baton
THURSDAY, July 25, 2013
rouge,
louisiana
Vol. 38 • No. 02 • FREE
a people’s publication
Quieting the CAT’s Meow
State Rep. Jackson To Be SU Summer Commencement Speaker
“A Clean Environment Brings a Clean Spirit”
State Rep. Katrina R. Jackson
State Rep. Katrina R. Jackson, chair of the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus, will be the guest speaker at Southern University’s summer 2013 commencement ceremony set for 10:30 a.m., Friday, Aug. 2, in the F.G. Clark Activity Center. The Monroe native is secretary of the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus and she is a member of the Louisiana Rural Caucus. Jackson, an attorney, was elected to the state Legislature in 2011 to represent District 16 that covers parts of Ouachita and Morehouse parishes. She serves on several legislative committees, including Health and Welfare, House Executive, Commerce and Rural Development. The north Louisiana legislator received a Bachelor’s degree in PreLaw and Legal Studies from the University of Louisiana at Monroe and a law degree in 2004 from the Southern University Law Center.
NAACP Names Opera Singer Jessye Norman as 98th Spingarn Medalist
Councilwoman Ronnie Edwards, Councilman C. Handler Loupe, along with Project R.I.D.E., Healing Hearts, Allied Waste, LA Business Community Alliance and other local sponsors united together to help make this day a success.
Meeting at Southern Unerversity to discuss CATS problems. This meeting was sponsored by community leaders and elected officials.
Submitted by Reverend William King
Edited by M. L. Kelly
CAT’s meetings henceforth:
CAT ’s has been the talk around town for quite some time now. Well, folk were talking once again at the town meeting on the campus of Southern University on July 23, 2013. To make sure that everyone not only spoke, but could also be heard, this meeting gave an outline of the CAT’s ground rules. Because it seems that everybody has an opinion on the topic of this issue, transit that is. The powers that be decided that it would be a good idea to set some ground rules for discussion. Many citizens have very strong feelings on what’s going on here and rightfully so. However, these strong feelings can sometime result in strong opinions that are not always expressed the right way. Because all persons in attendance of these meetings have varying degrees of the details and different levels of experience and/or time
1. Respect everyone and be thankful for their willingness to show support for our common concern and recognize that we all want the same results, which is ultimately “A better transit system” 2. Admit that while we all know something about this issue, “we” do not know everything 3. Although we may disagree, we will speak constructively about the issues and not criticize any individual personally for having a different viewpoint than our own. 4. Engage in polite, civil discourse, follow the agenda, and speak when asked within the time allowed
Issah Marshall
spent on the issue of transit; it has been deemed important that everyone 1) listen as well as 2) express themselves in order that effective communication can take place, this way we can all reach a common ground in this area. Thus said, the following guidelines were introduced on how to conduct oneself in the
Hopefully these ground rules will help bring the CAT’s forum back to order and soon we can all be happy with transit and get to where we are going on time and with a smile!
Trayvon Martin Rally in Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge, Louisiana – Pastor H. S. Stevenson participated in a Neighborhood clean up day. Slogan for the day was “A clean environment brings a clean spirit.” Councilwoman Ronnie Edwards, Councilman C. Handler Loupe, along with Project R.I.D.E., Healing Hearts, Allied Waste, LA Business Community Alliance and other local sponsors united together to help make this day a success. Area residents and children came out to participate and help make this day a joyful moment.
Long time neighbors also stopped by to share with the Councilwoman Ronnie Edwards suggestions that they felt would help make the neighborhood cleaner and safer. Habakkak 2:2-3 reads, the Lord answered me and said, write the vision and make it plain upon the tables, that he may run that readeth it, for the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie though it tarry, wait for it will surely come. This is Pastor Stevenson’s desire that others will put together with him and True Holiness Ministry See clean, on page 2
Fiesta Kicks off Casas for CASA 2013 Baton Rouge, LA – Capital Area CASA Association kicked off its 19th annual Casas for CASA three-week playhouse fundraiser with the CASA Fiesta on Sunday, July 21, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. Casas for CASA generates public awareness, funding and community support for CASA’s efforts on behalf of abused and neglected children in East Baton Rouge Parish. The Mall of Louisiana was transformed into a festive party
scene for the fiesta, which featured a silent auction, live music by The Better Than Nobody Band and delicious Mexican cuisine provided by Caliente Mexican Craving, Izzo’s Illegal Burrito, La Carreta, Mr. Taco, Zippy’s and Zoë’s Kitchen. Beverage donors for the event included Baton Rouge CocaCola Bottling Company, Mockler Beverage Company and Spanish See CASA, on page 2
UN Ambassador Jessye Norman ORLANDO, FL— The NAACP Board of Directors awarded opera singer and honorary UN Ambassador Jessye Norman the 98th Spingarn Medal, the Association’s highest honor. Norman became the 98th recipient of the award, and she was honored during the NAACP National Convention in Orlando July 17 at the annual Spingarn Dinner. See medalist, on page 2
Attending the CASA Fiesta are, from left, Holly Sides, silent auction chairwoman; Michelle St. Martin, Casas for CASA co-chairwoman and CASA Board chairwoman; sponsorship chair David Faulk of Faulk & Meek General Contractors; fiesta co-chairman Todd Denton of the Mall of Louisiana; Tanie Bush, Casas for CASA co-chairwoman; and Liz Betz, CASA executive director.
Crowd in front of the Federal Court building in downtown Baton Rouge held up signs to passing cars during a rally for Trayvon Martin. Photo by James Terry III. See Story On Page 2
Engineering Summer Institute
Local & State News Business News travel/btrbb-renaissance-baton-rouge-hotel/
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/
Health News
Religion News On Friday, July 26, 2013 at 7:00 pm the COVE Outreach Ministries and New Birth Full Gospel Ministries will be hosting an outreach community service at the Leo S. Butler Community Center...See Page 6
INDEX
Leadership Institute The 2013 session of the Engineering Summer Institute (ESI) was held at the College of Engineering on the Southern University Baton Rouge campus during June 10-July 3. Twenty-three students in grades 9-12, representing twelve schools located in Alabama, Louisiana, Texas, Maryland, New Jersey, and Virginia participated in the four-week institute....See Page 2
The Leadership Fellows Institute held its Opening Reception at the Gamma Eta Omega Sorority House located at 1605 Harding Boulevard. The Institute is designed to provide leadership skills to college bound male and female....See Page 3
Special Tax Benefits
If you’re a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, the IRS wants you to know about the many tax benefits that may apply to you. Special tax rules apply to military members on active duty, including those serving in combat zones...See Page 5
Study: Later Retirement
New research boosts the “use it or lose it” theory about brainpower and staying mentally sharp. People who delay retirement have less risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia..See Page 7
Local & State............................2 Commentary.............................4 Business....................................5 Religion....................................6 Health.......................................7 Sports.......................................8
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THEWEEKLYPRESS.COM Celebrating 38 Years Of Service To The Baton Rouge Community 225.775.2002
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Weekly Press • Thursday, July 25, 2013
state & Local
Kids Have A Blast At EBRSO’s Summer Fest
Trayvon Engineering Summer Institute Martin Rally in Baton Rouge By James Terry III Baton Rouge, La. - As a part of the national “ Justice for Trayvon “ rallies, The Baton Rouge chapter of the NAACP, Black Women R.O.C. and pastors from many of the local Churches gathered at the Federal Court building as apart of the Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network. The National Action Network was in over 100 cities with rallies being held to remember Trayvon Martin, the 17 year old who was shot to death by George Zimmerman. Zimmerman was acquitted on all charges.
