Louisiana Weekly (New Orleans)- NLRB rule puts Black-owned franchises at risk
- NOLA-PS gearing up to open doors at Leah Chase School
- City leaders celebrate new marketplace under Claiborne Expressway
- The ‘Drop’ reopens in New Orleans, ushering in a second era of Black cultural renaissance
- New ‘Big Green Easy’ Masterplan seeks to address racial and funding inequities in City’s Park system
- When in doubt, go to the Gospel Tent it’s real
- Dept. of Ag assigns ‘disaster areas’ in wake of 2023 drought
- SCOTUS eases path for discrimination claims in job transfers
- ‘Our vision for the city’: Organizer, historian discusses Black labor history and tourism
- NOCC students unveil design for former Six Flags
Families can use child tax credits to overcome barriers and move toward economic security
Financial educators say the tax credit could result in a significant tax refund or tax deduction of nearly $2,000 for each child. Knowing how to leverage the funds could help families overcome barriers and move toward economic security, said Joyce James, founder of the Middleburg Institute.
‘My dad went to bed hungry’ remembers Donaldsonville Mayor, a child tax credit supporter
“And it wasn’t until I was a grown man, I realized my dad went to bed hungry a lot of nights to make sure that I had enough,” Sullivan said. “That’s what a parent is going to do.”
Grassroots advocates invited to step into the world of policymaking and understand the impact
The Middleburg Institute’s Policy Simulation and Grassroots Soiree is a daylong event of live role-playing that trains participants on policy, organizing, and advocacy. And, organizers are inviting Louisiana advocates, residents, and policymakers to Baton Rouge for the April 12 event. The simulation is an immersive in-person training on the most effective ways of being advocates, … Continue reading
John Alleyne creates and curates art of acceptance and appreciation
A new exhibit curated by New Orleans artist John Alleyne reveals the unique expression and experience of protective hairstyles through the lens of contemporary art and mixed media. As an artist, Alleyne’s paintings capture important topics of our generation through exhibitions about our hair, culture, and the similarities and nuances within the diaspora. Born in … Continue reading
They are makers, thriving higher, eating royal, and inviting others to join them
Meet plant-based “makers” Elyse Dorsey and Kenniece Webber of King’s Market Royal Goods Elyse Dorsey and Kenniece Webber are plant-based “makers” in Baton Rouge who provide knowledge, products, and services to help others maintain optimum health. The pair consistently brings their King’s Market Royal Goods to area festivals, farmer’s markets, and vegan events, as well as offering … Continue reading
Reach your higher self with yoga and movement
Kim Walker started a life-changing yoga journey 30 years ago while managing fibromyalgia and had an epiphany to teach others how to maintain physical and mental health while disrupting a narrative.
Pensiri: A Talk with Celeste Payne, therapeutic art life coach
As an educator and therapeutic art life coach, Celeste Payne’s painting sessions are “like personal two- to three-hour mini-vacations.
Give the Gift of Literature
As you are contemplating the perfect gift of the season, you can’t go wrong giving the gift of Louisiana Literature. Here are a few favorites to add to your list.
Parents learn to leverage finances with tax credits while advocating for expansion
Not many moderate- or low-income residents in Louisiana can say they are making smart financial decisions. However, Crystal Nelson of New Roads is proud of how she has leveraged tax refunds to improve her life. She said the tax credits help to lift her family’s financial lot. “With an autistic child who requires therapy and often … Continue reading
Campaign launches to help Louisiana families seek child tax credit benefits
Gearing up to significantly impact on how Louisiana families gain financial restitution, The Middleburg Institute supported by Share Our Strength has launched a multi-city public awareness campaign promoting the expansion of Louisiana’s child tax credit legislation. The Middleburg Institute is hosting listen-and-learn events explaining why tax credits matter for families and children in Louisiana and how to … Continue reading
Young N.O. filmmaker Carter Lacoste takes Randy Livingston’s story of resilience to NY festival
New Orleans ninth grader Carter Lacoste is heading to New York this week for the 2023 All-American High School Film Festival, and he is taking his cinematic tale of local New Orleans basketball legend Randy Livingston. The freshman at the International School of Louisiana will join 883 other high schoolers showcasing films at the world’s largest … Continue reading
Stepping from a slave cabin into a new era of medical education
The 15 White Coats has established two initiatives to support 50 aspiring physicians from HBCUs, HSIs and Indigenous Serving Institutions.
