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.
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
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
Showing the world its Blerds and -ish
There is a podcast for Black nerds that broadcasts out of Baton Rouge. It’s Blerd-ish!. It’s hilarious. That’s it. That’s the story. Well, there is more to it than that, of course, but words in an article alone could not fully capture the experience listeners and guests have when Keith Cooper and Mark Wallace take … 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
ON-AIR: Broadcasters and hosts covering COVID Louisiana
According to the Louisiana Association of Broadcasters, there are more than 300 broadcast journalists in the state. From them, Jozef Syndicate staff selected four journalists and two news talkshow hosts who are using their platforms to keep listeners engaged and updated especially during the coronavirus pandemic. These shows are eye-openers and help Louisianians feel as … Continue reading
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.
Baton Rouge’s Chenese Lewis ‘honored’ to host famed international beauty show
Show makes its Louisiana debut, March 30-April 1 Positive-body image advocate Chenese Lewis will be the mistress of ceremonies on the main stage of the Bronner Bros. International Beauty Show in New Orleans. Lewis, a Baton Rouge native and resident, is a veteran hostess and MC whose career spans more than a decade nationally. She was … Continue reading
Fashions’ ‘Next Big’ designers hail from Baton Rouge
When it comes to fashion destinations Baton Rouge is city that could be at the bottom of the list, but Christopher John Rogers and Oonarissa Brown-Bernard are changing that. Besides dominating the charts this year? What do Cardi B and Sza have in common? They turn to Rogers for his 80’s glamour meets punk rock … Continue reading
Louisiana creatives flourish in light of Black Panther
As the sun rises on the blockbuster Black Panther movie, it illuminates the work of Louisiana Black creatives including an English professor who writes and lectures on Afrofuturism, a comic creator who uses historic air legends to pen a new future, and an artist who embraces the imagery and passion of Afrofantasy in developing the … Continue reading
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
Teens deliver resilient poetry following a season of tragedy
“Here Still” was the mantra of this year’s ALL CITY Teen Poetry Slam Festival, a theme imagined from a season of tragedy that both publicly and personally affected festival participants. Held over two weekends in April throughout downtown Baton Rouge, the festival’s culminating event on April 8, punctuated the youths’ tribute to the resilience of the … Continue reading
Ponchatoula native brings ‘Something Miraculous’ to Baton Rouge stage, March 26
It was a matter of fate that Lady Toussaint Duchess ended up bringing her highly-anticipated stage play to Baton Rouge. She had recently returned to visit her family after an extended stay in Africa for seven months and was watching the news the night Baton Rouge elected its first black female mayor, Sharon Weston Broome. … Continue reading
Children’s book brings Bayou Classic tradition into every home
‘Twas the Night Before Bayou Classic is a beautifully illustrated children’s book that will resonate with Bayou Classic revelers will be released for limited distribution just in time for this year’s game. Lafayette author, educator, and school librarian, Andrea A. Brew is a second generation graduate of Southern University, where her parents met. Inspired … 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.
Orchestra festival reaffirms talents of young musicians
“I’m not usually at a loss for words, but this orchestra festival was a healing and reaffirming moment for all of us,” Frances Spencer said.
Southern opens 2016 football season at ULM
Southern University football will open the first two weeks of the 2016 schedule on the road against in-state opponents ULM and Tulane before beginning the final year of the Southwestern Athletic Conference’s nine-game mandate on Sept. 17. The Jaguars travel to Monroe to face ULM on Sept. 3 in the first-ever meeting between the two … Continue reading
Webb, Knight lay out ‘Must Reads’
Guiding book lovers through a plethora of new releases, debuts, and blitz is a favorite task of many book store managers and bloggers, especially at the start of a new year. Mississippi radio host and avid book reviewer Cyrus Webb of Conversations Live! released 10 Books You Need to Read in 2016 and included seasoned … Continue reading
Port Allen native releases lighthearted book about Jesus
One thing 29-year-old Keion Jackson is pretty sure of is that God has a sense of humor. His newly-released book “Because Jesus” was written to show just that. “Often when faith is discussed, we forget that joy is a part of God’s personality. Laughter is one of the greatest gifts he’s given us,” Jackson said. … Continue reading