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The 2013 session of the Engineering Summer Institute (ESI) was held at the College of Engineering on the Southern University Baton Rouge campus during June 10-July 3. Twentythree students in grades 9-12, representing twelve schools located in Alabama, Louisiana, Texas, Maryland, New Jersey, and Virginia participated in the four-week institute. Course offerings in the institute centered on enrichment and advancement in mathematics, engineering, science, computer applications and programming, communications, critical thinking, ACT preparation, engineering projects and designs, and robotics. Students also traveled on weekly field trips to industrial sites to include: ExxonMobil Refinery in Baton Rouge, Chevron in Belle Chase, and a fun trip to the Aquarium of the Americas, IMAX Theatre and Riverwalk Shopping Center in New Orleans. Several administrators, faculty, staff, and students were responsible for the success of this year’s program. They include, but are not limited to the following: Dr. Habib Mohamadian, College of Engineering
Medalist
Dean; Mrs. Janifer Peters, ESI Director; ESI Instructors were Ms. Carla Buckner, Mr. Troy Bryant, Dr. Hamid Majlesein, Ms. Lauri Patterson, Mr. Louis Poche’, and Dr. Rose Thompson. Barrington Moses and Gerald Russell were Student Counselors. ESI Scholars competed for top awards in content areas, technology, robotics, presentations, projects and designs in individual as well as team awards: The results were as follows: Most Outstanding ESI Scholar: Diael Thomas, Clements High, Sugarland, TX Most Outstanding in Calculus: Justin Boudreaux, Indian River High, Chesapeake, VA Most Outstanding in Advanced Algebra: Cameron Davis, Georgetown Prep, Mitchellville, MD Most Outstanding Web Page Design 9-10 Level Cierra Oliver, Scotlandville Magnet High 1st. Runner-Up De’Asia Smith, West Feliciana High, St. Francisville 11-12 Level Ciara O’Neill, Toms River High, Toms River, NJ 1st. Runner-Up Diael
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“Jessye Norman is a true inspiration,” stated Chairman Roslyn M. Brock. “Her work embodies the power of music and its ability to serve as the soundtrack to our movement for social justice.” The Spingarn Medal, first instituted in 1914 by then NAACP Chairman Joel E. Spingarn, is awarded to an American of African descent who has demonstrated outstanding and noble achievement during the preceding years. “Jessye Norman truly deserves to have this honor bestowed upon her,” stated NAACP President and CEO Benjamin Todd Jealous. “She
has changed the world with her music and her activism. We can only look forward with expectation at where her career is headed from here.” “Jessye Norman is a daughter of the South but she is a citizen of the world,” stated Congressman John Lewis. “We honor her tonight for her unwavering commitment to preserving the art, power and history of the African American experience.” Jessye Norman was born on September 15, 1945, in Augusta, Georgia. In 1969, she debuted as an opera singer in Tannhaeuser. Her
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Thomas, Clements High, Sugarland, TX Most Outstanding in Communications 9-10 Level Cierra Oliver, Scotlandville Magnet High 11-12 Level Ciara O’Neill, Toms River High, Toms River, NJ Most Outstanding in Critical Thinking 11-12 Level Diael Thomas, Clements High, Sugarland, TX Most Improved in ACTEnglish: Imani Lee, Zachary High Honorable Mentions: Adrina Bellezaire, Zachary High, Bryan Jones, Jesuit High, New Orleans, Nneka Nwabueze, West Feliciana High and Cameron Davis, Georgetown Prep Most Improved in ACT- Mathematics Diael Thomas, Clements High, Sugarland, TX Honorable Mentions: Muhammad Abdussalam, Baton Rouge Magnet, De’Asia Smith, West Feliciana High, and Bryan Jones, Jesuit High. Please contact Janifer B. Peters, Assistant to the Dean and ESI Director, College of Engineering at 225-771-3798 or Janifer_Peters@engr.subr.edu for additional information. performance resulted in numerous job offers. She went on to tour through the 1970s. By the 1980s her roles in Aïda and Les Troyen had made her one of the most popular opera singers worldwide. In 1984, the French Government named her Commandeur de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres” and in 1989 she was awarded the “Legion d’Honneur.” Ms. Norman was made an honorary ambassador to the United Nations in 1990. In 1997, she became the youngest to the receive Kennedy Center Honors. The soprano has also received honorary doctorates across thirty colleges, universities, and conservatories around the world. “I am honored beyond words and humbled greatly just reading the names of those who have received this honor in the past,” stated Norman. “Thank you for adding this enormous amount of fuel to my fire.” To date, 97 Spingarn Medals have been awarded, recognizing achievements in a range of fields. Medalists include Dr. Benjamin S. Carson, U.S. Rep. John Conyers (D-MI), former U.S. Secretary of State Colin L. Powell, media personality Oprah Winfrey, baseball hall of famer Henry “Hank” Aaron, Vernon Jordan, U.S. Rep. John Lewis (D-GA), William H. Cosby, Jr., Maya Angelou, Virginia Governor L. Douglas Wilder, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Percy E. Sutton, Gordon Parks, John Hope Franklin, the late Judge Leon Higginbotham Jr., Carl Rowan, NAACP Chairman Emeriti Julian Bond and Myrlie Evers-Williams, businessman and publisher Earl G. Graves, Sr., Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., artist Jacob Lawrence, Rosa Parks, opera singer Leontyne Price, Judge Constance Baker Motley, Judge Robert L. Carter, and the late Oliver W. Hill, Sr. Please contact Ben Wrobel at 917-846-0658 or by e-mail at bwrobel@naacpnet.org for more information.
BATON ROUGE, LA — Kids living off South Harrell’s Ferry in Baton Rouge got a chance slip and slide and hang out with East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s deputies Saturday. The East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office hosted its annual “Summer Fest” at the St. Jean Apartments. The idea is to bring fun and food into areas where deputies respond to calls, but this time give kids a positive experience. And of course let them check out the cool swat car! Deputies say it’s a way to
talk to kids on their level. “Quite often they just want to know what we have on our belt, and they ask wide variety of questions,” Captain Steve Young, with the EBRPSO, said. “Community involvement is very important, and our communication with the community is a big part of our work in being able to combat crime. “ Event goers got a chance to win big throughout the day. The sheriff’s office gave away bikes, canes gift cards, and even $200 off rent.
Operation Restore Pride Kicks Off In Valley Park Mayor Melvin “Kip” Holden’s Operation Restore Pride moved into the Valley Park neighborhood in Mid City Monday, July 22, clearing and mowing overgrown lots, removing abandoned vehicles, and taking other measures to clean up the area. During a press conference at the New Gideon Baptist Church, the Mayor said he launched Operation Restore Pride seven years ago to encourage residents of low-income areas to take pride in their communities.
CASA
See pride, on page 3
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Moon. Auntie Annie’s Pretzels, Chick-fil-A and Nothing Bundt Cakes donated desserts. The 2013 CASA playhouse, valued at $17,000, will be on display through Aug. 11 at the downstairs center court of the Mall of Louisiana. Raffle tickets are $5 each and are available at the mall, the CASA office (848 Louisiana Ave.) or online at www.casabr.org. CASA will deliver the playhouse to the winner’s driveway within 60 miles of the Mall of Louisiana. CASA Kids Day, a children’s safety fair, will conclude the event on Aug. 11 from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Mall of Louisiana. The star of Kids Day is LSU’s mascot, Mike the Tiger, who will leave his habitat and arrive in his tiger trailer at 2 p.m. Kids Day features performances and activities for children of all
Clean
“This is really about taking care of communities, it’s about giving people a sense of pride,” Mayor Holden said. “It’s about cleaning up communities and making things happen and removing dangers that are lurking like abandoned houses and overgrown lots.” The Valley Park effort focused on the neighborhood bounded by Perkins Road to the south, Wells Street to the north, Delta Street to the west, and College Drive to the east.
ages. Free services and safety demonstrations will be available. The playhouse giveaway will take place at 5:00 p.m. on Aug. 11. Capital Area CASA thanks this year’s platinum event sponsors, Faulk and Meek General Contractors, LLC and the Mall of Louisiana. All proceeds from Casas for CASA will benefit Capital Area CASA Association, a nonprofit organization that recruits, trains and supports community volunteers who advocate on behalf of abused and neglected children in need of safe and permanent homes. CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocate. Capital Area CASAAssociation’s mission is to advocate for timely placement of children in permanent, safe and stable homes.
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to continue to make this vision a reality. “It takes a village to raise a child.” Words spoken by many; however, these days not many are stepping up to the plate. Pastor H. S. Stevenson of True Holiness answered the call of God on his life to start a ministry, along with his wife, Janice Stevenson that’s would care for the needy, by offering them spiritual, and physical guidance. On any given day if by chance you run into Pastor Stevenson, you will find him on the mission of serving the Lord and sharing his passion of making positive things happen in the community to help save our youth. He’s a man of God that sees the youth of today crying out
for “HELP,” He often states, “I want to make a difference, our kids have nobody standing for them, presenting positive alternatives in their lives instead of all the negative ones they see today in the neighborhoods they grow up in Pastor Stevenson is asking for the help in North Baton Rouge area, because crime is everywhere, not just the 70805 area. He’s a man on a mission and determined to save souls, he would prefer to save all but if he can save one, then he feels that he’s doing God’s will. Pastor H. S. Stevenson of True Holiness Ministry can be reached at 225-634-1181 or 225-954-1460 for additional information.
Thursday, July 25, 2013 • The Weekly Press • Page 3
Sen. Broome Partners With Rep. Barrow and Councilwoman Edwards To Host Back-ToSchool Event BATON ROUGE, LA - District 15 State Senator Sharon Weston Broome, District 29 State Representative Regina Ashford Barrow, Councilwoman Ronnie Edwards and Pastor Guevara and Shannon Johnson of the Interdenominational Faith Assembly will host a back-to-school Extravaganza, Saturday, August 3, 2013. A special event to inform parents and students of educational resources available in the community will be held from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at 5045 Greenwell Street, Baton Rouge, La 70805. Students and families will also be able to visit various exhibits! A limited number of FREE school supplies will be available, along with door prizes and free food. The event is free and open to students and families throughout the East Baton Rouge Parish community. It is hosted in partnership with Urban Restoration Enhancement Corporation, CH2M Hill, ExxonMobil, and Coca Cola. For more information, please contact April D. Hawthorne at 225.359.9352.
