Jazz at Congo Square Festival

Lighting The Road To The Future

Data Zone Transformation! Page 4 “The People’s Paper” August 7 - August 13, 2021 56th Year Volume 15 www.ladatanews.com

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Sunni Patterson The Stooges Brass Band Delfeayo Marsalis Presents: The First Annual

Kyle Roussell Jazz at Vegas Cola Band Congo Downtown Leslie Brown Square Luther Gray Festival Tonya Boyd-Cannon Page 2 Mykia Jovan Newsmaker State & Local John Bel Edwards City to Host Community- Temporarily Reinstates Based Rental Indoor Mask Mandate Assistance Event Page 6 Page 7 Page 2 August 7 - August 13, 2021 Cover Story www.ladatanews.com

Delfeayo Marsalis Presents: The First Annual Jazz at Congo Square Festival

Delfeayo Marsalis and the Uptown Jazz Orchestra. Photos by Zac Smith

Edwin Buggage Editor-in-Chief

Celebrating and Honoring A Rich Cultural Heritage New Orleans continues to be a City rich and amazing in its heritage; one where people from across the globe keep coming to experience its awe. In its over three centuries, it has given the world many gifts in food, music, culture, and a way of life that merges Af- rica, Europe, the Caribbean and South America into a rich gumbo. It is the drumbeat of Bamboula, that began at Congo Square, and continues to be the heartbeat of the City. On August 8, 2021, from 1-7 p.m. at Congo Square, Delf- eayo Marsalis and the Uptown Jazz Orchestra will host the

Delfeayo Marsalis and his father, the late great educator, musician and bandleader Cover Story, Continued on page 3. Ellis Marsalis.

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Cover Story, Continued from page 2.