She’s Not Just a Pretty Face: Cathy McLeod Makes a Difference
Young adults today want very much to make a difference in their communities and help others more than we give them credit for. Cathy McLeod, is one of those young adults striving to drive change. As Miss Black Teen Louisiana—US Ambassador (MBUSAM), she is not the average 18 year old high school senior. The winner of … 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
Peace, Prayer, Purpose Rally announced for Essence Fest
Special guests include Rev. Al Sharpton, Steve Harvey, Deepak Chopra, Iyanla Vanzant, and Donna Brazile NEW ORLEANS – In ESSENCE’s groundbreaking February 2015 ‘Black Lives Matter’ issue, ESSENCE editors and a myriad of esteemed contributors focused attention on the daring modern-day civil rights movement unfolding across the nation and set the agenda for ‘What … Continue reading
Stephanie Jordan Big Band to pay tribute to Lena Horne
New Orleans jazz vocalist Stephanie Jordan will perform a tribute concert in honor of the legendary Lena Horne at the Baton Rouge Community College Magnolia Performing Arts Theater, 201 Community College Drive, Thursday, Feb. 26, at 6pm. “It is fitting that we honor Ms. Horne during Black History Month, in addition to being a … Continue reading
Watoto Children’s Choir of Africa brings ‘Oh What Love’ to Louisiana
The Watoto Children’s Choir traveling from Africa kicks off its five-city Louisiana tour, starting Feb. 10 in Avondale and featuring the brand new production “Oh What Love.” Through this dynamic worship experience, the members of the Watoto Children’s Choir, who were once orphans, share their journeys to redemption and demonstrate that God desires to be … Continue reading
JAGS Set for New Scoreboard
Daktronics of Brookings, South Dakota, has partnered with Southern University and A&M College and the Southern University System Foundation to install a new LED video display at A. W. Mumford Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for Jaguars football games. The October slated installation will feature the latest in LED technology. “We’re thrilled about this partnership opportunity … Continue reading
Famed trumpeter dies at 103
Lionel Ferbos, a trumpeter and icon of New Orleans’ traditional jazz scene hailed as the city’s oldest musician who gained international attention for performing well past the century mark, died Today (July 19th), just two days after turning 103.
Acclaimed director, producer Spike Lee speaks at Boys & Girls Club event
NATCHITOCHES—When Barry LaCaze bid a whopping $1,000 for a Spike Lee book at the Boys & Girls Clubs of El Camino Reál’s 16th Annual Steak & Burger Dinner, he didn’t even flinch or show hesitation. “I just really wanted the book and knew it was for a good cause,” said LaCaze, 28, a sound technician … Continue reading
Three poets to represent Louisiana at World Poetry Slam
It’s the only time and place where 72 women champions meet, and compete face-to-face. While it sounds like a season of E! Network’s, “Total Divas,” the fists on this stage are metaphorical—it’s the Women of the World Poetry Slam. This year’s competition is in Austin, Texas, beginning March 19. Each slam venue is allowed to send … Continue reading
Kirk Franklin to lecture at Dillard
Grammy award-wining gospel singer, motivator, and best-selling author, Kirk Franklin will deliver the Brain Food Lecture in Lawless Chapel on Dillard’s campus. The Feb. 6 lecture starts at 7pm and open freely to the public. Franklin’s combination of styles such as Hip Hop, Rhythm and blues, pop and gospel has put him at the top … Continue reading
HERITAGE presents festival of Negro spirituals
Group to perform at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, Feb. 1 “HERITAGE has been sharing its love of the Negro spiritual with the world for more than three decades. We always look forward to the festival and sharing our love of the spiritual with all the great choirs that participate. The Negro Spiritual has a rich … Continue reading
Harlem Globetrotters to bring magic Saturday, Jan.18
Red, white, and blue basketballs spinning behind backs, between legs, and bouncing off the opposing players’ backs. Players showing off high-flying dunk shots. The world’s fastest dribbler trying to break another record. Ballers chasing each other with water bottles, taunting referees, and pulling down the opposition’s shorts. Even, players dancing on the rim of the … Continue reading
Business of natural care brings cultural healing, challenges for Isis Brantley
Isis Brantley of Dallas, Texas is a style influencer and the recent recipient of the Nzuri 100 Carat Diamond Award for pioneering natural hair care; and being a trailblazer for more than 20 consecutive years in the natural hair care industry. She was recently awarded during the Nzuri Natural Hair, Health & Beauty Festival’s 100 … Continue reading
What did SU’s senior players say before the Bayou Classic?
