Lighting The Road To The Future

Data Zone XULA Students Volunteer Page 6 “The People’s Paper” March 3 - March 9, 2018 52nd Year Volume 44 www.ladatanews.com

A Data News Weekly Exclusive

LEDISI A Phenomenal Woman

Page 2 Fashion 42 Tribes Try a Big Chief John Shirt Dress “Twin” Ohillia Page 7 Page 5 Page 2 March 3 - March 9, 2018 Cover Story www.ladatanews.com

The DefinitionLEDISI of a Phenomenal Woman

New Orleans native is a 12 time Grammy Nominee who has in her two decades career won legions of fans that include Stevie Wonder, the late great and Michelle and Barack Obama where she performed at the White House eight times during his Presidency.

By Edwin Buggage what true beauty is . Ledisi is the Essence of Phenom- she prepares to perform a Retrospective Data News Weekly Editor enal womanhood, with 12 Grammy nominations, her with the Orchestra . talent is limitless, and her style, grace, and beauty are I have known and followed Ledisi’s career for many The True Essence of Beauty impeccable . Over her two decades career, Ledisi has years; seeing her grind and now with her ninth studio The late great Maya Angelou wrote a poem called come to redefine the industry with her brand of girl album “Let Love Rule” climbing the charts she has Phenomenal Woman about embracing and defining power as she embodies the spirit of many greats who come a long way and shining as bright as her lumi- beauty beyond the eye, but the depth of the soul is have come before her . On this day I am meeting her as nous smile is on this day when we meet . She is sitting

Cover Story, Continued on page 3.

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Cover Story, Continued from page 2. in a restaurant dressed casually in entails you are going to get work .’ a black t-shirt and shorts; she is a The people embracing me and chocolate skinned delight; ebul- wanting to hear from me that blew lient, effervescent and engaging as me away that people wanted to hear we began to talk about her life and me beyond singing . Now I can write career . and empower other women, and I She is relaxed and glad to be realize that I was just doing that be- back to the City of her birth, “It ing myself .” feels good to be home, it just feels Most recently, the Me Too natural and it’s just what I need Movement has given voice to wom- right now,” she says of her time in en who have suffered abuse and the Big Easy . “I’m just loving com- harassment at the hands of men . It ing home and seeing my family has been a rallying cry empowering and friends; I also love it when I am women and, in some cases, causing playing with musicians here, I do men to speak out . Ledisi has been not have to explain a feeling they on the frontlines before the move- just get it . It is that soulful thing; it ment through her music and her life is like a comfortable chair you sit empowering and inspiring with her in . It is something spiritual that con- amazing gift . “I was abused when I nects people in New Orleans and I was younger and calling it out was love it .” brave, but we should always call out Offstage, Ledisi is undoubtedly things that hurt us and say that hurt confident but comes off as a bit me,” she says with a tone of a trium- shy like a cute chocolate girl next phant survivor . “And at first I was door; very soft-spoken, sweet and afraid then I realized there were humble . But once she hits the stage others like me I am doing the right during one of her own shows or as thing . Also, it wasn’t just women it Nina Simone on this recent night in was men too and people of different New Orleans, she transforms into races and I was like wow, so me tell- something amazing and indescrib- ing my story in my book writing it able . She has a je ne sais quoi, that’s out was scary . I let my mom read it captivating to watch as she morphs first and saw if she was ok and she into a sexy, empowered, confident was fine with it . She said to call it diva, with a voice and presence that out, other women gave me courage, leaves one spellbound . other men, my fan base gave me the courage to call it out . I think it’s Making History great we are finally talking about In addition to singing the songs it the Me Too Movement . But you of Nina Simone, she played Maha- know what, the problem of abuse lia Jackson in the movie “Selma” it’s always been in our community, speaking of her approach to the but we swept it under the rug, but performance she says, “Doing Nina now it’s time to talk about it and it’s takes over your whole being and good . I hope we have some action your soul . You cannot fake that kind behind bringing it up and making it of singing and then you have to get an issue .” those words out . Studying, prepar- ing, studying her phrasing, but I Embracing your am me at the same time . I have to True Beauty be me, but I have to carry over the When one comes to a Ledisi’s tradition with what her singing was show, it is beautiful to see people about . Her stance on the political of all shapes sizes and hues em- side, love side and being Black side brace their natural selves . In her all of it, so I wanted to make sure we years in the industry, she has be- encompassed all that when we did come an icon and sex symbol that the show; so, preparing is basically many women mimic and copy . You understanding who she is, but also can see at her shows, sisters with how did she relate to me .” well-coiffed locks walking with Ledisi has traveled across the confidence and sassiness as Ledisi globe winning legions of fans that chimes many of her hits that in- include musical greats Prince, Ste- cludes her showstopper “Pieces vie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Pat- Ledisi as Nina Simone with the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra dazzles audience with her amazing perfor- of Me” where she encourages the mance. (photo by Marcus Smith) ti Labelle and many others . But one audience to embrace their natural of her biggest fans is the Obamas, Lady’s Birthday or I am singing at about our conversations that would and most recently an author in the selves and love who they are . “The who during their time in the Oval the Inauguration before the Inaugu- be about music; it was like talking book, “Essence Presents Ledisi… goal is to make sure women under- Office invited Ledisi to perform ration at the church,” she says with to your aunt or uncle or talking to Better Than Alright: Finding Peace, stand their power and men too . To at the White House eight times . excitement ringing in her voice . one of your good friends about just Love and Power” that explores the express to the women what men, Speaking about what it was like to “They invited me to come and life and being a woman, the world, inner depths of her life that is now like, they don’t want you to play the be part of such a historical time speak to kids, to campaign for Pres- politics . They are regular people impacting others, “I am grateful same sad movie . They want you to and getting to meet and know the ident Obama and now I am looking who love the world, but just happen that people have always embraced be confident and embrace yourself . former first couple she says, “Be- at that and thinking wow I was part to be two the most famous people in me for being me . That first began Just how you got that man that is ing part of their journey has been of history . I was part of a change in the world . And they make you for- with me being from New Orleans what will keep him by embracing profound . I didn’t have a chance to our culture a change in how we see get that and that is what I enjoyed .” where we were taught we can do who you are . You have to love your- look at it until now . Because when things, so that blew me away . Today anything we put our minds to . My self as you are and that is what my you’re in it and you’re going wow I am looking at it and looking at A Voice that Empowers mom said, ‘you can be whatever life and my career has been about, I am singing for the first African- the pictures and saying that really Ledisi has had a multifaceted you want to be; you don’t have to and I am glad I have been able to American President and First happened . It’s funny thinking back career as a recording artist, actress choose one thing whatever the job inspire people along the way .” Page 4 March 3 - March 9, 2018 Newsmaker www.ladatanews.com Mayor Landrieu Opens Washington Avenue Crossing

