Tasing of Black student in Jackson, La. leads to heightened racial tensions Jackson, La. (Special to The Louisiana Weekly)  - The use of a taser gun by police on 17-year-old Black student Timothy Mack inside his classroom has tensions rising in this sleepy southern town, 15 minutes north of Baton Rouge, Louisiana's capitol. The student refused to go to the principal's office to be disciplined after denying the principal's accusation that he smelled like smoke and must have been smoking. During the confrontation, Mack reportedly cussed Principal Bobby Washington, who is also Black, before going to class.  Read More ... Pat Bryant, Contributing Writer

Residents return after well blowout douses cane fields An early-August accident at a newly dug well in Assumption Parish ended when sand buried the structure two and a half weeks later. In the meantime, residents of the town of Paincourtville sought hospital services, six homes were evacuated, cane fields were covered with emissions, and a business and a racetrack were shut, parish officials said. Parts of two highways were closed. Millions of dollars in damages are being tallied now, and two class-action suits have been filed.  Read More ... Susan Buchanan, Contributing Writer

Property insurance assessments sitting unclaimed "Consumers are missing out on thousands of their own dollars," Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon told The Louisiana Weekly. More than $275 million in special property insurance assessments have not been reclaimed, and Louisiana policyholders will lose that money if they don't act before the year is over.  Read More ... Christopher Tidmore, Contributing Writer

Port Allen mayor and police chief indicted U.S. Attorney Donald J. Cazayoux, Jr., announced Wed­nesday that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Port Allen Mayor Derek A. Lewis, 49, and Port Allen Police Chief Frederick W. Smith, 39, with 22 counts of violating the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organi­zations (RICO) Act, mail fraud, wire fraud, use of an interstate facility in aid of racketeering, and forfeiture. If convicted, Lewis faces up to 190 years of imprisonment and a $3,500,000 fine. If convicted, Smith faces up to 130 years' imprisonment and a $2,750,000 fine.  Read More ...

La. loses friend in Murkowski's loss Last week, Alaska U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski conceded an unexpected GOP primary defeat to her Tea Party/Palin-supported opponent, Jim Miller.  With Murkowski's untimely exit goes Mary Landrieu's closest friend in the Upper House and Louisiana's best ally, as the Alaska also surrenders her position as ranking member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources committee-a body critically important for this oil producing state.  Read More ... Christopher Tidmore, Contributing Writer

Katrina's legacy is still painful (FinalCall.com) - While driving through the Lower Ninth Ward of the city, visitors might be shocked to see that most of it still looks the same as it did when the floodwaters of Hurricane Katrina struck-five years ago.  Read More ... Jesse Muhammad, Contributing Writer

Katrina's legacy is still painful (FinalCall.com) - While driving through the Lower Ninth Ward of the city, visitors might be shocked to see that most of it still looks the same as it did when the floodwaters of Hurricane Katrina struck-five years ago.  Read More ... Jesse Muhammad, Contributing Writer

HANO seeks public's input as agency creates blueprint for better future The Housing Authority of New Orleans is ushering in a new era of transparency by opening the agency's planning process to public comment on the agency's newly redesigned website. www.ha­no.org.  Read More ...

Danziger trial set for June 2011 A federal judge agreed Wednesday to move a trial for six current or former members of the New Orleans Police Department charged in the deaths of two men and the wounding of four other civilians on an eastern New Orleans bridge just days after Hurricane Katrina. The trial, slated to begin this month, has been moved back nine months and will begin in June 2011.  Read More ...

Thousands of children's lives permanently disrupted On the heels of observing the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and as National Preparedness Month approaches, New Orleans should now aim to achieve higher goals of awareness and preparedness, especially when it comes to children, according to the international non-profit organization dedicated to providing humanitarian aid, Save the Children.  Read More ... Kelly Parker, Contributing Writer

NAACP to monitor city's awarding of recovery project contracts Members of the New Orleans Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) held a Wednesday morning press conference to announce the launching of a Citizens' Compliance Campaign to demand enforcement of New Orleans City Code sec. 432.1 relative to local and disadvantaged businesses. NAACP leaders say the campaign will utilize all measures necessary to enforce compliance, particularly relative to the 100 projects recently announced by New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu.  Read More ... Edmund W. Lewis, Editor

Mary Queen of Vietnam Cmty receives grant to assist with oil spill fallout NeighborWorks America recently issued $225,000 in grant awards to four Gulf organizations going above and beyond to provide assistance to members of their communities that have been impacted by the BP oil spill.  Read More ... Kelly Parker, Contributing Writer

Louis Atkins elected first Black president of Nat'l Assn. of Postal Supervisors Louis M. Atkins, a St. Augustine High School graduation and longtime resident of Baton Rouge, La.  became the first Black president of the National Association of Postal Supervisors when he was elected at the association's National Con­ven­tion on August 13 in Orlando, FL.  Read More ...

Coca-Cola donates $25,000 to La. Outdoor Program for Youth On Aug. 24, Coca-Cola donated a $25,000 grant to America’s State Park Foundation to support outdoor recreational activities offered through the Louisiana Outdoor Outreach Program’s (LOOP) flagship project at New Orleans City Park.  The funding is earmarked for students attending Title 1 (high poverty) schools in New Orleans and provides for participation in LOOP activities such as water safety, canoeing, wilderness travel, camping, and back packing as well as academic and soft skills building. Students will also participate in team-building activities at City Park’s newly erected ropes course.  Read More ... Nayita Wilson, Contributing Writer

Five years after Katrina… Black women, children and the poor most vulnerable Poor women remain 'in limbo,' study finds Women of color remained, returned, or moved to New Orleans in low numbers relative to white women in the five years since Hurricane Katrina and the flooding of the city, according to fact sheets released Friday by the Institute for Women's Policy Research. There are also fewer single mothers, and especially single mothers living in poverty, today than before Katrina struck.  Read More ...

Black women hampered by gender and race post-Katrina In 2005, women made up slightly more than half of the New Orleans labor force (52.4%), and despite the obstacles to employment following Hurricane Katrina, women continued to be approximately half of all workers with nearly 55 percent of women over 16 years of age employed in 2008. The most significant decline in women workers was among African- Americans, echoing the greater loss of African-American women in the population of the city. Although there was a significant decline in unemploy ment following the storm, Black women continued to carry a disproportional share of the burden of unemployment.  Read More ...

Rice, crawfish farmers paid to host birds after spill To keep migratory birds away from oily areas along the Gulf Coast, the U.S. Dept of Agriculture is paying rice growers and landowners in Louisiana and other states to flood farms and pastures for habitat this fall. Birds need sustenance when they reach the southern U.S. on journeys that can exceed a thousand miles, often taking them to Central or Latin America.  Read More ... Susan Buchanan, Contributing Writer

Rebuilding Together’s ‘Fifty for Five’ commitment To commemorate the fifth anniversary of hurricane Katrina and continue the spirit of rebuilding New Orleans and the gulf coast, Rebuilding Together an­nounced its week-long event, Fifty for Five, taking place Aug. 24 — 28 in New Orleans.  Rebuilding Together’s Fifty for Five is a large-scale example of the organization’s continuing commitment to the revitalization of the areas affected by Hurricane Katrina. The event also seeks to spark national attention for the needs of the region’s low-income homeowners.  Read More ... Kelly Parker, Contributing Writer

Two NOPD officers plead not guilty in pre-Katrina beating death case Two New Orleans police officers entered not guilty pleas Friday in federal court to charges tied to a Treme man’s beating death about a month before Hurricane Katrina.  Read More ...

Obama to spend Katrina anniversary in N.O. President Barack Obama will visit New Orleans in late August, the White House said Friday, to mark the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, which devastated the city and much of the Gulf Coast.  Read More ...

National Bar Assn. to create Gulf oil disaster attorney database The National Bar Association (NBA) announced Tuesday that it is creating a database of attorneys and law firms that have the knowledge and expertise to assist residents in New Orleans and the Gulf region who decide to pursue legal recourse to resolve their Gulf oil disaster issues. The organization made the announcement in conjunction with its 85th annual conference which was held last week in the Crescent City.  Read More ...

Landrieu announces plans for Katrina 5 commemoration To commemorate the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina on Sunday, August 29, Mayor Mitch Landrieu on Thursday invited the citizens of New Orleans and throughout the metropolitan area to join him in an evening gathering to mark the milestone date in Washington Artillery Park, in front of the St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square. With the theme, “Commemoration and Determin­ation: Katrina V,” the special event will pay tribute to the resilience and hard work of the people of the city, while honoring those who lost their lives and loved ones.  Read More ...

La. ordered to provide mental health care for pretrial detainees In a victory for those unable to stand trial due to mental illness, a federal court ruled on August 9 that all detainees who have been deemed incompetent to stand trial by Louisiana courts and ordered to receive restorative treatment must be transferred to the Feliciana Forensic Facility within 21 days.    The court also ordered that a status report on the transfer of the detainees be submitted within 30 days updating the court on the implementation of its order.  Read More ...

Katrina can’t extinguish director’s fire or poignant play about N.O. murders’ riveting message Chakula Cha Jua is one of the most underrated theater directors in New Orleans. Although he never took the stage for the applause and accolades, he has won numerous awards, but still deserves wider recognition, if only for his longevity in the field: 40-plus years.  Read More ... L. Kasimu Harris, Contributing Writer

Four jailed Danziger cops seek to overturn judge’s bond denial Attorneys representing the four jailed New Orleans police officers accused in the Danziger Bridge shootings are trying to convince the magistrate judge who denied their clients bail last month to reconsider after hearing more evidence, including testimony from the FBI agent who handled the investigation.  Read More ...

Former Congressional staffer seeks 2nd District House seat Former Congressional staffer Gary Johnson , who is seeking to become the democratic nominee for the second congressional district, in an interview with The Louisiana Weekly,  “I am the only candidate who has worked in Congress. I have the practical experience of working with the leadership in Congress, the Senate, and the White House by helping craft key legislation to move this country forward. For Louisiana to truly benefit in Congress, we need someone who knows how to navigate Capitol Hill. We need a seasoned person with Congressional experience who will fight for the people as a concerned citizen.  Read More ... Christopher Tidmore, Contributing Writer

Despite the charter school movement… Blacks doubt ‘good education’ available in N.O. Five years after Hurricane Katrina devastated the city of New Orleans and displaced tens of thousands of its residents, an increasing majority of the city’s residents says the rebuilding process is going well, but substantial majorities still report that the city has not recovered and feel the nation has forgotten them, according to a new comprehensive survey of the lives and attitudes of New Orleans residents by the Kaiser Family Foundation.  Read More ...

Veteran activist touted as Community Champion Tambourine & Fan founder Jerome Smith was last week named New Orleans’ Community Champion as part of the Feeding Dreams grassroots initiative supported by General Mills that celebrates African Americans’ commitment to community service at the local level. Smith’s compassion for his neighbors is paired with a deep-rooted passion for creating a more vibrant city through the causes he champions daily in New Orleans’ neighborhoods.  Read More ...

Oyster growers weigh options in claims process Oyster growers seeking compensation for losses after the spill worry that payments will hinge on whether damages were from fresh-water flows ordered by Governor Bobby Jindal or the presence of oil. For troubled producers, it may take years for beds to recover from too little salinity in some areas and tar and other spill byproducts elsewhere.  Read More ... Susan Buchanan, Contributing Writer

State ranks 49th in nation for child well-being If the children can’t speak for themselves, then the numbers will. And numbers are talking, Loui­siana. On a national scale of one to 50, Louisiana’s children rank a distant 49th in child well being for the ninth consecutive year, according to statistics recently released by the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s KIDS COUNT Data Center.  Read More ...

JPSB votes to violate desegregation order Parents of hundreds of magnet school students were stunned Wednesday evening when the Jeffer­son Parish School Board voted 6-3 to cut all transportation services next year for students at the school system's four elementary academies for advanced studies - Metairie Academy, Gretna #2 Academy, Marrero Academy and the new Airline Park Academy.  Read More ... Christopher Tidmore, Contributing Writer

CNN to air documentary ‘New Orleans Rising’ The city of New Orleans has an ally in Soledad O’Brien. The CNN In America anchor and special correspondent continues to keep the spotlight on the city and its path to recovery post-Hurricane Katrina. Be it with the 2008 special “One Crime at a Time” or her most recent documentary, “New Orleans Rising,” an in-depth look at the rebuilding efforts of the residents of Pontchartrain Park; the pioneering middle-class community that saw some of the city’s first African-American homeowners.  Read More ... Kelly Parker, Contributing Writer - 1 opinion posted

NOPD officers indicted in beating death Two New Orleans police officers were charged by the Justice Department Thursday in the beating death of a 48-year-old man who was allegedly assaulted by the cops and later dropped off at a hospital where he died of a ruptured spleen.  Read More ...

N.O. to host Traditional Jazz Camp for Adults The First Annual Traditional Jazz Camp for Adults is being held August 1-6 at the Bourbon Orleans Hotel in the French Quarter. Musicians from all over the world are coming to the city to take musical instruction from some of the best musicians our city has to offer. Group, ensemble and private lessons are offered.  Read More ...

Louisiana Missionary Baptist elects N.O. pastor In a historic election, the Rev. Dr. C.S. Gordon, Jr., was recently elected president of the Louisiana Missionary Baptist State Convention. Pastor Gordon previously served as the General Secretary for 18 years, Recording Secretary from 1990 - 1993 and as a member of the Finance Committee.  Read More ... 3 opinions posted

La. Supreme Court Justice Johnson to be honored for civil rights commitment Johnson will be president the Distinguished Civil Rights Advocate Award in recognition of her stellar civil rights achievements and efforts to address racial, economic and social injustice, at a reception hosted in conjunction with the National Bar Association’s 85th Annual Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana on August 11 event.  Read More ...

Feds to add dispersant test to seafood safety tools The Gulf fish you ate recently may have tasted fine but you might have wondered if it was tested for the dispersant COREXIT-used by BP to break oil into smaller pieces. Seafood inspections since the spill have been mostly sniff tests for oil. The National Oceanic and Atmos­pheric Administration, however, says a new dispersants test for seafood is in the works and should be ready soon.  Read More ... Susan Buchanan, Contributing Writer - 1 opinion posted

Delays, cost overruns may save neighborhood What had seemed impossible only a month ago, suddenly entered the realm of reality over the last week. The news that the new LSU Medical Center would take at least another six months over its original estimated opening date, and cost millions more than was originally proposed for its construction left some senior state officials wondering if the demolition of a historic, 19th-century neighborhood in Mid-City was the best answer.  Read More ... Christopher Tidmore, Contributing Writer

‘Swimming Upstream’ production to commemorate Fifth Anniversary of Katrina “We are still swimming up­stream,” said Carol Bebelle, executive director and co-founder of Ashé Cultural Arts Center — alluding to New Orleans’ continuing struggle to rebuild since Hurricane Katrina struck and the government-build levees failed — during a press conference Wed­nes­­day, July 28, where she discussed the upcoming performances of “Swimming Upstream” at the Mahalia Jackson and Apollo theatres in September. The performances coincide with the Fifth Anniversary of Hur­ricane Ka­trina.  Read More ... Valentine Pierce, Contributing Writer - 1 opinion posted

Deltas bring hope, energy and activism to N.O. As the Crescent City prepares to observe the five-year anniversary of hurricane Katrina, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is heading to the city to celebrate a significant feat.  Read More ... Kelly Parker, Contributing Writer

Congresswoman takes up plight of Gulf’s fishermen of color Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-35), an outspoken advocate for Gulf Coast residents, fishermen and businesses harmed by the oil spill, participated in a House Judiciary Committee hearing entitled "Ensuring Justice for Victims of the Gulf Coast Oil Disaster."  Read More ... 1 opinion posted

Political strategist Donna Brazile returns home with empowerment message Normally you’d find Washington political insider Donna Brazile huddling Democratic Party leaders on the best ways to get constituents to the polls. Or you may view her on CNN, NPR or ABC, where she is a regular contributor and commentator who advocates on behalf of the voiceless and other people on the margins.  Read More ...

Indicted officers will remain behind bars Six officers with the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) were charged Tuesday in connection with the federal investigation of a police-involved shooting on the Danziger Bridge in the days after Hurricane Katrina, the Justice Department announced Tuesday. The incident resulted in the death of two civilians and the wounding of four others.  Read More ...

HUD retains Gilmore Kean, LLC to lead Housing Authority of N.O. After conducting a competitive national search for a long-term administrator to lead the Housing Authority of New Orleans (HANO), the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced Friday that the current receivership team, Gilmore Kean, LLC will continue to lead the agency from recovery to revitalization over the next three years.  Read More ... 1 opinion posted

Globalstar moving its corporate headquarters from Calif. to La. Last week, Gov. Bobby Jindal joined Globalstar Inc. (NASDAQ: GSAT) CEO Peter Dalton, Globalstar Inc. Chairman Jay Monroe, Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Stephen Moret, St. Tammany Parish President Kevin Davis, St. Tammany Economic Development Foundation Executive Director Brenda Reine Bertus, and Greater New Orleans Inc. President and CEO Michael Hecht to announce that Globalstar will relocate its corporate headquarters to Covington, La. from Milpitas, Calif.  Read More ... 1 opinion posted

Former Algiers resident charged with shooting Blacks after Katrina Roland J. Bourgeois Jr., 47, currently a resident of Columbia, Miss., was charged Thursday in a five-count indictment with conspiring to commit a hate crime, committing a hate crime with a deadly weapon and with intent to kill, making false statements and obstructing of justice in connection with a shooting that happened in the days after Hurricane Katrina.  Read More ... 1 opinion posted

Downsville, La. man pleads guilty to hate crime The Justice Department an­nounced recently that Robert Jack­son, 37, of Downsville, Louisiana, pleaded guilty in federal court to placing a hangman’s noose in the carport of the home of a family in order “to send a message” to African-American males who had been frequently visiting the victim’s home. Jackson entered a plea to violating the Fair Housing Act by intimidating and interfering with another’s housing rights because of race.  Read More ...

Deal reached for N.O. East hospital On Friday, New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu announced plans to deliver a full-service hospital in New Orleans East. After renegotiating a flawed real-estate deal with Universal Health Services (UHS), Landrieu announced that the City will purchase the Pendleton Memorial Methodist Hospital site for $16.25 million - representing a cost $23.75 million in savings for the real estate deal alone. Landrieu laid out a plan to renovate and open the hospital for a projected cost of $110 million - resulting in projected total savings of $53 million for the taxpayers.  Read More ...

Danziger Bridge is just the beginning On Tuesday, federal officials charged six current and former New Orleans police officers in connection with the killing of civilians in the days after Hurricane Katrina. The six are not only accused of murder but also of conspiring to hide their crime through secret meetings, planting evidence, inventing witnesses, false arrests, and perjury. Four of the officers may face the death penalty.  Read More ... Jordan Flaherty, Contributing Writer

Three youngsters looking for a family Summer seems to brings out the playfulness in all of us. Having a home of their own to play in would make summer an even more delightful time for these boys who are seeking families to love.  Read More ...

Parents sue RSD for handcuffing 6-year-old A New Orleans couple recently filed a lawsuit against the Recovery School District after learning that their six-year-old son was dragged down a hallway and handcuffed to a chair after a dispute with a classmate, the Southern Poverty Law Center reported last week.  Read More ...