Seniors will leave SU with a winning season Senior night for the Southern University football team was truly a milestone. The Southern University Jaguars demolished the Clark Atlanta Panthers 53-zero, Saturday, November 16 at home in A.W. Mumford stadium. The game marked the last time the football seniors will play in A.W. Mumford stadium, and … Continue reading
Tips offered for a safe Bayou Classic experience
Louisiana highway safety officials are reminding thousands of fans driving to New Orleans for the 40th Annual Bayou Classic football game and the Battle of the Bands that Thanksgiving is traditionally one of the most risky periods for traveling on the state’s roads. The Bayou Classic game between Southern University and Grambling State University, both historically black universities, is played on the Saturday following Thanksgiving, … Continue reading
Celebrity makeup artist AJ Crimson brings academy to N.O., Nov.3
NEW ORLEANS– AJ Crimson is the go-to guy for all things makeup. Makeup artist to the stars, Crimson has built a solid reputation for creating flawless, picture ready looks. It’s no secret why celebrities such as R&B singer and former Destiny’s Child member Letoya Luckett, Adreinne Balion, and BET’s The Game star Lauren London call … Continue reading
Let the Children Sing
Gregory Jones Homecoming Gospel Jam is Oct. 27 BATON ROUGE–While most high school freshman were focusing on their social lives, musician Gregory Jones was working to develop his talent and the talents of others. “We didn’t really get a chance to hang out at a lot of parties. Our Friday’s consisted of performing musicals,“ said … Continue reading
Top players to watch as SU Jags gear up for homecoming
Saturday, October 26, 2013, will set a milestone for Dawson Odums as his first homecoming as the Jaguars’ head coach and last homecoming for two of the teams top players. This homecoming will be the last time seniors, quarterback Dray Joseph and senior Defensive Back Virgil Williams suit up for the Jaguars. Dray Joseph said … Continue reading
Lil Boosie’s mom addresses reports, talks forgiveness about murder trial
It’s been longer than a year since a Baton Rouge jury found Torrence “Lil Boosie” Hatch not guilty of first-degree murder and he still remains in Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola. Hatch’s mother, Connie Hatch, urged people to stop listening to gossip of when the rapper will get out of prison because the exact date … Continue reading
Young Danse Noir performers continue to impress
Cirque de Danse recital an awesome production More than 600 people gathered at the Louisiana State University Union Theatre for Danse Noir Studio’s annual spring dance recital last month. Centered around the circus theme, the Cirque de Danse production kept the audience on the edge of their seats watching rhythmic moves using hoolahoops, balls, ribbons, … Continue reading
Who are you nominating for the Drum Newspaper’s Five Under 35 Leadership Award?
DEADLINE: AUGUST 31, 2013 The Drum Newspaper’s most prestigious Five Under 35 recognition awards is now taking nominations for Baton Rouge’s and Ponchatoula’s five, up-and-coming industry leaders under the age of 35. This award celebrates the depth of talent within the Black community including rising stars of entertainment to successful non-profit leaders. In order to … Continue reading
Spoken Word artist, heRo, praises father for success
He was born Roosevelt Wright III. Some people know him as Daddy Ro. Others, as Pastor Ro. Nationally he’s known as heRO. He takes the stage as an exuberant poet, motivational speaker, actor, life coach, minister and singer. His talents and performances have being showcased on HBO, MTV, and in Ebony magazine. “Everything that I … Continue reading
Southern Rap and Southern Gospel: A Happy and Holy Union?
Popular Southern rappers T. I. and Big K.R.I.T s’ music objectifies women, glorifies materialism, and encourages drug use and both rappers have performed with Gospel rapper Lecrae. Lecrae’s lyrics attempt to encourage people to live the opposite of the lifestyles glorified in the media. In his single, “Fall Back,” the Grammy award-winning rapper clearly explains … Continue reading
15 year-old publishes first of Fantasy Series
Home Reading 15-year-old Raheem D. Allen’s book I Am Rick: Zane’s Destruction is like riding a literary roller coaster , for teenage readers. Published by Haste Maker Entertainment in August 2012, the story begins on a fast-paced, unpredictable and exciting ride through Baton Rouge. Read more by Cameron James at 15 year-old Publishes first Installment of Fantasy Series.
Gospel musical Shout! opens May 23
New Venture Theatre continues its 2013 season with Shout! a Gospel musical directed by Greg Williams Jr. SHOUT! is a gospel musical revue that takes you on a journey throughout the life of gospel music, dating back to the times of slavery. It displays the birth of the genre and how has been reborn through … Continue reading
Baton Rouge pioneers: Black women break into journalism
In celebration of Women’s History Month, we looked into our own industry to find the presence of Black women in news. Today, there are dozens Black female journalists and news producers in Baton Rouge who have followed the path chartered by three phenomenal pioneers. Here are their stories: During the same span of five years … Continue reading
Is Rock Ross a rape advocate or just an entertainer?
William, those lyrics on date rape to your actions all say to me you need help and healing yet we cannot take that first step for you. YOU MUST CHOSE A SIDE and not at the expense of your health, your life or to further perpetuate the hurt and pain of others.
Debbie Allen, BR performers give honor in ‘Derek’s Song’
World famous choreographer Debbie Allen and 120 area dancers closed out a phenomenal four-day dance performance this weekend honoring the love of music and life of the late Derek Gordon former CEO of the Greater Baton Rouge Arts Council. Before his passing in September 2012, Gordon was one of the top arts administrators in the … Continue reading
Sweet Honey in the Rock returns to BR
Sweet Honey in the Rock will once again bring the rich textures of Black music, legacy and traditions to the Shaw Center Manship Theater in Downtown Baton Rouge, Monday, February 4, at 7:30pm. The group is known for their complex sounds of Blues, spirituals, traditional gospel hymns, rap, reggae, African chants, Hip Hop, ancient lullabies, and jazz … Continue reading
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