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.
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
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
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.
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
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.
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
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
Painting protests and pandemic: From canvas to masks
It’s not folk art, but Tedism. It is the unique style of art and storytelling by Ted Ellis. For nearly 30 years, Ellis’ art unfolds and celebrates the traditional values of Black culture and lifestyle. He has beautifully captured that lifestyle on large canvas and prints. In the energy of this year’s drastic lifestyle changes for … Continue reading
Louisiana Poet Laureate John Warner Smith awarded national fellowship
Louisiana Poet Laureate and Southern University professor John Warner Smith has been awarded the prestigious Academy of American Poets’ Laureate Fellowship, given to honor poets of literary merit serving in civic positions around the country. Smith joins 23 other poets around the country who received a Laureate Fellowship. He received $50,000 as part of the award to produce … Continue reading
Shreveport native wins Pulitzer Prize
Shreveport native Jericho Brown ((born Nelson Demery III)has won the 2020 Pulitzer Prize in Poetry for his collection “The Tradition,” which the Pulitzer board deemed “a collection of masterful lyrics that combine delicacy with historical urgency in their loving evocation of bodies vulnerable to hostility and violence.” His poetry has been featured in The Bennington Review, Buzzfeed, … Continue reading
1,095 days and counting: One doctor’s frustration unfolds into Instagram excellence
By all accounts, every day of February is laced with creative lessons on Black history. From teachers decorating their classroom doors with fantastical imagery to daily posts of famous quotes and musical introductions by Black artists, the month is full of presentations of Black success. But few -—if any—- have matched the diligence of Rani … Continue reading
Muralist immortalizes architect Julian T. White, LSU’s first Black professor
When Julian T. White joined LSU’s faculty in 1971 to teach architecture, he paved a way for people of all backgrounds to have equal opportunity. The mural in the collets atrium honors the legacy of the first Black professor at Louisiana State University.
‘The American Audit’ exposes America as a 400-year-old business and its toll on Black citizens
Donney Rose’s provocative project, called ‘The American Audit,’ gets to the root of Black American’s dehumanization and explores the why and how. The performance is Feb. 28 at the Manship Theatre in Baton Rouge
Students, teachers use self-efficacy to master learning, show the world ‘we are intelligent’
Education scholars like Erin Wheeler Ph.D., executive director of College Beyond, and Calvin Mackie Ph.D. of STEM NOLA have said a student’s “belief” is critical for their success. This belief, which is called “self-efficacy,” is the belief in one’s ability to complete a chosen, specific task. Because this belief “fuels students,” it is part of the education model at T.M. Landry College Prep in Lafayette, Louisiana.
Toni Morrison, Baton Rouge’s bench and ‘seeing myself’
Toni Morrison’s work impacted the lives of many people, including my own. As a Black student at predominately White university, it was hard for me to see myself on the required texts by Chaucer, Shakespeare, and Milton. It wasn’t until I took a course called, “Toni Morrison and Others,” that I saw myself.
Hundreds honor slain civil rights icon, museum founder remembered for living a life of purpose
Hundreds of people including Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards, Baton Rouge Mayor Sharon Weston Broome, other elected officials, community leaders, and even residents who barely knew Sadie Roberts-Joseph filled the pews at Living Faith Christian Center to say goodbye to a woman who was remembered for living a life of purpose. “What she has done … Continue reading
‘Not Charity, Lord, but a Chance’
The poem, “Not Charity, Lord, But a Chance,” is a petition for fair opportunities in America. Its message is timely and symbolic for this middle-schooler whose business has won two pitch competition within three months. “Blacks demanded a fair chance and were brilliant and excellent in what they did,” she said.
She begat this. Oh, really?
She begat this. Oh, really? For people outside of this entertainment, hip hop spectrum, the fact of Hill’s domination may be far-reaching until they read “She Begat This: 20 Years of the Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” by Joan Morgan.
The Square Collection gets first public showing in West Baton Rouge
Graduates of Grambling State University, where they met, Lawrence and Gay Square started collecting art 40 years ago. Today, the couple’s private collection is on display at the West Baton Rouge Museum through March 24. The Square Collection features fine art from some of America’s most distinguished artists including 20 centerpieces which are figurative sculptures by the internationally … Continue reading
Women in state law enforcement leave indelible footprints
There are countless Louisianans who have contributed significantly to our state and nation’s history. They are the trailblazers and pioneers who have left an indelible imprint that continues to inspire. Among the most well-trained law enforcement officers in the country, Black female Louisiana State Troopers are proudly and courageously paving the way for others to … Continue reading
First Black to walk in space visits Baton Rouge
On June 26, Dr. Bernard Harris, CEO of the National Math + Science Initiative (NMSI), visited Baton Rouge to kick off NMSI’s Laying the Foundation Teacher training at Woodlawn High School. With ongoing support from ExxonMobil, the popular training program was recently expanded to an additional 400 teachers across the state, doubling the number of … Continue reading
Dr. King, Alton Sterling, and the Difficult Days Ahead
This is America 50 years after King’s assassination. The relative progress made in civil rights since April 4, 1968 is rife with tragic contradiction and complexity. King likely did not dream that after climbing to the “mountaintop” our first words would not be “free at last” but rather “Black lives matter.”
