Fighting Blight Block by Block

Lighting The Road To The Future

Data Todrick Hall at Zone House of Blues Page 6 “The People’s Paper” July 30 - August 5, 2016 51st Year Volume 14 www.ladatanews.com

A Data News Weekly Exclusive PlayBuild NOLA in Central City Fighting Blight Block by Block

Page 2 Newsmaker Newsmaker BR Protestors Judy Demand Spellman Justice Passes Page 4 Page 4 Page 2 July 30 - August 5, 2016 Cover Story www.ladatanews.com

PlayBuild NOLA Combats Central City Blight

PlayBuild currently interacts with several schools and community programs. Several kids participate in day programs and field trips in the outdoor PlayBuild Classroom on Thalia Street.

Eric Craig centered playground for kids between the ages of 4-12 . a finalist in its $1 Million Prize Play Everywhere Chal- Multimedia Editor The organization’s goal is to turn blighted communi- lenge . The national challenge provides funds to one ties into educational centers . organization that has the most original and innovative One non-profit is helping children learn about archi- PlayBuild Started in 2013 and has reached over 2400 way to make playing easy, educational and fun for chil- tecture and design one plot at a time . kids through school and community partnerships . dren in the United States . PlayBuild Nola is an organization that converts In early July, KaBOOM! an organization designed Angela Kyle, Co-Founder of PlayBuild, is proposing neutral grounds in Central City and to architecturally- to fund playground initiatives, named PlayBuild Nola, to use the prize money to create three mobile station

Cover Story, Continued on next page.

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Cover Story, Continued from previous page.

Angela Kyle is the Co-Founder of Rendering of PlayBuild’s mobile station concept. The Outdoor Classroom on Thalia Street opened in 2013. PlayBuild NOLA. playgrounds in the Martin Luther Build also partnered with the kids to learn about design and ar- “I love New Orleans and its ar- the next 10 or 20 years,” Kyle said . King Boulevard Corridor . French Market, Jazz & Heritage chitecture . In its school partner- chitecture . It just drew me to the “I was drawn to the energy of Winners of the Play Everywhere Festival and other community-cen- ships, PlayBuild has reached over City,” Kyle said . transformation in New Orleans . Challenge will be announced in the tered places . 150 kids . In its Community Out- Throughout her life, Kyle said I desired to be a part of that,” she beginning of Fall 2016 . reach Initiative, the program has that she always appreciated archi- added . PlayBuild currently has one PlayBuild in Action worked with over 2,400 kids . Play- tecture . Kyle was intrigued with the After working with the New Or- permanent flagship station located The Thalia Street Play Station, Build has operated in the commu- evolution of New Orleans Architec- leans Business Alliance and several on 2828 Thalia St . in New Orleans . the first active station operated by nity for three years . ture during the City’s rebuilding other entrepreneurial-based orga- The flagship campus is an outdoor PlayBuild, has been operating for “This is a project that isn’t go- phase after Hurricane Katrina . The nizations, she competed in a 2012 classroom that has toys, books, and over two years . Through research, ing to be completed anytime soon . entrepreneur is concerned with the PitchNola Competition to jump interactive books for students at- Kyle has found that mobile stations There is opportunity now and in the diversity of people involved in that start her own idea . tending after school . could benefit kids in Central City . future for people working in the de- decision making process . “I was sketching out some ideas “We want to make it a fun and so- “What we’ve observed from over sign and architecture, engineering With the City constantly grow- and thinking about the work we’ve cial zone for Central City kids,” said two years is that the behavior is spectrum of the discipline,” Kyle ing, Kyle found herself in New Or- done at the business alliance . I PlayBuild Co-Founder Angela Kyle . really hyper local . Typically, 15-18 said . leans to tap into the City’s entrepre- thought how this platform can fight kids use the center . We know we’re neurial energy . blight . I wanted to create a grass- PlayBuild Today not reaching kids across Martin Lu- Kyle’s Start with PlayBuild “I moved here after Katrina with roots and scalable ideas that could PlayBuild Nola’s Play Every- ther King Boulevard and in nearby Kyle has had over 20 years of the dialogue of the demographics in come out that,” where Challenge proposal, PL@Y housing developments,” Kyle said . entrepreneurial experience, but it the City and the future of New Or- Kyle was inspired by an architec- MLK, is in the final rounds of con- Kyle’s team has done outreach wasn’t until recently Kyle decided leans . People were looking at what tural art exhibit at the Museum of sideration in the Play Everywhere to recruit more kids to the center . to initiate her own start up shortly happened to the City after Katrina, Modern Arts in New York that por- Challenge . PlayBuild competed However, according to Kyle, her after making New Orleans her and thinking about the evolution trayed the use of architectural cities with over 1,000 other applicants research shows that students are home . and ultimate growth of the City over to embellish cities . across the United States . limited by their transportation . According to the organization, “If their grandmother, aunt, or PlayBuild plans to create three mo- uncle don’t drop them off, a lot of bile stations using the funds from them can’t come,” Kyle said . the Play Everywhere Challenge . That is where Kyle’s current idea These mobile stations will hold comes into play . toys, building blocks, and designed Kyle will use the mobile stations based-games to introduce children as social promotion of the main play On The Run to design and architecture . stations, and as social interaction to Volunteers will move these sta- encourage students to learn about Courier Service, Inc. tions across Martin Luther King architecture and design . Boulevard to encourage children Kyle has focused PlayBuild’s ef- Same Day Service-Rush Service to learn about architect and design fort on Central City because of its and to use the Thalia Street Flag- demographics . ship Station . “There is no secret that Central Sedrick L. Jones “If we’re selected as a winner, City has a high rate of gun violence . we can build on our current efforts It’s a challenged part of the City for Proprietor in Central City around our Thalia the youth population,” Kyle said . Street play space and transform the “There are a lot of systemic chal- MLK Corridor into a highly visible lenges in the Central City area . Phone (504) 874-2802 zone for play and family-friendly ac- We’re interested in raising design tivities,” Kyle said . awareness and looking at trans- 5741 Cameron Blvd. Phone (504) 288-1925 `The PlayBuild Initiative is cur- formation happening in the City rently Co-Sponsored by the City and looking at the drivers of that New Orleans, LA of New Orleans Redevelopment change,” she added . Fax (504) 288-1910 Authority, Tulane Architecture PlayBuild currently partners School’s City Center and Social with schools and directly reaches Venture Incubator Propeller . Play- out to the students to encourage Page 4 July 30 - August 5, 2016 Newsmaker www.ladatanews.com Street Justice Thousands demand arrest of BR Police

