Girls Trip and the Essence of Beauty and Grace

Home , Essence Music Festival, Girls Trip, Mike Colter

Lighting The Road To The Future

Essence Fest More Data Zone Than Just Music Page 6 “The People’s Paper” July 14 - July 20, 2018 53nd Year Volume 11 www.ladatanews.com

A Data News Weekly Exclusive Girls Trip and the Essence of Beauty and Grace

Page 2 State & Local Newsmaker Black Women’s Hot Shots from Empowerment Essence Music Series Performances Page 5 Page 4 Page 2 July 14 - July 20, 2018 Cover Story www.ladatanews.com Girls Trip and the Essence of Beauty and Grace Girls Trip co-star Deborah Ayorinde and her sister International Model, Singer and Songwriter Demi Grace

Essence Fest, the Ultimate “Girls’ Trip” did not disappoint. Pictured above are MC Lyte, Queen Latifah & Brandy as they wowed the crowd at the 2018 Essence Festival held last weekend. Women from all over the nation descended upon the Crescent City for a 4-day weekend of music, laughter, food and sisterhood, with lots of opportunity to gain and share knowledge with each other as well.

By Edwin Buggage come the premiere celebration of Black excellence in ing its first woman Mayor LaToya Cantrell and the Data News Weekly Editor America . rising of women’s voices in the #MeToo Movement, This year has been a banner year for Essence, in this year’s festival had a spirit of empowerment that that it is now independently owned and controlled due reminded me of the days when former longtime Editor Essence Fest Breaks Record to the recent acquisition of Essence by Sundial Brands Susan Taylor and Founder Ed Lewis led the Essence In the many years of covering the Essence Fest owner Richelieu Dennis . Known for Shea Moisture brand, showcasing the best of Black women . from its inception until now; it is always so amazing and other beauty brands that target women of color . Further, the phenomenal success of last year’s hit to see so many beautiful Black people in what has be- In New Orleans and in the spirit of the City elect- film Girls Trip, which took in over 140 million dollars

Cover Story, Continued on page 3.

DATA NEWS WEEKLY P.O. Box 57347, New Orleans, LA 70157-7347 | Phone: (504) 821-7421 | Fax: (504) 821-7622 INSIDE DATA editorial: [email protected] | advertising: [email protected] Terry B. Jones Contributors Art Direction & Edwin Buggage CEO/Publisher Production Delaney George MainorMedia.com Edwin Buggage Cover Story ...... 2 Commentary . . . 8. . Kichea S. Burt Editorial Submissions Editor Julianne Malveaux datanewseditor@ Newsmaker...... 4 Health News . . . 9. . Cheryl Mainor Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. bellsouth.net Managing Editor Freddie Allen/AMG/NNPA Advertising Inquiries Kellee Terrell datanewsad@ Calla Victoria State & Local News . . 5 Fashion . . . . . 10 . Glenn Summers bellsouth.net Executive Assistant Brendan Murphy Distribution Data Zone ...... 6 National News . . 11. June Hazeur Lauren Poteat On The Run Accounting Mark Mahoney/NNPA Courier Services 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 July 14 - July 20, 2018 Page 3