Pride
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The work started Monday, July 22 and continued through Friday, July 26. Much of the work in Valley Park involved the clearing and mowing of overgrown lots using bulldozers, equipment and manpower provided by the Department of Public Works. During the Valley Park cleanup, city police ticketed illegal vehicles and removed abandoned vehicles with the help of DPW and the police impound division. As part of the program, workers from the Office of Community Development painted and made minor repairs to three houses owned by senior citizens. Representatives from the city-parish Mosquito Abatement and Rodent Control Department sprayed the area, and gave residents tips on how to eliminate pests. Scott Dyer, Mayor’s Office: (225) 389-7957
Gamma Eta Omega Completed Their BRCC Offers Helicopter Annual Leadership Fellows Institute Pilot Training Program By Kelsey Davis - email Posted by Joshua Auzenne
Submitted by: Sancerie O’Rourke-Allen Baton Rouge, Louisiana - The Leadership Fellows Institute held its Opening Reception at the Gamma Eta Omega Sorority House located
at 1605 Harding Boulevard. The Institute is designed to provide leadership skills to college bound male and female students in grades 9 through 12. Students participate in interactive workshops, which include personal and career
Ikechi Akujobi of Baton Rouge Has Been Selected as a Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholar NEW YORK -- The Jackie Robinson Foundation (JRF) has made its first round of selections for the new college Scholars’ Class of 2017. Ikechi Akujobi, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, will be among the freshmen class that joins 129 JRF undergraduate Scholars and 11 graduate Fellows, bringing the total to 194 minority students sponsored by the JRF and its partners for the new academic year. Akujobi attended Baton Rouge Magnet High School and will attend Stanford University in the Fall. The highly coveted JRF Scholarship provides $30,000 in grants over four years and includes a host of services and support to select college-bound students who demonstrate leadership potential and financial need. The Class of 2017 represents 19 states, will attend 43 colleges and universities, and has indicated a broad variety of intended major fields of study. Academically accomplished and hailing from many different cultural backgrounds, thirty-three percent of this incoming class will be the first in their family to attend college. “Once again, we are de-
lighted to welcome a new, impressive class of Scholars to the fold,” said JRF President and CEO Della Britton Baeza. “Through our comprehensive mentoring and leadership program, these highly motivated young men and women join a rich 40-year history of excellence. As we guide them through the process of higher education, I’m confident that they will continue in the Robinson Family’s and this Foundation’s tradition of public service and leadership.” Established in 1973 by Rachel Robinson, wife of the iconic baseball player and civil rights leader, the Jackie Robinson Foundation (JRF) is the nation’s premier education and leadership development program. Transcending financial assistance, the Foundation equips its scholarship recipients with a comprehensive set of support services including internship placement, career guidance, and practical life skills, resulting in a nearly 100% graduation rate, more than twice the national average for minority students. The over 1,400
development, college preparation, business writing, résumé building, interview skills, financial management, leadership development, etiquette and social graces, community service, and health & fitness. Sessions occur during the summer on six select Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The 2013 institute has 28 participants representing 10 high schools from Ascension Parish, East Baton Rouge Parish, West Feliciana Parish, and Zachary Community Schools. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated has been providing community service throughout the country and internationally since 1908. Specifically, Gamma Eta Omega Chapter has provided services to the Baton Rouge community since 1940. The Institute has served as the chapter’s signature program since the late 1980s. Katina Semien is the chapter president and LaChondria Holder serves as committee chairman.
BATON ROUGE, LA Baton Rouge Community College is expanding its aviation program and will offer helicopter pilot certification classes starting this fall. BRCC staff said the school was recently named a center of transportation excellence and this program is the first of many new courses. “Most everyone gets to the world from one point of view and becoming a helicopter pilot, you get to see the world from an entirely different angle,” said CJ Schneider with Guidance Aviation. Over six semesters, Guidance Aviation flight staff, like Schneider, will work with students who are interested in seeing the world from up above through Baton Rouge Community College’s helicopter pilot training program. “We’re going to be going from different air spaces - aerodynamics, airport operations, a bunch of weather. We’re going to really dig deep into meteorology and things that will make you a better pilot, make you a safer
pilot,” Schneider explained. BRCC staff members said they decided to add this certification to their list of offered courses because of increased demand across the country for chopper pilots. Flight instructors say many Vietnam-era pilots are retiring, paving the way for the next generation. And along the Gulf Coast, there are many jobs for helicopter pilots, transporting workers to and from oilrigs. While the program will help to fill the aviation industry’s need for more helicopter pilots, BRCC staff said it will also do tremendous things for economic growth in Baton Rouge and across the region. “With just the federal funding that will come to the airport because of the numbers of takeoffs and landings,” Monique Cross with Baton Rouge Metro Airport added. Cross said there’s already been a big interest in this type of program, particularly from young veterans. BRCC is a yellow ribbon school under the Veterans Administration, meaning vets from anywhere in the country will be able to use their benefits to enroll in the program.
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Commentary Thursday, July 25, 2013 • The Weekly Press • Page 4
Juice on Only One Side of the Aisle By Harry C. Alford NNPA Columnist In the past, there were so many hangings, beatings, shootings and bombings. They went without justice being applied. During the past few decades we have shown national outrage from Emmett Till, Mississippi civil rights workers shootings, Rodney King, etc. and now we have the heartbreaking death of little Trayvon Martin. Oh, there will an enormous amount of talking, marching, debating and accusations. But in the end, nothing is going to change. Nothing is going to make a difference. When will the next outrage come? Conversations on the television and press conferences will have little impact. Voting power does not answer the predicament. We have elected officials like never before. At the city council level, mayoral level, state legislative representation and the congressional level, there are more of us than ever before. Too bad we weight our political ideology all to one side – the Democratic side. My Lord, we have the president and the attorney general and what could they do – nothing. The problem is we don’t have “juice” on both sides of the aisle. Our sphere of influence is limited. We for the most part take our marching orders from the Democratic National Committee. They have us wrapped around their finger and there is nothing we can do, even with a Black president and a Black attorney general. They have us where they want us: Slaves with-
out chains from a socio-economic perspective. The great Frederick Douglass admonished us about this. “Power concedes nothing without a demand.” As Harriet Tubman said at her retirement party, “I guess I have saved over 1,000 slaves in my career. I could have saved a 1,000 more if they had only known they were slaves.” Then, Booker T. Washington came along and preached that education is a must. After education come entrepreneurship and the recycling of our own economy. He admonished us, “If white slaves from Eastern Europe arrived here without literacy or English and became self-sufficient and independent, surely we can too.” His vehicle was the National Negro Business League, which he founded in 1902 (10 years before the U.S. Chamber of Commerce) and this became the prototype for the National Black Chamber of Commerce. These Republican giants laid the foundation for our empowerment. But oh, the “wolves are of another mind.” The White liberals in upstate New York had a strategy to counter this economic empowerment idea of Mr. Washington. They formed the NAACP to counter the Business League activities down South. They urged Blacks to look towards good government to provide their needs and wants. Sounds familiar? A few years later the National Urban League was founded. Like the NAACP, the principals of this group where See juice, on page 7
A Letter to Editor DOES JUSTICE PREVAIL???????? In reviewing the trial of Trayvon Martin, I find many to be disgusted, devasted, concerned and very distracted about the final verdict of the court???? Who were these people who sat on the jury???? Do they have children/ relatives that many one day be affected by the same situation???? To the Trayvon Martin family, know that God guides and he provides. Our Heavenly Father will see us through this difficult time. The Zimmerman Family, need prayer(s) and need forgiveness for your family member, George Zimmerman who walks away a free man and never spent a day incarcerated. The fact of the matter, he committed a crime and has not spent the time. As for Trayvon Martin, this young man/teenager will never see his first child, buy his first car, home, complete his education and will never experience adulthood. So much of his life has been taken away after going to the store to buy skittles and a drink and never had an opportunity to return home? It
did not have to result to his useless killing. To many of us as parents, it very well could be our child or a family member that this situation could seriously affect so many in our community. As a matter of fact, I cried all day on Saturday, July 13, 2013 after seeing “Not Guilty Verdict” regarding the trial on the television. I can only hope and pray that justice will prevail and handouts crimes of this magnitude will cease and those individuals who walk away as if nothing ever happened will have to spend the time for crime(s) committed. In this case, justice did not prevail for Trayvon Martin. To God Be The Glory For The Things He Has Done and let the legacy of Trayvon Martin ‘REST IN PEACE” and most importantly let justice prevail in his name. Mada McDonald Community Activist Post Office Box 514 Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70821
A Letter to Editor America is headed straight towards destruction. And this destruction will come as a judgment from God. This judgment can only be averted if we seek God and turn ourselves and our country around. Responsibility for the ungodliness, which now prevails in our great country, belongs to each one of us. But why me, you are probably thinking, to yourself. Because God says so! You see, God is going to hold us responsible for everything. For what we have done and for what we failed to do. In the Word of God (the Holy Bible) it says, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). We failed our duty in many different ways! We stood by as our nation was being corrupted and perverted, and we let ungodliness seep into every aspect of our lives. Everything, which God considers abomination, is now acceptable in America. Some of our political leaders now brazenly support things, which God Almighty called wicked and abominable. They are either not knowledge-
able in God’s word, or are defying God. The Holy Bible shows what happened to nations who dared to defy God, or that got so morally depraved that God finally destroyed them. So we need to admit that America is morally and spiritually corrupt, and that it is time to turn back to God. As a start, turn the TV off, and then close your eyes, sit back, take a few deep breaths, and relax for a few minutes without thinking. Then believe the Bible truth that there is a living God, our Creator, who created everything that was created and made, including you, and that He loves you. On a clear night, go outside where it is dark and look at the moon, stars, and the never-ending universe. Everything you see before you, stands, on God’s Word. God wants us to love him, obey him, and serve him, in return for the life he has given us. To get to know God, read the Word of God, the Holy Bible, from beginning to end. Manuel Ybarra, Jr. Coalgate, Okla.