Candace J. Semien state officers’ use of force when ar- demand justice in the death of Alton Jozef Syndicate resting protesters have resulted in Sterling,” said Michael McClana- injuries . Reports have surfaced of han, President of the NAACP Baton BATON ROUGE—Whether it police attacking, beating, and ille- Rouge Chapter . was a gathering of 300 in front of gally arresting protesters . On July 5th, BRPD officers Blane the Triple S Convenience Store, This treatment has been publi- Salamoni and Howie Lake II were small groups of 50 meeting at area cized in national media . Following responding to a call from 911 saying churches, nearly 400 at City Hall, closed meetings between Black there was a “man with a gun” at the dozens painting signs at LSU, or a elected officials and the U .S . De- Triple S on North Foster Drive at thousand marching through down- partment of Justice, East Baton Fairfields Avenue . There they met town; Baton Rouge residents and Rouge Metro Councilman Lamont Sterling who was selling CDs out- visitors are protesting the death Cole said the group has “some se- side the store with the owner’s per- of 37-year-old Alton Sterling, who rious concerns” about how protest- mission . Two videos of the shoot- was shot by Baton Rouge police of- ers have been handled by police . ing surfaced online via Facebook ficers, July 5th . “I don’t think the police need to within hours, raising doubts about The shooting drew public atten- make any more arrests or push the whether the police officers were tion immediately and protests be- people to make an arrest,” Moore justified in the shooting . Defenders gan taking their cries for justice to said . of the police say other video exists the streets, starting on North Fos- Protests large and small continue to arise in Baton Rouge surround- The American Civil Liberties that will exonerate the officers . ter of the shooting . Demonstrations ing the shooting death of Alton Sterling at the hands of Baton Rouge Union of Louisiana agrees . On At the request of Gov . John Bel for Alton Sterling followed in major police. Protests have been largely peaceful, however local, city, and July 13th, the group filed a lawsuit Edwards, the U .S . Department of state officers’ use of force when arresting protesters have resulted cities across the nation . in injuries. Reports have surfaced of police attacking, beating, and il- against the BRPD, the Louisiana Justice took over the investigation Protests have been largely legally arresting protesters. (photo by ABC news) Department of Public Safety, EBRP and the officers were placed on peaceful, however local, city, and Sheriff’s Department, and State paid, administrative leave . District Police for using excessive force Attorney Hillar Moore III recused and “violating the First Amend- himself due to personal ties to Sala- ment rights of demonstrators who moni’s parents, who are also police City Mourns Passing of Judy Spellman

