Lighting The Road To The Future
Grads Standout Data Zone Style Page 4 “The People’s Paper” July 4 - July 10, 2020 55th Year Volume 10 www.ladatanews.com
A Data News Weekly Exclusive Essence Fest 2020 The Party with a Purpose Goes
Tank Virtual
PJ Morton
Big Freedia Jon Batiste Page 2 Commentary National News Donald Trump failed Mississippi leadership during to Change crisis in America State Flag Page 6 Page 7 Page 2 July 4 - July 10, 2020 Cover Story www.ladatanews.com Essence Fest 2020 The Party with a Purpose Goes Virtual
Former First Lady, Michelle Obama Atlanta Mayor, Keisha Lance Bottoms
Washington D.C. Mayor, Muriel Me-Too Founder, Tarana Burke Bowser
New Orleans Mayor, LaToya Cantrell
Data News Staff Edited Report with Daytime Empowerment Experiences and the new normal have caused many large-scale Nighttime Concerts events being cancelled . But in the continuing All Streaming on ESSENCEStudios .com, June 25- spirit of making lemonade out of lemons, Essence Essence Fest 2020: The Party 28 and July 2-5 (This whole part in small print as Fest 2020 will go on as a virtual festival . It is ex- with a Purpose Goes Virtual subtitle) pected to as always bring people together for the First-Ever Virtual Festival Includes Two UNSTOP- As the COVID-19 Pandemic continues to change party with a purpose and an amazing display of PABLE Weekends of #ESSENCEFEST the way many are living their lives these days where Black Excellence .
Cover Story, Continued on page 3.
DATA NEWS WEEKLY P.O. Box 57347, New Orleans, LA 70157-7347 | Phone: (504) 821-7421 | Fax: (504) 821-7622 INSIDE DATA editorial: [email protected] | advertising: [email protected] Terry B. Jones Contributors Art Direction & Production Cover Story ...... 2 State & Local News . . 6 CEO/Publisher Pubinator.com Tracee Dundas Edwin Buggage Editorial Submissions datanewseditor@ Editor bellsouth.net DNW Staff Writers Data Zone ...... 4 National News . . . 7 . Sharonda Green Advertising Inquiries datanewsad@ Executive Assistant Rep. Maxine Waters bellsouth.net June Hazeur Distribution Commentary . . . 6. . On The Run Accounting Photos by Graduates Courier Services Please call 504-309-9913 for subscription information or to obtain a back issue of the paper ONLY. Dated material two weeks in advance. Not responsible for publishing or return of unsolicited manuscripts or photos. www.ladatanews.com Cover Story July 4 - July 10, 2020 Page 3
Cover Story, Continued from page 2.
Comedian and TV Host, Loni Love Entertainer, Tamela Mann Legendary Singer, Patti Labelle
Civil Rights Activist, Rev. Inspirational Leader, Bishop Legendary Rapper, Nas Singer, Songwriter and Humanitarian, Al Sharpton T.D. Jakes John Legend
What’s in Store val’s 26-year history, the much- www .essencefestival .com . ley, JoinDiamond Platnumz, Doug Voices of Change Under the leadership of Entre- anticipated celebration – which the conversation via social @Es- E . Fresh, Elephant Man, Estelle, Other culture-leaders and in- preneur Richelieu Dennis who pur- annually draws more than 500,000 senceFest . India .Arie, John Legend, Ledisi, fluencers raising their voices to chased ESSENCE in 2018, placing attendees and contributes almost NAS, Patti LaBelle, Raphael Saa- speak include: New Orleans, LA, it back in the hands of 100 percent $300 million in economic impact Empowerment and diq, Rapsody, Sauti Sol, Shaggy, Mayor LaToya Cantrell; Atlanta, Black Ownership . Since that time, over the July 4th weekend in New Entertainment Swizz Beatz and more, hosted by GA, Mayor Keisha Lance Bot- he and his team have expanded Orleans–will be produced as a Newly Announced participants Loni Love . toms; Chicago, IL, Mayor Lori this 50-year-old company into new fully virtual experience spanning include: First Lady Michelle Lightfoot; Washington, D .C ., May- frontiers extended it to audiences two weekends of programming Obama; Kerry Washington; Nao- New Orleans in the or Muriel Bowser; Ferguson, MO, globally . that entertain, empower, inspire, mi Campbell; Lena Waithe; Aye- Spotlight During Fest Mayor-Elect Ella Jones; San Fran- Essence today is the leading educate and mobilize . This year, in sha and Stephen Curry; Rev . Al Leading a special tribute to cisco, CA, Mayor London Breed; media, technology and Commerce partnership with Michelle Obama’s