Finally, the Barack Obama I Voted For By George E. Curry NNPA Columnist For more than four years, I have said that I liked candidate Barack Obama better than I like President Obama. Candidate Obama addressed the question of race head-on when pressured to distance himself from Rev. Jeremiah Wright, the Chicago pastor who led him to Christianity. But President Obama has been a different story. According to research conducted by Daniel Q. Gillion, an assistant professor of political science at the University of Pennsylvania, in Obama’s first two years in office, the nation’s first Black president made fewer speeches and offered fewer executive policies on race than any Democratic president since 1961. Frederick C. Harris, director of the Institute for Research in African-American Studies at Columbia University, noted that Obama’s 2011 State of the Union address was the first by any president since 1948 to not mention poverty or the poor. In the words of scholar Michael Eric Dyson, “This president runs from race like a Black man runs from a cop.” Obama’s first comment on Trayvon Martin was that if he had a son, he would look like Trayvon. But he didn’t say what he would do to make sure Black male teenagers are not treated the way
Trayvon was treated by George Zimmerman. Obama’s first words in the aftermath of Zimmerman’s acquittal were predictably insipid. In his written statement, Obama said: “The death of Trayvon Martin was a tragedy. Not just for his family, or for any one community, but for America. I know this case has elicited strong passions. And in the wake of the verdict, I know those passions may be running even higher. But we are a nation of laws, and a jury has spoken. I now ask every American to respect the call for calm reflection from two parents who lost their young son.” To quote another president, I thought, “Well, there he goes again.” But last Friday, candidate Barack Obama and President Barack Obama finally became one. He spoke with passion, without the aid of a TelePrompTer or notes, about what it’s really like to be a Black man in America. “There are very few African American men in this country who haven’t had the experience of being followed when they were shopping in a department store. That includes me,” he told reporters in the White House briefing room. “There are very few African American men who haven’t had the experience of walking across the street and hearing the locks click on the doors of cars. That happens to me — at least before I
was a senator. There are very few African Americans who haven’t had the experience of getting on an elevator and a woman clutching her purse nervously and holding her breath until she had a chance to get off. That happens often.” He explained, “And I don’t want to exaggerate this, but those sets of experiences inform how the African American community interprets what happened one night in Florida. And it’s inescapable for people to bring those experiences to bear. The African American community is also knowledgeable that there is a history of racial disparities in the application of our criminal laws – everything from the death penalty to enforcement of our drug laws. And that ends up having an impact in terms of how people interpret the case.” While being candid about how Whites generally treat Blacks, President Obama was equally frank when he said a Black person faces a greater likelihood of being killed by another AfricanAfrican than by a White person. “I think the African American community is also not naïve in understanding that, statistically, somebody like Trayvon Martin was statistically more likely to be shot by a peer than he was by somebody else. So folks understand the challenges that exist for African American boys. But they get frustrated, I think, if they feel that there’s no context for it and that context is being denied.
And that all contributes I think to a sense that if a White male teen was involved in the same kind of scenario, that, from top to bottom, both the outcome and the aftermath might have been different.” The president demonstrated real courage by addressing race in America without being forced to as was the case with Rev. Wright. Moreover, he challenged us not to let the last chapter of Tayvon’s life be marked a misguided not guilty verdict. “And for us to be able to gather together business leaders and local elected officials and clergy and celebrities and athletes, and figure out how are we doing a better job helping young African American men feel that they’re a full part of this society and that they’ve got pathways and avenues to succeed – I think that would be a pretty good outcome from what was obviously a tragic situation.” George E. Curry, former editor-in-chief of Emerge magazine, is editor-in-chief of the National Newspaper Publishers Association News Service (NNPA.) He is a keynote speaker, moderator, and media coach. Curry can be reached through his Web site, www.georgecurry.com. You can also follow him at www.twitter. com/currygeorge and George E. Curry Fan Page on Facebook.
What Blacks Can Learn from South Africa By Julianne Malveaux NNPA Columnist Nelson Mandela turned 95 years old on Thursday, July 18. He has been hospitalized for more than a month, and the world holds its breath as we witness the decline of the lion that roared for freedom in South Africa. Mandela’s insistence and persistence for freedom for Black South Africans, which included a 27-year jail sentence, reminds us of the persistence it takes to make structural and institutional change. We African Americans have been far more episodic in our quest for freedom. We galvanized around Brown v. Board of Education, again around the 1965 Voting Rights Act and the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Fifty years ago, we were on the Mall in Washington, as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech, the most wellknown of the several speeches delivered that day. We continued to fight for college admission, fair housing, and diverse police forces. And as these gains were attained, some of us stopped fighting. Many in the Black middle class didn’t know what they
should fight for. They had good jobs, nice homes, and good cars. They had gone to college and their children were, as well. Unless they were dyed in the wool civil rights activists, they were content to coast along. To be sure, there were micro aggressions they needed to manage, much as Ellis Cose’s Rage of a Privileged Class: Why Are Middle-Class Blacks Angry? Why Should America Care? (Harper Books, 1993) detailed. While there is a connection between many kinds of profiling, there is a big difference between being hassled at a department store and being unarmed and killed on the street. The South African fight was clear, just as the fight for African American rights was in the sixties. The difference? African Americans made gains that were tenuous without continued protest. In South Africa, the pressure for protest has been continuous despite the gains that have been made. Even as Black Africans have been elected to leadership in South Africa, many see past the titular gains to ask about the living conditions of those who are not middle class, not moneyed, still living without electricity in
townships. In contrast, few African American politicians speak for the least and the left out, the poor, the unemployed, the marginal. That there is an African American president of the United States has been more a muzzle than a motivator. Reluctant to criticize President Barack Obama, too many activists have swallowed their ire even as our president has ignored them. As Nelson Mandela struggles to maintain life, one is reflective about the ways he was denied his freedom for so long. Mandela made a life for himself on Robben Island, as he navigated captivity and restriction, broken promises and crippled dreams. Because of Mandela’s persistent and gentle spirit, however, he prevailed enough to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize (along with Frederik Willem de Klerk) in 1993. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. also earned a Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 for his work in the Civil Rights Movement. In accepting the Peace Prize, he said “I have the audacity to believe that people everywhere can have three meals a day for their bodies, education and culture for their minds, peace and freedom for their spirits.” King
laid out a game plan that many have only reluctantly embraced. We still have hunger, illiteracy and dissent in the U.S. Few have stepped up to deal with these matters with the persistence that Nelson Mandela and the African National Congress had. When President Obama establishes a middle class task force, what does this mean for the poor? Perhaps the comparison between US black people and those in South Africa is unfair. WE have had leaders like Nelson Mandela – Dorothy Irene Height comes immediately to mind – who have given their lives to the freedom struggle and have not wavered or cowered in the face of challenge. South Africa, like the United States, has class divides between the middle class and the poor, with a sometimes indifferent middle class more interested in profits than people. But when I think of Nelson Mandela’s persistence, I think of the many ways that we, African Americans, have dropped the ball. Trayvon Martin is not the first young man to have been massacred in the streets, nor is See blacks, 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, July 25, 2013 • The Weekly Press • Page 5
business
FUNdraising Good Times Nonprofit Overhead Costs A public discussion is stirring on the topic of nonprofit overhead and the extent to which overhead costs should influence giving. The three leading sources of information about nonprofits recently issued a call to action asking individual and institutional donors to stop using “overhead” as the measure of a nonprofit’s success. GuideStar, Charity Navigator, and BBB Wise Giving Alliance have issued a call to donors to move beyond the “Overhead Myth.” Here’s the background. Nonprofits are required to report administrative costs and fundraising costs when they file their 990 form with the IRS. These are costs that are not directly related to nonprofit services or programs. Administrative costs include things such as human resources and accounting personnel, information technology and management systems. Fundraising costs include staff time and materials dedicated to donor development, and fundraising events among others. Together these represent “overhead.” Some people believe that low overhead is a sign of an effective and well run nonprofit. We join GuideStar, Charity Navigator, and BBB Wise Giving Alliance and others in taking a different stance. Long time readers know that we believe “impact” is the measure of a nonprofit. And, for many organizations and institutions high impact requires an investment in what we refer to as “capacity and infrastructure” or “overhead.”