Data Staff Edited Report Jazz and gospel singer Judy Spellman died on Sunday, July 24, 2016 after a lengthy battle with breast cancer . A New Orleans na- Police officers scuffing with a demonstrator while trying to apprehend tive born into a family of music him during a rally in Baton Rouge on Sunday. Shannon Stapleton/Re- uters with a BA and MA in the visual arts from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn NY and Tulane University’s Newcomb were protesting peacefully against officers . The State Attorney Gen- School of Art . Judy’s father the leg- the killing of Alton Sterling .” The eral will be in charge of prosecuting endary NO R&B; singer Mr . Benny ACLU has requested a restraining any state charges . “Lipsticktraces” Spellman made order that would put restrictions Groups from across the nation a significant contribution to New on how protesters can be scattered have traveled to Baton Rouge to Orleans music and of course devel- and detained during future demon- join protestors, train observers, and oped a hugh international following strations . Under the order, officers organize activists for the long-term due to his work with the likes of would not be able to use chemical” work of demanding justice . Orga- Paul Mccartney, Allen Toussaint, agents—such as tear gas— without nizers of rallies have said the work Earl King and many others that clear warning and authorization for justice will continue . Across re-recoreded his original songs . from the Governor . It also would nearly every part of the city, citi- Judys mom has also been a gospel only allow officers to work protests zens—Black and White, elected of- pianist/vocalist for greater than 69 if their names, agency and identify- ficials, and police—are working to years in New Orleans ing number were clearly displayed . find solutions in closed meetings, Judy’s vibrant personality and Judy Spellman The ACLU said protestors were ver- criminal hearings, at policy meet- eclectic musical sound allowed her bally abused and physically hurt . ings, during City Council and Leg- the flexibility to move fluidly across She was a frequent performer at internationally with the German “These protests are and will con- islative Sessions, at mass, on the many genres of music styles, from the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage band Phavior Adelic . The group tinue to be one of the strategies stage of poetry slams, and in safety Jazz to Blues, and standards to Gos- Festival and Essence Festival . and released its debut album, Eclectic our citizens use to bring attention briefings . “But the work began in pel, which is where she started . in recent years, Spellman toured Funk, earlier this year . to the issue of police brutality and the streets,” said McClanahan . www.ladatanews.com State & Local News July 30 - August 5, 2016 Page 5 City Opens New Rosenwald Pool and Pool House

Data News Staff Edited to 4 p .m . and Sunday from 2 p .m . to Report 6 p .m . The original Rosenwald Center NEW ORLEANS — On July 25, and Pool was built in 1950 and at 2016, Mayor Mitch Landrieu, City that time was New Orleans’ only officials, the New Orleans Recre- major recreation center to serve Af- ation Development Commission rican-American youth . The center (NORDC) and FEMA announced and pool are named for Philanthro- the opening of the new $2 .3 million pist, Community Leader and Civil Rosenwald Pool and Pool House at Rights Activist Edith Rosenwald 1120 S . Broad St . in the B .W . Coo- Stern . per neighborhood . The former pool Since Mayor Landrieu took office and pool house were severely dam- in 2010, the City has invested over aged by Hurricane Katrina . $157 million in new and improved “This summer, New Orleanians NORDC facilities and nearly tripled of all ages will have yet another its programming budget . In 2010, place to cool off and enjoy all the about 500 young people learned to benefits of NORDC’s Summer swim at eight NORDC pools but Swim Programming,” said Mayor this year nearly 4,000 will learn at Mitch Landrieu . “Today is another 15 pools . Also in 2010, only 1,600 sign of renewal and reinvestment in children participated in four NOR- the B .W . Cooper neighborhood as DC summer camps but as of this we open the new Rosenwald Pool The new Rosenwald Pool is a changing areas and outdoor shower operated by NORDC . Today, in- summer, over 5,000 children partic- and Pool House . Our goal is to pro- 3 .6 to 5 feet deep, 85,000-gallon stations . In September of 2015, the cluding the new Rosenwald Pool, ipated in 52 youth and teen camps vide safe, accessible facilities for all swimming pool that is furnished City celebrated the opening of the there are 15 pools open to the pub- across New Orleans . In 2010, New of our residents, and with each new with American with Disabilities new $8 .5 million Rosenwald Center . lic . From now until Sept . 4, 2016, Orleans only had four NORDC Rec- project, we are making good on our Act (ADA) compliant equipment . This summer, the City opened the Rosenwald Pool will be open reation Centers open to the public . promise to rebuild this City better The 2,500-square-foot pool house eleven outdoor pools in addition to Monday through Friday from 10 Today, there are eleven recreation than before .” features separate male and female the three year-round indoor pools a .m . to 6 p .m ., Saturday from 9 a .m . centers . Louisiana Delegation Rocks the House at the DNC

