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.
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
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
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
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
Author honors sister with children’s adventure
Tyra T. Wilson has released her first children’s book, A’Tiffa’s Mystery Adventure, an adventure story that helps young readers develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The Ponchatoula native penned her first book in the honor of her late sister, A’Tiffa Wilson, who lost her battle to breast cancer in November of 2017. Published in late 2020, the … 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
Chad Barnes Jr. advocates for young patients, OLOL hospital
Every year, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals chose a champion to serve as the ambassador for their local hospital. For Baton Rouge, that champion is Chad Barnes Jr, the 2020-2021 CMN Ambassador for Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital. He is the spokesperson for the children’s hospital and helps host events and raise money for kids who … Continue reading
Don’t make another mistake, Snoop Dogg, read the ballot
Intense get-out-the-vote momentum is growing for November third, the day we Americans will cast our votes and “claim” who we want to serve as our 46th president. For first time voters like rapper Snoop Dogg who mistakenly believed he was not eligible to vote, the day has more significance than many media are reporting since many states have multiple races on their ballots. In Louisiana, each vote will critically impact city councils, judgeships, and the state constitution. First time voters will make a difference. But, do they understand that? And will they read the ballot? Organizations like the Baker-Zachary Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Power Coalition for Equity and Justice, and PAR Louisiana have released voter info and are hosting forums to help voters understand amendments.
Parenting during this pandemic requires an ‘anointing’ many already possess
With today’s coronavirus pandemic, parents and grandparents are facing a crisis never before seen. From dealing with health fears, sharp shifts to virtual learning, job losses, and political protests, parenting youth today–in a world that’s vastly changing–has become more challenging and overwhelming. Nearly half of parents of children under age 18 said their stress levels … Continue reading
An artist’s angst: Using fan art for honor and release
Louisiana artist Antoine GHOST Mitchell chose art alchemy and fan art to process George Floyd’s murder and erupting protests. This feature is Pensiri: A Talk with Antione Mitchell
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
When it’s time to ‘see someone,’ online therapy could be the best choice
From her virtual private practice in Baton Rouge, Shameka Mitchell Williams helps people who are overwhelmed and emotionally exhausted. Her focus is singular: help them recover from pernicious experiences and toxic relationships.
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
Eight Southern University leaders join health equity task force
Southern University System will have eight representatives on Governor John Bel Edwards Louisiana COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force. The task force, which will meet for the first time on Friday, April 24, will focus on research and actions to improve health outcomes and equity for the state’s residents in response to COVID-19. The group’s progress … 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
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
Training Junior Cosmetologists
Dana Hayes, a native of Port Allen, was inspired to start and create Junior Cosmetology because of her mother, Ora Lee Breax Williams, who was a hairstylist. Now, at 40-years-old, Hayes has taken that interest and passion into a classroom where she teaches young girls how to care for, protect, and have pride in their natural, healthy hair. … 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.
A Louisiana girl with California wine
Dawna Jones, Ph.D., remembers having an amazing childhood in Opelousas with her parents, Randolph and Priscilla Darjean, and three siblings. But one distinct memory may have unintentionally guided the 43-year-old plant pathologist into the winemaking business. “My mother dabbled in making various fruit wines when I was very young, but I do not remember assisting in the process aside … Continue reading
Kristen Downing’s art — fueled by social, political climate — will exhibit at SU
Kristen Downing uses her art in the way protesters use their voice, leaders use their influence, and nations use their power.
Jozef Syndicate 