Cover Story, Continued from page 2. at the box office globally made the from relaxed to natural . Besides festival feel fresh, new and vibrant . this groundbreaking feat she is also When it was all said and done, featured in a Pantene commercial it was a record setting year for the with Jill Hervey (Lion Babe) . Essence Fest this year with an es- She also has a burgeoning mu- timated 510,000 people coming into sic career where she is a diasporic the City of New Orleans . diva traveling the globe and gaining legions of fans along the way . Her Girls Trip Effect music is also featured on an inter- One of the reasons for this national commercial for Dark and growing number of people was Lovely in addition to being placed last year’s smash hit film Girl’s in television programs . Trip . It was a fun and inspirational journey of four women coming Beauty Comes in down to New Orleans for the Es- All Shades sence Music Festival that resonat- There was a time when many ed with women not just in Ameri- of the perception of Black Beauty ca, but across the globe . did not display the entire range This year, unlike in years past of Black women . Today as Blacks there were women I spoke with have more control over their imag- while walking through the fest that es this is changing . Demi is used were from the U .K ., the Caribbean to breaking barriers, starting their as well as from Nigeria, who said lives in London then moving to they became aware of the fest be- the Bay area in California with her cause of the film and wanted to ex- and her sisters often times being perience it for themselves . the only darker skinned Blacks . It was not only evident at the They were told they were beauti- Convention Center, but inside Demi Grace, (pictured above) is Ayorinde’s sister, and is dynamic in her own right as an internationally ful and exude a level of confidence acclaimed model and singer She is the first woman with dreadlocks to be part of a major hair product the Superdome or the streets campaign. and grace that they are now pass- anywhere in New Orleans; there ing on influencing women not just were groups of women wearing in the U .S . but worldwide . “A lot of matching Girl’s Trip’s T-Shirts in people do not think of Black out- the spirit of sisterhood . side the U .S . and the issues they It was a weekend of celebrating face . But some of them are the the splendor, beauty and majestic same as it relates to beauty and to essence of Black women . have myself, my sister and others to become positive influences and Deborah Ayorinde showing that all Black women are and Demi Grace beautiful is a good thing that they I had the unique opportunity to can have positives images of them- speak with two amazing women selves in magazines, commercials who embody the spirit of ebony and in music . beauty, displaying a level of other To illustrate this phenomenon worldly magnificence that is both there is the video for Pantene Gold inner and outer . Series showing different women of Deborah Ayorinde, who played different ages with different tex- the laughable and lovable villain tures of hair in an attempt to cel- Simone in Girl’s Trip whose skin is ebrate the tradition, diversity and luminous and golden brown as she beauty of Black hair . The Gold Se- is wearing a peach colored dress ries was co-created by Black PhD and large hoop earrings as her scientists along with over 40 hair- hair is curly and bouncy balancing stylists and world-renowned derma- her beautiful oval face . By her side tologist and provides strength and was Demi Grace, her sister who is moisture for women of all hair types dynamic in her own right as an in- relaxed or natural . ternationally acclaimed model and singer . She is the first woman with Black Girl Magic dreadlocks to be part of a major With the acquisition of Essence hair product campaign . She is look- “Girls Trip” Actress Deborah Ayorinde spoke of the impact of Girl’s Trip on women across the globe “I was back in Black Hands and the suc- ing chic and sexy wearing a sheer honored to be part of this project and how it has impacted women’s lives. Oftentimes, I have women ap- cess of films such as Girls Trip and silver dress that contrast perfectly proach me and say this is our story or this made me think of myself differently.” other phenomenal feats that show against her dark chocolate skin as Blacks controlling their own desti- her hair is in a high dreadlock bun small screen, most notably on Mar- ing and directing . While attending showcase black images especially ny across the globe at their best this displaying her feline like face . vel’s Luke Cage which stars Girls Howard University, she he won the about Black women . is good for the overall trajectory of These two dynamic sisters are Trip co-star Mike Colter . With ap- Paul Robeson Best Actress Award Blacks in the 21st Century . beautiful, intelligent and elegant . pearances on several other shows for a short film she wrote, produced International Beauty and Not since the 1960’s and 70’s Ayorinde, speaks of the impact of including, BET’s the Game and and performed . the Making of History when people said Black is Beautiful Girl’s Trip on women across the Starz’s Survivor’s Remorse; she’s Her star continues to rise she Demi Grace is a singer, song- have we seen the manifestation of it globe . “I was honored to be part of also been on the Emmy nominated says, she is excited about what is writer and model . She has become in today . As Black people and espe- this project and how it has impacted show drama the Affair on Show- going on in Black Hollywood and an internationally renowned, shar- cially Black women are embracing women’s lives . Oftentimes, I have time . how films like Girls Trip are making the stage with Beyoncé, in addi- their beauty, whether it is in their women approach me and say this is While her career on both the ing studios see there are audiences tion to making history with Procter hair, their curves and just being ex- our story or this made me think of large and small screen is taking off for these types of films . She also and Gamble’s Hair Care Brand, cellent both inner and outer . myself differently .” she is passionate about working be- says that it is time that more of Pantene, a collection called Gold Cover Story, Continued While Girl’s Trip is her first ma- hind the scenes . Obviously, a talent- these types of diverse stories are Series that provide strength and on page 5. jor film role, she has been on the ed actress she is interested in writ- told on the big and small screen to moisture for all hair types ranging Page 4 July 14 - July 20, 2018 Newsmaker www.ladatanews.com Over Half A Million Attendees Convene For The 2018 ESSENCE Festival ESSENCE Festival Concert Series Sells Out All Three Nights for the First Time Ever

