Lighting The Road To The Future

Zulu’s Celebrate 102nd Data Zone Page 6 Anniversary “The People’s Paper” May 21 - May 27, 2011 46th Year Volume 4 www.ladatanews.com

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Newsmaker Newsmaker SUNO/UNO Merger Xavier Prep New Principal Pulled Off the Table Joseph Peychaud

Page 4 Page 4 Page 2 May 21 - May 27, 2011 Cover Story www.ladatanews.com

Questioning A Fresh Start

ment that fractured an already divided city along lines of race and class . New Orleans was in need of something or someone to navigate the City to some By Chanelle Lauren sort of common ground . To move it forward out of the mire of the political abyss and chaos that characterized the City throughout its history . A little over one year ago the City thought it found its man in Mitch Landrieu . New Orleans: The City that Care Forgot Corruption, nepotism and scandal are familiar words when one thinks of the City and its politics . This is a fact that is known inside and outside New Citizen Landrieu: A Fresh Start Orleans and is much a part of its lore as Mardi Gras, Gumbo and Jazz when Data News Weekly published an article in its May 15, 2010 issue called ‘A one conjures up images of the Crescent City . Fresh Start,’ today the Landrieu Administration is facing a true test of its mis- After Hurricane Katrina the City was placed under the spotlight of the inter- sion to make New Orleans a city that will not stand for corruption . In a recent national media and became the poster child for ineffective leadership . It had profile on the CBS News Magazine ‘60 Minutes’ Landrieu talked about the City become the living embodiment of John Kennedy Toole’s novel, A Confederacy and its fight against wrongdoing . “We are confronting corruption making sure of Dunces . the people of America know we got it and we’re going to do something about it During these tumultuous times the City experienced a political environ- and that is a healthy thing,” said the Mayor to CBS News Byron Pitts .

Cover Story, Continued on next page. DATA News Weekly P.O. Box 57347, New Orleans, LA 70157-7347 INSIDE DATA Phone: (504) 821-7421 | Fax: (504) 821-7622 editorial: [email protected] | advertising: [email protected] Terry B. Jones Contributors CEO/Publisher Cheryl Mainor Chenelle Lauren Cover Story ...... 2 Commentary . . . . 8 Glenn Jones Darrell A. Edwards VP Advertising George C. Curry Marc Morial & Marketing Louella Givens Cheryl Mainor James Perry Newsmaker...... 4 Opinion . . . . . 9 Marvelyn Brown Managing Editor Valorie Bull Edwin Buggage Fred Watkins Editor State & Local News . . 5 Health News . . . 10 Art Direction & Production Melanie Mainor MainorMedia.com Copy Editor Intern Editorial Submissions [email protected] June Hazeur Advertising Inquiries Data Zone ...... 6 National News . . . 11 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 May 21 - May 27, 2011 Page 3 Cover Story, Continued from previous page.

of a ‘dog and pony that he was able to develop has the City leadership has changed ric as they advocate change . New In a bold move upon taking of- show ’. begun to erode and people of all from majority Black to a major- Orleans NAACP President Da- fice Mayor Landrieu called for the The City while divided among races are calling for the removal ity White city council, mayor and natus King echoes the words that Department of Justice to conduct lines of class and race on many is- of Serpas,” says Danatus King . police chief, questions are aris- many citizens feel saying, “Crony- an investigation of the New Or- sues are united in their desire to Continuing he says of the long- ing in the City that’s becoming ism cannot continue as this City leans Police Department and on stamp out corruption and crony- term impact of this scandal, “The more polarized . “While race is moves forward, we cannot allow March 16, 2011 they came back ism . “I have lived through the City Mayor has to make a decision if an issue it is about fairness and the continuation of a government with a scathing report saying that being run by both White then the police chief can be effective justice and those that have been that does not work for the better- NOPD was in need of major re- Black political leaders and saw with this cloud hanging over his disenfranchised and left out of the ment of all the people, so maybe forms among the many things that both of them take from the people head .” conversation having a voice,” says this is the one thing that’s gotten needed to be addressed includes, who needed resources the most, Jerome Smith . the people involved and we hope their use of excessive force, un- it is time to bring people in who This scandal seems to have it continues until we can have the constitutional stops, searches understand that they are there to One New been the fire that has lit the wick type of leaders and government and arrests, and racial profiling . serve the people and not them- Orleans… as the citizens are beginning to that’s effective and we can live in Also listed was a failed system selves, but it is up to us to make question policies and practices in a City we can be proud of ”. of police recruitment, promotion sure they are held accountable,” Questioned? politics; and demanding that politi- and evaluation, in their findings says Jerome Smith a longtime As the political landscape of cians in practice match the rheto-

