Baton Rouge Weekly Press Week of May 16, 2013

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THURSDAY, MAY16, 2013

Lawrence ‘Gumbo’ Morrow, Lake Charles Publisher, Dies At 59

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ExxonMobil Partner School Demonstrates Moonbuggy Engineering Project

Lawrence Morrow with Allen Semien Photo by James Terry III

Born in Orange, Texas in 1953, Lawrence “gumbo” Morrow, founder and publisher of Gumbeaux Magazine, a publication that celebrates Southwest Louisiana’s diverse culture and it’s strong heritage. His roots come from a family who never let adversity get them down. As a young man, Lawrence’s father suffered a major heart attack and could no longer work. The Morrow family moved to the country and began to farm forty acres of land near the city of Vinton, Louisiana.

“My family including my young brothers and sister helped with the chores to help earn income for the family”. They planted and harvested corn, peas, okra, cucumbers, peppers, sweet potatoes, watermelon, cantaloupe, peanuts and cotton. They had eleven pecan trees, which helped them provide a profitable fruit stand. Of course they had animals too. Sheep, goats, pigs, chickens. roosters, cows and guinea pigs and one of Lawrence’s jobs were to ‘slop the pigs’, which he was never fond of doing.

While attending school in the 60s, Lawrence remembers the segregation times of that era. Such as, one school bus for the black school children and one for the white. He remembers the family being harassed as they sold their crops at the fruit stand. Even today he recalls that some businesses would not allow him to place copies of his Gumbeaux Magazine in their establishments, because they called it, “ a ‘BLACK’ magazine”.

Mr. Morrow moved to Lake Charles from San Antonio, Texas after the death of his father. He opened a Copy Repair and Sales Center on Hodges Street, which he operated for ten years before turning his attention to the Media.

The Johnson family who owned and operated KXZZ, known as Z-16AM Radio, hired Lawrence to become a salesman and Mrs. Dixy Johnson soon learned of his broadcasting talents and put him on the air in the early 1990s, which only increased his desire to become more involved with the media as a whole.

He has overcome many other adversities during his life, including his near death experiSee morrow, on page 2

Pictured from left to right are ExxonMobil Plastics Plant Manager Nick Clausi, Scotlandville students Tyler Williams, Dekendric Johnson, Anthony Kenney, Academy of Engineering Director Bea Arvie and Jacobs Engineering employees John LeBlanc, Cory Crader and Mike Todd celebrate the engineering success of the Moonbuggy team.

Scotlandville High School for Engineering Professions students Tarsha Fabre and Carl Joseph demonstrate the Moonbuggy they designed with the

help of a team of 12 other students and industry volunteers for an international NASA competition.

Contact Jennifer Hughes

with the ExxonMobil Public & Government Affairs office at 225-977-7102 or by e-mail at www.exxonmobilbr.com for more information.

The First Louisiana Key Academy Dyslexia Success Awards was held at LSU Lod Cook Alumni Center

Pictured from left to right are Honoree Marita Williams, Congressman Bill Cassidy, Estella S. Banks, Councilwoman Chauna Banks-Daniel, and Curtis Bates.

Honorees included Daniel Petty, Morgan Welsh, Ameer Baraka, Mark Matessa, Chico Garcia, Vince Coleman, Jr., Kate Cassidy, Wade Svendson, Elliot Temple, Kimmie Scott Rogers, Marita Wiliams, Wendy Shiroda, and Sophie Gibson. Congressman Bill Cassidy hosted the event.

Although, dyslexia made it difficult, these honorees overcame a lot to succeed, causing them to work harder. There are many high achievers in our community in nearly every profession who have dyslexia.

A vision held by parents

The Red Stick Mobile Farmers Market

Vol. 37 • No. 45 • FREE

a people’s publication

and teachers who desire to have a school in the East Baton Rouge area that would effectively meet the needs of children with dyslexia and characteristics of dyslexia will open this coming fall.

The Louisiana Key Academy is a charter school with a foundation rooted in the training of teachers in a research, evidencedbased curriculum specifically for children with dyslexia and characteristics of dyslexia.

This mission is embraced by parents, local teachers, educational administrators, businesses and health care professionals, and elected officials as a

necessary educational entity for Baton Rouge and surrounding parishes. It has received advisory commitments from regionally and nationally recognized organizations committed to supporting the scientific research, educational teaching, and lifelong endeavors of the person with dyslexia.

Parents interested in enrolling K-2 grade children in Louisiana Key Academy should contact lakeyacademy@gmail. com or call (225) 298-1223. The principal is Stephanie Davis at stephanie.davis@lakeyacademy. com .

La. Supreme Court Justice Johnson Set To Be Spring Commencement Speaker Bernette J. Johnson, the first African-American Chief Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court, will be the commencement speaker at Southern University’s graduation ceremonies.

Commencement begins at 10:30 a.m., on May 17, and will be held in the F.G. Clark Activity Center.

Johnson was officially sworn in as Chief Justice on February 1.

She was elected to serve on the Supreme Court in 1994 and was re-elected, without opposition, in 2000 and 2010.

She has served on the Court’s Legal Services Task Force and has worked with the National Campaign on Best Practices in the area of Racial and Ethnic Fairness on the Court.

Chief Justice Johnson’s judicial career began in 1984 as the first woman elected to serve on the Civil District Court of New Orleans. She was reelected, without opposition, in 1990 and was elected Chief Judge by her colleagues in 1994.

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She has received a number of awards, including the 2009 Distinguished Jurist Award presented by the Louisiana Bar Foundation and the Louisiana Bar Association President’s Award for Exceptional Service as co-chair of the Task Force on Diversity in the Profession.

She has twice been presented with the Louis A. Martinet Legal See speaker, on page 3

House Panel Set to OK Cut in Food Stamp Program WASHINGTON - A House committee rebuffed Democratic efforts Wednesday to keep the $80 billion-a-year food stamp program whole, as debate on the farm bill turned into a theological discourse on helping the poor.

The House bill would cut about $2.5 billion a year - or a little more than 3% - from the food stamp program, which is used by 1 in 7 Americans.

The committee rejected an amendment by Democrats to strike the cuts 27-17, keeping them in the bill.

The legislation would achieve the cuts partly by eliminating an eligibility category that mandates automatic food stamp benefits when people sign up for certain other programs. It would also save dollars by targeting states that give people who don’t have heating bills very small amounts of heating assistance so they can automatically qualify for higher food stamp benefits.

Republicans argued that the cut is small relative to the size of the program, now known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, and that people who qualify for the aid could still sign up for it, they just wouldn’t be automatically enrolled. They defended the cuts after Rep. Juan Vargas, D-Calif., quoted the Book of Matthew in opposing them: “When I was hungry you gave me food. When I was thirsty, you gave me drink.”

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Several Republicans talked about their Christianity and said the Bible encourages people to help each other but doesn’t dictate what the federal government should do. “We should be doing this as individuals, helping the poor,” said Rep. Doug LaMalfa, R-Calif.

Rep. Jim McGovern, DMass., offered the amendment to do away with the cuts. He said taking the hunger assistance away from people will just make the poor “more vulnerable and more miserable.”

“Christians, Jews, Muslims, whatever - we’re failing our brothers and sisters here,” McGovern said.

The cuts are part of massive legislation that costs almost $100 billion annually over five years and would set policy for farm subsidies, rural programs and the food aid. The House panel started work on the legislation Wednesday, one day after the Senate Agriculture Committee approved its version.

Last year more than 47 million people used the SNAP program with the cost more than doubling since 2008. The rolls rose rapidly because of the economic downturn, rising food prices and expanded eligibility under President Barack Obama’s 2009 economic stimulus law.

Republicans criticized See food, on page 2

Religion News The Hope Christian Center located at 5013 Windfall Court will be hosting a revival from Monday, May 20 through May 24, 2013 with service starts daily at 12 noon....See Page 6

INDEX

New Venture Theatre, SHOUT The Red Stick Mobile Farmers Market brings fresh foods to the food deserts in our community..See Page 2

New Venture Theatre continues its 2013 season with Shout! This musical is directed by Greg Williams, Jr. and will be performed at the Independence Park Theatre on May 23-26, 2013..See Page 3

Lamell Mcmorris Named Chair

Indoor tanning beds would come with new warnings about the risk of cancer and be subject to more stringent federal oversight under a proposal unveiled Monday by the Food and Drug Administration. ..See Page 5

SU Celebrates Division Crown

Despite taking the weekend off, Southern University baseball still clinched the Southwestern Athletic Conference western division title and head into the SWAC Baseball Tournament as the division’s No. 1 seed....See Page 8

Local & State............................2 Commentary.............................4 Business....................................5 Religion....................................6 Health.......................................7 Sports.......................................8

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Weekly Press • Thursday, May 16, 2013

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The Red Stick Mobile Farmers Market at the Scotlandville Library

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Photos by James Terry III, Photojournalist BATON ROUGE, LA - The Red Stick Mobile Farmers Market brings fresh foods to the food deserts in our community.

Market operates rain or shine with over 50 vendors consisting of Louisiana small family farmers and artisans. Some of the items available for purchase include fresh fruits, vegetables, Angus beef, poultry, farm fresh eggs, dairy products, fresh baked goods, fresh cut flowers, seasonal plants, native Louisiana wines, and much more. Visit their website for an up to date list of what’s fresh this week!

The importance of connect-

ing the urban customer with the local farmer led to the formation of the Red Stick Farmers Market in November of 1996. The Farmers Market created a link between locally owned family farms and food businesses in the Baton Rouge area. From the very first Market day, Red Stick Farmers Market became a favorite Saturday morning tradition where shoppers could build relationships with food producers.