The 2018 ESSENCE Festival® presented by Coca Cola® attracted more than 510,0000 attendees to New Orleans this Fourth of July weekend, marking one of the largest gatherings in the event’s 24-year history. Essence’s new owner Richelieu Dennis (left) spent time at the festival, moving from event to event seeing first hand the success of the Festival which broke records. Here he is pictured with Data News Weekly Publisher, Terry Jones (right) as they enjoy the festivities and networking with local business owners. (Photo by Glenn Summers)

Data News Weekly Staff of nearly half a million attendees- kind curated content experience: ty & Style to Business & Entrepre- for attendees included the launch Edited Report -on the eve of the ESSENCE Fes- Over 100 performing artists neurship . Powerhouse speakers of the ‘ESSENCE House’ at the Ace Photos by Kichea S. Burt tival’s 25th anniversary--speaks to across the Superdome and the Er- included Lena Waithe, Lester Holt Hotel, as well as the debut of the the unmatched convening power of nest N . Morial Convention Center . and New Orleans Mayor LaToya ‘E-Suite’ with exclusive access to The 2018 ESSENCE Festival® our culture,” said Michelle Ebanks, Many of the biggest names in the Cantrell as well as favorites Rev . Al career and business programming . presented by Coca-Cola® attracted President, Essence Communica- entertainment industry includ- Sharpton, Congresswoman Maxine Community give-back and volun- more than 510,0000 attendees to tions . “As one of the country’s larg- ing Janet Jackson, Mary J . Blige, Waters and Iyanla Vanzant, among teerism at the Festival’s traditional New Orleans this Fourth of July est curated live experiences, the Queen Latifah, Snoop Dogg, The others . ‘Day of Service’ focused on the weekend, marking one of the larg- ESSENCE Festival engages Black Roots, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, First-time, simultaneous live theme “Adopt-a-Neighborhood – est gatherings in the event’s 24- women globally—through a truly Miguel and others performed at the streams of the daytime experience Central City” to encompass youth year history . For the first time ever, unique celebration of culture, con- event’s nighttime concerts and doz- on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube; center beautification projects, as all three nights of the ESSENCE nection to community and access ens of others across ESSENCE’s an ESSENCE Snapchat Live special well as empowerment and entre- Festival concert series at the Loui- to content that inspires and empow- Center Stage and 10th Anniversary and millions of #EssenceFest social preneurship workshops for women siana Superdome sold out . The ex- ers .” All-Star Gospel Tribute honoring media posts generating trending & girls . ESSSENCE ‘Day of Ser- traordinary turnout underscores The annual 4-day Festival, which Dottie Peoples . status on Twitter . vice’ also presented the inaugural ESSENCE’s engagement of Black took place July 5-8, features enter- More than 100 influencers, lead- Expanded consumer Expos such Excellence Awards honoring local women around community, culture tainment, empowerment, and cul- ers, creators and celebrities par- as the ‘Beauty Carnival” and ‘Enter- change-agents in the community . and content – which was brought to tural experiences during the day ticipated in the Festival’s daytime tainment All-Access’ drew crowds life in innovative ways at the annual and a state-of-the-art concert series experience – rebranded as ‘Confer- of thousands each day to the Er- celebration . with the world’s best performers ence & Expos’ with programming nest N . Morial Convention Center . “This extraordinary gathering each night to comprise a one-of-a- across eight tracks spanning Beau- Elevated VIP events and programs www.ladatanews.com State & Local News July 14 - July 20, 2018 Page 5 America’s Black Women Mayors Empowering Lives