Daughters of Charity Health Centers Full-Service Family Dental Practice

Police Chief Ronal Serpas Danatus King, President NAACP New Orleans Chapter Dental care is very important to your it was concluded that there were community activist . ineffective systems of complaint total health and wellness — especially intake, investigation and adjudica- children and pregnant mothers. tion . But the one thing mentioned Scandal and its in the report that has been mak- Impact at City Hall ing recent headlines is their failed paid detail system . The recent scandal inside of Dr. Jay Dumas the police department have citi- zens questioning how transparent Defiant Voices is the Landrieu Administration in Dr. Willard Dumas Speak Out dealing with this issue and has segments of the community in an Some in the community have uproar . And they feel that more  Dental Evaluations/Exams voiced their outrage over what should be done in investigating they see is the continuing practice Serpas and the potential of his  Digital X-rays of cronyism that runs counter to prior knowledge of the problems  Cleanings Landrieu’s rhetoric, “Nepotism, regarding paid details by his of- cronyism and corruption is alive ficers .  Fluoride Treatments and well in New Orleans, just look- His critics say it is highly un- ing at the detail system, when you likely that Serpas did not have  Fillings, Crowns, Dentures see some of the top commanders knowledge of details and contracts on the force making the type of surrounding traffic cameras given  Teeth Whitening money their making and having his good friend, son-in-law and Medicare, Medicaid and the power to control who gets to driver were involved and that it is  Extractions Commercial Insurance Accepted work,” says Danatus King, Presi- highly unlikely this would never dent of the New Orleans Branch come up in conversation . of the NAACP and has been a vo- The chorus of voices calling cal critic of the Mayor and Chief for Serpas to resign or the May- Serpas . or to take more vigilant action is Some are saying that the selec- growing . Because some feel it is tion process of the Police Chief impacting the already strained was flawed from the beginning relations between NOPD and its and smelled of good-ole-boy poli- citizens, notwithstanding the De- tics New Orleans style . That Ser- partment of Justice Report and its Daughters of Charity Dental Office Locations pas whose father was an NOPD findings . Bywater/St. Cecilia (504) 941-6041 officer and former bodyguard for “Mayor Landrieu has been on Carrollton (504) 207-3060 1030 Lesseps St. Maurice Edwin “Moon” Landrieu his soapbox saying the police can 3201 S. Carrollton Ave. has been long affiliated with the only be effective when the citizens New Orleans, LA 70118 New Orleans, LA 70117 family was a ‘shoe in’ and the ‘na- are involved and in the present cli- tionwide search’ resembled more mate and the confidence and trust Primary & Preventive Medical Care for All Ages • Dental • Pharmacy • Behavioral Health • MEDICAID Enrollment Page 4 May 21 - May 27, 2011 Newsmaker www.ladatanews.com

SUNO/UNO Merger Pulled Off the Table

By Cheryl Mainor and White in New Orleans, and happy to have been able The House Speaker pulled all The proposed merger between was so contentious that it drew na- to galvanize the entire references to SUNO from the bill, Southern University of New Or- tional attention from activists and SUNO family to fend off according to District 100 State leans and the University of New educators nation-wide . The Loui- this attack on the SUNO Rep . Austin Badon . Instead, some Orleans was pulled from consider- siana Legislative Black Caucus System .” He continued, lawmakers want to consider mov- ation by the State Legislature on members opposed any attempt “This was a campaign of ing UNO into the University of Wednesday with House Speaker to merge the University of New misinformation which Louisiana System, Badon said . Jim Tucker, R-Algiers, removing Orleans campus with the Histori- we had to combat with Presently, UNO is a part of the the measure from consideration cally Black Southern University at accurate information ”. LSU System . Instead of a merger, by the House when it was deter- New Orleans campus stating that “The caliber of education Speaker Tucker said he would mined that the proposal didn’t such a merger would be the be- at SUNO is second to look to pursue separate legislation have the required 70 votes to pass ginning of a “systematic demise” none, and I am happy it to possibly move UNO from the and move to the Senate for con- of Historically Black Colleges and worked out the way that Louisiana State University System sideration . Universities in Louisiana . it did, for the students, to the University of Louisiana Sys- Though Speaker Tucker and District 101 State Rep . Wesley the faculty and the en- tem, where he thinks the univer- Governor Jindal were in sup- Bishop, was one of the most vo- tire SUNO family”, said sity will be better served by being port of the controversial merger cal of the Black Caucus members Bishop . He concluded, with other “tier 2” universities . which was supported by Gover- who opposed the proposed merg- “In politics, you may lose The House is expected to take nor Bobby Jindal, the proposal er . The former Associate Vice some wars, but you also up the debate on this issue as ear- was strongly opposed by the Leg- Chancellor of Academic Affairs for win some battles too, this ly as next week . islative Black Caucus as well as SUNO said in a statement to Data was a battle worth win- community leaders both Black News Weekly, “I am extremely State Representative Wesley Bishop ning ”.

Joseph Peychaud Welcomed as New Principal and President at Xavier University Prep

by Cheryl Mainor ana . He also holds a dent body, and extending and Peychaud said . The Board of Directors at Xavi- M .A . in Urban Stud- enhancing alumni relations . I Peychaud feels extremely con- er University Prep has announced ies from the Univer- plan to focus attention on alumni fident that he has the support he that longtime New Orleans educa- sity of New Orleans . affairs, marketing, public rela- will need to mobilize the Prep fam- tor and former Principal, Joseph He spent two years tions and development, so that ily in doing the things we need to Peychaud, will return to fill the in Vietnam before the great things that take place at do to move the school forward position, leading the institution returning to resume Xavier Prep on a daily basis, will and that the combined efforts of as Principal and President of the his teaching career be well known and supported by he, the staff, and the board will school . and then joined the the community, parents and alum- yield positive responses from the Mr . Peychaud has a long his- school’s administra- ni . “It’s a good fit for me, I think,” community . tory with Xavier Prep, having tive ranks in 1971 . He served as the first lay principal of became the school’s the all-girls institution . His unique first lay principal in www.ladatanews.com experience with Xavier Prep in- 1976 . cludes serving not only as prin- Peychaud said his cipal, but as a teacher, as a board deep connections to member, he has worked on and Xavier Prep, the Sis- directed capital campaigns for the Mr. Joseph Peychaud ters of the Blessed school as well . This experience Sacrament, the Board has given him insight into how of New Orleans for Urban Educa- at Xavier Prep, the Alumni Asso- to move the school forward, and tion and Federal Programs and he ciation and the parents and stu- how to ensure the components most recently served as a School dents, make a good fit for him . necessary for the vision become Improvement Specialist for the “The leadership SBS (Sisters of reality are in place . As the new Orleans Parish School Board the Blessed Sacrament) Leader- Principal/President, he feels con- working with federal programs ship Team, the faculty and staff fident he will be up to the task . supporting private schools . and the Board were extremely In addition to his vast experi- He is a graduate of St . Augus- supportive of me, my candidacy ence with Xavier Prep, Peychaud tine High School and received a and my vision as to how to move was formerly an Associate Super- B A. . in Education/Liberal Arts this school forward, and continue intendent with the Archdiocese from Xavier University of Louisi- with the development of the stu- www.ladatanews.com State & Local News May 21 - May 27, 2011 Page 5

