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.
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)
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
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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
Baton Rouge native participates in world’s largest international maritime warfare exercise
A 2017 Scotlandville Magnet High School graduate and Baton Rouge, Louisiana, native is serving in the U.S. Navy as part of the world’s largest international maritime warfare exercise, Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC). Seaman Apprentice Crystal Paul is a culinary specialist aboard USS Dewey, currently operating out of San Diego, California. A Navy culinary specialist … Continue reading
Louisiana legislators look to expand ‘Payday’ lending, harming borrowers
Legislators are voting on a bill to expand predatory lending in Louisiana by allowing payday and car title lenders to issue “installment loans” with annual interest rates of up to 167 percent. Policy analysts with the Louisiana Budget Project said the bill will considerable harm vulnerable borrowers getting loans they can not afford. The bill is scheduled for final passage in the Senate on April, 16, 2018.
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.”
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
Louisiana’s non-unanimous jury law: an instrument of mass incarceration
There’s evidence that non-unanimous juries contribute to wrongful convictions, mass incarceration and the marginalization of women and minorities.The impact is tantamount..and it is our collective duty, “with a force that is irresistible,” to crumble into ruin this unjust system. writes Angela Allen-Bell, JD.
Baton Rouge sailor reflects on year of recruiting in America’s Navy
First Class Jalisa Green, a recruiter assigned to Navy Recruiting District San Antonio, shows that not shying away from hard work and responsibility does not go unnoticed. Green, a Louisiana native, longed to travel and see the world beyond her hometown of Baton Rouge. She believed joining the Navy would give her that opportunity. After enlisting … Continue reading
Momma, he only wanted to ride his bike
He stood there asking if he could ride his bike to the middle school and back…Instead, I just looked in his eyes, willing myself to believe that this is not—–absolutely not–—the last time I will see him.
Baker native serves on Navy’s largest warship
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Louisiana native Timothy Walker and other Eisenhower sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes.
Losing healthcare access, Medicaid expansion too risky for Louisiana
Many of the gains that have been made over the last few years are on the verge of being lost. In order to ensure that our state continues to move forward in providing access to healthcare for all of its residents, we must take action now prior to the U.S. Senate vote.
‘I am that next legacy,’ says Alton Sterling’s oldest son
“I am that next legacy. I am here after my dad,” said Cameron Sterling, 16-year-old son of Alton Sterling who was killed by Baton Rouge police, July 5, 2016.
‘Can you be a little less aggressive?’ Louisiana councilwoman responds to #BlackWomenatWork
“It is time that every Black woman garner the respect and credibility that we’ve worked hard to achieve,” writes Erika L Green, Baton Rouge city council woman. “We’ve banned together with a measly hashtag and demanded everyone realize that #BlackWomenatWork WILL be respected and NOT intimidated.”
When pain, anger turn into action, a mother gives hope after son’s murder
When Delzorah Barnett first learned that her son had been shot and was in the hospital clinging to his life, she nearly had a panic attack. When she later learned that he was shot multiple times by officers with the Atlanta Police Department and that he more than likely wouldn’t make it, it took everything … Continue reading
Readers show solidarity with #WhatADoctorLooksLike
Louisiana readers proudly shared photos and names of South Louisiana doctors–Dr. Gia Tyson, Dr. Lydia Lewis, Dr. Malik Spady, Dr. Andriette Fitch, Dr. Tamika Detiege, and Dr. Kendra Selders–giving local awareness to the tag.
Many online resources available for Louisiana disaster survivors
Public and private entities have information online ready to help if you’re a survivor of Louisiana’s recent severe storms and floods. Here is a listing of many online resources available to disaster survivors. Clothing, Food, Shelter, etc. 2-1-1 is a single access point for resources like food, clothing, shelter, financial assistance and health resources. Visit www.louisiana211.org and follow … Continue reading
President Obama Signs Louisiana Disaster Declaration
President Barack Obama has declared a major disaster exists in the State of Louisiana and ordered Federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms and flooding beginning on August 11, 2016, and continuing The President’s action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in the parishes of … Continue reading
Green takes national college media awards
Southern University Baton Rouge student Don Green, won the Photo Shoot-out competition in the Best of Show contest to earn a David L. Adams Apple Award at the national College Media Association’s (CMA) convention in New York City, March 12-15, 2016. For the second consecutive year, the SUBR Office of Student Media has earned the … 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
Race, Risks, and Revolutions
What happened in Missouri today cannot be overstated and should not be viewed as an isolated event: rather, it should be viewed as another chapter in the annals of American history on race. –Lori Martin Race, Risks, and Revolutions By Lori Latrice Martin Don’t get it twisted. Sports are not just about entertainment. Athletes–Black athletes … 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
Ernest Gaines wants you!