Blacks
Nonprofits need to invest in technology and talented staff. They need to compensate employees with competitive salaries and benefits and provide them with the tools they need to best deliver on their mission and vision. Overhead ratios do not communicate effectiveness. Emphasizing these ratios as a basis for funding and giving decisions has led to what the Stanford Social Innovation Review has called the The Nonprofit Starvation Cycle and what the Center on Nonprofits and Philanthropy, Urban Institute & Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University refers to as Getting What We Pay For: Low Overhead Limits Nonprofit Effectiveness. Overhead costs and ratios may vary from year to year, and from institution to institution. There are always new ways to consider minimizing costs, but a “race to the bottom” is not what the nonprofit sector needs. Consider looking at impact instead. Encourage the nonprofits you believe in to participate in Charting Impact (www.ChartingImpact. org). Prepare to answer these five questions: What is your organization aiming to accomplish? What are your strategies for making this happen? What are your organization’s capabilities for doing this? How will your organization know if you are making progress? What have and haven’t you accomplished so far? If you are concerned about See cost, on page 7
from page 4
he the first to garner national attention. Little has changed because we have not been persistent in our protest. The details in providing equal opportunity in South Africa may be flawed, but they represent movement. The episodic engagement of African
Americans around justice issues pales in the face of South African persistence. Julianne Malveaux is a Washington, D.C.-based economist and writer. She is President Emerita of Bennett College for
ExxonMobil’s Baton Rouge Plastics Plant Announce Leadership Change Baton Rouge, La. — ExxonMobil Chemical announced that J. Charles Dabadie, III became Baton Rouge Plastics Plant Manager. Dabadie previously served as the Security, Safety, Health, and Environmental Manager for the ExxonMobil Baton Rouge Complex, including both the Chemical Plant and Refinery. Dabadie, a Baton Rouge native, is a graduate of Catholic High School and earned a B.S in Mechanical Engineering from LSU. He has held a variety of leadership positions within the company’s Baton Rouge operations, including Operations Manager at the Polyolefins Plant and Maintenance Department Head at the Chemical
J. Charles Dabadie, III
Plant. He is active in the community serving on LSU’s College Advisory Board and is a past board member of Baton Rouge Green. Dabadie replaces Nick Clausi, who was recently named Manager of Global Synergy Engineering with the ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company in Baytown, TX. Clausi, a graduate of Catholic High of Baton Rouge, received his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. He began his career at ExxonMobil in 1998 at the Baton Rouge Chemical Plant as a research engineer. He subsequently transferred to the ExxonMobil Chemi-
cal Headquarters where he held product planning, supply chain and marketing positions. Clausi served in management positions at the company’s Beaumont Plastics Plant and Baton Rouge Refinery before moving to his current role as the Plant Manager at the Baton Rouge Plastics Plant. He also served as a board member of the Greater Baton Rouge Industry Alliance (GBRIA) and as chair of the Scotlandville Magnet High School Engineering Program Advisory Board. Please contact Stephanie Cargile at 225.326.4662 or by e-mail at stephanie.k.cargile@exxonmobil. com for more information.
Special Tax Benefits for Armed Forces Personnel If you’re a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, the IRS wants you to know about the many tax benefits that may apply to you. Special tax rules apply to military members on active duty, including those serving in combat zones. These rules can help lower your federal taxes and make it easier to file your tax return. Here are ten of those benefits: 1. Deadline Extensions. Qualifying military members, including those who serve in a combat zone, can postpone some tax deadlines. This includes automatic extensions of time to file tax returns and pay taxes. 2. Combat Pay Exclusion. If you serve in a combat zone, you can exclude certain combat pay from your income. You won’t need to show the exclusion on your tax return because qualified pay isn’t included in the wages reported on your Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement. Some service outside a combat zone also qualifies for this exclusion.
3. Earned Income Tax Credit. You can choose to include nontaxable combat pay as earned income to figure your EITC. You would make this choice if it increases your credit. Even if you do, the combat pay remains nontaxable. 4. Moving Expense Deduction. If you move due to a permanent change of station, you may be able to deduct some of your unreimbursed moving costs. 5. Uniform Deduction. You can deduct the costs and upkeep of certain uniforms that regulations prohibit you from wearing while off duty. You must reduce your expenses by any reimbursement you receive for these costs. 6. Signing Joint Returns. Both spouses normally must sign joint income tax returns. However, when one spouse is unavailable due to certain military duty or conditions, the other may, in some cases sign for both spouses, or will need a power of attorney to file a joint return. 7. Reservists’ Travel De-
duction. If you’re a member of the U.S. Armed Forces Reserves, you may deduct certain travel expenses on your tax return. You can deduct unreimbursed expenses for traveling more than 100 miles away from home to perform your reserve duties. 8. Nontaxable ROTC Allowances. Educational and subsistence allowances paid to ROTC students participating in advanced training are not taxable. However, active duty pay – such as pay received during summer-advanced camp – is taxable. 9. Civilian Life. After leaving the military, you may be able to deduct certain job-hunting expenses. Expenses may include travel, resume preparation fees and job placement agency fees. Moving expenses may also be deductible. 10. Tax Help. Most military bases offer free tax preparation and filing assistance during the taxfiling season. Some also offer free tax help after April 15. You can learn more about these tax benefits in Publication
3, Armed Forces’ Tax Guide. The booklet is available on IRS. gov or you can order it by calling 1-800-TAX-FORM (800-8293676). Additional IRS Resources: • Tax Information for Members of the Military • Extension of Deadlines — Combat Zone Service • Special EITC Rules • Publication 3, Armed Forces’ Tax Guide • Publication 521, Moving Expenses • Publication 529, Miscellaneous Deductions IRS YouTube Videos: • Military Tax Tips – English | Spanish | ASL • Moving Expenses – English | Spanish | ASL • Job Search Expenses – English | AS To automatically receive IRS tax tips, visit IRS.gov, click on “News” and select “e-News Subscriptions.”
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Page 6 • The
Weekly Press • Thursday, July 25, 2013
Trying To Keep My Sanity In A Politically Correct World All through my life, I have been awkward when talking to someone of the opposite gender. I had thought by the time I got to this stage of life, post-young, I would have left a lot of this behind. Just when I think I have a good handle on this situation, something happens setting me back at least two generations. I was doing fine until I heard a news report giving information that the word “freshman” was no longer a politically correct word to use when speaking of college students. They are now referred to as “First-Year Students.” According to this report, the word freshman is offensive to women. How and why it is offensive, they never did say but being in a politically correct world, this word may no longer be used. This is where my confusion comes in. Where are these individuals offended by the word “freshman?” I wish they would come and explain to me how this word offends them. This word has been used for generation after generation and this is the first time it is hurting certain individuals. I brought this to the attention of the Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage to see if maybe she could shed a little bit of light on the situation. Unfortunately, she
Religion
was as much in the dark about this as I was. I try to keep up with the latest trends and I must say that I am around 18 years behind my schedule. So, I am trying to retain a wee bit of sanity in this politically correct world around me. Frankly, I do not know why anybody wants to be politically correct. Being the sensitive kind of person that I am, I am going to give it the old college try. I sat down with my wife and we began to figure out how that I, a very sensitive and politically correct person, could address somebody of the opposite gender. “I guess I can still call them women,” I said with a degree of certainty in my voice. My wife looked at me and slowly shook her head. “I’m afraid that the word ‘women,’ is offensive to some of these politically correct individuals because the word ends in ‘men,’ which is a masculine gender.” I looked at her and scratched my head vigorously. “It also applies,” she continued, “with the word ‘woman’ because it also ends with the masculine ‘man.’” See world, on page 7
Camphor Memorial UMC “Village of Hope” Outreach Program By: Eileen B. Kennedy Baton Rouge, Louisiana The students in the “Village of Hope” community outreachtutoring program at Camphor Memorial UMC presented their culminating activity “We’ve Got Talent.” Students recited poems by Black authors Langston Hughes and Nikki Giovanni and sang songs taught during the year by Directors Rose K. White and Leona McCastle. Parents in attendance gave testimonies on the growth of their children academically and socially as a result of the children’s participation in Camphor’s Tutoring Program. Camphor’s Senior Pastor, Rev. Clifton Conrad and Associate Pastor, Rev. Mary A. Robinson, gave the closing remarks.
Pictured left to right: 1st row - Bri’ajah Matthews, Darius Jackson, Kourtney Bonin, and Asia Winn. 2nd row - Aylisha Anderson, Teriyaki Anderson, Destiny Jones, and Nicey Williams. 3rd row - Rev. Mary A. Robinson, Rev. Clifton Conrad, Leona McCastle, and Rose K. White.
COVE Outreach Ministries and New Birth Full Gospel Ministries: Healing and Deliverance Service BATON ROUGE, LA – On Friday, July 26, 2013 at 7:00 pm the COVE Outreach Ministries and New Birth Full Gospel Ministries will be hosting an outreach community service at the Leo S. Butler Community Center located at 950 East Washington Street. Have you felt like giving up
lately? There are lots of issues that bring us to this point. Don’t worry help is on the way. A Miracle is waiting for you. Is any among you afflicted? Let him pray. Is any merry? Let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church: and let them pray over
him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. James 5: 13- 15. Sometimes life hurts, but all the time Jesus heals, delivers and sets free...
Come out and get what you need he’s waiting on you. Bishop Ivory J. Payne along with Evangelists Ernest and Veronica Jenkins will be officiating the community outreach service. For more information, please contact Evangelist Ernest Jenkins at 225-278-7773.
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
Seeking New Members for the Hope Christian Center 5013 Windfall Court Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70812 Reverend Henry Martin, Pastor Service Hour: 12:00 noon Wednesday
Telephone: 225-355-8194
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Vision Christian Center, International 1047 Rosenwald Road Baton Rouge, LA 70807 Telephone: (225) 774-8125 • E-Mail - visionchristianc@bellsouth.net Sunday Worship.........................................................................10:00 a.m. Holy Communion2nd Sunday.................................................... 10:00 a.m. Intercessory Prayer Wednesday................................................. 6:00 p.m. Mid-Week ServiceWednesday.................................................... 7:00 p.m.