The Soul of A Fisherman

works better for hookset as well about “class” . So it is with fishing and any weak spots along the as sensitivity . Spooled up with as well . sides of the boat . Another small good quality monofilament line Next, I would like to expound fact that we need to know is, it is you are ready . Once again, I briefly about boats . There are better to run premium gas in your prefer monofilament to braided three things about boats we need boat motor than regular unleaded . line because monofilament has to know . 1) how good is the mo- The reason is because regular “memory” . Once braided line tor? 2) Does the bilge pump unleaded does not have enough gets tangled all you can do is cut work? 3) Do the running lights octane to prevent damage to your it . Monofilament can be untan- work? I will divulge the most rings in the motor . Premium gas gled if you have the patience . well-kept secret about boats that has a high enough octane rating When it comes to reels, you most people don’t know; if you to make your rings run smoother . won’t believe me but I fish with a are buying a used boat, make The choice is yours . It’s just like I $10 reel . I can catch as many fish sure to run a compression test on tell people about a fishing license, with my $10 reel as you can catch the cylinders before you buy it . it is $15 for a license and $100 fine with your $150 reel . The key to Compression is measured in foot if you don’t have one . You do the a good reel is the dragset . If you pounds and each cylinder should math . set your drag accordingly, you generate at least 100 foot pounds With that being said I will de- can catch any fish with a $10 reel no matter what size the motor vote the next few columns to an- or a $100 reel . Yes, the fishing is . The measurement should not swering any questions you may manufacturers will boast that this vary more than 15 foot pounds have . After that I will begin in on By Darrell A. Edwards reel has twelve ball bearings and between each cylinder . If it does, what light tackle saltwater fishing I don’t want to begin naming is smooth as a baby’s butt, which leave that motor alone . is all about here in Southeast Lou- Okay, so you would like to im- names because they all have rods may be true, but my five ball bear- As far as the boat, you should isiana . And, I will divulge all my prove your light tackle saltwater of the same caliber . I will say ing reel will still catch that same check the transom . The transom locations to catch fish as well as fishing abilities . First, we will that the warranty differs between fish your reel caught . And if for is the back of the boat where GPS coordinates and an explana- discuss the gear . The best light them and that is something you some reason a fish pulls my rod the motor would be mounted . It tion of why you’re catching fish at tackle saltwater fishing rods, in may want to look at when making and reel off the boat, I’m only out should be solid and not hollow . that spot . It’s all about me reveal- my opinion, are the seven foot your purchase . I prefer a seven- $60 instead of $250 . If you don’t Take a hammer and tap on it and ing “The Soul of a Fisherman .” medium action graphite rods . foot rod for the hookset . know by now, let me inform you listen for changes in sound . Also, See you next time . Many companies make them . To me, the seven-foot rod that everything in America is all check for soft spots in the floor

2-Cent Presents: LISTEN Literacy & Arts Festival Making Things Work Multimedia Organization promotes literacy among youth via Arts Festival In Spite of Lupus

On May 21, 2011 at 12 noon, include Scholastic Read and Model Heather 2-Cent Entertainment outside Rise, Q93, the “Read and Rise” D’Marie has much The Community Book Center Program, Community Book to fight for . She has located at 2523 Bayou Road , will Center , Youthnasia Foundation, Lupus . The former host its First Annual “Listen!” Lit- IntheNowla com,. Metro and model was diagnosed eracy & Arts Festival . 2-cent, a Richards Disposal and More . 4 years ago, and since grassroots organization, took on 2-Cent has been dedicated to has been battling to the challenge of engaging New giving this generation a voice . defeat the disease and Orleans youth, in hopes of creat- They have spoken on panels, its effects on her life . ing change by means of Music, created short films, held a sum- Says D’Marie, “I was Video, Photography, and now mer camp and a host of other stopped earlier from through Literacy . efforts . They were recently doing what I loved, but 4000 FREE books sponsored selected as one of the 15 Do I’m not letting it stop by Scholastic will be given away to Something Award Finalists out me anymore ”. To pay all children in attendance . There of over 500 entries . DO Some- for her mounting medi- will be food, local vendors, and perform better in school . The Na- thing recognizes young people cal expenses, D’Marie performances by Dee-1, Lil Chuc- tional Institute for Literacy states: making positive impacts in their has produced her kee, Kourtney Heart, and Mannie “Low literacy is strongly related communities and the people 4th edition calendar Fresh with a special guest . to crime . 70% of prisoners fall into around them . Listen’s ultimate with proceeds going Among the numerous issues to the lowest two levels of reading goal is to inspire young people to to pay for her medical be tackled in New Orleans, litera- proficiency” . Perhaps, getting to be readers and writers, and have Heather D’Marie expenses . She will be cy is one of the most vital topics the root of the problem will help an active part in molding their fu- walking in this year’s of concern . Studies have shown dissolve some of the other issues ture . Annual Walk for Lupus Now! in Los Angeles . If you would like to sup- children whose parents read to that trouble New Orleans . port her efforts to raise money for Lupus, visit http://donate.lupus. them become better readers and Some of the Festival’s sponsors org or for more information on how you can purchase a calendar, visit http://www.heatherdmarie.com . Page 6 May 21 - May 27, 2011 Data Zone www.ladatanews.com