Feel Seen: a talk with Tracee Albert, CODA and ASL advocate
For Vidalia, La., native Tracee Albert, American Sign Language is considered her first language due to her upbringing by two deaf parents. With this life as a CODA, or Child of Deaf Adults, she is a firsthand witness of the lack of representation and advocacy for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing community. At 23, Albert … Continue reading
Louisiana to London: B.R. authors selected to exhibit books at the renowned London Book Fair
BJT Ledet and Barbara W Green join 20 authors in international representation at the London Book Fair next week.
COVID-19 Education: How are Louisiana’s K-12 educators?
COVID Education crisis has been discussed worldwide, this three-part series presents the stories of Louisiana Black educators’ experiences during six waves of COVID in three years.
Three years of COVID, survey shows Louisiana educators experience an array of emotions
Forty Louisiana educators completed an online survey designed to understand—as much as possible—the impact three years of the coronavirus pandemic has had on Louisiana educators, including paraprofessionals, teaching staff, and principals. The survey, conducted by the Jozef Syndicate, asked Black K-12 educators: “How are you?” Overall, their responses spanned every emotion: fearful, depressed, isolated, unsupported, less-than-human, proud of … Continue reading
Educators quickly responded to COVID-19 but how has it impacted them?
Black K-12 educators said they would dress as if they were going to work, disconnect from COVID reports which fed their fears, and stay focused on their children to keep their spirits up during the three-year pandemic. “For me, prayer was my saving grace,” said Zanetta Trahan, a high school teacher in Baton Rouge.
Where were you on March 9, 2020? Black educators remember the early days of COVID-19
Many people may not remember that date. However, engrained in the memories of many Louisiana teachers is Thursday, March 12, 2020, when Governor John Bel Edwards declared a public health emergency, closed all K-12 public schools, and banned gatherings. Black K-12 educators in Louisiana said they overcame chaos, fears, and challenges during the COVID pandemic. (Part 1)
Some people are scared of history
“The history curriculums of my youth were informed by this thinking. My first US history class in particular discussed the American Revolution extensively, characterizing the colonists and founding fathers as undeniably impressive and important. Our discussion of Black people began and ended with slavery…slavery and genocide were watered down considerably. The systemic and generational effects of marginalization went unexamined,” writes Kahlila Bandele, 18.
Challenges to history met with baton of knowledge
Louisiana’s AP African American Studies teacher champions courses, community lectures to expand knowledge Malcolm Reed is running the modern leg of an ancient relay race. He teaches AP African American Studies and carries the collective history and culture of all African descendants, then passes a baton full of facts and details. He believes knowledge is … Continue reading
After three pandemic years, how are Louisiana’s K-12 educators?
Three years ago, Louisiana’s K-12 educators, principals, support staff, paraprofessionals, and specialists faced one of the biggest –and most difficult– challenges of their careers: the coronavirus pandemic, known as COVID-19. They quickly adjusted in order to transition into virtual learning environments during the height of the pandemic. They transitioned back into schools bearing multiple COVID-restrictions … Continue reading
Harrell’s humanitarian services extend from Louisiana to Kenya
The research and documentation of local family histories aren’t the only humanitarian services that Louisiana native Antoinette Harrell offers. From the Mississippi Delta to rural communities in Tangipahoa and St. Helena parishes, and even internationally, her humanitarian work has reached and changed the lives of hundreds of people. She has made contributions to African American … Continue reading
Tips for celebrating Kwanzaa
Originally posted on Jozef Syndicate:
First, there is the name: Kwanzaa. Then, the principles: Umoja, Kujichagulia, Ujamaa, Kuuma, Ujima Nia, and Imani. These words were not part of the Black lexicon until a professor of Africana studies, Maulana Karenga, set out to create holiday designed for Blacks to observe and celebrate African culture and traditions.…
Granddaughter looks for ‘Emancipation’ to clarify Port Hudson family’s history and Whipped Peter
As the anticipated movie Emancipation releases this weekend, three generations of one Port Hudson, La., family are watching intensely. Not because of the fame that Will Smith brings nor for the local connection but one far greater: family legacy. In 1804, the Jackson family’s paternal head Peter Jackson was born in Virginia and enslaved at … Continue reading
When the shipment arrives, the people celebrate
When the shipment containers covered in images of beautiful Safari animals arrive at the Houston International Airport, Friday, Nov. 4, this historical moment will bring with it a restored connection between Africa and all of America. The arrival of TanzaNutz will be celebrated Nov. 4-6 at the first TanzaFest, a free festival in New Orleans Congo Square.