Photos by Kichea S. Burt & Glenn Summers

Data News Weekly Contributors

At Essence, there were all types of events to attend, empowerment sem- inars and break-out sessions to learn new things, gather new ideas and share information with each other . But, the biggest event was the New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, At- lanta, Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, Charlotte, Mayor Vi Lyles, and Gary Indiana, Mayor Karen Freeman-Wil- son coming together for a powerful conversation around Black women dominating leadership roles in the political arena . Moderated by Lester Holt this session was by far the biggest thing not to miss . Mayor LaToya Cantrell brought in the Essence Music Festival in style as she held the Annual Essence May- or’s Party at Canal Place . Hip-Hop Legend MC Lyte was the DJ and MC for the event . Also the Essence team led by new owner Richelieu Dennis were in the building to welcome par- tygoers for Essence Weekend and Data News Weekly was there!!!

Cover Story, Continued from page 3.

During this weekend it was a wonderful time in New Orleans witness- ing real life Girls Trip and Black Girl Magic with Black women affirming one another defying stereotypes, displaying the essence of beauty, grace, style, sexiness and sisterhood . Being the living embodiment of the title of the poem by our poet laureate Maya Angelou . . Phenomenal Woman, but in this case, I’ll call it Phenomenal, Immaculate, Resilient, Incredible, Amaz- ing, Beautiful Black Women . Page 6 July 14 - July 20, 2018 Data Zone www.ladatanews.com

Essence Fest, More than Music

Photos by Glenn Summers Data News Weekly Contributor

The Essence Music Festival is more than just night time concerts . It is truly a party with a purpose . It was also a time to celebrate empowerment and in- spiring each other to greatness . From the parties, the shows and the suites inside the Superdo- me, movers and shakers in the world of business, politics, entertainment, education and other fields of endeavors enjoyed food, drinks, fun and networking and Data News Weekly was there .

Essence new owner Richelieu Dennis and Data News Weekly Publisher Terry Jones

Visit www.ladatanews.com for more photos from these events www.ladatanews.com Data Zone July 14 - July 20, 2018 Page 7

Terry Jones and Mayor LaToya Cantrell

Visit www.ladatanews.com for more photos from these events

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1-855-229-6848 (TTY 1-855-526-3346) www.myplan.healthy.la.gov www.amerihealthcaritasla.com Page 8 July 14 - July 20, 2018 Commentary www.ladatanews.com Roland Martin Pleading Our Own Cause

ployees, and he is also hoping for currying favor with him . And un- the National Association of Black even the sidestream) media? Why funding from us, the folks who say less light shines on the filth that Journalist (NABJ) President Sarah has there been so little focus on the they miss the program and say they is occurring in Washington, it will Glover, pugnacious attorney A . economic status of African Ameri- want unfiltered news . From his continue . Forty-five said he would Scott Bolden, and marketing ex- can people, except when “45” crows website, www .rolandmartin .com,“drain the swamp,” but he has be- pert Deborah Gray-Young . I think about all the improvements he has you can join his #BringTheFunk come one of the world’s great alliga- that fake news is not only about (not) made on the economy . support group and help Roland tors, profiting from his presidency the Trump shenanigans and lies, Just the other day, I was com- bring the funk! both through ties to China (even but also about news that is unre- miserating with someone about Julianne Malveaux Roland has had it with the tra- as he imposes tariffs), through his ported or distorted . For example, the ways the mainstream media NNPA Columnist ditional media, and he is right to many name-branded hotels, and how come every time a White per- ignores the African American com- point out the lack of commentators through all kinds of other shady son shoots up a classroom, movie munity . The brother I was talking to and hosts on conventional media— deals . theatre, or public space, the focus said, “this is why I miss Roland .” So, Kudos to Roland Martin, the pio- the networks and the “key” cable Dorothy Leavell, the publisher is on their “mental illness,” while Roland is coming back roaring, lift- neering journalist who has taken outlets . Many of those folks have of the Crusader newspapers in Chi- whenever a Black person commits ing up the oft-quoted 1827 line from his departure from TV One and to toe the line, and can’t be, but so cago and Gary, Ind ., is the chair- a crime, of any sort, the focus is on Freedom’s Journal, the nation’s turned it into a digital platform . “controversial .” But sometimes one man of the National Newspaper criminality . Why has Rev . Barber’s first Black newspaper, “We wish to He’ll be back with a daily program, person’s controversy is another Publishers Association (NNPA) . At Poor People’s Campaign been so plead our own cause . Too long have but he’ll be online instead of tradi- person’s truth . The corporate me- the organization’s June conference, underreported, and why was the others spoken for us .” Roland Mar- tional media . He has financing from dia squirms when journalists call she convened a panel that focused June 12 shackling of faith leaders tin and the NNPA have made the AFSCME, the American Federation out our 45th president on his many on fake news and the Black Press . outside Supreme Court wholly Commentary, Continued of State, County and Municipal Em- lies, because some of them are still I was privileged to participate with ignored by the mainstream (and on page 11. Another Assault on the Black Press Black Newspaper Publishers Take a Hit with Trump’s Tariffs on Canadian Newsprint