Zulu’s Celebrate 102nd Anniversary

Friday, May 13, 2011 Kicked off Zulu’s Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs 102nd Anniversary . The first of three activities for the weekend began with the party Friday night at 333 St . Joseph Street where the doors opened at 8:00 p m. . An Anniversary Zulu Committee Member, Cedric Givens surprised Zulu’s guest and members with live performance from one of New Orleans local band, “The Kennections .”

Zulu’s Prestigious President, David Belfield, King 1994 and his Queen Angela K . Adams, Zulu’s King (2011) Anthony Baker Sr . and his wife and Queen, Chanel Howard Baker . In addition, more Eminent members, Sam Smith (Ensemble) Queens, Mayors, Ambassadors, Grand Marshals, Witch Doctors, Governors, Dukes and Queens, Crew Members, Candidates, Terry Williams, (2012 Big Shot), Derrick Jarmon (2012 Witch Doctor), and Clarence Link (2012 King) and friends of Zulu, Eula Brown Lynch and Leatrice .

The festivities did not stop at the Anniversary Party, it was only the beginning . Day two, began Saturday afternoon at Easton Park where the Yellow and Black Softball Teams gathered for a beat down . The Yellow Team Crowned the Diamond Plate for a smashing victorious win over the Black Team .

The Anniversary Parade began Sunday at Sweet Lorraine and moved onto Sidney’s Saloon on St . Bernard Avenue where members made a pit stop to pick up the famous “GO GETTERS” .

The parade continued St . Bernard to “The Other Place”, for more GO GETTERS, making several more stops to, The Autocrat Club, Seals Class Act, Mickey’s Playhouse, Jackie’s- Touch Of Class Lounge, Bertha’s Place, and brining it home to the Zulu’s Social Aid and Pleasure Club on N . Broad Street .

Photos By VALORIE BULL

For more pictures check us out on Facebook. www.ladatanews.com Data Zone May 21 - May 27, 2011 Page 7

Freedom Riders at Ashé

Luther Gray announces Original Freedom Rider Charles Person as he joins Carol Bebelle, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Ashé Cultural Arts the welcoming revelers who came to honor the Freedom Riders on their 50th Center welcomes the crowds that poured into Ashé on May 16, 2011, to Anniversary. honor some of the Original Freedom Riders who commemorated the 50th Anniversary of the Freedom Rides. On Monday, May 16, 2011, Ashé Cultural Arts Center was the site of the commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Freedom Rides . From May until November 1961, more than 400 Black and White Americans risked their lives—and many endured savage beatings and imprisonment—for simply traveling together on buses and trains as they journeyed through the Deep South . The trip was intended to end in New Orleans, LA but was cut short of the goal in Jackson, MS due to violence .

WYES, the Louisiana Weekly and Ashé Cultural Arts Center partnered to bring the 2011 Student Freedom Ride event to New Orleans . Dubbed “Finishing the Ride,” the event included festivities that honored the struggles of those individuals who forever changed the lives of African-Americans in the United States . Original Freedom Riders Joan Trumpauer Mulholland, Ernest “Rip” Patton, Jr ,. Charles Person, and Helen Singleton made the trip . The evening was topped off by a viewing of the PBS AMERICAN EXPERIENCE film entitled “Freedom Riders .

Speakers for the evening included Carol Bebelle, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Ashé Cultural Arts Center; Randall Feldman, President and General Manager of WYES, and Mark Samels, Executive Producer of the American Experience; and Mayor Mitch Landrieu .

Mayor Mitch Landrieu takes time to hang out with some of the students who took part in the national freedom rides that ended in New Orleans. Page 8 May 21 - May 27, 2011 Commentary www.ladatanews.com The Frivolous Attacks on Obama and Common