The success of the Red Stick Farmers Market, a producer-only market, creates a direct sales marketplace and provides a sustainable livelihood for small Louisiana

agribusinesses. In return Red Stick Farmers contribute to the cultural and economic well being of surrounding rural areas.

With a growing demand for local foods, BREADA added two new locations and operates Mid Week Markets on both Tuesday and Thursdays in outlying areas of Baton Rouge. With additional access to local foods, farmers put a face on the food that they grow, earn a fair return for their produce and receive feedback from consumers. The markets are cause to celebrate local Louisiana food traditions.

Food

bill through for the third year in a row, balancing calls from House conservatives to cut the program with Senate Democrats who are reluctant to touch it.

“I expect it to come from all directions,” Lucas said last week of the food stamp debate.

The House bill would cut around $4 billion a year from food aid and farm spending, while the Senate bill would trim roughly $2.4 billion. Those reductions include more than $600 million in yearly savings from across-the-board cuts that took effect earlier this year.

Much of the savings in the House and Senate bills comes from eliminating annual direct payments, a subsidy frequently criticized because it isn’t tied to production or crop prices. Part of that savings would go toward the deficit reduction, but the rest of the money would create new programs and raise subsidies for some crops while business is booming in the agricultural sector.

The Senate bill would eliminate direct payments immediately, while the House bill would phase out payments to cotton farmers, who rely on the program, over the next two years.

Like the Senate bill, the House measure also includes concessions to Southern rice and peanut growers who also depend on direct payments. The bills would lower the threshold for rice and peanut subsidies to kick in when prices drop.

There are protections for other crops as well. Both bills would boost federally subsidized crop insurance and create a new program that covers smaller losses on planted crops before crop insurance kicks in, favoring Midwestern corn and soybean farmers, who use crop insurance most often.

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Obama in last year’s presidential campaign for his expansion of the program, and many House conservatives have refused to consider a farm bill without cuts to food stamps, which make up about 80% of the bill’s cost.

The Senate approved much smaller cuts to the program, about $400 million a year. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Frank Lucas, R-Okla., will have to appease all sides as he tries to push the farm

Chit Chat

THOUGHT FOR are showing the public THE WEEK: When and your peers agree you use good judgthat you make teaching ment, you set a pattern attractive. Thank you. for peace. Servant You are loved and apGREAT MOTHpreciated always!!

ERS do the nicest TRACK AND things and say the most FIELD COMPETIencouraging things.

TIONS were held Thanks God for mothrecently and the winMarge ers (surrogates, too) ners included Patrice Lawrence everywhere. Many Westin the shot put do not know what throw; Ka’Lynn Jupiburdens mothers really bear to ter took the crown in the triple fulfill their destiny on this earth. jump with a mark of 36’ 1/2”; HAPPY GRADUATION Kaylynn Joseph, Beaunnca to the distinguished Class of Lewis, Courland Jenkins and 2013. Some names have been Maiya Miles did second in the given to me, so we salute the fol- 800-meter relay. Ms. Jupiter has lowing now (until you give us signed to run track at Louisiana more later): the twins Darielle State University and has earned and Daniel Patin, Brenton Scott, a full scholarship. CongratulaDenise Davis, and Kristopher tions to the track masters for a McClendon. Congratulations! job well done.

WEDDING BELLS will DID YOU KNOW that ring loudly for Ms. April Mc- the RIVER ROAD AFRICAN Clendon and Mr. Kevin Perry AMERICAN MUSEUM SOCIduring mid-June. For them, their ETY (RRAAMS) performed at friends wish them all the best the New Orleans Jazz and Heriand hoping their marriage will tage Festival? Oh yeeaah... a last at least more than 50 years. group of thirty-five youngsters THE NATIONAL DAY OF (teens and tweens) took on acting PRAYER was observed in Don- and performed as black inventors. aldsonville and the surrounding The coordinators of this event areas. The Mayor Leroy Sullivan were Jamila Peters of New Orinvited and put together many leans and Umar Bey from Baton community friends, organiza- Rouge’s Black Inventor’s Mutions and businesses alike. Ms. seum. “It was history, culture Tracy Marquette was this year’s and healthy with positive thinkcoordinator for the city and she ing, “said Kathie Ham brick, noted that attendees included the RRAAMS director. personnel from the Ascension SMOKE FREE. GOV is an Parish School Board, the sheriff’s online site that helps those who office, members of the military, are interested to quit smoking. It government, churches, media and was the great National Prevention families of deployed individuals. and Cessation of Tobacco Day The Mayor reminded the group on May 12. However, it is not that the city, state and nation are too late to quit smoking, if you alive because of prayers. have a desire to do that. Much CONGRATULATIONS success.

EBR TEACHERS OF THE HAPPY BIRTHDAY to YEAR 2013 who include Ms. Ms. Yolunda Triche of New OrTonya Bethly (elementary/kin- leans and Gloriadean Rideau of dergarten teacher) of Glen Oaks Carenco.

Park Elementary; Ms. Kristina St. WITH LOVE AND SYMGeorge (world history teacher) PATHY to the family of the late of McKinley Middle Academic Vernell Haynes who was laid Magnet; and Ms. Arianne Frazier to rest earlier this week. Our (teacher of algebra) of Tara High thought and prayers are with you.

School. When we read about a Have a super weekend, and teacher who allegedly threw a enjoy the pomp and circumstance hammer at a student recently, at the commencements!! we know all is not well with the Love, some of the profession. Yet, you Marge

Morrow

from page 1

ence at the age of three when he fell out of a car on the Sabine River Bridge while the family was moving to the country in Louisiana. He suffered two broken arms and a broken leg and the doctor told his family that he would not live to see his 18th birthday.

In 1991, Lawrence began “Gumbeaux Magazine”, with a free circulation of ten thousand.

Just before Hurricane Rita made herself known in Southwest Louisiana, Lawrence formed a new company that not only enhanced the magazine, which was a dream of his since his days at Z16, but broadened the company to include both radio and TV and renamed the company “GumboMedia”.

He bought and restored

an old abandoned building on Moeling Street in North Lake Charles to house the new organization which includes Gumbeaux Magazine, a TV studio to tape his “GumboLive” TV program and an internet radio station. Early in 2011 he began a new internet radio station and continues to host “GumboLive”, a weekly TV show that is broadcast on the local Fox affiliate TV station Fox 29 and is also shown on the local cable channel.

Gumbeaux Magazine is the number one Black newspaper in southwest Louisiana.

On May 13, 2013, Mr. Morrow passed away with his children and grandchildren by his side.

Today, his legacy continues through the continuous publishing of Gumbeaux Magazine.

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Thursday, May 16, 2013 • The Weekly Press • Page 3

BREC Urges Parents to Sign up for Summer Camp while Spots Remain Available

EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH-BREC is the premier summer camp operator in East Baton Rouge Parish, offering 41 high quality recreation and specialty camps. Since registration began last month, spots are filling up quickly and BREC is urging parents to sign up their children now and not wait until the last minute.

“We know that BREC summer camps continue to be a family tradition in East Baton Rouge Parish because we have such a wide variety of facilities that offer activities which appeal to nearly every interest a child might have,” said Superintendent Carolyn McKnight.

“Our mission is to keep the children of East Baton Rouge Parish active, engaged and safe during the summer months and we work hard to develop new ways to make the summer a special time for them as well as a worry-free time for parents.”

Most of BREC’s specialty camps have filled up but spots remain at Magnolia Mound Plantation, the Highland Road Observatory, Skateboard and BMX camp at the Extreme Sports Park at Perkins Road Community Park and Base Camp Greenwood Adventure Camp at Greenwood Community Park. Visit www.brec.org/summercamp to register online or visit the facility to register in person.

Speaker from page 1

Society’s President’s Award, in 1997 and 2008.

In addition to her judicial responsibilities, Chief Justice Johnson has been actively involved in serving the community.

She has served as an Executive Committee Member of the National Alumnae Association of Spelman College (1991-1994); Chair of the New Orleans Chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (1989-1994); Member of the Martin Luther King National Holiday Planning Committee; Member of the Board of Directors of the Young Women Christian Association; and Life Member of the NAACP. Johnson received her undergraduate degree from Spelman College and her law degree from Louisiana State University.

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Bluebonnet Swap Nature Center to Celebrate Their 16th Birthday

Costs of specialty camps vary and are listed on the website as well.

BREC also offers full-day camps at recreational facilities, which include community field trips, sports activities, swimming, crafts and fun-filled days.

The following recreation centers still have spots available: Alsen, Anna T. Jordan, Baker, Cadillac, Church Street, Flanacher, Howell, Longfellow, Lovett, Maplewood, Mills, Monte Sano, Plank, Reames, Jackson, Zachary, Greenwood, Antioch, Belfair Teen Center, Ben Burge, Cedar Ridge, Drusilla, Forest, Gus Young, Highland, Independence, Jefferson Highway, Kernan, North Sherwood Forest, Perkins Road, Saia, Sports Academy, Sunshine Camps A, B and C and Womack Park.

All campsites are open for walk-in registrants.

General Recreation Summer Camp Dates and Time: June 3-July 26: eight, oneweek sessions $85 per week for East Baton Rouge Parish residents $110 per week for out-ofparish residents Regular hours: 8 a.m. -5 p.m.

Extended hours: 7-8 a.m. and 5-6 p.m. (additional fee of $12 per week) BREC recreation camps serve children ages 4 &5 and 6-12 For more information about BREC summer camps visit our website at www.brec. org/summercamp or call 225272-9200.

It is the BREC mission to provide parks and recreational opportunities for all residents of East Baton Rouge Parish.

BATON ROUGE PARISH—BREC’s Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center, 10503 N. Oak Hills Parkway, is celebrating their sweet sixteen birthday.

Come celebrate on Sat., May 18 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. with live animal encounters and cake.