Data Staff Edited Report become the first The 18-year-old, who graduated female presidential two months ago from a high school Louisiana Democrats at the nominee of a major in St . Gabriel, will vote Tuesday to Democratic National Convention in party, and 14 for officially make former Secretary Philadelphia on Tuesday “rocked U .S . Sen . Bernie of State Hillary Clinton the first fe- the house” as the group proclaimed Sanders, who had male presidential nominee of a ma- proudly that our state cannot and already conceded jor party . will not be defined by Hurricane the race), also man- “I’m going to participate in his- Katrina or the police murder of Al- aged to plug Cajun tory,” he said . ton Sterling or the deadly officer and Creole cul- The Delegation hopes to grab shooting that shook Baton Rouge tures, Louisiana’s hold of momentum gathered from two weeks ago . distinct cuisine, this week’s convention in Philadel- As state party chairwoman and hunting traditions phia, returning home to invigorate New Orleanian Sen . Karen Carter and Mardi Gras cel- the party activists to participate in Peterson stated, “We will not be ebrations . the Nov . 8 election, even though defined by any natural disaster nor Included in the Louisiana has voted for every Re- will we be defined by any act of crowd of delegates publican presidential candidate senseless violence because we are were New Orleans Mayor Mitch serves as a superdelegate to the in January, said during the run up since 1996 . one Louisiana,” during the tradi- Landrieu; former U .S . Sen . Mary DNC, didn’t appear to take a center to Louisiana’s primary that he was Though early polls show GOP tional DNC roll call of states . “Loui- Landrieu; state Reps . Pat Smith, position during the state’s roll call supporting Clinton’s candidacy . nominee Donald Trump leads in siana knows that love trumps hate .” Denise Marcelle, Ted James and on Tuesday . The delegation also has in its Louisiana, State Sen . Peterson Peterson, before announcing Marcus Hunter; and state Sen . Troy The state Democratic Party group, Frederick Bell as the young- argued that his divisive rhetoric the vote tally (45 votes for Hillary Carter, among others -- nearly all posted a photo Tuesday morning est of Louisiana’s 59 voting del- scares some moderate and Repub- Clinton, who would go on to win cheering and waving signs . of Edwards casting his ballot . Ed- egates at the Democratic National lican voters . “We’re definitely in the Democratic nomination and Gov . John Bel Edwards, who wards, a Democrat who took office Convention . play,” Peterson said . Page 6 July 30 - August 5, 2016 Data Zone www.ladatanews.com

Todrick Hall at House of Blues

Eric Craig Multimedia Editor On Saturday, January 23,2016, Singer, Song- writer and Actor Todrick Hall performed at the House of Blues in New Orleans . Most notably known for his flash mob video dedicated to Be- yonce, and various other pop song remixes; Hall performed his original hits from his visual album Straight Outta Oz . In his visual album, Hall tells the story about growing up and his jour- ney until present day .

Data Zone, Continued on page 7. 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 www.ladatanews.com Data Zone July 30 - August 5, 2016 Page 7 Data Zone, Continued from page 6.

Tickets in advance $15.00 TRAILBLAZERS At door $20.00 TRAILBLAZERS Free HORS D’OEUVRE/CASH BAR Willie Muhammad Live Entertainment Gail Glapion Lionel Milton Toya Barnes Susan Henry Sonita Singh Dr. Erica Murray Gretchen Bradford Brandon Okpalobi Terry Williams Marian Pierre Oliver Thomas

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016 THE REGENCY RECEPTION HALL 7300 DOWNMAN ROAD, NEW ORLEANS, LA 70126 DOORS OPEN AT 6:30 P.M.—SHOW BEGINS AT 7:00 P.M. Page 8 July 30 - August 5, 2016 Commentary www.ladatanews.com Intellectual Honesty About Race and Criminal Justice Reform

tant national debate and dialogue tragedies continue to happen are life without the debilitating and producing positive results about concerning race and the urgency somehow routinely avoided . There too often death-rendering conse- which more people should be made to reform the nation’s criminal jus- is a pervasive fear to speak and ar- quences of a broken criminal jus- aware . tice system . Finding and identifying ticulate the truth about race and the tice system . Mass incarceration, Criminal justice reform requires transformative remedies and solu- institutionalized devolving impact prosecutorial misconduct, judicial the coordinated and combined ef- tions are long overdue . of racism on all levels of the crimi- inequality, racial profiling, and po- forts and support of principled lead- In the wake of the most recent nal justice system . lice brutality are all interrelated and ers in the private sector along with fatal tragedies in Dallas, Minne- To put it bluntly, there is too interconnected in the counterpro- government officials, community apolis, and Baton Rouge, there are much intellectual dishonesty con- ductive web of the system named organizations, and family members Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. renewed fervent calls for improv- cerning the historical and contem- criminal justice . who are impacted . We should also NNPA Columnist ing relations between police of- porary role of race in America . In It is a system that lacks honesty, acknowledge that poverty and eco- ficers and the communities they particular we need more intellec- truth and integrity . Yet, my purpose nomic insecurity feeds the pipeline are sworn to protect and serve . I tual honesty about why and how here is to go beyond merely join- to the jails and prisons in the United There is an old adage that posits believe these calls are being made real reform of the criminal justice ing the public chorus that bemoans States . “The more things appear to change, in earnest, seeking conclusive system should be achieved . the prolonged contradictions of Acquiring a good education and the more they stay the same .” Once change . We need remedies that actu- this failed social system . I know training that provide a means of again, millions of Americans are en- However, the underlying sys- ally work to enable and to empower that there are some preventative Commentary, gulfed in what has become a reluc- temic reasons why these and other people to improve their quality of programs and initiatives that are Continued on page 9.