News’ Hannity & Colmes, aired a clip from rected him: “It was the same church with the speech Rev . Wallace Smith, the Pastor the same pastor with the same views .” of Shiloh, had given at Eastern University, After Rev . Brown refused to back down, in Davids, PA . O’Reilly quickly ended the interview . But, “It may not be Jim Crow anymore,” said Fox did not end its assault on President Rev . Smith . “Now, Jim Crow wears blue Obama and his wife, Michelle . pinstripes, goes to law school and carries The First Lady hosted an event at the fancy briefs in cases . And now, Jim Crow White House to celebrate American poetry has become James Crow, esquire . And, he and prose . Among the performers invited doesn’t have to wear white robes anymore was Lonnie Rashid Lynn, the Poet/Rapper George C. Curry because now he can wear the protective better known as “Common” . NNPA cover of talk radio or can get a regular news Various Fox News personalities criti- program on Fox .” cized “Common” for his work titled, “A After the clip aired as part of Hannity’s Song for Assata” written in honor of Assata criticism of the President, Rev . Smith said Shakur, the Black Panther Party member If you thought nothing could be more his church received more than 100 threats who was convicted of the 1973 murder of frivolous than conservatives questioning via telephone and e-mail . New Jersey State Trooper Werner Foerst- whether the President was born in the “We received a fax that had the image Actor, Hip Hop Artist and Poet Common er . The trooper was shot twice in the head United States, think again . The recent of a monkey with a target across its face,” with his own gun . Black Panther Party criticism of Obama’s decisions to worship he told the Washington Post . “My secretary member Zayd Malik Shakur was also killed Easter Sunday at Shiloh Baptist Church in has received telephone calls that have been Rev . Amos Brown, Pastor of Third Baptist in the New Jersey Turnpike shootout . Both Washington, D .C . and invite Poet/Rapper so vulgar until she had to hang up .” Church, in San Francisco and President of Assata Shakur and another State Trooper, Common to participate in a White House On his show, Fox Host Bill O’Reilly tried the local NAACP Chapter, to discuss the James Harper, were injured in the ex- celebration of poetry illustrates how far his to dismiss Rev . Smith as a “racial activist” Obama decision to worship at Shiloh . Rev . change of gunfire . Assata Shakur escaped critics will stoop to manufacture a contro- and kept objecting to Smith’s observation Brown noted that Ronald Reagan, George from prison in 1979 and has been living in versy . on Easter that the original U .S . Constitu- H .W . Bush and Bill Clinton had attended Cuba in political asylum since 1984 . Fox News was hysterical over the Obam- tion was a flawed document that did not the same church as President without be- In his tribute, “Common” wrote: “As- as’ decision to worship at the predominant- count African descendants as full human ing criticized . sata had been convicted of a murder she ly Black church founded in the 1800s by beings . When O’Reilly said they attended under couldna done . Medical evidence shown former slaves . Sean Hannity, co-host of Fox O’Reilly made the mistake of inviting different circumstances, Rev . Brown cor- she couldna shot the gun .” Although Fox Commentary, continued on page 10. Urban Jobs Act A Powerful Weapon in the War on Unemployment

Bill, H .R . 683, which was introduced earlier Upon introducing the legislation, Sena- chance . It will reduce the disproportionate this year by New York Representative Ed- tor Gillibrand said, “Supporting education incarceration of minority youth and pre- olphus Towns . Both bills would provide and training for our youth is a smart in- pare eligible young adults for entry into the federal grant funding to the National Ur- vestment that will pay dividends over the world of work . ban League and other non-profit groups to long-term ”. We agree . We know that youth While the Senate bill has just been intro- offer job training, education, and other sup- employment not only helps put food on the duced, we need to build more momentum port services for urban youth . The legisla- table of struggling families, a job can liter- in the House . We are urging citizens to tion will especially target those who have ally turn a young person’s life around and follow the link below to sign a letter urg- dropped out of high school or who have provide the skills, work ethic, and experi- ing your Representative to join the current had some involvement with the criminal ence necessary to grow into productive co-sponsors of H .R . 683, who include Ed- justice system . adulthood . olphus Towns (NY), Robert Brady (PA), Marc Morial The Labor Department’s April jobs re- The Urban Jobs Act would create an Corrine Brown (FL), Steve Cohen (TN), President and CEO port confirms the urgent need for this Urban Jobs Program and allocate $23 mil- John Conyers, Jr . (MI), Alcee Hastings National Urban League legislation . While overall unemployment is lion in grants to national non-profit organi- (FL), Jesse Jackson, Jr . (IL), Eddie Bernice back up to 9 percent, African-American un- zations to provide a comprehensive set of Johnson (TX), Gregory Meeks (NY), Don- employment has now risen to 16 1. percent . services designed to prepare youth, ages ald Payne (NJ), Charles Rangel (NY), Ce- To Be Equal Even more disturbing, African-American 18-24, for the job market . These services dric Richmond (LA), Albio Sires (NJ), and youth unemployment has now climbed to include job placement, mentoring, intern- Betty Sutton (OH) . “Now that I have my second chance, I’m 41 6. percent, the highest rate of any group ships, and on-the-job training as well as Empower yourself, empower your com- taking it to the max, taking advantage of it in the nation . In many urban communities, GED preparation, reading and math reme- munity, and join us in the “War on Unem- to the fullest .” Ida DeLeon, 21-year-old par- roughly one-third of minority youth are un- diation, educational enrichment, and post- ployment”! ticipant in the Urban League of Rochester’s employed . For several years now, the Na- secondary education . Support services http://www .iamempowered com/ar. - Job Training Program . tional Urban League has been leading the include child care, health and nutrition ticle/2011/05/05/join-us-war-unemploy- Last week, U .S . Senator Kirsten Gilli- call for targeted action to address the ur- referral and transportation and housing as- ment brand, of New York, enlisted in the war on ban jobs crisis . Our 12-point Jobs Rebuild sistance . Marc H. Morial is the President and CEO of urban unemployment with the introduc- America Plan lays out specific strategies The Urban Jobs Act will provide des- the National Urban League. tion of the Urban Jobs Act . Gillibrand’s Ur- to achieve that goal . But Washington has perately needed resources to give young ban Jobs Act is the Senate version of House been largely silent, until now . people who need it an all-important second www.ladatanews.com Opinion May 21 - May 27, 2011 Page 9 Of Mice and Men diate circle were aware that change was by the Times-Picayune revealed that 51 21. Jill W . Saia of the East Baton Rouge Par- imminent . respondents agreed that Pastorek had not ish Schools System who adds, “We need Pastorek during his four year tenure done a good job for local schools ”. someone who can look past the numbers has become one of the most volatile fig- BESE members will be asked shortly and know that teachers see the children ures to emerge in the changing Louisiana to select an interim Superintendent of in front of them as partners on a learning educational landscape . With support from Education without formal notice that Mr . journey and not as instruments of pay in- a confirmed partisan BESE majority and Pastorek has resigned . Overlooking the creases ,”. said Jill W . Saia of the East Baton the governor’s office, he has driven a train Board has become a calling card for the Rouge Parish Schools System . that seems determined to turn public edu- Pastorek administration and is an affront to The new superintendent should be cation into private enterprise . Most alarm- the men and women who serve the State mindful that local districts are doing their Louella Givens ingly, the Recovery School District in par- often at personal cost . However, Mr . Pas- homework and are well informed about the ticular and the Department of Education in torek has never been one to show consid- thinly veiled attempts promoted by the gov- general, are now staffed with upper level eration or respect for those not pledged to ernor and Mr . Pastorek to privatize educa- managers who were selected solely by the follow him blindly . What is clear is that the tion through a series of policies that stran- Superintendent and who are pledged to im- interim Superintendent must be someone gle democratic representation through the BESE Member Louella Givens plement the Pastorek vision for educational who is familiar with all the cards and all of elimination of local control . on Louisiana Superintendent excellence . Without the visionary, fidelity the players who are involved at this critical We must remember that whenever des- of Education Paul Pastorek’s of implementation becomes problematic . juncture . pots usurp the rights of the people, the Throughout the K-12 universe, stake- According to Nolton Senegal, Sr ., Ex- logical response will be the development resignation holders are concerned about the process ecutive Director of the Louisiana School of networks that are united in purpose re- that many fear are left for others to figure Boards Association, requisite “criteria for gardless of ethnicity or regionalism . Edu- Without notice, Paul Pastorek, Louisi- out . According to Don Whittinghill, “the this job are trust, a respect for local public cational leaders across the State have unit- ana State Superintendent of Education, most recent Southern Media & Opinion schools, a proven record of achievement in ed their voices and formed an independent resigned from his office on Monday, May Research state-wide poll, released last education, dedication to kids learning, and body, the Coalition for Public Education, to 9, 2011 . However, it seems that the Superin- week, reveals that 59 .1 percent of New Or- a demonstrated ability to improve troubled respond in an organized manner to those tendent was exploring outside job opportu- leans area respondents believed there was schools . Looking beyond Louisiana’s bor- who would eliminate one of the most basic nities as he set the wheels into movement little to no public education improvement ders for this key candidate doesn’t guaran- civil rights of Louisiana residents, the right to maintain his newly created educational during the current administration’s tenure . tee a quality candidate ”. to public education . After all, is not that the dynasty long before any outside his imme- Another, unscientific poll conducted on-line Mr . Senegal’s assessment is shared by difference between mice and men .