N.O. faces $67M deficit In a State of the City Address entitled "Eyes Wide Open," Mayor Mitch Landrieu told a packed audience at Xavier University on Thursday, July 8, 2010, "During the transition, we were told that the city had a $35 million deficit. If that was not bad enough, when my team got into City Hall, we opened the books and after a thorough audit found that the budget deficit was $62 million."  Read More ... Christopher Tidmore, Contributing Writer - 1 opinion posted

Landrieu orders 45-day moratorium on home demolitions "We can stop the hospital," activist Eileen Comiskey declared to The Louisiana Weekly. "People don't believe it, but there is still time to stop the VA hospital from destroying this neighborhood. It's not too late."  Read More ... Christopher Tidmore, Contributing Writer

Area faith-based group announces new construction training program On Thursday, July 8, Orleans Parish Criminal Sheriff Marlin Gusman and the Isaiah Institute, a group of 30 faith-based organizations, presented a progress report on its 12-week on-the-job-training program for young adults in the greater New Orleans area.  Read More ...

Rev. Thomas Smith Sr., civil rights leader, dies The Rev. Thomas A. Smith Sr., a civil rights leader who filed a lawsuit to end racial segregation in St. Tammany Parish schools and was a founder of the St. Tammany Parish Voters League, died on June 24, in New Orleans. He was 83.  Read More ...

The Eve of Qualifying With just days remaining until qualifying opens for the fall elections, rumors abound about possible surprise candidates, both in the party primaries and general elections, that could throw the carefully planned schemes of the front-runners aft astray – as was well demonstrated on Monday morning when Councilman At-Large Thomas Capella decided to abandon the Parish President's race and run for Assessor. Read More ... Christopher Tidmore, Contributing Writer

MAAFA to hold 10th Commemoration of our Ancestors In an effort to engage the New Orleans African-American community and embrace the legacy of the Middle Passage, Ashé Cultural Arts Center presents MAAFA —In celebration of Our Ancestors on Saturday, July 3. This marks the 10th annual community-wide commemoration that honors the memory of the millions of African people and their descendants who suffered or perished during the period of African capture and enslavement in America.  Read More ... Kelly Parker, Contributing Writer

Local youths awarded scholarships for national training The NORD/NOBA Center For Dance, a cultural community partnership between the New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) and the New Orleans Ballet Association (NOBA), has awarded five local dance students between the ages of 11 and 18 scholarships to train this summer at prestigious dance programs around the country. Every year, the NORD/NOBA Center For Dance, through funds raised by the Men and Women of Fashion’s Prix d’Elegance Luncheon and the Ballet Resource And Volunteer Organization (BRAVO), provides scholarships for talented students in the NORD/NOBA Center For Dance Pre-Professional Program to continue their studies through advanced training during the summer at national programs.  Read More ...

Landrieu appoints new NORD director New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu announced the appointment of Victor N. Richard, III, as director of the New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD). NORD provides the public with a wide variety of recreational events, programs, and venues. As director, Vic Richard will be charged with coordinating the various services provided by the department, including developing strategies and policies for staff, coaches, and volunteers to facilitate a more effective agency. He has immediately begun addressing the summer camps and aquatics programs.  Read More ...

Ex-S&WB member sentenced to over 21 years in prison Benjamin L. Edwards, Sr., 56, a former member of the Board of Directors of the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (S&WB) was sentenced in federal court today by U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk to over 21 years (262 months) for wire fraud and tax evasion, announced U.S. Attorney Jim Letten.  Read More ... 2 opinions posted

SMART Saving plan tours the state The Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance took its START Saving campaign on the road, spreading the word that saving early for a college education can mean more money later.  Read More ... Kelly Parker, Contributing Writer - 1 opinion posted

THE DEBATE: Does deepwater drilling moratorium place Louisiana’s economy in peril? Ripple effects could be huge as companies begin shifting resources from the Louisiana Gulf to other states and nations because of the federal ban on exploratory, offshore drilling, state leaders warn. Twenty five of 33 deepsea, Gulf of Mexico rigs have shut down or are in the process of closing since President Obama in late May extended a ban on deepwater Gulf drilling from 30 days to six months.  Read More ... Susan Buchanan, Contributing Writer

Residents, leaders weigh in on latest NOPD indictments Mrs. Elouise Williams could not have been happier when she heard the news that three current and two former members of the New Orleans Police Department had been indicted for the post-Katrina murder of Henry Glover, a victim whose charred remains were found in a burned car on an Algiers levee that is near a police station.  Read More ... Edmund W. Lewis, Editor - 1 opinion posted

La. cops probe oil spillvworkers for immigrant gangsters (Special to New America Media from Colorlines) — Federal immigration agents visited Louisiana oil spill command centers and checked workers’ immigration status at the request of the St. Bernard Parish sheriff’s department, which said yesterday that it is “concerned about criminal elements” coming into the area. The sheriff’s office harked back to Katrina, arguing that criminals posing as immigrant workers came rushing into the area then, too, and vowed to continue probing oil spill workers.  Read More ... Brentin Mock, Contributing Writer

Area youth treated to baseball, pizza and civil rights lore Sometimes in life, everything goes just perfectly and the stars align to create a truly magical moment. Well, such alignment and magic certainly occurred last Wednesday for 130 very fortunate participants who experienced a day of sports, civil rights and royalty.  Read More ... Danielle Viguerie, Contributing Writer - 2 opinions posted

Landrieu revamps New Orleans DBE, contracting procedures On Thursday, June 4, 2010, Mayor Mitch Landrieu signed Executive Orders that enact sweeping reforms of city contracting procedures. In doing so, the newly inaugurated Chief Executive attempts to weigh transparency reforms long advocated by good government groups like the Bureau of Governmental Research and critics in the African-American community that worry such changes might exclude minority contractors from the bidding process.  Read More ... Christopher Tidmore, Contributing Writer - 1 opinion posted

Federal response grows as oil spill spreads As BP tries to stop the gusher near Louisiana's coast, President Obama has signaled  in recent weeks that the federal government will more closely manage efforts to combat the Gulf oil spill. On June 1, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder opened a criminal investigation against BP to determine whether laws were broken in the April 20 Deepwater Horizon explosion.  Read More ... Susan Buchanan, Contributing Writer - 1 opinion posted

Dispersants add to Gulf spill’s toxic threats A month after BP's oil-rig explosion on April 20, over 800,000 gallons of dispersants had been applied  to Gulf waters, including 100,000 gallons that were injected underwater. Helicopters distribute the chemical cleaners, or deodorized kerosene, on the ocean's surface, while robots dispense them deep in water.  Read More ... Susan Buchanan, Contributing Writer

50 years ago: Remembering an uprising May 26 is a special day in my life. Fifty years ago, I was a part of the graduating class at McKinley High in Baton Rouge. We broke the peace. This was back in the good old days for some and the beginning of the end of segregation in that city. In March of that year, students from Southern Univer­sity had begun  a sit-in and a mass march had upset the applecart and joined the protests that were being mounted around the south.  Read More ... Chuck Siler, Contributing Writer - 2 opinions posted

2nd-grader shares love of books with schoolmates For a second-grader, Kevin Cooley Jr. has a lot on his plate. He’s a top-rated student, avid reader, fledgling athlete, philanthropist and the youngest-ever Big Chief of the Young Guardians of the Flame.  Read More ... Edmund W. Lewis, Editor - 1 opinion posted

5th cop charged in Danziger shooting cover-up Another former police officer has been charged in connection with the federal investigation of the shootings on a New Orleans bridge in the days following Hurricane Katrina.  Read More ...

Common Ground Relief to cut ribbon on first model home and new home-building program in N.O. On Thursday, May 27, at 10:30 a.m. Common Ground Relief Co-Founders Sharon Johnson and Malik Rahim and Director of Operations Thom Pepper will cut the ribbon and open the doors to invited guests and members of the media to tour Maison Marquette, the organization’s beautiful, spacious new model home, located at 1804 Deslonde St  Read More ...

Entergy gets nod to offer ‘Smart Meters’ Smart meters, also known as Advanced Meter Infrastructure or AMI, reportedly provide customers with near real-time energy usage information enabling customers to make decisions about energy consumption and possibly adjust lifestyles to help conserve energy.  Read More ...

Fishermen grow wary as lawyers swarm after spill Southeast Louisiana's mostly grounded, commercial fishermen say they've been ap­proached by lawyers since the BP oil spill but some of them are reluctant to participate in lawsuits so early in the disaster.  Read More ... Susan Buchanan, Contributing Writer

New study gives N.O. school system post-Katrina a failing grade After Hurricane Katrina destroyed much of the public school infrastructure in New Orleans, Louisiana embarked on a massive effort to rebuild the entire New Orleans public school system, launching the nation’s most extensive charter school experiment. The goal was to provide a quality education to all New Orleans students, regardless of race, socioeconomic class, or where they live.  Read More ... 1 opinion posted

The art of sticking it out Some children’s introduction to art commences with stick figures. Letting their imaginations run wild, they carefully create slender images of themselves and family members in innocent autobiographical sketches. For many, a gift is realized in those instances, and future artists emerge.    Read More ... Nayita Wilson, Contributing Writer

Mayor Landrieu to Host Community Meeting for Oil Spill-Affected Businesses and Workers New Orleans mayor Mitch Landrieu is hosting a community meeting tonight at the Lindy Boggs International Conference Center at the UNO Research & Technology Park. The meeting will focus on businesses and workers who have been or may be impacted by the oil spill. Read More ... 1 opinion posted

Tulane students disciplined for supporting low-wage workers in protest Less than two months after Tulane University President Dr. Scott Cowen praised students and faculty for standing up for what they believe to be mistreated food-service employees on campus, the university decided to charge four student leaders with Code of Conduct violations that includes abusive or disorderly conduct.  Read More ... Edmund W. Lewis, Editor

NOMA director ends his tour at museum On his desk in an office, tucked away in the museum basement are negatives of an upcoming exhibit to commemorate the 5th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and an array of photography books.  Behind E. John Bullard are various photos, celebrating 37 years as Director and CEO of the New Orleans Museum of Art.  He will step down officially on Sept. 1, to serve as director emeritus; former director of the Princeton University Art Museum , Susan Taylor, replaces Bullard in the executive position.  Read More ...

HUD, FEMA extend DHAP in La. and Texas for Gustav and Ike U.S. Housing and Urban Deve­l­opment Secretary Shaun Donovan and Federal Emergency Man­agement Agency Admin­istrator Craig Fugate announced Thursday a second extension to the Disaster Housing Assistance Program-Ike (DHAP-Ike), giving families who were displaced by Hurricanes Ike and Gustav more time to transition to long-term housing solutions. This extension increases the total length of the program to two years for eligible families.  Read More ...

Gulf oil spill adds to woes of minority fishermen The state's coastal fishing industry is a gumbo of Vietna­mese, Cambodian, Laotian, African-American, Native American and Hispanic boat and dock owners, deckhands and other workers. The industry includes Caucasian ethnic groups, like the entrenched Cajun community, Croatians and others from the former Yugoslavia, along with the Islenos-originally from the Canary Islands.  Read More ... Susan Buchanan, Contributing Writer

FEMA - Black officials work toward partnerships after Katrina WASHINGTON (NNPA) — FEMA’s botched response to Hurricane Katrina in 2005 reduced the Federal Emergency Manage­ment Agency (FEMA) to a different four-letter word in the eyes of many, especially African-American New Orleans residents, who were disparately victimized and displaced by the storm and the floods that killed more than 1,800 people.  Read More ... Pharoh Martin, NNPA National Correspondent

Drug bust or racist revenge? At 4 a.m. on July 9, 2009, more than 150 officers from 10 different agencies gathered in a large barn just outside Jena, Louisiana. The day was the culmination of an investigation that Sheriff Scott Franklin said had been going on for nearly two years. Local media was invited, and a video of the Sheriff speaking to the rowdy gathering would later appear online.  Read More ... Jordan Flaherty, Contributing Writer

Landrieu's Police Chief Choice Controversial While a diverse group of New Orleans leaders on the NOPD superintendent search committee posed questions to the six final candidates to fill the vacancy at the top of the city's embattled police department, the final decision about who would take over the helm was left up to New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu. Just three days after being sworn into office, Landrieu made that decision clear: Former NOPD Officer Ronal Serpas, a New Orleans native who left the department in 2001, would assume leadership of the troubled department. Read More ... Edmund W. Lewis

With Love, Mama It's been said that a mother's love is the closest thing any of us will find to heaven on earth. It is empowering, ennobling, forgiving, inspiring and unrelenting. It also gives us the fuel and courage we need to chase our dreams and step out daily into a harsh and unforgiving world. Read More ... David T. Baker

Mitch Landrieu's Next Steps Mayor Mitch Landrieu ended his inaugural speech on Monday, May 3, with a challenge to the people of New Orleans to take one step together in unity.  Read More ... 1 opinion posted

Reed teachers return from Spring Break to teacher's lounge makeover While the teachers of Sarah T. Reed Senior High School were off on their spring break two weeks ago, volunteers worked to transform their staff lounge into a haven for creativity and rejuvenation. Read More ...

With love, mama It's been said that a mother's love is the closest thing any of us will find to heaven on earth. It is empowering, ennobling, forgiving, inspiring and unrelenting. It also gives us the fuel and courage we need to chase our dreams and step out daily into a harsh and unforgiving world.  Read More ... David Baker, Contributing Writer

The next steps One Step has become the fifth stanza of his anthem “One Team, One Fight, One Voice, One City,” a sort of reformist paraphrase of Dr. Robert Schuller’s “Inch by Inch, it’s a cinch; Yard by Yard, it’s hard.” Moving together, step by step, in reform and accountability, the message of the mayor is that we, the people, can build the city of our dreams.  Read More ...

Reed teachers return from spring break to teacher lounge makeover While the teachers of Sarah T. Reed Senior High School were off on their spring break two weeks ago, volunteers worked to transform their staff lounge into a haven for creativity and rejuvenation. Walls were painted, carpet installed, and a new kitchenette and workspace were constructed. The makeover is the result of the efforts of numerous local and national partners who donated time, materials and funds to provide the education professionals of Reed a new staff space.  Read More ...

Oil Spill taking a toll on residents, wildlife and economy Nearly three weeks after an oil rig explosion in the Gulf of Mexico that claimed 11 lives and set off a panic about a major environmental disaster, there still appear to be few definitive answers about the extend of the disaster or its impact on the human and wildlife inhabitants that call the region home.  Read More ...

Landrieu's police chief choice controversial While a diverse group of New Orleans leaders on the NOPD superintendent search committee posed questions to the six final candidates to fill the vacancy at the top of the city's embattled police department, the final decision about who would take over the helm was left up to New Orleans Mayor Mitch Lan­drieu. Just three days after being sworn into office, Landrieu made that decision clear: Former NOPD Officer Ronal Serpas, a New Orleans native who left the department in 2001, would assume leadership of the troubled department.  Read More ... 2 opinions posted

Tribute honors first 100 Black La. CPAs The Greater New Orleans Chapter of the National Asso­cia­tion of Black Accountants (NABA) and the Harrison-Rochon, CPAs Edu­ca­tional Foundation, Inc. paid tribute to Louisiana’s First 100 African-American Certified Public Accountants. Over 375 attended the inaugural gala held at the Westin Hotel New Orleans on April 2, 2010 to celebrate the distinguished trailblazers who overcame social and educational barriers to become the first of their race to become Louisiana CPAs.  Read More ...

Oil spill posesmajor threat to seafood industry, environment As oil from a massive spill caused by an oil rig explosion in the Gulf of Mexico continued to pour into Louisiana's ecologically rich wetlands Friday, elected officials and experts wondered about the long-term ecological and economic effects the accident will have on the state and its inhabitants.  Read More ...

Fourth NOPD officer pleads guilty in Danziger cover-up A fourth former New Orleans police officer pleaded guilty last week to helping cover up deadly police shootings of unarmed residents after Hurricane Katrina.  Read More ...

7th Ward—Tremé Kids/Resource Fair slated for May 15 The Phoenix of New Orleans (PNOLA), a non-profit rebuilding organization dedicated to supporting the recovery of New Orleans, recently announced that the 2nd Annual 7th Ward — Tremé Kids/Resource Fair will be held on Saturday, May 15, 2010, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Sojourner Truth Neighborhood Center located on the corner of Lafitte and N. Galvez.  Read More ...

Xavier to present honorary degree to N.O. music legend Dave Bartholomew at 83rd Commencement Bartholomew, a trumpet player, composer, arranger and producer, helped develop and define the New Orleans sound which was so influential in the 1950s. He was key in the transformation from jump blues and big-band swing to rhythm and blues and rock and roll.  Read More ...

University cafeteria workers strike to protest poor working conditions In response to what they call rampant mistreatment by food-service contractor Sodexo, about 35 cafeteria workers at Tulane and Loyola universities went on strike Friday. The one-day work stoppage is in protest of what organizers describe as Sodexo's attack on workers' right to raise their families out of poverty by forming a union with SEIU Local 21LA.  Read More ...

La.’s rate of suspensions, expulsions far above national rate Families and Friends of Louisiana's Incarcerated Children (FFLIC) and the National Economic and Social Rights Initiative (NESRI) joined Tuesday with education advocates, parents, and students on the steps of the Louisiana Capitol Building to release "Pushed Out: Harsh Discipline in Louisiana Schools Denies the Right to Education."  Read More ...

Eleven workers are missing after oil rig explosion A rig known as Deepwater Horizon, operating approximately 41 miles offshore from Louisiana, caught fire on Tuesday night, putting workers lives in danger and posing a potential environmental catastrophe. News reports confirm that 126 people were on the rig at the time. Eleven workers still haven't been found.  Read More ...

Daughters of Charity Services to open new health center in Bywater DCSNO’s careful renovation has preserved the 1928 façade and used the building’s internal structure to house a 24,000 sq. ft. facility that includes 12 exam rooms, five dental rooms, one procedure room, lab and pharmacy. Located at the corner of Lesseps and Rampart Streets, Daughters of Charity Health Center-St. Cecilia will offer primary care, pediatrics, dental care, pharmacy services and community space to members of the local community.  Read More ...

Black homicide rate rises in N.O. as it falls nationwide (NNPA) - The story of Germane Harris' murder has been told many times before. So many times in fact that many newspapers no longer prominently run stories like his. Unfortunately, Harris' story, like so many other Black men who were killed in a major city, became nothing more than an easily missed news blurb buried under dozens of others.  Read More ... Pharoh Martin, NNPA National Correspondent - 2 opinions posted

Perry hopes to turn mayoral popularity into legislative success As a mayoral candidate, James Perry turned some political heads with fresh ideas that promised to reform the moribund city government.   He hopes to bring the same spirit to Baton Rouge as a candidate for the District 93 seat on May 1.  Read More ... Christopher Tidmore, Contributing Writer

Fourth officer charged in Danziger Bridge case A one-count Bill of Information filed Friday in federal court charges New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) Officer Robert Barrios with conspiring with fellow NOPD officers to obstruct justice by covering up a police-involved shooting in the days after Hurricane Katrina, the Justice Department announced Friday.  Read More ...

FBI agrees to probe another NOPD shooting Perez added that federal civil rights investigators were in New Orleans last week and that their presence continues to grow as the probe of the New Orleans Police Department and its role in more than a half-dozen post-Katrina shootings expands. Monitoring the department and playing an active role in the operation of the department are just two of several options the Justice Department is considering, he added.  Read More ...