Inaugural Jazz at Congo Square, people,” says Marsalis. “Being a a FREE celebration of New Or- resource and helping young peo- leans music, culture, and tradi- ple, the Uptown Jazz Orchestra, is tions at Congo Square in Arm- more of youth playing music and strong Park. learning jazz.” “Congo Square is important not just for Black folks in the City, but Family, The “Rule” of it is important for the entire coun- a Life of Purpose try, and what it represents is not Marsalis’s greatness is rooted something we should only cher- in family. Frequently, he speaks ish, but we should also respect it of the influence of his parents and pay more homage to it,” says and brothers, and how it’s im- Delfeayo Marsalis, emphasizing pacted his life. “My father El- the global, cultural importance lis Marsalis and older brothers of the Square’s sacred grounds. Branford and Wynton influence “Less political, it is like you can what I do today, and it grew never honor your parents enough. into something that’s amazing.” This is a place we cannot honor Speaking of his father, the late too much. It is more about how Musician and Educator Ellis our ancestors were and honoring Marsalis, he says, “My father community,” he adds. was real. It was his greatest at- tribute. He had a great impact on Preserving Community us. He loved what he was doing and Building for The Stooges Brass Band and lived a life of purpose that’s Future Generations been a part of how I live my life The festival will feature a vari- to today.” ety of artists who have contribut- ed tremendously to the City’s lo- The Flavor of New cal scene and international music Orleans…. The community. Jazz at Congo Square Secret Ingredient was created to promote and main- While some leave the City to tain the significance of Congo pursue greatness, Marsalis con- Square, while highlighting why tinues to call New Orleans home. the space is and should remain a “There was no reason to leave a Historical Landmark in New Or- great City. There are great mu- leans. The festival will also feature sicians, great people, and a way local art and merchandise ven- of life like no other place in the dors, food from local restaurants, world. I am proud to call it home,” chefs and non-profit organizations says Marsalis. that are working to preserve the Perhaps it’s the mystique, the culture and heritage of New Or- enchantment or the uncertainty leans. that intrigue and continues to This year’s Jazz at Congo draw people across the globe to Square Festivities will kick off New Orleans. Because visitors with a VIP Patron Party at Gal- and locals often can’t quite ex- lier Hall on Friday, August 6th, plain the phenom, many ask, what with a private and exclusive per- is the special ingredient that gives formance by Delfeayo Marsalis it such a unique flavor. and the Uptown Jazz Orchestra The Vegas Cola Band “The secret ingredient? In New at the Ty Tracy Theater inside Orleans it is those African tradi- Gallier Hall. VIP guests can bid tions, the uniqueness, the idea of on the original artwork created community, people and celebra- for the official festival poster and tions, and the joy and optimism in other items. The Sunday festival the face of adversity, the flavoring lineup will begin at 1:00 PM with in the food, the dancing... these a Call to the Ancestors, led by the are things we trace that come out Congo Square Preservation Soci- of the African traditions and other ety Drum Circle and Master Per- cultures too, but what makes it cussionist Luther Gray, and will special,” says Marsalis of what feature poetry by acclaimed Ac- gives the City its Je nais se quoi. tivist Sunni Patterson, along with And even though traditions music by the Vegas Cola Band, evolve throughout generations, Kyle Roussel, Mykia Jovan, Tonya Marsalis maintains that “we have Boyd Cannon (from the hit TV an obligation to teach the tradition show “The Voice”), the Stooges that even if they decide to take it in Brass Band, and a performance another direction or build upon it, by Delfeayo Marsalis and the Up- at least they know where it came town Jazz Orchestra featuring mu- Vocalist Mykia Jovan Poet and activist Sunni Patterson Master percussionist Luther Gray from and its significance. Young sic from their “Best of the Beat” people need to develop a rela- award-winning CD, Jazz Party. Proceeds from Jazz at Congo through musical theatre train- “Uptown Music Theatre has tionship with Congo Square and The festival will open with a Call Square and the VIP Patron Party ing; and Keep NOLA Music Alive been running for 20 years and the our culture. It is spiritual and to the Ancestors led by the Congo will benefit two other communi- (KNOMA)—founded in the midst kids have been doing a phenom- to feel rooted and build bridges Square Society Drum Circle and ty-based organizations founded of the COVID-19 Pandemic for the enal job. And that is more like a to connect generations of the will culminate with a jam session by Marsalis: the Uptown Music purpose of providing emergency family. We’re hoping that it would people of New Orleans and our and a second-line parade led by Theatre—an award-winning or- relief to native New Orleans cul- inspire them to do community- importance to the world in what the Stooges Brass Band. ganization that empowers youth ture bearers. based organizations that will help we’ve created.” Page 4 August 7 - August 13, 2021 Data Zone www.ladatanews.com Transformation!

Tracee Dundas Fashion Stylist

Transformation! Who says you have to pack away your kids favorite summer frocks once the temperature starts to drop? With a little creativity and savvy styling tricks, some of those favorite pieces can transform right into the fall season.

Helpful Styling Tips: 1. Add Opaque Tights 2. Choose Deep Autumn Colors 3. Layer Up Thoughtfully with a Denim Jacket, Scarf, etc. 4. Be Mindful of Fabric Texture and Weight 5. Hats and Scarfs can Complete the Transition 6. Pair with Boots or Converse Sneakers 7. Remember to Balance. Never Overdo Flying High. Add a black moto jacket with tulle skirt Fashion Forward. Pop the collar 8. Be a Trendsetter up on a fashion forward jumpsuit (Mini Model: McKenna Casbon)

Tracee Dundas Fashion Stylist Fashion Story Fashion Stylist: Tracee Dundas | @fashionablyyoursnola Stay True. Add a leopard New Orleans Fashion print bomber Week | @nolafashionweek jacket with Photos Courtesy of walking Facebook: Peyton Brown, shorts and McKenna Casbon, Avery booties for Walk This Way. Opaque tights and scarf take this look Gavins, Skarlett Roa a fall style into fall jumpsuit (Mini Model: McKenna Casbon)

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Sitting Pretty. Add a mock turtleneck under a carpenter style dress Sista Sista. African print maxi dresses (Mini Models: Peyton Brown & McKenna Casbon)