nesses and communities in cities but the U .S . government has an ob- Our printed editions are espe- facts in this case and is expected to and towns across the United States . ligation to consider the impact the cially important in communities announce its recommendations on Import duties the U .S . Com- tariffs are having on the nation as a where people are less likely to be what to do with the tariffs later the merce Department is now apply- whole, and in particular the impact able to afford or take full advantage summer . In the meantime, mem- ing to Canadian-made newsprint on African American owned news- of broadband Internet access . How- bers of Congress from both parties is already increasing costs enough papers and businesses . ever useful today’s technological have introduced legislation to sus- to prompt layoffs and scaled-back We forthrightly oppose the innovations are in sharing informa- pend the tariffs immediately . news coverage by some of the na- Trump tariffs on newsprint and de- tion, for many people, there is no The STOPP Alliance has also tion’s major dailies and weekly pub- mand an end to the disastrous trade substitute or affordable alternative created an online petition to urge Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. lications . If these tariffs remain in policies that are hurting our busi- to the local weekly newspaper of, the ITC to end the tariffs . Consider NNPA Columnist place, scores of newspapers with nesses and communities . by, and for the African-American adding your voice to this effort by smaller circulations, notably those Given that newsprint and la- community . Our newspapers are clicking on this link . After all, the that serve African American com- bor account for most of the cost the lifeblood for our communities . threat the duties on newsprint pose Amid the rush to comprehend munities, could be forced to cease of running a newspaper, it is easy The tariffs threaten more than to daily and weekly print publica- the ramifications of a full-scale in- publishing a print edition or close to see how jacking up the price of local newspapers . Newsprint is tions serving communities in urban ternational trade war initiated by altogether . newsprint by more than 30 percent used for promotional materials by and rural areas is especially acute . the errant and backward tariff poli- During the past 191 years, the could spell the difference between retailers and civic groups . It is used If there was ever a time when the cies of the Trump Administration, Black Press has survived, endured these publications eking out a mod- by book publishers and printers . country needed a range of authen- there are results of the tariffs that and overcome past firebombing est profit or going out of business . Often these are small businesses tic and “trusted” outlets to share need to be challenged by Black and improvised explosive attacks, Around 2,000 newspapers have serving local communities . If news- news and perspectives, it is today . America . The financial sustainabil- as well as other deadly manifesta- closed or morphed into something print goes up in price, printers will In today’s world, the newspapers ity of the Black Press of America tions of racial violence . The news- else in the last 15 years . get fewer contracts and have fewer that serve African American com- is now facing a catastrophic and a print tariffs appear to have been put The NNPA is proud that its 215 customers . Ironically, the tariffs munities will continue to play a cru- possible deadly impact, because of in place by the Trump Administra- member-publications are moving NORPAC wants in place will ac- cial role . Errant trade policies and these new tariffs . tion after being encouraged by the forward even in the face of these tually threaten paper producers duties championed by a single com- The current dispute over the interests of a single paper mill in new contrived dangers and obsta- and a range of related business . A pany must not be allowed to dimin- rising costs of the paper prod- Washington State called NORPAC . cles in the marketplace . Our newspa- coalition of these businesses, the ish the meaningful role of the Black uct termed “newsprint,” because NORPAC argues that Canadian pers enliven and inform the debate STOPP Alliance, estimates some Press of America . of tariffs on Canadian newsprint government policies give Canadian within African American and other 650,000 jobs could be at risk—all to Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. is the threatens the future of member paper producers an unfair advan- communities that we serve and help help one company that has no allies President and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association publishers of the National Newspa- tage in the U .S . market . NORPAC to empower with news, information, or supporters within the U .S . paper (NNPA) based in Washington, D.C. per Publishers Association (NNPA) says the added duties, or tariffs, at and the reaffirmation of the vitality industry . Dr. Chavis can be contacted at [email protected]. Follow Dr. and could further isolate and disen- the border are protecting it . NOR- of Black cultural genius and excel- The U .S . International Trade Chavis on Twitter @DrBenChavis. franchise African American busi- PAC can fight for its self-interest lence in all fields of endeavor . Commission (ITC) is reviewing the www.ladatanews.com Health News July 14 - July 20, 2018 Page 9 Four Things to Know About Triple Negative Breast Cancer