Broad-based coalition voices support for Sodexo workers The efforts of Sodexo workers at Tulane and Loyola universities and Recovery School District employees to secure better wages and working conditions got a major boost last week after a New Orleans City Council special hearing that allowed those who are employed by Sodexo and labor activists working on their behalf to share their stories with councilmembers.  Read More ...

Tulane part of effort to support betterworking conditions for Sodexo employees Across the country, students are demanding that university presidents take action to defend on-campus workers from corporate giant Sodexo. Facing daily disrespect on the job, unsanitary conditions and receiving poverty wages, Sodexo workers on campus have been standing up to their bosses, and students have begun to take their fight to university presidents, who make the decision to contract with corporations like Sodexo.  Read More ... Edmund W. Lewis, Editor

Non-elderly, disabled rental assistance available Thousands of Americans with disabilities will have housing assistance specifically targeted to meet their needs, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Shaun Donovan announced last week.    Read More ...

Janet Jackson added to Essence Fest lineup Multiple Grammy Award-winning, recording artist, actress and songwriter Janet Jackson will now add another first to her iconic career when she makes her Essence Music Festival debut this Fourth of July weekend - July 2, 3 and 4 - in New Orleans as the third and final headliner.  Read More ...

Former Gretna City Councilman convicted on all 13 counts U.S. Judge Lance Africk had Bolar immediately placed in custody and set bail at $500,000 cash or property.  Read More ...

Dillard University appoints Charles Teamer to serve on new hospital board Dillard University selected Dr. Charles C. Teamer, Sr. to serve as its representative on the board that will govern the proposed Uni­versity Medical Center in New Orleans.  Read More ...

‘Danziger 7’ cover-up unraveling Until last Wednesday, federal prosecutors' probe of the 2005 Danziger Bridge shootings had focused solely on the conspiracy to cover up what took place on the eastern New Orleans bridge on September 4, 2005.  Read More ...

Corps awards $59M in construction contracts to reduce risk to West Bank The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District, recently awarded three contracts totaling $59 million, to build levees up to the 100-year level of risk reduction elevations on the west bank of St. Charles and Jefferson parishes.  Read More ... 1 opinion posted

La. Legislative Black Caucus urges Buddy Caldwell to drop health reform suit On the first day of session, members of the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus met with Louisiana Attorney General, James "Buddy" Caldwell, and asked him to drop his suit constitutionally challenging the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.  Read More ... Katrina Rogers, Contributing Writer

HUD awards grants to help low-income families receive job training, employment U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan announced Tuesday that public housing agencies across the U.S., Guam and Puerto Rico will receive nearly $49.3 million to provide low-income people with the necessary job training to put them on a path toward self-sufficiency.  Read More ...

Xavier selects Alden J. McDonald Jr. for hospital board representative Xavier University of Louisiana has selected founding president and CEO of Liberty Bank and Trust Company and community leader Alden J. McDonald, Jr. as its representative on the board that will govern the proposed Uni_versity Medical Center (UMC), formerly Charity Hospital. In a letter to Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal dated March 29, 2010, Xavier President Dr. Norman C. Francis officially submitted Mr. McDonald's name for inclusion on the hospital governing board.  Read More ...

1st member of 'Danziger 7' charged FBI also indicts convicted felon for lying about Danziger Bridge shootings On Tuesday, March 30, NOPD officer Michael Hunter became the first of the 'Danziger 7' - seven New Orleans police charged with murder and attempted murder charges in a Sept. 4, 2005 shooting that left two people dead and wounded four others - to face federal charges.  Read More ...

Tulane Univ. food service employees seek unionization Members of four student organizations and faculty of Tulane University gathered last week to express their support for the institution's food service employees, who have been seeking to form a union with their counterparts at Loyola University.  Read More ... Edmund W. Lewis, Editor

OPSO and NOFD dedicate Warren McDaniels Work Release Center The Warren McDaniels Work Release Center houses approximately 100 inmates, who possess or are working to obtain full-time employment. While in the work-release facility, inmates are transported to and from their jobs by Sheriff’s deputies, where their work status is monitored.  Read More ...

New Orleans native strikes out on his own After high school, Foy attended Southern University-Baton Rouge for a year before returning to New Orleans to enter the job market. Over the years he held a number of jobs, including a seven-year stint as a patient assistant at Methodist Hospital in eastern New Orleans. While working at Methodist in December 1989, Foy ran across a classified job listing that led him to a job that opened up a new world of possibilities to the former Gentilly resident.  Read More ... Edmund W. Lewis, Editor

McDonogh 35’s Talented in the Theater Arts travelling to Paris to perform Staff members of the French Consulate in New Orleans, McDonogh 35 administrators, including school principal Phillip White and parents were on hand to honor the group of artists at a reception held Thursday evening at the Prytania Street residence of the Consulate General of France.    Read More ... Kelly Parker, Contributing Writer

HUD study weighs cost of first-time homelessness for individuals and families When an individual or a family becomes homeless for the first time, the cost of providing them housing and services can vary widely, from $581 a month for an individual's stay in an emergency shelter in Des Moines, Iowa to as much as $3,530 for a family's monthly stay in emergency shelter in Washington, D.C. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on Thursday released three studies on the cost of "first-time" homelessness; life after transitional housing for homeless families; and strategies for improving access to mainstream benefits programs.  Read More ...

Did a white sheriff and D.A. orchestrate a race-based coup? In the small northeast Louisiana town of Waterproof, the African-American mayor and police chief assert that they have been forced from office and arrested as part of an illegal coup carried out by the region’s white political power structure. In a lawsuit filed last week, Police Chief Miles Jenkins describes a wide-ranging conspiracy led by the area’s district attorney and parish sheriff.  Read More ... Jordan Flaherty, Contributing Writer - 2 opinions posted

Police brutality allegations made against Houma Police Dept. Claims of police brutality against the Houma Police Department continue, while Police Chief Todd Duplantis admits to the Terrebonne Parish NAACP that the matter remains under investigation.  Read More ... Howard J. Castay, Jr., Contributing Writer

ODC dismisses complaint against LJI co-director The Office of Disciplinary Counsel (ODC) of the Louisiana Attorney Discipline Board announced on March 12 that it has completed its investigation and has formally dismissed the complaint filed by the ODC on behalf of the New Orleans City Council against Louisiana Justice Institute (LJI) Co-Director Tracie Washington.  Read More ...

Crime summit set for March 24-26 in New Orleans An international/national crime summit that will bring hundreds of people from across the U.S. and around the world together to find solutions to violence and crime will be held in Central City March 24-26 at Israelite Baptist Church, 2100 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, in New Orleans, LA. The conference theme is "Global Initiatives in the Prevention of Violence and Crimes."  Read More ... Edmund W. Lewis, Editor

Author to discuss ‘Breaking the cycle’ of incarceration The author, of the book, The One that Got Away will hold a free seminar titled: "Breaking the Cycle" Friday, March 26 at the Community Book Center, located at 2523 Bayou Road, from 6 to 8p.m.  Read More ... Kelly Parker, Contributing Writer

National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day recently observed As the fifth annual National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS awareness day approached, we were reminded there are now approximately 1.1 million people living with HIV/AIDS in the United States. According to a 2009 report published by the Kaiser Family Foundation, women and girls are increasingly affected by HIV/AIDS, accounting for nearly 25 percent of the total HIV/AIDS cases in the U.S., a number that has continued to rise during the last 20 years of the epidemic. Women of color, particularly Black women, represent the majority of new HIV infections and AIDS cases and the majority of women living with the disease.  Read More ... Kelly Parker, Contributing Writer

Landry announces for 3rd Congressional District seat The race to succeed Congres­sman Charlie Melançon picked up a new Republican candidate last week as Jeff Landry, a New Iberia attorney, jumped into the Third District U.S. House race. He directed former state Sen. Craig Romero’s unsuccessful bid for Congress in the 3rd District in 2006, and ran for Romero’s old state Senate seat in 2007, narrowly losing the runoff election to Troy Hebert. He joins Democrat Ravi Sangisetty amongst the announced candidates.  Read More ... David Gereighty and Christopher Tidmore, Contributing Writers

Former NOPS employees can proceed with class-action The state Supreme Court has decided not to block a class-action lawsuit challenging the dismissal of New Orleans public school employees following Hurricane Katrina.  Read More ...

7th Annual N.O. Int'l Human Rights Film Festival opens Patois: New Orleans International Human Rights Film Festival kicked off Thursday, March 11, and runs through March 21. This year’s festival features an impressive 11 days of programming that will not only include films that address social justice issues and celebrate successes in the global struggle for human rights, but breath-taking performances as well as workshops and speakers that offer concrete solutions to some of today’s most pressing justice issues.  Read More ...

Thousands come out to showcase their ‘Sunday Best’ BET's Sunday Best held auditions in the Crescent City on February 27, as it gears up for its third season of higher praise and tougher competition with Gospel legend Kirk Franklin again hosting the hit singing showcase and competition that's scheduled to premiere on Easter Sunday, April 4.  Read More ... Kelly Parker, Contributing Writer

NOFD Supt. Parent named Fire Chief of the Year Louisiana State Fire Marshal H. “Butch” Browning Jr. announced Thursday that New Orleans Fire Department Superintendent Charles Parent has been awarded Louisiana “Fire Chief of the Year” Award.  Read More ...

Big steps on a long journey DALLAS (Special to the NNPA from The Dallas Examiner) — During the Civil Rights Movement, some of the biggest steps toward justice were taken by the country’s youngest citizens. One of which was 14-year-old Carlotta Walls. She was the youngest of 10 students, chosen out of 117 Black students to attend Little Rock Central High School, an all-white school. The students were chosen based on academic success and good attendance.  Read More ... Robyn H. Jimenez, Contributing Writer

9th Ward residents’ ‘Call for Action’ The cold of winter descended on New Orleans this year, and the green grass quickly faded to brown. As spring approaches, there's hope that the greenery will soon reappear. In the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans, however, Henry Holmes, a community resident and owner of Holmes One Stop, said such seasonal transitions are the only consistent changes he sees in that area.  Read More ... Nayita Wilson, Contributing Writer - 1 opinion posted

The St. Bernard Project launches new program The St. Bernard Project (SBP), a non-profit organization whose mission is to help Hurricane Katrina survivors rebuild their homes and lives, launched its Good Work Good Pay (GWGP) program Thursday to employ local, returned war veterans to rebuild homes for Hurricane Katrina survivors.  Read More ...

Run-off election is Saturday In our collective hangover of joy and celebration from the Saints’ victory, let us not stand unaware that the task of electing our city leaders — and hence embarking on a new beginning for Orleans Parish--remains incomplete until the polls close at 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 6, 2010.  Read More ...

Jefferson and daughter enter guilty pleas Betty Jefferson, the sister of former U.S. Congressman William Jefferson, and her daughter Angela Coleman both entered guilty pleas to conspiracy to commit mail fraud, aggravated identity theft, money laundering, and tax evasion.  Read More ...

Forme rcop admits to Danziger Bridge cover-up Four and a half years ago, with 80 percent of New Orleans inundated with Hurricane Katrina floodwaters, seven members of the New Orleans Police Department shot and killed two men and wounded four others as they attempted to cross an eastern New Orleans bridge.  Read More ... 1 opinion posted

Circle Food Store owner presents plans to City Council Since 2007, Circle Food Store owner Dwayne Boudreaux has reached out to the 7th Ward and Tremé communities, to gauge the significance of bringing back one of the community’s staples for more than 70  years. On every occasion, residents came out to show their support and the need for an area market.  Read More ... Kelly Parker, Contributing Writer

The resurrection of ‘The Baby Dolls’ The origins of the Baby Dolls are debated. Some say their beginnings lie with the painted ladies of Storyville.  Others believe it originated from within the home of one of New Orleans's favorite families - the Batiste clan. Specifically, Alma Trepagnier Batiste, around 1912.  Read More ... Alicia Edwards, Contributing Writer

Report: Serious flaws in HANO operations The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on Thursday issued the results of its 90-day assessment of the Housing Authority of New Orleans (HANO), which found that the agency has been impeded by severe management, operational and staffing problems. The operational assessment was prepared by Gilmore Kean, LLC, the consultant HUD named in October 2009 to stabilize and assess HANO.  Read More ...

A look at ‘our history’: The lady and the lens No doubt the 2010 Mardi Gras will be remembered as one of the biggest and most memorable with the first ever Super Bowl appearance and victory by the New Orleans Saints football team.  The city, known to throw a party for any reason, is still reeling from its success.    Read More ... Girard Mouton III, Contributing Writer

Southern’s ‘Human Jukebox’ featured in The New York Times On a steamy October evening here some 200 members of the Southern University Human Jukebox assembled on a campus parking lot, braving vicious mosquitoes, puddles and eye-stinging sweat to perfect, among other things, its spry signature step: the Jaguar rock.  Read More ...

Report released on working conditions in local restaurant industry This past Tuesday, The Restaurant Opportunities Center of New Orleans (ROC-NOLA) unveiled findings of a recent comprehensive report in their efforts to improve working conditions and provide better career opportunities for employees in the city’s most valuable economic sector.  Read More ... Kelly Parker, Contributing Writer - 1 opinion posted

Zulu embarks on its second century of revelry, service Early in 1909, a group of New Orleans laborers  of color who had organized a club named "The Tramps," went to the Pythian Theater to see a musical comedy performed by the Smart Set. The comedy included a skit entitled, "There Never Was and Never Will Be a King Like Me" about the Zulu Tribe...  Read More ...

Increasing number of South La. residents seek emergency food assistance A study released last week by Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana (GNOA) and Feeding America, the nation's largest domestic hunger-relief organization, reports that more than 262,800 people, including 82,000 children and 40,000 seniors, receive emergency food assistance each year through Second Harvest Food Bank and its 235 faith-based and nonprofit member agencies. Second Harvest Food Bank reaches approximately one half of the population in poverty in the 23 south Louisiana parishes it serves, stretching from the Mississippi border to the Texas state line.  Read More ...

Disaster Housing Assistance Program-Ike is extended On February 4, U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Shaun Donovan and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate announced an extension to the Disaster Housing Assistance Program-Ike (DHAP-Ike), giving approximately 11,000 families who were displaced by Hurricanes Ike and Gustav more time to transition to longer-term housing solutions.  Read More ...

9th Ward group takes fight for K-8, high school to the community Last week, the Lower 9 School Development Group spoke out to the local media, holding FEMA and the Recovery School District accountable for financial support promised to rebuild schools in the area.  Read More ... Kelly Parker, Contributing Writer

White House holds first human rights meeting in New Orleans Members of the Obama administration traveled to New Orleans last week to solicit information and recommendations regarding the federal government's fulfillment of its obligation to protect human rights. New Orleans is the first of several cities where the administration will hold human rights consultation sessions with civil society.  Read More ...

Mary McCleod Bethune School receives $5,000 donation from local foundation The FairPlay Foundation of New Orleans has made a contribution of  $5000 to the Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary School thanks to the group’s annual golf outing.  The foundation’s donation represents the proceeds of the 2009 New Orleans Celebrity Open Golf Tournament held in June at Stonebridge Country Club.  Read More ...

Displaced seniors return home to N.O. This month and next, when displaced senior citizens return to New Orleans to live in the newly constructed, The Terraces on Tulane, an affordable housing community, it will be a chance for them to share in a joyous homecoming. Evacuated by boat, helicopter and bus, their stories are many, their experiences are amazing. The scars of Hurricane Katrina remain, and most of them lost everything, but all are grateful to be back.  Read More ...

9th Ward group demand K-8, high school for community The Lower Ninth Ward residents still face trying obstacles in their efforts to rebuild their community. Four and a half years after Hurricane Katrina, the lot that housed the only high school below the Industrial Canal remains unoccupied.  Plans of a state-of-the-art elementary and high school have come to a halt because monies to have been made available to the area by FEMA have now been granted to other communities.  Read More ... Kelly Parker, Contributing Writer

Racing against the Super Bowl clock It is almost a dream of a weekend to come.  The Saints in the Super Bowl on Sunday, and Mardi Gras parades rolling down St. Charles Ave on Saturday afternoon, as people tailgate and celebrate the big game the next day.   Read More ...

Twists, turns, latest poll results in N.O. mayoral race Scott Brown's stunning 51.9 percent victory in the Mass. U.S. Senate race on Tuesday, Jan 19th, might not only end any chance that the Senate will vote again on the Democratic Healthcare bill, but it might also end the one liability preventing Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu from winning the mayor's race in the primary.    Read More ... Christopher Tidmore, Contributing Writer

Sequel to ‘When the Levees Broke’ announced Seven months prior to the fifth anniversary of the storm that forever changed the Crescent City and the Gulf Coast, renowned filmmaker Spike Lee announced he plans to make good on a promise.  Read More ... Kelly Parker, Contributing Writer

Louisiana Black history: Football in January On January 16, 2010 the Saints won a game that left the city positively giddy. That night obscure linemen got standing ovations at restaurants chosen for post-game meals; middle-aged white men exchanged fist bumps with Black teenagers in parking lots, Hispanics and Asians earnestly engaged in accented evaluations of team prospects for next week.  Read More ... Jay Lake, Contributing Writer

UNCF to host 64th NAC/52nd NPAC Leadership Conference in N.O. Feb. 3-7 The United Negro College Fund (UNCF), the nation's largest and most effective minority education organization, will host its 64th National Alumni Council (NAC)/52nd National Pre-Alumni Council (NPAC Leadership Conference) from February 3-7 in New Orleans at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel. The theme for this year's conference is "Challenge-Choice-Change." Hundreds of HBCU students, alumni, faculty, staff, presidents and supporters will participate in workshops, panels, roundtables and college fairs to help expand their abilities to support minority education through fundraising, recruitment and advocacy.  Read More ...

La. joins world in offering aid to Haiti Where will all the money go? Louisiana was among a growing list of states and international governments offering aid to Haiti after Tuesday's major earthquake.  Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal announced Friday that the State of Louisiana is in constant contact with federal officials to offer any needed assistance to Haiti in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake there.  Read More ...

Her crime? Sex work in New Orleans (Special to The Louisiana Weekly from ColorLines Magazine) Tabitha has been working as a prostitute in New Orleans since she was 13. Now 30 years old, she can often be found working on a corner just outside of the French Quarter. A small and slight white woman, she has battled both drug addiction and illness and struggles every day to find a meal or a place to stay for the night.  Read More ... Jordan Flaherty, Contributing Writer - 5 opinions posted

Homeowner credits HANO program for her ability to 'put down roots' More than a week after becoming the 120th homeowner through the Housing Authority of New Orleans Homeownership Program, Chequila Carter is still in a "state of shock" from having her own place.  Read More ...

Reggie Wayne to build entertainment complex in N.O. Reggie Wayne Enterprises will hold a groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday, January 12, 2010, at 2:00 p.m., to mark the start of a new entertainment development on the site of the former Belle Promenade Mall. The ceremony will take place on the Promenade Boulevard median between Lapalco and Barataria boulevards.  Read More ...

MLK Jr. Multicultural Awareness March slated In honor and remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and in response to the city’s need to increase cultural diversity amongst its youth, St. Augustine High School would like to extended an invitation last week to local schools, organizations, and/or groups, to participate in the first-ever MLK Jr. Multicultural Awareness March.  Read More ...

Council, Nagin administrators grapple over Auditorium project The New Orleans City Council tackled a number of controversial issues last week, including Mayor Ray Nagin's decision to select a circle of his associates to re-develop the Municipal Auditorium.  Read More ...