Find out about exciting things to come this year at the Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center and learn about the upcoming education building renovations. In honor of our birthday, admission will be free on May 18.

For more information on BREC’s Bluebonnet Swamp’s birthday celebration, call 225757-8905 or visit brec.org/ swamp.

It is the BREC mission to provide parks and recreational opportunities for all residents of East Baton Rouge Parish.

New Venture Theatre Presents SHOUT! BATON ROUGE, LA - New Venture Theatre continues its 2013 season with Shout! This musical is directed by Greg Williams, Jr. and will be performed at the Independence Park Theatre on May 23-26, 2013.

A celebration of the good news, SHOUT! Is a musical sure to stir your spirit and leave you dancing in the aisles! If you loved Smokey Joe’s Cafe, then you’ll fall head over hills for this new

musical revue. 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 each generation! The show features all eras of gospel, including old meters and hymns, choir classics, and even today’s contemporary gospel music!

SHOUT! Will definitely put you in a position of praise and moments

of marveling at the goodness of the Good News!

Independence Park Theatre located at 7800 Independence Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70806 is the musical will be showing.

How to get tickets: Call the box office at 225-588-7576, or visit www.newventuretheatre.com

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Commentary Thursday, May 16, 2013 • The Weekly Press • Page 4

Congress Must Respond to Gun Violence in U.S.

GUEST CONTRIBUTOR In 1651, political theorist Thomas Hobbes wrote that life in a nation without reasonable governance and regulation would be “nasty, brutish and short.”

He was the first person to articulate the democratic concept of the social contract in which citizens in a society cede some small measure of absolute freedom in return for a servant government that protects their interests in a complex and at times dangerous world. As Americans, we deplore the potential of ceding our hardwon freedoms to any entity, man or state. Yet, all Americans have ceded some of their freedoms in the interests of public safety.

By driving on our roads, subject to their rules, we forgo the right to recklessly operate our cars and possibly injure others.

By boarding a plane, we give up the right to smoke cigarettes and stand up during take-offs.

Furthermore, before we can even approach the gate, we give the Transportation Security Administration the right to search our person and possessions. We suffer these discomforts for the greater good. Efforts in Congress to address the horrific level of gun violence in this country reflect common-sense principles such as these. We can live in a free society and still possess guns for protection and sport without having access to every conceivable high-capacity magazine. We are still a free people if we agree to reasonable background checks before acquiring a weapon. We are still free to pursue our dreams if we agree to reasonable rules that will keep guns out of the hands of criminal organizations.

The naysayers argue that we should not try to regulate guns because the effort will be fruitless to prevent violence. I agree. Nothing we do will eradicate violence in this country or prevent an unbalanced individual from engaging in hateful and tragic behavior.

But if we try something, we can make a difference. If we try nothing and shrug our shoulders, I am positive that more innocent

daughters, sons, sisters and brothers will die. I know I can’t look into the eyes of a family that lost a child to a stray bullet and tell them that nothing can be done.

According to FBI data, firearms in New Orleans between 2008-2011 killed 1,464 people.

That’s 1,464 families who will never see their loved ones again.

If we were to have passed the entirety of President Obama’s proposed reforms, sadly, many of those victims would probably have still been killed because violence is a pervasive and complex problem with a diverse set of causes. Economic insecurity, poor mental health treatment options, inferior education options and the scarcity of positive opportunities are all contributors, which one regulation alone cannot eliminate. That being said, if we only acted on just a few of the president’s proposals, we could decrease the supply of guns used in the homicides by reducing the supply of illegally purchased guns via universal background checks. This would decrease the use of guns in violent crime and keep a few more families from having to bury a loved one.

While I was serving as a member of the Louisiana House of Representatives, I introduced an assault weapons ban bill on numerous occasions. I took on the National Rifle Association in these battles not because I have a grudge against gun owners, but because I could find no reasonable defense of having these weapons of mass destruction on our streets. As a resident of Sportsman’s Paradise, I am a strong supporter of the Second Amendment. However, I do not ascribe to the belief that Congress has no role in responding to the gun violence epidemic plaguing communities like New Orleans, Chicago and Detroit.

I support the Democratic Gun Violence Prevention Task Force principles for reducing gun violence because they would make our cities safer than they are today. Even incremenSee guns, on page 5

New U.S. Census Report on Black Voter Turnout Reflects NAACP Efforts NAACP says backlash to voter suppression boosted strong turnout, registration efforts B A LT I M O R E — T h e NAACP responded today to a report by the U.S. Census Bureau on strong voter turnout by Black and Latino communities.

The data reflects the NAACP’s historic success registering and mobilizing voters last year following voter suppression efforts.

“We are pleased to see voter turnout at these levels, particularly because some people did not want it to turn out this way,” stated Marvin Randolph, NAACP Senior Vice President for Campaigns. “Last year we saw more attacks on the right to vote—particularly for communities of color— than at any time since the dawn of Jim Crow. But that cynical plan only reminded us that the future of the country is in our hands.”

“The NAACP responded by organizing the largest voter registration campaign in our 104year history,” continued Jealous.

“We registered hundreds of thousands of people, and mobilized 1.2 million NAACP voters on Election Day. This report is proof that organized people will beat organized money every time.”

The NAACP’s “This Is My Vote!” campaign helped register approximately 375,000 people for the 2012 elections, and positioned the NAACP to mobilize over 1.2 million people on Election Day – including 536,000 registered NAACP members and activists. The campaign spanned all fifty states and deployed 2,300

volunteers. In Florida alone, the NAACP and partners registered over 100,000 voters – more than the vote margin in that state’s presidential race.

According to the Census Bureau report, Blacks voted at a higher rate (66.2 percent) than non-Hispanic Whites (64.1 percent) for the first time since the Bureau started tracking these numbers. The number of black voters in 2012 exceeded the 2008 turnout by 1.7 million, while the number of Latino and Asian voters increased by 1.4 million and 550,000, respectively.

The report, titled “The Diversifying Electorate – Voting Rates by Race and Hispanic Origin in 2012 (and Other Recent Elections)”, is based on data from November 2012.

Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities. You can read more about the NAACP’s work and our five “Game Changer” issue areas here.

Please contact Ben Wrobel at 9178-846-0658 or by e-mail at that address bwrobel@naacpnet. org and @naacppress for more information.

Cleveland’s Charles Ramsey: Hood or Hero?

By George E. Curry NNPA Columnist When some of us saw the first video of Charles Ramsey, the colorful Black dishwasher in Cleveland who is being celebrated as a hero for rescuing three White women captives from horrid conditions in a Cleveland house, we had a flashback to Antoine Dodson, who became a flamboyant Internet sensation after saving his sister from a would-be rapist in their Huntsville, Ala. housing apartment, and Sweet Brown, who barely escaped a fire in her Oklahoma City complex.

But more than any other famous “hilarious Black neighbor” Internet sensation, the coverage of Ramsey – and his criminal past – raises serious questions about how we treat a hero with a troubled past and, yes, how Blacks and Whites look at the same event through different prisms of race.

First, as they say in TV news, let’s go to the videotape.

“I’ve been here a year,” Ramsey said in an interview with WEWS, a local television station. Referring to Ariel Castro, the suspect arrested for holding the women against their will, Ramsey said, “You see where I’m coming from? I barbeque with this dude.

We eat ribs and whatnot and listen to salsa music…

“He just comes out in his backyard, plays with the dogs,

tinkers with his cars and motorcycles, goes back in the house.

So he’s somebody you look, then look away. He’s not doing anything but the average stuff. You see what I’m saying? There’s nothing exciting about him. Well, until today.”

Ramsey explained that Castro “got some big testicles to pull this off, bro.”

He added, “I knew something was wrong when a little, pretty White girl ran into a Black man’s arms. Something wrong here. Dead giveaway.”

There was plenty wrong, as Ramsey learned when he put down his McDonald’s Big Mac and answered a call for help from Amanda Berry, who had been last seen in 2002 on the eve of her 17th birthday. The two other women were Georgina “Gina” DeJesus, who had been missing since 2004 at the age of 14, and Michelle Knight, who disappeared in 2002 at the age of 21.

While being hailed as a hero, Ramsey was the object of both racism and ridicule.

Though we’re reluctant to publicly admit it, some AfricanAmericans cringed at the sight of Ramsey. His hair, curled in the back like Al Sharpton’s do and as slick as Chuck Berry’s, is interspersed with what we once called post office hair – each nap has its own route. This is one of the few cases where a person’s mug shot looks better than his

real life photo.

To put this in context, think back to when Black civil rights protesters dressed up in their Sunday’s best, knowing they were going to get physically assaulted by police and White supremacists.

Then, as now, image matters. Especially when one of us appears on TV. Still, there are plenty of people in our community who look like Ramsey and their speech and appearance make them no less valuable than the best dressed and most articulate among us.

Some have suggested than many Whites take delight in seeing Blacks caricatured in the image of Charles Ramsey and Antoine Dodson.

“Perhaps it’s time for the world’s meme artists to stop assuming that any black dude getting interviewed on local news about a crime he helped to foil can be reduced to some catchphrase or in-joke,” Miles Klee wrote on Blackbookmag.com.

“It’s just baffling that we’re trying to find a way to laugh about what is, in itself, a harrowing turn of events.”

Most of us knew, or at least suspected deep down, that something about Ramsey’s past would surface, causing further embarrassment.

The Smoking Gun website disclosed on May 8 that Ramsey “is a convicted felon whose rap sheet includes three separate domestic violence convictions that

resulted in prison terms.”

Blacks instantly asked: Why is something that happened a decade ago – and had nothing to do with Ramsey’s heroism – relevant today? Cleveland’s WEWS-TV, facing a backlash from viewers, apologized for reporting on Ramsey’s criminal past.

