BATON
THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2014
Justices: ‘Get a Warrant’ to Search Cellphones
ROUGE,
LOUISIANA
Gov. Jindal Seeks to Block Common Core Test in La.
See CELLPHONES, on page 2
Baton Rouge Budget Include Fire Trucks, Sidewalks, Bus Tickets for Homeless
Baton Rouge Mayor Kip Holden is seeking to add $3.3 million in expenses to the city-parish’s 2014 budget.
The chief justice acknowledged that barring searches would affect law enforcement, but he said: “Privacy comes at a cost.”
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that a startup Internet company has to pay broadcasters when it takes television programs from the airwaves and allows subscribers to watch them on smartphones and other portable devices. Cellphones are powerful devices unlike anything else police may find on someone they arrest, Chief Justice John Roberts said for the court. Because the phones contain so much information, police must get a warrant before looking through them, Roberts said. “Modern cellphones are not just another technological convenience. With all they contain and all they may reveal, they hold for many Americans the privacies of life,” Roberts said. The message to police about what they should do before rummaging through a cellphone’s contents following an arrest is simple. “Get a warrant,” Roberts said. The court chose not to extend earlier rulings that allow police to empty a suspect’s pockets and examine whatever they find to ensure officers’ safety and prevent the destruction of evidence. The Obama administration and the state of California, defending the cellphone searches, said cellphones should have no greater protection from a search than anything else police find. But the defendants in these cases, backed by civil libertarians, librarians and news media groups, argued that cellphones, especially smartphones, are increasingly powerful computers that can store troves of sensitive personal information. In the cases decided Wednesday, one defendant carried a smartphone, while the other carried an older flip phone. Roberts said the comparison to packages of cigarettes and other items that were at issue in the earlier cases is not apt. A ride on horseback and a flight to the moon both “are ways of getting from point A to point B,
VOL. 39 • NO. 42 • FREE
A PEOPLE’S PUBLICATION
Gov. Bobby Jindal announces his administration’s move to pull out of Common Core during a press conference on Wednesday June 18, 2014 at the Louisiana State Capitol in Baton Rouge, La. Gov. Bobby Jindal has issued an executive order requiring competitive bidding for public school standardized tests, an apparent attempt to derail Louisiana’s use of tests linked to Common Core education standards.
BATON ROUGE, La. — Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal took steps Wednesday to block the use of tests tied to the Common Core education standards, a move that puts him at odds with state legislative, education and business leaders but one that could help the likely 2016 presidential candidate with tea party supporters See COMMON CORE, on page 2
State Superintendent John White has been a strong supporter of Common Core and a related standardized test, which has brought him into conflict with Gov. Bobby Jindal.
BATON ROUGE, LA — Police uniforms, new sidewalks, and a program to buy bus tickets for homeless people are among the items on Baton Rouge’s shopping list in mid-year budget changes. The Metro Council is set to decide Wednesday whether to approve Mayor Kip Holden’s $3.3 million general fund budget supplement, adding additional expenses to the city-parish’s $804.8 million budget. The amendments are slightly less than the $4.2 million added last year. About $3.03 million of the money comes from “unassigned” money left in the general fund, while another $265,000 in insurance money will cover a fire rescue truck that was wrecked in an accident. Here’s highlights of where the money will go: • The biggest expense is $1.63 million for new fire vehicles and equipment. William Daniel, Holden’s chief administrative officer, said the fire department has an accreditation coming up and needed new equipment
to prepare for that. • $650,000 will go to sidewalk improvement projects. That includes repairs to uneven sidewalks on Goodwood Boulevard at Sylvan Drive, and filling in a gap of sidewalk on College Drive beneath Interstate 10. The cityparish is also putting money toward new sidewalks on Gardere Lane, Landis Drive and Hanks Drive. The city-parish is also applying for federal funds to cover some of those costs. • The city-parish will put $400,000 toward adding turn lanes on Mickens Road at Joor Road and Mickens Road at Hooper Road. • The district attorney’s office has an outdated phone system that will be replaced for $125,000. • $110,000 is set to provide new uniforms for Baton Rouge Police officers. Daniel said they’re “uniforms made for Louisiana summer days,” and will make the officers more comfortable. See BUDGET, on page 2
Local Charter to Open in Baker BAKER—Impact Charter Elementary, a locally operated, charter school has broken ground to begin construction at 4815 Lavey Lane in Baker. Officials said the free public school will open its doors to students this fall. “We found Baker had the biggest need for the type of program we will have and that is what made [it] the best site for Impact,” said Chakesa Webb Scott, CEO of Impact. Impact will initially accept students in grades K-3 in its first year. Each subsequent year, the school will add an additional grade up to fifth grade. “We want to build an educational foundation with our students starting at the foundation and build on as they matriculate,” Scott said.
OMEGA FRATERNITY HOSTS ANNUAL BLOOD DRIVE
Impact will function as a free public charter school. There are 200 students already enrolled with more students expected by the time school opens on Aug. 11. Former principal of Prescott middle Christopher Smith has been chosen to be the school’s academic leader. “We worked with and launched a regional search with the [help of the] Recovery School District. Finding a principal who is already from the area and has charter experience will help us build a solid foundation,” Scott said. Construction on the 30,000 square-foot facility began in early May and is expected to be completed in time for the school See CHARTER, on page 2
From Left to Right: Patrick Dickson, CPA – ICE Board Member; Carolyn Hill, - District 8 BESE Representative; Sharon Henderson, ICE Board Member; Chauna Banks-Daniels – Baton Rouge Metro Council – District 2; Eric Scott, M.Ed. – Instructional SpecialisChakesha Scott, MBA – CEO; Andy DeJean, Esq. – ICE Board Member; Mayor of Baker Harold Rideau – Baker Mayor; Tammy Sweeris, HighMark School Development, Vice-President of Construction; Doris Alexander – Baker School Board Member, and Kay Smith Dawson, M.D. – ICE Board President
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LOCAL & STATE NEWS
BUSINESS NEWS
HEALTH NEWS
RELIGION
WHAT IS PRAYER: Contrary to common religious beliefs, prayer is not pleading with God or bargaining with Him to act on our behalf... See Page 6
INDEX
“BEAT THE HEAT” COOL AIR DRIVE The East Baton Rouge Council on The Lambda Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. invites you to participate in our annual Dr. Charles R. Drew Memorial Blood Drive. ..See Page 2
Aging announced that it would begin the collection of fan and air conditioner units as part of its Annual “Beat the Heat” Fan & Air Conditioner Drive. ..See Page 3
ONYX RESIDENCES OPENING DELAYED
Redevelopment of the Onyx Building, a downtown Baton Rouge structure turning into a mixed-use building, is back on track after developers ran into a few delays... See Page 5
NEW SODIUM GUIDELINES Government regulators are paving
the way toward federally-imposed limits on sodium as the Food and Drug Administration is on the verge of issuing new guidelines on its use in restaurant-prepared and storebought foods....See Page 7
Local & State............................2 Juneteenth................................4 Business....................................5 Religion....................................6 Health.......................................7 Sports.......................................8
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Weekly Press • Thursday, June 26, 2014
STATE & LOCAL
READER INFORMATION
Omega Fraternity Hosts Annual Blood Drive
San Antonio, Texas - Air Force Airman Joshua C. Green graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force. Green is the son of Melissa Green and Deon Conway, both of Baton Rouge.