By Brandon P. Brown pharmacy students . Marie Fletcher, a Data News Weekly second-year pharmacy student said Contributor she did not always feel safe crossing the busy street but is delighted for Gert Town residents and Xavier the bridge’s completion . University students will have a bet- “The bridge will be much safer ter view when crossing over Wash- for students, especially those who ington Avenue . The City of New need to cross when it is dark,” Orleans’ 15-year project to build a Fletcher said . bridge that allows Xavier students The bridge is not exclusively to walk over Washington Avenue for Xavier students, it is also for the has officially opened . general public use of commuters The City held the grand opening and residents of the surrounding of the bridge on Feb . 23, 2018, along community . Perez, Xavier’s Board of with university officials . Mayor Mitch Trustees Head said the bridge is an Landrieu joined Xavier President opportunity for Gert Town and Xavi- Reynold Verret, former President er to strengthen their connection . Norman C . Francis, Xavier Board of “This is a bridge of opportunity Trustees Head Sonia Perez, and Stu- for Xavier and the community to dent Government Association Presi- grow closer to one another,” Per- dent Bryan Redmond . The officials ez said . cut the ceremonial ribbon after sev- Xavier and City Officials prepare to Cut the Ceremonial Ribbon (Photo by Brandon P. Brown) The student government shares eral speeches, and then a second-line the same outlook towards the crew led officials and the public on an complete and now our students can street and canal from one side of promise from the City and I am bridge as Perez . It is seen as an op- inaugural walk . cross safely,” Francis said . the campus to the other . The state happy to be here for the opening,” portunity for community growth “It’s about time,” joked Xavier’s re- The bridge began construction and City funded the entire project, Landrieu said . and cohesion . “This crosswalk will tired President, Francis, to Landrieu in 2003 under Francis’ tenure as which cost the City nearly $2 .9 mil- Commuter students who live off bridge the gap between the uni- about the long-term effort to bring president, who appealed to the City lion towards the construction of the campus and park in the Convocation versity and the community,” said the project to fruition . “We have for years to construct a safer walk- bridge, according to Landrieu . Center’s parking lot will be the main Redmond, Xavier’s Student Govern- waited a long time for this bridge to way for students to cross the busy “This bridge was a long time users of the bridge, most of whom are ment President .