“While the story was factually sound, the timing of it and publication of such information was not in good taste, and we regret it,” the station said on its Facebook page.

Normally, I would agree that Ramsey’s criminal past, certainly in this situation, should be irrelevant. But there’s nothing normal about this case. Unfortunately, Ramsey invited the scrutiny when he said he suspected domestic violence because he “was raised to help women in distress.”

In view of that assertion, Ramsey’s domestic violence convictions – hardly a record of helping women in distress – became fair game and should have been reported by the news media.

But the reporting should not end there. Ramsey’s ex-wife, since remarried, said Ramsey eventually apologized for battering her and they now interact on “an okay basis.”

In addition, she posted two earlier photos of Ramsey on her Facebook page. She told the Smoking Gun, “For my daughter’s sake I show he didn’t always look hood.”

Black Empowerment ‘At Last’ – or Last?

By Julianne Malveaux NNPA Columnist When Beyonce Knowles sang the Etta James song “At Last” at President Barack Obama’s 2009 inauguration, the song could have had several meanings. At last we have an African American president? At last, the muscle of the Black vote has been flexed? At last, there is some hope for our country to come together with the mantra “Yes, We Can”.

Watching the President and First Lady Michelle Obama slow dance to the romantic standard reminded us that African American families have not often been positively depicted. This attractive image of an intact Black family had come “At Last”. Thus, the song was symbolic of what many folks, and especially African Americans, believed about the Obama presidency.

Some of us blindly believed that with an African American president opportunity had come “At Last.” Some believed it so fervently that the least criticism of President Obama, no matter how mild and how lovingly conveyed, could cause you to be run out of

the race. An alumnus of Morehouse College, Rev. Kevin Johnson, the selected baccalaureate speaker at his alma mater, wrote an opinion piece that was mildly critical of President Obama. As a result, the former director of the White House Initiative on HBCUs and new Morehouse President John S. Wilson, Jr. changed the format of baccalaureate to a panel, not one speaker, as is customary.

The purpose of baccalaureate is to have one speaker to focus on the spiritual dimensions of graduation. There is no way that Rev. Johnson would deliver a political speech. Still, he was essentially disinvited from the baccalaureate because of his views.

President Obama is the president of the United States of American, not the president of Black America, we are often reminded. Yet, it seems that African Americans have been kicked to the curb in terms of focus and attention. Other groups – the LGBT community, the Latino community – have been mentioned explicitly.

However, on African American issues, our president has been silent.

Now, some African American people are crooning “At Last.”

Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx has been nominated to serve as Secretary of Transportation. If confirmed, Mayor Foxx, an outstanding an eminently qualified candidate would join Attorney General Eric Holder as the second African American to serve in a regular cabinet post.

Similarly, the nomination of Congressman Mel Watt to lead the Federal Housing Finance Agency is a step forward. FHFA regulates Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and allows Congressman Watt the opportunity to implement some of the Obama initiatives on homeowner recovery from the Great Recession. The raging right has already come after Congressman Watt. The Daily Caller (a political blog) has reported an unsubstantiated claim by former presidential candidate Ralph Nader that the Congressman disrespected him in a letter. Nader has never produced the letter. Thus, the purpose of the claim is to besmirch FHFA nominee Congressman Mel Watt.

If Watt is confirmed, this represents a step forward for both President Obama and for African American people, and for the entire nation. The issue

is, of course, confirmation. Will the White House Congressman, be able to garner the votes Watt needs to be confirmed?

What does the White House gain or lose if Watt is not confirmed. The “At Last” segment of the African American community will credit the president for making the nomination, even if not confirmed. The more critical segment of the African American community will view the ways the White House embraces this nominee, and question commitment. Ask UN Ambassador Susan Rice knows what it feels like to be dropped, when Senate confirmation seemed unlikely.

During President Obama’s first term, his inattention to the African American community was understandable, though not acceptable. He was busy straddling lines, seeking compromise, and leaving a legacy of health care reform. African Americans were patient in the hope that “as last” African Americans would get recognition in his second term. After all, as a lame duck president, he has much to gain, and little to lose in rewarding his See empowerment, on page 5

The views expressed in the editiorial columns are not necessarily the veiws of The Weekly Press or its staff. Address all opinions and comments to: Letters to the Editior, P.O. Box 74485 Baton Rouge, La. 70874 or E-mail them to: theweeklypress@yahoo.com

Thursday, May 16, 2013 • The Weekly Press • Page 5

business

Nonprofit Kaboom! Names Baton Rouge Playful City USA Community BR one of 217 Communities Recognized for Prioritizing Play for Children WASHINGTON, D.C. – With research proving play is critical to the overall well-being of children, 217 cities and towns, including Baton Rouge, earned recognition from national nonprofit KaBOOM! as 2013 Playful City USA communities for their efforts to give children the childhood they deserve by providing ample opportunities for play.

Today’s generation of children play less than any previous generation despite the vast benefits of play. The Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics reports that play is essential to the social, emotional, cognitive and physical well-being of children.

Sponsored by the Humana Foundation, Playful City USA is a national program from KaBOOM! that celebrates and promotes local policies that

Empowerment most loyal constituency. At last some of us have our disappointment confirmed. Our president’s inaugural speech mentioned every community except the African American community.

President Obama and his supporters should not be thinskinned. Philadelphia’s Rev. Kevin Johnson should not be “disinvited” from the Morehouse baccalaureate. Nor should a panel dilute his message, when the tradition is to have a sole speaker.

Johnson is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Morehouse College, who deserves to be treated with respect. His column pointed out realities – President Clinton appointed seven African Americans to his cabinet, President Bush,

Guns

increase play opportunities for children and is a key platform in combating the lack of play among children.

Mayor-President Melvin L. “Kip” Holden said it’s an honor, but no accident that Baton Rouge was named a “Playful City USA” community.

“This designation fits perfectly with our city’s Healthy City Initiative, which targets childhood obesity by encouraging kids to eat healthier and exercise more. It’s also a testimony to the efforts of BREC, which is one of the top parks and recreation programs in the country, and to the local school system for recognizing the value of physical education,” Mayor Holden said.

Earlier this month, one See nonprofit, on page 7

from page 4 four, and President Obama, just one. Congresswoman Marcia Fudge, who leads the Congressional Black Caucus, in a letter to President Obama, wrote, “The people you have chosen to appoint in this new term have hardly been reflective of this country’s diversity.

Are the Foxx and Watt appointments a response to criticism? Based on their appointments, should Black folks sing “at last” or “not yet”?

Julianne Malveaux is a Washington, D.C.-based economist and writer. She is President Emerita of Bennett College for Women in Greensboro, N.C.

from page 4

tal progress in this area would mean a few less heartbroken families. I don’t want to see another Hadiya Pendleton fall victim to our selfish efforts to preserve what obviously needs to change. We must listen to the 362-year-old wisdom of Hobbes so as to avoid perpetuating a dysfunctional system that sentences our innocent youth to an existence that is “nasty, brutish and short.”

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Lamell McMorris Named Chair Of The American Red Cross National Diversity Advisory Council WASHINGTON, DC – Leading public affairs expert and human rights advocate, Lamell McMorris, has been appointed Chairman of the National Diversity Advisory Council (NDAC) of the American Red Cross. The Founder and CEO of Perennial, a Washington, D.C.based family of businesses, will fulfill a one-year term beginning immediately.

McMorris was recommended

by Floyd W. Pitts, Red Cross Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity Office, and approved by the organization’s Board of Governors.

“I am excited and humbled by the trust and confidence that Chairman Bonnie McElveen-Hunter and the Board of Governors have placed in me,” stated McMorris.

Based on the principal that diversity and inclusion are achieved by aligning diversity efforts with organizational business objectives, the NDAC advises Red Cross leadership on relevant issues, and assists the organization through critical analysis and recommendations on various diversity initiatives, identification of best practices, and progress assessment reports.

“We are fortunate to have someone of Lamell’s caliber appointed as our new Council Chairperson because he brings to our efforts substantial expertise in working with non-profits and a history of forward thinking,” said Pitts. “Over the years, Lamell has developed deep and sustained relationships with influential leaders and decision makers across a wide range of constituencies.”

Among those leaders are Reverend Al Sharpton, President of National Action Network and host of MSNBC’s PoliticsNation.

“The appointment of Lamell McMorris, a proven leader and advo-

Lamell Mcmorris cate for social justice, and one of the brightest stars on the horizon in business, is a serious statement that the American Red Cross intends to build a bridge and foundation for the future,” stated Sharpton.

“This is a very positive step and will be very well received by my colleagues in the civil and human rights community.”

Marc Morial, President of the National Urban League and former mayor of New Orleans, Louisiana, praised the American Red Cross for choosing a leader with a track record of delivering. “I’ve seen devastation like never before and I’ve experienced firsthand the challenges of bringing resources to communities hit hard by a natural disaster. In those moments you need friends

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McMorris, a native Chicagoan, moved to Washington, DC in 2002 to open Perennial Strategy Group, a strategic advisory firm that provides government relations and public affairs services to Fortune 500 companies, national non-profits, trade associations, and publicsector clients on a wide range of public-policy issues and corporate matters. A business connoisseur, McMorris launched Perennial Law Group and Perennial Sports and En-

tertainment shortly thereafter, which collectively represent a number of well-known entertainers and dozens of professional football, basketball, and baseball players.

In this capacity, McMorris has partnered with corporations and interest groups located in areas prone to natural devastation. One of the largest corporate foundations in the state of Alabama, the Alabama Power Foundation, is frequently called upon to support relief efforts and other initiatives focused on stabilizing Alabama communities after a natural disaster. “In most of these cases, there’s no better partner than the American Red Cross,” the foundation’s president, John Hudson, said. “Because of our experiences working with Lamell on local and national community initiatives, we have extreme confidence in his leadership and ability to help strengthen our partnership and the communities in our state.”

