The Weekly Press

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THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2010

The

Press BOX Groups Rally for Higher Education and Health Reform BATON ROUGE- Several groups rallied outside the Louisiana Capitol on the opening day of the 2010 Legislative Session.

The Louisiana Black Caucus rallied against Attorney General Buddy Caldwell’s decision to sue the federal government over healthcare reform.

“If this act is implemented, the services provided for healthcare to our state could approximately save us $500 million,” said state Rep. Regina Barrow, D-Baton Rouge. “These savings could be used to cover a majority of the state budget crisis that we currently face, inclusive of higher ed.”

The caucus says Caldwell was not elected to advance Gov. Bobby Jindal’s partisan interests.

A group of LSU students rallied in the wake of massive budget cuts to the university. Stuart Watkins, the LSU student body president, said the students care deeply about the flagship university and they want legislators to hear their cries.

rouge,

louisiana

More Change Needed in America Says Veteran Rights Leader

By Larry Miller Special to the NNPA from the Philadelphia Tribune

P H I L A D E L P H I A ( N N PA ) NAACP’s former Chairman of the Board Julian Bond was in Philadelphia on March 25 discussing changing racial issues in America — issues that Bond said the nation couldn’t ignore just because Barack Obama is president.

With his usual focused clarity, Bond spoke at the PNC Bank’s Eastwick Center in Southwest Philadelphia, talking about the evolution of the Civil Rights Movement and the role that the NAACP played during that turbulent time in America.

He said it is foolhardy to think that because President Barack Obama made it to the White House that the victories and accomplishments of the Civil Rights Movement can now be dismantled.

And he was most articulate in describing the plight that the nation and Black America is now in.

“While we are now poised for greater efforts and grander victories, we’re still being tested by hardships and adversities,” Bond said. “We’ve been rocked by an economy, where one writer said no past taxpayers covers billionaires’ bets.

See More Change, on page 2

Julian Bond, NAACP chairman of the board, spoke at the PNC Bank’s Eastwick Center in Southwest Philadelphia, talking about the evolution of the Civil Rights Movement and the role that the NAACP played during that turbulent time in America. — PHOTO: Abdul Sulayman

Town Meetings Set to Discuss Transformation of North Baton Rouge

Gov. Opens Legislative Session BATON ROUGE - Gov. Bobby Jindal told the legislature Monday in his opening speech that the session will be full of challenges and opportunity.

Jindal challenged the legislature to make the tough decisions, regardless of their party. He wants them to break a trend of non-success and turn the state around, much like another state business recently did.

“If anyone doubts our ability to get it done, I’d ask you to consider this: for 43 years, the New Orleans Saints weren’t able to get into a Super Bowl, much less win a Super Bowl,” said Jindal. “After 43 years, they overcame the critics. They overcame the skeptics.”

Jindal’s message was well-received, as most are in the beginning of legislative See session, on page 2

Vol. 34 • No. 49

a people’s publication

BATON ROUGE - Our next meeting will kick off our “Building Capacity, Preparing For Action” phase.

Our goal is to empower community stakeholders and leaders like yourselves with key information and data we have collected on North Baton Rouge and current and future redevelopment and planning efforts in the city. Our “Building

Capacity, Preparing For Action” phase of programs will include the following: 1. “Inside NBR: A Snapshot of Who We Are and Where We Are” – Friday, April 9, 2010, 3:00 P.M. – 2:30 P.M., Star Hill Church 3. “Getting Ready: Opportunities on the Horizon” – Friday, April 23, 2010, See meeting, on page 2

From left are Shenell Johnson, Ebone` Etienne, Christopher Russell, Khadrereil, Ferguson, Brian Cain, Shontrell Johnson, and Ethan Tran. — Photo by John Oubre/Office of Publications and Electronic Media.

SU Students to Display Their Art Work in Louisiana Congressman’s Offices BATON ROUGE - It’s the opportunity of a lifetime for several Southern University Fine Arts students. Louisiana Congressman Bill Cassidy invited eight Southern University students to exhibit their art work in his Washington D.C. and district offices.

Brian Cain, Christopher Russell, Ethan Tran, Shenell

NATIONAL/state & Community watch

Johnson and Heather Holliday, winners from the university’s Fall Visual Arts Student Exhibition held last year on Southern’s campus, were chosen to exhibit their work in Cassidy’s Washington D. C. office. Three others, Ebone` Etienne, Khadrereil Ferguson and Joshua Gary, were chosen to exhibit their art work in the congressman’s district

Business News

Ultimate Show & Tell - Drew Brees It’s been a contentious year, but now that supporters of health care reform finally got their day, Black political and civil rights leaders, as well as other health care reform advocates are applauding the bill’s passage for a diversity of reasons....Page 3

Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc. and Diet Pepsi have partnered to offer one New Orleans or Baton Rouge area high school student the chance to bring Saints quarterback Drew Brees to school. Customers can register for the sweepstakes....See Page 5

office in Baton Rouge.

The 11 students and their professor, Robert Cox, are in Washington D.C. to hang the pieces and experience the culture of the nation’s capital.

“Aside from the exhibit, the students will be visiting museums to see major works See art work, on page 2

Religion NEWS

Artist’s Colorful Vases

If you are a lover of fine artistry, a collector of the most exquisite of items, or you’re simply looking for that captivating something that would take your interior decorating skills to another dimension of elegance, Anne Williams ...See Page 6

Oil Support Businesses in LA Stand to Gain NEW ORLEANS - Louisiana-based industries supporting the petroleum industry stand to gain under President Barack Obama’s plan to expand offshore drilling.

LSU economist Loren Scott says those include shipbuilders, offshore structure fabrication companies and offshore transport companies.

Reversing a ban on drilling off most U.S. shores, Obama on Wednesday announced a new policy that

could put oil and natural gas platforms along the southern Atlantic coast, the eastern Gulf of Mexico and part of Alaska.

Chris John, who heads the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association, calls Obama’s announcement “a very positive first step in securing America’s energy future.”

John also says increased drilling, especially in the eastern Gulf, would boost Louisiana’s economy.

Local & State News Health news

The Louisiana Health Care Quality Forum , the Louisiana Public Health Institute , and a coalition of Greater New Orleans community health organizations are being honored with a 2010 Health Quality Award..See Page 7

Beautillion 2010 Finale’

The Xi Nu Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., located in Baton Rouge, culminated over seven months of mentoring on Saturday, March 20, 2010, in the Crown Plaza hotel when its beautillion participants were introduced...See Page 8

INDEX Local & State............................2 Commentay..............................4 Business....................................5 Religion....................................6 Health.......................................7 Local & State............................8

Classified Buying or selling a service, looking for for a good job or a good used car? Check out the classifeds .

THEWEEKLYPRESS.COM Celebrating 34 Years Of Service To The Baton Rouge Community 225.775.2002

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Weekly Press • Thursday, April 1, 2010

Local&State Tutoring Hotline to Offer Assistance to Students and Families BATON ROUGE, LA - As students across the state gear up to take standardized assessments, the Louisiana Department of Education (LOD) is once again offering assistance to parents and students through its Tutoring Hotline. Additionally, LOD is reminding families, students and teachers of all the resources available to them as they prepare for the state exams.

The Tutoring Hotline was launched in 2008 and operates several weeks each year before and during student testing. Over the last two years, the Hotline has fielded an estimated 200 calls per day. As in the past, tutors for the Hotline will be available to assist students and parents each evening, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:OO p.m., Monday through Friday, starting this week and continuing through April 9.

“We are very pleased to be able to provide this service to our students and their families,” State Superintendent of Education Paul Pastorek said.

“We want our students to be comfortable and confident when test time rolls around, and practicing helps reassure them that they have the knowledge and skills to do well.”

The statewide assessments are based on Grade-Level Expectations (GLEs), which define the knowledge and skills students should have obtained by the end of each grade in English Language Arts (ELA), mathematics, science, and social studies.

Fourth- and eighth-grade students participate in the state’s high stakes Louisiana Educational Assessment Program (LEAP) test, which determines whether they are promoted to the next grade level. Students in 10th and 11th grades must pass Louisiana’s Graduation Exit Examination (GEE) to earn a standard diploma. Students in 3rd, 5th, 6th, 7th and 9th grades participate in the Integrated Louisiana Educational Assessment Program (iLEAP) test, which is designed to measure student progress, but does not determine whether students will be retained in their current grade.

In order to move to the

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The office is open 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday - Friday and located at 1283 Rosenwald Road, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

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next grade level, 4th and 8th grade students are required to score at least Basic in either ELA or math and Approaching Basic in the other subject. However, students who initially fail to meet the standards for promotion during spring testing are given another opportunity during the summer.

The assistance offered through the Tutoring Hotline is specifically centered on assisting 4th and 8th grade students and their families as they prepare to take LEAP. Tutors assist students in answering questions from practice books that were developed by LOD and distributed to schools in February. Students and families who need assistance answering the questions contained in the books may use the Tutoring Hotline as a resource. The toll-free phone number for the Hotline is 1-877-453-2721.

Louisiana began administering LEAP in 1999 and GEE in 2001. However, for the first time, high-stakes tests (LEAP and GEE) will be given in two phases.