By Kellee Terrell These cancers grow faster than Black Health Matters other breast cancers and can spread Contributor to other organs in the body such as the liver, lungs and the brain . Most Dr . Edith Mitchell, renowned on- women diagnosed with this form cologist and researcher from Phila- of cancer are diagnosed at an ad- delphia’s Sidney Kimmel Cancer vanced stage of the disease . Center at Thomas Jefferson Uni- ++++++++++ versity, gives us the 411 on Triple Triple negative breast cancer re- Negative Breast Cancer . occurs more frequently than other ++++++++++ forms of breast cancer . And when Triple negative breast cancer it comes back, it comes back with means that when the tumor is a vengeance and responds less to tested it comes back negative for treatment . the following receptors: estrogen, ++++++++++ progesterone, and the HER-2/neu But not all is lost . People can positive/negative gene . If you are survive this disease with access to diagnosed with breast cancer, make quality health care . Make sure you sure you know the results of your work with your doctor to find the receptor test . right treatment at the right time ++++++++++ Dr. Edith Mitchell that will work for you .

Patrice A. Harris, MD, Wins Office of AMA President-Elect

By Brendan Murphy June 2019 . AMA Newswire Harris has experience as a private practicing physician, public Atlanta psychiatrist Patrice A . health administrator, patient advo- Harris will take the helm of Ameri- cate and physician spokesperson . can Medical Association after being She currently works in private prac- elected president Tuesday at the tice and consults with both public Annual Meeting of the AMA House and private organizations on health of Delegates in Chicago . service delivery and emerging Harris, who is the chief health trends in practice and health policy, officer for Fulton County, becomes according to an AMA news release . the first African-American woman Harris is also an adjunct assistant to hold the office . Following a year- professor in the Emory Depart- ladatanews.com long term as AMA president-elect, ment of Psychiatry and Behavioral she will be installed as president in Sciences . Page 10 July 14 - July 20, 2018 State & Local News www.ladatanews.com Get Ready for the New School Year! Healthy Blue to Host Back to School Celebration and School Supply Giveaway August 4th at Sojourner Truth Neighborhood Center

Celebrate the upcoming Tenants Association . school year with a fun day of The event will take place on music, games, refreshments, Saturday, August 4th; 10:00 a .m . health screenings, community - 12:00 p .m . at Sojurner Truth resources, and school supplies Neighborhood Center, 2200 (while supplies last) to help stu- Lafitte Street, New Orleans, LA dents in grades K - 5 and families 70119 get “day one” ready for the new School supplies will distributed school year . while supplies last . Students must The Back to School Celebra- be accompanied by a guardian to tion is possible with support receive school supplies . from Healthy Blue in partnership To learn more about the Back with Providence Community to School celebration at Sojourner Housing, Enterprise Community Truth Neighborhood Center, visit Partners, Immanuel Community Healthy Blue’s Facebook page at Church, and Faubourg Lafitte www .facebook .com/HealthyBlueLA