Delgado Hosts Black Masking Culture Exhibit and Lecture

By Glenn Jones Data News Weekly Contributor February 22nd, 2018, history was made . For the first time in New Orleans’ higher learning his- tory, a Black Masking Cultural art exhibition was held . Delgado Community College will not only be written in the history books as the first forward-thinking in- stitution in New Orleans to hold a Black Masking art exhibition and lecture series but also as the first college to facilitate the bond between NOLA scholars, Black Masking Culture, and 3D Tech- nology . Weeks prior to the open- Pictured left to right are Arnel Cosey, Ph.D., Vice-Chancellor of Student Affairs and Executive Dean, ing of the exhibition, Delgado Delgado Community College, Lauren Bugg, Chevron Public Affairs Representative, Glenn Jones CEO, opened the Chevron FabLab to Bnola.love, Shaka, and Naimah Zulu owners Golden Feather Gallery and Lauren King, Senior Work- force Development Director, Delgado Community College. 25 middle school scholars from St . Mary’s who learned the ba- sics of 3D design from FabLab- from B-Nola . The students delved technology and create products lector’s edition figurine of Big Stay tuned for the bNola .love Pro Sam Provenza and went on a into the significance of their local that youth in New Orleans iden- Chief Shaka Zulu of the Golden Black Masking podcast hosted by Black Masking cultural explora- native traditions and discussed tify with . The end result of that Feather Tribe . New Orleans na- St . Mary’s School scholars with tion with lead curator Glenn Jones ways in which to leverage 3D creative powwow was a 3D col- tives of all ages gathered in awe . the gift of journalism . www.ladatanews.com 42 Tribes March 3 - March 9, 2018 Page 5 WEEK 7 Big Chief John “Twin” Ohillia FROECLUSRE Red Cheyenne Tribe MAEKS EEVRYHTIGN By: Glenn Jones this from the beadwork to COFNUISNG. Data News Weekly what we stand for . We don’t Contributor just come from picking up a needle and sitting down think- TRIBAL TIMELINE ing about why we’re in this . 2016 - Present – Big Chief John We come from what the slaves “Twin” Ohillia went through and how they fought and how we fought for At the age of fifteen, Big Chief a long situation with this . It John “Twin” Ohillia started follow- comes from the background ing the Comanche Hunters and of us hiding the slaves and ev- fell in love with the Black Mask- erything else, it’s not just the ing Culture . When Chief Ohillia’s beadwork . cousin Big Chief Bo of the Young Q) What are some of the respon- Cheyenne came on the scene, sibilities that come with being John started following him hold- Chief? ing his stick, wings, and hat while A) Let’s say you have twenty peo- GET CLEAR ON FORECLOSURE OPTIONS. Big Chief John “Twin” Ohillia - Red Cheyenne Tribe CALL 1-888-995-HOPE. his twin brother, Jonathan Ohillia, ple in your tribe, you’ve got to No one is good at going through foreclosure. Thankfully, there’s a way for you to get free, trusted advice. Call the Hope Hotline played drums . Chief John says, “I put up with twenty different at- today and speak to a HUD approved counseling agency. never stopped after that the needle have ideas . From the front together, we sew together, we titudes . You have to deal with started to roll” . At that point, Chief to the back if you put every- rock together, we leave to- those attitudes on the street . was ready . He sat down with Big body’s ideas into one that is gether, and you’re never gonna You have a responsibility to the Chief Bo to speak about him and how you’re going to look . The catch us alone . kids, the adults, and the spec- his brother masking under Young Chief might have better ideas Q) We know your brother started tators . You’ve got to control Cheyenne . Originally, they were than the Spy, the Spy may have following Indians playing the every mountain that’s in your going to run Chief Scout, but Ferdi- better ideas than the Chief but drums, what does the music of gang . You’ve got to control nand Beaguard stepped in and said if y’all could sit down and come this culture do to you? every mouth, and sometimes they were going to run Flag Boy . In to the roundtable and put the A) It’s a wonderful feeling to sing it doesn’t work . You’ve got to 2002, Johns’ twin brother Jonathan ideas together, man that’s one and you hear the drums and control that for your gang to be SHELTER Ohillia masked as Flag Boy . After hell of a gang . you sit back and just listen . successful . You’ve got to know that John was ready to start sewing Q) If everyone shared the men- When it’s that time to come who’s not feeling good and PET & for himself, but then Katrina hit . As tality of sticking together, do out you just let it flow . Just to who doesn’t want to do this or soon as they returned to New Or- you believe it could take Black hear them drums play, the con- that . It’s a lot of headaches but FASHION leans, he started sewing again . As Masking Culture around the gos going, the tambourines go- you’ve got to learn how to deal Chief John says when he started world? ing, cowbells going, man them with it . You can’t just look out ICON sewing again it was “All hell, tell the A) If you stick together you could drum beats ain’t nothing nice! for yourself anymore . You’ve Captain, I had to do something” . move it, you could make that Q) What is your advice to anyone got to teach them what to do John started running Flag Boy and move . Don’t get me wrong ev- that wants to learn more about because one day I might not be fell deeper in love with this culture erybody sticks together . It’s this culture? here anymore . before evolving into Big Chief of just you from one ward and A) If you really want to know Q) What do you want your legacy the Red Cheyenne . they’re from another ward . something and they really to be and how do you want Q) After Katrina you were in St . But they stick together, and want to teach something to your tribe remembered in 300 Francisville, was Black Masking we stick together as one unit . somebody, get one of the years? Culture calling you? There is no doubt about that . Chiefs to go in there and talk A) I want to be remembered as a A) I wanted to get back to New All the Chiefs get together and to them . Learn the history and responsible good role model Orleans and find me an artist, do what they need to do for get the background . Don’t just that did his job as a Chief, I had to get things drawn up . each other . jump in this and think, “I know knowing that my gang can I mean, I couldn’t stay away . It Q) How would you describe the this so I’m gonna go tell some- carry on without me . I want was just calling me, the culture Spirit of your Tribe? body else this story” . Learn my tribe to be as beautiful as in New Orleans alone is there, A) Our Spirit is family oriented . the background and learn the possible and I want them to so I was ready for it . We come together as one, it’s history . make a mark on the City that Q) How does your family tribe no different than this one (im- Q) How would you describe this no one else ever did . I want it look so unified from the Spy mediate family) . There’s no di- culture to people outside New to be, when they walk out the Amazing stories start in shelters and Boy to the Chief? vision in this gang . We hustle Orleans? door, everyone knows, that’s rescues. Adopt today to start yours. A) It’s not just the Chiefs that and bustle together . We bead A) There’s a long history behind Red Cheyenne . TOAST 325K+ Instagram Followers