In New Orleans, Many Have Yet to Travel the Road Home

By James Perry the Lower 9th Ward are far from rebuilt . Home recipients with non-discriminatory lion in additional grants . And they have Executive Director, Since day one, our request has been the grants, we all worked cooperatively to more heavily targeted program activities GNO Fair Housing same--that all homeowners receive rebuild- reach a mutually agreeable solution that to communities harmed by the discrimina- Everyone knows that the Road Home ing grants based on the cost of rebuilding, would address the plaintiffs’ concerns over tory pre-storm value formula . Further, I am Program, though well intentioned, has rather than pre-storm home value . In other discrimination and also advance Louisiana’s thankful that the State has largely drawn been deeply flawed since its inception . In words, homeowners with the exact same priority of reducing Katrina-related blight . from our shared efforts in drafting Action 2007, working with the National Fair Hous- rebuilding costs should be treated equally . Unfortunately, a few weeks ago, the Fed- Plan Amendment 51 to give supplemental ing Alliance, my staff at the Greater New Regrettably, after months of fruitless eral Appellate Court lifted its injunction, and grants to homeowners who have not yet re- Orleans Fair Housing Center and I set out aggressive advocacy, in 2008 we were left sent the case back to the district court so turned to their homes . to right at least one of the major program with no choice but to pursue litigation that it could proceed to trial . Shortly there- However, our work is far from done . flaws . against the State of Louisiana and the U S. . after, communication between the parties I urge Louisiana and HUD to come The Road Home Program was designed Department of Housing and Urban Devel- slowed--and settlement talks have ceased . back to the negotiating table and see this to provide rebuilding grants to residents opment (HUD) . While HUD and Louisiana Even worse, the Obama administration’s process through . I believe that the State whose homes were damaged or destroyed mounted vigorous defenses, the U .S . Dis- leadership at HUD is taking legal positions and HUD’s decisions should not be led by Hurricane Katrina based on the value of trict Court refused to dismiss the case . In in this case that threaten to undermine the by litigation stances . Instead, their steps their homes, rather than the cost to repair August 2010, the District Court ruled that Fair Housing Act and other Federal Civil should be guided by principles of fairness the damage . This policy choice had the the Road Home Program was likely to be Rights Laws . and equity . Further, additional protracted dramatic affect of impeding New Orleans’ found unlawful and enjoined the State from On Friday, the State released proposed litigation may only delay progress . Both struggling recovery . using pre-storm value to issue new grants . Action Plan Amendment 51 . The amend- the State and HUD should immediately Because pre-storm home values were A month later, a Federal Appellate Court ment draws heavily from solutions pro- re-open settlement talks and work with the significantly lower in African-American froze all unspent surplus federal Road duced in settlement talks, but falls signifi- plaintiffs to achieve the best result for hom- neighborhoods than in White neighbor- Home funds so that all homeowners could cantly short of our hard-fought aim to right eowners who are still struggling to repair hoods, homeowners in African-American later receive non-discriminatory grants the wrong created by the Road Home Pro- their homes and their communities . neighborhoods consistently received far based on the cost of damage . Shortly there- gram’s use of the discriminatory pre-storm I stand firm in my belief that together smaller Road Home grants than homes in after, HUD and Louisiana agreed to engage home value . we can fashion a resolution that eliminates White neighborhoods; and they were far us in active settlement talks . The State and HUD have come a long the Road Home Program’s discriminatory more likely to have large gaps in the re- Settlement, however, was no easy task . way since they started the Road Home Pro- effects to the greatest extent possible, ad- sources needed to rebuild . There were no more than $150 million in gram . In response to our advocacy, they dresses blight and confronts the many un- This was true even when a home in a federal Road Home funds remaining . And have adopted an amendment allowing all met housing needs in our community . New predominantly Black neighborhood was all parties agreed that the full remedy the low-income homeowners to receive non- Orleans’ success depends on it . essentially identical to a home in a predom- Plaintiffs sought--grants based on the cost discriminatory grants based on the cost Follow James Perry on Twitter: www.twitter. inantly White neighborhood and had iden- of damage--would cost many times the of repairing their homes up to $150,000 . com/jameshperry tical storm damage . The end result is that amount of remaining funds . In spite of the As a result, more than 13,000 low-income communities like New Orleans East and lack of remaining funds to provide all Road homeowners have received over $469 mil- Page 10 May 21 - May 27, 2011 Health News www.ladatanews.com