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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 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.
Thursday, July 25, 2013 • The Weekly Press • Page 7
World
from page 6
I never really gave this much thought before. It never occurred to me that the last three letters of a word could be offensive to someone to the point that they are offended by that word. “So,” I said rather thoughtfully rubbing my chin, “I will have to begin calling those individuals females.” I smiled and thought I had come up with a solution. I looked at my wife to get her approval. Shaking her head, she said, “That word is not acceptable anymore, either. If you look at the word, you will find that it ends in the word ‘male,’ and as you know that is masculine.” I am really getting bogged down with all of this political correctness nonsense. How people can be so sensitive to be upset by a word. My father used to say, “Sticks and stones may break my bones (but words will never hurt me).” “Well,” I said in a little bit of desperation, “I guess I’ll just have to call them lady.” “Not so fast,” she said looking at me. “How do you spell lady? The first three letters spell the word ‘lad,’ and everybody knows a lad is a boy.” It has been a long time since I have been this frustrated. For the life of me I do not intend to offend anybody if it all possible. I am just getting to the point where I am not sure it is going to be possible not to offend persons of the opposite gender. I finally came up with the word I thought would solve all my political correctness dilemma.
Scholar
erobinson.org. Please contact Allison J. Davis the Director of Communications with The Jackie Robinson Foundation at 212-290-8600 ext. 329 for more information.
from page 4
White northern liberals. They urged Blacks living in the South to come up North and blend into the cities and find work rather than build their own businesses. One hundred years later, Black America, are still beholden and dependent on a one-sided political doctrine that will never empower us. It might as well be the 19th century. We must fully understand that there will be no change in this great capitalistic society until we understand that collective economic power is the great equalizer. Justice, respect, alternatives to violence and prosperity can only come from political balance and an understanding of the beauty of the true American system. It is all right to be liberal and it is certainly all right to be conservative. If our votes are taken for granted and we can be manipulated by others who choose to use us as pawns and like the pawns on a chess board we will be the first to fall and have no choice at all in the management of this nation. Wake up Black folks! This isn’t about profiling or demonizing White Republicans. You will get beat up in a school yard if you are considered easy going with no self-respect or dignity.
Cost
Dr. James L. Snyder
from page 3
JRF alumni are both leaders in their professional fields and consummate ambassadors of Jackie Robinson’s legacy of community service. For more information, visit our website at www.jacki-
Juice
And I threw it at her. “I will just call them a person.” I was proud of my accomplishment. Someone, no names will be mentioned, laughed hysterically at me while shaking her head. “Buster,” she said, “you still don’t get it, do you? The word person ends with the word ‘son’ and everybody knows a son is a male child.” I cannot call them women or woman or female or lady or person because somewhere in those words someone sees something masculine. “I know what I’ll do,” I said to my wife with a smile dancing across my face, “whenever I see someone of the opposite gender I will shout out loud and clear ‘Hey, you.’” “I think you’re getting worse as you go along here,” she said. “You do know what the word ‘hey’ begins with?” I thought for a moment, sadly shaking my head, I looked at her and said, “He?” I will never arrive at any degree of political correctness, at least during my lifetime. And, I will never understand any one of the opposite gender, whatever you call them. I do take a little consolation in God’s Word. “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:11 KJV). I do not have to be politically correct when I come to God because His Word is final.
Even if you can’t fight too well, you will be respected and left unharmed if the bully knows you will fight back regardless. Stop crying, stop whining about “help me.” It is holy to provide charity but it is sinful to sit down and receive it (food stamps, public housing, Medicaid, etc.) on a lifetime basis. Stop clinging to the liberals like a happy slave. We can have our own just by following Booker T. Washington instead of the northern Niagara Movement liberals. We don’t have to take the abuse we get. With economic empowerment, we will have the respect of judges, police, lawmakers, etc. because they know there will be recourse if they trample on our civil liberties. Don’t be naïve to think if we just elect a Black official, things will get better. Have they yet? Ha! Keep it balanced with the R/D ratio. Remember, “Pharaoh” does not have you. So let Pharaoh go. Be your own boss. Harry C. Alford is the cofounder, President/CEO of the National Black Chamber of Commerce. Website: www.nationalbcc.org. Email: halford@ nationalbcc.org.
from page 5
how donated funds are used by a nonprofit you support, take the time to review their annual report, their 990 form (posted online at www.Guidestar.org),
and ask to speak with management. Looking at overhead costs won’t answer your questions. Learn more at www.overheadmyth.com.
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tantRum from page 6
Health
healt Menthol Cigarettes May Pose Greater Health Risk
apart. You must continue to hold therefore, humble yourselves on to your faith and stay before under the mighty hands of God, the Lord. But, it may be that the that he may exalt you in due time, time has come when you may “casting all your cares upon him, needWashington: to take some quality timeor for he cares for you,”(1st Peter Menthol for yourself and spend may somepose of 5:6-7). mint-flavoured cigarettes that time with God. After you finished having your a greater risk to health than standard GetUS onauthorities your kneeshave before God tantrum. You may have a stopped ones, warned. and The tell him ofand howDrug you are feel- up nose and swollen eyes and Food Admin(NAPSM)-A survey commissioned ing inside. And maybe the words istration (FDA) said that although mucus running down your lip by two leading health organizations wontiscome exactlyto as you and dried tears on your face, but there “little out evidence” suggest found that although two out of three wish but you can have a good you’ll feel better after emptying that menthol cigarettes are more African Americans (61 percent) exweeping, cryingones, falling, toxic than wailing non-menthol the yourself of those things which pressed concern about developing out tantrum give all masks those had been heavy on your heart. mint flavour and of menthol heart disease and two out of five (40 problems to him. Sometimes we go for weeks the harshness of tobacco, making percent) expressed concern about While you are praying, you or months trying to take matters it easier to get addicted and harder developing Alzheimer’s, only about might forget some of the things into our hands and try to solve our tothat quit. one in 20 are aware that heart health vexed you but God knows own problems. We are not super “Menthol cigarettes raise critiis linked to brain health. what you are going through. he humans; we can’t handle everycal health questions,” said thing alone. We need God’s help. the Alzheimer’s Association is canpublic read the pain, which flows FDA commissioner Margaret A joining forces with the American through your tears. even though We have to let go of those situheart Association to educate African Hamburg in an FDA statement. he knows what’s troubling you, ations and let God handle them. Americans that by managing their Untilwants yesterday, FDA has there are some things we can’t he still to tellthe him about cardiovascular risk, they may also taken public action on the topic it andnobring your problems and humanly do anything about. strengthen their cognitive health. for more than two years, ‘Washingburdens to him. “What’s good for your heart is ton Post’ report. good for your brain,” says Jennifer Given the long wait, some Manly, Ph.D., Alzheimer’s Associatobacco-control advocates said the tion spokesperson. “every healthy decision to seek more input was heartbeat pumps about one-fifth of too hildRen timid even as from they called page 4the your blood to your brain to carry on FDA’s findings a step in the right the daily processes of thinking, probdirection. ering“There all children. the citizens of the nation must lem solving and remembering.” is a real public-health build- demand that our leaders free our “By the year 2030, the number of costthe to CDF this Action delay,”Council, said Stanton ing on the best practices in states children from the false ideological African Americans age 65 or older is Glantz, director of the Center for The FDA stopped short of proposing specific restrictions or a ban on menthol despite those findings, instead saying it and lessons learned about children and political tugs of war among expected to more than double to 6.9 Tobacco Control Research and Edu- wouldwho solicit forahead the next twomillion,” months before deciding how toM.D., proceed, the report said. falling through the bureaucratic those putpublic excessinput profits said emil Matarese, cation theMedicaid Universityand of California cracksat of SChiP, of children’s lives. American heart Association spokesatstrongly San Francisco. urged Congress to enact how well did Congress protect person. “Although Alzheimer’s is better late than never. proposing specific restrictions Thatofcould probably the “But All healthy Children Act,If children in 2007? Not well enough: or not part normal aging,mean age isthat the dresses the public health issues FDA proceeds logically based on a ban on menthol despite those any potential regulations remain S. 1564/h.r. 1688, introduced 276 Members of Congress had greatest risk factor for Alzheimer’s raised by menthol cigarettes, and these conclusions, they’re going good findings, saying itConwould months, years, from becomby representative Bobby Scott CDF instead Action Council disease. if Sonot it is important that Af- public input will help us make more to(D-VA) have to banhouse menthol,” Glantz gressional solicit public inputscores for the next ing reality, it said. in the and Senator Scorecard of 80 rican Americans take steps now to informed decisions about how best added. two months before deciding how decrease “Thetheir FDA is committed to a to tackle