Sharpton; Marc Morial; Tamika the City of New Orleans will be Don Lemon; Ryan Michelle Company serving Black women national, non-partisan organization, Mallory; Tarana Burke; Jon Ba- Mayor LaToya Cantrell, PJ Mor- Bathe; Kirk and Tammy Franklin; and communities, today announced When We All Vote, ESSENCE will tiste; Chronixx; Michaela Coel; ton, Big Freedia, Irma Thomas, Lori Harvey; Ryan Destiny; Lexi new additions to its stellar line-up share voter registration and voting Wyclef; Iyanla Vanzant; Sarah Tank and The Bangas and Big 6 Underwood; Egypt Sherrod; for the 2020 ESSENCE Festival of resources . The Festival will also Jessica Parker; Iman Shumpert Brass Band . Also, featured in the Lisa Nichols; Master P .; Shaun Culture: Unstoppable Virtual Ex- include a benefit initiative to raise & Teyana Taylor . PLUS: Marco popular Sunday Gospel Get Lifted T .; Tabitha Brown and more . perience Presented by Coca-Cola . funds to support the critical needs Borges; Jemele Hill; Misa Hylton; Celebration are Anita Wilson, Bri These two amazing weekends Taking place June 25th-28th and and sustainability of Black and Jeanette Jenkins; MC Lyte; Jodie Babineaux, Erica Campbell, Fred are a testament to Essence and July 2nd-5th (Thursdays-Sundays) Brown entrepreneurs, micro and Patterson; Michael Jai White & Hammond, Greater Sound of its continued role as a leader in and streaming on ESSENCEStu- small businesses, and organizations Gillian White; Ebonie K . Williams; Greater St . Stephen FGBC, Jona- empowering Black People and dios .com, the multi-day experience focused on racial equity across the and many more . than McReynolds, Kierra Sheard, giving voice to the struggle for will extend to a global audience of U .S . For an up-to-date artist lineup The show is chockfull of amaz- Kirk Franklin, Koryn Hawthorne, equality and justice . In these viewers and feature virtual per- and schedule, click here . The 2020 ing talent and people can expect Marvin Sapp, Tamela Mann, The times where race is at the fore- formances, summits, panels and ESSENCE Festival is presented by incredible performances from: Clark Sisters, The Walls Group, front Essence is showing that more including leading musical art- Coca-Cola . Major sponsors include Headliner Bruno Mars plus: Tye Tribbett, and more, along it is committed to empowering ists, influencers and experts from Ford, McDonald’s, Walmart, My Amanda Black, Andra Day, Bell with Sunday sermons from Bish- people of African descent not around the world . Black is Beautiful, P&G . For more Biv Devoe (“BBD”), Burna Boy, op Paul S . Morton and Bishop only here in America, but all For the first time in the Festi- information and to register, visit Common, D-Nice, Damian Mar- T .D . Jakes . over the globe . Page 4 July 4 - July 10, 2020 Data Zone www.ladatanews.com Grads Standout Style
Tracee Dundas Fashion Stylist
These standout 2020 graduates slayed in the classroom and scored an A+ for their outstanding fashion style!
Photos Courtesy Of Graduates Booker T. Washington Nircha Williams As a New Orleans Fashion Week runway model, Nircha has been known to slay on the runway as a New Orleans Fashion Week runway model. Her fashion style speaks to her personality as which she describes as free-spirited, open-minded with a mix of modern and retro vibe.
University View Academy Amari Hurst Amari has been part of New Orleans Fashion Week’s as an intern since her freshmen year in high school. Over the years her fashion has evolved, but never straying away from her love for feminine, romantic styles that have a southern charm.
Visit www.ladatanews.com for more photos from these events www.ladatanews.com Data Zone July 4 - July 10, 2020 Page 5
Lusher Charter School Xavier University of Louisiana Zoe Kanga Jessica Nichols There’s a French term “BoBo” which means Bourgeois-Bohemian, Jessica’s fashion mantra is K.I.S.P. “Keep It Simple Period”. She likes which is defined as an unexpected mix of classy and care-free. This is to include a statement piece (anything from unique jewelry, handbag, a good descriptor of Zoe’s fashion style. or shoes); that will pop and elevate her outfit. “Life is too short to wear boring clothing, it’s important to keep it fun and not be a “cookie-cutter.” Zoe is a supporter of sustainable fashion and loves to thrift shop.