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For more information go to Bnola.net Page 6 March 3 - March 9, 2018 Data Zone www.ladatanews.com Xavier Students Show Up in a Big Way to Make Things Greener

Photos By Junie Goodison Data News Weekly Contributor

Who says that the young people can’t make a difference . Here are some addi- tional highlights from The Green Light New Orleans Project and the Xavier University student volunteers who showed up to assist in planting gardens in the Westbend Community in Algiers . It’s wonder- ful to have that kind of community concern and support from our young people, we salute you Students of Xavier! www.ladatanews.com DataFashion Zone March 3 - March 9, 2018 Page 7

The Age of the Shirt Dress

Delaney George Columnist

Is it a shirt? Is it a dress? Fashion can be confusing, but it sure is innovative . In today’s fashion world, people are becom- ing more and more creative with how they dress themselves . A belt can become a necklace, a hoodie can become a two-piece set, and now a shirt can become a dress . Oversized clothing used to be some- thing you’d return or give away, but the shirt/dress trick has most women re- considering that shirt that might be two sizes too big . For example, oversized tees, sweaters, flannels, and jackets have the potential to become a hot ensemble with the comfortable feel of a nightgown . Shirt- dresses typically fit loose and have been altered to be long yet still hold a comple- menting shape . The shirt-dress is the perfect outfit for the woman who wants to be stylish and glam, without the uncomfortable tight- fitting mini dress . An easy way to create your own shirt dress is to go in a man’s closet and find a loose-fitting item for your Above. Oversized sleek black blouse with hanging shape . You can either use a belt around strings worn as a stylish colorful dress. +++ Top Right. the waist to accentuate your frame or let Red sweater with a low shoulder and pearl designs worn it hang and show off your legs . No matter as a sexy loose dress. +++ At Right. Two-toned over- sized jean shirt with waist belt worn as a dress. what, your shirt-dress is where fashion meets comfort . For more information on shirt-dresses email delinkey@yahoo .com or direct mes- (All Photos by Bosslady2.5 on Instagram) sage @Delannii on Instagram . Visit www.ladatanews.com for more photos from these events

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Real Talk for Real Times... 1639 Gentilly Blvd. New Orleans, LA 70119 (504)942-0106 www.wbok1230am.com Page 8 March 3 - March 9, 2018 Commentary www.ladatanews.com

American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten on Arming Teachers

the expertise needed to be, sharp can’t afford to pay for school safety shooters; no amount of training can programs, school nurses and coun- prepare an armed teacher to go up selors, and other programs that against an AR-15 . Trump wants to spend money help kids . “One would have thought, after “How would arming teachers the president’s listening session, on bonuses for armed teachers even work? Would kindergarten that he wouldn’t have put the agen- teachers be carrying guns in hol- da of gun manufacturers and the yet has cut summer school and sters? Is every classroom now go- Randi Weingarten National Rifle Association over our ing to have a gun closet? Will it be President, AFT students, educators and schools . after-school programs, and he locked? When you have seconds The tweets today applauding the to act when you hear the code for Statement of AFT President NRA, and ignoring educators and argues we can’t afford to pay for an active shooter, is a teacher sup- Randi Weingarten on President the students themselves, were de- posed to use those seconds get- Trump’s proposals to arm teachers: spicable and diversionary . Teach- school safety programs, school ting her gun instead of getting her “I spoke to 60,000 educators ers and school staff need to ensure students to safety? Anyone who last night in a telephone town hall . schools are safe sanctuaries and not nurses and counselors, and pushes arming teachers doesn’t un- The response was universal, even armed fortresses . derstand teachers and doesn’t un- from educators who are gun own- “Trump wants to spend money other programs that help kids . derstand our schools . Adding more ers: Teachers don’t want to be on bonuses for armed teachers yet guns to schools may create an illu- armed, we want to teach . We don’t has cut summer school and after- sion of safety, but in reality it would want to be, and would never have school programs, and he argues we make our classrooms less safe .” www.ladatanews.com State & Local News March 3 - March 9, 2018 Page 9 Celebrating Black Beauty through Art