The Accidental Activist By Marvelyn Brown Author & Activist was over . life, from me at the gym to me Special to the NNPA But, even though people sitting and thinking . The rumors counted me out, God did not . God stopped, and people started get- I stood in the huddle during believed in me when I did not be- ting educated about HIV . I’d a time-out of a vicious basket- lieve in myself . thought, if anything, that because ball battle against a rival high Now that no one was around of the article, people would find school as the coach told us that to give me their opinion, the only more negative things to say about the game-winning shot should person’s opinion that mattered me . I’d had no idea that they would go to our team captain . Once the was mine . Being alone helped me call me a hero and an inspiration . time-out was over, I in-bounded come to terms with my true self . For much of my life, I had fed the ball to her . Our captain was I was okay with who I was; it was upon negative energy . I’d been heavily guarded yet ran the play . everyone else who had the prob- unaware of my strengths and too When she realized that I was wide lem . They say that you don’t know scared to tap into the ones that I open and had the better shot, she how strong you are until you have knew about . But once the article passed the ball back to me . As the no choice . Well, I grew tired of be- came out, my purpose became clock wound down, I looked at the ing told, “You are dying” and “You clear and I discovered that I am basket, then I passed the ball right are getting skinny and ugly ”. The a born leader . I began to grow back to her . Before she caught my fighter in me came out . more confident . Today, I use my pass, the clock ran out . They won . Since so many people knew my personal story as a tool for help- I’d blown the game . status and everybody had some- ing others . I had been capable of mak- thing to say about it, I decided Sometimes I think back on that ing the game winning shot, but I to put my story in the statewide basketball game that I blew and hadn’t had confidence in myself . newspaper . I wanted to prove how far I’ve come as a result of In those days I was not a leader: them wrong: I was growing into a this big disease with a little name . The captain had more faith in me Author & Activist Marvelyn Brown beautiful young woman, and I was I now understand that I had the than I’d had in myself . And, win- healthy . Looking back on it now, potential to lead--we all do . I just ning felt uncomfortable to me . putting my story in the paper was did not have the heart that I do I would rather cost us the game Mom . She would overlook that had HIV . Not knowing about the selfish . But, I was tired of listen- today . Take me back to the game than win . and tell me that I was not excel- stigma that surrounded the vi- ing to other people’s negative now--five seconds on the clock, As a result of consistently hear- ling on offense . She wanted me rus, I told five people, but within thoughts and knew that if I told ball in my hand--and I guarantee ing that I was not good enough to excel at both . No matter what I weeks, hundreds knew of my HIV my story myself, I could stop all you, we win! from teachers and my Mom, I felt did, I heard only what I was doing status . Immediately, family and the gossip . Marvelyn Brown, the Author of like a failure back then . The fact wrong . In many areas of my life, friends disowned me, and before The story was published in Oc- The Naked Truth: Young, Beauti- that I was one of the best defen- I became scared to succeed, and I knew it I was alone . People went tober 2003 . I used my real name, ful, and (HIV) Positive, has been sive players in the State of Ten- comfortable with failing . from telling me that I was not and the article included pictures living with HIV for seven years . nessee just wasn’t enough for my Then, at 19, I found out that I good enough to telling me my life of me participating in everyday

Commentary, Continued from page 8.