Cierra Johnson Dr. Canaan Cavalier, a Xavier University of Louisiana’s College of Pharmacy. As a visual artist, Cierra pulls her fashion inspo from Black Woman Fashion for Dr. Cavalier is about making a unique statement every day. Artists like Rico Nasty and Rihanna, maintaining a style that is colorful, He intends to maintain his unique style as he begins his medical ca- on-trendy and an artistic flare. reer. “Because when you look good, you feel good.”
Lee High School Benjamin Franklin High School Paige Foulcard Gabriel Allen Because of her busy schedule, Paige go-to fashion look is Street Style. Although his primary focus has been excelling academically (magna Her fashion choices can be described as tomboyish with comfort and a cum laude graduate); Gabriel likes to shine as well with his fashion hint of chicness. choice by pairing a muted color palate with expressive patterns and textiles. Keeping his fashion original and interesting over a brand name is his preference.
Visit www.ladatanews.com for more photos from these events Page 6 July 4 - July 10, 2020 Commentary www.ladatanews.com
‘Donald Trump is More Focused on Saving Statues of Slaveholders & Confederate Generals than Protecting Americans from the Coronavirus’
slaveholders, Confederate gener- coronavirus and call in U .S . mar- Donald Trump has defied the people is contemptible . als, and racists, than protecting shals to confront protestors who guidance of public health experts “We have a real, deadly public the health of living and breathing are taking down memorials to rac- and held two large public events health crisis on our hands, and Americans . ist Confederate generals and slave- that placed the lives of his sup- Donald Trump is more concerned “The United States remains holders . porters at risk . about statues and relics of the Con- the epicenter of the coronavirus “For months, my colleagues and “Instead of enforcing mask federacy and slavery than he is the pandemic, with more than 2 .4 mil- I have rung the alarm and done wearing and social distancing in survival of the American people . lion cases and more than 124,000 everything in our power to pass his events, he required attendees “He’s already had protestors in Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA) deaths . My home state of Califor- legislation that addresses the need to sign waivers to protect his cam- front of the White House forcibly U .S . House of Representatives nia, Arizona, Texas, and Florida for life-saving personal protective paign from being sued if attend- removed and tear-gassed for a pho- have seen their coronavirus cases equipment (PPE), increases test- ees contracted the virus . Donald to-op, now he is poised to do it again skyrocket in the past two weeks . ing capacity, provides ventilators, Trump has decried efforts to in- with protestors who are calling for “One would hope that the presi- “On Tuesday, Texas and Cali- and supports hospitals, community crease coronavirus testing, and the removal of statues and monu- dent of the United States would fornia set records for having more health centers, and frontline work- his administration has stripped ments to slaveholders and Con- rise to the level of leadership that than 5,000 coronavirus cases in a ers . federal funding for community federate generals who withdrew our country needs in confronting 24-hour period, and 33 states have “Instead of bipartisan action, testing sites in at least 13 states, from the United States and fought the deadly uptick in coronavirus reported a spike in their weekly av- we have been faced with opposi- including Texas, which is endur- against the Union in the Civil War . cases in America . Instead, we are erage of coronavirus cases . Instead tion from a president and a Repub- ing a sharp increase in coronavi- All patriots who love this country left with Donald Trump, an incom- of using the full power of his office lican party that are hiding their rus cases . and care about the well-being of its petent and heartless man who is to fight this deadly pandemic, Don- heads in the sand as thousands of “Donald Trump’s negligence citizens must unite and hold Donald more focused on saving statues of ald Trump would rather ignore the Americans die . In the past week, and lack of care for the American Trump accountable .”
State & Local News Data News Weekly Louisiana Encourages All To Get Out to Business Grant Program to Begin in July
Data News Staff Edited Report
Vote Many Louisiana businesses have been hit hard by the COVID-19 Pan- Early Voting Ends on July 4th demic and its impact is being felt as many struggle to survive and oth- ers are closing all together . The Louisiana’s State Treasurer, and the Election is on July 11th John Schroder says some small businesses harmed by the Corona- virus Pandemic should start seeing grants from a $300 million federally financed program beginning in July . The money is part of $1 .8 billion Let Your Voices in Direct Congressional Relief that Louisiana received to respond to COVID-19 . Most of the money is being used Be Heard at the Polls to fill state budget shortfalls amid the pandemic . But lawmakers set aside a portion for the small busi- Together We Can ness grants . Treasurer John Schroder told lawmakers Monday that he hopes Make A Difference to have distributed all of the aid over a few months . www.ladatanews.com National News July 4 - July 10, 2020 Page 7 DATA CLASSIFIED Call 504-821-7421 to Mississippi Legislature Approves place your classified ad.