By La’Shance Perry CCH Pounder” is on public display and that he wanted people to take Data News Weekly in Xavier’s Administration Building away from his performance “pain Contributor until March 22, 2018 . and unity .” Hoyt has used combs Clunis, who is the Director of throughout his career . This is the Local experts and artists ad- Xavier University’s Art Gallery, said first experience dedicated to the dressed the topic of Black self-love she orchestrated the featured ex- significance of combs with Black as part of “Queen: A Symposium hibit and the symposium because hair and history . on Black Beauty,” on Feb . 22, 2018, students would tell her that they “Many of our women and activ- that featured the artistic works don’t feel pretty as Black women . ists have portals and vessels that from the exhibition “Queen: From This motivated her to showcase carry these codes, and codes were the Collection of CCH Pounder .” Black Beauty through this exhibit passed down by the act of combing . The artist Carol Christine Hilaria and performance . This particular performance was Pounder (CCH Pounder) is also “Part of what made me want to about the ‘detanglement’ of colonial an Emmy-Winning Actress, known do this is because students have, parities,” said Hoyt, who resides for her roles in Avatar, Sons of An- over time, told me that they don’t and works in Berlin, Germany . archy, Law & Order, ER, and the feel beautiful,” Clunis said . One of the performers and first- X-Files . The symposium held on One of the highlights of the year student Naiya Ray said she felt Xavier University’s Campus fea- night was London-born Artist, that it was a liberating experience . tured a round-table discussion on Hoyt’s performance called “Hair “I just want other students to appre- Black Beauty, showcased vendors Combing Cycle .” The perfor- ciate all cultures, not just the Black that promoted self-care, retail, eth- mance featured Black women, community but African communi- nic care products and artwork, and Women comb their natural hair during artist Satch Hoyt’s performance dressed in white, of all different ties as well,” Ray said . included a symbolic performance called “Hair Combing Cycle” (Photo by La’ Shance Perry) backgrounds combing their hair Vendors sold products such as by Artist, Satch Hoyt . The event’s rhythmically to create a song . The natural hair and skin care products, organizers: Prospect 4 New Or- “Representation is key . That’s the different elements to engage performers used hairs picks that clothing, jewelry and art that all leans, Xavier’s Art Department, why an exhibition like that can be people,” Clunis said . were red, yellow, and green that represented the Black community and Xavier’s Division of Fine Arts so empowering and so radical even Pounder’s Exhibition features represent liberation colors . Hoyt, and African culture . and Humanities said they wanted though it is just images,” said Sarah African American artists includ- who is of British and Jamaican “Each [vendor] is different and a Black History Month event that Clunis, an Assistant Professor of ing her own and art from her col- background, said that this per- celebrates different African cul- represented Black Beauty and art Art History at Xavier . “This is an lection from the African Diaspora . formance is a tribute to the first tures and that’s what the perfor- that engaged the community . educational thing, but it has all of “Queen: from the Collection of slave rebellion in Georgetown mance did,” Ray said .