• These students will take the remaining portions of the ELA and math exams, as well as the science and social studies tests on April 12-16.

• Students in the 10th grade will take the writing portion of the English Language Arts (ELA) exam and the written-response section of the math test on March 23. Tenth graders will take the remaining components of the math and ELA tests during the week of April 12.

• Students in the 11th grade will take the science and social studies written-response items on March 23 and the re-

Meeting from page 1 3:00 P.M. – 4:30 P.M., Star Hill Church.

Please reply to NBR.CRA@ gmail.com or Pamela Metoyer at 225-925-3133 and let us know if you will be able to attend. We thank you for your participation in the efforts of the NBR-CRA and hope you will be able to participate in the next session.

If you have any questions or require any additional clarification, please do not hesitate to contact us.

maining parts of these tests during the week of April 12.

• Additionally, all students in grades 3, 5, 6, 7 and 9 will participate in the state’s iLEAP test during the week of April 12.

“As a former educator, I realize the apprehension students and educators may feel during test time,” said Keith Guice, President of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. “Our hope is that families and students will take advantage of the Tutoring Hotline and some of the other resources that are available to them as a way of relieving some of their anxiety.”

In addition to the Tutoring Hotline, the Department offers the following resources on its website: • *Newton’s Classroom: Online interactive math tutorials for students in grades 1-8.

Each of the lessons is designed with three levels of basic skills and concepts. Newton’s Classroom can be accessed here.

• *PASS (Practice Assessment/Strengthen Skills): Resources for students in grades 3-12. Students can test their knowledge of ELA, math, science and social studies through questions that are similar to those on the LEAP, iLEAP, GEE and LAA 2 exams.

Students will also receive instructional feedback when they answer questions incorrectly, and may strengthen writing skills by writing a composition and having it scored through

sessions.

“Certainly, the governor has a tough job in front of him,” said Sen. Sharon Broome, DBaton Rouge. “But I think we have to come up with some formidable solutions that have a minimum impact on the citizens that we serve.”

“It wasn’t a prepared one, he’s speaking from the heart about those things that mean the most to Louisianans’ jobs, education and health care,” said Sen. Rob Marionneaux, D-Livonia. “The problem I see is no one has a solution to the problems that exist.”

“I liked the way he out-

lined the challenges that we’re facing and what he intended to do about them,” said Sen. Elbert Guillory, D-Opelousas.

Still, Jindal was not finished with his sports comparisons. He voiced his disappointment in Louisiana’s higher education rate being low.

“Our graduation rate is still below 40 percent. The next lowest southern state is 10 points better than us. If we had the second worst football program, you and I would be demanding the coach fired and replace the program,” Jindal explained.

Art Work from page 1 of art, and visit Howard University,” said Cox, an assistant professor in Southern’s Visual Arts Department and director of the university’s Visual Arts Gallery.

The group will also meet with Congressman Cassidy, Senator Mary Landrieu and tour the White House.

“I’m really honored to go to (Washington) D.C. and represent Southern and to give others the chance to see what Southern University’s Art Department is doing,” said Christopher Russell, a senior who won 2nd place for his digital

photo titled, “Along came a Spider,” in which he manipulated braids in a girl’s hair to look like a spider.

“Going on this trip means any thing is possible if you stay prayerful and focused,” said Shenell Johnson, a graduating senior who won 1st Honorable Mention at the Fall Visual Arts Student Exhibition. “I would have never expected that my art work would be sent to Washington D.C., where everyone can see it, even the President.”

SU senior Brian Cain hopes the President takes a look at his piece, too. His first

place piece titled, “IL ADORE,” based on Life magazine’s cover of America landing on the moon, was created as a tribute to President Obama.

“My art work was dedicated to Obama in hopes of him winning the election,” said Cain. “It feels good to do some work that people value.”

The group will hang the remaining pieces of art work in Cassidy’s district office after they return to Baton Rouge on Thursday, March 25.

For more information, please contact Ed Pratt at 225771-4545.

If this happens to you call Attorney McManus

“Not an authentic wreck site.

Call the McManus law office and get all you deserve

1283 Rosenwald Road Baton Rouge, La. 70807-41 Phone: (225) 775-2002

Charles C. McManus

thewpres@bellsouth.net Office Hours: Monday-Friday

8520 Scotland Ave, Suite C • Baton Rouge, La. 225-774-5771

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Closed Saturday, Sunday

and all Major Holidays

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here but has risen as He said. An angel HAPPY EASTER, EVERYONE! The story of Easter is so very touching to every human heart that this weekend more people will attend worship services than anytime of the year. It is gratifying to know that the entire story of the resurrection impacts lives even now, some two thousand years after the Marge cross. The resurrection is the Christian hope.

Lawrence It says that if we are interred in some dusty part of this earth, we will one day be called to live again. This we know is at the second coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Hallelujah for the cross!

HERE ARE SOME MEANINGFUL WAYS TO CELEBRATE EASTER: 1. Attend Sabbath or Sunday worship.

2. Take holy communion.

3. Reread the message of Calvary.

4. Tell someone about the sacrifice and love of Jesus.

5. Create family time to ask for forgiveness.

6. Encourage each other to fully appreciate the resurrection.

7. Design three crosses and explain their significance.

8. Make Easter cards for the nursing home residents.

9. Do Easter bunny decorations for the children wards at the hospitals.

10. Have a special dinner for the family.

11. Take family portraits.

12. Have a family picnic.

13. Have a community Easter egg hunt.

14. Dye Easter eggs with other community friends.

15. Go on a scavenger hunt for Easter relics.

16. Share recipes.

17. Design unique Easter baskets.

18. Do a drama about the crucifixion.

19. Have an Easter/spring fashion show.

20. Make Easter bonnets.

With Love and Sympathy to the family of the late Doretha Amacker Muse who was aid to rest early this week.

Thanks to the Lady Tigers of LSU for their valiant effort against Hartford.

Have a very blessed weekend. Enjoy the spring-like weather.

Love,

Marge

We’ve avoided another Great Depression; instead we’ve suffered a grieved recession. The decade that just ended was the worst for the U.S. economy in modern times.”

Bond said from December 1999 and December 2009, there was no net job creation and that middle-class Americans were earning less at the end of the decade than at the beginning. He said that one in eight Americans are on food stamps and many, at least 6 million, that is their only income.

But adverse economic conditions in the country are even worse for African Americans, Bond said. He said Obama’s victory did not herald a post-civil rights America, or that racism had been vanquished or that structural inequality was erased from racist attitudes.

“Black Americans are more likely to be poor than rich and are worse off than their white counterparts,” he said. “Almost every social indicator from birth to death reflects Black and white disparities. The infant mortality rates are 146 percent higher for Blacks; chances of imprisonment are 447 percent higher, rates of death from homicide are 521 percent higher, lack of health insurance 42 percent more likely, the proportion with a college degree 60 percent lower and the aver-

age white American will live five years longer than the average Black American.”

Bond has long been a social activist who marched with the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. He is also an author and political and social commentator and former politician. In 1965, he was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives and was prevented from taking his seat by those who objected to his position on the Vietnam War. In an amazing political twist, he was re-elected to his own vacant seat, un-seated again and after a third election and a unanimous Supreme Court decision, was re-seated.

In 1968, he became the first African American to be nominated as a vice presidential candidate by the Georgia Loyal National Delegation to the Democratic Convention.

Since 1998, he has served as the chairman of the board of the NAACP. In 2008, the Library of Congress named him a “Living Legend.”

The event, “A Conversation in Courage” was sponsored by PNC Financial Services Group — one of the largest financial services organizations in the nation. It was originally scheduled for February, but was cancelled because of adverse weather conditions.

INJURED IN A CAR WRECK?

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PASS. PASS can be accessed here.

• *PASS on Paper: Practice tests provided for students in grades 4, 8, 10 and 11 who may not have access to a home computer. Students may download and print copies of the PASS on Paper tests, which offer lessons in ELA, math, science and social studies that are similar to those found on the standardized assessments.

The PASS on Paper tests can be accessed here.

• *Reading Runway: PreK-3 tutorials that allow students to visit virtual destinations as they practice and strengthen their reading skills.

Reading Runway can be accessed here.

• EAGLE: The EAGLE (Enhanced Assessment of Grade-Level Expectations) system is designed to provide administrators and teachers in grades 3-12 with access to pre-made tests that are based on the state’s GLEs. Teachers may also create their own tests or quizzes for each GLE unit.

The tests can be assigned to students and taken online; progress reports are also available. The EAGLE system can be accessed here. *To access these resources, students can obtain a password to participate through their school or by calling 1-877-453-2721.

For additional resources, including test-taking tips for families, please visit www. louisianaschools.net.

marge's

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Thursday, April 1, 2010 • The Weekly Press • Page 3

National

Black, Civil Rights Groups Applaud Health Care Signing

Oprah with girls from her Leadership Academy

Oprah Settles Lawsuit Special to the NNPA from the Los Angeles Sentinel (NNPA) - Even the doyenne of daytime television and a world renowned businesswoman and philanthropist is not immune from lawsuits.

It could be that the United States of America has earned the dubious title of the most litigious country in the world and one of the most well-known and respected citizens is among those who is experiencing the litigious nature of her country.