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Omega Psi Phi Fraternity will team up with United Blood Services to sponsor a blood drive June 28, 2014. Pictured are Melvin Edwards, Markus Sylvester, James Jefferson, Freddie Thomas, Terrence Marshall, Eric Jones, and Donald Batiste. (Photo provided by Eric Dunbar)
By: Terrence Marshall, Lambda Alpha Chapter The Lambda Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. invites you to participate in our annual Dr. Charles R. Drew Memorial Blood Drive. The event will be held Saturday June 28, 2014 at the fraternity house at 725 North Foster Drive Baton Rouge, La. The event will begin at 9:00am and last until noon, held in conjunction with our annual fundraiser, the Scholarship Barbeque. The annual blood drive is one of Omega Psi Phi’s national mandated programs designed to uplift the community and exercise good health practices. It is held
to memorize and honor Omega Brother Dr. Charles Drew (1904 –1950). Dr. Drew was a physician, surgeon, and medical researcher. He researched the field of blood transfusions and developed improved techniques for blood storage. He applied his expert knowledge to developing largescale blood banks early in World War II that allowed medics to save thousands of lives of the Allied forces. 1943, Drew’s distinction in his profession was recognized when he became the first black surgeon selected to serve as an examiner on the American Board of Surgery. To participate in the blood drive you must have a valid ID and
Cellphones from page 1
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Air Force Airman Joshua C. Green
He is a 2013 graduate of Woodlawn High School, Baton Rouge.
Charter from page 1
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Air Force Airman Joshua C. Green Graduated From Basic Military Training
but little else justifies lumping them together,” he said. Authorities concerned about the destruction of evidence can take steps to prevent the remote erasure of a phone’s contents or the activation of encryption, Roberts said. One exception to the warrant requirement left open by the decision is a case in which officers reasonably fear for their safety or the lives of others. Justice Samuel Alito joined in the judgment, but wrote separately
to say he would prefer elected lawmakers, not judges, decide matters of privacy protection in the 21st century. Elected officials “are in a better position than we are to assess and respond to the changes that have already occurred and those that almost certainly will take place in the future,” Alito said. The two cases arose after arrests in San Diego and Boston. In San Diego, police found indications of gang membership when they looked through defen-
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know your social security number; weigh at least 110 pounds; be between 17-76 years of age; eat iron rich foods (meat, fish, vegetables, and seafood). Don’t skip breakfast! Drink plenty of fluids; and have no tattoos for the past 12 months. When you arrive you will receive a mini-physical monitoring blood pressure, temperature, pulse and iron level. Your arm will be cleaned with an antiseptic and blood is collected using only new, sterile, disposable supplies. Relax and take a few deep breaths. Before you know it, you will have given a gift that will help up to five people. The Omegas encourage you to give the gift of blood. dant David Leon Riley’s Samsung smartphone. Prosecutors used video and photographs found on the smartphone to persuade a jury to convict Riley of attempted murder and other charges. California courts rejected Riley’s efforts to throw out the evidence and upheld the convictions. The court ordered the California Supreme Court to take a new look at Riley’s case. In Boston, a federal appeals court ruled that police must have a warrant before searching arrestees’ cellphones. Police arrested Brima Wurie on suspicion of selling crack cocaine, checked the call log on his flip phone and used that information to determine where he lived. When they searched Wurie’s home and had a warrant, they found crack, marijuana, a gun and ammunition. The evidence was enough to produce a conviction and a prison term of more than 20 years. The appeals court ruled for Wurie, but left in place a drug conviction for selling cocaine near a school that did not depend on the tainted evidence. That conviction also carried a 20-year sentence. The administration appealed the court ruling because it wants to preserve the warrantless searches following arrest. The justices upheld that ruling. The cases are Riley v. California, 13-132, and U.S. v. Wurie, 13-212.
Budget from page 1 • About $10,000 is going to the “Way Home Program,” which provides one-way bus tickets for homeless people to reach loved ones in other cities. The idea of sending homeless people away from the city raised a bit of a stir last year when it was first proposed, particularly since it was initially called “Clean Sweep.” Last year was a $5,000 pilot program, and the city-parish has decided to continue the initiative and double its funding. Daniel did not have details on how many people the program served, but said “everybody thinks it’s very successful,” and they’ve managed to reunite people with their families. Wednesday’s council meeting is scheduled for 4 p.m. at City Hall, 222 St. Louis Street. The council will also be discussing whether to change city rules to open the door for ridesharing services like Uber to come to Baton Rouge.
year opening. The school will have incorporated technology throughout the building, ranging from each classroom having its own air conditioner, to building a multipurpose media lab. The classrooms will also utilize a tool called the Doceri system, rather than old-fashioned chalkboards. The upgraded system will allow teachers to apply lessons using an iPad projected on a screen. Impact will also be the first school in Baker to use the core knowledge curriculum. “Core knowledge curriculum has already seen success in other private schools in Baton Rouge,” Scott said. “This program emphasizes and focuses on the core subjects of math, history, reading and science but also includes art and music component –
[it] also aligns with Common Core.” According to its mission statement, Impact Charter Elementary School will provide a rigorous core knowledge education for all students in a safe, supportive and challenging learning environment. While the school is still taking applications, kindergarten spots have been filled. The school will be the first charter to school provide transportation to students. Students living in Baker and some parts of north Baton Rouge will be receive transportation offered by the school. Impact is operated by Education Explosion Inc., a Baton Rouge-based nonprofit. The school’s administration office is located at 201 Sherron Avenue in Baker or call (225) 308-9565.