Fashion

Top Celebrity Looks from Essence Fest 2018

Delaney George Data Fashion & Style Columnist The singer came to Nola to Essence Fest: Music, food, fashion, fun, shine. Brandy is seen here with and your favorite celebs . What more could gorgeous diamond triangle earrings and a white frock blouse. you possibly want? Supermodel Ebonee Davis bares some skin in If there was ever a better time to step this hot two piece peach set. out the house in your cutest sundress and that gaudy sun hat you’ve been dying to pull off, it was last week . The streets of Gabby shines bright in this Nola were filled with melanin beauties, orange flowing sundress. pop-up shops, events and the hottest celebrities around . The celebrity presence at Essence this year was like no other with headliners like Janet Jackson, Missy Elliot, and Mary J . Looking like a jewel herself, local star Toya Wright pulls off Blige . But musical guests weren’t the only this super chic Egyptian look. stars gracing the City . Stars like Gabrielle Union and Issa Rae also graced last weekend’s fest . But what all of these stars have in common is that they all came to Nola to SLAY! So many stars showed us their fashion glitz and glam for Essence and we’ve chosen our top celebrity looks from last week’s festival . Our favorite anchor slays in Check out our favorite celeb fashions this super cute fringe ensemble paired with jeans. below and email Delinkey@yahoo .com for Janet is glowing with this high pony and super Cynthia kicks back at Essence more information . stylish makeup. Fest in this hot all black top and skirt set with strapped heels. www.ladatanews.com National News July 14 - July 20, 2018 Page 11 DATA CLASSIFIED Call 504-821-7421 to NNPA Honors General Motors with 2018 place your classified ad. National Meritorious Leadership Award Job Opportunity Freelance By Freddie Allen changing global marketplace .” Writers Editor-in-Chief, Booker was on hand to accept Wanted NNPA Newswire and the 2018 National Meritorious BlackPressUSA.com Leadership Award on behalf of the Data News Weekly, “The automaker . People’s Paper, is looking for freelence writers to The National Newspaper Pub- “Partnerships such as this af- join our team print and lishers Association (NNPA) hon- ford us the opportunity to engage digital team. We want ored General Motors with the 2018 with customers around the world,” to hear from you if you National Meritorious Leadership Booker said . are a working journalist, or an aspiring journalist Award at the group’s recent annual For Telva McGruder, the presi- who has 2 years or more convention in Norfolk, Va . dent of the General Motors Afri- of newspaper or PR The NNPA is the oldest and larg- can Ancestry Network (GMAAN), writing experience. We est trade group representing Black- that engagement begins in our need writers who can owned media companies and news- own neighborhoods . McGruder cover New Orleans news stories, ranging from papers in the United States . NNPA delivered a presentation about local high school sports, member publications reach an es- GMAAN’s mission during the NN- community events, City timated 20 million readers in print PA’s annual convention . Hall and entertainment. and online, combined, every week . GMAAN is one of 10 employee Experience in print is necessary, experience in Dr . Benjamin F . Chavis, Jr ., the resource groups (ERGs), “focused digital and social media president and CEO of the NNPA, on attracting, developing and re- are encouraged. said that the trade group enthusi- taining employees of African An- astically presented the award to the Lester A. Booker Jr. (center), the Corporate Giving Communications cestry while engaging our com- Lead for General Motors, accepts the 2018 National Meritorious Compensation is automaker . Leadership Award, on behalf of the global automaker at the NNPA’s munities where we live and work,” competitive and great Dr . Chavis noted that General annual convention in Norfolk, Va. NNPA Chairman Dorothy Leavell (left) according to General Motors’ web story ideas will be Motors is the single-largest adver- and NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. present the page on ERGs . award. (Mark Mahoney/NNPA) appreciated. tiser with the NNPA and one of the ““We do a lot in communities that largest financial supporters of the are in areas of the United States If you are interested, please email your resume trade group . Henry of Howard University; Den- plication process to all Historically that are far away from Detroit,” Mc- and 3 writing samples to: “Beyond that, this is our third ver Lark of North Carolina A&T Black Colleges and Universities na- Gruder said . terrybjones@bellsouth. year working with General Motors State University; Natrawn Maxwell tionwide . Dr . Chavis said that he’s McGruder said that she’s in- net and datanewseditor@ to identify, nurture, mentor and of Claflin University; and Ila Wil- looking forward to continuing the terested in increasing coverage of bellsouth.net. provide academic fellowships to the born of Florida A&M University . growth of the program . GMAAN activities and programs next generation of African Ameri- In 2016, the year the NNPA “We are proud of the contin- through NNPA newspapers . can journalism scholars across the DTU Journalism Fellowship was ued partnership between General McGruder continued: “The work We can’t wait to nation,” Chavis said . “We are so launched, the program only ac- Motors and NNPA for nearly 50 that we’re doing is right in line with hear from you! proud of the NNPA [Discover The cepted applications from Howard years,” said GM Corporate Giv- what NNPA values .” Unexpected] fellows .” University students; in 2017, the ap- ing Communications Lead Lester This article was originally pub- The 2018 NNPA Discover The plication process expanded to Clark Booker Jr . “As GM works toward lished at BlackPressUSA .com . Unexpected (DTU) Journalism Fel- Atlanta University, Morehouse Col- a future with zero crashes, zero Freddie Allen is the Editor-in- lows are: Tyvan Burns of Norfolk lege and Spelman College . This emissions and zero congestion, Chief of the NNPA Newswire and State University; Diamond Durant year, the NNPA DTU Journalism we recognize the importance of BlackPressUSA .com . Follow Fred- of Morgan State University; Daja Fellowship program opened the ap- diversity and its role in the ever- die on Twitter @freddieallenjr .