Far right: Keep It Real. Autumn color camouflage pants. Paired with crop graphic tee for summer, tuck in tee for fall (Mini Models: Peyton Brown)

Near Right: Cool Kid. A denim jacket with trendy patches works with most everything (Mini Model: Avery Gavins)

Visit www.ladatanews.com for more photos from these events Page 6 August 7 - August 13, 2021 Newsmaker www.ladatanews.com

Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards Temporarily Reinstates Indoor Mask Mandate

Data News Staff Edited cation institutions, per the press Report release. • In July, New Orleans officials Louisiana Gov. John Bel Ed- issued a public health advisory wards (D) announced on August 2, “strongly recommending” that peo- 2021, that the state is reinstating a ple wear face masks indoors. temporary indoor mask mandate “It has never been more clear for all people ages 5 and older. that we are in an unchecked COV- This, in addition to a recent an- ID surge that, in addition to threat- nouncement by New Orleans May- ening the health and well-being of or LaToya Cantrell that puts an in- many Louisianans, also threatens door mask mandate in place for the the capacity of our hospitals and City of New Orleans. medical facilities to deliver care to The move comes as the highly their patients,” Edwards said in the contagious Delta Variant drives up press release. COVID-19 cases across the country • “This decision is not one I and the state struggles with a low take lightly, but as the fourth surge New Orleans and the entire State of Louisiana are now under an indoor mask mandate because of the vaccination rate. recent spike in the Delta Variant of COVID-19 across the state. of COVID-19 is upon us, we know In July CDC Director Rochelle that mask wearing when you are in Walensky cited Louisiana as among encing its “worst surge of the CO- • The indoor mask mandate, the press release. public is one way to greatly lower a handful of states with low vaccina- VID-19 Pandemic so far in terms of intended to stem a fourth wave of • Both vaccinated and unvacci- your risk of spreading or catching tion rates that are driving a plurality case growth rate, percent positivity the virus, will stay in place until nated individuals will be required COVID,” he added. of new cases. and hospitalizations,” per a press September 1, with the possibility of to mask indoors at K-12 schools, Louisiana is currently experi- release from the governor’s office. extension if necessary, according to universities, and other higher edu- Commentary Vernon Jordan on Whitney Young Jr.: One Visionary Warrior Pays Tribute to Another

uty – and then rescinded the offer! He said I was more suited to a dif- ferent job – one he was not ready to vacate anytime soon. And not long after that, when I was offered the job as the Executive Director of the United Negro College Fund, I sought out his wise counsel. And Marc Morial he encouraged me to accept. So I President and CEO moved to Manhattan, into the office National Urban League just below his, and soon he became my greatest advisor and ally in this This Saturday, July 31st, we re- city, showing me the way forward member and celebrate Whitney as only he could. Moore Young, Jr., on the centennial I learned so much from him. His of his birth. Young served at the loss was tragic, and his impact was helm of the National Urban League tremendous. Of course, his impact during the turbulent decade from was not limited to me alone. In his 1961 to 1971, overseeing the great- Vernon Jordan Whitney Young Jr. near decade of leadership, he trans- est expansion of scope and mission formed the Urban League and had our organization has seen in more National Urban League honored centennial year by sharing Jordan’s without Whitney. He was my men- a profound impact. He was the orig- than a century. As the activism of three other former leaders -- Vernon tribute. tor and guardian, my inspiration inal “Visionary” for this institution the Civil Rights Movement expand- Jordan, John Jacob and Hugh Price Good evening. It is an honor to and dear friend. And for about as – imagining what it would be and ed from the courts to mass-action – with the “Visionary Warriors” be here, to be alongside two great long as I knew him, he was trying to could become for Black people in non-violent demonstrations in the award for their years of unwavering leaders of the Urban League, my recruit me for the Urban League. I this country. And he pushed that vi- streets of both southern and north- leadership. Vernon Jordan, due to successor John Jacob, and his suc- remember many years ago, in 1966, sion closer to reality. He also was an ern communities, Young forcefully illness, was unable to attend, but cessor, Hugh Price. Of course, I, he gave me a ride from LaGuar- original “Warrior,” a soldier in the and publicly projected the League’s shared prepared remarks in which too, was a successor. And so tonight dia Airport and asked me to come army for civil rights … alongside so tenets of social work and civil rights he paid tribute to Whitney Young. I’d like to thank my predecessor, work for him. But I was not ready many whom we still celebrate and as never before. We lost Jordan in March of this the great Whitney Young, for this to leave the South. others we have nearly forgotten. During our Equal Opportunity year. In honor of these giants of civ- award – and dedicate it to him. A few years later, in 1969, he Commentary, Continued Dinner in November of 2019, the il rights, we commemorate Young’s You see, I would not be here asked me about becoming his dep- on page 7. www.ladatanews.com State & Local News August 7 - August 13, 2021 Page 7 DATA CLASSIFIED City of New Orleans to Host Community- Call 504-821-7421 to Based Rental Assistance Event place your classified ad.