McMorris’s passion to affect change is coalesced with a broad network of collaborators dedicated to the cause of diversity and inclusion including Isabel Rubio, President of the Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama, and resident of a region that has been devastated by natural disasters. She has recognized McMorris as one who is not afraid to wrestle with difficult questions and issues and work towards common solutions. Her coalition serves a population that greatly needs access to resources, stating she has a “great sense of See Mcmorris, on page 7

“Team Working For Success Through Quality Performance” Paving Contractors: Invitation to Bid WTAA 18138 City of Baker School System Mr. Ulysses Joseph, Superintendent Mrs. Elaine Davis, Board President Project Name: Replacement of Parking Lot Pavement (Phase I) School: Baker Middle School Project# 068003-457.2 Bids to be received at Volkert, Inc. Attention Clay Slagle, Program Manager, 225-218-9440 3466 Drusilla Lane, Suite A, Baton Rouge, LA 70809 Bids submitted until 1:30PM, Local time May 21, 2013 Prebid Bid Conference required

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Master of Science in Computer Science, Information Systems & Decision Sciences, or closely related field; expertise in the following: computer infrastructure and technical needs of institutions of higher education; Windows, Mac, and Linux systems administration; Windows desktop support; hardware and software administration, troubleshooting and support; storage area network (SAN); network topologies, protocols and tools; learning management systems (LMS); virtualized infrastructure; departmental email systems; and, departmental database systems. Job location is Baton Rouge, LA. Send resume and credentials to Gaston Reinoso, Office of Human Resources, Louisiana State University, 110 Thomas Boyd Hall, Baton Rouge, LA 70803. Must respond within 30 days and refer to Job #12689 to be considered. LSU IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/EQUAL ACCESS EMPLOYER

Sales Position HELP WANTED/DRIVERS **New Terminal Opening** Looking for Regional Company Drivers in your Area! $500 Sign On Bonus. Out and Back Runs, Great Home Time, Requirements: 18 months Tractor Trailer experience, CDL-A with Tanker and Hazmat. Highway Transport Offers: Paid Orientation, Excellent Benefits, TWIC Assistance Available. SAFETY FOCUSED QUALITY DRIVEN, “Our CSA rating reflects our commitment” EOE/M/F/V/D Apply Online Now!www. drive4hyttchemical.com Call 800-8005856 #4

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Try Traditional Afro-American Healing for YOU! Do this traditional, easy breathing exercise every day, to lift your spirit and keep in tune with the healthy way of living!

It is very simple, it is for everyone to do. When you inhale, just inhale a tiny bit more lower down than you usually do. Inhale a just a tiny bit more lower down, toward your stomach. Then, exhale like you usually do.

That’s all! Do it for just a few breaths to start, maybe 5 or 10. Then just go back to your usual breathing.

Maybe later that day, do another 5 or 10 breaths.

Do it like that for a few days. When you get used to it, maybe do 10 or 20 breaths twice a day. Little by little, over weeks and months. Slowly add more breaths and do it more times a day. Take your time, there’s no hurry, change slowly like the seasons!

Do it anywhere you want, outside or in. The more we breathe this way, the more happy and healthy we will be!

Page 6 • The

Weekly Press • Thursday, May 16, 2013

Religion

Revival at Hope Christian Center BATON ROUGE, LA – The Hope Christian Center located at 5013 Windfall Court will be hosting a revival from Monday, May 20 through May 24, 2013 with service starts daily at 12 noon.

On the following dates the following person will be delivering the sermon for that day: On Monday, May 20, 2013 Bishop Ivory J. Payne will be delivering the sermon.

On Tuesday, May 21, 2013 Reverend Ernest Jenkins will be delivering the sermon.

On Wednesday, May 22, 2013 Bishop Printos Taylor from Los Angeles will be the speaker.

On Thursday, May 23, 2013 Reverend Leo Le Fleur from Las Vegas will be the speaker.

On Friday, May 24, 2013 Archbishop Jackie Roberts from Chicago will be delivering the sermon for the day.

The service starts daily at 12 noon at Hope Christian Center and for more information, please contact Reverend Henry Martin, at (225) 355-8194.

Have Confidence in Your Righteousness in Him

By Donald Lee Hello, my friends. I am truly excited that the Lord has called me to be a messenger of His Word, another voice crying out in the wilderness to “prepare, ye, the way of the Lord.” I am thoroughly convinced that the greatest pleasure in this galaxy, in addition to crowning Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, is leading others to Him and being used of the Lord to preach the Kingdom to them.

Our Lord and Savior are soon to return. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance and with the greatest sense of urgency that we, children of God via the Blood of the Lamb, Christ Jesus, come into a complete understanding of who we are in Him and what our assignment is. We must, as a body of believers, know beyond any shadow of doubt, that we are the righteousness of God through Christ Jesus. We do not operate in our own righteousness, but in our heavenly Father’s righteousness.

And to be righteous is to be in right standing with the Lord.

It means we have accepted His way as being “right.” There is no righteousness outside of Him. But in Him, we are witness bearers of the Light of the world. He is the true Light that we, as saints of God, bear witness of. And with that, He has also mandated us to let the Light in us shine so

brightly that others are drawn to Him. So, we have a great calling, the greatest assignment that anyone in this universe can have, which brings us to the point the Holy Spirit wants us to get, and then flow with.

The Holy Spirit is telling us: “Have Confidence in Your Righteousness in Him.” It is imperative that you — that we — are confident in who we are in Him and what He’s called us to be and to do here in the earth. Many souls are hanging in the balance.

They must hear the message of salvation; they must be taught the ways of the kingdom; they must see a move of God in their lives as He moves in us. And in order for us to be efficient in getting our Savior’s message across to those souls all across the world, we must walk in the righteousness of God, and we must be confident in our “calling” to be ambassadors of His kingdom established here in the earth. In other words, we — the saints of God — must operate in our positions with authority, exercising great power and doing so with great confidence. When we do this, our confidence will win those souls over to the Lord.

All of this having been said, please turn your Bibles to the book of Hebrews, the 10th chapter and the 35th verse. Here we see Paul, the Apostle, addressing the Hebrews in his epistle, or

letter. He is encouraging them to hold on to their confidence.

(King James Version) Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. (Amplified Bible) Do not, therefore, fling away your fearless confidence, for it carries a great and glorious compensation of reward.

As the Spirit of the Lord stated moments ago, to be a messenger of the Lord is a great calling, a huge assignment, and one that comes with great responsibility. It is one that also comes with great obstacles. Our chief purpose in life, after getting saved, is leading others to Christ. There are many who don’t want to hear the truth, and not only that, (but) they don’t want you to share the truth with others who seek the truth.

Hence, persecution comes; trials and tribulations come; a strong “feeling” or temptation to lose heart or to give up arises. So, we must, as Paul beseeches, hold steadfast to our confidence.

We must not cast aside our confidence in our assignment; we must not cast aside our confidence that we are the righteousness of God and that we did hear from God each time we go out and share the message of the cross with others. And when we are steadfast on our faith and holding ever so tightly to our “confidence,” we are most effective, and

the bonus of it all is that God has laid up for us a great reward for our diligence in kingdom matters.

Additional scriptures to study include: John 5:18 Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the Sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God. Philippians 2:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: First Corinthians 2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ.

Donald Lee is founderpastor of Kingdom Living Christian Center (Dallas). He’s also co-author of “Married to Commitment,” the powerful book on relationships and commitment.

Pastor Lee can be reached at (225) 773-2248 or pastordonjlee@ yahoo.com. To obtain “Married to Commitment,” visit http://www. christiancouplesconference.com, where you can order the book.

Also, join Pastor Lee’s teleconference line for the Sowing of the Word each Sunday at 10 a.m.

(CST) and for intercessory prayer from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. (CST) Mondays through Saturdays.

The number is (218) 862-4590 (conference code: 279498#).

Donald Lawrence to Record 20th Anniversary CD Live June 18 Gospel Giant Donald Lawrence took to social media to announce his upcoming live recording in celebration of his 20th Anniversary on June 18 in Chicago. His confirmed guests are Faith Evans, Lalah Hathaway, Bishop Hezekiah Walker, Coko, Karen Clark Sheard, Kierra Sheard, Ted & Sheri, Rudy Currence and Lawrence says the list continues to build!

The creatively righteous mind of Grammy® Awardwinning producer, composer and recording artist Donald Lawrence has set the standard for excellence in the gospel music field over the last two decades with

Donald Lawrence

signature #1 radio smashes such as “Back II Eden,” “Encourage Yourself” and “The Blessing of

Abraham” which spent 18 weeks at #1 on Billboard magazine’s Hot Gospel Songs radio chart. On his third solo and latest masterwork, YRM (Your Righteous Mind), Lawrence blends the classicism of traditional gospel music and retro soul grooves with uplifting, messages of self-affirmation and daily How-To-Faith lessons on the fourteen-track set.

The album opens with the upbeat mantra “YRM (Your Righteous Mind)” that features Dorinda Clark Cole of the legendary Clark Sisters. Throughout the set, the songs speak to the heart of mankind and address life’s everyday challenges. Lawrence put his

touch on popular songs such as gospel pioneer Walter Hawkins’ “When the Battle Is Over” and Chaka Khan’s “Through the Fire” and assumes the role of teacher on new compositions such as “Second Wind;” “We Agree,” which features gold-selling praise and worship artist Israel Houghton; “The I Am Factor;” and “Spiritual” – an open prayer to become a spiritually minded person.

The world now waits to hear and experience the upcoming 20th Anniversary Volume I Recording at Chicago’s Living Word Christian Center (FREE) on June 18!