led the recent campaign against “Common”, the net- In 1991, President George H W. . Bush invited Rapper work’s Jason Robinson told “Common” last year: “Your Easy-E to the White House . His group, NWA, released music is very positive . And you’re known as the con- a song titled, “F--- tha Police” . Among its lyrics: scious rapper .” A young nigga on a warpath Fox also sent out birthday greetings to Rapper Ice- And when I’m finished, it’s gonna be a bloodbath T whose song, “Body Count”, celebrated the murder Of cops, dyin in LA of police officers . And, it never criticized Sarah Palin, …Taking out a police would make my day who sees nothing wrong with placing shooting targets Where was the outrage from conservatives then? around photos of liberal Democrats . Again, there was no public outrage . On the Aug . 24, 2007 edition of Hannity & Colmes, By today’s standard, Common’s lyrics are mild . So co-host Sean Hannity introduced a video of Ted Nugent, mild that The Gap featured him in an ad for its 2006 a musician and right-wing activist, calling President fall collection . He has also appeared in such movies as Obama “a piece of s---“ and referring to Hillary Clinton American Gangster, Terminator Salvation, and Date as a “worthless b---- .” Night, featuring Tina Fey and Steve Carell . When Bob Beckel, a guest on the program, chal- Lost in the controversy over “Common” was the lenged Hannity to disavow Nugent, he declined, saying: purpose of the White House event, which was to honor “No, I like Ted Nugent . He’s a friend of mine .” poetry . It is unfair to hold Obama responsible for the lyrics As President Obama said at the event, “The power of “Common” and not apply the same standard to other of poetry is everybody experiences it differently . There presidents . are no rules on what makes a great poem . Instead, a Daily Show Comedian Jon Stewart drove home that great poem is one that resonates with us and challeng- point when he cited the lyrics of Johnny Cash: “Early es us and teaches us something about ourselves .” one mornin’ while makin’ the rounds/I took a shot of George E. Curry, former Editor-in-Chief of Emerge Maga- cocaine and I shot my woman down ”. Cash was invited zine and the NNPA News Service, is a keynote speaker, moderator, and media coach. He can be reached through to the White House by Presidents Nixon, Carter, Rea- his Web site, http://www.georgecurry.com/ You can also gan, and Clinton . follow him atwww.twitter.com/currygeorge. www.ladatanews.com National News May 21 - May 27, 2011 Page 11

Congresswoman Waters Amendment Requiring Report on Diversity in Intelligence Community Accepted by House

Washington – The House our mission, CIA relies on di- than five years before the terror- of Representatives adopted an versity for success . We operate ist attacks of 9/11 and 15 years amendment offered by Congress- in a wide range of environments before the death of Osama Bin woman Maxine Waters (D-CA) and tackle an even wider range Laden . Needless to say, both the to H .R . 754, The Intelligence Au- of problems . If we all look the intelligence community and the thorization Act . The Congress- same, our mission suffers . If we world in which it operates have woman’s amendment requires all think the same, failure is cer- changed tremendously since the Inspector General of the In- tain . To reach our full potential then . telligence Community to report as an intelligence service, we “My amendment states that to Congress on racial and ethnic must draw from the same source within 180 days after the enact- diversity in the intelligence com- of strength that makes America ment of this bill, the Inspector munity . She offered the following great: the limitless energy and General shall submit to Congress statement from the House floor in creativity inherent in the diversity a report on the degree to which support of her amendment: of its people .” racial and ethnic minorities in the “A diverse workforce is essen- “Unfortunately, there is virtu- United States are employed in tial to intelligence work . People ally no data available to Congress professional positions in the intel- from a variety of backgrounds and the public regarding the de- ligence community and barriers bring a variety of perspectives to gree of racial and ethnic diversity to the recruitment and retention the table to understand the world in the intelligence community . of additional racial and ethnic mi- in which we live . A diverse work- The most recent publicly avail- norities in these positions . The U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA) force provides intelligence agen- able report that discusses this amendment requires that the cies critical insights into different subject is a 1996 report by the report be submitted in unclassi- cultures around the world where “In order for the CIA to meet orientation, education, values, Government Accounting Office fied form but allows the Inspector information about potential our mission of protecting our na- beliefs, abilities, and disabilities . (GAO) on personnel practices at General to include a classified an- threats to our national security is tional security interests, we need These assorted attributes create intelligence agencies, which fo- nex . being collected and analyzed .” to employ a workforce as diverse different demographic, function- cused on equal employment op- “It is long past time for Con- Many leading intelligence offi- as America itself—the most di- al, and intellectual views, which portunity practices . The report gress to re-evaluate the diversity cials understand the importance verse nation on earth . Diversity are so vital to our innovation, agil- concluded that intelligence agen- of the intelligence community’s of a diverse workforce . The web- reflects the unique ways we vary ity, collection, and analysis .” cies have workforce diversity workforce . site of the Central Intelligence as Intelligence Officers—our na- “CIA Director Leon Panetta programs but results lag behind “I urge my colleagues to sup- Agency includes the following tionality, race, ethnicity, gender, had this to say: other federal agencies . port my amendment .” statement: age, language, culture, sexual “In virtually every aspect of “This report was written more

The White House Celebrates American Poetry

The White House Celebrates American Poetry: First Lady Michelle Obama hosted a workshop for students from California to New York at the White House to celebrate American poetry, which she said “helps us see the world in an entirely different way .” The workshop was designed to educate and inspire talented young people, who met and worked with the First Lady’s invited guests, including prominent writers, former poets laureate Rita Dove and Billy Collins, Eliza- beth Alexander, who wrote and delivered the poem at President Barack Obama’s inau- guration, Musician Jill Scott, and Grammy Award Winning Rapper and Actor Common, who drew strong criticism from Republi- cans, who contended the rapper advocated violence against former President George W . Bush and the police . Common later tweeted: “… The one thing that shouldn’t be questioned is my support for the police offi- cers and troops that protect us every day .” First Lady Michelle Obama during celebration of L to R - Elizabeth Alexander, Rita Dove, and Billy Collins - Photo By Fred American poetry. Photo By Fred Watkins Watkins