For the second consecutive year For the second consecutive year, the U.S. Census Bureau has accepted a challenge by the City of New Orleans and has increased the July 1, 2008 population estimates upward by nearly 25,000.  Read More ...

Willie Mae’s Scotch House is still a taste of Southern cuisine (Special to the La. Weekly from The Urban Conservancy) — Located at 2401 St. Ann St., just two blocks off the path of the Lafitte Greenway, Willie Mae’s Scotch House has been a culinary institution for more than 50 years.  Willie Mae Seaton, the restaurant’s namesake and proprietress for most of its long history, originally opened the famous business in 1956 as a bar on Tremé St.  A year later, however, the young business moved to the corner of St. Ann and North Tonti St., where it has been ever since.  Read More ... Ethan Ellestad, Contributing Writer

Vietnamese community continues landfill battle (Special from New America Media) - Tung Duc Tran's backyard is a lush tangle of life. On a steamy New Orleans summer day, Tran, 80, leaves the cool of his small home to stroll under the trellises hung with bitter melons and fuzzy squash shading an assortment of carefully tended crops. The garden consumes the modest yard sloping down to the Maxent Lagoon, a canal whose waters are nearly obscured by an explosion of aquatic vegetation laced with a few old tires and other trash.  Read More ... Kari Lydersen, Contributing Writer

Let’s just call it poetic purpose At 27 years young, Toya “T.Church” Thomas is using her poetic gift to teach the community and local and regional artists and musicians how to show love through giving. Each month, she hosts “Party With a Purpose,” a benefit concert for an organization or cause that she has identified as an “object of affection.”  Read More ... Nayita Wilson, Contributing Writer

Black males remain disproportionate victims of homicides (Taylor Media Services) -  Much of the nation cheered last week when the FBI announced that violent crime in America had fallen since 1991. But according to an analysis by the Washington, D.C.-based Heritage Foundation, young Black males are continuing to be killed (most often by one another) at "an alarming rate."  Read More ...

Teammates, loved ones say goodbye to Chris Henry, 26 An estimated crowd of about 1,500 gathered at the Alario Center on the West Bank Tuesday to say goodbye to Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chris Henry, who died after falling from a vehicle five days earlier. Among them were Henry's loved ones, teammates, coaches and the commissioner of the National Football League.  Read More ...

TCA appoints Thelma Harris- French its president and CEO The Board of Directors and staff of Total Community Action (TCA) on Dec. 17 announced the appointment of Thelma Harris-French as president and CEO of the venerable New Orleans social service agency.  Ms. French replaces interim director Pearlie H. Elloie who headed the agency after the death of longtime TCA chief, Dr. Peter W. Dangerfield in 2008.  Read More ...

Orleanian turns 100 on Christmas One New Orleans family had more joy and cheer to spread this Christmas. Mrs. Alberta Moliere turned 100 years old on December 25.  Her family celebrated the occasion with a party in her honor at the Clarion Inn Westbank on Saturday December 26.  Read More ... Kelly Parker, Contributing Writer

Jefferson aides’ sentences reduced, ailing niece awaits trial A federal judge in Alexandria, Va. on Tuesday reduced the prison term for Jefferson's former congressional aide, Brett Pfeffer, from eight years to a little more than three years. Earlier this month, Kentucky businessman Vernon Jackson also had his term reduced from seven-plus years to three years and four months.  Read More ...

HUD to assist homeowners grappling with drywall problems HUD officials announced Tuesday that FHA-insured families experiencing problems associated with problem drywall may be eligible for assistance to help them rehabilitate their properties. In addition, HUD's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program may also be a resource to help local communities combat the problem.  Read More ...

Minorities, poor most vulnerable to hurricanes A recent demographic study of the areas previously ravaged by massive hurricanes found that the people most likely to be affected by catastrophe tend to be poorer minority persons with household income and median home value well below state or regional averages.  Read More ...

Youth of the city speak to the necessity of providing a safe environment Last week, results from a recent survey showed that many New Orleanians are not satisfied with the efforts of the NOPD regarding crime in the city. Adults in our city aren’t the only ones concerned about the sudden increase in violence in our streets.  Read More ... Kelly Parker, Contributing Writer

Saints’ fan base growing nationally Though Saints fans awakened to a damp, gloomy last Tuesday after the black & gold’s big Monday night win against the New England Patriots, nothing could dampen the spirits of those all over the city; celebrating the team’s historic 11-0 record. But the chants of Who Dat can actually be heard far beyond than the city limits. Despite living in different zip codes, fans from afar couldn’t be more thrilled to cheer on their home team as they make a run for the Super Bowl.  Read More ... Kelly Parker, Contributing Writer

Rev. Connie Marie Thomas, minister and public servant, laid to rest The Rev. Connie Marie Thomas, pastor of Trinity and Union Chapel United Methodist Churches, Bunkie, La., was laid to rest on December 4. She died on Tuesday, November 24, after a life of service and a lifelong commitment to doing God’s work.  Read More ...

Pam Dashiell, community activist, dies In addition to her work with the Lower 9th Ward Center for Sustainable Engagement and Develop­ment, Dashiell’s contributions to bettering New Orleans included a stint as president and board chair of the Holy Cross Neighborhood Association  and a founding member of Citizens Against Widening the Industrial Canal.  Read More ...

New Orleans celebrates restoration of the NORD Atkinson/Stern Tennis Center On Thursday, December 3, Mayor C. Ray Nagin, the City of New Orleans Capital Projects Admin­istration and the New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the completion of a project to restore the Atkin­son/Stern Tennis Center, 4025 S. Saratoga St.  Read More ...

Jeff. Parish Housing Authority urged to reopen Section 8 waiting list The Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Action Center (GNOFHAC) on Tuesday criticized the process by which the Jefferson Parish Housing Authority (JPHA) recently opened its Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP, or “Section 8”) waiting list. A notice posted on the JPHA website on November 23, 2009 invites Jefferson Parish residents to fill out a “pre-application” form online, or request the form by mail between November 23 and November 30. The online form was removed at the close of business on November 30, and JPHA’s notice stated that mailed requests received after November 30 or hand-delivered “will not be processed.”    Read More ...

HANO chief suspends voucher program director for alleged ethics violations Newly appointed HANO manager David Gilmore suspended the agency’s acting Housing Choice Voucher director Naomi Roberts without pay on Tuesday after learning that Roberts’ son is a private landlord benefiting from federal rent subsidy payments.  Read More ...

The Miracle of Versailles The Versailles community is nearly thirteen miles from downtown New Orleans and stands in the wreckage of thousands of moldy abandoned houses that were once home to the thriving black “New Orleans East” community. Yet in the midst of this despairing landscape, Versailles Village unfolds like a beautiful flower.  Read More ... Lance Hill, Contributing Columnist

Young sons of slain Southern student given scholarships by the university Two days before Thanksgiving, Southern University officials generously awarded full scholarships to the three young sons of senior engineering major Michael Bailey, who was killed in California last month.  Read More ...

Local radio broadcaster is living out her dream Local broadcast news personality Monica Pierre is teaching us even in times of economic hardship, it still doesn’t cost to dream. Beginning in December, Pierre will begin a month long tour of motivational speaking, called Dream Out Loud.  Read More ... Kelly Parker, Contributing Writer

Greater St. Stephen F.G.B.C. re-opened its eastern N.O. location on Thanksgiving Day Greater St. Stephen Full Gospel Baptist Church (GSS), one of the largest churches in New Orleans, had much to be thankful for last week as it re-opened the doors of its New Orleans East location (5600 Read Blvd.) to attendees for the first time in more than four years on Thanksgiving Day.  Read More ...

Live oral history recording of Rebirth Brass Band at the LHC on Dec. 9 On Wednesday, December 9, the Louisiana Humanities Center will present the fourth installment of “As Told By Themselves: The New Orleans Brass Bands,” a live oral history project. In this edition, the Rebirth Brass Band will discuss their history with Nick Spitzer of “American Routes.” A live performance follows the discussion.  Read More ...

Judge finds Army Corps negligent! U.S. District Judge Stanwood Duval late Wednesday ruled in favor of residents who alleged the Army Corps' shoddy oversight of the Mississippi River-Gulf Outlet led to the flooding of New Orleans' Lower Ninth Ward and neighboring St. Bernard Parish.  Read More ...

Jefferson allowed to remain free during appeal A federal judge ruled Wednesday that former U.S. congressman William Jefferson can remain free from jail until the appeal process has run its course, a process that may keep him out of jail for at least a year.  Read More ...

BAYOU CLASSIC XXXVI prepares to kick off The turkey, ham, oyster dressing and potato salad have not even been prepared or served yet, but some minds are already focused on this weekend's annual matchup between Southern University and Grambling State University in the Louisiana Superdome.  Read More ...

N.O. area Entergy customers see lower utility bills Thanks in part to lower natural gas prices and a one-time refund, Entergy  Louisiana customers who use 1,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity in November can expect to see a bill of $65.39. That's more than $58 lower than last November's costs of $124.03 for 1,000 kWh and reflects a drop of 47.3 percent.  Read More ...

N.O. ranks 15th in U.S. for preventable pedestrian deaths The report authors note that most pedestrian deaths are preventable, because they occur on streets that are designed to encourage speeding traffic and lack safe sidewalks, crosswalks, pedestrian signals and other protections. Fixing these problems is a matter of will on the part of state departments of transportation and local communities, and of shifting spending priorities, the report concludes.  Read More ...

Orleanians nearing retirement still struggling after Katrina WASHINGTON (NNPA)  - Four years have passed since the country's most devastating hurricane almost washed away New Orleans and its neighbors. Highlighted by the president's recent visit to the Gulf Coast, the city is slowly recovering. But residents closer to retirement age are having a more difficult time than most getting back on their feet.      Read More ... Pharoh Martin, NNPA National Correspondent

New Orleans' OIG and Ethics Review Board targets of more criticism Over the past month, the Office of Inspector General and the City's Ethics Review Board according to numerous voices of concern, have fallen short of expectations and more questions have been raised regarding its instability and disarray. From concerned citizens, to city council members to the local branch of the NAACP, the outcry for reform was heard, but to no avail. Recently, a case has been stated by another voice; this time, from the local legal community.  Read More ... Kelly Parker, Contributing Writer

Court affirms class-action lawsuit for former N.O. public school employees Eleven months after New Orleans Civil District Court Judge Ethel Simms-Julien certified a class-action lawsuit filed on behalf of more than 8,500 former employees of Orleans Parish Public Schools who were terminated after the State of Louisiana seized control of more than 100 public schools in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the Louisiana Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal has affirmed the decision of the trial court. The three-judge panel was comprised of Judge Edwin A. Lombard, Judge Terri F. Love and Judge Paul A. Bonin.  Read More ...

Jefferson gets 13 years Jefferson was convicted in August on charges including bribery and racketeering. Prosecutors said he took in nearly half a million dollars in exchange for using his influence to broker business deals in Africa.  Read More ...

Xavier awarded $10M for new cancer research center Xavier University of Louisiana has received a five-year $10.1 million grant from the National Center for Research Resources (NCRR), part of the National Institutes of Health and its Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) program. Read More ...

YOUTHanasia founder named ‘2009 Citizen of the Year’ “She’s just wonderful; a true visionary,” said Gamma Rho Chapter sel­ection committee chair­man Gary Hawkins in announcing that the founder of YOUTH­anasia Foun­dation – the foundation that “kills what’s killing Greater New Orleans teenagers” – Kim Dilosa, has been named his fraternity’s 2009 Citizen of the Year. Read More ... Kelly Parker, Contributing Writer

Bishop Paul S. Morton nominated for three Stellar Gospel Music Awards Bishop Paul S. Morton received three nominations last week for the 25th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, set to take place January 16, 2010 at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, TN. Read More ...

Louisiana powered up for Smart Energy transition Louisiana is poised to receive more than $45 million in Recovery Investment Act allocations by the end of the year  to help lead the nation's transition to a Smart Energy Grid, which energy experts say will reduce the cost and use of energy, provide for more efficient transmission of energy and promote job creation.      Read More ... Nayita Wilson, Contributing Writer

HUD and DHS launch DisasterRecoveryWorkingGroup.gov to solicit public comments Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Shaun Donovan and Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano on Wednesday announced the launch of DisasterRecoveryWorkingGroup.gov — a new interagency website that will allow federal disaster recovery officials to solicit public comments from state, local and tribal partners and the public.  Read More ...

Racially insensitive skit raises eyebrows Tempers flared last week and administrators scrambled to find a solution after news surfaced of a Brother Martin High School pep rally during which several students donned blackface and depicted students from predominantly Black St. Augustine High School.  Read More ...

To perm or not to perm black hair We definitely stress over our tresses. We are constantly combing to find just the right 'do.' And whether that requires wearing it naturally or having it chemically treated. Or whether you wear only what God gave you or enhance it with store-bought weaves or extensions.  Read More ... Kelly Parker, Contributing Writer

DHH to offer free flu shots on Nov. 13 The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals is offering free flu shots to everyone on Friday, November 13, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Those seeking the free shots are asked to wear a shirt with short or loose-fitting sleeves.  Read More ...

Obama tells New Orleans he’s just getting started One of the most amazing moments came when nine-year-old Tyren Scott posed a question that had been on the minds of tens of millions of Americans for much of the eight months since Obama's historic inauguration: "Why does everyone hate you?", the fourth-grader asked during Thursday's town hall meeting without blinking. "God is love. They're supposed to love you."  Read More ...

Marybell Bakewell, mother of WBOK owner, dies New Orleans native Marybell Bakewell died on October 7 at Arcadia Methodist Hospital in Arcadia, California, having suffered a massive stroke on October 4. She was 84.  Read More ...

HUD OKs help for up to 19,000 Road Home rebuilders U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan arrived In New Orleans last week with news that might help some 19,000 homeowners move closer to finally rebuilding their homes and lives four years after Hurricane Katrina  Read More ...

FEMA funding supports essential community programs Disadvantaged residents throughout New Orleans will continue to receive vital community services with a recent $1.1 million federal grant, announced the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Louisiana Recovery Office (LRA) and the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP).  Read More ...

Family seeks justice for man it says was brutalized by JP deputies Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Normand traded comments last week with the mother of a man who says he was a victim of police brutality on local radio station WBOK.  Read More ...

Ex-HANO official faces up to 10 years in federal prison Dwayne Muhammad, the former Housing Authority of New Orleans officials char­ged with overseeing the agency’s Section 8 housing program, might be headed to federal prison.  Read More ...

City Council receives ultimatum from NAACP The local chapter of the NAACP faced another obstacle in its attempt to “investigate the investigators” last week. Monday night, the organization held a meeting at City Hall to follow up with concerned citizens and the city council regarding a request for the council to probe the Office of Inspector General’s recent allegations of misspending and mismanagement of the office. A town hall meeting to discuss the allegations of turmoil took place on September 23rd.  Read More ... Kelly Parker, Contributing Writer

13 arrested on drug, contraband charges after OPP investigation During the last several weeks, Orleans Parish Criminal Sheriff’s Office deputies initiated an extensive investigation of efforts to introduce illegal contraband into the jail campus. On Thursday afternoon, Oct. 15, 13 individuals were charged following an undercover operation.  Read More ...

‘Praise Fest 2009’ to take place Oct. 17-19 A new tradition in music has arrived in New Orleans, Lou­isiana. Versatile Entertain­ment presents “Praise Fest 2009.” ‘Praise Fest’ is a highly anticipated free three-day music event at Louis Armstrong Park on October 16, 17, and 18, 2009, from 11 am – 6 pm daily.  Read More ...

Porgy Jones named La. Culture and Tourism ambassador From the time he was a youngster growing up in the French Quarter, Porgy Jones has been involved in New Orleans music and cul­ture. “Mu­sic was all around —every­body played something,” he once said. Dur­ing his diverse, 50-year musical career, the trumpeter has led his own groups, played with the cream of this city’s musicians such as drummer Smokey Johnson and saxophonist Alvin “Red” Tyler and blew in bands backing headliners like Ray Charles and Marvin Gaye. He’s led educational workshops at area schools and formed his own production company.  Read More ...

Legislators, youth convene to discuss community concerns A group of New Orleans teens and young adults pleaded with their community, peers and elected officials for organized improvements in areas such as public safety, additional after school programs and the need for greater job opportunities during a recent youth summit in Central City.  Read More ... Nayita Wilson, Contributing Writer

La. gives ‘testimonies’for healthcare reform Household of Faith Family Worship Church in New Orleans east holds services regularly, but Wednesday evening, the congregation heard a different type of testimony.   Read More ...

Dillard A.D. elected GCAC’s first Black female president Dillard University Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Kiki Baker Barnes was recently selected as the 17th president of the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference at the 2009 fall meetings, held on Dillard’s campus October 5-6, making her the first African-American woman to hold the position.  Read More ...

New study finds link between women’s spirituality, sex drive What’s the connection between a woman’s spirituality and her libido? That’s the question a lot of people are asking after the presentation of new research that discovered that spirituality has a greater impact on the sex lives of young adults -- especially women -- than religion, impulsivity, or alcohol.  Read More ...

Housing Choice Voucher Program relocates to new offices on the West Bank In order to better serve a rapidly increasing client base, the Housing Authority of New Orleans will move all intake and processing for its Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program (Section 8) to a new location – 3630 MacArthur Blvd. on the West Bank – on Oct. 5, 2009. The office is moving from HANO’s 4100 Touro St. office.  Read More ...

ACLU alleges racial profiling in Homer, La. and Claiborne Parish In the wake of last February’s shooting death of Bernard Monroe at the hands of the Homer, La. police, the ACLU Foundation of Louisiana reported last week what it described as an astonishing pattern of discrepancies in the racial composition of those arrested in Homer and in Claiborne Parish.  Read More ...

La. leads nation in rate of women murdered by men Louisiana, with a rate of 2.53 per 100,000, ranks first in the U.S. in the rate of women murdered by men, according to a new report issued Tuesday by the Washington, DC-based Violence Policy Center (VPC). "When Men Murder Women: An Analysis of 2007 Homicide Data" details national and state-by-state information on female homicides involving one female murder victim and one male offender and uses the most recent data available from the Federal Bureau of Investigation's unpublished Supplementary Homicide Report. The report is released each year to coincide with Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October.  Read More ...

New Orleans Mayors Series starts Oct. 7 at the LHC On Wednesday, October 7, the Louisiana Humanities Center begins a new series, “The New Orleans Mayors: A History of the Mayoralty Since 1946.”  For the next three months, bi-weekly panel discussions will focus on the last seven mayors, with former staffers, politicians, journalists and scholars offering insight on the men and their legacies.  Read More ...

Local environmental activist to receive Heinz Award Dr. Beverly Wright, the founder and executive director of the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice at Dillard University, was announced as one of 10 recipients of a Heinz Award for her work on behalf of communities, especially those in Louisiana’s notorious “Cancer Alley.”  Read More ...

Survey says New Orleans magistrates regularly violate rights of arrestees The U.S. Supreme Court is being asked to consider a case by a man who says his constitutional rights were violated when New Orleans magistrates failed to determine within 48 hours if there was probable cause for his arrest.  Read More ...