America’s biggest prize for Black fiction writers seeks entries Entries are being accepted through Aug. 15 for the ninth annual Ernest J. Gaines Award for Literary Excellence. Information on criteria and entrance forms for the award, which includes a $10,000 cash prize, is available at http://www.ernestjgainesaward.org . Sponsored by Baton Rouge Area Foundation donors, … Continue reading
Complete Speech: Obama remembers 50th Anniversary Selma march
SELMA, AL–President Barack Obama stood before a crowd of thousands gathered in Selma on Saturday, March 7, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday. Buses traveled from across the nation including several groups from Louisiana to remember the famous march for justice and voting rights. Here is President Obama’s speech in its entirety: It … Continue reading
FBI accepting applications for special agent candidates
The FBI will accept applications for Special Agent candidates through March 16. All interested candidates must apply via http://www.FBIJobs.gov by 11:59pm, March 16, according to the time zone of the applicant’s local field office. Specific skills and backgrounds being sought include: Cyber Security Intelligence Computer Engineering Computer Science Computer Forensics Network Administration Information Technology Laboratory Sciences … Continue reading
Ferguson deserves YOUR book
The Ferguson Public Library is collecting books to distribute to families while schools are closed as a result of the continuous protests stemming from Michael Brown’s murder. We join the library and encourage you to send books featuring diverse characters and authors. Remember, Black residents make up 67% of Ferguson. So, to us at … Continue reading
Vanita Gupta to lead civil rights at US Dept. of Justice
WASHINGTON DC–U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder has appointed Vanita Gupta Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General and Acting Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights at the U.S. Justice Department. Gupta began her legal career at the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund (LDF), after graduating from New York University Law School and Yale University. LDF is … Continue reading
AG tries to block Ebola waste disposal in La. Landfill
Louisiana Attorney General Buddy Caldwell is seeking a temporary restraining order to block the disposal of incinerated waste from the Dallas Ebola victim’s personal items and belongings at a Louisiana landfill. It has been reported that six truckloads of potential Ebola contaminated material collected from the apartment where the Dallas Ebola victim became ill … 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
Between Barack and Trayvon
It seems so long ago now. I remember the tears I shed as I witnessed something I never thought that I would live to see – the election of the first black president of the United States. Among all of the hoopla and emotion that those historic events generated, I thought about my two youngest … Continue reading
Black Catholic Ministers say use weapon of prayer to handle Trayvon Martin trial
Office of Black Catholic Ministries Archdiocese of New Orleans release statement on the Trayvon Martin trial NEW ORLEANS – This is a trying moment for our nation and our community. Many of us have strong emotions regarding the recent verdict in the Trayvon Martin trial. We can merely look to our news or social media … Continue reading
Southern Justice Prevails — again
The rights of young Black men to walk the streets, to live in a safe environment and exercise the privileges of American citizenry has been repealed.
Southern 7 remembered through art
On March 28 1960, seven Southern University students entered the S. E. Kress Building in Downtown Baton Rouge and sat down at the “whites only” lunch counter. After refusing to move to “colored” section, police were called and arrived with the press. The seven students were placed under arrest for disturbing the peace. After spending … Continue reading
FEMA SEEKS APPLICANTS FOR YOUTH PREPAREDNESS COUNCIL
ATLANTA – The Federal Emergency Management Agency is looking for youth leaders who are dedicated to public service, who are making a difference in their communities, and who want to expand their impact as national advocates for youth disaster preparedness. Youth between the ages of 12 and 17 interested in strengthen the nation’s resiliency against … Continue reading
Do voting rights ‘perpetuate racial entitlement’; Justice said yes
Open Letter from the NAACP I’m trying to keep my cool here. It no longer surprises me when extremist state legislators try to restrict our voting rights. I don’t like it and we fight against it, but I’m no longer surprised by it. What surprises and outrages me is that yesterday a Supreme Court Justice … Continue reading
Melissa Harris-Perry to Bobby Jindal: ‘You Don’t Seem To Give A Damn’
Tulane Professor and Weekend Host Melissa Harris Perry Calls Out Jindal in MSNBC ‘Letter’ (Melissa Harris-Perry is host of MSNBC’s “Melissa Harris-Perry.” The show airs on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 AM to 11 AM Central Time. Harris-Perry is also professor of political science at Tulane University, where she is founding director of the Anna … Continue reading
Black leadership lost in minimal work; we need more
It’s election season again and it’s our duty as American citizens to choose our leaders wisely; therefore, we must all ask ourselves “what makes a true leader?” Defining a leader is a difficult task nowadays. From my personal observation, it seems our current leaders are only celebrities that attend or organize community service events. What … Continue reading
Jozef Syndicate 