Baton Rouge gains its sixth community pharmacist
“My brother and I are here to build and strengthen our hometown community of Baton Rouge. We are here to provide HOPE to the community where we were born and raised,” said Orlando J. Palmer Jr., pharmacist.
Community support turns Facebook postings into published book
When Baton Rouge writer and teacher Donney Rose set out to pay homage to the vastness of Black identities during Black History Month, he had no idea how much his community would support his month-long social media project. Each day in Feb. 2017, Rose dedicated a Facebook post to a prose-style “shout-out” in recognition of … Continue reading
Museum presents ‘The Thibodaux Massacre’ Book Tour, Feb. 18
For the first time ever, a limited number of people will experience live, the on-site telling of a key story hidden from people of Louisiana. Join us for this unique tour with the author who recently verified and chronicled the story in his book, The Thibodaux Massacre. The Feb. 18 tour will begin at 10 … Continue reading
The Genius of Ted Ellis
There needs to be something shared worldwide about the works of Ted Ellis, New Orleans born visual artist
Fans stirred up for first undefeated match up of Jaguars, Tigers
“When you look at the history of the Bayou Classic itself, there have been scenarios where the game would decide who goes to the SWAC Championship game or, before the SWAC Championship game existed, there were situations where the Bayou Classic might have determined who wins the SWAC period; but never has there been a situation where both teams were undefeated with those stakes on the line,” said Christopher Jones, associate athletics director of media relations at Southern University.
Changing the Louisiana Judiciary Forever
SULC continues commemoration of 30th anniversary of Clark and Chisom cases Across Louisiana’s judicial system sit 82 elected Black judges—the highest number per capita for any state in the United States—thanks to a series of legal battles that opened the way for more diverse judges to be elected statewide. In 1986, plaintiffs Janice Clark and Ron … Continue reading
Things get uncomfortable’ when protesters Blackout BR, interrupt policing meeting
As officer-involved shootings cities around the country, frustrated citizens are continuing their fight for justice. With each shooting that has occurred, dash cam footage has been released, surveillance and other forms of film have been released to ensure complete disclosure. But, unfortunately, that hasn’t been the case with the deadly shooting of Alton Sterling. After … Continue reading
Monroe native rolls into world of ultra luxury
Hailed from Monroe, Louisiana, the world’s first Black American Rolls Royce car dealer got there through hard work and perseverance, but only after disappointing his family. Thomas Moorehead’s parents thought the key to respectability was a Ph.D. Both teachers, they lived by an old-school axiom that the one thing you never can take away from … Continue reading
Gauthier leaves McKinley to serve with Naval Beach Group TWO
NORFOLK–A 2014 McKinley Senior High School graduate and Baton Rouge native is serving in the U.S. Navy with Naval Beach Group TWO (NBG 2). Seaman Tyran’e Gauthier is working with the beach group operating out of Virginia Beach, Virginia. A Navy seaman is responsible for training other new personnel and handling check-in for incoming personnel. … Continue reading
Treasury Department commemorates 150th anniversary of Freedman’s Bank
Liberty Bank and Trust Company President Alden McDonald delivered keynote remarks at a U.S. Treasury Department ceremony commemorating the 150th Anniversary of the Freedman’s Savings and Trust Company (Freedman’s Bank). At the event, the U.S. Treasury dedicated the Treasury Annex Building as the “Freedman’s Bank Building”. The building stands on the site of the original … Continue reading
BR Bus Boycott commemorated by Toni Morrison Society’s Bench by the Road Project
The Toni Morrison Society has selected Baton Rouge as the next site for its Bench by the Road Project, which commemorates places significant in Blacks history. On Feb. 6, 2016, a bench will be unveiled in honor of Blacks involved in the historic 1953 Baton Rouge bus boycott, which was the precursor to the Montgomery … Continue reading
Black Dollars, Black Power: Call to boycott Black Friday and Christmas shopping spreads nationwide
Nationwide protests in the defense of Black Lives have taken a precise turn into the world of economics by encouraging Blacks everywhere to only support Black-owned businesses throughout the Thanksgiving Holiday leading with the famed “Black Friday” and “Cyber Monday” and ending Jan 4, 2016. Activists are calling out the national Black community to invest … Continue reading
Former SU history professor Arthur Tolson passes away