In an effort not to prolong the legal battle which could distract her from work, Oprah Winfrey has settled a defamation lawsuit that was filed by a headmistress of the girls school she founded and funded in South Africa.

According to the lawyers, Winfrey had accused the former headmistress, Nomvuyo Mzamane of performing poorly at her girls school where some students claimed they were abused. Because the lawsuit was settled, the truth of the matter may never come to light. However, the South African culture views a settlement differently than Americans, and though it may end legally, several unanswered questions may still remain in South Africa.

The trial was scheduled to begin this week and the facts notwithstanding, posed many logistical and time-consuming difficulties and hardships since many school girls would have had to testify. Winfrey, as the named defendant, attending trial daily would have had to rearrange her Chicago-based TV

talk show, a staple of American daily life.

In the U.S., it was in the best interest of all parties to come to a quick resolution.

But had the matter been tried in South Africa, “legal” truth may have won over a quick resolution. (The dorm matron, Tiny Virginia Makopo, had already pleaded not guilty to 14 charges).

Mzamane claimed that Winfrey had made some unsavory remarks in reference to sexabuse allegation at the school in 2007. She further alleged that because of those remarks, she experienced tremendous hardships and great inconvenience in gaining employment after she left the school, because of Winfrey’s remarks, which were tantamount to defamation of her name and character.

The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls was Winfrey’s dream to give South African girls, who were relegated to a life of poverty and hopelessness, an alternative lifestyle. With the “blessings” and counsel of former president, Nelson Mandela, Winfrey had considered - and still do - the school an oasis of opportunity in a desert of hopelessness. She dreamt of building a first-class school to nurture, educate and turn gifted South African girls from impoverished backgrounds into the country’s future leaders. Her dream became a reality in 2007, when The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls - South Africa opened its doors. The school now holds about 330 girls.

The National Black Caucus of State Legislators Supports the Signing of the HIRE Act into Law Representative Calvin Smyre (GA), President of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators, applauds the signing of the HIRE Act into law and issues the following statement.

The National Black Caucus of State Legislators wholeheartedly supports this new commitment to create job growth and lay the foundation for an economic recovery. The HIRE Act represents the first major job creation measure undertaken in over a year to combat the economic woes facing the country.

The legislation includes a $17.6 billion package to incentives the hiring of persons who have been unemployed for a period of 60 days. Specifically, the bill provides a payroll tax holiday that exempts employers from the 6.2 percent social security payroll contribution for employees hired in 2010. It also allows for a $1000 tax credit for each new employee retained for 52 weeks. Additionally, the

legislation contains a measure to incentives investments in new equipment by allowing a direct write-off for purchases up to $250,000.

The HIRE Act will also spur local development by revamping the municipal bond system to facilitate the raising of capital for public works projects such as the revamping of schools and clean energy projects. Infrastructure and mass transportation development programs will also receive an additional $20 billion to expedite much needed construction projects. The combined measures are estimated to generate some 250,000 new jobs over the course of a year.

Getting more people to work is a precondition for creating a climate of sustainable growth. The HIRE Acts targeted reforms are a step in the right direction to restore this nations communities and businesses to prosperity.

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President Barack Obama signs long-awaited health care bill as members of Congress looks on. Also pictured is 11-year-old Marcelas Owens, whose mother died because she didn’t have the needed health care. — White House Photo/Pete Souza

By Pharoh Martin NNPA National Correspondent (NNPA) - It’s been a contentious year, but now that supporters of health care reform finally got their day, Black political and civil rights leaders, as well as other health care reform advocates are applauding the bill’s passage for a diversity of reasons.

Civil rights leaders have been some of the most vocal backers of the bill because AfricanAmericans are among the most disparately impacted by lack of insurance, chronic diseases and other health-related setbacks.

“Like Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and Civil Rights laws in the past, today’s vote will forever be a threshold moment for the nation,” said Marc Morial, president and chief executive officer of the National Urban League on the day of the presidential signing March 23. “Generations to come will look back to this day as one where the American dream was more fully realized.”

In the days leading up to the final House vote, congressional members were verbally attacked by opponents of the bill. Civil Rights icon Rep. John Lewis (DGa.) was one of the individuals at the receiving end of a protester’s racial slur. Of course, Lewis, a veteran of the civil rights struggle, still voted in favor of the bill.

“The last 24 hours have witnessed a chaos and disorder that reared its ugly head in nasty language and hostile attacks,” Morial said in a statement. “Despite attacks upon civil rights icons in

the Congress, justice and truth continue to “march on.””

Some key provisions pushed

by Black leaders and the Congressional Black Caucus such as the public option failed to make the final bill but other measures were included to bring additional medical insurance-related protections for people, bring down costs and lower the number of uninsured Americans.

The U.S. Census Bureau reports that more than 15 percent of all Americans are uninsured.

According to a February Gallop poll, about one out of five AfricanAmericans are without medical coverage.

The new law guarantees coverage for people with pre-existing medical conditions, closes the prescription drug “donut hole” for seniors and extends coverage to an estimated 32 million more previously uninsured people through the use of federal subsidies, the extension of Medicaid and the establishment of a statebased health insurance exchange program that competitively pools different coverage plans in order to drive down premium costs.

The Congressional Budget Office reports that the national deficit will be reduced by over $1.2 trillion over the next 20 years because of the new measures.

“Under the current proposal, if people like the insurance plan they have, they can keep it,” stated Hilary Shelton, NAACP Senior Vice President for Advocacy and Director of the NAACP Washington Bureau. “If they like their doctor, nothing

in the new proposal takes that choice away.”

He adds, “What does change under the new plan is an increase in protections provided to Americans. Specifically, the new proposal outlaws discrimination against Americans with pre-existing medical conditions and does not allow insurance companies to deny coverage to a person because he or she has gotten sick. It reduces costs for people who currently have insurance and makes coverage more affordable for people without it.

It also sets up a new competitive insurance market where small business owners and families are allowed to shop for the insurance plan that works best for them.”

Health care reform measures such as protections for people with pre-existing conditions are key because, if statistics were to tell the story, Black people are the sickest but the least likely to get helped. Just under half of all African-Americans suffer from some kind of chronic disease and the Black community continues to bear the brunt of the AIDS epidemic.

Of the 1.1 million people in the US infected with HIV just under half are African-American, according to statistics reported by the Center for Disease Control.

For context, Blacks make up only 12 percent of the US population, citing 2000 Census figures.

And while the health reform bill is a step in the right direction in helping African-Americans living with HIV and AIDS there are miles to go before anybody can

sleep, says Phill Wilson, President and CEO of the Black AIDS Institute.

“It might well be what change looks like but It is not yet meaningful enough reform,” he wrote in a statement.

In addition to the provisions that expands coverage, closes the “donut hole” for prescription drugs and makes discrimination against people living with pre-existing conditions illegal two other measures critically important to people with chronic diseases, according to Wilson, include: • The “individual mandate”- The bill includes an “individual mandate” provision that requires that all Americans retain health insurance is expected to drive down insurance premiums and it obligates the federal government to subsidize those unable to afford coverage.

• Prohibitions on lifetime caps- The new law prohibits insurance companies from placing limits on how much coverage a plan will cover in an insured person’s lifetime, which is especially important for people with long-term chronic conditions.

Wilson said, “Historically, people with AIDS have experienced major barriers to obtaining health insurance and keeping it, especially when purchasing insurance as an individual. Given the potential enormous cost of life-saving HIV treatments over one’s lifetime, “guaranteed availability and renewability of coverage” is a key victory for people with AIDS.

Statement from the UFCW Minority Coalition on Walmart’s Pattern of Race-Based Incidents The Minority Coalition of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) is calling for an internal company-wide review of all Walmart operations after a racially-motivated incident traumatized customers at a New Jersey Supercenter.

On March 14, 2010, customers at the Walmart in Washington Township, New Jersey were shocked to hear, over the store announcement system, “Attention Walmart Customers: All black people leave the store now.” Offended customers have promised not to return to the store.

“It”s never been more important for citizens to support businesses that respect our communities,” said Don Cash, President of the UFCW

Minority Coalition. “Walmart needs to examine all of its operations - from public access to its store announcement system to its pricing, online marketing, hiring and sourcing practices - to ensure that no racially-biased actions occur in the company.”

The New Jersey incident is under investigation by public safety officials and Walmart. In the meantime, the African-American community is offended by the retail giant’s pattern of racial incidents.

Last month, Walmart was exposed for selling black Barbie Dolls for half the price of white Barbies.

In 2006, Walmart’s online presence suggested people who bought “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” and “Planet

of the Apes” might also be interested in “Martin Luther King: I Have A Dream/Assassination of MLK” and “Unforgivable Blackness: The Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson.”

In 2008, the NAACP took issue with Walmart and called on the retailer to address discriminatory practices.

In July 2009, Wal-Mart settled a $17.5 million class action litigation with 4,500 workers charging the company with systematically discriminating against African-Americans applying for truck driver positions.

In May 2009, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) sued Wal-Mart subsidiary Sam’s Club for racial harassment of Latinos in Fresno,

California for subjecting Latino employees to repeated verbal harassment and derogatory names.