Memorial service for Rebecca R. Foster (Franklin) scheduled for Sept. 19 Memorial ser-vices for Re­bec­ca R. Fos­ter (Franklin), age 88, of Ruston, formerly of New Orleans, LA were held on Wednesday, September 16, 2009 at 2:30 P.M. in the Burkhalter Chapel of Trinity United Methodist Church in Ruston, LA.  The Rev. Jerry Hilbun  officiated.  Read More ...

Fundraising of a different kind; Speed dating for charity! The Divas Curing Teen Vio­lence are playing matchmaker and giving you the chance to mingle for a good cause. The west bank organization will play host to Speed Dating for Charity on Sunday, September 27 at The Suite, 3580 Holiday Drive, in Algiers. Doors open at 6pm and registration is from 6pm-7pm.  Admission/registration fee is $20 per person.  Jolie Dugas of ABC 26 will serve as emcee.  Read More ... Kelly Parker, Contributing Writer

The LouisianaWeekly celebrates 84th anniversary For more than eight decades, The Louisiana Weekly has been a voice for African Americans throughout Louisiana. From its establishment in 1925, the newspaper has been hailed as one of the most dynamic outlets for issues of critical importance to those constrained by bigotry and discrimination in the southern United States.  Read More ...

YOUTHanasia engages teens in efforts that are geared to saving city and themselves Members of the Teen Center for Non-Violence hosted a free car wash to commemorate the 4th Anniversary of Hurricane Kat­rina and to help keep the doors of the center open.  Locals were invited to learn more about the teen center, and talk to teens about their lives after the storm.  Read More ... Kelly Parker, Contributing Writer

New Orleans leaders call for major immigration reform Last week, on September 9, city leaders from law enforcement, religious, and community-based organizations from New Orleans gathered to call for federal action on comprehensive immigration reform. At a press conference held at the New Orleans Police Department, New Orleans leaders including Mayor Ray Nagin; Chief Warren J. Riley, Superintendent of Police; Father Lance Campo of the Archdiocese of New Orleans; Martin Gutierrez from Catholic Charities of New Orleans; and Lucas Diaz from Puentes New Orleans said that immigration reform will strengthen community safety, bolster the economy, and ensure that all residents have equal access to police protection.  Read More ...

Katrina census undercount is feared (Special to the NNPA from the Washington Afro American) —  It’s been four years since Hurri­cane Katrina wreaked havoc on the Gulf Coast, drowning New Or­leans in a miasma of sewerage, broken buildings and human re­mains. And while recovery is underway, not enough has been done to erase the flood’s stain, many say.  Read More ... Zenitha Prince, Contributing Writer

Charter school conference touts its growing successes As the 2009-2010 school session begins, so does the annual session of networking, strategy and celebration amongst the state charter school administration community.  The Louisiana Association of Public Charter Schools (LAPCS) conference begins this weekend at the Hampton Inn & Suites in the warehouse district.  Read More ... Kelly Parker, Contributing Writer

AmeriCorps of N.O. heeds call for National Day of Service More than 100 AmeriCorps service members collaborating with organizations across the Greater New Orleans area worked hand in hand Friday to commemorate the first annual United We Serve September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance by spending their day working to aid and educate their communities.  Read More ...

$20M Katrina damage settlement Federal Judge Stanwood Duval gave final approval this past Wednesday to a settlement of a class-action lawsuit filed by approximately 500,000 property owners and businesses against three local levee districts for damages caused by flooding from failed levees after Hurricane Katrina.  Read More ...

Katrina was no less than a war (New America Media Special) — Confronted with images of corpses floating in the blackened floodwaters or baking in the sun on abandoned highways, there aren’t too many people left who see what happened following Hurricane Katrina as a purely “natural” disaster.  Read More ... James Ridgeway, Contributing Columnist

Four years later Katrina fatigue  "You really don't know how fragile things are and life is until you have to throw everything you own into a garbage pile on the side of the street. It is still painful because I will never forget that moment," she said.  Read More ... Jesse Muhammad, Contributing Writer - 1 opinion posted

Honoré dismisses as a rumor his intent to run for Senate  Friday, August 28, The Louisiana Weekly reported that sources close to Gen. Russell Honore' said that the hero of Hurricane Recovery was about "50 percent" decided that he would challenge incumbent David Vitter for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate.  Read More ... Christopher Tidmore, Contributing Writer

HANO amends voucher waiting list process The Housing Authority of New Orleans agreed last week to make some changes to its voucher application process after the Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Action Center expressed concerns about the way HANO handles its Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) wait list.  Read More ... 1 opinion posted

NMSDC conference to bring 7,000 minority business owners to N.O. The National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) is headed to New Orleans October 25-28 for its Annual Conference and Business Opportunity Fair. The nation’s benchmark forum on minority supplier development will bring together Asian, Black, Hispanic and Native American business owners, corporate minority supplier development professionals, purchasing executives and corporate decision-makers for four days at the city’s Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.  Read More ...

LDF commemorates anniversary of Hurricane Katrina The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. (LDF) marked the fourth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina last week by taking stock of the progress that has been made while noting the significant challenges that remain in the Gulf region.  Read More ...

Educator, dance school pioneer, Lorraine Kelly Petit, dies at age 80 The New Orleans native was the daughter of the late Stella Borel Kelly and the late Cyril G. Kelly, Sr. She graduated from McDonogh 35 High School and later received a degree in education from Dillard University of New Orleans.  Read More ...

Circle Food store re-opening movement gaining momentum This past Thursday night, the 7th Ward Neighborhood Center gathered with area residents, community organizers and local artists to keep the momentum going from the recent campaign to reopen the Circle Food Store.  Read More ... Kelly Parker, Contributing Writer

On the Fourth Anniversary of Katrina, New Orleans is still far from recovery Crawling through a hole in a fence and walking through an open doorway, Shamus Rohn and Mike Miller lead the way into an abandoned Mid-City hospital. They are outreach workers for the New Orleans organization UNITY for the Homeless, and they do this all day long; searching empty houses and buildings for people, so they can offer services and support. "We joke about having turned criminal trespass into a full-time job," says Rohn.  Read More ... Jordan Flaherty, Contributing Writer

Gen. Honeré considering run for Senate New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin referenced him to John Wayne, the hero in many a movie during the 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s, who always "saved the day." As the Gulf Coast observes the Fourth Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, in a breaking story, The Louisiana Weekly has learned that the hero of Hurricane recovery, General Russel Honoré is seriously considering entering the Republican primary for the U.S. Senate seat against incumbent David Vitter.  Read More ... Christopher Tidmore, Contributing Writer

Low-income residents face blatant housing discrimination in N.O., study finds A study released last week by the Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Action Center found that despite an array of programs designed to help low-income residents find safe, affordable housing in New Orleans, 82 percent of landlords either outright reject them as tenants or create insurmountable obstacles that make it impossible for those with Section 8 vouchers to rent units.  Read More ... Edmund W. Lewis, Editor

Mose Jefferson found guilty of four of seven counts pervade After deliberating for most of the day on Friday, a federal jury of six men and six women found Mose Jefferson guilty on four of seven counts in a case that involved the bribing of former Orleans Parish School Board president Ellenese Brooks-Simms  to gain a favorable outcome in a $14 million contract involving a computer learning program called I Can Learn.  Read More ...

Neighborhood design plan unveiled for a Central City renaissance Celebrating what they truly believe is a foundation for a better, stronger Central City,  residents, with the help of the Central City Renaissance Alliance, are ready to roll up their sleeves and put the plan to action.  Read More ... Kelly Parker, Contributing Writer

Katrina Pain Index – 2009 Editor’s Note: As the city of New Orleans and the rest of the Gulf Coast hit by Hurricane Katrina prepares to observe the 4th Anniversary on August 29, when flood waters from ill-constructed levees submerged 80 percent of New Orleans,  Davida Finger, a justice lawyer and clinical professor at Loyola University New Orleans and Bill Quigley, a human rights lawyer on leave from Loyola now serving as legal director at the Center for Constitutional Rights, have compiled the following statistics:  Read More ... Bill Quigley and Davida Finger, Contributing Writers

Pay for Play Earlier this year, in February, teenagers — saxophonist Benjamin Allen and trumpeter Linton Smith were among the many students to audition and interview for Berklee College of Music. The prestigious school was in town recruiting. They were headquartered at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts.  Read More ... Valentine Pierce, Contributing Writer

NOPD chief says he will step down at the end of Nagin's term New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Warren Riley said Wednesday that he will step down when Mayor Nagin’s second term in office ends.  Read More ...

N.O. voters prefer candidates who support reusing Charity Hospital New Orleans voters would favor candidates for mayor and City Council who support reusing Charity Hospital as the new Louisiana State University teaching hospital, according to a new poll.  Read More ...

"White Noise" has more questions than answers “White Noise” began in darkness and silence. Slowly the stage began to illuminate, followed by laughter, song and a gunshot.  Soon after, the theme was set. Two little musically gifted girls, who strove to become stars, driven by their father’s death. He could not find construction work because illegal immigrants supplanted him, according to his wife at least. The family’s dire straits led to frustration and prejudice against everyone unlike them. In the family’s eyes, Blacks, Latinos, Jews and gays were all un-American.  Read More ... L. Kasimu Harris, Contributing Writer

Sandra Hester sues City Council over procedures Sandra “18 Wheeler” Hester has filed suit for a Writ of Mandamus, Injunctive Relief and Declaratory Judgment against the New Orleans City Council. Her suit alleges that the City Council holds secret meetings, fails to properly notice public meetings, casts illegal proxy votes, etc. all in violation of the Louisiana State Constitution Article XII., Section 3 and the La. Sunshine Law. La. Revised Statute Chapter 42:4.1 through 13.  Read More ...

Jefferson found guilty on 11 of 16 counts William Jefferson, Louisiana’s first Black congressman since Reconstruction, was found guilty on 11 of 16 counts in a high-profile case that attracted national attention after federal investigators recovered $90,000 in cash hidden in a freezer in the congressman’s home.  Read More ...

Campaign is launched to re-open Circle Food Store For decades, it was a cornerstone in the 7th Ward community, providing fresh vegetables, seafood and a wide range of services which included an on-site dentist, cash checking and utility payment services.  The building that holds generations of memories has sat dormant since Hurricane Katrina nearly four years ago.  Read More ... Kelly Parker, Contributing Writer

Carter will finish term, uncertain of future plans Amid growing speculation, New Orleans City Councilman James Carter finally spoke out last week about his future on the City Council.  Read More ...

NORD’s first black director, John Glapion, dies at age 68 Glapion served NORD from 1976 to 1981, appointed initially as assistant director by then Mayor Moon Landrieu and subsequently as the first African-American director of the agency under Landrieu. He continued to serve in that capacity under Mayor Ernest N. “Dutch” Morial.  Read More ...

Black Parents Demand More from Attorney in School Desegregation Case? Approximately fifty percent of the 45,000 students expected to enroll in Jefferson Parish public schools this August are African Americans. While some of their parents are immersed neck deep in last minute shopping for uniforms, school supplies and possibly a school, others are fighting for their voices to be heard in desegregation litigation that has hovered over the Jefferson Parish Public School System (JPPSS) since 1965.  Read More ... Nayita Wilson, Contributing Writer

Edwin Hampton, legendary St. Aug band director, dies Edwin Harrell Hampton, the mastermind and longtime director of the St. Augustine Marching 100, the standard by which the city’s other high school marching bands were measured for more than a half-century, died Tuesday after a lengthy illness. He was 81.  Read More ... Edmund W. Lewis, Editor

Funeral services for Raymond Rousseau set for July 28 Raymond Rousseau graduated from McDonogh 35 Senior High School and was a proud member of the Knights of Peter Claver. He worked at the United States Post Office for 38 years.  Read More ...

GNOFHAC wins motion for contempt against St. Bernard Parish On this past Wednesday, the Honorable Judge Helen G. Berrigan ruled that St. Bernard Parish violated a February 2008 Consent Order by banning the construction of multi-family housing in St. Bernard Parish. As a result of the ruling, the Parish and Council will be required to bear the full costs of their contemptuous conduct by paying fees, costs, and damages to the Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Action Center (GNOFHAC) and Provident Realty Advisors, Inc.  Read More ...

Gulf Coast leaders share post-Katrina Census concerns with Congress Four years after Hurricane Katrina devastated communities along the Gulf Coast, elected officials and community leaders are still struggling to rebuild and upgrade those communities. As the 2010 Census count nears, a number of leaders have expressed concerns about how an inaccurate count might impede post-Katrina recovery efforts.  Read More ...

Major medical conventions book New Orleans Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS), and The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) have chosen New Orleans as their convention destination. The former comes to the Crescent City in 2013, while that later has announced it will hold its conferences here in 2013 and 2017.  Read More ...

Xavier grad tapped to be next surgeon general President Barack Obama turned to the Deep South for the next surgeon general, a rural Alabama family physician who made headlines with fierce determination to rebuild her nonprofit medical clinic in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.  Read More ...

LSU awarded $1.3M to develop new cancer vaccine Immunology at LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans School of Medicine and Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, have been awarded a $1.3 million grant over five years by the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health to develop new immunotherapies, including a vaccine, for cancer. Two years of the research will be supported by the American Recovery and Rein­vestment Act (ARRA).  Read More ...

Local art community celebrates 20 years of YA-YA Twenty years ago, YAYA (Young Aspirations/Young Artists, Inc.) made its mark on the New Orleans art scene with the stoke of a brush, imagination and a chair.  The group may have deemed to be a novelty to some, but they’ve become prominent players in the Crescent City’s art community and beyond.  Read More ... Kelly Parker, Contributing Writer

Jurors get to see "cold cash" in Jefferson trial An FBI agent took the stand last week and testified that it took federal agents about 30 minutes to find $90,000 in cash hidden in the freezer of then-Congressman William Jefferson’s Washington, DC home.  Read More ... 1 opinion posted

Homeless bill a victim of ‘retribution,’ says author To the surprise of many, Governor Bobby Jindal vetoed HB 781, which would have created a 17-member council to battle homelessness and a “Homeless Czar” that would have insured resources in the fight against homelessness were not duplicated or wasted.  Read More ... Christopher Tidmore, Contributing Writer

Capturing the essence of ‘My Black is Beautiful’ campaign In the midst of vendors, empowerment seminars and book signings, females at the Morial Convention Center endured the long lines in anticipation of pampering their mind, body and spirit last weekend.  Read More ... Kelly Parker, Contributing Writer

Putting a face on domestic violence Things got even worse for New Orleanians last week when Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal stripped a $14 million funding plan that would have allowed the New Orleans Adolescent Hospital, a facility that treats young people with a host of mental health issues, to remain open. As a result, patients and families who wish to continue to utilize the facility's services will not have to travel across Lake Pontchartrain to Southeast Louisiana Hospital in Mandeville  on the North Shore to do so.  Read More ... ReShonda Tate Billingsley, NNPA Writer

Judge orders Kenner businessman to pay $39K in fines and costs for environmental crimes Jesse Murphy, Jr, 33,  the owner of Southern Waste Systems of Louisiana, was sentenced June 30 to pay a criminal fine of $25,000, plus court costs and an additional $12,000 in costs of investigation and prosecution for environmental crimes.  Read More ...

Innovative new housing design unveiled in Historic Faubourg Tremé Local artist and urban planner Robert Tannen of Creative Industry has collaborated with world-renowned architect Frank Gehry and green building advocacy group Global Green USA to create a house design that is affordable, sustainable, and compatible with most neighborhoods in New Orleans, including historic districts.  Read More ...

HANO waiting list deadline extended Applicants on the waiting list for public housing in New Orleans before Hurricane Katrina have an extra week — until Friday, July 3, 2009 — to notify the Housing Authority of New Orleans if they still want to obtain public housing.  Read More ...

Essence Fest is full of New Orleans funk, short on Jazz In an unprecedented move, it was announced a full year in advance that Beyoncé would perform at the Essence Music Festival in 2009 (July 3-5). The word came directly from the stage in the New Orleans Superdome arena and was greeted with a roar of approval. Because Essence Fest boasts loyal fans who return each year to reunite with friends at the “Party with a Purpose,” many in the crowd undoubtedly were in the audience for Beyoncé’s spectacular performance at the event in 2007. Historically, it’s sure to rank right up there with the memorable sets from the likes of Aretha Franklin, who appeared at the first event in 1995, Stevie Wonder (1996 and 2003) and Prince (2004).  Read More ...

Communities must act now to keep youth safe and reduce violence As police statistics and dozens of recent murders already indicate, many didn’t wait for summer’s official June 21 start date to set off the heat. Ten people were killed recently in less than one month in just two major American cities.  Read More ... Charlene Muhammad, Contributing Writer

Master Plan trips up myoral contenders Arguably, the first salvo in next year’s race for Mayor of New Orleans went out on Thursday, as candidate James Perry attacked rival Ed Murray for trying to call a public referendum on the proposed Master Plan.  Read More ... Christopher Tidmore, Contributing Writer

La. is unprepared to protect children during disasters, report says Ten years after a relentless assault of unprecedented natural and manmade disasters, a report released by Save the Children’s U.S. Pro­grams reveals that Louisiana meets zero out of four crucial minimum standards to ensure that schools and child-care facilities are prepared to respond to the needs of children during a disaster.  Read More ...

The closing of J.S. Clark High School: Rumor or truth? Joseph S. Clark High School alumni, current students and members of the Tremé community filled the school’s cafeteria to get answers to questions regarding the future of the high school that has been a staple of the area for decades.  Read More ... Kelly Parker, Contributing Writer

Fathers behind bars, Group is determined to break the cycle When folks ask “Whatch’all doing for Fathers Day,” they get an answer like, “My daddy’s in prison, we might try to go and see him.” The feasts, church services, presents, dressing up and outings aren’t always a part of their reality.  Read More ... Min. J. Kojo Livingston, Contributing Columnist

Cao expedites non-profit status for New Orleans Economic Development Council On this past Thursday, Congressman Anh “Joseph” Cao (LA-02) announced that the New Orleans Economic Development Council (NOEDC) has received 501 c3 non-profit status, enabling it to receive funds from the public and private sectors.  Read More ...

Blacks and Latinos have shared experiences in post-Katrina N.O. African Americans and Latinos living in New Orleans share remarkably similar experiences and are willing to work together to bridge differences according to a new study released last Tuesday by Oxfam America and Dr. Silas Lee & Associates.  Read More ...

UTNO scores victory in sabbatical sick leave lawsuit United Teachers of New Orleans (UTNO) won a legal victory in Civil District Court recently when preliminary approval was granted to a class-action lawsuit against the Orleans Parish School Board (OPSB).  Read More ...

Report reinforces Recovery Corps' long-term recovery solutions The Nelson A. Rockefeller Institute of Government recently released a new report aimed at more efficiently positioning the federal government relative to its role in responding to and assisting impacted areas recover from extraordinary disasters. Many of the organization's proposals reinforce the earlier long-term recovery solutions put forth by the Louisiana Family Recovery Corps.  Read More ...

Uptown Swingers salute America's soldiers The Uptown Swingers Social Aid and Pleasure Club ruled the day on Sunday, June 7, when they took to the streets in their annual second line. Since their beginning in 2004, the uptown New Orleans-based social aid and pleasure club has become one of the city's favorite groups.  Read More ... Edmund W. Lewis, Editor

Renee Gill Pratt, three others arraigned, entered 'not guilty' pleas Former state legislator and city councilwoman Renee Gill Pratt on June 5 entered a not guilty plea to racketeering charges after appearing with her legal counsel at Federal Court to answer to the 34-count indictment against her.  Read More ...

