainly were not divorced .

Vixen, Continued from page 9.

Grandma had lots of advice and, as a tice that, on the other hand, Steffans single girl today, you should reach back often contradicts her own recommen- and listen to her . In Granny’s day, women dations . For instance, she indicates that came with a dowry but Steffans says to- truth is essential in a relationship, then day’s single girl is her dowry . When you later advocates game-playing to keep a meet a man you think you might want to straying man guessing . She writes about be with, have something to offer . Men love how no woman should engage in casual strength, confidence, goals, and a woman sex, then includes several surprisingly who cares about herself . And they love graphic drawings depicting “adventur- when you make an effort to know them . ous” sexual positions . Part of “The Vix- “Get into his head… before you get into en Manual” is spent preaching virtue his bed,” says Steffans . And with that, she while another part avows that a “good presents tips on relationships inside the girl” won’t keep a man around for long . bedroom, too . Overall, this book isn’t bad but - as I had mixed feelings about this book . On with anything on this subject - you’ll one hand, author Karrine Steffans offers want to winnow out the useful from the (mostly) sensible advice for single girls personally absurd . If you’re willing to do who complain that there are “no decent that and you’re not easily shocked, “The men out there .” Her pointers are useable, Vixen Manual” may soon have you hear- relatively simple, and quite empowering . ing “Til death do you part .” This is wonderful until you begin to no-

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Details on our policies and services: Prices may vary after 7/20/09 if there are market variations. “Was” prices in this advertisement were in effect on 7/9/09 and may vary based on Lowe’s Everyday Low Price policy. See store for details regarding product warranties. We reserve the right to limit quantities. ✖Ask for 10% Off your first single-receipt in-store purchase charged to your new Lowe’s Accounts Receivable or Lowe’s Business Account when you open your new account in any Lowe’s store and make your first purchase between 7/16/09 - 7/20/09. Coupon must be presented at time of purchase and cannot be used in conjunction with any other coupon or discount. This coupon is good for a single receipt purchase of any in-stock or Special Order merchandise only up to $5000 (Maximum discount $500). Coupon is not redeemable for cash, is nontransferable and cannot be replaced if lost or stolen. Void if altered, copied, transferred, or sold through any on-line auction. Limit one coupon per household or business. Not valid on sales via Lowes.com, previous sales, purchase of services or gift cards. Offer must be requested at the time of purchase. Offer is subject to credit approval. Coupon valid for one time use only. Offer is not valid for accounts opened prior to 7/16/09. Excludes Lowe’s® Consumer Credit Accounts, Lowe’s® Project CardSM Accounts, and all Lowe’s® VISA® Accounts. While Lowe’s strives to be accurate, unintentional errors may occur. We reserve the right to cor- rect any error. Prices and promotions apply to US locations only. ©2009 by Lowe’s®. All rights reserved. Lowe’s® and the gable design are registered trademarks of LF, LLC. (090791-1) 001/0907911/107 Page 14 July 18 - July 31, 2009 Special www.ladatanews.com

New Orleans... A ToXic City?