in New Orleans East Job Opportunity Freelance City of New Orleans back due rent. Translators, Enter- Writers gy Representatives and Legal Aid Wanted NEW ORLEANS — The City will be available. There will also of New Orleans today announced be an opportunity to receive a vac- Data News Weekly, “The the Office of Housing Policy and cination upon leaving the event. People’s Paper, is looking for freelence writers to Community Development will It is important to note that join our team print and host a second Community-Based the City has expended the funds digital team. We want Rental Assistance event Tues- currently available for rental as- to hear from you if you day, August 10th through Thurs- sistance. Approved applicants are a working journalist, or an aspiring journalist day, August 12th, from 9 a.m. will be given a letter stating that who has 2 years or more to 3 p.m. at the Joe Brown Park they are preliminarily eligible for of newspaper or PR Recreational Facility located at funding and are in line to receive writing experience. We 5601 Read Blvd. funding once additional rental need writers who can City employees will be on site assistance funds are provided to cover New Orleans news stories, ranging from to provide updates and review New Orleans. The City hopes that local high school sports, documentation for rental assis- the preliminary approval measure community events, City tance applicants with applica- will decrease the processing time Hall and entertainment. tion numbers between 5,001 and once funds are received. Experience in print is necessary, experience in 11,000. Specific applicants have Social distancing and masks digital and social media received notices and have been will be required. For more infor- are encouraged. asked to bring a form of identifica- mation, please contact the Office tion, proof of address and current of Housing Policy and Community Compensation is income, as well as documentation Development at (504) 658-4231 or competitive and great evidencing the amount owed in (504) 658-4232. story ideas will be appreciated. If you are interested, please email your resume and 3 writing samples to: terrybjones@bellsouth. Commentary, Continued a constituency to serve, a people from page 6. net and datanewseditor@ to lead.” I am grateful to John and bellsouth.net. And he set the standard for what Hugh and Marc for being such it means to combine the two – to stewards of the Urban League of be a “voice for the voiceless,” and this living legacy of Whitney Young. We can’t wait to to fight tirelessly towards a vision And today, its work would not be hear from you! of equality. Indeed, 48 years ago, more vital – for families and com- almost to the day, at my first Equal munities across the country. We Opportunity Day Dinner, as the still have our charge to keep, our designated Executive Director, I constituency to serve, our people to reflected on the incredible impact lead. And we must continue to live of Whitney Young. And I will say by Whitney’s example. tonight what I said then, because it So, before I go, perhaps even remains true, almost half a century more than this award, I want to later: “Whitney has left us the in- thank Whitney for the honor of a This space can be strumentality for change, an agen- lifetime – the best job I’ve ever had. cy with a proven record of effective- It has been an honor to be a soldier ness, a vehicle with the blueprint in Whitney’s army, a warrior for a for getting the job done. vision we must all keep fighting for. yours for only $80 Thus, we have a charge to keep, Thank you.

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