Common Core from page 1 and conservative voters. Top Louisiana education officials said the Republican governor overstepped his authority and they intend to go ahead and roll out the standards and the testing tied to them. Jindal once supported Common Core, but reversed his stance earlier this year. He says federal officials are using the English and math standards adopted by most states as a method for wresting education control from local officials. “Common Core’s become a one-size-fits-all program that simply doesn’t make sense for our state,” Jindal said at a news conference. The standards, adopted by more than 40 states, are a gradeby-grade benchmark of what students should learn in English and math. They were developed by states, allowing states to compare their students’ performance. Supporters of Common Core say the standards promote critical thinking and raise expectations for students, better preparing them for college and careers. Criticism has grown as the Obama administration encouraged states to use the standards, leading to charges that the Common Core is an effort to nationalize education and remove authority over content and curriculum from local control. But unlike in other states where Republican leaders have yanked the multi-state education standards from public school classrooms, Jindal lacks support from state lawmakers. And Jindal’s stance pits him against his own hand-picked education superintendent. Both the Louisiana Legislature and the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education support the standards. Jindal’s executive authority is limited, so he sought to strike at tests from the Partnership for the Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers that are linked to the standards, as a backdoor way to get Louisiana out of Common Core. “This does get us out of Common Core, because Common Core to my mind is defined by the test,” the governor said. He also said he’ll ask lawmakers next year to revisit the debate and adopt state-specific
education standards that he’s asking the education department and state education board to develop. “We are completely committed to high standards for our students here in Louisiana. You can certainly have high standards without giving up control of our educational system to the federal government,” Jindal said. But whether the governor’s announcement will stop any state education plans remained in question Wednesday. “He doesn’t have the authority that he’s articulating that he has,” said Chas Roemer, chairman of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, usually a Jindal ally. Among a series of anti-Common Core actions, Jindal issued an executive order requiring a competitive bid process for public school standardized tests and sent a letter to the Partnership for the Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers saying the state isn’t planning to use its tests. The Department of Education and the education board planned to use the Common Core-related testing for students in third- through eighth-grades, but the tests haven’t yet been purchased for the upcoming school year. Jindal said the tests in question appear to be the most expensive available, so he’s confident they couldn’t be chosen in competitive bidding when Louisiana law requires the state to choose the lowest bidder. But Superintendent of Education John White and Roemer said the governor’s executive order won’t change the roll-out of Common Core in classrooms or the use of the standardized test, called PARCC. “We’re planning on going ahead and implementing the plan that’s in accordance with state law and with what we’ve been doing for four years,” White said. White said his department can buy test questions under an existing contract with an outside vendor. The Jindal administration responded by saying it would suspend that contract. White said his lawyers are researching the issue and what happens next. “We’ll have to figure out what the legal options are,” he said.
Thursday, June 26, 2014 • The Weekly Press • Page 3
Southern University Board to Appoint Interim Chancellor on June 30 session. “There were differences of opinion on who it should be,” he said after the June 6 meeting. Possible candidates to serve in the interim have not been discussed publicly. Chairwoman Bridget Dinvaut said after June 6’s meeting that combining the president and
chancellor position is an option. A national search is underway for a new chancellor, however, that search may turn into a search for one individual to serve as president and chancellor. That move would be similar to LSU’s 2012 vote to combine its president and main campus chancellor position.
East Baton Rouge Council on Aging starts its Annual “Beat the Heat” Fan and Air Conditioner Drive
Southern University Board of Supervisors will meet at 10 a.m. on June 30 to appoint an interim chancellor.
The Southern University Board of Supervisors will reconvene Monday (June 30) to discuss and possibly appoint an acting chancellor for the Baton Rouge campus. Chancellor James Llorens –
whose contract extension was denied twice by the board earlier this year – tenure will end June 30. The board was tasked with appointed an interim chancellor on June 6, but after an hour of
executive session to discuss the matter, the board voted to defer the item. In the hour-long executive session, SU system President Ronald Mason Jr. was discussed as the possible interim chancellor,
but board members could not come to an agreement. Mason said he’s open to serving in the present and chancellor roles’ in the interim or a permanent basis. Mason said it was a lively debate during the closed door
Who’s dying from guns in Louisiana? All of us Black people are killing each other. White people are killing themselves. But make no mistake: Black or white, guns are taking us out. Guns deaths are high across America, but nowhere more so than Louisiana. Crazy, then, that two years ago Louisianians went to the polls and declared that our right to own firearms wasn’t expressed strongly enough. So we essentially underlined it and put it in all caps. I’d guess those who voted for the constitutional amendment making gun ownership a fundamental right have an easier time imagining their guns keeping them alive than destroying them or the people they love. But way more often than we like to admit, our neighbors who own a gun have a family member who gets killed with it, either from an accidental discharge or a suicide. According to the Violence Policy Center, which used 2011 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Louisiana led the nation in gunshot deaths that year. Our rate of 18.91 gun deaths per 100,000 people was 82 percent higher than the American average of 10.38 gun deaths per 100,000 people. If we have conversations at all about the result of our having so many guns, we talk about the homicide rate. That’s not a bad place to start. New Orleanians, for example, are forever watching the tally of the city’s murder victims. But a focus on homicides doesn’t tell the story about the impact of guns in our country and state. And the focus on homicides gives us an inaccurate picture of gunshot victims. As The Washington Post noted in a 2013 report, “A white person is five times as likely to commit suicide with a gun as to be shot with a gun; for each African American who uses a gun to commit suicide, five are killed by other people with guns.” That report included a stateby-state breakdown of homicides versus suicides and black deaths versus white deaths. I was struck by the figures out of Mississippi, my home state, where, according to The Washington Post’s report, 51 percent of the state’s adults live in a home with a gun and where black and white Mississippians are dying from gunfire at about the same rate. According to a chart that uses CDC data from 2008 to 2010 and provides an “age-adjusted rate per 1 million people of each racial group,” guns caused the deaths of 168 black Mississippians and 161 white ones. Among those 168 black victims of guns, 135 were killed by somebody else. Among those 161 white victims of guns, 127 took their own lives. Louisiana’s black-white numbers aren’t as close as Mississippi’s. According to a crunch-
BATON ROUGE, LA– The East Baton Rouge Council on Aging announced that it would begin the collection of fan and air conditioner units as part of its Annual “Beat the Heat” Fan & Air Conditioner Drive. The agency has partnered with local area fire departments by using their fire stations as collection sites for the fans and air-conditioner (window) units. Last year the agency collected over 700 fans and A/C units to distribute to needy seniors in the parish. By all estimates the agency expects to exceed that number this year. The agency invites the community to participate in this effort. New fans and A/C units can be dropped off at the following locations: • Any St. George Fire District Station • In the City of Central, donated items may be dropped of at the Central Fire Department’s main station located at (11646 Sullivan Rd). • In the City of Baker, donated items may be dropped off at either of the local fire stations. • In the City of Baton Rouge donated items may be dropped off at the following stations: 5758 Claycut Rd, 4025 Perkins Rd., 555 Government St., 835 Sharp Rd. and 4121 Harding Blvd. • In the City of Zachary, donated items may be dropped of at the main station located at 4525 Main St. The agency does have criteria in place that will determine who will receive the donated items. Only one fan or a/c unit may be distributed per household. In addition, to qualify you
must be either a senior aged 60 and above or disabled to receive a fan or a/c unit. Also,toreceive an a/c unit agency Care Managers will perform an assessment within the home. The agency will distribute the donated fans and a/c units at The East Baton Rouge Council on Aging’s Main Location (5790 Florida Blvd. Baton Rouge 70806) from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00p.m, throughout the summer, until supplies are exhausted. When picking up fan or a/c units please bring proper identification. The agency is also accepting monetary donations in lieu of fan contributions. For more information on this event and how you can participate; check out the website at www. ebrcoa.org or call (225) 923-8000. “The Council on Aging is thankful for the support we will receive from the St. George Fire District, the City of Central Fire Department, the City of Baker Fire Department, the City of Baton Rouge Fire Department, the City of Zachary Fire Department as well as corporate partners, and the East Baton Rouge community at large,” stated Tasha Clark-Amar EBRCOA Chief Executive Officer.