FBI stats, Forbes article paint contrasting images of New Orleans Although New Orleans was identified as the deadliest city in the U.S. by recently released FBI statistics, the Crescent City didn't even crack the Top 10 in a recent Forbes magazine article titled "America's Most Dangerous Cities."  Read More ...

Business savvy youth leaves no stone unturned As the end of the school year officially approached, the search for summer employment began for many New Orleans youth. Bridgeja' Baker, however, is ahead of the game.  Read More ... Kelly Parker, Contributing Writer

Murder victims family seeks answers An eastern New Orleans family struggled last week to make sense of the murder of two of its members after the Orleans Parish District Attorney's Office reached a deal with one of the suspects in the 2002 murders.  Read More ... 1 opinion posted

Marrero youths accuse JP sheriff's deputy of beating them while four others watched Two Marrero teenagers said last week Jefferson Parish Sheriff's deputy assaulted them while other deputies watched. The other deputies reportedly arrived after responding to a call of suspects with a gun near midnight on Saturday, May 23.  Read More ...

Gill Pratt finds herself in the midst of SUNO firings The past few weeks have not been good for Renee Gill Pratt. The former New Orleans city council member who has recently been accused of racketeering, finds herself at the center of a heated debate about the appropriateness of a recommendation to terminate 14 administrative and staff positions while allowing other employees to retain their jobs.  Read More ...

Nagin takes on race relations in final 'State of the City' address In his final State of the City address Wednesday, New Orleans Mayor C. Ray Nagin tackled a wide range of issues including ongoing recovery efforts, crime, redevelopment of the Iberville housing development and a possible new home for City Hall.  Read More ...

First Lady Michelle Obama lauds efforts of NOLA 180 to reform public education in N.O. On May 5, in New York City, at a gathering for Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World, First Lady Michelle Obama honored the efforts of organizations nationwide in implementing innovative social reforms.  Read More ...

As elderly couple laid to rest, city braces to battle violence The family, friends, neighbors and others gathered at New Hope Baptist Church on May 15 and 16 to say goodbye to the Rev. Olander S. Cassimere Sr., pastor of Third Church of God In Christ, and First Lady Alphathada Abercrombie Cassimere. The elderly couple lost their lives in the early-morning hours that preceded Mother's Day in what family members said was a brazen attempt to intimidate a relative of the family from testifying last week in an upcoming trial.  Read More ...

Winn Dixie and the City of New Orleans expand recovery partnership All local Winn Dixie grocery stores will feature City of New Orleans recovery kiosks, providing shoppers with a one-stop experience. Similar kiosks are already in use in the lobby of City Hall.  Read More ...

Little Woods community receives helping hand Katrina recovery continues to make progress as 12 new homes were completed in the Little Woods neighborhood in New Orleans East. A ceremony was held Wednesday May 13, at the newly rebuilt home of Gloria Mouton on Curran Blvd. Mouton was presented with the keys to her house in a ribbon-cutting ceremony.  Read More ... Nicole Hardesty, Contributing Writer

First Street UMC celebrates 176 years First Street Peck Wesley United Methodist Church, 2309 Dryades Street, New Orleans, La., is in the midst of celebrating 176 years of service. “Giving Our Best” will be the theme at its 176th Church Anniversary Celebration during its 11:00a.m. worship service on Sunday, May 24.  Read More ...

Authors, scholars to highlight the cause of the Angola 3 It was the creamy, sweet praline-like confection that Robert King learned to concoct in solitary confinement at Angola State Penitentiary that lured me to the Black Panther story and its corollary, three Panthers incarcerated in 1970 now known as the Angola 3.  Read More ... Orissa Arend, Contributing Writer

Morial appointed to lead the 2010 Census Advisory Committee On Thursday, May 7,  Marc H. Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League was named the Chair of the 2010 Census Advisory Committee by Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke. This committee provides advice on the design and implementation of the 2010 Census.  Read More ...

UNCF's HBCU Empower Me Tour visits Dillard University to inspire youth to build wealth The United Negro College Fund (UNCF), in partnership with The Wachovia Foundation and the Manifest your Destiny Foundation, hosted activities at Dillard University late last month to motivate and inspire minority students to use education as a tool for achieving their goals and dreams.  Read More ...

Original Super Sunday Parade to honor original Freedom Riders Forty years ago, freedom fighter Jerome Smith, a product of Joseph S. Clark Senior High School and a founder of the New Orleans chapter of the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), founded Tambourine & Fan, an organization committed to the education, socialization, upliftment and empowerment of young people of color in the historic Tremé neighborhood, one of the oldest Black communities in the United States.  Read More ...

From the storm to the stage: Katrina freshmen donning caps and gowns (Xavier University News Service)-Their senior class theme is "From the Storm to the Stage" and it aptly describes the experience of the 2009 Xavier University graduating class.  Read More ...

Gretna councilman indicted on 16 charge Gretna Councilman Jonathan Bolar was indicted Friday by a federal grand jury in a 16-count indictment, that included extortion and tax invasion charges, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.  Read More ...

A Mother's love Flowers, cards and candy: For years they have been the perfect Mother's Day gifts. For Sharon Carter Sheridan, however, the perfect gift was A's and B's.  Read More ... David T. Baker, Contributing Writer

Landrieu, Melancon announce $1M investment in Louisiana crime victim programs United States Senator Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., and U.S. Rep. Charlie Melancon (LA-03) on April 27 announced that the U.S. Department of Justice has invested more than $1 million in Recovery Act grants for Louisiana state victim assistance and victim compensation programs.  Read More ...

Storm preparedness varies by income, education level, UNO poll finds Residents of Orleans and Jefferson parishes seem generally well prepared to meet the upcoming hurricane season, but for some groups preparedness may be dangerously low, said Robert Sims, director of the University of New Orleans Survey Research Center commonly known as the UNO Poll.  Read More ...

Landrieu defends support of Letten In a move that may have bought her some bipartisan capital but may come back to haunt her with her Black political base, U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu announced Monday that she will recommend that U.S. Attorney Jim Letten continue to serve the public in that capacity.  Read More ...

2nd Lower 9th Ward People's Festival slated A coalition of grassroots non-profit organizations will present the Second Annual People's Festival, a free multi-cultural event to occur on Saturday, May 2, 7:00p.m., at Dr Martin Luther King Jr School, 1671 Caffin, in the Lower 9th Ward. The area remains New Orleans' most devastated, post-Katrina community and is still struggling to recover and to bring its residents home, almost four years after the Great Flood of 2005.  Read More ...

Neighbors reflect on abduction, murder of teenage couple The 2900 block of Broadway Street seemed normal on Wednesday afternoon. Neighbors waved as they passed one another, cars rode by, and customers left the grocery store, often with 25-cent frozen cups in their hands. Life carried on. But the journey was over for two slain 19-year-olds whose bodies were found in an abandoned house on the corner of Broadway and Fig Street on Monday afternoon.  Read More ... L. Kasimu Harris Contributing Writer

Jazz Fest History- the Last Twenty Years The first day of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival in 1990 was deluged with thunderstorms.  The rain was coming down in droves during Tribe Nunzio's set. Holden Miller, the group's irrepressible lead singer, was awed by the dedication of the crowd.  She yelled in admiration, "Y'all look groovy, all wet and all!  Read More ... Jay Mazza, Contributing Writer

Archbishop Hughes to skip Xavier Commencement to protest abortion Archbishop Alfred Hughes said last week that he will not attend Xavier University's Commencement next month because national Democratic strategist Donna Brazile, who is a Louisiana native and Catholic, is scheduled to speak, according to a letter from Hughes.  Read More ...

First female physician in Congress to deliver LSUHSC commencement address Dr. Larry Hollier, Chancellor of LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans, has announced that the Honorable Donna M. Christensen, MD, the first female physician in the history of the U.S. Congress, the first woman to represent an offshore Territory, and the first woman Delegate from the United States Virgin Islands, will deliver the Commencement Address at the 135th Commencement of LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans.  Read More ...

Louis Armstrong Airport lands deal for AeroMexico Service Flights will connect N.O. with Mexico City and Honduras Greater New Orleans, Inc., the regional economic alliance, in partnership with the City of New Orleans, announced earlier this month at a press conference with Mayor C. Ray Nagin and officials that an agreement has been signed with AeroMexico to restart international service at Louis Armstrong Airport.  Read More ...

The first twenty years in retrospect Last year, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival presented by Shell generated an estimated $300 million in economic impact for the city of New Orleans and the surrounding metropolitan area.  An estimated 400,000 people attended the event over seven days in 2009.  It wasn't always so.  Read More ... Jay Mazza, Contributing Writer

Council sets deadline for city playground summer openings Last week, the New Orleans City Council Youth & Recreation Committee, led by Chair Arnie Fielkow and Councilmember Cynthia Willard-Lewis, directed FEMA, the New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD), and the state of Louisiana to work together over the next month towards the re-opening of more NORD facilities by this summer. A Youth and Recreation Committee meeting will be held on May 22 where the parties must account for their progress.  Read More ...

Deltas honor local art artisans The spirit of New Orleans is woven into the sound of its music, the intrigue of its literature, and the suspense deep within the drama, which rests in the hearts of those who love the city. That spirit is the motivation that fostered the return of The Artie Award (which recognizes significant contributions in the area of Drama/Theatre, Literature, Visual Arts, Music) hosted by the New Orleans Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.  Read More ... Adrell Lawrence Pinkney, Contributing Writer

FEMA temporary housing program ending for families of hurricanes Katrina and Rita The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is reminding applicants that the temporary housing program for families of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita ends on May 1, 2009.   Applicants currently receiving FEMA temporary housing assistance will begin receiving their notifications informing them that they must vacate the housing unit by May 1, 2009.  Read More ...

Landrieu amendment opens door for reforming foster care-financing system The United States Senate recently approved a foster care financing reform amendment authored by Senator Mary Landrieu. The amendment to the Senate's budget would allow for reforming the foster care-financing system to shift resources to promote safe, stable and permanent homes for foster children. It represents another example of Sen. Landrieu's fight to improve the government's support for foster care children and families.  Read More ...

Conference to focus on educating boys and young men of color Educators and researchers will gather next month in New Orleans to establish a new set of standards defining excellence in educating boys and young men of color. The Coalition of Schools Educating Boys of Color will present a draft of the standards at their annual conference at Dillard University April 30-May 2, 2009. Registration information is available online at www.coseboc.org  Read More ...

The Studio at Colton to host Rhythmic Roots & Green-Ability Fair Easter Sunday The Studio at Colton, N. Rampart St. at the corner of Mandeville St., will host a Rhythmic Roots and Green-Ability Fair on Easter Sunday, April 12, from 2:00p.m. to 6:00p.m.  Read More ...

Democratic strategist Donna Brazile to address Xavier graduates at May 9 Commencement Actor-director Forest Whitaker to receive honorary degree National political strategist Donna Brazile will deliver the keynote address and receive an honorary degree, and award-winning actor-director-producer Forest Whitaker will receive another honorary degree when Xavier University of Louisiana holds its 82nd annual Commencement on Saturday morning, May 9, at 10 a.m. in the Kiefer Lakefront Arena.  Read More ...

Low Income People Need Solution-Oriented Leaders Let's begin with two basic facts. The first is that most of those involved in Black-on-Black homicide in large urban areas in this country, as both killer and victim, are low-income Black males. The second basic fact is that most Black people afflicted with HIV/AIDS in the same urban areas are low-income Black males, heterosexual and homosexual, and low-income Black females.  Read More ... A. Peter Bailey, NNPA Columnist

La. closes racial gap in education, group says A major indicator of measuring progress in education is the ability of education agencies to close the achievement gap between white and minority students as well as students from various socio-economic groups. It appears that the efforts of Louisiana to focus on this disparity for more than a decade have produced meaningful progress in the state's attempts to close the gap.  Read More ...

Hurricane Katrina did not raise awareness of poverty, study finds Contrary to a popular notion reported in news coverage of Hurricane Katrina, the 2005 Gulf Coast disaster did not reveal to most Americans that widespread poverty and inequality are the nation's "dirty little secret."  Read More ...

N.O. healthcare simple to fix, say experts The steps to healthy New Orleans neighborhoods are elementary, says Timolynn Sams, executive director of the Neighborhood Partnership Network.  Read More ... Nayita Wilson, Contributing Writer

Yes we care From Obama's "Yes We Can" to the Rev. John Raphael's "Yes We Care," Saturday, March 28, was a day to acknowledge the concern within the Black community about the violence within the neighborhoods of New Orleans.  Read More ... Nicole Hardesty, Contributing Writer

City expands safety camera program with three new sites The City of New Orleans is currently testing safety cameras at three new sites around the city to help reduce speeding by motorists, and plans to further expand the program in the near future. A total of five cameras will be added on northbound and southbound Paris Avenue near Prentiss Avenue, northbound and southbound Toledano Street near Galvez Street and eastbound on Florida Boulevard near Milne Boulevard.  Read More ...

La.’s Black-majority seat could become less Black Thanks to Hurricane Katrina, Louisiana is poised to loose one of its current congressional districts after the 2010 Census.  Due to the fact that the storm more proportionally depopulated the New Orleans portions of the Second Congressional District, one conservative political organization has suggested that the current Black Majority District should be drawn into the Caucasian swing seat currently held by Charlie Melançon(D-Napoleonville).  Read More ... Christopher Tidmore, Contributing Writer

Election for State House, District 97 is Saturday, April 4 In the three years after the storm, Ambrose Pratt, a well-known and respected community activist in Pontchartrain Park and Gentilly had sought both legislative and city help to bring his community back from the edge of destruction.  There were a few helping hands extended; but generally, Pratt felt that his neighborhood and many others were being ignored.  Read More ... Christopher Tidmore, Contributing Writer

April 4th election recommendations Another three months, another election. Too often it seems in South Louisiana that elections come every few weeks, lessening the desire for most to attend to their duties as citizens at the ballot box.  Read More ...

SUNO School of Social Work to host one-day conference on impact of AIDS on children The Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) School of Social Work’s Community Resource Center will have a one-day conference on Thursday, March 26. Read More ... The Louisiana Weekly

14-year-old not competent in French Quarter murder case, judge rules Orleans Parish Juvenile Court Judge Mark Doherty ruled Wednesday that Ernest Cloud, a 14-year-old suspect in a French Quarter murder case, is not competent to stand trial at this time, pending restoration services to allow him to achieve a better understanding of the nature of legal proceedings. Read More ...

Howard students return to New Orleans While most college students were enjoying the sun or time spent at home, a group of Howard University students spent their Spring Break volunteering in New Orleans and other disaster areas.  The Alternative Spring Break (ASB) was a weeklong experience in New Orleans that brought about 100 students to the city to volunteer on various post-Katrina projects.  Read More ... Nicole Hardesty, Contributing Writer

Historic Katrina victims trial set for April 20 A federal judge on Friday cleared the way for a trial of the largest-ever litigation involving the U.S. government by denying the Justice Department's last-ditch attempt to dismiss a damages lawsuit brought by victims of Hurricane Katrina.  Read More ...

The youngest candidates for District 97 bring fresh ideas Arguably, the most competitive election in Orleans Parish on April 4, 2009 will be the fight amongst the aspirants to succeed Rep. Morrell in the State House of Representatives.  Read More ... Christopher Tidmore, Contributing Writer

Irma Muse Dixon named to head Beacon of Hope Resource Center Former Public Service Commissioner Irma Muse Dixon has been named to head the Beacon of Hope Resource Center, a non-profit group founded in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina to help New Orleans neighborhoods rebuild. The Beacon of Hope has helped neighborhoods organize, assisted property owners in finding reliable contractors and has encouraged New Orleanians to come home.  Read More ...

Probation lifted, Xavier regains accreditation The Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education has agreed to rescind probation for Xavier University's College of Pharmacy, and the university dropped its lawsuit against the board, the two announced March 7.  Read More ...

Group announces plans to recall Councilwoman Stacy Head Just three days after a group of Central City residents voiced their support for embattled New Orleans City Councilwoman Stacy Head, a fledgling group of civic-minded residents announced plans to launch an effort to recall the outspoken and sometimes controversial elected official.  Read More ...

Urban League College Track seeks motivated 8th-graders Urban League College Track is now accepting enrollment applications for the class of 2013. This incredible opportunity is for rising 9th-graders and is one that that is designed to close the gap between access and opportunity for higher learning.   Read More ...

Critical insurance issues still hampering post-Katrina recovery More than three and a half years after the landfall of Hurricane Katrina, many Louisiana residents are still trying to rebuild their lives, their property, and their communities. For a significant number of those residents, issues such as unaffordable insurance, unavailable insurance, wind/water damage determinations, and the underpayment of claims by insurance companies have proven to be severe barriers to recovery.  Read More ...

Secretaries Donovan and Napolitano announce hurricane recovery funding for La. during Gulf Coast tour On the first day of U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Shaun Donovan and U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano's listening tour throughout New Orleans and the Gulf Coast, the secretaries announced hundreds of millions of dollars in funding to Louisiana to stimulate long-term recovery in the wake of last year's devastating hurricane season and Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.  Read More ...

Playing Chicken with Reality Port v. Neighborhood Group, Two Visions of Historic Wharfs The Port of New Orleans is in a virtual war with neighborhood groups and preservationists in the Faubourg Marigny over the conversion of two old wharves into a frozen chicken-packing plant.  Read More ... Christopher Tidmore, Contributing Writer

State of Black La. Conference to be held March 21 The Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus, in partnership with the Nelson Mandela School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs at Southern University-Baton Rouge, has analyzed the status of Blacks throughout the state of Louisiana within the following areas: Economics and Wealth; Education; and Health and Wellness. From the compiled findings, the LLBC will release a statistical report on Saturday, March 21, at its inaugural State of Black Louisiana Conference.  Read More ... 1 opinion posted

NORD/NOBA Center for Dance returns to Tremé In January, the NORD/NOBA Center for Dance returned to Faubourg Tremé to offer tuition-free dance classes for local youth. Currently celebrating its 16th year, the Center for Dance is a nationally award-winning organization that continues to develop into a multi-generational program offering free dance training to any child ages 6-18.  Read More ...

New Orleans Ethics Review Board begins search for new Inspector General The Ethics Review Board for the City of New Orleans has begun a national search to fill the position of city inspector general, a position left vacant by the recent resignation of Robert Cerasoli. Meanwhile, the Office of Inspector General continues to press forward under the leadership of Interim Inspector General Len Odom. On February 17, Odom presented the office’s Audit and Inspection Plans for 2009 to the mayor, city council and the Ethics Review Board of New Orleans.  Read More ...

Angry residents take a stand against violence Frustrated and angry about the ongoing scourge of violence, dozens of New Orleans residents took their protest to the streets of Central City.  Read More ...

Landrieu, Cao demand FEMA shakeup After devoting nine months to examining the national disaster housing policies of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La., and her staff issued a scathing report Thursday that underscores the ineptitude and inefficiency of FEMA and HUD to restore the Gulf Coast more than three years after Hurricane Katrina struck.  Read More ... 1 opinion posted

Zulu reaches new heights while honoring the past during centennial Early in 1909, a group of New Orleans laborers  of color who had organized a club named "The Tramps," went to the Pythian Theater to see a musical comedy performed by the Smart Set. The comedy included a skit entitled, "There Never Was and Never Will Be a King Like Me," about the Zulu Tribe...  Read More ...