Church Directory

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. - Hebrews 10:25

NEW Hope Baptist Church 5856 Greenwell Springs Road • Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70806 Telephone: (225) 926-0246 • Facsimille: (225) 925-8022 Toll Free: 888-700-6174 Websites: www.newhopebr.com

vistit us online @

www.theweeklypress.com Email your Church News Articles to

thewpres@bellsouth.net

Rev. Leo Cyrus Sr., Pastor

Order Of Services

Sunday Worship...................................................... 11:00 A.M. Holy Communion.................................. 3rd Sunday 6:00 P.M. Sunday School..........................................................9:00 A.M. Bible Study................................................Thrusday 7:00 P.M.

ChildRen from page 4

McMorris

from page 5

comfort to know that Lamell will be working to help the American Red Cross strengthen its work of reaching all communities.”

Also endorsing the move is Curley Dossman, Chairman of 100 Black Men of America. He states, “Appointing Lamell McMorris to the helm of the NDAC is an affirmative move in empowering our most vulnerable communities as they embrace the American Red Cross’ life-saving message. Lamell’s very makeup is humanitarian in nature, and I’m confident that his fearless advocacy of the welfare of others will have a significant and lasting impact on the council’s mission.”

McMorris’s diverse professional accomplishments, coupled with his leadership responsibilities in various other nonprofit organizations have prepared him for this role. James Crowell, fellow National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) board member, and President of the Biloxi, Mississippi Chapter of the NAACP, is no stranger to the devastation caused by natural disasters. Having worked closely with the American Red Cross to address issues of diversity in communities along the Gulf Coast, Crowell is extremely encouraged by McMorris post. “He will work tirelessly to build upon the efforts that have been initiated and will bring enthusiasm and ingenuity to the council and the entire mission of the organization,” said Crowell.

McMorris is enthusiastic to advance the foundation established by his predecessors, and looks forward to collaborating with Ms. McElveen-Hunter, American

Nonprofit

Red Cross President and CEO, Gail McGovern, Floyd Pitts and the Diversity Council, and the countless volunteers who support the organization. He states, “I’d like to think that people want to do the right thing – sometimes they just don’t know exactly how. My task is to serve as a bridge, to help Pitts in his efforts to connect principles of diversity and inclusion to the mission and business objectives of the American Red Cross.”

Lamell McMorris is the founder and CEO of the Washington, DC-based group of companies bearing the Perennial name: Perennial Strategy Group, Perennial Sports and Entertainment, and Perennial Law Group. As a lifelong advocate for those less fortunate than himself, Mr. McMorris serves on the boards of numerous civil rights organizations and volunteers his time with several youth service and mentoring organizations. For his service, charisma, and dedication, Mr. McMorris is frequently honored by advocacy and nonprofit organizations and invited to speak at a wide range of conferences and events. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Religion and Society from Morehouse College, and a Master’s of Divinity in Social Ethics and Public Policy from Princeton Theological Seminary.

Please contact Elizabeth Borders at (202) 638-5090 or by e-mail at eborders@perennialsg. com for more information.

from page 5

of Mayor Holden’s Healthy City Initiative programs held training classes for 80 school teachers to prepare them for the East Baton Parish School District’s Wellness Policy, which included ways to integrate increased physical activity into the school day.

BREC Superintendent Carolyn McKnight said that East Baton Rouge Parish voters approved a ballot initiative in 2004 to expand and improve the local park system.

“Through our Imagine Your Parks Program, BREC has created 12 community parks to ensure that no matter where they are in East Baton Rouge Parish, every child is within 15 minutes of a park,” McKnight said.

“We are also using a significant portion of the funding for that program to improve neighborhood parks. With 184 parks across East Baton Rouge Parish, BREC is committed to doing everything we can to entice children outside so that they can reap the benefits of active, imaginative play,” McKnight added. “The addition of our mobile playground, BREC on the Geaux, will expand our ability to take fun and fitness straight to children who live in areas designated as food and play deserts in Baton Rouge.”

In recognizing Baton Rouge for its outstanding dedication to play, KaBOOM! applauded BREC’s efforts to increase access to play with the new BREC on the Geaux mobile recreation unit that will travel to high-need areas of the community throughout the week. The mobile unit will directly address the issue of areas lacking play opportunities for children and fill in gaps in East Baton Rouge Parish’s large network of parks.

KaBOOM!, the national non-profit organization dedicated to giving kids the childhood they deserve by bringing play to those who need it most, created Playful City USA in 2007 to help local governments address the lack of play and it is through mayors, city council members, parks and recreation departments, school districts and community leaders that the program succeeds in benefitting children.

“Kids need to play actively, every day, at home, in school and in their communities, yet play is disappearing,” said Darell Hammond, Founder and CEO of KaBOOM! and author of The New York Times Best Seller KaBOOM!: A Movement to Save Play. “Children spend nearly eight hours a day in front of a screen; almost half of all poor students are deprived of recess; and to make matters worse, only one in five children live within walking distance of a park. Playful City USA communities like Baton Rouge are creating innovative programs and initiatives and deserve recognition because of their efforts to give

kids the childhood they deserve and best prepare them for their future.”

Florida paced the nation with 32 Playful City USA communities. California earned second-place with 26 communities, while Texas finished third with 15 Playful City USA communities.

Louisiana had a total of five cities deemed Play City USA communities, including Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Hammond, New Roads and DeRidder, Each of the 2013 Playful City USA communities demonstrated creative commitments to addressing the lack of play among children. Playful City USA celebrates and highlights these unique initiatives developed by communities across the country.

A primary goal of Playful City USA is to encourage cities and towns to share ideas, concepts and programs in an effort to increase play opportunities for children.

The 217 Playful City USA communities are now eligible for $15,000, $20,000 and $30,000 grants via Let’s Play, a community partnership led by Dr. Pepper Snapple Group to get kids and families active nationwide. Grant recipients will be announced in the fall.

For more information on the KaBOOM! Playful City USA program, including Let’s Play grants and applications for 2014, visit www.playfulcityusa.org.

For additional information, please contact Scott Dyer with the Mayor’s Office at (225) 389-7957.

good for your brain,” says Jennifer Manly, Ph.D., Alzheimer’s Association spokesperson. “every healthy heartbeat pumps about one-fifth of Thursday, May 16, 2013 • The Weekly Press • Page 7 your blood to your brain to carry on the daily processes of thinking, problem solving and remembering.”

“By the year 2030, the number of African Americans age 65 or older is expected to more than double to 6.9 million,” said emil Matarese, M.D., American heart Association spokesperson. “Although Alzheimer’s is not part of normal aging, age is the greatest risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. So it is important that African Americans take steps now to decrease their risk of heart disease, which research has shown could also decrease the risk of cognitive Research shows a link between heart and brain heal heart function could lead to impaired brain functio decline.”

Baton Rouge, LA – The Grandparents Rising Grandchildren Information Center of LA and Other Relative as Parents will hold its 15th Annual Conference on Friday, May 30, 2013 at the Holiday at 9940 Airline Hwy. (NAPSi)-here’s an alert worth Inn nessSouth of diabetes, particularly when increased p

To register for theuntreated. confer- delay or pr paying attention to: According to it is left undiagnosed and (225) 336- diabetes. the American Diabetes Association ence, the dayplease is heldcontact on the fourth tuesday forMarch. additional information.

(ADA), learning your risk for type 2 8700 of every Among The day, theme for this year’s for type 2 diabetes could save your life. on that people are encour“Education: GrandDiabetes is a serious disease that conference aged to takeisthe Diabetes risk test, weight, sed Raising Grandchildren – 45 and hav strikes nearly 21 million children parents either with paper and pencil or online.

Work- diabetes. Af and adults in the U.S. it is named Where the riskthe testLearning requires Begins: users to answer include Internet Safety, the “silent killer” because one-third shop seventopics simple questions about age, Native Ame for family Students, Par- islanders a of those with the disease--more than 6 Career weight, Choices lifestyle and history-ents Access, and Counseling for are women million--do not know they have it. all potential risk factors for diabetes.

For many, diagnosis may come Adolescents.

People scoring 10 points or more are more than seven to 10 years after the onset of at a high risk for type 2 diabetes the Dia Conference sponsors areand as type 2 diabetes. early diagnosis is follows: are encouraged to talk with a health Louisiana Children’s Trust critical for successful treatment and Fund, care professional.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of can delay or prevent some of the Louisiana An estimated 54 million Ameriand Entergy.

The concomplications such as heart diseases, ference cans havereceives pre-diabetes. thosefrom with support blindness, kidney disease, stroke and elected pre-diabetes have blood glucose levofficials, which include amputation. els higher than normal but not high Senator Sharon Weston Broome, that’s one reason the ADA holds Representative enough to be diagnosed with type Regina Barrow and the American Diabetes Alert® Day, 2 diabetes.

Councilwoman Ronnie Edwards. take by 500 to 1,000 calories a one-day wake-up call to inform the early intervention via lifestyle The guest speaker for the a day (to lose weight, women American public about the serious- conference changes such as weight and is Mr. Marlonloss Cousin, should try to take in no more who earned both a Bachelor’s dethan 1,200 calories a day; men No gree in Mass Communication and should cap their calorie intake a Master’s Degree in Education at 1,600 a day).

If you Administration and Supervision • Create and follow a from Southern University.

He is scree healthy eating plan that is currently the Coordinator of Title low in saturated fat, trans fat, scree I for East Baton Rouge Parish cholesterol, sodium (salt), and Schools.

Presen added sugar. Focus on fat-free According to “Generations and low-fat dairy products, proof Our Land Line (225) 356-0703 United,” there were 7.8 million tein foods, whole grains, fruits made Cell Phone (225) 235-6955 children in the United States and vegetables.

