baton
THURSDAY, March 10, 2011
rouge,
louisiana
a people’s publication
Vol. 35 • No. 45
Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus, National ‘Dream Legal Defense Fund, & Southern University Machine’ Makes Final Law Centerto Host Free Redistricting Seminar Landing KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FL (RNN) - The space shuttle Discovery’s wheels squelched as they hit the asphalt in Florida for the last time Wednesday morning. The shuttle fleet’s oldest orbiter landed at 11:57 a.m. at the Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Cape Canaveral, FL, after completing a 13-day mission to outfit the International Space Station. Discovery’s final flight has been frequently described as “bittersweet,” according to John Ira Petty, a spokesman at Johnson Space Center in Houston. “It’s sad Discovery is flying its last flight, but it has done a heck of a job and it’s time to move on,” Petty said. At the landing of its 39th flight, the 26-year-old orbiter has spent a total of 365 days in space and traveled more that 148 million miles. Pilot, U.S. Air Force Col. Eric Boe, called Discovery “The Dream Machine” in the crew of STS-133’s tribute to the orbiter from space. Boe called it a testament to all the people who have maintained the obiter during its service. During its last mission, the shuttle delivered and installed the Permanent Multipurpose Module, allowing more space for experiments and storage for the station’s crew. Discovery also delivered Robonaut 2, the first human-like robot in space, which will demonstrate how robots behave in space, and may someday assist astronauts in repairs and perform scientific work. Discovery’s next journey is likely to take it to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., but the shuttle’s final resting place has not been made official. Several museums are vying for opportunity to display one of the three soonto-be retired shuttles. If Discovery does make its way to the Capitol, the first shuttle, the Earth-bound Enterprise currently on display at the National Air and Space Museum, might be looking for a home, Petty added. But that news, as well as the final homes for the shuttles Atlantis and Endeavour, is expected to be announced during a press conference April 12. What’s after the space shuttle? See landing, on page 2
Laura Lee Harris
Honorees Say Stop the Violence in Baton Rouge By Stephanie Anthony
Attendees for the conference on Redistricting held at SU Law Center. Photo by James Terry III
BATON ROUGE, LA—The Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus (LLBC), National Legal Defense Fund, and Southern University Law Center hosted a conference on Thursday, at Southern University’s Cotillion Ballroom from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The conference focused on the upcoming Louisiana Redistricting plans for 2011. Titled protecting minority voting rights across the state of louisiana during the 2011 redistricting cycle, the conference will educate and enlighten participants about the various issues Louisiana residents, particularly minorities, will face regarding redistricted voting districts while offering information to ensure everyone participates in the process. See seminar, on page 2
Former State Senator Cleo Fields in attend for redistricting conference. Photo by James Terry III
BATON ROUGE - Honorees of the Louisiana Black History Association and more than outstanding achievement in common. Actress Lynn Whitfield and Civil Rights Activist Laura Lee Harris and her appointee all are concern about the escalation of violence in there beloved hometown. During its 20th Anniversary Celebration Gala the Louisiana Black History Association Emmy Award winning actress accepted her induction into the “Torches of Life Hall of Fame”. While
reflecting on joyful memoirs of the past and challenging homecoming schedule the South Baton Rouge native noted the upsurge of violence and murders in her beloved Louisiana she then urged that people see the arts as a way to challenge the very real feelings of frustration, inequality, lost and rage. She praised the LBHA for turning the old Lincoln Theater into a Museum and Cultural Center which she saw as a potential beacon of hope for the community. One of the missions of the project is to inspire achievement. See violence, on page 2
Actress Lynn Whitfield and Lionel Harris in the background Photos by Photojournalist Stephanie Anthony
United Way Donates Books to Honor ExxonMobil’s $1.5 Million Campaign BATON ROUGE, LA – ExxonMobil has a long tradition of making a positive contribution in the communities where the company operates. ExxonMobil Baton Rouge is a long-time partner and supporter of Capital Area United Way through the company’s employee and retiree giving campaign, volunteerism, and corporate support. “We are grateful to have ExxonMobil in our community” said Karen Profita, President/CEO of Capital Area
Senior Prom for Grandparent
United Way. “ExxonMobil and its employees and retirees have been an integral part of Capital Area United Way since 1925 and truly represent See united way, on page 2 Back row: Stephanie Cargile (EM PA), Rhonda Aucoin (PAL), Rob Peplinski (BRCP), David Blanchard (BRRF), Josh Huckabee (BRPP), Rob Richard (BRPO) Front Row: Paul Stratford (BRCP), Karen Profita (CAUW)
State & local News
Business News
Religion NEWS
Health News
The Sickle Cell Disease Association of America has released a video PSA with Offensive Guard Stanley Daniels, who speaks about the effects of sickle cell disease and asks viewers to participate ....See Page 7
INDEX
Falling Victim to the system The Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Information Center sponsored a Senior Prom on February 18 at the Martin Luther King Catholic Center at 586 Harding Blvd at 6:00 p.m. The event was planned for grandparents who never attended a prom or who wanted to re-live the prom experience....See Page 2
“You are not the father”, is the catch phrase made famous by Maury Povich.” These words sound very familiar to Earnest Smith who was a victim in what men’s rights activist are now calling “Paternity Fraud.”r... See Page 3
IRS Help Taxpayers
Tax time is here, and State Treasurer John Kennedy wants to remind Louisiana residents about the tax incentives available to investors who use the START 529 plan to save for college...See Page 5
Domestic Violence
The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, a Denver, Colo.based nonprofit organization working to combat domestic abuse, offers alarming statistics of which we need to be aware...See Page 6
Local & State............................2 Commentary.............................4 Business....................................5 Classified..................................5 Religion....................................6 Health.......................................7
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