Story and Photos by Edwin Buggage Joseph is a lanky angular man Editor in Chief in his early 50s who along with his son Leon Jr . sits outside the Prologue legendary Dew Drop Inn, a per- New Orleans is a city with a formance venue where black rich cultural history, its grandeur performers such as Ray Charles, and splendor has made it a desti- and local legends Fats Domino nation for generations of people and many others came to per- from around the globe . Walking at form which is under renovation . its own pace the city is unique in As they stood outside the hollow so many ways earning it the title shell of a place he says, “You see of America’s most interesting city . how they tore down all the proj- Where the syncopated rhythms ects, and the price of everything of the music, or the savory taste else is going up and then you have of many of the delicacies of the all these other people who aren’t city and architecture that rivals from here coming in and we’re the great cities of the world, it is the ones who have to suffer ”. His where people may not have been son chimes in saying, “It’s tough rich in terms of money, but were coming back where there hardly enriched in terms of quality of life, any jobs, at first when they were where the good life meant family, trying to get people to come back friends and community . it wasn’t so bad but now some of This was life in New Orleans these jobs pay like they did before before Hurricane Katrina toppled Katrina, but the problem is it costs the levees washing away the more money to live here now .” much of what the city was, where Looking around on Washing- today nearly four years later the ton Avenue where the Magnolia/ city is a strange tale of two cities, C J. . Peete Housing Project once and a study in contrasts . On the stood, where the hustle and bustle one hand there is the city that is of people and where the dissonant marketed to tourist that posits the sounds of the Mardi Gras Indians idea the city is back and flourish- and Brass Bands have second ing . And as tourist ride the street line parades, on this day there is car and go to places of fine din- an eerie silence . Across the street ing, or come to visit during many there is nothing as vacant land of the festivals, oftentimes they lies where the construction for get to see a city that is quaint and what is to replace the old ‘Mag- charming, where concierges give nolia ’. Joseph Sr . talks about what them a map of things to see, but breaching, today that figure has mold and debris, where a placard es . Meaning houses that were not happened when the city began to there is so much that is absent that risen to more than 50 percent . with a large white X has issued appropriately cleaned and ster- redevelop other areas that were lies not so far away . Where debris And for those that are occupied, by the fire department . “I have ilized, people that live in these formerly working class and poor filled homes that remain unoccu- many of the homes have not been been living here for a year, and houses can have allergic symp- communities and feels that his pied except for rodents and other treated properly for potential this house has been abandoned toms such as runny nose, watery neighborhood may experience pests, and where the stench in the health hazards according to Jef- the fire department came out eyes, bronchitis and asthma exac- a similar fate . With his New Or- air of mildew, mold, and human frey May, who works with the Na- and put up this sign months ago erbations,” said Hebert . leans accent in full lilt, his words waste overwhelm you . Also this tional Community Reinvestment saying it was a hazard, but they come out in a rhythmic staccato tour their is the unsightly jack-of Coalition based in Washington haven’t done anything again,” she Housing Woes and Other that sometimes is only recogniz- –lantern effect where people are D .C . and is the former Executive said . “My landlord called about Lows able if you have spent time in the inside of homes trying to put the Director of the Greater New Or- it several times but nothing has As much of the housing was city, “I grew up around here, I pieces of their lives back together leans Fair Housing Action Center . been done .” Of the problems as- taken out of commerce after mask Indian, we are part of a tra- while living adjacent to homes “We have been working vigor- sociated with living near the prop- Hurricane Katrina, shortages oc- dition in this community, but what that loll as fire and health haz- ously on behalf of citizens who erty she says, “We have problems curred causing price spikes in the I see happening is what happened ards . Begging the question has are returning that they are able to with mice, and now that it’s hot rental market where apartments to the St . Thomas Project, where New Orleans become America’s move into units that are safe and the smell coming from over there that may have cost $500 a month they told the people that they most toxic city? And how does the where people who are just trying makes sitting out here hard some- was now renting for twice that would be able to come back, but future of the city look for those to get back home will not have times because it can make you amount and where several public only a few people are back and who are disenfranchised; how do situations where they face danger feel sick to your stomach .” housing developments that had now all you see is an area that’s they factor into the equation that because they are exposed to tox- Dr . Corey Hebert MD is the minimal damage was reduced to become a mostly white area, and I is the ‘new’ New Orleans? ins,” says May . Chief Medical Editor, WDSU- rubble and are now being redevel- think that’s what could happen to Linda Williams is an elderly NBC, and Asst . Professor, Tulane oped as mixed income housing . A us in this area, but we gotta fight Blight in Black and White African-American woman with a University Medical Center, says situation that caused citizens who to stay and be part of this city this New Orleans was a city where short cropped afro hairdo that that there are many health prob- desire to return to reconsider be- is our home too .” blight was a problem before Hur- is salt and pepper grey . As she lems he has seen as a result of cause it is not affordable or does ricane Katrina . According to the sits on her porch with a walker, blight in the city of New Orleans not benefit them, “I’m back in the Green New Orleans Greater New Orleans Community close by her side is her daughter post Hurricane Katrina . “I have city working doing construction, New Orleans was a city with a Data Center, 17 percent of the city and granddaughter and neighbor had patients that had very high and I went with my son to look at high number of older residences housing could be considered ei- who are talking about the aban- lead levels since the storm . There an apartment that was a small ef- that had not been updated in ther blighted or abandoned . After doned house next door filled with have been many instances of ficiency apartment and they want- quite some time and a city that the damage caused by the levees clothes, overturned furniture, chronic illness due to ‘sick’ hous- ed $600,” says Leon Joseph . had problems with its soil, the www.ladatanews.com Special July 18 - July 31, 2009 Page 15