this important issue movBernie Sanders (i-Vt) in the Sen- percent or higher, and 198 of those risk of heart disease, FDA stopped of had to proceed, the report science-based that ad- ing forward,” Hamburg said. ate. The the measure would short provide stellar scores of 100said. percent. which researchapproach has shown could comprehensive benefits including But 231 members scored 60 percent also decrease the risk of cognitive Research shows a link between heart and brain heal heart function could lead to impaired brain functio dental and mental health, simpli- or lower—a failing grade from our decline.” fied bureaucracy, and a national school days. eligibility plan for families up to Whether Members of Congress 300 percent of the federal poverty are liberal, conservative or modlevel. We thank the 62 house co- erate; Democrat, republican or sponsors for their support. how- independent, children need all of by Nikki Denton ever, we regret that neither a single them to vote, lobby, speak for and Special the NNPAnor from house to republican any other protect them. Adults need to listen (NAPSi)-here’s an alert worth ness of diabetes, particularly when increased p Senator joined them to push for carefully to what candidates say the New Pittsburgh Courier paying attention to: According to it is left undiagnosed and untreated. delay or pr coverage for all children. they will do for children and famithe American Diabetes Association the day is held on the fourth tuesday diabetes. the CDFlet’s Action Men, talkCouncil about strongly prostate lies and, once they are in office, (ADA), learning your risk for type 2 of every March. Among supports long overdue health covwe need to hold them accountable. health. diabetes could save your life. on that day, people are encour- for type 2 erage for everyone in America as Please thank your Members of ConDo you find yourself going to Diabetes is a serious disease that aged to take the Diabetes risk test, weight, sed soon as possible—because children the bathroom more than once dur- gress with scores of 80 percent or strikes nearly 21 million children either with paper and pencil or online. 45 and hav cannot wait. As SChiP comes up above and let those with scores of ing the night regularly? Have you and adults in the U.S. it is named the risk test requires users to answer diabetes. Af again for reauthorization early discovered that your urine in flow has 60 percent or below know you are the “silent killer” because one-third seven simple questions about age, Native Ame 2009, we hope every Member of dissatisfied with their performance. weakened or is intermittent? Have of those with the disease--more than 6 weight, lifestyle and family history-- islanders a Congress will insist on covering And please convey that same mesyou noticed blood in your urine or million--do not know they have it. all potential risk factors for diabetes. are women every child and pregnant mother sage to each presidential candidate. semen? For many, diagnosis may come People scoring 10 points or more are more than now by enacting and adequately We must demand that our leaders If you answered “yes” to any of seven to 10 years after the onset of at a high risk for type 2 diabetes and the Dia funding the provisions of the All commit to children as a condition the above questions, it may be time type 2 diabetes. early diagnosis is are encouraged to talk with a health healthy Children Act. of our vote. to talk to your health care critical for successful treatment and care professional. Specious claims that weprofescould sional about issues. can delay or prevent some of the An estimated 54 million Amerinot find the prostate money—$70 billion Marian Wright Edelman is PresiThe prostate is a walnut-sized complications such as heart diseases, cans have pre-diabetes. those with over five years—to cover all dent of the Children’s Defense Fund blindness, kidney disease, stroke and pre-diabetes have blood glucose levgland thatissits under children belied bythe thatbladder amountin and its Action Council whose Leave amputation. els higher than normal but not high front the rectum. surrounds spentof in eleven monthsItfor tax cuts No Child Behind® mission is to that’s one reason the ADA holds enough to be diagnosed with type the urethra, the narrow tube that for the top one percent of richest ensure every child a Healthy Start, the American Diabetes Alert® Day, 2 diabetes. carries urineand andin semen of the a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Americans sevenout months a one-day wake-up call to inform the early intervention via lifestyle body. gland grows for theThe iraqprostate War. We do not havea Start and a Moral Start in life and American public about the serious- changes such as weight loss and good bit during and then a money problempuberty in America: We successful passage to adulthood doesn’t change much until about have a priorities and political will with the help of caring families age 40, it when it begins growing deficit. is time for all adults to and communities. No again and, many doesn’t protect the in health of men, our children. If you stop. Half of men aren’t bothered by their growing prostate. But the scree alk adioone from others will develop of page three 4 scree prostate diseases; enlarged prosall funny or cancer, remotely appropri- we forget o’reilly’s less-thantate, prostate or prostatitis. Presen ate about the use of a lynching Other symptoms include painful or informed comments regarding a of Our Land Line (225) 356-0703 referenceurination, about Michelle obama,’’ heit’s shared last degeneration year with burning difficulty with dinner veloping prostate cancer of 1 in 6. factor? According to the Centers because a normal made Cell Phone (225) 235-6955 he said. ‘’it’s - i’m speechless.’’ at Sylvia’s in harlem? obtaining and keeping an erection, Sharpton However, Cohen warns that autopsy for Disease Control of the prostate.” race is a factor, GSRASAC As President out o’reilly over is- studies E-mail: Goodshepherdbapt@bellsouth. painful urinationBush and pointed ejaculation, reveal that the incidence of especially being African-American. Theexpressed incidencesurprise of prostate so eloquently during the Black was torises other and frequent pain or stiffness in the how net Hours: Mon-Thurs – 8 pm Black males are more likely to die cancer in males8am in there sues,similarSylvia’s including cancer, rap- prostate history Month the thighs. noose restaurants in Newafter Yorkage restaulower back, hips,event, or upper idly each decade 40. For 20s is already 8 percent. Prostate of prostate cancer than any other Breast represents ‘’more than a tool of rants. common cancer example, the probability of being cancer is the most Good Shepherd Substance Abuse Center Tuesday racial group, followed by White, murder but a tool of intimidation’’ ‘’there wasn’t one person in Risk factors diagnosed with prostate cancer is diagnosed in men. Intensive Outpatient /Hispanic, InpatientAmerican TherapyIndian/Alaska 10am – to generations of African-Ameri- Sylvia’s who was screaming, Race: Cohen particularly Jeffnot Cohen, MD, urolo1 in 7,964 for more men younger than For is Drugs, Alcohol, Anger Management cans.Age: Nooses only robbed some ‘M-Fer, i want iced tea,’’’ LSUHSC gist at Allegheny General 40said. years, 1 in 37 for men aged 40 interested in treating and advising Native, and Asian/Pacific Islander of their lives but many Hospital, of their he 1401 N. men. men with pros-Rev. Donald Britton, MA, LAC 59 years, onePost’s in 15 robfor men African-American says thatofage is the number one risk through 2873 Mission Drive peace mind. As the Washington Baton R Heredity: Having a first degree tate problems because the death rate aged 60 through 69 years, and 1 in factor in prostate cancer. “If they Baton Rouge, LA 70805 Clinical Director ‘’As a civil society, we must inson sadly observed on MSNBC relative who had prostate issues also of prostate cancer deaths among 8 for men aged 70 years and older, live long enough, most men will (225) 315-0740 Bishop Harris Hayes, Overseer understand that noose displays in February, ‘’All you can go by an overall lifetime riskAnd of de- Black males is alarming. Is race a can put you at risk. be diagnosed prostate cancer, iswith and lynchingwith jokes are deeply his words and his actions. Breast offensive. they are wrong. And he keeps saying these things that Friday, M they have no place in America sound pretty darn racist to me.’’ 10am – today,’’ he said. has talk radio learned anything Neither o’reilly nor ingraham from imus’ decline and fall? of Leo S. B has been reprimanded by their re- course not, because it didn’t take Center spective employers even though imus too terribly long to get a 950 E. W the Fox News personality did offer new gig. Baton R a half-hearted apology. our nation’s media outlets At least ingraham didn’t drop should not provide a platform for the l-word but her suggestion that racialhostility and hateful speech Breast Sharpton, a former presidential now or in the future. What kind of Tuesday Indications For Treatment: candidate and respected member of messageare we sending to our chil5pm – 7 the African-American community dren, our nation and our world? • Low Back Pain Woman and beyond, is a petty thief reeks in such an historic election year, • Pinched Nerves 9050 Ai of race-baiting and negative ste- we cannot stand aside and allow • Pain in Legs Baton R reotyping of African-Americans individuals to use the airwaves • Numbness and black men in particular. as an outlet for insensitive and • Burning Sensation But it’s hardly the first time ei- misguidedcommentary. if you ther has ventured into questionable hear something that offends you, • Muscle Spasms and offensive territory. how can speak up. • Nervousness • Arthritis Pains • Scoliosis Dr Paul Matthews yStem from page 4 • Sleepiness 225-692-7028/or 225-636-8294 • Disc Syndrome cally pointed out that changes concerned 24035 Railroad with Ave. the conditions which occur in a human being is at Jetson. La it is70764 happening there. Plaquemine, office hours: 9:00 a.m. — 12:00 noon redirected to pull from the core What i do know is that most of 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Monday – Friday of his own humanity to reaffirm these youth can be changed, from self worth and purpose. he will contrition in a prepatory school L 6233 harry Drive, Suite C • Baton rouge, Louisiana 70806 then by nature acquire the will to for Angola to rehabilitation for do for himself and others. a positive life that may lead to a Days, or Saturday classes available Space is notEvenings, available to cover life of meritorious glory. That is concerns so many people WayPhlebotomy I See It! Courses:of CNA, CPR, DSWthe and Classes
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Black Men Most at Risk for Prostate Cancer Could You Be At Risk?