Cleveland’s RNC was the Whitest Convention I’ve Ever Attended

the present period, that some of its they have are totally incapable delegates to be interviewed by ma- est, no capacity to substantively en- noisiest authorities insisted on its of producing any results . So why jor media outlets, because the RNC gage with the Black community . being received, for good or for evil, waste the money to hire people who staff proved yet again to be non-re- Any meaningful change in the in the superlative degree of com- are totally incompetent? sponsive to media inquiries . Black participation rate of Blacks within parison only .” But, then again, this is exactly surrogates during the convention the party will be forced upon the Once again the Republican Party the result the party wants . So they were almost non-existent and Re- RNC from the outside . should be thoroughly ashamed at hire Blacks who have no connec- publican party leaders continue to If the RNC were run like a busi- having only about 18 and 50 Black tion to the Black community, or any wonder why they get no traction in ness, the whole staff would be sum- Raynard Jackson and Hispanic delegates, respec- interest in the Black community, the Black community . marily fired for total incompetence . NNPA Columnist tively (less than five percent), at the or any understanding of strategic I challenge the RNC to produce The astonishing thing is that none convention; though the party has communications . Thus, they get clippings of all interviews of Black of our party leadership even public- not released any official numbers . the results they wanted all along— surrogates from last week . There ly acknowledged the “Whiteness” As I boarded my return flight to This was by far the “Whitest” nothing . But since they hired a few was absolutely no media strategy of our convention . D .C . from last week’s Republican convention I have ever attended; Blacks, in the party’s mind, they leading into the convention, during Out of an arena capacity of ap- convention in Cleveland, Ohio, I but the party seems to care very can’t be called racist . I call this buy- the convention or post-convention . proximately 20,000 people, you began to reflect on what I saw and I little about this fact . ing “race insurance .” This is media relations 101 and the probably had fewer than 200 Blacks began to ponder how I could put to I attended several Latino spon- I had several well-known Blacks party failed the course miserably . and Latinos, that includes delegates paper my experiences in this column . sored breakfasts and luncheons from sports, entertainment, Hol- The Black staffers at the RNC and spectators . Out of nowhere, the words of with members of Congress or top lywood, and business interested are so incompetent that last month Trump has a window of about Charles Dickens from his novel “A Tale aides from the Trump campaign as in attending the convention,; but I they sent out an e-mail to reporters 30 days to address the issue of the of Two Cities,” popped into my head: speakers . There were zero Black decided not to bring them because bragging about the diversity of the Black voter . If he doesn’t, he will “It was the best of times, it was Republican hosted breakfasts or the party had no interest in receiv- delegates at this year’s convention, definitely have a more difficult path the worst of times, it was the age of luncheons, but there was an eve- ing them properly . highlighting the whopping 18 total to victory come November . wisdom, it was the age of foolish- ning party hosted by Black Repub- The last time I checked, I was not Black delegates out of a total of It is truly the best of times and the ness, it was the epoch of belief, it licans . an employee of the RNC, but yet I 2,472 . I am not joking . This actually worst of times for Black Republicans . was the epoch of incredulity, it was This again shows the weakness of had tons of media outlets calling happened . the season of Light, it was the sea- Black Republicans within the party . me because they couldn’t get Black Do Black Republicans have no Raynard Jackson is founder and chairman of Black Americans for son of Darkness, it was the spring This can’t be blamed on White folks staffers to return their calls or help pride at all? I would be ashamed to a Better Future (BAFBF), a fed- of hope, it was the winter of despair, in the party . This is an indictment of them resolve logistical issues they be paid for a job and deliver nothing erally registered 527 Super PAC of any substance . established to get more Blacks we had everything before us, we how little juice and foresight Blacks encountered at the convention, but involved in the Republican Party. had nothing before us, we were all have within the party . yet they had time to hang out at sev- If there is to be a shift in Black BAFBF focuses on the Black en- going direct to Heaven, we were Under the current party lead- eral parties until the wee hours of loyalties within the body politic, it trepreneur. For more information about BAFBF, visit www.bafbf.org. all going direct the other way – in ership, I would prefer to have no the morning . won’t be because of the RNC . The You can follow Raynard on Twitter short, the period was so far like Blacks on staff because the few I arranged for many of the Black RNC has no interest and to be hon- @Raynard1223. www.ladatanews.com Dollars & Sense July 30 - August 5, 2016 Page 9

Simmons RushCard Fund Program to Keep the Peace Between Police and the Black Community