GSRASAC E-mail: Goodshepherdbapt@bellsouth. living in grandfamilies, where • Get off the couch, turn Hours: Mon-Thurs 8am – 8 pm grandparents or other relatives offnet the TV and engage in physiare the householders. There are cal activity to strengthen your Breast 2.7 million who are heart, lungs andGood muscles, boost Shepherd Substance Abusegrandparents Center Tuesday for most of the basic your energy, help you manage Intensive Outpatient /responsible Inpatient Therapy 10am – needs of children living with them. stress, give youFor a more restful Drugs, Alcohol, Anger Management Louisiana rates third in the nation LSUHSC sleep, give you a higher sense of with grandparent headed house1401 N. well being.

This also will lower 2873 Mission Drive Rev. Donald Britton, MA, LAC Baton R holds. your risk for heart disease, heart Baton Rouge, LA 70805 Clinical Director attack, diabetes, and cancer.

(225) 315-0740 Bishop Harris Hayes, Overseer

Health

ering all children. the citizens of the nation must the CDF Action Council, build- demand that our leaders free our ing on the best practices in states children from the false ideological and lessons learned about children and political tugs of war among falling through the bureaucratic those who put excess profits ahead cracks of Medicaid and SChiP, of children’s lives. strongly urged Congress to enact how well did Congress protect the All healthy Children Act, children in 2007? Not well enough: S. 1564/h.r. 1688, introduced 276 Members of Congress had by representative Bobby Scott good CDF Action Council Con(D-VA) in the house and Senator gressional Scorecard scores of 80 Bernie Sanders (i-Vt) in the Sen- percent or higher, and 198 of those ate. the measure would provide had stellar scores of 100 percent.

Special to the NNPA comprehensive benefits including But 231 members scored 60 percent from The Atlanta Voice dental and mental health, simpli- or lower—a failing grade from our fied bureaucracy, and a nationaland school days.

The terms “overweight” eligibility plan for families to Whether Members of Congress “obesity” refer to body up weight 300 percent of the federal poverty are liberal, conservative or modthat’s greater than what is considlevel. thankfor thea62 househeight. co- erate; Democrat, republican or eredWe healthy certain sponsors for theirofsupport. howMillions Americans and independent, children need all of ever, we regret that neither a single them to vote, lobby, speak for and people worldwide are overweight house republican nor any other protect them. Adults need to listen or obese, a condition that puts Senator joined them to push for carefully to what candidates say them at risk for many health prob- they will do for children and famicoverage for all children. lems.

TheAction moreCouncil body fatstrongly that you lies and, once they are in office, the CDF have and the more you weigh, supports long overdue health cov-the we need to hold them accountable. more you in areAmerica to develop: erage forlikely everyone as Please thank your Members of ConCoronary heart disease, high gress with scores of 80 percent or soon as possible—because children bloodwait. pressure, diabetes, cannot As SChiP comes gallup above and let those with scores of stones, breathing problems, low 60 percent or below know you are again for reauthorization in early energy, and cancer, among 2009, we stroke hope every Member of dissatisfied with their performance. other ailments.Your is the And please convey that same mesCongress will insist onweight covering result of many factors.

These fac- sage to each presidential candidate. every child and pregnant mother torsbyinclude environment, family We must demand that our leaders now enacting and adequately historythe andprovisions genetics, inactive life- commit to children as a condition funding of the All style, metabolism healthy Children Act.(the way your of our vote. body changes food oxygen Specious claims thatand we could behavior or eating Marian Wright Edelman is Presinotinto findenergy), the money—$70 billion habits, more. cover all dent of the Children’s Defense Fund over fiveand years—to You can’tbychange some and its Action Council whose Leave children is belied that amount spent in eleven for taxhistory. cuts No Child Behind® mission is to factors, suchmonths as family forHowever, the top one percent of richest you can change other ensure every child a Healthy Start, Americans and inasseven a Fair Start, aand Safe 70 factors, such yourmonths lifestyle a Head cent Start, of black women forhabits. the iraq War. We do not have Start and a Moral Start in life percent of black men are and obese a money problem in America: We a successful passagecompared to adulthood For example, follow or overweight, to 64 have a priorities andplan political the help of caring families healthy eating andwill keep with percent of white women and 74 deficit. it is timeneeds for allinadults communities. your calorie mind.toBe andpercent of white men. Black chilprotect the health of and our children. physically active try to limit dren also are significantly more the amount of time that you’re likely to be obese or overweight, inactive. alk adio from page 4 research shows.

Reaching and staying at a Successful weight-loss treathealthy weight is a long-term ments include setting goals and allchallenge funny or remotely appropriforget lifestyle o’reilly’s less-thanfor people who are wemaking changes, such as ateoverweight about the use of a lynching comments regarding a or obese.

But it also informed eating fewer calories and being reference about Michelle obama,’’ dinner he shared last year with is a chance to lower your risk for physically active. These include: heother said. ‘’it’s - i’m speechless.’’ at Sylvia’s serious health problems. Sharpton • Try to losein5 harlem? to 10 perAs President Bush pointed out surprise over With the right treatment and o’reilly cent ofexpressed your current weight over somotivation, eloquently it’s during the Black how similarSylvia’s was to other possible to lose 6 months. This will lower your history event, thelong-term noose restaurants in New York weightMonth and lower your risk for coronary heartrestaudisease represents ‘’more than a tool of rants. disease risk.

(CHD) and other conditions. murderStatistics but a tool show of intimidation’’ wasn’t one person in that 82 per- ‘’there • Reduce your calorie into generations of African-Ameri- Sylvia’s who was screaming, cans. Nooses not only robbed some ‘M-Fer, i want more iced tea,’’’ of their lives but many of their he said. peace of mind.

As the Washington Post’s rob‘’As a civil society, we must inson sadly observed on MSNBC understand that noose displays in February, ‘’All you can go by and lynching jokes are deeply is his words and his actions. And offensive. they are wrong. And he keeps saying these things that they have no place in America sound pretty darn racist to me.’’ today,’’ he said. has talk radio learned anything Neither o’reilly nor ingraham from imus’ decline and fall? of has been reprimanded by their re- course not, because it didn’t take spective employers even though imus too terribly long to get a the Fox News personality did offer new gig. a half-hearted nation’s BATONapology.

ROUGE, LA - The our in the Baton media Rouge outlets commuAt least ingraham didn’t drop should not provide platform for International AIDS Candlelight nity to attend athe memorial. theMemorial l-word butisher suggestion that racialhostility and hateful speech celebrating its 30th Nowhere is solidarity in the Sharpton, a former presidential now or in the future. What kind of Anniversary on Sunday, May community needed more than candidate and respected member of messageare we sending to our chil19th. The Memorial, held an- in Baton Rouge where we rank the African-American community dren, our nation and our world? nually onisthe 3rdthief Sunday #1such in AIDS caseselection and #2 year, in HIV and beyond, a petty reeks in in an historic May, is a program of the Global cases. of race-baiting and negative ste- we cannot stand aside and allow NetworkofofAfrican-Americans People Living with individuals ThetoBaton Rouge obserreotyping use the airwaves HIV and is the world’s largest vance will take place on Sunday, and black men in particular. as an outlet for insensitive and and grassroots May 19 at 6:30 p.m. if in you North But oldest it’s hardly the first mobilizatime ei- misguidedcommentary. tion for HIV/AIDS hear Boulevard Town Square ther hascampaign ventured into questionable something that offends you, in Awareness.

The event downtown.

The memorial sponand offensive territory. howhonors can speak up. all those affected by the AIDS sored by Avita Drugs Pharmacy pandemic, educates about HIV/ will feature Baton Rouge CounAIDS, influences local and na- cilwoman Donna Collins-Lewis, yStem page 4 gener- The New Orleans Gay Men’s tional policyfrom makers, and ates community dialogue about Chorus and a Candlelight Vigil.

HIV/AIDS care and concerned The Memorial include a cally pointedprevention, out that changes with thewill conditions treatment. downtown which occur in a human being is at walk Jetson.through it is happening there. in This yearfrom we recognize the istyle of a jazz funeral with redirected to pull the core What do know is that most of ofthe his own to reaffirm youthperformed can be changed, fromMi30thhumanity anniversary of the these music

by The self worth andand purpose. he will“in contrition in a prepatory school memorial the theme chael Foster Project. A wreath then by nature acquire will to Angola to rehabilitation solidarity”.

In linethewith this forwill be laid on the steps offor City doyear’s for himself andHIV/AIDS others. that may to a of theme, Alli- a positive Hall to life remind our lead leaders Spacefor is Region not available to cover lifethe of meritorious glory. That is ance Two (HAART) epidemic affecting Baton concerns of local so many and other AIDSpeople service the Way I See It! See momorial, on page 8 organizations invite everyone

Obesity: What It Is, How It Hurts You

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Page 8 • The

Weekly Press • Thursday, May 16, 2013

sports

Jesse “Doc” Holiday courtesy John Oubre

SU Celebrates Division Crown, Focus On Alabama A&M Courtesy Southern U. Athletic Media Relations Despite taking the weekend off, Southern University baseball still clinched the Southwestern Athletic Conference western division title and head into the SWAC Baseball Tournament as the division’s No. 1 seed.

The Jaguars will meet Alabama A&M (8-39, 6-16), the East No. 4 seed, in the

first round of the conference tournament, which begins Wednesday from LaGrave Field in Fort Worth, Texas. First pitch for the Jaguars-Bulldogs matchup is slated for 3 p.m.

Southern, which had its exhibition series against LSU-Eunice cancelled due to rain, finished 20-21 overall, 14-10 in the West.

Southern finished a game ahead of second place Arkansas-Pine Bluff, who split the

season series with the Jaguars.

Live stats for Wednesday’s first round will be available at SWAC.org and GoJagSports.com.