Job Opportunity Bill to Change State Flag Freelance Data News Staff Edited proved the bill 91-23 . The bill was Writers Report then sent to the Senate, which Wanted passed it with a 37-14 vote . Republi- As the tide of history is turn- can Gov . Tate Reeves, said Saturday Data News Weekly, “The ing, the Mississippi Legislature that he will sign the bill . People’s Paper, is looking for freelence writers to made history Sunday, by ap- “Peoples’ hearts have changed . join our team print and proving a bill that will change That is for the better of the people digital team. We want the state flag and erase a Con- of Mississippi,” said Speaker of the to hear from you if you federate Battle Emblem that House Philip Gunn . are a working journalist, or an aspiring journalist many condemned as continu- The bill calls for the creation who has 2 years or more ing the legacy of a racist past of a nine-member commission of newspaper or PR for the state . that would meet to develop a new writing experience. We In a statement regarding this design that does not include the need writers who can issue, State Senator David Blount Confederate Battle Emblem and cover New Orleans news stories, ranging from said, “It’s a great day for Mississip- shall include the words “In God, local high school sports, pi . It’s the right thing to do .” We Trust .” They would report community events, City The flag has flown over the Capi- The movement to have Mississippi change its state flag was to the Secretary of State and the Hall and entertainment. overwhelmingly approved by the state senate. Gov. Tate Reeves said tol for 126 years . he would sign the bill and then a nine member commission will meet to design would go before voters in Experience in print is develop a new flag design. necessary, experience in The House overwhelmingly ap- November . digital and social media are encouraged. Compensation is competitive and great story ideas will be This space can be yours for only $80 appreciated. follow us on
If you are interested, please email your resume CALL NOW!!! and 3 writing samples to: terrybjones@bellsouth. net and datanewseditor@ 504-821-7421 @DataNewsWeek bellsouth.net.
We can’t wait to hear from you!
This space can be
yours for only $80
Call Now!
504-821-7421 Page 8 July 4 - July 10, 2020 www.ladatanews.com
THIS AD HAS BEEN CREATED TO BRING ATTENTION TO BLACK-OWNED BUSINESSES. Power is in Black voices. Power is in Black actions. Power is in Black wallets. Historically, Black people have been murdered for owning, thriving and being successful. To that, we say never again.
Roc Nation is committed to supporting Black entrepreneurs, their dreams, and companies. We challenge everyone to do the same.
Roc Nation is proud to provide a list of Black-owned local businesses suggested by New Orleans Data Weekly
ABRA C CA DA BRA BAIL N NBONDSMAN NJUAN N LAFONTA LAW FIRM N BASKINS & N ROBBINS N N.O. EAST KBABY C N PRODUCTIONS BLUE N FLAMINGO BAR & GRILL LE ROUX’S C C NCHICKEN C SHACK BLUE N JASMINE LET'S GO MOTORS BLUE NLION KARATE C ACADEMY M & J N RESTAURANT C CARL R. N N JOHNSON, C CPA CC MECCA N ESSENTIALS SALT & BATH C PRODUCTS DASH N NTRANSPORTATION N MONA’S CC N ACCENTS DOOK'S C PLACE N NEW N ORLEANS N FINEST C CAR SALES DOOKY C CHASE N RESTAURANT N NEYOW’S C CREOLE C CAFE N DUNBARS N RESTAURANT NON THE NRUN DELIVERY N DVINE C TOUCHES P J’S C COFFEE SHOP N N.O. EAST EMPOWER N NOLA ROBERT J. SPEARS FAMILY N DENTISTRY FAST C ACADEMY CATHLETIC N N TRAINING SASSAFRAS N RESTAURANT FRESH START C N C N COMMUNICATIONS, CLLC NSON OF A BAKER IRIS DEVELOPERS N NSWANSON N NC INSURANCE C JAVECO REALTY GROUP THE NC MUNCH C FACTORY N N JOHNSON’S SISTERS NN DA EAST THE WOOD NN FILE N NAIL NSALON
rocnation