Lighting The Road To The Future Sade The Soul of an Artist Data Zone Page 5 “The People’s Paper” August 6 - August 12, 2011 46th Year Volume 10 www.ladatanews.com Page 2 State & Local State & Local MFrancis Gallery Remembering Unveils 6 new paintings Tim Smooth Page 11 Page 10 Page 2 August 6 - August 12, 2011 Cover Story www.ladatanews.com Anthony Bean Community Theater and the Art of Giving Back The Cast of Anthony Bean Community Theater’s Production of CATS I wanted to do something different and to expose young people to opera and By Edwin Buggage show that African-American kids could do this play and I must say they did an excellent job,” remarks Bean . “Also with this production I was able to do a show that featured 75 Black kids and in turn take them outside of their comfort zone The Anthony Bean Community Theater has been a safe haven for young and they stepped up to the plate and knocked it out the park ”. people and also a place that for over a decade exposed kids and adults in New Anthony Bean says he is more than just an acting teacher . He says the skills Orleans to the world of theatre . “This is the 11th year that I have had a summer the kids obtain will help them live more productive lives, “The things I am try- program and I am always excited to see so many young people involved in such ing to impart on these young people is to give them things that will help them to a positive activity as theatre,” says Bean . be a success such as discipline, determination and dedication, I am just simply Over the years Bean has written and directed the plays performed by the using theatre as a way to teach these qualities,” says Bean of his commitment youth, but in recent years he has staged large scale productions of classic plays . to the youth of the city . Last year the students performed “The Wiz” and this year the kids did a produc- As the artistic landscape of the City is changing with many theatre compa- tion of the Broadway musical “Cats” to a capacity crowd . “I did “Cats” because nies struggling to survive ABCT is thriving on the heels of the runaway success Cover Story, Continued on next page. DATA NEWS WEEKLY INSIDE DATA P.O. Box 57347, New Orleans, LA 70157-7347 | Phone: (504) 821-7421 | Fax: (504) 821-7622 editorial: [email protected] | advertising: [email protected] Terry B. Jones Contributors CEO/Publisher Edwin Buggage Cover Story . 2 Commentary . 8 Glenn Jones Eric Connerly VP Advertising Christopher Mercadel & Marketing Marc H. Morial Cheryl Mainor Jafar M. Pierre Managing Editor Special Segment . 4 State & Local . 9 Edwin Buggage Art Direction & Production Editor MainorMedia.com Melanie Mainor Editorial Submissions Copy Editor Intern [email protected] Data Zone . 5 June Hazeur Advertising Inquiries Accounting [email protected] 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 August 6 - August 12, 2011 Page 3 Cover Story, Continued from previous page. Daughters of Charity Health Centers Doctors for your little ones PEDIATRICS Dr. Louis Bevrotte Dr. Mark Dal Corso Dr. Denise Woodall-Ruff Pediatrician Pediatrician Pediatrician Carrollton / Bywater Metairie Carrollton Anthony Bean (shown with Singer Irma Thomas and WWLTV Anchor Sally-Ann Roberts) said “I wanted to do something different and to expose young people to opera and show that African- American kids could do this play.” of the hit play “Reflections” a I am aiming to do is telling our them to learn how to produce play that chronicles the rise, fall stories and giving to the world a television show,” says Bean . and redemption of former New and each other a slice of our his- Continuing he says, “The show Orleans City Councilmember tory,” says Bean . is a positive outlet for them to Oliver Thomas . “I think why Continuing he says, “And explore the issues that concern Dr. Carolina Urbizo Dr. Eva Blanche Centanni Dr. Jay Dumas Pediatrician Pediatrician Dentist we have been able to be more through these performances them and it is informative as Carrollton Carrollton Carrollton successful than some other the- it is also about our young peo- well as entertaining and I am atre companies is that what we ple learning where they come proud of what the kids have have been able to do is service a from and having a respect for been able to create thus far .” community that the mainstream their heritage and traditions Helping the youth is Mr . theatre community has ignored and hopefully my camp can be Bean’s passion; he feels that and also we have given our audi- something that plants the seeds giving back to his community is ence stories that are relevant to for future generations to use the what gives his life meaning and their experience,” says Bean of stage as a space to let the world purpose, “I believe in Divine the niche that ABCT has been know who we are as a commu- Design and it has been a higher able to tap into . nity .” calling that has led me to living While Bean’s company has ABCT has partnered with a life that has been dedicated done the works of Pulitzer Prize the New Orleans Recreation to service,” says Bean . As an Winning Playwrights August Department (NORD) who has advocate for youngsters espe- Call Today for an Appointment! Wilson and Charles Fuller, he given Bean the financing to staff cially Black males he says what has also used his theatre as a his program with young people he does with his summer youth Carrollton space to showcase his own writ- from the community to serve as program serves as a deterrent 3201 S. Carrollton Ave. | 504-207-3060 ings and that of many talented teachers for his students . “I am for young people who may oth- Bywater/St. Cecilia individuals in the New Orleans grateful to all the help my NORD erwise be involved in behavior 1030 Lesseps St. | 504-941-6041 area, “My company’s goal is to partners have given me over that may lead to their demise .” Metairie give people a chance to express the years to help with providing As a young activist during 111 N. Causeway Blvd. | 504-482-0084 themselves through art, and me the resources to reach out the Civil Rights and Black Arts while some that come through and give talented young adults Movement, Anthony Bean saw Commercial Insurance and Medicaid Accepted the doors may aspire to become from the community a chance art as a way to make a differ- professional actors many are to teach and mentor every sum- ence in the world and today he just ordinary citizens looking mer,” says Bean . is still sounding the trumpet for a creative outlet and I think In addition to conquering the leading the charge . He is a dedi- this theatre serves as a valuable world of stage Anthony Bean cated individual who truly loves space for that,” says Bean . has a project that he says is his city and through his art giv- Being part of the New Or- “Hip-Hop meets Information” ing youth the tools to live a suc- ladatanews.com leans Theatre community for the show is called “Teen Trax” cessful life . “Acting and activism nearly four decades Bean is that airs at 11:30 on Saturday is what I live for,” says Bean . “I concerned in preserving a mornings on My 54 . It features feel that I was put here on this tradition of African-American ABCT kids and is hosted by earth to make a difference and theatre . Responding that it is rapper/actor Tony Felix, and is every day I see those kids and one of the main reasons he is shot, written and produced by the things they accomplish and so vigilant about helping train young people . “I felt it was im- know I have given them the the next generation for a life portant to put the power in their hope and the drive to succeed on the big stage . “I think what hands, also it is a great way for that gives me peace of mind ”. Page 4 August 6 - August 12, 2011 Special www.ladatanews.com Asante Awards Celebrate Accomplishments of New Orleanians By Eric Connerly creative arts in addition to citizens the best of what our city is about his older brother James Andrews and businessman Sherman Cope- Asante is a Swahili word that from the civic, business, law en- and that is the spirit of giving and and cousin Glen David Andrews . lin, business owner Don Hubbard, means thank you . On August 3, forcement and many other areas I just want to say thank you to all The marching clubs were also and former NOPD officer Roland 2011 throngs of people came out of endeavor . The purpose of the the award recipients for what they represented as a number of them Doucette who created many com- to witness and recognize many show was to highlight and award do for our city as we rebuild,” says were honored including the Black munity outreach programs for esteemed New Orleanians that the unsung heroes and sheroes of Lawrence Martin, founder of the Men of Labor . Also the scholar, young people while a member have given so much to this great the great City of New Orleans .