These photos tell the story of a city in despair. The rebuilding effort from Hurricane Katrina also includes efforts to restore hearts, homes, and businesses that gave New Orleans its unique flair. The recovery will be a long one that many have decided is a journey worth taking.

two toxins that cause the great- such as Brad Pitt is doing work in guidelines and thresholds to ob- co-exist in a city that is trying to herself as Ms . Johnnie Mae, an est concern are lead and arsenic, the Ninth Ward there is still not tain funding and three of those find its way back . It is a city that older black woman in her late 60s says according to a study done by enough information out there for are directly related to things that is grappling with how to retain who sat on her porch like a neigh- the Natural Resources Defense people who live in or own rental have a direct positive impact on its rich historical past, but yet borhood griot telling stories about Council . A San Francisco-based properties about building in a the environment that includes en- become steeped into the 21st cen- how her community was and al- group’s public health research- more energy efficient way .” ergy star standards for appliance, tury . ways will be in her mind and how ers surveyed air, water and soil But in February President water conservation, and using It is a city where a lot was important it was for her to come quality in New Orleans following Barack Obama signed into law green building materials,” said washed away in the horrid days back . As she looked over at the Katrina . According to their study, the American Recovery and Re- May . “I feel if this is implemented in 2005, but yet showed the ugly blighted property next to her and arsenic has been linked to birth investment Act of 2009 that may correctly, it could be a win-win for underbelly of a New Orleans they one across the street that’s been defects, neurological disorders, have an impact on the city of New the city where a portion the hous- didn’t know existed . Today, New decorated with patriotic regalia skin abnormalities and cardio- Orleans . $2,000,000,000 in funding market can be redeveloped in Orleans has a unique opportunity from the 4th of July she says, vascular disease . Lead exposure ing resources are to be invested the city that’s affordable and be to renew itself from the toxins “I’ve lived here for forty years . I can cause neurological damage in in addressing the impact of fore- done in a way where it has a posi- that affect more than just its phys- could have left and stayed with children, leading to learning dis- closures through the purchase tive impact on the environment . ical environment--crime, poverty, my children who all have their abilities and other problems . and rehabilitation of foreclosed, “And with this and other initia- underfunded schools, and racial own homes out of town, but this is “New Orleans is a city that is vacant properties in order to cre- tives I believe New Orleans could inequity and unrest . These are my home . I’ve seen all these kids in dire need of infrastructure im- ate more affordable housing and become an example of a Green just a few of the many things that grow up around here and we all provements, and green initiatives renew neighborhoods devastated City ”. have prevented it from becoming know and look out for one anoth- in housing especially for those by the economic crisis . How will the city it could become; a city er even after the storm . “I think if most vulnerable and those are this affect New Orleans in green Epilogue with a spirit and resilience that I could survive Hurricane Katrina usually the poor and people of col- building? “It can help in some New Orleans is a city that is at will never die . I could survive anything ”. or,” says Jeffrey May . Continuing ways because those who receive a crossroads . It is a place where That spirit is embodied in a he says “While Hollywood stars the funding must follow strict hopefulness and hopelessness woman that simply referred to Learn more about... diabetes heart disease stroke depression asthma osteoporosis osteoarthritis dementia Knowledge is Power when it comes to your health.

The Peoples Health “Senior Health Series” is an ongoing series of talks on topics – such as those listed above – that many people face as they age. The presentations are free and open to the public. Complimentary glucose and blood pressure screenings are included. For a list of upcoming events, visit us online at www.peopleshealth.com or call toll-free: 1-800-567-0289 TTY/TDD (Telephone Device for the Hearing Impaired) 1-888-631-9979

These events are only for educational purposes and no plan-specific benefits or details will be H1961_H5501_PH_HWGPA_0509 shared. Peoples Health is an MA organization with a Medicare contract. E_0209