In this Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013, file photo, handguns appear on display at the table of David Petronis of Mechanicville, N.Y., standing with rifle, who owns a gun store, during the heavily attended annual New York State Arms Collectors Association Albany Gun Show at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center, in Albany, N.Y.
ing of that same CDC data, there were 257 gun deaths per 1 million black Louisianians and 134 per million white Louisianians. Of those 257 black gun deaths, 225 were caused by another person. Of those 134 white gun deaths, 105 were suicides. We talk about the majority of those black deaths plenty. The majority of those white deaths? Not so much. Maybe that’s because we avoid the topic of suicide generally. The Violence Policy Center took into account homicides, suicides and accidents before concluding that Louisiana has the highest rate of gun death. Homicides capture almost all of our attention, but an honest discussion about the consequences of high gun ownership requires a more comprehensive look.
Daniel Webster, the director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Policy and Research in Baltimore, told The Washington Post that suicide is never mentioned when we’re talking about gun policy. “The availability of firearms does indeed increase the risk of suicide,” he said, “but most people don’t see it that way.” Webster’s right. Many people don’t see it that way. A 2007 article in the Harvard Journal of Law & Public Policy, for example, says the suicide rate is higher in some countries with low gun-ownership than it is in countries where gun-ownership is high. Maybe there’s more to it, then, than simple ownership. Maybe the way Louisianians revere their guns plays a factor. There’ve been reports of
people in Northern California driving across the Bay Bridge to leap to their deaths from the Golden Gate. They’d be just as dead if they’d jumped from the first bridge, but that doesn’t hold the same appeal. Guns are romanticized here. They are held in high esteem. Could that have something to do with how often they’re used in suicides? We’ve held up guns as a kind of ultimate problem solver. And they’re not only used by people who think their problem is other people but also by people who think their problem is their very existence.
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Page 4 • The
Weekly Press • Thursday, June 26, 2014
JUNETEENTH The History of Juneteenth
Juneteenth or June 19, 1865, is considered the date when the last slaves in America were freed. Although the rumors of freedom were widespread prior to this, actual emancipation did not come until General Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, Texas and issued General Order No. 3, on June 19, almost two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. General Order Number 3 One of General Granger’s first orders of business was to read to the people of Texas, General Order Number 3, which began with: “The people of Texas are informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and free laborer.” President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on September 22, 1862, notifying the states in rebellion against the Union that if they did not cease their rebellion and return to the Union by January 1, 1863, he would declare their slaves forever free. Neeedless to say, the proclamation was ignored by those states that seceded from the Union. Futhermore, the proclamation did not apply to those slave-holding states that did not rebel against the Union. As a result about 8,000,000 slaves were unaffected by the provisions of the proclamation. It would take a civil war to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution to formally outlaw slavery in the United States. During the Civil War, Texas did not experience any significant invasion by Union forces. Although the Union army made several attempts to invade Texas, they were thwarted by Confederate troops. As a result, slavery in Texas continued to thrive. In fact, because slavery in Texas experienced such a minor interruption in its operation, many slave owners from other slave-holding states brought their slaves to Texas to wait out the war. News of the emancipation was suppressed due to the overwhelming influ-
Photo of Emancipation Proclamation’s General Order
ence of the slave owners. The Emancipation Proclamation had little impact on Texas due to the minimal number of Union troops to enforce the new Executive Order. However, with the surrender of General Lee in April 1865, and the arrival of General Granger’s regiment, the forces were finally strong enough to influence and overcome the resistance. In attempts to explain the two and a half year delay in receiving this important news, several versions have been handed down
through the years. One often told story is that a messenger sent to deliver the news of freedom was murdered on his way to Texas. Another, more often told version, is that federal troops actually waited for the slave owners to reap the benefits of one last cotton-harvest before going to Texas to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation. Still another, is that the news was deliberately withheld by the slave masters to maintain the labor foce on their plantations. Juneteenth is the oldest
known celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the United States In the early years, little interest existed outside the Black community in participation in the celebrations. In some cases, there was outwardly exhibited resistance by barring the use of public property for the festivities. Most found themselves in rural areas around rivers and creeks that could provide additional activities such as fishing, horseback riding and barbecues. The church grounds were sites for
many activities. As Blacks became landowners, land was donated and dedicated for these Juneteenth festivities. One of the earliest documented land purchases in the name of Juneteenth was organized by Rev. Jake Yates. This fund-raising effort yielded $1,000 and the purchase of Emancipation Park in Houston, Texas. The local Juneteenth organization in Mexia purchased Booker T. Washington Park, which had become the Juneteenth celebration site in 1898. For decades, these annual celebrations flourished, growing continuously with each passing year. In Booker T. Washington Park, as many as 20,000 Blacks once flowed through during the course of a week, making the celebration on of the state’s largest. In the early 1900s, economic and cultural forces caused a decline in Juneteenth activities. Classroom and textbook education, in lieu of traditional home and family-taught practices, stifled the interest of the youth due to less emphasis and detail on the activities of the former slaves. The Depression forced many people off the farms and into the cities to find work, and in these urban areas of environment, employers were less eager to grant leave from work to celebrate Juneteenth. July 4th was the already established Independence holiday and patriotism steered more toward this celebration. Blacks do celebrate the Fourth of July in honor of American Independence Day, but history reminds us that Blacks were still enslaved when the United States obtained its independence. The Civil Rights movement of the 50’s and 60’s yielded both positive and negative results for the Juneteenth celebrations. While it pulled many of the African American youth away and into the struggle for racial equality, many linked these struggles to the historical struggles of their ancestors. Again in 1968, Juneteenth received another strong resurgence through Poor Peoples March to Washington D.C. Rev. Ralph Abernathy’s call for people of all races, creeds, economic levels and professions to come to Washington to show support for the poor. Many of the attendees returned home and initiated Juneteenth celebrations in areas previously absent of such activity. In
fact, two of the largest Juneteenth celebrations founded after this March are now held in Milwaukee and Minneapolis. On January 1, 1980, Juneteenth became an official state holiday in Texas, through the efforts of Al Edwards, a Black state legislator. The successful passage of this bill marked Juneteenth as the first emancipation celebration granted official state recognition. In recent years, a number of local and national Juneteenth organizations have begun to take their place along side the older organizations, with the mission of promoting and cultivating knowledge and appreciation of Black history and culture. Today, Juneteenth celebrates Black freedom and achievement, while encouraging continuous self-development and respect for all cultures, as it takes on a more national and global perspective. It is celebrated annually, on or around June 19, in more than 200 cities in the United States. Texas (and Oklahoma) is the only state that has made Juneteenth a legal holiday. Some cities sponsor weeklong celebrations, culminating on June 19, while others hold shorter celebrations. Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation, is celebrated on the 19th of June to solemnize the dissolution of slavery in 1865 in Texas. It is an annual holiday in forty-two states of the United States. Juneteenth festivals honor African American heritage. The day is marked with family gatherings, celebrations, picnics and guest speakers. People of all races and religions join hands to commemorate that period in history, which molded and influence their society even today. It symbolizes the end of slavery. Juneteenth has come to symbolize for many AfricanAmericans what the fourth of July symbolizes for all Americans -freedom. It serves as a historical milestone reminding Americans of the triumph of the human spirit over the cruelty of slavery. It honors those African-Americans ancestors who survived the inhumane institution of bondage, as well as demonstrating pride in the marvelous legacy of resistance and perseverance they left us. All of the roots tie back to this soil from which a national day of pride is continuously growing!!!