Changing the Narrative: 12 authors, 16 titles bring the largest Black American group to Sharjah, UAE
Viewed as a cultural and literary hub of the region, the Sharjah International Book Fair is known as the “gateway to audiences who love the written word.” With the exceptional guidance of agents from T. Jones Media, twelve American authors have been ushered into this gateway. SIBF is an annual 11-day international book fair held … Continue reading
Expanding skincare into total wellness: microbiologist Erin White takes therapeutics to sisterhood
Pensiri: A Talk with Erin White, a microbiologist who is expanding skincare into holistic wellness for women
10 women encourage ‘Katrina Babies’ and the 121 infants of August 29, 2005
Filmmaker Edward Buckles, Jr expose some of the hurricane’s harsh and immeasurable impact on children in his latest film “Katrina Babies”. Until now, their stories were unknown and these stories are in contrast to the stories of the 49 children born in Baton Rouge’s Women’s Hospital on that day. Their birth story is forever narrated by Hurricane Katrina. Ten Baton Rouge women encourage a Katrina-born child who’s now 17.
What happens when police violate your ‘right to remain silent’?
On June 22, the Supreme Court decided that people cannot sue police officers for failing to read them their Miranda rights before questioning. Former Department of Justice attorney and author Michelle Coles explains how this decision limits protection and connects to the Third Klu Klux Klan Act.
Life –from the womb to the tomb– is precious
“If I hear one more Christian use the Bible to prove a point, I’m going to scream! Yes, I said it! And that’s on my calling to preach the liberating gospel of Jesus…Until we are ready to protect life from the womb to the tomb, we are not Jesus followers. We are simply Bible-thumping-Christians,” writes the Rev. Sherri Jackson.
Governor signs Louisiana’s abortion ban with no exception for rape or incest
Criticized by the Biden administration, the state’s new abortion ban gives no exceptions for rape or incest, however it includes new exceptions for ectopic and medically futile pregnancies. It ceiminalizes providers and makes it illegal for anyone to send abortion pills by mail.
Beyond Juneteenth: Break the chains to access capital and achieve real freedom
“Right now, Black Americans are still chained to systems of financial bondage. We must think beyond Juneteenth to continue to find ways to access capital, which brings real freedom,” write Clark and James, guest columnists
Legendary bluesmen Lil Jimmy Reed, ‘Teddy’ Johnson blaze paths promoting musical expression
Blues – an art form birthed from heartbreak as well harmony – was so obscure in its infancy that its origins are often debatable. Louisiana’s juke joints that once heavily marked the Swamp Blues Trail help the Bayou State claim a healthy part of the blues as its own. The blues wasn’t created or developed. … Continue reading
Medical marijuana and me: the path to healing now that the cannabis flower is legal in Louisiana
As an adult, I became an occasional “closeted” consumer to help calm my anxiety, fatigue, and tension pain. The taboo and shame surrounding the subject were still very real. We were taught marijuana is a “gateway drug”, getting “high” was sinful in nature, and only people in the “street life” smoked weed.
Leaving viewers with something strong to sip on
Pensiri: A Talk with Teresa Cooper and Katherine Young, hosts of SisterFriends Cups and Conversations.
Gift Giving for the Culture
This pandemic’s push has birthed House of Favor–a brand that fuses faith and culture with gift-giving.
Shreveport floral designer Sharon Johnson heads to the Tournament of Roses Parade
At 11 years old, Sharon Johnson would decorate and create flowers from construction paper. “As I grew older, my passion for flowers continued to grow. It’s kind of in my DNA to be attracted to flowers,” said the Shreveport native.