"RAMESES CELEBRATES 20 YEARS OF MAGICAL BLISS" It was a night of royal splendor, as the Krewe of Rameses, Inc. Carnival Club stepped out to the theme of "This Magic Moment," celebrating the organization's 20 years of revelry.  The event marked the club's 11th Bi-Annual Cotillion Ball.  The carnival gala was held on Saturday, February 21, 2009 in the Grand Ballroom of the Best Western Landmark Hotel.  Read More ...

Maya Angelou speaks of 'Rainbow in My Clouds' to New Orleans audience In most cities around the country, when more than 20 people show up to hear a poet read it is considered a huge crowd. Earlier this month that number was multiplied several times over at UNO Lakefront Arena for poet Maya Angelou, who, in her 80 years has earned the respect and admiration of aspiring writers and world leaders.  Read More ... Valentine Pierce, Contributing Writer - 1 opinion posted

Nagin defends administration as open despite deleted calendar and emails Mayor Ray Nagin defended his administration as open and honest Wednesday amid criticism of the city's handling of public records requests and Nagin's plan to change how professional service contracts are awarded, The Associated Press reported last week.  Read More ...

Displaced families to receive additional rental aid U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan on Friday provided details of the Obama Administration's comprehensive effort to help thousands of families who were displaced by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The transition rental assistance plan he introduced will give families currently enrolled in the Disaster Housing Assistance Program (DHAP-Katrina/Rita) more time to transition out of the program.  Read More ...

Unearthed document reveals 'coloreds' of New Orleans met with Pres. Taft For some, New Orleans has been a capital of crime, government corruption and poverty, but for others, such as the Rev. Melvin Collins III, presiding minister of First Free Mission Baptist Church, it is much more; it is the living history of the very change of which Pres. Obama so often speaks. Read More ... David T. Baker, Web & Associate Editor

Feds grant 60-day extension for Katrina housing assistance The federal government agreed Thursday to give victims of hurricanes Katrina and Rita, who are still living in federally supplied trailers or staying at hotels or motels, 60 more days to find more permanent lodging.  Read More ...

Arts Council of New Orleans announces arts grant funding The Arts Council of New Orleans recently announced a new grant cycle to support arts activities in Orleans, Jefferson and Plaquemines Parishes.  Grant guidelines and application forms will be posted on the Arts Council website (www.artscouncilofneworleans.org) on February 18, 2009. The grant application deadline is April 21, 2009.  Read More ...

Ernest N. 'Dutch' Morial inducted into the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame The late Ernest N. "Dutch" Morial, the first Black Mayor of New Orleans and a former State Court of Appeal Judge, was inducted into the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame in a recent ceremony held in Atlanta, Georgia.  Read More ...

Recession or not, black women's hair a priority We all saw her at the Inauguration, and even on Election Day, Michelle Obama's healthy flowing locks have inspired black women across the country to step their hair care game up. Since the days of Madam C.J Walker, black hair care has been a priority among African-American women and a lot of consideration has gone into choosing the right hair care experts. According to a survey conducted by Design Essentials, majority of African-American women base their salon and stylist choice on trust, cost and time consumption. With the recent state of the economy, affordable hair care is harder to find but women have stayed committed to their hair regimen.  Read More ... Nicole Hardesty, Contributing Writer

Ceremony marks site of Homer Plessy's stand for freedom, dignity in New Orleans On Thursday, February 12, the 200th anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln, a historical marker will be unveiled at the site where, in 1892,  New Orleanian Homer Plessy attempted to board the "Whites Only" section of a passenger train and was arrested. This bold action resulted in the landmark Plessy v. Ferguson U.S. Supreme Court decision in 1896 that ruled "Separate but equal" facilities for Blacks and whites were legal and constitutional.  Read More ...

FBI probes case of man killed by New Orleans cops (Special to the NNPA from the Final Call) - The New Year ended quickly for a 22-year-old man who was killed at the hands of the New Orleans police during a deadly shootout to mark the city's first homicide.  Read More ... Jesse Muhammad, Contributing Writer

SU marching band temporarily disbanded as DA probes hazing incidents The Southern University marching band, one of the nation's premier college marching bands, has been temporarily disbanded as the East Baton Rouge district attorney investigates a hazing incident that led to several band members being hospitalized over the Bayou Classic weekend the arrest of seven band members alleged hazing violations last fall.  Read More ...

Eighth-oldest Black U.S. church in danger of being demolished  Historic Wesley United Methodist Church, the second-oldest African-American church in New Orleans and the eighth-oldest in the United States, is in need of financial support and resources. The church is scheduled for demolition due to extensive damage from recent hurricanes.  Read More ...

Rev. Byron Clay of Kenner named interim SCLC chief The Rev. Charles Steele Jr., president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, announced Saturday, January 31, that he would step down effective Sunday, February 1. The outspoken civil rights veteran said he would continue working as a consultant for the Atlanta-based civil rights organization.  Read More ...

Black history chronicled: Documenting the history of Faubourg Tremé on film When it was first conceived, the Faubourg Tremé documentary was slated to be a contemporary film with only a few minutes of historical footage to set the background. Once filming began, director/producer Dawn Logsdon and co-director and writer Lolis Eric Elie realized the history of the community demanded otherwise.  Read More ... Valentine Pierce, Contributing Writer

Morial family reflects on Dutch's legacy and the challenges facing Barack Obama Thirty-two years ago, Ernest "Dutch" Morial forever changed the political landscape of New Orleans when he became the city's first Black mayor.  Read More ... Edmund W. Lewis, Editor

Poet Maya Angelou to speak at UNO on Feb. 12 Poet, playwright and actress Maya Angelou will speak at the University of New Orleans free speaker series, UNO Horizons: Speakers Helping Us See Tomorrow Today, on Thursday, February 12, at 7 p.m. at the UNO Lakefront Arena. Read More ...

Fair-housing advocate ponders mayoral bid James Perry, executive director of the Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Action Center, dipped his toe into local political waters last week as he made it clear that he is considering entering the mayoral race.  Read More ...

My fellow citizens: I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition.  Read More ... Barack Obama, President of the United States of America

Louisiana commits $13M to redevelopment of Saenger Theatre The state of Louisiana said last week that it is committing $13 million in Community Development Block Grants to the city of New Orleans for redeveloping downtown’s historic Saenger Theatre, which was shuttered after Hurricane Katrina in 2005.  Read More ...

Epiphany Missionary celebrates 9th Anniversary The 9th Anniversary of Epiphany Missionary Baptist Church will be marked with a Grand March and Program benefitting its Rev. Dr. Lawrence A. Armour, Sr. Memorial Trust Fund. The church hopes to raise $500,000 to continue the work of Rev. Armour by building a day care center, youth outreach center and scholarship program.  Read More ...

N.O. producer is nominated for three Grammy Awards New Orleans musician Darius “Deezle” Harrison received three Grammy nominations for his work with Cash Money Records rapper and fellow Big Easy native Lil’ Wayne, this past year. Deezle has been nominated for such work as “Lollipop" and for his work as a producer and mixer/engineer for Album of the Year, Tha Carter III.  Read More ...

It's Carnival Time! Last week marked the official start of the 2009 Carnival season. New Orleans Mayor C. Ray Nagin and other elected officials and dignitaries marked the occasion by saluting the reigning monarchs and members of the city’s Mardi Gras krewes and feasting on a traditional Mardi Gras king cake.  Read More ...

Registration for Mardi Gras permit lottery to begin Jan. 12 Citizens interested in obtaining a fixed location permit for the 2009 Mardi Gras season must register for the permit lottery with the Department of Finance, Bureau of Revenue this week. Registration will be available from Monday, January 12, until 4 p.m. on Friday, January 16. The lottery will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 22, in the lobby of the Civil District Court Building, 421 Loyola Ave. Read More ...

‘Beyond Jena’ forum on bloggers of color and social justice scheduled Xavier University will host “Beyond Jena,” a forum on bloggers of color, education and social justice in New Orleans, on Saturday, January 31, at the Xavier University Ballroom from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.  Read More ...

Activists demand justice A coalition of community leaders, civil rights activists and ministers gathered last week to demand justice and answers after a  fatal shooting involving police that left a 22-year-old New Orleans man dead.  Read More ...

Archbishop locks up churches Police raids and arrests of two prominent New Orleanians on last Tuesday who were engaging in a prayer vigil at two Uptown Catholic Churches — Our Lady of Good Counsel and St. Henry’s — came in part as a result of the public embarrassment of announcing the end of a vigil protest that had not yet ended.  Read More ... Christopher Tidmore, Contributing Writer

Rev. Dr. Marshall Truehill Jr. is laid to rest Rev. Dr. Marshall Truehill of New Orleans passes on Christmas evening while celebrating the holidays at the home of relatives.  Read More ...

Unemployment Insurance Tax Cut, benefits increase BATON ROUGE — Legislation passed in the 2008 regular session became effective Jan.1 cutting unemployment insurance taxes by 10 percent while increasing the maximum weekly benefit amount. Read More ...

Eminent Domain cannot legally be used to open land for LSU/VA Hospital A new wrinkle has entered the fight to build a new “Charity” Hospital on top of a 19th-century, predominantly African-American neighborhood in Mid-City.  Read More ... Christopher Tidmore, Contributing Writer - 2 opinions posted

Property tax bills in the mail By December 31, property owners in the City of New Orleans should be in receipt of their 2009 Real Estate and Personal Property Business tax bills, according to city officials.  Read More ...

Black middle class in crisis WASHINGTON (Special to the NNPA from the Afro-American Newspapers) - The current economic crisis has waged a particularly severe attack on the Black middle-class in the United States, experts say.  Read More ... Zenitha Prince, Contributing Writer

Dick Gregory to be keynote speaker for MLK Week for Peace Dick Gregory will be the keynote speaker for the 22nd annual Martin Luther King Jr. Week for Peace, Jan. 16-23, 2009.  Read More ... 1 opinion posted

5th Circuit stays ruling that granted bail for "Angola 3" member The Fifth Circuit ruled December 12 that Albert Woodfox, who has spent 37 years in prison at Angola Penitentiary and whose conviction was overturned on September 25 by Federal District Judge Brady, will be held without bail until the court rules on the State's appeal of Judge Brady's decision.   Judge Brady, working from the recommendation of Magistrate Judge Noland, overturned Woodfox's conviction in the 1972 murder of prison guard Brent Miller, granting Woodfox's habeas petition, and gave the state 30 days to announce a retrial or else release Woodfox.  Read More ...

Repeal sought for St. Bernard Parish multi-family moratorium The Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Action Center (GNO FHAC) filed a motion Thursday seeking enforcement of a Consent Order entered on Feb. 27, 2008, in Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Action Center v. St. Bernard Parish et al, Case No. 06-7185, United States District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana. GNOFHAC's motion alleges that St. Bernard Parish's recently enacted moratorium on multi-family housing violates the Consent Order, which enjoins the Parish from violating the Fair Housing Act and other civil rights laws that prohibit race discrimination.  Read More ...

Mother of former LSU, NFL star pens book about son's triumphs, tragic death The mother of Marquise Hill, the former LSU standout and New England Patriot player who won national championships on the collegiate and professional levels, recently released a book about her son that makes it clear to all that he was more than just another gifted athlete.  Read More ... Edmund W. Lewis, Editor

GSU band raising funds for Inaugural Parade trip A fundraising campaign is now underway to support the World Famed Grambling State University Tiger Marching Band as it prepares to participate in the historic 56th Presidential Inaugural Parade next month in Washington, D.C.  Read More ...

New Orleanian tapped by Obama to head EPA President-elect Barack Obama announced Monday that New Jersey's Lisa Jackson, a New Orleanian, will become the first African American to lead the Environmental Protection Agency under his administration. Ms. Jackson was born in Philadelphia, Pa. but was raised and educated New Orleans.  Read More ...

FEMA deadline for Hurricane Ike assistance is extended The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has extended the registration deadline for Individual Assistance for survivors of Hurricane Ike to January 12, 2009. Individual Assistance includes temporary rental assistance or hotel stays as well as grants or loans to repair or replace damaged property and belongings.  Read More ...

La. Inspector General issues report on probe of Road Home program The Louisiana Office of State Inspector General released a report last Wednesday on an investigation into The Road Home program. At the request of Governor Bobby Jindal and Louisiana Recovery Authority Executive Director Paul Rainwater, Inspector General Stephen Street conducted an investigation of a pay increase from the state of Louisiana to the company implementing the Road Home Program, ICF Emergency Management Services (ICF), by $156 million. The pay increase was executed in December 2007 under former Governor Kathleen Blanco.  Read More ...

Nagin takes drastic steps to balance the city's budget Calling the 2009 budget approved recently by the New Orleans City Council inadequate, New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin took several drastic steps to balance the budget, including implementing a hiring freeze for all departments and slashing spending for all departments except public safety.  Read More ...

Black residents, leaders take aim at Councilwoman Stacy Head Black New Orleans residents called out New Orleans City Councilwoman Stacy Head Thursday night after a recent series of heated exchanges with several Black leaders that some say had racial undertones.  Read More ... 1 opinion posted

Judge authorizes a class-action lawsuit on behalf of NOPS employees fired after Katrina Civil District Court Judge Ethel Simms-Julien issued a judgment Wednesday that potentially impacts more than 8,500 former employees of the Orleans Parish School Board. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of principals, teachers, paraprofessionals, central office administrators, secretaries, social workers and other employees who provided instructional, administrative, food, security, maintenance, transportation and other services for 62,000 public school students as of August 29, 2005.  Read More ...

GSU marching band headed to DC for 56th Inaugural Parade The Presidential Inaugural Committee announced Dec. 5 that it has invited the Grambling State University World Famed Tiger Marching Band to perform in the 56th Inaugural Parade.  Read More ...

Program promotes homeownership, stronger communities In 1968, three years after Hurricane Betsy hit, while people were selling their homes in the Lower Ninth Ward, Collins Foots was buying. He raised his three children there and knew all his neighbors. After the federal flood of 2005, his family was scattered. Foots relocated to Avoyelles Parish in central Louisiana. One daughter, a teacher, was fired and relocated to Dallas.  Read More ... Valentine Pierce, Contributing Writer

Black voter strength surges in New Orleans Lost in the excitement around the election of Barack Obama on November 4 was a remarkable development in New Orleans politics; the African-American electorate surged back to its pre-Katrina strength, registering 60 percent of the actual vote, comparable to pre-Katrina percentages.  On election day, 90,377 Blacks cast votes, nearly double the 50,079 white voters. A total of 149,441 voters made their way to the polls, with more Black voters casting a ballot than in the pre-Katrina 2002 mayoral race.    Read More ... Lance Hill, Guest Columnist - 2 opinions posted

Critics of Plan to Destroy Historic, Black Neighborhood Blocked from State Legislators It had been only five days since a press conference confirmed what many residents of an historic, predominantly African-American neighborhood in Mid-City had long feared, the leveling of their homes in favor of a new Veterans Administration hospital complex built in partnership with LSU.     Read More ... Christopher Tidmore, Contributing Writer

Obamas reinforce a sense of family among Blacks WASHINGTON (Special to the NNPA from the Afro-American Newspapers) - For the past two years we've peeked into their lives-the infamous fist bump and the president-elect's solicitous hand on the small of his wife's back; Sasha's mischievous smile and Malia kissing her father goodbye as he dropped them off at school; and even Michelle's mom, Marian Robinson, clutching her son-in-law's hand while watching the poll returns on Election Night.  Read More ... Zenitha Prince, Contributing Writer

Former Black Panther to be released on bail after 37 years Albert Woodfox, a former member of the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense who has spent 37 years in prison at Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola, must be released on bail, United States District Judge James Brady ruled Tuesday, Nov. 25. On September 25, Judge Brady overturned Woodfox's conviction for the 1972 murder of prison guard Brent Miller. Though the State has announced its intention to appeal that decision, until such an appeal is successful, according to Tuesday's ruling, there is no conviction on which to hold Woodfox.  Read More ... 1 opinion posted

Lista Benarby Guilfore, 100 years old When Lista Benarby Guilfore was born there was no such thing as clear adhesive tape, Velcro, ballpoint inkpens, crossword puzzles, television, Q-tips. In fact, many of the modern conveniences most people rarely think twice about were invented in the last 100 years.  Read More ... Valentine Pierce, Contributing Writer

Historic, black neighborhood to be sacrificed Area has been selected for new LSU/VA Charity Hospital Other Potential Locations Dismissed On Tuesday, November 25, 2008, the Veterans Administration announced the final location to build a new hospital complex in New Orleans, a decision that could displace hundreds of homeowners.  Read More ... Christopher Tidmore, Contributing Writer

Details emerge on accused Louisiana Klan killer's history Raymond "Chuck" Foster, the Ku Klux Klan leader who was arrested November 11 for killing a woman following a backwoods Klan initiation ritual, has a history of Klan activity dating back at least to January 2001. Read More ... David Holthouse, Contributing Writer

FEMA launches second phase of Transparency Initiative On Nov. 13, FEMA's Gulf Coast Recovery Office launched the second phase of a major Web site initiative on government transparency. The Transparency Initiative resulted from the need to bring greater clarity as to how billions of federal dollars are supporting recovery efforts in the Gulf Coast. Read More ...

Delgado holds groundbreaking ceremony for new children's center Delgado Community College held a groundbreaking ceremony recently for the Joseph James "Joey" Georgusis Center for Children. The Center will provide state-of-the-art child care services and program training to Delgado Community College students, faculty and staff at its City Park Campus in New Orleans, La. Read More ...

Bayou Classic XXXV prepares to kick off Unquestionably the most colorful manifestation in the annals of Black College Football, the annual gridiron clash between Louisiana rivals Southern University and Grambling State University, affectionately known to the world as the State Farm Bayou Classic, has become one of the most anticipated events in the nation.  Read More ...

Xavier prez celebrates 40 years at the helm The Xavier University family, alumni and supporters paused last week to pay tribute to its visionary leader, XU President Dr. Norman C. Francis, as he marked the 40th anniversary of his tenure as its leader.  Read More ...

Jindal seeks GOP reform at RGA meeting  Read More ... Christopher Tidmore, Contributing Writer

Obama vows to confront economic crisis 'head on' With an ailing economy needing immediate attention, President-elect Barack Obama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden had little reprieve before they were huddled, three days after his election, with a 17-member transitional council of economic advisers.  Read More ... Zenitha Prince, Contributing Writer

Road Home sued for discrimination Civil rights and fair housing groups filed a federal lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development and the Louisiana Recovery Authority alleging that the Road Home recovery program discriminates against African-American homeowners in New Orleans.  Read More ...

Louisiana Baptists launch Peace of Jesus initiative The largest non-Catholic faith group in the state, the Louisiana Baptist Convention, held its 161st annual convention in New Orleans, November 10-11. During the meeting, a new initiative was launched to share the peace of Jesus with New Orleans and eventually with every household in the state by 2020.  Read More ...

America elects first black President (NNPA) - After a fierce fight of two years to change the course of history, U.S. Senator Barack Obama has been elected the first African-American president of the United States.  Read More ... By Hazel Trice Edney, NNPA Editor-in-Chief

Black Youth to Organize After the Election WASHINGTON (NNPA) - The Eighth Annual Black Youth Vote! Civic Leadership Training Conference, "We Voted, Now What?: Taking Youth Civic Engagement to the Next Level," will take place November 12-15, 2008 at the National Education Association headquarters, 1201 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC.  Read More ...