The Legacy of Slavery!
Slave in bondage
The fact that it took a Civil War to forcibly put an end to slavery left a bitter legacy that continues to divide American society. Slavery so bankrupted slave owners’ sense of right and wrong that they were willing to die to defend that lifestyle. A slave-holding minority morally corrupted a nation, and this legacy still haunts the country. According to historian John Hope Franklin, “the Founding Fathers (by allowing slavery) set the stage for every succeeding generation of Americans
to apologize, compromise and temporize on those principles of liberty that were supposed to be the very foundation of our system of government and way of life...that is why this nation tolerated and indeed, nurtured the cultivation of racism that has been as insidious as it has been pervasive.” Professor Franklin asks, “how could the colonists make (such) distinctions in their revolutionary philosophy? They either meant that all men were created equal or they did not mean it
Slave hands
at all. They either meant that every man was entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, or they did not mean it at all...Patrick Henry, who had cried, ‘Give me liberty or give me death’, admitted that slavery was ‘repugnant to humanity’, but (obviously) not terribly repugnant, for he continued to hold Blacks in bondage. So did George Washington and Thomas Jefferson...” This blatant hypocrisy poisoned both religion and the law. Every institution at the slave-
holder’s disposal was used to justify slavery. Instead of the slave-owner being considered inhumane, the people he enslaved were. The legacy of racism has grown into perhaps the greatest internal threat that this country faces. John Hope Franklin aptly put it when he wrote, “slavery weakened America’s moral authority.” It’s amazing that despite living under the most inhumane conditions known to humankind, Blacks contributed everything from agricultural inventions, to
Whipped slave
medical breakthroughs, to music. Enslaved artisans crafted incredible sculptures, designed beautiful buildings and helped build a nation. Blacks preserved a culture and succeeded in passing down a legacy of music, language, food, religion and a lesson in survival. We’ll never know how many scientists, engineers, doctors and artists were lost on the trip over on the slave ships or after they arrived. Slavery taught America another lesson, one that it too often ignores. Blacks and whites
worked together to create an anti-slavery movement that ultimately succeeded. Later they fought and died together to force an end of slavery. Blacks and whites have worked throughout the nation’s history for social justice. This lesson of cooperation must never be forgotten. While the painful side of slavery makes it difficult for many Blacks to celebrate Juneteenth, it is the positive legacy of perseverance and cooperation that makes it impossible for others to ignore.
Thursday, June 26, 2014 • The Weekly Press • Page 5
BUSINESS
McDonald’s 365Black Awards to Recognize Remarkable Leaders for Dedication to Serving Communities
In celebration of the 11th annual McDonald’s 365Black Awards, the company will honor individuals who make positive contributions to the community at this year’s star-studded event. Hosted by actor/television correspondent Terrence Jenkins and actress Tika Sumpter, the awards show will be held Saturday, July 5, 2014, during the 20th anniversary of the ESSENCE Festival™ presented by Coca Cola® in New Orleans. The show is known for drawing a number of top celebrity attendees, many of whom will grace the golden carpet prior to the show. Surprise musical performances will make this highly-anticipated show a notto-be missed event. McDonald’s 365Black Awards are given annually to salute outstanding individuals who are committed to making positive contributions that strengthen the African-American community. This year’s honorees include: civil rights activist the Rev. Al Sharpton; music executive and entrepreneur Kevin Liles; film producer Will Packer; inspirational leader Iyanla Vanzant; former NFL athlete Dhani Jones and McDonald’s Owner/Operator
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Onyx Residences Opening Delayed Until Fall 2015
Henry Coaxum. Additionally, artist Skyler Grey and entrepreneur Gabrielle Jordan Williams will be recognized alongside this lineup with the first-ever McDonald’s 365Black Community Choice Youth Award. “We are excited to recognize these outstanding individuals for their incomparable contributions to the community,” said Rob Jackson, McDonald’s U.S. marketing director. “Like our honorees, McDonald’s is committed to being deeply rooted in the communities we serve 365 days a year. That’s why we strive to continually create positive platforms, such as the 365Black Awards, that bring social awareness to areas that are important to our neighbors.” Prior to the ceremony, television correspondent Janell Snowden will cover celebrity action from the golden carpet, wearing fashion designed exclusively by TraVonne Walker, Bowie State University undergraduate and winner of the 2014 McCafe - Harlem’s Fashion Row® University Student Design Competition. Walker will work with reality television fashion See AWARDS, on page 7
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located at 921 N. Lobdell Suite- CR-1 (Upstairs) Offering affordable lessons in: Bass Guitar, Guitar, Drums, Vocals, and Song Writing Offering weekend clinics and workshops on a variety of topics Skilled Professional Instructors, Musicians, and Writers Customized classes available upon request Need a Music Director, Musician, Band, Vocalist or Lyricist?Let us provided the perfect one for you For more information and to schedule you lessons today!Call (225) 384-8917 or (917) 968-1845 PUBLIC NOTICE Invitation To Bid SEALED Solicitation #2014-Shelters20-006 The Capital Area Transit System (CATS), a political subdivision of the State of Louisiana, operating the public transit system in the City of Baton Rouge is accepting bids for 20 Hip Roof Bus Stop Shelters with Solar Units for the Capital Area Transit System. A copy of the ITB and other related documents are available on CATS website at: http://www.brcats.com/procurements or by requesting a copy from Brady Barr, Procurement Analyst (BBarr@ brgov.com). Questions and/or inquiries from vendors will be accepted until June 13, 2014. Sealed bids are due by Tuesday, June 27, 2014 – 10:00am (local time) and will be publicly opened in Suite 511 CATS Board Room at 5700 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70806.