Commentary, Continued This space can be from page 8. support it . That means contributing Julianne Malveaux is an author, and Public Policy” is available to a little or a lot to grow the digital economist and founder of Eco- order at Amazon .com and at www . case that if we want our story told, platform Roland is building . nomic Education . Her latest book juliannemalveaux .com . Follow Dr . we have to support it . Everybody wants to go to “Are We Better Off? Race, Obama Malveaux on Twitter @drjlastword . yours for only $80 It is a shame that the Black heaven, but nobody wants to die . Press is so poorly embraced . NNPA In other words, everyone wants

newspapers need ads, and they also real news, and nobody wants This space can be yours for only $80 need subscriptions, but while many to pay for it . One of the ways to

of us talk a good game, we don’t support real news is to take out Call Now! sustain Black-owned media enough a subscription to an NNPA news- CALL NOW!!! to help it thrive . So, they go seek- paper, or three . Another way is to ing ads to survive, perhaps com- help Roland bring his particular promising integrity while doing so . brand of reporting and analysis The Black Press, those who plead to us through his digital platform . 504-821-7421 our cause, must not feel that they Check his powerful statement out 504-821-7421

have to buck-dance to the whim at www .rolandsmartin .com . And of advertisers . Advertising, all too check out the ways you support often, is contingent on the support fake news by failing to challenge of a specific position, or avoidance the mainstream media . Do you of controversy . Thus, in launching write letters to the editor? Reach his #BringTheFunk group, Roland out to producers? Ask hard ques- @DataNewsWeek is challenging African Americans tions about representation? Si- who say that they want real news to lence is consent . Page 12 July 14 - July 20, 2018 www.ladatanews.com

CONGRATULATIONS! CHEVROLET AND NNPA OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCE OUR 2018 DISCOVER THE UNEXPECTED FELLOWS!

The wait is over! Chevrolet and the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) are proud to announce our six Fellows DIAMOND DURANT selected for Discover the Unexpected (DTU) TYVAN BURNS MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY DAJA HENRY NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY 2018 - a life-changing journalism fellowship. HOWARD UNIVERSITY

Chosen from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) nationwide, our DTU 2018 Fellows each receive a $10,000 scholarship, $5,000 stipend and a journalism adventure in the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox.

Our DTU 2018 Fellows are geared up and NATRAWN MAXWELL CLAFLIN UNIVERSITY ILA WILBORN DENVER LARK NORTH CAROLINA A&T UNIVERSITY ready to go discover stories of inspiration FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY and innovation in our African American communities. Follow us and show our HBCU students some love along the way. The journey begins!

NNPA.ORG/DTU

#DTU2018, #ChevyEquinox, #Chevy, #NNPA