By Stacy M. Brown was really scared,” he said . The Peace Keepers are also part- NNPA Newswire Contributor “There was a rabbi behind me nering with NOBLE in an effort to and [the officer] told the rabbi, ‘You strengthen relationships between Russell Simmons is as afraid of go ahead and keep it moving .’ I told the Black community and law a confrontation with police as most the rabbi to stay right here . I didn’t enforcement . Simmons spoke of other Black men . think they were going to abuse me, building stronger relationships be- However, despite a recent inci- but I was scared .” tween communities and the police, dent in which he was pulled over Simmons remarks came after re- restoring community faith and trust by cops in the Hamptons, the Rush- cent tragic events involving police in law enforcement . Card co-founder and music mogul officers and young Black men in He also discussed ways to re- is most concerned about the rela- Baton Rouge, La ., Falcon Heights, duce community deaths at the tionship between African-Ameri- Minn ., and Dallas, Texas . hands of law enforcement as well as cans and law enforcement . At the NOBLE conference, Sim- methods to help eliminate violence “I have a healthy fear [of being mons and RushCard announced towards police officers . pulled over],” said Simmons who the expansion of their partnership “My heart is broken for the was a keynote speaker at a conven- and support of The Peace Keepers, families of Alton Sterling, Philando tion of the National Organization of a nonprofit whose goal is to main- Castile and the law enforcement of- Black Law Enforcement Executives tain peace in communities where ficers in Dallas who senselessly lost (NOBLE) in the nation’s capital on gun violence is high and whose mis- their lives,” Simmons said . Tuesday, July 19 . Russell Simmons speaks at a convention of the National Organization sion is to bridge the growing wedge “While I am saddened and out- of Black Law Enforcement Executives in Washington, D.C. (NOBLE) “The other day I was pulled over between law enforcement and the Dollars & Sense, in the Hamptons and I was scared . I African-American community . Continued on page 10.

Commentary, Continued from page 8.

generating a sustainable income actually go on to attain apprentice- hopelessly languishing in Ameri- are also key factors that are nec- ships, licenses, and high-wage jobs . ca’s prisons and jails . essary, if reform of our system Mark Holden, general counsel When I was unjustly imprisoned of justice is to be productive . Last and senior vice president at Koch in my home state of North Caro- year in Baton Rouge, ironically, I Industries, was on the SCLC panel lina during most of the 1970’s as a was pleased to be on a panel about with me in Baton Rouge . We agreed member of the Wilmington Ten, I criminal justice reform at the 57th that bipartisan support of results- witnessed firsthand how thousands national convention of the South- oriented criminal justice reform of young, gifted and talented prison ern Christian Leadership Confer- programs is essential . I was also inmates were given no rehabilita- ence (SCLC) founded by Dr . Mar- pleased recently to review Mark’s tive chance to re-enter society with tin Luther King, Jr . We discussed appraisal of Project JumpStart . an opportunity to become produc- the need for re-entry programs for Holden emphasized, “Project tive and successful in their respec- the thousands of ex-offenders who JumpStart allows ex-offenders to tive life journeys . are returning to our communities rebuild their lives, providing op- To that end there should be across the nation . portunity and hope . We all have a more programs like JumpStart One such program I want to moral obligation to stop punishing in every city and state . We need highlight, Project JumpStart in people for their past actions once principled national, state and local Baltimore, Md ., is an effective and they have paid their debt to soci- leadership on all the key reform efficient model to reforming an ety . We need to build and support issues, in particular on overcrimi- important aspect of the criminal a culture of opportunity so that the nalization, re-entry training, pros- justice system: offender re-entry ex-offender leads a productive and ecutorial accountability, commu- workforce development . The con- purposeful life – Project nity policing, and restorative equal struction trades are a growing JumpStart is essential to that justice . Today, across America, we skilled-workers industry in most process .” urgently need more intellectual urban areas where there are high- Maryland, like many of other honesty about race and criminal paying job opportunities . states, disproportionately incarcer- justice reform . JumpStart is Baltimore’s premier ates African Americans . What will construction training program . It is happened to our brothers and sis- a 14-week skills training program in ters once they complete their pris- Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. is the plumbing, carpentry and the elec- on sentences? I support President President and CEO of the Nation- trical trade . Trainees also receive fi- Obama’s “My Brother’s Keeper” al Newspaper Publishers Associa- tion (NNPA) and can be reached nancial literacy coaching as well as initiative as one of a series of pro- for national advertisement sales practical courses in mathematics as grams targeted to keep our young and partnership proposals at: [email protected]; and for lec- it relates to the construction indus- people from entering prison . But tures and other professional con- try . Most importantly more than 70 we also have to be concerned about sultations at: http://drbenjamin- percent of the JumpStart trainees the millions of people who are now fchavisjr.wix.com/drbfc Page 10 July 30 - August 5, 2016 State & Local News www.ladatanews.com Diaz Market Offers Free Carwash for Cops