“We spend our money with companies that we feel promote the value of diversity and community. Walmart seems to be tone-deaf to the issues facing a large segment of its customerbase,” continued Cash.

The UFCW Minority Coalition develops a unified voice, and promotes diversity and inclusion within the labor movement.

For more information contact Don Cash at (240) 381-8462 or HYPERLINK “mailto:dcash@local400.org” dcash@local400.org or HYPERLINK “mailto:press@ufcw.org” press@ufcw.org.

Commentary Thursday, April 1, 2010 • The Weekly Press • Page 4

The Way I See It

Racial Inequality in a so Called Post Racial Society that handle hundreds of millions in political The skyrocketcontributions maybe ing cost of at large middle of the road or elections, which in conservative, as long as recent years have the roots of American spawned a host of capitalism that feed the political fundraising politicians on the auctechnique, are almost tion block will also be certain to prevent white. the election of many This result is not William Blacks to certain politidictated by current raJones cal office. And, you cial discrimination or can bet after winning favoritism. It is simply certain key positions will not be the outcome of two centuries of filled by Blacks after winning. American history during which The overwhelming majority all holdings of individual and of institutions Moines that fill corporate wealth and other the lobbyist’s suitcases with power holdings have bee concash are, and will remain with centrated in the hands of white the candidates that receive the people. most cash will almost certainly Now, I know you are asking be white, except for the case in me, then how was the Honorable New Orleans.

Obama elected president?

The political stripe or per(Answer). He was “God suasion of the undaunted corpo- Sent.” rate political action committees That Is The Way I See It.

By William Jones

Child Watch

Haiti’s Restavèk Children: The Child Servitude Crisis

By Marian Wright Edelman NNPA Columnist (NNPA) - The recent earthquake in Haiti gave the rest of the world a glimpse of a form of child suffering that often goes unseen.

When a group of American missionaries were accused of child trafficking, many people were confused by the story that unfolded. How could parents have been desperate enough to agree to simply give their children away to strangers?

Sadly, this wasn’t just an isolated event that only happened because of the earthquake.

Thousands of poor Haitian parents send their children away to live with strangers every year, desperately entrusting them to people who tell the parents they will help provide their children with a better life. But not all of these children are transferred to well-meaning caregivers who plan to give them an education or help them find adoptive families. Instead, many poor Haitian children end up trapped in child servitude.

Many Americans watching media coverage of the earthquake were moved by the poverty in Port-au-Prince, but the images from Haiti’s capital actually overlooked a devastating reality: the level of poverty in the nation’s rural areas is even worse.

Almost half of Haiti’s population is under age 18, so children are hit very hard by the country’s deep poverty, and rural children and families are especially vulnerable.

The American organization Beyond Borders has been working to serve the needs of the poor in Haiti for almost twenty years, and the child servitude crisis, which they call a “brutal form of modern slavery,” preys on rural families and is one of their main concerns.

As Beyond Borders explains, “Even before the quake, roughly one in ten [about 300,000] Haitian children, mostly girls, were living apart from their parents in unpaid domestic servitude—working endlessly, without the opportunity to attend school or play. Some were orphans, but many more were sent by their parents in poor rural communities to live with urban families who falsely promised to feed, clothe, and educate them. Desperate and destitute, these parents thought they were giving their children a brighter future. Instead, those boys and girls endured—and continue to endure—unimaginable humiliation and physical, psychological, and sexual abuse. Because the

Haitian government has had no system in place for protecting or even registering these children who live apart from their parents, they have been absolutely defenseless.”

The name for these children in Haiti is restavèk, a Creole word that comes from the French reste avec, “stay with,” but has evolved to become a general slur meaning worthless. Some of these restavèk children may have been among the traumatized boys and girls we saw on our television screens after the earthquake—now more alone and afraid than ever. What can be done to help them? Beyond Borders is one of the organizations fighting for them on several fronts.

First, they try to stop and reverse the flow of children into servitude. One key step is conducting campaigns to educate rural parents about the real risks of sending their children away.

Another is making education available for rural children. Beyond Borders notes that right now, fewer than half of Haiti’s rural children attend school, most of those who do never finish elementary school, and fewer than four in one hundred graduate from high school. But many parents wouldn’t consider sending their children away if an education were available for them at home, so Beyond Borders is working to improve the quality of rural schools and provide scholarships for rural children.

They are also investing in rural development overall, providing hope for families who live in these areas.

For children who are already caught up in the child servitude system, Beyond Borders is raising awareness of children’s rights and developing a grassroots movement to demand that government, civic leaders, and citizens do more to protect children from exploitation, abuse, and neglect.

They are helping train Haitian police to enforce existing laws protecting children, and training adult survivors of child servitude to become the core of a new abolitionist movement speaking out against the practice. In the wake of the earthquake, there was an outpouring of international compassion for Haiti’s children and a new urgency focused on creating a system to ensure children in need were properly documented and safely cared for until they could be reunited with family members or safe caregivers. Beyond Borders is now working See crisis, on page 7

Right-Wing Republicans Masquerade as Teabaggers

By George E. Curry NNPA Columnist Despite efforts to depict the so-called tea bag protesters as part of an independent political movement, new polling data reveal that approximately threequarters of them are Republicans or lean toward the GOP and 77 percent of them voted for John McCain in 2008.

Those are the findings of a poll conducted by Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Conn.

“The Tea Party movement is mostly made up of people who consider themselves Republicans,” Pete A. Brown, assistant director of the university’s Polling Institute, said in a statement. “They are less educated but more interested in politics than the average Joe and Jane Six-Pack and are not in a traditional sense swing voters.”

While only 33 percent of voters have a favorable opinion of Sarah Palin, 72 percent of tea party members are impressed by McCain’s former running mate.

Eighty-eight percent of those polled said if their congressional election were held today, they’d vote for the Republican candidate. According to the poll, 88 percent of the tea baggers are White.

Because GOP leaders and tea bag protesters are joined at the hip, Republicans can’t credibly distance themselves from what New York Times colum-

nist Frank Rich called tol, some Republican a “tsunami of anger” members of Congress and venom spewed greeted them, holding by the right-wingers. a “Don’t tread on me” It was during a recent banner. One, Rep. Steve tea party-led protest King, simulated slapon Capitol Hill that ping a photograph of African-American House Speaker Nancy congressmen were Pelosi.

George called the n-word and Inside, when disE. Curry one, Emanuel Cleaver ruptive protesters were II of Kansas City, Mo., ejected from Congress was spat on by a protester.

by Capitol police, some RepubGOP leaders issued per- lican members of Congress apfunctory disclaimers intended plauded the unruly visitors. to give the impression that they As Frank Rich pointed out, frown on such behavior. How- this is about more than health ever, Republican National Chair- care reform. man Michael Steele couldn’t “If Obama’s first legislative bring himself to call the actions priority had been immigration what they were – racist and ho- or financial reform or climate mophobic. change, we would have seen The Washington Times the same trajectory,” Rich exquoted Dale Robertson, founder plained. “The conjunction of a of teaparty.org, as saying Demo- black president and a female crats were “trying to label the speaker of the House -- topped tea party, but I’ve never seen off by a wise Latina on the Suany racial slurs.” preme Court and a powerful Evidently, Robertson can’t gay Congressional committee read his own signs. chairman – would sow fears of He was reportedly kicked disenfranchisement among a out of a tea party event last year dwindling and threatened miwhen he appeared carrying a nority in the country no matter sign that read, “Congress = Sla- what policies were in play. It’s veowner, Taxpayer + Niggar.” not happenstance that [BarClearly, he is proficient in ney] Frank, [John] Lewis and neither reading nor spelling.

[Emanuel] Cleaver – none of But characters such as Rob- them major Democratic playertson have been emboldened by ers in the health care push -the rhetoric and actions of GOP received a major share of last leaders whether inside or out- weekend’s abuse. When you side of Congress. As protesters hear demonstrators chant the gathered at the foot of the Capi- slogan ‘Take our country back!,’

these are the people they want to take the country back from.”

This anger has been stoked by the usual conservative radio talk show hosts.

After Republican efforts to derail health care reform failed, Rush Limbaugh said: “They [Democrats] won because they held Congress and the presidency, and therein lies the lesson: We need to defeat these bastards. We need to wipe them out. We need to chase them out of town…”

Repeated lies by Limbaugh and Glenn Beck have caused a majority of Republicans to accept unfounded lies about Obama as facts.

According to a recent Harris poll, most Republicans (67 percent) believe the president is a socialist, wants to take away the right to own guns (61 percent), is a Muslim (57 percent), wants to turn over the sovereignty of the U.S. to a one-world government (51 percent) and has done many things unconstitutional (51 percent).

Sizable minorities also believe Obama was not born in the United States and therefore ineligible to be president (45 percent), is a racist (42 percent) and is doing many of the things Hitler did (38 percent).

Even when Obama is doing what other presidents have done, he gets criticized by ReSee teabaggesr, on page 7

The Hate Spasm in American Politics

By Ron Walters NNPA Columnist

(NNPA) - Speaking at the recent conference of the Veterans of the Civil Rights Movement in Jackson, Mississippi, I constantly ran into questions and comments drawing comparisons to the racial harassment faced by civil workers in the 1960s and what is occurring today. Most said there was very little comparison to the intensity of the racism faced by those who attempted to vote or eat at a lunch counter, and we know that many sacrificed their lives.