Renowned Fiber Artist Talks Essence of African-American Material Culture

By Temitayo Odulaja Fiber Artist, whose designs for cro- your life,” Bailey said . Data News Weekly chet-African-styled hats have been One such innovation included Contributor featured in commercials and even the use of newspapers to seal holes on The Cosby Show . in the walls of homes to prevent the The traditions and culture she She told the audience that inflow of cold draught . Additionally, received as a child is what shaped growing up, she did not have such methods developed into an her as a designer and artist . Cul- the luxury of today’s technology, artistic style of collage-like patterns tural Activist Xenobia Bailey spoke one of which was thermostats . and are applied by contemporary on the “Aesthetic of Funk” to wrap Her household relied on cooking artists, she shared . Also, African- up a three-day H .B .C .U . Material stoves to warm the entire house Americans invented quilts from re- Culture Conference titled “Building during the winter, in the frigid re- cycled newspapers to keep warm at Cultural Economies .” Bailey deliv- gion of Seattle, Wash . night – of which later evolved into ered her address to scholars from She shared with the audience an artistic technique . Regarding the across the country as part of the that she believed that the evolu- level of resourcefulness 19th-Cen- Dillard University Ray Charles Pro- tion of African-American Culture tury African-Americans achieved, gram in African-American Material stemmed from the hostile condi- she felt that today’s artisans do not Culture in the university’s George’s tions of the Black experience in the approach such remarkable feats, Auditorium on Saturday, Feb . 24th . U .S . Black people in America had given that Black Ancestors had no more photos The event’s organizers said the neither the machines nor materi- choice but to be inventive . program sought to go beyond just als, conducive to healthy living . So, Acclaimed Designer and Fiber “Today’s African-American Art- more stories looking at food and music to look at they had to improvise and modify Artist Xenobia Bailey spoke as ists cannot match the works of other forms of material culture that the resources they had to sustain the Keynote Speaker for the these artists,” Bailey said, adding H.B.C.U. Material Culture Con- more data is unique to African-Americans . themselves as a race . ference at Dillard University on that African-American Ancestors “My mother used to braid my “You have to be radical in order Feb. 24th. (Photos by Temitayo Fiber Artist, Continued hair every morning,” said Bailey, a to survive, you have to struggle for Odulaja) on page 11. Page 10 March 3 - March 9, 2018 State & Local News www.ladatanews.com Making the City Green, One Plot at a Time

By Junie Goodison grassroots environmental non-prof- gardens she needed help . Data News Weekly it program which began with install- “I wanted a backyard garden so Contributor ing energy efficient light bulbs first that I could be more self-sufficient . and has since expanded to install- Since I work at home full time,” The Green Light New Orleans ing rain barrels and backyard gar- Johnson said . “I also want to spend Project partnered with university dens in homes across the City . The more time outdoors . I’ve been read- student volunteers on Feb . 24th organization works with many com- ing about gardening for a couple to assist in the Westbend Commu- munity members and partners over of years now, too afraid to take the nity in Algiers, to plant gardens . the years to expand eco-efforts . plunge, but thanks to Green Light The goal of this project improves They currently maintain a garden New Orleans I am on track to have the New Orleans Community by that is opened to the public in the my first batch of produce in a few offsetting carbon emissions and Holly Grove Community . months,” she said . making homes more environmen- “We get a group of volunteers ev- It was a pleasant experience tally-friendly through a number ery week and managed more than to interact with the students on a of activities . One of them includes 20,000 volunteers,” Desormeaux goal, Johnson noted . She building backyard vegetable gar- said . “Today was exciting because hoped the students got as much out dens, an activity that unifies resi- we were able to put in two gardens Green Light New Orleans volunteers from Xavier University planted a of the activity as she did . backyard garden for an Algiers resident for this environmentally sus- dents through voluntary work and in the beautiful weather,” she said . tainable local project. Photos by Junine Goodison “The ten volunteers were fun, interaction . The Green Light Gar- The student volunteers from they respected me, and each other . dens New Orleans began in 2006 to Xavier University dug a garden bed nization that volunteered with the help someone in the community They worked quickly and shared encourage sustainable rebuilding for a resident’s home and after fol- project . “We were able to interact by building them a garden that can responsibilities,” Johnson said . “I in the City after Hurricane Katrina . lowing detailed instructions from with the person we built the garden grow vegetables,” said Gamoni Fall- pitched in when I could, they were “We enjoy doing this, it is fun Desormeaux, they then transferred for . It was my first time and I’d do ings, a student volunteer . “I think well-prepared by the Green Light because it’s a bunch of individual tomatoes, bell peppers, parsley, car- it again,” gardens are a great way for the Staff . The entire experience was a actions to create a massive move- rots, lettuce, cilantro and broccoli Planting the backyard garden community to have access to natu- joy,” she said . ment,” said Amélia Desormeaux, and arugula to the fresh soil of the was the first time some of the stu- rally grown vegetables and fruits, The project is more than trans- a Coordinator for the Green Light garden bed . dent volunteers got involved in the not many communities have fresh forming the City’s environment but New Orleans Project . “The Caribbean Students Asso- community for environmentally grown veggies and fruits in their bringing the City together around “We meet so many different com- ciation wanted to do a service that friendly initiatives . The students garden,” Fallings said . sustainability . munity members one on one . One would directly impact the commu- said they would like to do the proj- The backyard garden was set up “Volunteering unites the commu- small action, with so many people, nity, and this was a good one,” said ect again because it directly im- that Saturday at Westbend Parkway, nity because people come together creates a big change,” Desormeaux Loian Chambers, the President for pacts and provides the community for resident Reshelle Johnson . This and make a difference to improve said . Xavier’s Caribbean Students As- with healthy food . is her first garden and though she the community,” said Desihan Green Light New Orleans is a sociation, a Xavier student orga- “It’s cool to be able to go out and had been doing her own reading on Burrell, a student volunteer .