Harvey Brown a day in them, so we appreciate Data News Weekly what Diaz is doing for our officers .” Contributor Harrison was on his way to Ba- ton Rouge to attend the funeral for This past weekend the Diaz Car a fallen officer in the recent Baton Wash at 4701 Canal St . offered Rouge shooting . The superinten- free car washes for police officers dent voiced his concern for more through its new Car Wash for Cops positive interaction and partner- Weekend Program . Car Wash for ships between the police and the Cops Weekend is a partnership be- community . tween the Diaz Market and the St . The St . john Neighborhood As- John Neighborhood Association to sociation believed this token of show the community’s gratitude for gratitude is from the community the positive work of police officers . as a whole . Jim Danner, Vice-Pres- Police officers in Louisiana will ident and Public Safety Officer of be able to get free car washes on the St . John Neighborhood As- weekends at any of the six Diaz sociation spoke on organization’s Market locations . The location list behalf . includes Mid-City, Old Metairie, “The New Orleans Police Depart- Airport, Harahan, Marrero and Ba- ment and specifically the officers of ton Rouge . the First District have always given In the mix of recent police-cen- great service to the Faubourg St . tered shooting in Baton Rouge and John Neighborhood and they have Dallas, the Diaz Market and the St . Michael Harrison expresses gratitude to the community at the Carwash for Cops Weekend Press Confer- been very responsive to our needs John Neighborhood Association ence. and concerns,” Danner said . decided to show their appreciation “We wanted to do something ex- to cops in New Orleans . “We hope this small gesture en- nouncement for Carwash for borhood Association for leading tra to express our appreciation to “We hope that driving around in courages others in our community Cops . Harrison expressed his the way in defining a public-private the NOPD and we believed some- a clean patrol car gives our officers to do something to show their sup- gratitude for the community sup- partnership,” Harrison said . thing as simple as having them a little added moral boost, because port for police,” she added . port for police officers . “It’s a great morale boost for us driving around in a clean patrol car we want them to know they are ap- New Orleans Police Superin- “The New Orleans Police De- to be able to drive around in clean would be helpful for their moral preciated,” said Diaz Market Own- tendent Michael Harrison was partment appreciates Diaz Market cars . Our cars are our offices, and and feelings of being appreciated,” er Giselle Diaz Eastlack . invited to attend the official an- and the Faubourg St . John Neigh- we sometimes spend up to 16 hours he added .