Residents encouraged to register for FEMA assistance There is still time to register for the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Individuals and Households Program. At the request of the state, the deadlines to register for assistance were extended to Dec. 3, 2008 for Hurricane Gustav and Dec. 11, 2008 for Hurricane Ike.  Read More ...

Let my living not be in vain Neighborhood Gallery founder shares the story of her mastectomy, Part II "The day I was diagnosed, it was Dr. Jane Wey, a surgical oncologist," Berry said. "This is like another..." and she softly whispered, "Wow." Berry sat quiet for a minute, her eyes misting. "I'd gone through the mammogram, the biopsy. Everybody was moving very, very passionately, I could feel it. It was like I was in a movie and I'm the star person but I didn't know it was going to be "Hey, everything is cool. We are bringing you to another passage, taking you to another station. Every woman, everyone that came in, came in prayerfully. My weight was taken. My pressure. Information was gathered. And then this little lady, Dr. Wey, walks in. She began to tell me what the biopsy told. I could tell from the biopsy that something was wrong because the doctor and the technician were just so compassionate to me. Even the people at the desk, as if people knew something was going on but we are all about loving and not discussing. Dr. Wey was the one. She went through various kinds of procedures in telling me and I said, 'Doctor, what is this?' She said, 'We found cancer. There were several little dots on the MRI that I could see on the X-ray. They took some of those calcium deposits and from that we were able to detect cancer,' Wey told her.  Read More ... By Valentine Pierce, Contributing Writer

Let my living not be in vain Neighborhood Gallery founder shares the story of her mastectomy Should you ask Sandra Berry about her life over the last few months, she will tell you she has been on a journey—literally and figuratively. It started in May with a sore on her nipple that wouldn’t heal. It oozed pus and blood. The doctor at that time gave her a salve and told her he would check it in six months.  Read More ... By Valentine Pierce, Contributing Writer

Parishioners vow to fight church closings After the final Mass at St. Henry Catholic Church on Sunday, Oct. 26, some of the parishioners left flowers and candles outside the doors. Some just refused to leave.  Read More ...

Farrakhan comes to N.O. for Black World Conference As momentum builds towards the election of Barack Obama as the first person of African descent to be President of the United States, the mobiliz-ing/organizing effort is in full gear for the State of the Black World Conference (SOBWC), to convene in New Orleans on November 19 – 23.  Read More ...

Jasper-style lynching alleged in Paris, Texas PARIS, Texas (Special to the NNPA from the Final Call) — When the body of a 24-year-old Black man in Paris, Texas was discovered in the middle of a busy road, law enforcement officials declared the case a hit and run by an unidentified driver.  Read More ... By Jesse Muhammad, Contributing Writer

Obama v. McCain: NAACP questionnaire reveals contrasting agendas on Black issues WASHINGTON (NNPA) – An NAACP presidential candidates’ questionnaire reveals starkly different views between Democratic Sen. Barack Obama and Republican Sen. John McCain, giving voters more indepth perspectives on the candidates’ racial and civil rights views as they go to the polls on Tuesday.  Read More ... By Hazel Trice Edney, NNPA Editor-in-Chief

The world rooting for an Obama Presidency WASHINGTON (Special to the NNPA from the Final Call) - Sen. Barack Obama is the preferred U.S. presidential candidate in all 22 nations polled for the BBC World Service by the University of Maryland and Globescan.  Read More ... By Nisa Muhammad and Saeed Shabazz Contributing Writer

Racial incidents increase as Election Day nears Just two weeks before the nation moved closer to the possibility of election the first Black U.S.  president, a series of racial incidents have suggested that skin color still matters to many Americans.  Read More ...

Endorsement editorial If this newspaper has had one theme over the course of its 83-year history, it is the simple admonition that candidates for public office should be judged by their demonstrated ability to get the job done, skills-set, vision, integrity and other contents of their character, and not the color of their skin.  Read More ...

LA Creole's Fourth Annual Conference slated for Nov. 15-16 The Louisiana Creole Research Association (LA Creole) is a New Orleans-based, non-profit genealogy and family research organization with more than 200 members across the nation. It was founded in August of 2004 for the purpose of assisting Creoles in researching their ancestry, educating the general public about the Creole culture, and celebrating the contributions and legacy of a “forgotten” people.  Creoles as defined here are the offspring of European, African, and/or Native American settlers in colonial Louisiana.  Read More ...

Horns For Guns events slated for November 1 Due to the Hurricane Gustav evacuation and great uncertainty about Ike, the two Horns For Guns kick-off events and gun buybacks, originally  scheduled for September 6, have now been rescheduled for Saturday, November 1, 2008, All Souls Day.  Read More ...

Children's Defense Fund president visits Dillard University Marian Wright Edelman, a life-long advocate for disadvantaged children and founder of the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) in Washington, DC visited Dillard University’s campus Friday, October 17, stopping by the Samuel DuBois Cook Center to share her insight and expertise about the needs and challenges of children in New Orleans, around the U.S. and across the globe.  Read More ...

N.O. teacher goes to the head of the class with surprise $25,000 Milken Educator Award Lynn Foy, a first-grade teacher at Joseph A. Craig Elementary School, was stunned to receive the news of her selection as a 2008 Milken National Educator Award recipient. The Award, which comes with an unrestricted cash prize of $25,000, was presented by Milken Family Foundation Chairman and Co-Founder Lowell Milken during a schoolwide assembly overflowing with cheering students, proud colleagues and dignitaries.  Read More ...

La. to receive more than $61M in emergency energy assistance HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt announced last week that Louisiana will receive $61,501,777 from the federal government’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) under the Fiscal Year 2009  Continuing Resolution.  Read More ...

Louisiana public employees eligible for new savings program Beginning this month, Louisiana public employees will be eligible to receive up to 20 percent in discounts on   goods and services from merchants participating in a new program sponsored by the Louisiana Department of Civil Service.  Read More ...

Xavier still No.1 in physics The latest report from the American Institute of Physics (AIP) on physics enrollments and degrees, confirms that Xavier University of Louisiana is still first in the nation in awarding physics BS degrees to African Americans.  Read More ...

State Sen. Derrick Shepherd pleads guilty to money laundering, He apologizes to parents, constituents and children A contrite State Senator Derrick Shepherd, D-Marrero, pled guilty to a single charge of conspiracy to commit money laundering and agreed to cooperate with the investigation in federal court Friday.  Read More ...

HUD, FEMA, La. announce 18-month housing assistance program for families displaced by Ike The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Louisiana Recovery Authority (LRA) announced last Wednesday a rental assistance program that will provide temporary rental payments and case management services to help thousands of families who were displaced by Hurricane Ike. The program, HUD Secretary Steven Preston and FEMA Deputy Administrator Harvey E.  Johnson announced in Houston last week, is slated to begin November 1, 2008 to  help these families find intermediate housing as they rebuild their lives.  Read More ...

Final two Razzoo bouncers cleared of murder charges Brandon Vicknair and Matthew Taylor - the last two bouncers charged in the December 31, 2004 death of Georgia college student Levon Jones outside Razzoo Bar & Patio in the French Quarter - were freed Wednesday when the Orleans Parish District Attorney's Office dismissed manslaughter charges against the two men.  The decision to dismiss charges in this racially charged case came after mostly white juries outside of New Orleans acquitted the two other defendants in the case - Arthur Irons, 42, and Clay Montz, 35 - of similar charges in April 2008 and August 2008 respectively.  Read More ...

Feds to launch probe of Danziger Bridge shootings The Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney's office in New Orleans said last week that a federal probe of the fatal shootings which occurred on a city bridge just six days after Hurricane Katrina.  Read More ...

LaBruzzo plan to sterilize poor women brings to mind Adolf Hitler, David Duke, some say State Rep. John LaBruzzo reminded some New Orleanians of white supremacist and former KKK Grand Wizard David Duke last week when he told New Orleans CityBusiness of his plans to consider introducing new legislation that would pay poor women $1,000 to voluntariily have their tubes tied in order to avoid getting pregnant in the future.  Read More ... 2 opinions posted

Displaced poor still returning to New Orleans as Saints go marching In "It had my ID, my children's birth certificates, my money and my credit cards," she softly cried. It was Sunday morning, one week after she was bused out of New Orleans to a military base in Arkansas. She was supposed to be at work. Her three children needed her. But she needed that suitcase.  Read More ... By Bill Quigley, Contributing Writer

Democracy Betrayed in Jefferson Parish It appears that the right to vote does not matter to a majority of the Jefferson Parish School Board.   Read More ...

Generator costs may be reimbursed by FEMA If residents purchased or rented generators in the aftermath of Hurricane Gustav, they must show that it was to support a documented medical need in order to receive reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Residents must provide proof that the generator is necessary to provide power for equipment such as kidney dialysis machines, apnea monitors for infants, oxygen concentrators, respirators, ventilators and feeding pumps.  Read More ...

'Hands Around the Dome' ceremony to mark 3rd Katrina anniversary As a part of the Third Anniversary commemoration of the Hurricane Katrina disaster and its aftermath, the African American Leadership Project will host its third "Hands Around the Dome Ceremony"(HADC) on Saturday, August 30, 2008, from 1:00pm to 3:30 p.m. at the Louisiana Superdome's Plaza Level. Parking is free.  Read More ...

New data reveals 16 N.O. neighborhoods have less than half their pre-Katrina households According to the new data, neighborhoods struggling most to repopulate include many lower-income neighborhoods (according to Census 2000 income data) such as the heavily damaged Lower Ninth Ward, which currently has only 11 percent of its pre-Katrina number of households. Others include middle-income neighborhoods such as West Lake Forest and Milneburg where recovery has reached 33 and 44 percent respectively, and neighborhoods with above average incomes such as the Pontchartrain Park and West End, which have only 38 and 45 percent of pre-Katrina households.  Read More ...

Fight Road Home Blight: Reward pioneering homeowners in 9th Ward, New Orleans East, & Lakeview with Neighboring Properties - For Free When critics blasted the slow rebuilding of New Orleans, Ray Nagin shocked the world when he answered that all New York had to show for its recovery was a "hole in the ground" where the Twin Towers used to be.  Read More ... By Christopher Tidmore, Contributing Writer

Katrina housing crisis still hinders recovery, report says Three years after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita battered the homes of hundreds thousands of Louisianans, too many residents are still unable to afford to rebuild their homes or find an affordable place to rent, according to a new housing report by the national research and advocacy group PolicyLink.  Read More ...

Another Bourbon St. bouncer acquitted in death of Black college student A second Bourbon Street bouncer was acquitted Thursday, Aug. 21, of criminal wrongdoing in the death of a visiting Georgia college student whose friends had been turned away from a French Quarter bar on New Year's Eve 2004. Read More ...

After slavery apology, will America repent? A mere 143 years, one month and 10 days after the last official day of slavery in the United States, the U.S. House of Representatives issued an apology to Blacks in this country for the wrongs they and their ancestors suffered under 310 years of chattel slavery and another 100 years of Jim Crow segregation laws. Read More ... By Askia Muhammad, Contributing Writer, July 7, 2008

Baobab fruit to take Europe by storm In Senegal, villagers have always known about the health benefits of baobab fruit. The ancient, hardy species known as the "tree of life" is scattered across the African savannah and some are said to date back to the time of Christ.  Read More ...

'New Orleans Speaks' to focus on post-Katrina recovery issues August 25, 2008 The problems facing New Orleans are problems facing every city. No The problems facing New Orleans are problems facing every city. No city is immune to the loss of social capital and the need for a citizen-led response to community crisis. "New Orleans Speaks" is the inaugural event for the New Orleans Institute on Resilience and Innovation featuring some of the most dynamic grassroots civic leaders in the city. The kickoff event for the Institute is an all -ay conference on Saturday, August 30, at the University of New Orleans featuring the stories of recovery leaders from across the city. These leaders come from the community and have stories on their own efforts to rebuild their neighborhoods, their communities, and their lives.  Read More ...

Census says New Orleans is still a 'chocolate' metropolis U.S. Census Bureau figures released last week show New Orleans had the nation's greatest increase in its Black population, gaining about 20,800 residents from 2006 to 2007, an increase that was part of an overall population jump as residents returned after Katrina. Read More ...

California couple provides two New Orleans families with free housing for one year Erin Jackson Earls lives in Los Angeles, California, but as a native New Orleanian, she still longs for the comforts of home.  For her, that could be a plate of her mother's red beans and rice or a frosty Sno-ball.  But for a homeless person, that could simply mean a good shower and a bed to lie in at night.  Read More ... By Bambi Hall, Contributing Writer

Troy Carter emerges as 2nd Congressional early frontrunner According to a new poll of 350 super chronic Democratic voters, in the field August 2nd & 3rd, Troy Carter ranks first with 16.4 percent of the vote. The sole white candidate, former WDSU reporter Helena Moreno is in a statistical tie for second place at 12.2 percent with current Orleans District C Councilman James Carter at 10.5 percent. Read More ... By Christopher Tidmore, Contributing Writer

Black real estate professionals express cautious optimism on passage of housing stimulus package Speaking on behalf of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB), the country's oldest minority trade association, President Maria Kong expressed "cautious optimism" on the passage of the housing stimulus package.  Read More ... 1 opinion posted

Leaders huddle in N.O. to share voter-protection strategies  Anticipating the largest voter turnout in history - and ensuing problems at the polls - the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation (NCBCP) left no stone unturned during a three-day Operation Big Vote Training Academy held in New Orleans recently to train field organizers on voter registration, mobilization, and voter protection.  Read More ...

SUNO administrator invents first motorcycle airbag safety system A Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) administrator can lay claim to having invented the first motorcycle safety system, and has won the Louisiana Business and Technology Center Phase Zero award related to his invention. William Belisle, Ph.D., won the Phase Zero Award for Louisiana Small Business for his U.S Department of Transportation Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I Program proposal for his Motorcycle Airbag Protection System (MAPS).  He received patent #6,017,076 for the invention in 2000. Read More ...

Murder charges dropped against 'Danziger 7' A New Orleans judge threw out murder and attempted murder charges Wednesday, Aug. 13, against seven police officers accused of gunning down two unarmed Black men on an eastern New Orleans bridge five days after Hurricane Katrina. Read More ...

Community service earns restaurateur honorary Buffalo Soldiers membership The first time Dorothy Finister sat on the rickety bench at Two Sisters Restaurant with her first child, her infant daughter, Nadine, about 50 years ago she had no intention of ever going back. In those days the restaurant was a small affair consisting of three tables, a counter and a bench. This being her first visit, Finister didn't know about the bench's peculiarity when she sat down with her daughter in her arms. Read More ... By Valentine Pierce, Contributing Writer

SCLC protests gas prices, prepares to March on Washington "The Southern Christian Leadership Conference - on behalf of the powerless and poor people of this nation - thinks that the skyrocketing gas prices are an injustice to everyday, ordinary citizens," said the Rev. Byron Clay, National Vice President of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.  Read More ... By Edmund W. Lewis

Groups offer affordable groceries The Broadmoor Improvement Association (BIA) last week announced a partnership with the Free Church of the Annunciation (FCOA) and Angel Food Ministries to provide affordable groceries for New Orleanians.  This service will be available for anyone who lives, works, or worships in the area enclosed by Nashville, Freret St., Toledano, Washington, and S. Jefferson Davis Parkway.  Read More ...

In race against Jefferson, Fahrenholtz's departure opens path for Moreno The ejection of Orleans School Board member Jimmy Fahrenholtz from the Second Congressional race increases the likelihood that the next Representative from the Black Majority district will be white.  Read More ... By Christopher Tidmore, Contributing Writer

'Big Queen' Barbara Sparks - November 19, 1943 - July 20, 2008 The Mardi Gras Indian community loses a queen Sparks credited her tenure with the Black Eagles as being important for gaining much of her early knowledge of the traditions and sewing. While most queens are taught about the culture and their responsibilities by other queens, Sparks believed she got her unique perspective by coming up under men.  Read More ... By Geraldine Wyckoff, Contributing Writer

SCLC returns to its N.O. roots for 'civil rights family reunion' - Hurricane Katrina and other unfinished business on the agenda The Southern Christian Leadership Conference, the preeminent civil and humans rights organization that has been at the vanguard of every national civil rights initiative since 1957, will hold its 50th annual national conference July 26-30 in its birthplace, New Orleans, Louisiana. The conference theme is "Building New Avenues Toward Health, Education and Justice," issues of critical importance to the national agenda.  Read More ...

St. Bernard Parish to pay an additional $123K in lawsuit settlement St. Bernard Parish must pay $123,771.92 in fees and costs to attorneys representing the Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Action Center (GNOFHAC) and an individual plaintiff pursuant to a court order issued in Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Action Center v.  St. Bernard Parish et al, Case No. 06-7185, United States District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana.  The fees and costs are in addition to the $32,500 previously paid by the Parish as part a Consent Order in settlement of the claim for damages. This brings the total payout by the Parish up to a total of $152,271.92.  Read More ...

Working Families Now Own Homes through NEW ERA - Bringing New Orleans Home Program For Carl Brown, homeownership was a just a dream until he heard about the NEW ERA - Bringing New Orleans Home Program at the Gates on Manhattan in Harvey. Now, the 31 year-old single parent is well on the way to owning the home he shares with his daughter and granddaughter. Read More ...

Flint Goodridge Apartments celebrates re-opening For at least 26 residents of Flint Goodridge Apartments, the road home has reached home, back to where they started before Katrina.  Read More ...

Delille Inn Apartments Sisters of the Holy Family rebuild housing for seniors in New Orleans East Sisters of the Holy Family, along with Providence Community Housing, Christopher Homes and Enterprise late last month announced the groundbreaking for the Delille Inn Apartments. Read More ...

Rev. Tom Watson Black men are called upon to ‘step up’ The Rev. Tom B. Watson who has dedicated more than 25 years to community involvement, has led his church for almost 20 years, and is a former superintendent of the Milne’s Boys Home is “Calling the Community to Order” as it pertains to boys and men in this area, specifically violence, drugs and homicide. Read More ...

Public library to celebrate Juneteenth The African American Resource Center of the New Orleans Public Library will host a Juneteenth Celebration at the Main Library at noon on Friday, June 13, 2008, in the Main Library Auditorium. The purpose of the program is to make people aware of Juneteenth, a holiday that celebrates the emancipation of slaves in the United States. Read More ...

New non-denominational church opens in Tremé The Faubourg Tremé was hit hard by Hurricane Katrina, however, with a triumphant spirit, community members from across the New Orleans metropolitan area have come together to rebuild St.  Mark’s facilities and host the new Spirit & Truth Family Worship Center. Read More ...

Cutting Edge Donation The New Orleans Recreation Department received a much needed boost of confidence in its quest to restore area playgrounds. Read More ...

Pastor Morton Greater St. Stephen welcomes first female pastor Bishop Paul S. Morton, presiding bishop of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International and senior pastor of Greater St. Stephen FGBC (New Orleans) and Changing a Generation FGBC (Atlanta) announced last week the elevation of Debra B. Morton to senior pastor of Greater St. Stephen Full Gospel Baptist Church. Mrs. Morton became the first female pastor in the church’s seven-decade history.  Read More ...

City launches Junior Police Academy The city of New Orleans announced last week the establishment of a Junior Police Academy for young men and women ranging in age from 12 to 18 years old. This program is designed for students who may be exploring career options and may be considering a career in law enforcement.  Read More ...