Sheriff Gusman to Host Easter Egg Jazz Trumpeter Showcases His Hunt Saturday, March 24th “Stretch Music” at Contemporary Arts Center.

By Leland Johnson Data News Weekly Contributor

New Orleans native and Gram- my-nominated Jazz Trumpeter Christian Scott returned home for the first time since the release of his album The Centennial Trilogy From left, Lawrence Fields (piano), Christian Scott (trumpet), Stephen to perform at a three-night concert J. Gladney (saxophone), and Max Morgan (Bass) perform stretch music at the Contemporary Arts Center of at the Contemporary Arts Center of New Orleans on Feb. 23rd. (Photo New Orleans from Feb 21st-23rd . by Leland Johnson) This succession of performances history is here . He’s one of the a Chicago native . “I’ve never seen Data Staff Edited Reportted 10 a .m . The Easter Egg Hunt for marked the first time Scott, who best Contemporary Jazz Musicians someone as composed as him as a Report children ages 1-5 begins at 11 a .m . also goes by Christian Scott aTunde alive, so it seems fitting with our musician .” The Easter Egg Hunt for children Adjuah, has been presented as a mission that he be presented here,” The band soothed the crowd Sheriff Marlin N . Gusman is in- ages 6-12 begins at 11:45 a .m . Par- headlining artist at the CAC . Invit- Bowling said . with a dazzling dose of Scott’s popu- viting the public to his 13th Annual ticipants can exchange the eggs ing Scott to perform at the CAC was Along with Scott were fellow mu- larized and very own stretch music, Easter Egg Hunt from 10 a .m . to 1 they find for a gift bag filled with an easy decision to make the orga- sicians Weedie Braimah on percus- a form of jazz that he pioneered p .m . Saturday, March 24th at Audu- candy . nizers said . sion, Lawrence Fields on piano, Ste- which unhinges the basic founda- bon Riverview, also known as “The Children and their parents are “Christian is a NOLA native phen Gladney on saxophone, Max tions of jazz music to incorporate all Fly” area behind Audubon Zoo . encouraged to arrive early and reg- and NOCCA Alumni,” said Wil- Morgan on bass, and Kojo Odu musical forms and ideas into one . The Easter Egg Hunt, which is ister to receive same-day, free ad- liam Bowling, the Performing Arts Roney on drums . This jazz style was the central focus free and open to the public, features mission to the Audubon Zoo . Manager at the CAC . “His family “This was my first time seeing Trumpeter, Continued games, music, and food starting at has performed on our stages . His Christian Scott,” said Paulina Greer, on page 11. www.ladatanews.com National News March 3 - March 9, 2018 Page 11 DATA CLASSIFIED Call 504-821-7421 to Did Prosecutors Destroy Evidence place your classified ad. in the Cosby Sexual Assault Case? Bill Cosby’s Lawyers Want Criminal Case Dismissed Job Opportunity Freelance By Stacy M. Brown persuaded the court to bar the de- Writers NNPA Newswire Contributor fense from exploring the topic with Wanted Constand through cross-examina- As Montgomery County pros- tion . Data News Weekly, “The ecutors continue to pursue a ver- Judge Steven O’Neill also de- People’s Paper, is looking for freelence writers to dict in the Bill Cosby sexual assault nied Cosby’s lawyers’ motion to call join our team print and case involving former Temple Uni- Jackson as a witness . digital team. We want versity employee Andrea Constand, “The cumulative effect of the to hear from you if you lawyers for the entertainer have wrongdoing in this case and the are a working journalist, or an aspiring journalist filed several motions, including two politically and emotionally charged who has 2 years or more arguing that the case against him context of this case elevates the of newspaper or PR should be dismissed . misconduct to a level of a constitu- writing experience. We And, while such motions are con- tional violation and prosecutorial need writers who can sidered procedural and are rarely overreach depriving Cosby of any cover New Orleans news stories, ranging from granted, the “Uptown Saturday meaningful right to a fair trial,” local high school sports, Night” star has presented a compel- Cosby’s attorneys wrote Thursday . community events, City ling case for dismissal . “Such misconduct warrants dis- Hall and entertainment. Bill Cosby’s lawyers want the judge in his sexual abuse trial to dismiss According to court documents missal of the charges .” Experience in print is the case. (POOL PHOTO) necessary, experience in filed by Cosby’s lawyers, the court In another motion, Cosby’s at- digital and social media should dismiss all charges against saulted, but she could say that she ecution allowed Constand to testify torneys argued that prosecutors are encouraged. Cosby because, by Montgomery had, file charges, and get money,” falsely at the first trial that she did also have failed to prove that they County, Pennsylvania prosecutors’ the bombshell filing said . not know or remember Jackson . brought the case within the 12-year Compensation is own admission, they have not only It continued: “Yet, the prosecu- Also, based on a Jan . 17, 2018 statute of limitation and there’s no competitive and great failed to disclose evidence but have tion failed to disclose to the defense telephone conference call with way to prove it because they admit- story ideas will be also destroyed exculpatory evi- that they met with [Jackson] and the court, Assistant District Attor- tedly are unsure of the timeline . appreciated. dence . that they destroyed the notes of ney Stewart Ryan admitted that Constand alleged that Cosby “Specifically, the prosecution re- their meeting .” he and two detectives spoke with assaulted her in early 2004— If you are interested, please email your resume cently disclosed for the first time Cosby spokesman Andrew Wy- Jackson and learned that Constand though previously she admitted and 3 writing samples to: that, prior to the first trial, in this att released the court documents to and Jackson worked together, had their encounter could have been terrybjones@bellsouth. case, a prosecutor and two detec- the NNPA Newswire on Thursday, been friends, and had shared hotel in 2003 . Prosecutors didn’t file net and datanewseditor@ tives interviewed a critical witness, January 25th . rooms on multiple occasions . charges until 2015 . bellsouth.net. Marguerite Jackson who told them Neither Cosby’s attorneys nor Despite their knowledge of the It’s unclear when O’Neill will is- that in 2003 or 2004, the complain- prosecutors offered comment on relationship, Cosby lawyers alleged sue a ruling on the motions . ing witness, Andrea Constand, a Thursday . that prosecutors stood silent while Jury selection has been sched- We can’t wait to co-worker, and friend, had told her Cosby’s team also argued that Constand testified under oath that uled for March and the trial is ex- hear from you! that she had not been sexually as- it’s reasonable to infer that the pros- she didn’t know Jackson, and they pected to begin in April .