Dollars & Sense, Continued from page 9. raged, I realize that throwing my munity relationship is at an all-time pathizes with Black officers who to get Black Lives Matter with the hands up in frustration won’t ac- low,” Muhammad said . “The lack of have a tough job . police on this stage together? I don’t complish anything,” he said . trust and respect with the police or He said he wants to build a understand that,” he said . Simmons continued: “RushCard the ‘Them vs . Us’ is not new . It goes bridge between them and the com- “In our community, we believe is prepared to help finance The all the way back to the Civil Rights munity and between the Black offi- we need a revolution . We need a Peace Keepers and the valuable era where we would watch on TV cers and their White counterparts . revolution in how we engage with work [The Peace Keepers founder] police sick the attack dogs, use fire “We have 25 cities where The police and vice versa, so revolu- Captain Dennis Muhammad is do- hoses, beat the marchers with night Peace Keepers are funded by Rush- tionaries create a discussion and ing in communities throughout the sticks, and we have also seen them Card,” Simmons said . “We want to we have to create organizations to country . I also look forward to part- use the butt of their guns . These im- work with police, not only in pro- guide you and, in some cases, give nering with NOBLE to bring law ages were seen all across America tecting our community, but building you direction .” enforcement to the table to build and left a bitter taste in the mouths a bridge so the future can be differ- Simmons appearance at the bridges that will ultimately save of Black Americans across the ent from where we are today .” conference was a reflection and lives .” country .” “Now, we come to this point in extension of NOBLE’s national Muhammad, who also attended Muhammad said that we no lon- time, where everyone knows how president’s recent role on a panel the NOBLE conference, said men ger view the police as friends and bad it is, because they see it on the that the RushCard founder con- in particular and the community in helpers, we see them as foes or en- iPhone and with the advent of the vened last month in Los Angeles general must take responsibility to emies . GoPro, we have awareness and to address the needs for reform in help make their neighborhood a de- “We need police, we cannot live with that awareness we want to pro- the criminal justice system, said more photos cent and safe place to live . That also in a lawless society . However, we mote change and positivity .” Dwayne Crawford, the executive means working in partnership with must not go backward, but move The biggest lament expressed director of NOBLE . more stories law enforcement, he said . forward and not give up on build- by Simmons was the absence of Crawford added: “NOBLE looks “However, due to the recent na- ing a relationship of mutual respect members of the Black Lives Matter forward to working with Rush- tional attention of police miscon- with the law enforcement commu- movement . Card and Russell Simmons to build more data duct and controversial shootings of nity,” said Muhammad . “If Black lives matter, you have bridges and strengthen communi- young Black males, police and com- Further, Simmons said he sym- to have dialogue . There was no way ties throughout the country .” www.ladatanews.com National News July 30 - August 5, 2016 Page 11 DATA CLASSIFIED Call 504-821-7421 to Hillary Clinton Looks to Build African place your classified ad. American Base with Top Staffers Job Opportunity Freelance and the waning tenure of the na- By Stacy M. Brown Writers tion’s first Black president . NNPA Newswire Contributor Wanted “I do feel that our message is get- As the presidential candidates ting across, especially given that a Data News Weekly, “The sprint towards the November 8 first-time candidate like [presump- People’s Paper, is looking for freelence writers to election, the Clinton campaign has tive GOP presidential nominee] join our team print and turned to seasoned, Black political Donald Trump is getting so much digital team. We want strategists to boost voter turnout in media attention,” Marshall said . to hear from you if you the African American community . “Trump is temperamentally unfit are a working journalist, or an aspiring journalist Last month, the Clinton cam- and he’s divisive . Trump is out for who has 2 years or more paign hired Nadia Garnett to lead himself and he’s not who Ameri- of newspaper or PR strategic efforts as the African- cans want as president of the Unit- writing experience. We American Vote Director . ed States .” need writers who can “We have a theory,” Garnett Both Marshall and Garnett said cover New Orleans news stories, ranging from said . “You have to meet people Clinton believes in developing and local high school sports, where they are . Where they eat, maintaining a strong economy for community events, City where they play and pray . We want all Americans and working with Hall and entertainment. to make sure that the African-Amer- U .S . allies . Experience in print is necessary, experience in ican community understands the When noting Trump’s slogan digital and social media secretary’s commitment and I don’t Marlon Marshall, who serves as director of state campaigns and politi- of “Making America Great Again,” are encouraged. think people fully understand her cal engagement for Clinton, is as seasoned as any individual in any Marshall said it’s just talk . story .” political camp. (Marlon Marshall) “Secretary Clinton believes in Compensation is Garnett has displayed her skills working together,” he said . “Trump competitive and great in ways that few have . In addition to Democratic presidential nominee person to hold that role . has catchphrases, but he’s unfit and story ideas will be serving as national political direc- Hillary Rodham Clinton . Marshall joined the White House he will not succeed .” appreciated. tor for the Center for Community Marshall’s colleague, Garnett is staff in September 2013 . Marshall continued: “She’s fight- Change, Garnett was also special also far from a political novice . In a Nov . 2015 CNN profile, sev- ing to bring back jobs and what’s If you are interested, please email your resume advisor in the Office of Presidential Garnett has worked with pollster eral Clinton aides credited Marshall also important to her, obviously and 3 writing samples to: Personnel at The White House . Cornell Belcher at his Washington, with helping to create a diverse with the horrible things that have terrybjones@bellsouth. She also served as eastern state D .C .-based Brilliant Corners and campaign team at the state and up- with the [police shootings], there’s net and datanewseditor@ director for The Atlas Project, a Garnett once served as a field di- per staff level . a huge need for criminal justice re- bellsouth.net. political research and data firm rector for the Democratic Congres- Plugged in staffers have helped form .” that works with electoral and issue sional Campaign Committee’s Inde- Marshall to make sure the cam- In part, Clinton wants resources advocacy campaigns . There, she pendent Expenditure . paign is tuned in with what people for training police officers . She also We can’t wait to coordinated campaign staffers, po- Together, the new hires could are talking about . has a global view of the future and hear from you! litical consultants, and state experts be viewed as the face of the Clinton When, for instance, video sur- what needs to be done, he said . regarding their role in developing, campaign in the Black community . faced of a Black high school student “One reason I’m excited about managing and executing campaign But, they also do much more in try- getting yanked from her chair by a her is that she gets it,” Marshall plans in presidential election years, ing to help the former First Lady school resource officer in South said . according to her bio . and Secretary of State become the Carolina, a digital staffer flagged It’s also important to recognize NBC BLK reported that Tamia nation’s first woman president . the incident and Marshall coordi- that Clinton has previously been Booker will serve as the director They are Clinton’s eyes and ears nated the campaign response . elected to office and knows the ins- of African-American outreach and and they lead her efforts to make One of his most important tasks and-outs of politics and the needs of Zina Pierre will work with pas- sure her message is known in every is helping the Clinton campaign American citizens, Garnett said . This space can be tors and Black churches as the state, including where the assump- navigate a cultural and political ter- Garnett added: “You don’t need campaign’s African-American faith tion is that the GOP will ultimately rain that includes a new civil rights someone who doesn’t understand director . The Clinton campaign carry that particular territory . movement, viral racial incidents these things .” tapped Joel Payne to be the director As Kerry’s southern political yours for only $80 of African-American paid media and director, Garnett also helped to es- LaDavia Drane is the campaign’s tablish and strengthen political rela- deputy director of congressional af- tionships with Democratic National fairs . Committee members, Congress, Marlon Marshall, who serves state and local elected officials and Call Now! as director of state campaigns and grassroots activists in Arkansas, political engagement for Clinton, is Florida, Louisiana and Virginia . as seasoned as any individual in any Once a key White House aide, political camp . Marshall has remained the highest- “I’ve been blessed to be a part of ranking African-American staffer this and I’m proud of our team,” said on any presidential campaign . He 504-821-7421 Marshall, 36 . “Thirty-seven percent organized for John Kerry in 2004, of our team out there in the states joined Clinton’s campaign in 2007, are people of color . We work hard to and then worked on both of Barack hire people who look like us .” Obama’s campaigns . The St . Louis-born resident The St . Louis native also served possesses a broad portfolio that as the national field director for the includes helping the campaigns of Democratic Congressional Cam- John Kerry and now presumptive paign Committee – the first Black N“SHE WAS ASKINGMORE FOR IT”

Domestic violence and sexual assault are never the victim’s fault. It’s time we all speak out to stop the violence. No more excuses. No more silence. No more violence.