VISIT US ONLINE @ to read more news about the Baton rouge Community www.theweeklypress.com
Redevelopment of the Onyx Building, a downtown Baton Rouge structure turning into a mixed-use building, is back on track after developers ran into a few delays. It’s set to open in the fall of 2015, developer Commercial Properties Realty Trust said.
Redevelopment of the Onyx Building, a downtown Baton Rouge structure turning into a mixed-use building, is back on track after developers ran into a few delays. The $6 million project is being developed by Commercial Properties Realty Trust, the real estate investment trust that manages properties for the Baton Rouge Area Foundation. Originally announced in October 2013, The Onyx Residences were set to open in the fall of 2014. However several delays, including filming of Fox’s “Fantastic Four” this month moved its opening a year back. “We’re looking at fall 2015, for sure,” developers told NOLA.com | The
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Onyx Residences will inhabit the space and will include 28 one and two-bedroom apartments above 5,600 square feet of commercial space. Rance declined to say which retailers would move into the first floor commercial space, but said a couple have expressed interest. Apartments will range from 700 to 1,000 square feet. Developers haven’t released the cost of the apartments yet, but will begin pre-leasing this summer. The new building will reuse more than 100 Carrera marble panels that were attached to the old structure, Commercial Properties Realty Trust said last year. Residents will be able to park at the state garage across the streets.
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The original Onyx Building opened in the 1950s and was the home of Rider’s Jewelry Store. It was vacant for more than three decades, except for a brief occupancy by City Year, which is now located in the Shaw Canter. The new residences will add to a longtime goal of having 10,000 residences in downtown Baton Rouge. Rance said the residential portion of the IBM building with 95 apartments and 9 townhouses is slated for completion in the summer of 2015. Other residential projects include 440 on Third with Matherne’s Supermarket on the first floor opening this fall and Commerce Building mixed-use development at 333 Laurel Street.
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Weekly Press • Thursday, June 26, 2014
ASK THE CHURCH LADY Hey babies! How ya’ll doing? Everybody still saved and filled with the Holly Ghost huh? Hang on in there ya’ll. Here is this week’s letter. This baby seems like he is just dealing with a bad spirit! Dear Church Lady, I’ve been in Church for about twelve years now. I go to Sunday school, Bible study, and I try to attend mid-week and Sunday services as often as I can when I don’t have to work. I am in a pretty good Church; my pastor is a good teacher and he is not always begging for more money; he simply teaches on the principles of giving and people give. Alright, so here is my dilemma; I have befriended a brother in the church. I did not know him prior to joining, but over the course of the past four or five years, we have become pretty close. My friend is a member of the same church, but he does not show up much anymore. He says that it does not make sense to come to church when he could use his Sunday mornings for something else, particularly during football season. He also feels like I’m foolish for paying my tithes and giving to any need that the church has. He says all the pastor and the deacons are doing is taking the money and dividing it between themselves anyhow, and he works too hard for his money to be giving it away. Recently our pastor bought a new car, a BMW. My friend said that pastor will be asking for money now to help pay for it. I also drive a BMW. I got it about a year ago after driving a Buick for a long time. It was my dream car. I waited and saved until I could get my budget to a place of being able to afford it. My friend drives a beat up ole Chevy truck, and he says that he can’t afford to get a new car because he does
not make enough money, but he has an even better job than I or the pastor. When I got my car he was not happy for me either. He said people get so caught up in stuff that they forget about God. He said this is why he does not worry about going to church. He lives alone because his wife left about a year ago because he never wanted to spend time with her in church or anywhere else. She is a good lady and she was good to him. He said that she just started looking at other people and she let this ruin the marriage. He seems to have an excuse for just about everything. I am happily married, yet he is always calling me hen pecked, and says I let my wife have too much control. I like this brother, and want the luxury of a good male friend, but he is starting to really get on my nerves and I can see it affecting me. Please help me figure out what to do about this dilemma. Signed brother with a bad influence Hmm,hm,hm… I always try to give it to you the best way I know how, and most of the time that is just straight. I know that some folk say that a spoon full of sugar helps the medicine to go down a bit easier, but sometimes you just have to hold your nose and swallow! Wisdom and stupid don’t make good partners baby. You are in the company of misery, and baby that is a dangerous place to be because misery loves miserable company. Misery never looks for the bright side because it has none. Therefore, whenever you come bringing all of your sunshine; misery is mad because it feels like you’ve got See CHURCH LADY, on page 7
RELIGION Prayer: Your Path to Success By Creflo Dollar I firmly believe the reason why many Christians do not experience victory is because they lack an important foundational key to success—prayer. Contrary to common religious beliefs, prayer is not pleading with God or bargaining with Him to act on our behalf. Neither is it characterized by a lot of “spiritual” sounding clichés that do not line up with the Word. Prayer is simply communicating with God by speaking His Word to Him in faith. When we pray this way, results are inevitable. Hebrews 4:12 clearly describes the power of that Word. It says, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Verse 14 encourages believers to “hold fast to our profession.” In other words, speak God’s Word, because it is power-packed! When we pray, believing that we have already received what we are praying, God has no choice but to make our prayers come to pass. He honors His Word, not our emotions. Prayer should produce rest, or peace of mind. Many people pray fear-based prayers and hope they are getting through to God, but they really don’t have confidence in what they are praying. The Bible says that when we believe the Word, we will enter into a state of rest. The integrity
of the Word speaks for itself, and will never fail. By allowing the Word to be the foundation of our prayer life, our confidence in our prayers will soar to new heights. We must know in our “knower” that Scripture is infallible, and have no doubt that what God says is true and that we already possess it. I urge you to begin to pray the solution to your problems first, rather than bombard heaven with desperate pleas. Prayer is the language through which you and the Father fellowship with one another. It is through your dialogue with Him that your faith to believe His promises through Jesus Christ will come to pass. As you spend time with Him in prayer, you will begin to recognize His voice more clearly. He desires to direct you
at every turn, and a developed prayer life will make it easier for Him to guide you. Every failure in life is a prayer failure. God has already done everything He is going to do; the work has already been completed. Our job is to pray faith-filled prayers that are based on His Word and expect to receive results. Make no mistake about it; prayer is absolutely essential to our walking in the manifestation of God’s promises. It is a key to getting results as a Christian. Our prayers are heard. When we make the Word of God the foundation of our prayer life, we are guaranteed victory. We must not allow religion or tradition to blind us to the truth of what prayer really is. Your future depends on it!