Yet it was ironic that these were Congressman John Lewis’ colleagues and he and other black members of Congress were spit at and called the N… word as they passed by some Tea Baggers on Capitol Hill recently.

The spate of hate crimes that came as President Barack Obama signed the Health Bill into law that has featured shots being fired at Democratic campaign offices and bricks thrown through their windows and other things have a familiar ring to me. Not the 1960s, but In the Reagan era

of the 1980s, and ‘90s white nationalists and the rise of the milipublic officials and tia movement found political leaders is white males arming still going on and the themselves and pracdanger is that they are ticing in the woods on giving legitimacy to weekends for some the madness occurring kind of mythical at the base of society. confrontation. The That is what happens Branch Davidian when a Republican Ron cult shoot-out with member of Congress, Treasury Department Rep. Joe Wilson of Walters agents in 1993 at Waco, South Carolina, shouts Texas became their rallying cry out to the President, “you lie” against government oppression or when another, Rep. Randy and interference.

Neugebauger from Texas, shouts Oddly, the handling of this “baby killer” as he did at Rep. incident put the government on Bart Stupak of Michigan right the defensive and allowed the in the Congress. militia movement to draw ReThen comes Sara Palin, publican member of Congress former Republican Vice Presiinto the incident on their side. dential candidate, telling her Then the Justice Department crowd “don’t retreat reload” backed off. as her website features memWhat we saw then was the bers of congress she wanted to creation of unity between native defeat sited on a map in rifle white nationalist operating at cross-hairs. Words are powerthe neighborhood level being ful and these tell the base of the reflected in their representatives Republican party that it is ok to in Congress who opposed gov- oppose Democrats by any means ernment intervention, using this necessary. to elevate the right to bear arms In this debate, the media as the signal issue in the case. shuns the truth because it wants This union between native to practice a “both sides do it”

theory which absolves them from saying clearly where the hateful rhetoric and thus, the violence, is coming from. As it was in the Reagan era this is clearly a feature of the radical conservative movement, the base of the Republican party.

Yet, the media – and the Richmond Police -- have allowed conservative Rep. Eric Cantor of Virginia, who just happens to be a party a Republican spokesman, to pretend that his office was also shot at in order to keep alive the “both sides” theory.

The fact that bringing those to justice who perpetrated crimes against Blacks in the 1960s is still going on through the “Cold Case” unit of the justice Department means that law enforcement was either lax or non-existent then. Today there is a popular concept that police forces around the country use “Zero Tolerance” policies which they say has been responsible for the reduction of crime in various periods of history.

They believe ”Zero Tolerance” for small infractions of See politics, on page 7

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, March 2010 •• The Weekly Press •• Page Page 55 Thursday, April25, 1, 2010

business

LDR Announces Website, Toll-free Number to Answer “Where’s my Refund?”

BATON ROUGE – Taxpayers wanting information on the status of their state income tax refund can find it online or by calling a toll-free number, the Louisiana Department of Revenue (LDR) announced Tuesday.

LDR’s “Where’s My Re-

fund?” website is available at www.revenue.louisiana.gov/ refund. Taxpayers can also call 1-888-829-3071.

Taxpayers who file their returns electronically with Louisiana File Online can expect their refunds within

Convergys to Hire 200 Employees in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

business Business

Directory Women in Media to hold Spring Clothing Drive, Attire to Benefit Call an expert.

Local Women Reentering the Professional Workforce S. W. Maintenance The Weekly Press BATON ROUGE, LA – Baton Rouge’s Women in Media will once again host the Attire for Hire clothing drive to collect used work-appropriate attire for local women reentering the workplace in the Greater Baton Rouge community. Women in Media has teamed up with Kean’s Fine Dry Cleaning to host the semiannual community drive on Saturday, April 17 from 8 a.m. to noon. The drive will again be held at two Kean’s locations in Baton Rouge, 8967 Jefferson Highway at I-12 and 4665 Perkins Road at College Drive. All donors will receive a coupon for $5 off at Kean’s Fine Dry Cleaning for their

Convergys Corporation Convergys offers em(NYSE: CVG), a global leader in ployees comprehensive trainrelationship management, is hir- ing, competitive wages plus ing for 200 additional full-time incentives, flexible scheduling, positions at its contact center in and benefits including tuition Baton Rouge, Louisiana. reimbursement, 401(k) and New Convergys employees paid and unpaid time off. Sixwill provide customer service week sessions of paid training support for a client in the tele- for these positions will begin communications industry. in March 2010 and continue “Growth at our contact through May 2010. Shifts curcenter has enabled us to pro- rently are available during afvide some Baton Rouge area job ternoons and evenings seven seekers with positions that offer days a week. great benefits and opportunities Potential candidates should Beautiful Black Girls, and Inc. Founder and President Farlowservice (right) with Actress-Comedienne Diane Amos, for career growth developpossessFrances solid Boyd customer known forsaid her role as “The Pine-Sol in TV commercials. ment,” Alex Trejos, Con-Lady” experience, strong computer vergys recruitment manager in skills, and the ability to work Baton Rouge. “Employees also flexible hours. Employment Louisiana agriculture conwill gain experience in the cus- is contingent on a successful tributed $8.3 billion to the state’s tomer service industry which, background check. economy in 2009, which was thanks to a renewed focus on Interested candidates also the lowest contribution since NEWquality ORLEANS - Ebony the “unique sisterhood respective organizations. providing customer sup- ebrates may apply online at www.con- their 2002 and down from $9.5 bilMagazine honored African-American women.”

Dianeto the port, is expected to Beautiful be one of ofvergys.com/careers.

For more Actress/Comedienne lion in 2008, according Black Girls, Inc., Founder and Sponsored

by Ebony and Pine- Amos, “The Pine-Sol Lady,”by the the most important industries information, call Convergys’ latest figures compiled President Boyd Farlow Sol, theJobline luncheon, which987-2300. is now spokeLSU at the event in and took Ag in the nextFrances decade.” local at (225) AgCenter its annual as one of five “Unsung Heroes” in its fourth year, recognizes pictures with some of the Summary, which wasgirls released in the local area. The recogni- African-American women who who make BBG.15).

The group todayup (March tion took place Sat., March are making a difference for “our provides mentoring, peer me- was In 2002, the contribution your articlesour to schools and our diation and 20 in New Orleans,Email as part of news children, guidance to high girlsin the $7.5 billion, and the Ebony’s Sisterspeak Luncheon community.” All five honorees ages 11 to 17 in the years Greater Baton intervening was $10.9 bilseries. The inspiring event cel- received a $2000.00 award for Rouge area. lion in 2007, said LSU AgCenter

Business directory Items may include gentlyused business suits and related can help youblouses, separates, professional shoes and (Sorry, jewelry find thepurses. right proand undergarments cannot be accepted.)

Women in Media fessional for any respectfully requests that your jobbebig smallwhen items hungor on hangers generosity.

delivered.

Attire for Hire Chairperson, Amber Hebert stated, “It’s that time of year again when we’re ready say goodbye to the cool weather and jump into spring, and that means spring cleaning. Please consider cleaning out your closet and donating to Attire for Hire. The spring weather seems to breathe energy

To place your business in the business directory call the Weekly Press at 225-775-2002

and new life into everything it distributed to organizations that touches, and7651 I encourage you to work directly with women evMagnolia Beach Road do the same by helping women eryday to assure their success.

Denham LAorganizations 70726 included in need in our community.Springs, Your These donation can help these women the Cenikor Foundation, Faith e-mail address:jamalbattieste@att.net receive the added boost of con- Family Outreach Center, Myri(225) 329-9978 fidence theyTelephone: need to reenter the am’s House and Sweet Dreams workplace.”

Shelter of St. Vincent de Paul, “The gift of clothing is and Women’s Community Resuch a simple, yet significant habilitation Center (WCRC). need, and we hope that the For more information on community will once again Attire for Hire, please log on to respond to our call to action,” HYPERLINK “http://www.

1606 Scenic Highway said Women in Media President Baton womeninmedia.net” www.

Rouge, Louisiana 70802 Julie Arinder. womeninmedia.net or contact Attorneys or The last Attire for Hire Amber Hebert at 225-802-1123 clothing drive was held in Oc- HYPERLINK “mailto:amber@ Raymond L. Simmons tober 2009 with an overwhelm- womeninmedia.net” Otha C. Nelson,amber@ Sr. ing response. Over 1,000 pro- womeninmedia.net .

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Law Offices

Telephone: 225-383-3675

Agriculture Contributes $8.3 Billion to Louisiana Economy

“Usung Heroes” Provided by Ebony’s Sisterspeak

thewpres@bellsouth.net

economist John Westra, who serves as project director of this annual survey, which has been conducted since 1978.

“Many people don’t realize the significance of production agriculture to Louisiana’s economy,” Westra said. “That was one of the original reasons for starting this annual report more than 30 years ago.”

The $8.3 billion figure is a combination of two numbers – the sale price the farmer gets

for the raw commodity, which totaled $4.9 billion, and the sale price of the next step in the journey from farmer to consumer, called value-added, which was $3.4 billion.