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Page 8 • The
Weekly Press • Thursday, July 25, 2013
sports
Brandon SU Football 2013 Preview Bass Hosts Annual Basketball Camps And Back to School Giveaway
A New Dawn Approaches
B AT O N ROUGE, LA Boston Celtics Forward and LSU standout Brandon Bass will host a series of basketball camps for boys and girls in the Baton Rouge, Morganza, and Port Allen areas, as well as a back to school giveaway and fun day in the park in Baton Rouge. The Brandon Bass Reach Back Foundation will host the basketball camps from August 1-3 at various locations followed by the community event on August 3 at the BREC Progress Park. Brandon Bass Reach Back Foundation Basketball Camps: Thursday, August 1, 2013 9am-12pm Pointe Coupee Central High School 8434 Pointe Coupee Rd Morganza, LA 70759 Friday, August 2, 2013 9am12pm Devall Middle School 11851 North River Road Port Allen, LA 70767 Saturday, August 3, 2013 Camp 9am-12pm Capital High School 1000 N. 23rd Street Baton Rouge, LA 70802 Back to School Giveaway 3-6pm BREC Progress Park 2680 Progress Road Baton Rouge, LA 70807 For questions or media inquiries contact Sevetri Wilson at 985.507.2805 or by email sevetri@sgicares.com. For volunteerism opportunities, or other sponsorship opportunities for upcoming Brandon Bass Reach Back Foundation events contact info@sgicares.com.
After salvaging the 2012 season by posting a 4-5 record which included wins over Jackson State, Florida A&M and Grambling, Dawson Odums proved he deserved the chance to resurrect Southern’s football program. The university removed the interim tag in mid-December and handed the wheels to the program to Odums. Odums immediately added experienced coaches to his staff to help tranform the mindset and culture of the Southern program. With the addition of OL Coach Chennis Berry, WR Coach Chris Coleman and LB Coach Lorick Atkinson, Odum is set to usher in a new dawn in the storied history of Jaguar football. THE OFFENSE On the heels of a career season in 2012, Dray Joseph is creating expectations for an encore performance in 2013 that could possibly lead Southern to the SWAC Championship in Houston. Joseph (5-11, 215) excelled as the unquestioned leader of the Jaguar offense as a junior, passing for 2,511 yards and 25 TDs. The West St. John product completed 58.5 percent of his pass attempts on his way to earning a spot on the All-SWAC second team. Joseph
punctuated his stellar season by leading the conference in passing average (228 ypg) and total offense (2,640 yards). With the emergence of redshirt freshman and Baton Rouge native Lenard Tillery (5-10, 181), Southern will look to strengthen its ground attack and produce its first 1,000-yard rusher since the 2003 SWAC championship season. Tillery, a McKinley High product, sat out in 2012 but showed flashes of his explosive play-making ability during fall and spring practice. Senior Darrius Clayton, who filled in admirable for injured starter Sylvester Nzekwe, returns to aid Tillery in shouldering the load in the backfield after rushing for 183 yards in 2012. Senior Brian McCain and redshirt junior Lee Mitchell provide veteran leadership and stability at the fullback position. The lone question mark for a Southern offense that returns seven starters is at wide receiver. New Orleans native Lee Doss (6-2, 175) returns as the Jaguars leading receiver after a career season in 2012 but the void left after the departures of Charles Hawkins and Mike Berry will quickly need to be filled. Doss’ 65 receptions and 703 yards placed him among the
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SWAC’s elite receiver and earned him All-SWAC honors. With a bevy of inexperienced candidates abound, a viable receiving target must emerge from a unit which includes junior college transfer Sam Altman and redshirts freshman Justin Morgan. Both players could provide the dynamic, shifty scoring threat while freshman Chuck Baker (6-2, 190), a Rivals 3-star athlete who was a LSU commitment, could enhance the Jaguars vertical passing attack. In the trenches, Berry’s addition has infused new life to an offensive line that is charged with protecting Joseph and churning yards on the ground. D’Wayne Houston, who doubled as the SWAC’s Top Male Field Performer in indoor and outdoor track this spring, and Anthony Mosley, a converted defensive lineman, continues to get stronger and have emerged as the unit’s hardest workers. LSU transfer and Capitol High star Corey White is going to provide depth to the offensive line while center Aaron Hall works his way back from a seasonending knee injury in 2012. THE DEFENSE Under Odums, Southern’s 3-4 scheme saw vast improvements from the previous season but still faltered late in close games resulting in four losses by a combined 11 points. In 2013, Southern return eight starters, many whom gained valuable playing experience in those close loses. With seven players returning, the defensive line possess the potential for a dominant season led by two experienced pass rushers in senior Kadeem Lewis and junior Arthur Miley. Dion Palmer is posed to have a breakout year after rehabbing a knee injury the forced him to sit out. Sophomores Gabe Echols and Justin Woods replace Casey Narcisse on the interior and will look to improve upon the teams 21 sacks from a year ago. Spearheading the linebacker corp is Anthony Balancier, the teams leading tackler in 2012. Balancier, who flourished in his return to his natural position after an unsuccessful stint at safety in 2011, led the Jaguars in sacks (4.5) and tackles-for-loss (11.5). Juniors Daniel Brown, Detrane Lindey and Franchot West solidify the group as the strength of the defense and the most experienced unit. Freshman Jarkeith Ruffin raw athleticism and intense physicality has him touted as “not you average freshman” by Odums. Though the most inexperienced unit, gone are the days of the 5’9-sized defensive backs. Three-year starter and return specialist Virgil Williams remains the groups most versatile and fundamental sound player. Williams, a Shreveport native, finished tied for second in tackles with 62. Dionte McDuffy, a South Alabama transfer and William’s Evangel Christian teammate, joins returning staring corner Johnathan Mack in the secondary. Omar Cook, a walk-on from California, has worked his way into filling Levi Jackson’s vacant safety spot.
“Booking It With Baby” Kicks Off On Thursday BATON ROUGE, LA Glen “Big Baby” Davis presents his third annual Booking it With Baby literacy tour in partnership with the East Baton Rouge Parish Library beginning this Thursday, July 25 and ends Saturday, July 27. A full schedule of Booking it With Baby events, times, and locations is below. Booking it With Baby Tour Stops Thursday, July 25, 2013 10am – Booking it at Scotlandville Library * 11am – Booking It with Project Stars 1:45pm – Booking it at FYSC with MY LIFE LOUISIANA * 6pm – Donor Reception Friday, July 26, 2013- Big Baby Takes Over Quarters 10:00AM – Booking It At Quarters with Louisiana Leadership Institute (LLI) 6:45 PM – Pre-Tournament VIP Cocktail Mixer 7:00 PM – Bowling With Baby & His Celebrity Friends * Saturday, July 27 10am – Booking It at the 2nd Annual Health Fair and Block Party * 11am – Big Baby Friends and Family Day at Star Hill Baptist Church
*Denotes Events Open to the Public For media inquiries contact Sevetri Wilson at 985.507.2805 or by email at sevetri@sgicares.com. If you have any questions regarding the Glen Big Baby Davis Foundation, volunteerism opportunities, or other sponsorship opportunities and partnerships please visit the foundation’s website http:// iambigbaby.com or contact the foundation at info@gbbdf.org. Contact Sevetri Wilson at 225.330.4924 or by e-mail at sevetri@sgicares.com for more information.
SU Alums Facilitate 2013 Nation Builders Program Launch Courtesy Southern U. Athletic Media Relations Keith Tillage of Tillage Construction and Brian LaFleur of the BJL Group have come together to give back to the community that helped mold them. Tillage and LaFleur, both Southern University alumnus and best friends since age 11, not only conduct business together but also embark upon philanthropic endeavors together. Collectively in 2013, the two will be launching a campaign that will simultaneously continue their efforts to engage inner city youth and support Southern University by donating 40 tickets to attend each Southern University home football game to youth organizations in the North Baton Rouge community. Annually, Tillage Construction and BJL Group sponsor similar giveaways with the NBA utilizing New Orleans Pelicans Tickets however, due to transportation requirements; many organizations in the North Baton Rouge Community are not able to take advantage of the acts of kindness. “Understanding that charity starts at home, Keith and I recently met with the Southern University Athletic Director, William Broussard and devised a strategy that would integrate their objectives of exposing and inspiring inner city youth with the current needs of the university,” explains Brian J LaFleur, of BJL Group. Through a program titled the “Nation Builders” program, Southern University Athletics supporters like Tillage Construction and the BJL Group, can procure tickets by making a
100% tax-deductible donation and in turn, donate the tickets to charities of their choice. “The Jaguar Nation game day attendance continues to improve as a new generation of Jaguars is introduced to the rich pageantry of tradition. While our attendance increased close to 30% last season, the Nation Builders Program is an opportunity for alumni and friends of the university to pay it forward by engaging the community and rebuilding not only the athletic fan base but an active alumni base,” affirms Southern University Athletic Director, William Broussard. The Southern University Jaguars will host its first home football game on Saturday September 14, 2013 against Prairie View A&M Panthers with much more of the community in attendance thanks to this new alliance. “Everybody that knows me understands the affection I have for the community and university that nurtured me but this is not about me, this is about saving our youth, not only here but across the nation and supporting the universities that were established to educate them,” said Keith Tillage “Brian and I have the easy part, the heroes are the people that actually work with the youth in these communities every day and people like Dr. Broussard, where despite a difficult financial climate is still tasked and held accountable for the success of our Historically Black Universities.” For more information on Southern University an how to support Southern Universities Nation Builders Program please visit The Nations Builders Program page.
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