Trumpeter, Continued port youth education in low-income Fiber Artist, Continued that embody an artistic climate . from page 10. areas of New Orleans . Work such from page 9. In light of ancestral ignorance as this combined with his musical on the part of African-Americans of the show ranging from fast-paced success made him an ideal guest to made a virtue out of necessity . Sub- about the African continent, she percussion beats by Braimah to perform at the CAC for his three- sequently, their artistic products commented on material culture, as progressive melodies by Gladney . night concert . served as prototypes for later ar- what keeps “us” breathing as indi- This space can be “It’s great to have a hybrid band Regarding the planning stages tistic movements and revolutions viduals . Black culture, she said, is for these kinds of performances,” for the concert, Bowling expressed involving crochet, embroidery, what identifies African-Americans Scott said . “It helps when trying to his excitement for booking Scott tapestry, weft and warp aesthetic as a socio-political group . evoke what this form of music re- and his appreciation of Scott’s value rhythms, and so forth . After having traveled far and yours for only $80 ally is to a crowd .” Scott also men- for playing at local venues for rising Likewise, she emphasized the wide with intimate knowledge of tioned the importance of the center artists . “New Orleans has no short- concept of aesthetics as a founda- African aesthetics and civilization, as a venue and what it means to age of excellent places to see jazz, tion for artistic and cultural har- she anticipates that the mindset of him . He shared with the crowd how so CAC seemed a perfect fit for mony . Aesthetics, she believes, is African- Americans would change he remembered seeing legendary Scott to perform,” Bowling said . what would preserve the cultural toward what they identify them- Call Now! Jazz Drummer Roy Haynes per- The CAC’s team said despite heritage of the African-American selves as, instead of conforming to form in the same room as he was as Scott’s success, he remains a gra- macrocosm . popular culture . a child and how venues such as the cious artist and the hard work it “There is no standard for aes- “It is not our fault that we do not Contemporary Arts Center of New takes to craft an event such as this thetics, as it is about manipulating display the culture of our ancestors, Orleans are so important to the de- is worth it when homegrown tal- its very essence,” she said, adding as it was all socially engineered, and velopment of young artists . ent returns for artist showcases that beauty resides not in what oth- we could have died off,” she said . 504-821-7421 Scott’s appreciation for locations like these . ers interpret as exquisite, but rather “Material culture is what harmo- such as the CAC goes back to his “There’s no better City than New how well one projects their ideas nizes us,” she said . roots as a New Orleans Center Orleans when it comes to jazz,” for Creative Arts Graduate and Scott said . “This City made me who his community work within New I am today as a person and musi- Orleans . He has worked with the cian . I am glad to be here at the Guardian’s Institute located in the CAC for my homecoming,” the art- ladatanews.com Ninth Ward, which helps to sup- ist said . “I’M DOING THIS FOR ME, AND FOR THAT PERSON WHO BELIEVES IN ME.” If you’re thinking of fi nishing your high school diploma, you have more support than you realize. Find teachers and free adult education classes near you at FinishYourDiploma.org.