For example, with sugarcane the $752 million contribution in 2009 includes the price the farmers received for their cane and the price the mills received for producing raw sugar from the cane.

“Our figures only go to

the first stop beyond the farm,” Westra said. “The level of valueadded varies among the commodities.”

The LSU AgCenter also develops a Value of Louisiana Agriculture report, which includes retail, shipping and further processing. That number in 2007 was $29 billion. A new version reflecting 2008 figures will be available by May 1.

See economy, on page 7

Leroy Turner

Winn-Dixie and Diet Pepsi Offer Ultimate Show S& HTellO- EDrewS HBrees OP NEW ORLEANS LA — Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc. (NASDAQ: WINN) and Diet Pepsi have partnered to offer one New Orleans or Baton Rouge area high school student the chance to bring Saints quarterback Drew Brees to school.

Customers can register for the sweepstakes at their local WinnDixie until April 12.

Diet Pepsi will award one lucky winner with a meet-andgreet session at their high school with Super Bowl MVP Drew Brees.

To enter, shoppers can simply visit one of the 44 local participating Winn-Dixie stores (see list below) and pick up an entry form from the Diet Pepsi

and postmarked by April 12.

Any legal Louisiana resident who is a parent or legal guardian of an enrolled high school student age 14 through 18 is eligible to participate in the sweepstakes.

For further information on the Diet Pepsi Bring Drew Brees to School sweepstakes, visit http://winndixiegrocerystores.com/bring-drew-breesto-school.html.

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Page 6 • The

Weekly Press • Thursday, April 1, 2010

God is Still Working Miracles.” Part I as if I was a member of that family. I was We are blessed greeted and invited in beyond measure when with a very pleasant God bless us to get up attitude and sincere in the morning and we greetings. are in our right state of After sitting in mind, have our health a chair, the lady who and strength and He had the surgery tried gives us the ability to to take notice of me Ida put our own clothes and spoke to me London on and we can feed nicely with a tremourselves. Through bling voice and pain this walk of life, we meet many ripping through her body. people and some look like a pic Her sister came into her ture of health. But when looking room and sat on he bed and at a picture no one person sees rubbed her shoulders and back the same thing. One could look to try and relieve her of some of at a picture that have two lines the pain she felt. A conversaand that’s all someone may see, tion began, I don’t remember but someone else can tell a story how, but I was drawn into it. just from those two lines. One The most amazing thing about Saturday, I went with a friend the conversation was the testito visit her friend who was just mony she presented. Somereleased from the hospital after where in the conversation, she having extensive surgery. My expressed her love for her sister. friend introduced me to the See miracles, on page 7 family and afterwards I felt

By Ida London

The Dillard University Choir will Perform at the St. Mark UMC

BATON ROUGE - The thriving and rich musical heritage of music at Dillard University in New Orleans, Louisiana, continues to enhance the cultural lives on their campus, in the community and around the country. The Dillard University Concert Choir will be traveling throughout the United States on their annual Spring Tour from March 25 to April 24, 2010. The Concert Choir will be traveling to Alexandria, LA, Houston, TX, Dallas, TX, Parsons, KS, Kansas City, MO, St. Louis, MO, Memphis, TN, Atlanta, GA, Birmingham, AL, and Jackson, MS. After returning to New Orleans,

the Concert Choir will perform in Baton Rouge at the Historic St. Mark UMC on Sunday, April 11. The Choir’s Annual Spring Concert will be presented on the Dillard campus in New Orleans at Lawless Memorial Assembly Hall & Chapel on Sunday, April 18, 2010.

Professor S. Carver Davenport is in his 35th year as director of University Choirs. In December, Davenport directed the University Choir and the Magnolia Orchestra of Baton Rouge, LA in their 73rd Annual Holiday Concert which See Dillard, on page 7

Religion

Artist’s Colorful Vases Complement Home, Office Settings Beautifully

noting that she and her husband, Oliver, If you are a lover are huge fans of Wilof fine artistry, a collecliams’. tor of the most exqui“People are asksite of items, or you’re ing about the vases,” simply looking for that Greer, a Beaumont resicaptivating something dent, says. that would take your in“I like the unusuterior decorating skills alness about them, the Donald to another dimension uniqueness about them, Lee of elegance, Anne Wiland they stand out,” liams — a Sour Lake, she says. “They tend Texas, artist with an impeccable to pick up the color scheme in gift to paint vases — provides a your room.” service that complements your One of her vases has a lid to taste to a tee. it and one will make a great floral “My company is based on arrangement, Greer says. the belief that everyone searches “I’m going to get one that for that one piece of art, furniture, will set on my floor,” she says. glass, jewelry, etc., that no one else “I’ve got two on my (fireplace) has,” Williams, 41, says. “Each mantle.” vase is hand painted and unique “He’s the one who bought in its own way. No two are the the first one,” Greer says with an same. This is what makes these outburst of laughter when asked vases different and special.” what her husband thinks about Williams is founder of the vases. “And then I bought one, Only One Vases, a business that because I couldn’t be outdone. specializes in custom-painting They are absolutely gorgeous.” vases using elaborate patterns On her Web site — http:// that remarkably match the color www.onlyonevases.com — Wilschemes of her customers’ homes liams has a page that shows the or offices. The business name is various sizes and shapes of her derived from the fact that each of beautifully crafted artwork. the vases she designs is different Included on the page is the from the next.

“Cotton Candy” vase (item No. You never see the same 00490), a 12-inch vase that has an pattern more than once in any elaborate mixture of pink, blue of her vases. and purple colors that bring to And that’s precisely what mind images of the cotton candy Emma Greer, a repeat customer, treat one would eat at a state fair loves about Williams’ work. or carnival.

“It looks like we’re still buyThere’s also the “Green ing vases from her. The vases are Wonder” vase (item No. 00210), absolutely gorgeous. You’re not which is 10 inches tall and painted going to see three or four vases with green, blue and maroon colof the same thing in the gallery,” ors. The colors can take on the Greer says of Williams’ gallery characteristic of a chameleon, in the Mildred Building at 1455 meaning they allow the vase to Calder Ave. in Beaumont , Texas blend well in any setting. .

Williams says she doesn’t “We’re going to get her to actually make the vases. She gets make some vases for our (two) them from other places and then daughters-in-law,” Greer said, she paints them.

By Donald Lee

Anne Williams

It can take up to seven days to paint the inside of a glass, or vase, Williams says, explaining that she waits for one color of paint to dry before she mixes in other colors.

Customers are often pleasantly surprised when they show up in person to see the artwork after having seen it on Williams’ Web site.

“When you have a complete stranger come in and they’re mesmerized by the work, and then they realize that it’s not ceramic or it’s not pottery, it makes you feel good,” Williams says, noting that she paints the inside of the glass, or the vases, but they have the appearance of having been painted on the outside.

Williams, who has a Bachelor’s degree in financing and who was a mortgage and offshore investor for 18 years before retiring from that profession, says painting vases started out as something she’d do as a stress-reliever while living in Arizona in 2007.

“In the beginning, it was a something peaceful, tranquil,” she says. “Even now, I do my best work when I’m stressed out.”

Williams, who also paints and sells urns, says she sometimes uses a paint brush, sometimes she uses her bear hands and there are times when she uses a rag as her tools of the trade.

But whatever the method, one thing’s for sure: Her work is a hit with customers nationwide.

Tumika Blake, 26, of Perris , Calif. , prides herself on being “one of the first” to not only see Williams’ work before her leisure activity turned into a lucrative business, but she was one of Williams’ first customers.

“Each of her vases was different,” recalls Blake, who also is a cousin of Williams’. “She was mixing different colors in the vases and I thought it was really neat. I bought that vase from her.

“And then she asked, ‘Why are you buying this vase from me?’

And I told her, ‘Because I have two like it at home,’ ” Blake says, emphasizing how well she thought the vase would complement the couple she already had.

Charles Flemons, of Phoenix , Ariz. , bought a couple of See vases, on page 7

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 St. Mary Baptist Church “The Church that Love Built” 1252 N. Acadian Thruway East • Baton Rouge, LA. 70802 Telephone (225) 387-2926 Rev. Conway L Knighton, Pastor Sunday School 9:30 a.m.

Worship Service - 11:00 a.m.

Lord’s Supper - 1st Sunday 11:00 a.m.

Prayer Meeting - Wednesday 6:00 p.m.

Bible Study - Wednesday 7:00 p.m.

Thursday 10:00 a.m.

Good Shepherd Full Gospel B.C. The People’s Church 2865 Mission Drive • Baton Rouge, 70805 • Telephone (225)356-5873 Bishop H. Hayes, Pastor Hour of Power 12 Noon Each Wednesday Sunday School 8:00 AM Church Service 9:00 AM Lord’s Supper 2nd Sunday 6:00 PM Bible Study Wednesday 7:00 PM Sister/ Brotherhood 6:00 PM You Will Be Blessed Under The Anointed Man Of God

Reverend H Martin PRAYER SERVICE

WEDNESDAY 12:00 5013 WINDFALL COURT BATON ROUGE, LA. 70812 FOR DIRECTION CALL 225-358-8100 We are seeking Prayer Warriors and Singers Remember Acts: 16,25-26

Jesus Name Apostolic Temple, Inc. 2548 Weller Avenue • Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70805 Telephone: (225) 356-2260 Bishop Jimmie & PASTOR Mother R. L. WADE

Lord’s Supper 1st Sunday............................. 1:00 p.m.