Arthur L. Tolson, Ph.D, a longtime faculty member in the Southern University Baton Rouge Department of History, died Wednesday, November 18, 2015, in Baton Rouge. He was 91. SU System President-Chancellor Ray L. Belton issues the following statement and condolences: “The Southern University System is tremendously saddened by the passing of former history professor Dr. … Continue reading
Deltas purchase N.O church for community center
An act of sale of Epiphany Church was signed between the Archdiocese of New Orleans, Corpus Christi-Epiphany Church and the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Foundation. The Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Foundation purchased the church buildings, located at 1949 Duels Street, to renovate into a community resource center serving the Seventh Ward area of District “D”. … Continue reading
General Honore’ says ‘Do a gut check’, Louisiana deserves better leaders
Throughout the 2015 legislative session you could find U.S Army Retired Lt. General Russel L. Honore in the political trenches explaining to legislators and citizens the results of environmental policies on the state. In his most aggressive stance, Honore started the GREENArmy, an alliance of citizend and groups focused on environmental policies. Today, (July 1) … Continue reading
Boris Kodjoe gets personal at historic La. NAACP banquet
Parish president names first Black police chief during event HOUMA—Actor Boris Kodjoe was the keynote speaker at the Terrebonne Parish NAACP’s 33rd Annual Freedom Fund Banquet on June 20, where he addressed a crowd of more than 1,000 people about topics such as racism, success and life lessons. Kodjoe opened his speech by touching … Continue reading
Jones, La., native named ADA president
Registered dietitian nutritionist Evelyn F. Crayton, professor emeritus at Auburn University, began her one-year term on June 1 as the president of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. Crayton, of Montgomery, Ala., and a native of Jones, La., is the 90th president of the Academy, which … Continue reading
Belton to lead Southern University System
“We are pleased with the outcome of the search for the SU System president/chancellor. The search committee’s work was expedient and exemplary. We welcome Dr. Ray Belton whose tenure will signal the beginning of the next era for the only HBCU system in America.” – Leon Tarver, PhD Getting to know Ray Belton, PhD Compiled … Continue reading
Called to fight, serve, and minister
When the issues of the Black community arise, so do the clergy. Whether they don the title of pastor, reverend, bishop, apostle, prophet or evangelist, they all play a significant role in the culture of Black leadership. The most recognized in Louisiana are the Rev. Ted Jameson, Rev. CS Gordon, Rev. Joe Green, and more … Continue reading
Dancing for her life: Roxi Victorian’s D.C. flair hits Baton Rouge stage
In the world of dance, style, form, and delivery are as multifaceted and unique as the individual performers. From salsa to waltz, jazz to classical ballet, and tribal dance to Hip Hop, the art of dance reflects the vibrant culture in which people can express themselves. Standing at a sultry five-foot-seven, with glowing brown skin, … Continue reading
New Orleans says ‘good bye’ to trumpeter Travis Hill, 28
Fellow musicians and New Orleans music lovers celebrated the life of trumpeter Travis “Trumpet Black” Hill through extended memorial celebrations including a mini-fest, several impromptu musical memorial, and a jazz funeral. According to the Louisiana Weekly, Hill was a genuine rising star in his hometown of New Orleans and was quickly gaining world-wide attention. The … Continue reading
Verret to follow Francis as Xavier University president
The Board of Trustees of Xavier University of Louisiana has unanimously elected C. Reynold Verret, Ph.D as the university’s next president. “I would like to congratulate and welcome Dr. Verret to the Xavier family,” said Michael Rue, chairman of the Board of Trustees. “While there were a number of highly-qualified candidates, Dr. Verret stood out … Continue reading
Tierra Smith named national student journalist of the year
“We couldn’t be more proud of Tierra. She is clearly off to a great start, and we wait with anticipation to see what will be next as she begins her journalism career,” said NABJ President Bob Butler. “Tierra is an aggressive and passionate journalist which will serve her well as she continues to pursue her passion.”
Stewart, other pioneers to be recognized by area journalist
During the BRAABJ luncheon, Genevieve Stewart will be honored along with fellow pioneers: John Williams, the first Black photographer at The Advocate (posthumously); Jean West, former WAFB Channel 9 anchor and the first Black anchor in Baton Rouge; and the Rev. Ivory Payne, publisher of The Baton Rouge Weekly Press newspaper
Jozef Syndicate 