Senior starter Jesse “Doc” Holiday (6-3, 3.10 ERA) will receive the start in Wednesday’s opener. Holiday, who has recorded 64 strikeouts this season, is coming off a 13-strikeout effort in a 4-6 loss to Jackson State on May 4.

James, Heat Beat Bulls 88-65 For 3-1 Series Lead CHICAGO -- LeBron James and the Miami Heat didn’t even give the Chicago Bulls room to breathe, practically squeezing the playoff life out of them to take a commanding lead in their Eastern Conference semifinal.

Another effort like this will seal it.

James scored 27 points and the Heat nearly matched a franchise record for fewest points allowed in a playoff game, pounding the listless and short-handed Bulls 88-65 on Monday night to take a 3-1 lead in the series. ‘’We worked for it,’’ said Heat forward Chris Bosh. ‘’I never like to say that things are easy.’’

The Heat sure made it looks that way, though.

The 65 points allowed were only two more than the all-time postseason low for a Miami opponent, and it was easily the worst offensive performance by a Chicago team in the playoffs.

Never before had the Bulls scored neither fewer than 69 in a playoff game nor 10 or less in a quarter during the postseason, but both those marks fell on a night when they were dominated on both ends of the floor.

Miami led by 11 at the half and put this one away in the third quarter, outscoring Chicago 17-9 in the period.

Now the Heat will try to wrap up the series at home Wednesday night, taking what they hope will be the next step toward a second straight championship.

It’s hard to believe the Bulls won the series opener the way the past three games have gone.

Miami pounded Chicago in Game 2, coming away with its most lopsided playoff victory while handing the Bulls their worst ever postseason loss - and the Heat continued to roll from there.

James had his usual complete game with eight assists and seven rebounds Monday.

Bosh finished with 14 points after scoring 20 and grabbing 19 rebounds in Game 3, and the Heat won again despite another quiet night from Dwyane Wade (six points), whose right knee was bothering him again.

He appeared to aggravate it on a fallaway jumper during the game but was able to return after getting re-taped. ‘’It’s frustrating at times,

BREC, Team Automotive Group and BRBVA Celebrate Grand Opening of Recreational Sports Complex BATON ROUGE – Today, BREC, along with the Baton Rouge Basketball and Volleyball Association (BRBVA), and the Team Automotive Group held a grand opening celebration for the new Team Automotive Group Sportsplex, located in BREC’s Perkins Road Community Park, 7122 Perkins Road.

Members of the community joined Baton Rouge MayorPresident Melvin “Kip” Holden, Councilman John Delgado, BREC Superintendent Carolyn McKnight, BREC Commission Chair Kenneth Riche’, Team Automotive Group General Representative Victor Howell, and BRBVA representatives Brock Kantrow and Verge Ausberry Jr. as they cut the ribbon on the new 30,000-square-foot recreational complex.

Mayor Holden commended BREC, Team Automotive Group, and BRBVA on their collaborative effort.

“Baton Rouge has long had a reputation as a top-flight sports town with great recreational facilities. This new sports complex takes us to a new level, and is a great example of what can be accomplished when private and public partners work together to make our community a better place,” Mayor Holden said.

BREC saw the collaboration with Team Automotive Group and BRBVA as an opportunity to work hand-in-hand with great community partners and provide a new, stateof-the-art facility for the citizens of Baton Rouge.

“Today’s ribbon cutting marks another significant event for BREC and East Baton Rouge Parish. With each new partnership we form, and new facility we build or renovate, we are providing more opportunities to engage our youth and provide them with the tools they need to succeed,” said McKnight.

“As we celebrate the completion of this new facility, we must recognize the generous donation from former Shaw CEO Jim Bernhard, and the strong partnership between BREC, the Baton Rouge Basketball and Volleyball Association and the Team Automotive Group. Together, we made this facility a reality.”

Through the new facility, Team Automotive Group hopes to drive home the significance of sports in the life of youth, and provide them with an outlet to build their unique talents, while focusing on academics.

“We are thrilled to team up with the Baton Rouge Basketball and Volleyball Association and BREC for this fantastic new Sportsplex in Baton Rouge. There’s no doubting how important a role

Memorial LeBron James goes up against two Chicago Bulls players in their 3-1 lead in the playoff series in the Eastern conference game.

but you just try to do what you can,’’ Wade said.

Norris Cole also struggled with seven points after back-toback 18-point performances, but the Heat had more than enough in this one.

They shot about 49 percent while the Bulls set a franchise playoff low at 25.7 percent. Chicago was particularly bad from the outside, going 2 for 17 from 3-point range.

The Bulls again were missing ailing Luol Deng and injured Kirk Hinrich (calf), and a team that kept finding ways to win despite being short-handed all season simply appeared to run out of steam, even though coach Tom Thibodeau rejected that idea. ‘’No,’’ he said. ‘’I think the thing is they’re (Heat) a great team. We have to come out with great intensity - but we also have to make shots.’’

There’s no denying the Bulls have been in a tough spot all year with Derrick Rose recovering from knee surgery and just about every other major player sidelined at some point. They’ve been hit particularly hard in the postseason, too. ‘’They’re in a tough situation,’’ James said. ‘’They’ve had some injuries and illnesses and whatever’s going on. They don’t have their full roster, but that’s

not for us to worry about. They beat a very good Brooklyn team (in the first round) without their full roster.’’

Carlos Boozer had 14 points and 12 rebounds for his fifth double-double in the postseason but was just 3 of 14 from the field. Jimmy Butler scored 12 and Joakim Noah grabbed nine rebounds, but it was a miserable night for Chicago - particularly Nate Robinson. With Cole and Mario Chalmers harassing him and the big men helping out, he missed all 12 of his shots and did not score.

He said he fell hard on his left shoulder on a pick-and-roll at one point, although he couldn’t remember exactly when, and had it wrapped in ice afterward.

Then he took off the wrapping and threw it hard to the floor. ‘’Go back to the drawing board and figure it out,’’ he said.

Richard Hamilton scored 11 points in a rare postseason appearance, and the former AllStar guard made it clear afterward he’s not thrilled with his reduced role. ‘’Lot of stuff in life you don’t understand,’’ he said. ‘’This (playoffs) is what I was brought here for. To not be able play and help my teammates, it’s hard, it’s rough. But I try to stay positive.

I don’t try to rock the boat.’’

Hamilton said he and Thibodeau have talked. Then, he reiterated, ‘’It’s hard to understand.’’

James scored 15 points and Bosh added 12 in the first half to help the Heat take a 44-33 lead at the break, but that doesn’t even come close to telling the complete story.

Consider this.

Miami shot just under 53 percent, with the Bulls at about 27 percent. Chicago was also 1 of 11 on 3-pointers, and the only conversion from long-range came from Hamilton. ‘’We’re kind of putting screws and bandages everywhere.

It’s frustrating,’’ said Bulls forward Taj Gibson. ‘’Every night and every day.’’

Notes: The Heat and Bulls were well represented on the NBA’s all-defensive first team, with James and Noah being selected. ... Thibodeau had nothing to say about the $35,000 fine from the league for comments he made about the officiating in Game 3. Asked if he was surprised by the amount, he said, ‘’I’ve got no comment on that.

We’re just getting ready for Game 4.’’ ... Deng was listed as active after initially being ruled out for Chicago. Hinrich and Rose were inactive.

sports plays in Baton Rouge. This new state-of –the-art facility will help take sports participation and teaching to the next level,” said Preston Petersen, general manager of Team Automotive Group. “We use the same philosophies at our dealerships that are used in sports – each individual has his or her own unique talent skills to offer, and when everyone does their job well, the result is seen in how successful the Team is as a whole. The Team Automotive Group Sportsplex will be a wonderful venue and facility where athletes can spend time with coaches to be taught the game, work on their individual skills, and eventually lead to success as part of a team when taking the court.”

The Sportsplex is the largest indoor basketball facility in Baton Rouge and the largest indoor volleyball facility in Louisiana. In addition to being a premier basketball and volleyball complex, it will also be used for BREC summer camps, cheerleading competitions and recreation activities for seniors.

The recreational complex houses three-tournament play basketball courts, six youth basketball courts, 12 basketball half courts, and five competition volleyball courts. BREC also plans to offer educational programs at the facility for student athletes.

“BRBVA is an organization that truly has a passion and vision for what basketball and volleyball can do for the youth of Baton Rouge. Our goal is bringing together people from diverse backgrounds and communities; black or white, rich or poor, educated or not, united in the common bond of being a part of a real team in an arena that promotes harmony and unity,” said Kantrow. “The Team Automotive Group Sportsplex, made possible only through a cooperative endeavor with BREC, offers that sacred bond and safe haven to all. All that walk through the doors will learn to coexist with others and be better people, not just better players.”

The recreational complex is also a part of BREC’s Perkins Road Community Park, which features a skate park, BMX track, rock climbing tower, velodrome, community playground, and a fishing park.

For more information about the Team Automotive Group Sportsplex, visit teamsportsplex. net or call (225) 302-5521. For more information about BREC visit brec. org.

It is the BREC mission to provide parks and recreational opportunities for all the citizens of East Baton Rouge Parish.

from page 7

Rouge.

Refreshments, acupuncture, and free HIV testing will be available to all that attend.

As one of the three largest AIDS organizations in Louisiana, HAART seeks to improve the Baton Rouge community through health and wellness education, and the provision of comprehen-

Conference

sive quality services. HAART strives to assist those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS in the Baton Rouge community.

For further information about HAART’s World AIDS Day event, please contact Lori Lauve at (225) 927-1269 x111 or via email at llauve@haartinc. org.

from page 7

The Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Information Center of LA, Inc. (GRGICL) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to offering both information and support to grandparents raising grand-

children and other relatives serving as parents to children who are not their own. GRGICL partners with other agencies and organizations to help empower grandparents and kinship caregivers.

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