MAJESTIC
ENSEMBLE FOR CHRIST CELEBRATING A Reason To Praise the Lord! Saturday, June 28, 2014 • 6:00 P.M. Community Bible Baptist Church 1729 Monte Sano • Baton Rouge, LA 70807 Lee T. Wesley, Pastor
COME OUT AND JOIN THEM IN THEIR CELEBRATION! Sharon M. Washington, Director
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 Email your church event or religious organization news to The Weekly Press @ thewpress@yahoo.com or call 225-775-2002 WEDNESDAY 12:00
Let the community know whats happing at your place of worship. Email your church event or religious organization news to The Weekly Press @ theweeklypress@yahoo.com or call 225-775-2002
5013 WINDFALL COURT BATON ROUGE, LA. 70812 FOR DIRECTIONS CALL 225-355-8194 We are seeking Prayer Warrors Remember Acts 16: 25-26 Pastor Rev. Dr. Roosevelt Florida, Jr. Co-Pastor Rose J. Florida
VISION CHRISTIAN CENTER, INTERNATIONAL 1047 Rosenwald Road Baton Rouge, LA 70807 Telephone: (225) 774-8125 • E-Mail - visionchristianc@bellsouth.net Sunday Worship.........................................................................10:00 a.m. Holy Communion2nd Sunday.................................................... 10:00 a.m. Intercessory Prayer Wednesday................................................. 6:00 p.m. Mid-Week ServiceWednesday.................................................... 7:00 p.m.
Divine Light Church of Evangelist
JOSEPHINE JONES
ON EVERY SATURDAY AT 2:30PM.
NEW HOPE BAPTIST CHURCH
ALL ARE WELCOMED. No Dress Code-Come as you areCasual Wear
5856 Greenwell Springs Road • Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70806 Telephone: (225) 926-0246 • Facsimille: (225) 925-8022 Toll Free: 888-700-6174 Websites: www.newhopebr.com
Come enjoy the Sweet atmosphere of love with us. Please bring you children for the children are the future to tomorrow’s World. You will experience blessings of Healing, Deliverance, Freedom of Bandages, and so much more of what the Lord has for you, your family and your love ones!!! Direction to Hope Christian Center is located at 5013 Windfalls Coutts If you are coming from Airline Highway north or south come to Hank Drive. Once on Hank Drive go through two (2) STOP SIGNS and to you left will be 5013 Windfalls Court to your immediate left Hope Christian Center is located at 5013 Windfalls Courts, Baton Rouge 70812 For more information, please contact either of these numbers (225) 355-8194 or 225-673-1633.
Rev. Leo Cyrus Sr., Pastor Order Of Services Sunday Worship...................................................... 11:00 A.M. Holy Communion.................................. 3rd Sunday 6:00 P.M. Sunday School..........................................................9:00 A.M. Bible Study................................................Thrusday 7:00 P.M.
Thursday, June 26, 2014 • The Weekly Press • Page 7
LSU Hospital Closure Ruled Unconstitutional
Lawmakers didn’t follow the Louisiana Constitution in authorizing Gov. Bobby Jindal to close the LSU-run public hospital in Pineville, a judge ruled Monday, but the judge is not requiring the Jindal administration to stop plans to shutter the facility next week. Judge Robert Downing said the Senate violated the open meetings law when the legislation was heard by its Health and Welfare Committee. He granted a preliminary injunction request sought by two hospital closure opponents. However, Downing also suspended that judgment -- effectively allowing the closure plans to continue -- pending an appeal of his decision. The appeal heads directly to the Louisiana Supreme Court because it is a question of constitutionality. Downing, a retired judge presiding over the case for District Judge Kay Bates, said his ruling fast-tracks the case to a final decision. “This is the best way I can think of to get it to the Supreme Court ... so it can be resolved as quickly as possible,” he said. Senate President John Alario, R-Westwego, intends to appeal the ruling to the high court, according to Senate Secretary Glenn Koepp. The Huey P. Long Medical Center is scheduled to close June 30. It’s part of a privatization deal that will move the central Louisiana public hospital’s patients to nearby private hospitals, CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Hospital and Rapides Regional Medical Center. The Jindal administration says the hospital closure will improve health care for the uninsured in the 16-parish area served by the LSU hospital. Critics say too many financing questions remain unanswered. Lawmakers agreed to the hospital shut-down during the legislative session that ended earlier this month. The lawsuit against the closure was filed by Brad Ott,
a public hospital patient from New Orleans, and Edwin Parker, a lobbyist for a local chapter of a public employees union, the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees. The lawsuit alleged the Senate committee didn’t provide the required advanced notice to allow for public comment on the hospital legislation. Downing agreed. “The manner in which the notice was posted of Senate Concurrent Resolution 48 was in violation of the open meetings law, was done in an unconstitutional manner,” the judge said. Harry “Skip” Philips, a lawyer for LSU, said Downing’s ruling “was a strained interpretation of the law.” A meeting notice was published two days before the committee hearing, with an agenda listed. The afternoon before the meeting, a revised agenda was posted that included the hospital closure legislation. “They didn’t give us time to rally the troops,” said Ina LaBorde, with AFSCME, an opponent of Jindal’s privatization plan. Koepp said the Senate complied with its rules for meeting notices and agenda postings. “Contrary to belief, we try to keep the public as notified as possible,” he said. The Huey P. Long hospital closure plan is Jindal’s ninth and final privatization deal for the state-owned hospitals that care for the poor and uninsured. Two other LSU hospitals have closed under the arrangements, with their patients shifted to private facilities. After he announced his decision, Downing criticized Jindal’s decision to shutter the hospitals while also “turning down billions” of federal dollars available under an expansion of the state Medicaid program that the Republican governor has rejected.