Sunday School............................................... 9:30 a.m.

Tuesday Prayer......................................6:00-6:30 p.m.

Tuesday Bible Class...............................6:30-8:30 p.m.

Thursday Ministries Night . ............................ 7:30 p.m.

Deliverance Night Friday ............................... 7:30 p.m.

Church Mission” “The Lighthouse for the Wondering Soul”

Antioch

A Full Gospel Baptist Church Sundays Worship Experience..................................... 7:00 A.M. & 9:00 A.M. Intercessory Prayer/Life Study........................................Tuesdays 7:00 P.M. Intercessory Prayer......................................................... Saturdays 9:00 A.M. Bishop Gregory Cooper, Sr. Pastor 5247 Ford Street, Baton Rouge, La 70811 (225) 355-7741 Office (225) 356-3854 Fax

www.antiochla.org

thewpres@bellsouth.net

New Birth

Full Gospel Ministries 1283 Rosenwald Road • Baton Rouge, La. 70807 Phone: (225) 775-6713 • Fax: (225) 775-4216

Ivory J. Payne, Pastor

Order Of Service

Sunday Worship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11:00 A.M. Holy Communion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3rd Sunday1:00 P.M. Sunday School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9:00 A.M. Bible Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thursday 7:00 P.M.

“The New Life”Therefore if any man be in christ he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all thing are become new. —I Corinthians 5:17

Radio Broadcast 1st & 3rd Sunday WXOK at 8:00 am

NEW HOPE BAPTIST CHURCH 5856 Greenwell Springs Road • Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70806

Telephone: (225) 926-0246 • Facsimile: (225) 927-8500 • Toll Free # 1-888-700-6174 E- Mail Address # nhbc@nhbc.brcoxmail.com Sunday Morning Worship - 10:45 AM Leo D. Cyrus Lord’s SupperPastor -3rd Sundays

Sunday School - 9:30 AM

Sr., Prayer Pastor Service - Wed. @ 6:00 PM

Bible StudySchedule - Wed- @ 7:00 PM Church

Sunday Morning Worship.................................................................10:45 AM Mission Statement: New Hope Baptist Church is a family of baptized believers Lord’ s Supper. ...............................................................................3rd Sundays who worship the Lord our God in spirit and in truth, teach the saved to reach the Sunday . .................................................................................9:30 lost andSchool minister to the needs of others, while encouraging one anotherAMthrough acts of love and living in obedience to Gods Word Prayer Service.......................................................................

Wed. @ 6:00 PM Bible Study............................................................................Wed- @ 7:00 PM

Mission Statement: New Hope Baptist Church is a family of baptized believers who worship the Lord our God in spirit and in truth, teach the saved to reach the lost and minister to the needs of others, while encouraging one another through acts of love and living in obedience to Gods Word

If you would like your church to be included on the Church Directory. Please Call The Baton Rouge Weekly Press for details at 225-775-2002 or, e-mail us with your billing address to thewpres@bellsouth.net

Miracles from page 6 One of her reasons was because she stayed by her side during and after her surgery and now she will never leave her side, until she completely recovered from having one of her kidneys removed. As she continued talking, I could only respond by saying, “Oh my God!” She had an awesome testimony.

God worked a miracle in her life. She is a walking miracle!

God healed this lady of cancer.

When she went to the doctor one day, she got the good news that the cancer was gone, but she was still having a lot of intense pain

that would never go away. As she continued talking, I sat there in awe, I thought to myself, “I thought I had problems.” The problems I have could never be compared to what this lady experienced.

The pain was not there of the cancer, it was because of too much radiation, during her treatment. While going through her treatment, she received too much radiation. The treatment lasted for 72 hours and the radiation burned her organs and caused them to attach themselves together.

Vases from page 6 48-inch-high vases from Williams and is well pleased with what he got.

“They do a really nice job of offsetting the colors. The colors that are in the paintings are also in the vases,” Flemons says. “I would give her an ‘A’ for being unique. It’s different from most of the items we’ve collected.

“The colors are shown through the glass of the vase, but it’s coming from inside,” Flemons explains. “So, as you clean the glass on the outside of the vase, you’re not cleaning the color off of it. You’re cleaning

the glass. Therefore, it doesn’t affect the color at all.”

Flemons and his wife often go on cruises and usually bring home various forms of artwork.

“My wife likes different colors and different designs,” Flemons says. “We bought (the vases) in terms of matching up some paintings that we have.

The color schemes match up really well.”

For more information about Anne Williams’ vases, please visit http://www.onlyonevases.com or call her at (409) 454-2216.

Dillard from page 6 received stupendous reviews.

The concert highlighted the wonderful voices of the choir to a standing room only audience in the universities newly renovated Lawless Assembly

Hall and Chapel.

For further information concerning the concert(s) please contact: Please contact St. Mark United Methodist Church at 225-357-6150.

Teabaggers from page 4 publicans.

For example, after Obama made 15 recess appointments – placing officials in federal positions while the Senate, which normally approves such nominations, was in recess – Republicans such as Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said the move would further chill relations between Obama and the GOP.

Neither the senior senator from South Carolina nor his fellow Republicans acknowledge that George W. Bush made the same number of recess appointments at this stage of his presidency. By the time Bush left office, he had made 171 recess appointments, according to the Congressional Research Service.

Crisis from page 4 with the government, UNICEF, Save the Children, and others to seize this moment of care and concern and fight for the same protections for all of the country’s vulnerable children. I am so grateful to Beyond Borders and all those like them committed to keeping children safe, ensuring each one a childhood, and making sure no child believes he or she is worthless.

Marian Wright Edelman is President of the Children’s Defense Fund whose Leave No Child Behind® mission is to ensure every child a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair

Politics from page 4 law suppress larger problems.

This Justice Department needs to practice Zero Tolerance against political violence just as it does against neighborhood violence that has locked up to many of our youth. To continue to tolerate such speech and acts of violence only makes it more legitimate.

The major media wants us to believe that this is a “fringe” phenomenon or that it is all about health care. But the death threats and vandalism moving across the country shows us it is more than that. I agree with Frank Rich of the New York Times that it may be about the conjunction of factors such as immigration (read Hispanics), the presence of a black man in the White House, a female Speaker of the House, a powerful gay man Barney Frank regulating the capitalist system.

So, for those whose anger is directed at “taking their country back” it ain’t going to happen, the demographics are against it.

So, buckle up. We may be in for a very bumpy ride as a nation.

Dr. Ron Walters is a Political Analysts and Professor Emeritus of Government and Politics at the University of Maryland. One of his latest books is: White Nationalism, Black Interests (Wayne State Univ. Press) rwalters@umd. edu

Start, a Safe Start and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities.

For more information go to www. childrensdefense.org.

dental and mental health, simpli- or lower—a failing grade from our 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 ever, we regret that neither a single them to vote, lobby, speak for and house republican nor any other protect them. Adults need to listen Senator joined them to push for carefully to what candidates say coverage for all children. they will do for children and famithe CDF Action Council strongly lies and, once they are in office, supports long overdue health cov- we need to hold them accountable. erage for everyone in America as Please thank your Members of Consoon as possible—because children gress with scores of 80 percent or cannot wait. As SChiP comes up above and let those with scores of again for reauthorization in early 60 percent or below know you are 2009, we hope every Member of dissatisfied with their performance.

Congress will insist on covering And please convey that same mesevery child and pregnant mother sage to each presidential candidate. now by enacting and adequately We must demand that our leaders funding the provisions of the All commit to children as a condition healthy Children Act. of our vote.

BATON ROUGE – The Loui- important and inspiring model Specious claims that we could siana Health Care Quality billion Forum for the rest of the country of what not find the money—$70 Marian Wright Edelman is Presi(LHCQF), the Louisiana Public community-based health care over five years—to cover all dent of the Children’s Defense Fundcan Health (LPHI), and a and do.” coalition, comprised childrenInstitute is belied by that amount itsThe Action Council whose Leave of coalition of Greater New Orleans 25 Greater New Orleans commuspent in eleven months for tax cuts No Child Behind® mission is to community health organizations nity health for the top one percent of richest ensure every organizations, child a Healthy worked Start, are being honored withmonths a 2010 ato open 93 health care delivery Americans and in seven Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Health from the Start sitesand in asome the in city’s most for the Quality iraq War.Award We do not have MoralofStart life and National Committee for Quality disadvantaged and storm deva money problem in America: We successful passage to adulthood Assurance (NCQA).