Value of one: a 9-11 hero’s marker celebrates life, soothes personal grief
My dad and my hometown’s 9-11 fallen hero will be forever connected by their military service and the tiny plot of land in Lake Charles, La., they will share in perpetual care.
‘A true jewel of Shreveport’ has passed
“Cynthia Hightower-Jenkins was a true jewel of Shreveport who shared her wisdom and generosity with countless organizations and causes. She will be remembered for the compassion and love she always showed to others,” said Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins after the unexpected death of one of the city’s most revered and elegant businesswomen. The wife of … Continue reading
With filmmakers’ help, Scotlandville steps onto the international stage
Elders and leaders of the Scotlandville community in Baton Rouge often reminisce of a time when the area flourished with businesses, competitive schools, professional residents, and violence-free entertainment. They remember Scotlandville’s history as a successful community that was once the entry point for the slave trade and home to a cotton plantation. Only one Black … Continue reading
‘I hated, hated science’ until STEM NOLA
“My parents are happy for me and proud of me. They see that I have a passion for what I want to do. This really feels like the way that I can help change the world,” said 17-year-old Jaelyn Carr
Supporting natural hair in La, a state without the CROWN Act
Nicollette M. Davis got her first hair relaxer when she was 5 years old. In her early 20s, she decided to cut off her chemically treated hair and return it to its natural state—a journey of self embrace with many emotional and physical ups and downs, she said. The movement to embrace natural hair has been … Continue reading
Someone etched her legacy in stone, shared it with free books and prayer
Someone etched Rosa A. Haney’s legacy in stone then shared it with free books and prayer in the Eden Park community. With broken doors and soiled books, these free libraries have been added to a growing list of libraries in need of repair. Pensiri Elves are prepared to help.
Louisiana’s oldest Juneteenth celebrations return amid COVID, on heels of holiday legislation
In 1976, Baton Rougeans first celebrated Juneteenth with a parade. Then annual celebrations occurred sporadically in the capital city until historian Sadie Roberts-Joseph began hosting annual celebrations consistently in the late 1980s. Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Liberation Day, and Emancipation Day, is a holiday celebrating the 1865 emancipation of all African … Continue reading
Rep. Jones pushes bill to extend early voting
A bill to extend early voting from seven to 10 days during presidential elections was approved unanimously by a House committee Wednesday, March 5. Rep. Frederick Jones, D-Monroe, offered his bill after the record voter turnout in the 2020 presidential election. Louisiana saw over 2.1 million people vote in November, and 986,000 of them voted … Continue reading
Southern University wins $40,000 Home Depot Grant
Southern University and A&M College will receive a $40,000 Retool Your School grant from Home Depot. Southern University’s Baton Rouge and Shreveport campuses along with Grambling State University are part of the 30 HBCUs selected by students, alumni and advocates to receive a combined $1 million in campus improvements grants through the annual Retool Your … Continue reading
Larry Irvin is shaping the future, making teaching cool again
Brothers Empowered to Teach CEO Larry Irvin Jr. selected as a TED2021 Fellow
Norris Henderson, a long-time criminal-justice advocate, continues push to increase funding
In this spring’s legislative session, criminal justice advocates will be pushing for increased funding for public defenders and for changes in policing practices. Norris Henderson, the founder of Voice of The Experienced, a non-profit known as VOTE, said both areas represent crucial steps in reforming the state’s justice system and making it fairer for minorities. … Continue reading
Songs for Mama: Grieving son creates project a year after COVID loss
Grieving son creates music project dedicated to the experience of losing his mother to COVID-19. Ronaldo Hardy, of Baton Rouge, hopes to help others heal from similar losses.
Behind ‘Jozef Book and Brew’: What we’ve been reading, brewing, and enjoying
The Jozef Syndicate is a cooperative of creators, writers, illustrators, journalists, artists…mostly importantly, we are readers. Well-read, pleasure seeking, erudite readers. We select the books as part of our Jozef Book and Brew. We recently took on a challenge to use a reading journal while we indulge. Some of us have while others tapped out … Continue reading
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SisterFriends: Leaving viewers with something to sip on
Jozef Syndicate 