The Louiastated areas.ofDr. Donald Erwin, have a priorities and political will with the help caring families siana being president and CEO of St. Thomas deficit.organizations it is time for allare adults to and communities. recognized for their collaboraCommunity Health Center, will protect the health of our children. tion after Hurricane Katrina accept the award on behalf of the to develop and implement a Greater New Orleans community alk adiohealth from page community-based care 4 health organizations. network focused on primary care The mission of the Louisiana and integrated behavioral health we Public Health Institute (LPHI) is all funny or remotely appropriforget o’reilly’s less-thaninate New Orleans. to promote and improve health about the useRepresentatives of a lynching informed comments regarding a from the Greater New Orleans and quality of life in Louisiana reference about Michelle obama,’’ dinner he shared last year with area will‘’it’s receive award at Sharpton throughatdiverse he said.

- i’mthe speechless.’’

Sylvia’spublic-private in harlem?

NCQA’s HealthBush Quality Awards partnerships withsurprise government, As President pointed out o’reilly expressed over Dinner in Washington, on how foundations, community so eloquently during the DC Black similarSylvia’s was to groups, other March academia and private history23.

Month event, the noose restaurants in New Yorkbusinesses restau“After‘’more Hurricane at the community, parish and represents than aKatrina, tool of rants. these organizations had the vi- state levels.

Onone behalf ofinthe murder but a tool of intimidation’’ ‘’there wasn’t person sion to build a health care system Sylvia’s state, LPHI administers to generations of African-Ameriwho was screaming,the that better federal iPrimary Careiced Access and cans.was Nooses notthan onlywhat robbedexisted some ‘M-Fer, want more tea,’’’ before storm,” saidofNCQA Stabilization Grant (PSASG) that of theirthe lives but many their he said.

President Margaret E. O’Kane. funded collaboration peace of mind.

As the the Washington Post’shonored rob“They high-quality care inson by the NCQA. Theon$100 million ‘’Asbrought a civil society, we must sadly observed MSNBC tounderstand the residents the New Or- indollar, three year federal that of noose displays February, ‘’All you can gogrant by and lynching jokes are deeply his wordsawarded and his actions. leans area. Their success is an isprogram, to theAnd Louioffensive. they are wrong. And he keeps saying these things that they have no place in America sound pretty darn racist to me.’’ today,’’ he said. has talk radio learned anything Neither o’reilly nor ingraham from imus’ decline and fall? of has been reprimanded by their re- course not, because it didn’t take spective employers even though imus too terribly long to get a the Fox News personality did offer new gig. a half-hearted 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 Sharpton, a former presidential now or in the future. What kind of candidate and respected member of messageare we sending to our chilthe African-American community dren, our nation and our world? and beyond, is a petty thief reeks in such an historic election year, of race-baiting and negative ste- we cannot stand aside and allow reotyping of African-Americans individuals to use the airwaves and black men in particular. as an outlet for insensitive and But it’s hardly the first time ei- misguidedcommentary. if you ther has ventured into questionable hear something that offends you, and offensive territory. how can speak up.

decline.”

Could You Be At Risk?

Thursday, April 1, 2010 • The Weekly Press • Page 7

Health

(NAPSi)-here’s an alert worth ness of diabetes, particularly when paying attention to: According to it is left undiagnosed and untreated. the American Diabetes Association the day is held on the fourth tuesday (ADA), learning your risk for type 2 of every March. diabetes could save your life. on that day, people are encourDiabetes is a serious disease that aged to take the Diabetes risk test, strikes nearly 21 million children either with paper and pencil or online. and adults in the U.S. it is named the risk test requires users to answer the “silent killer” because one-third seven simple questions about age, of those with the disease--more than 6 weight, lifestyle and family history-million--do not know they have it. all potential risk factors for diabetes.

For many, diagnosis may come People scoring 10 points or more are seven to 10 years after the onset of at a high risk for type 2 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. early diagnosis is are encouraged to talk with a health siana Health and Public Health Institute. criticalDepartment for successfuloftreatment and siana care professional.

Hospitals inprevent July ofsome 2007,ofwas The Louisiana can delay or the An estimated 54 millionHealth Ameridesigned to meet the increasing Quality Forum,those a private complications such as heart diseases, Care cans have pre-diabetes. with demand health carestroke services organization, blindness,for kidney disease, and not-for-profit pre-diabetes have blood glucose levin the four-parish Greater New was created amputation. els higher than after normalHurricanes but not high Orleans (Jefferson, Orleans, and in 2005 to lead that’sarea one reason the ADA holds Katrina enough to be Rita diagnosed with type Plaquemines and St. Bernard collaborathe American Diabetes Alert® Day, evidence-based, 2 diabetes. a one-day wake-up callhigh to inform the tive early intervention via lifestyle parishes), provide quality initiatives to improve the Americanand public about the seriouschangesofsuch as weight loss The and primary behavioral health health Louisiana citizens. care at the community level, and LHCQF worked with the Louidecrease reliance on emergency siana Public Health Institute to rooms for conditions more appro- develop guidelines required for priately treated in an outpatient practices receiving grant funds. setting.

Organizations that exceed the “We are honored to have minimum quality standards and been part of the unprecedented participate in a voluntary qualpublic-private partnership that ity improvement incentive proeffectively turned disaster into gram (NCQA Physician Practice Line (225)to356-0703 anLand opportunity transform the Connections®—Patient-Centered health care delivery system in the Medical Home™) are eligible for Cell Phone (225) 235-6955 GSRASAC Greater Orleans area. We increased funding.

E-mail:New Goodshepherdbapt@bellsouth. are hopeful the improvements “The opportunity to develop net Hours: Mon-Thurs 8am – 8 pm will endure and continue to serve a health system remarkable for this community as it rebuilds and its innovation and efficiency Goodand Shepherd Substance Abuse Center becomes healthier stronger has captured our imaginations Intensive Inpatient than ever before,” saidOutpatient Clayton /not only inTherapy hurricane impacted Fordirector Drugs, Alcohol, Williams, former of the Anger areas,Management but across all corners of the federal Primary Care Access and state,” said Dr. Karen DeSalvo, 2873 Mission Drive Donald Britton, MA, LAC Stabilization Grant (PCASG),Rev.president-elect of the Louisiana Baton Rouge, LA 70805 Director Louisiana Public Health InstituteClinical Health Care Quality Forum. Dr. (225) 315-0740 Harris Overseer (LPHI).

Mr. Williams will acceptBishop DeSalvo willHayes, accept the award on the award on behalf of the Loui- behalf of the Quality Forum.

Three Louisiana Organizations Receive National Award for Post-Katrina Improvements to Health Care

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ChiroPrACtiC CLiNiC Health Care For The Entire Family

Dr Paul Matthews

SyStem from page 4 cally pointed out that changes which occur in a human being is redirected to pull from the core of his own humanity to reaffirm self worth and purpose. he will then by nature acquire the will to do for himself and others.

Space is not available to cover concerns of so many people

Visit Us Online @ www.theweeklypress.com

concerned with the conditions at Jetson. it is happening there.

What i do know is that most of these youth can be changed, from contrition in a prepatory school for Angola to rehabilitation for a positive life that may lead to a life of meritorious glory. That is the Way I See It!

IndicationsFor ForTreatment: Treatment: Indications LowBack BackPain Pain ••Low Pinched Nerves ••Pain in Legs • Pain in Legs • Numbness Numbness ••Burning Sensation • Burning Sensation ••Muscle Spasms Muscle Spasms ••Arthritis Pains Nervousness ••Scoliosis Arthritis Pains ••Disc Syndrome Scoliosis

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L

Page 8 • The

Weekly Press • Thursday, April 1, 2010

Beautillion 2010 Finale’ Introduced And Received Into Manhood

BATON ROUGE, LA - The Xi Nu Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., located in Baton Rouge, culminated over seven months of mentoring on Saturday, March 20, 2010, in the Crown Plaza hotel when its beautillion participants were introduced and received into manhood by over 200 attendees.

The seven beaus included: Bryant Albert, Scotlandville Magnet High; Kyle Burleigh, Tara High; Taylor Collins, Baton Rouge High; Dennis Franklin, Broadmoor High; Ervin LaBostrie, Dutchtown High; DeJohn Richardson, McKinley High; and Gary Slack, Belaire High.

“It was an honor for our chapter to help these young men meet their full potential and be

greeted by welcoming members of society,” said Jermaine Watson, President of the Xi Nu Lambda Chapter.

This year’s Mr. Beautillion is Mr. Kyle Burleigh. He will receive a $1000 scholarship at the beginning of his fall semester in college. The 1st runner up, Mr. Gary Slack, will receive at $500 scholarship and the 2nd runner up, Mr. Bryant Albert, will receive a $250 scholarship.

Each beau competed for scholarships throughout the program. Scholarship awards are based on each beau’s academics, attendance of the beautillion program’s events and money raised to support the scholarship.

Additionally, Alpha brothers introduced the beaus

to workshops on college preparation, gentlemen’s etiquette, arts & culture and Black men’s health. The beaus also participated in service projects when Alpha brothers assisted the Baton Rouge Food Bank and Habitat for Humanity.

State Representative Patricia Haynes Smith and Brian Marshall, CEO for the Capital Area Transit System (CATS) served as the official emcees for the event.

Pictured left to right: Chad Metz, Beautillion Chairman, Gary Slack, Dennis Franklin, Ervin LeBostrie, Kyle Burleigh, Taylor Collins, Bryant Albert, DeJohn Richardson, and Jermaine Watson, Xi Nu Lambda President.

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