Church Lady from page 6 something that it can never have, which is really a lie from the pits of hell, but you will never make misery believe this. Jealousy is a green-eyed monster babies and it will burn down goodness down like a California forest fire. All I can say to you is run Forrest, run! You see the wife got the heck out of there. Get away from this guy as quick as you can baby. You can pray for him, but if you continue to hang around and let him fill your ears with this kind of stuff; eventually you will fall into the trap of his influence. Baby, remember when your mother used to say birds of a feather flock together? Well eagles and chickens don’t mix or run in the same packs. Eagles soar and chickens stay on the ground running around making noise. He says you are hen pecked huh? Hee, hee, well baby just ask any wise man and he will tell you there’s nothing wrong with being pecked by the right hen, and didn’t you say he is “alone”; hello! You better recognize! You and your pastor both should enjoy your BMW’s. Ain’t nobody mad about it but somebody who doesn’t have one and believes that they can never
get one! It seems like you are a good man trying to live right and God honors faithfulness baby. Turn your eyes toward Jesus and don’t you look toward man; your pastor or your foolish friend because they are just like you, dust. Trust God and always ask for his direction. Love your wife and your family and keep working hard and God will keep blessing you. Don’t you let a fool corrupt you! The word says that as Iron sharpens iron, so should the life of one man sharpen the other. Your friend can’t sharpen you because his blade is dull and miserable. Get in the company of people with like minds baby. They don’t have to be just like you, but they should have similar thinking. Babies be careful about who you let in your ears. Stay clear of misery and I’ll see you in church! I just launched my brand new website babies! Now you can visit me on the worldwide web at Thechucrchladyspeaks.com. Write me at thechurchladyspeaks@gmail. com and let me know what you think. Chile I am also on that twitter so you can catch me there too! Hee, hee Tweet! I love you ya’ll.
HEALTH healt Pennington Are New Sodium Guidelines Biomedical What’s Good For Your Heart Is G to Host a Prelude to Salt Ban? Parkinson’s tantRum from page 6
apart. You must continue to hold on to your faith and stay before the Lord. But, it may be that the time has come when you may need to take some quality time for yourself and spend some of that time with God. Get on your knees before God and tell him of how you are feeling inside. And maybe the words wont come out exactly as you wish but you can have a good weeping, wailing crying falling, out tantrum and give all those problems to him. While you are praying, you might forget some of the things that vexed you but God knows what you are going through. he can read the pain, which flows through your tears. even though he knows what’s troubling you, he still wants to tell him about it and bring your problems and burdens to him.
therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hands of God, that he may exalt you in due time, “casting all your cares upon him, for he cares for you,”(1st Peter 5:6-7). After you finished having your tantrum. You may have a stopped up nose and swollen eyes and mucus running down your lip and dried tears on your face, but you’ll feel better after emptying yourself of those things which had been heavy on your heart. Sometimes we go for weeks or months trying to take matters into our hands and try to solve our own problems. We are not super humans; we can’t handle everything alone. We need God’s help. We have to let go of those situations and let God handle them. there are some things we can’t humanly do anything about.
(NAPSM)-A survey commissioned by two leading health organizations found that although two out of three African Americans (61 percent) expressed concern about developing heart disease and two out of five (40 percent) expressed concern about developing Alzheimer’s, only about one in 20 are aware that heart health is linked to brain health. the Alzheimer’s Association is joining forces with the American heart Association to educate African Americans that by managing their cardiovascular risk, they may also strengthen their cognitive health. “What’s good for your heart is good for your brain,” says Jennifer Manly, Ph.D., Alzheimer’s Association spokesperson. “every healthy heartbeat pumps about one-fifth of your blood to your brain to carry on the daily processes of thinking, problem solving and remembering.” “By the year 2030, the number of African Americans age 65 or older is expected to more than double to 6.9 million,” said emil Matarese, M.D., American heart Association spokesperson. “Although Alzheimer’s is not part of normal aging, age is the greatest risk factor Alzheimer’s ruled ineffective, Dr.for Angell exdisease.that So ‘we it is important plained had, if notthat anAfrican Americans take steps now ethical responsibility, certainly to decreasehealth their risk of heart disease, a public responsibility researchShe hastouted shownthe could to which take action.’ also decrease the risk of cognitive benefits of policies which change decline.” ‘the entire food supply to a default that is a healthier default. It isn’t about individual decisionmaking anymore, that’s taken out of it.’” While advocates for sodium regulation cite increased asso(NAPSi)-here’s an alertand worth ciated risk of heart disease paying attention to: According stroke, Project 21’s LeBon notes a to the American Diabetes Association deficiency of sodium could also (ADA), learning your for“A type 2 lead to similar risks. Sherisk said: diabetes could saveby your recent study done thelife. InstiDiabetes is a serious disease tute of Medicine concludes thatthat strikesreducing nearly 21 further saltmillion intakechildren may and adults in the U.S. is named increase health risks initcertain the “silent killer” because one-third groups. That means the potenof those with the disease--more than 6 tial imposition of new sodium million--do not know they have regulations along the lines of it. For many, diagnosis may come existing federal dietary guideseven to 10 years after the onset of lines could actually put people type 2 diabetes. early diagnosis is at critical risk. It for proves why atreatment low-saltand successful diet is simply not recommended can delay or prevent some of the forcomplications everyone and should such as heartnever diseases, beblindness, mandated by a bureaucracy.” kidney disease, stroke and The National Center for amputation. Public Policy that’s oneResearch, reason thefounded ADA holds in the 1982, is a non-partisan, freeAmerican Diabetes Alert® Day, market, independent a one-day wake-up call toconserinform the vative think-tank. Ninety-four American public about the seriouspercent of its support comes from individuals, three percent from foundations, and three percent from corporations. It receives over 350,000 individual contributions a year from over 96,000 active recent contributors.
Experts Warn Proposed Federal Guidelines Could Lead to Excessive Mandates, Health Risks
ChildRen from page 4 ering all children. the citizens of the nation must the CDF Action Council, build- demand that our leaders free our ing on the best practices in states children from the false ideological and lessons learned about children and political tugs of war among falling through the bureaucratic those who put excess profits ahead cracks of Medicaid and SChiP, of children’s lives. strongly urged Congress to enact how well did Congress protect the All healthy Children Act, children in 2007? Not well enough: S. 1564/h.r. 1688, introduced Members had WASHINGTON, D.C. 276 Harley LeBon,of theCongress co-chairman representative Bobby Scott Action CouncilProject Con--byGovernment regulators are good of theCDF National Center’s (D-VA)the in way the house and Senator gressional Scorecard scores of 80 paving toward federally21 black leadership network. Bernie Sanders (i-Vt) in the Senpercent or higher, and 198 of those imposed limits on sodium as the “As a mom of two children, I ate. the would provide had stellar scores of assists 100 percent. Food andmeasure Drug Administration am aware that salt in the comprehensive benefits including But 231 members scored 60 percent is on the verge of issuing new development of healthy brains. dental and mental health, simpli- or lower—a failing grade from our guidelines on its use in restau- Additionally, iodized salt intake fied bureaucracy, and a national school days. rant-prepared store-bought considered essential to preeligibility planand for families up to is Whether Members of Congress foods. Policy with the are venting conditions that 300 percent of experts the federal poverty liberal, conservative or could modNational for Public Policy lead toDemocrat, mental retardation.” level. WeCenter thank the 62 house co- erate; republican or Research In the same interview in sponsors call for the theirexpected support.action how- independent, children need all of an unnecessary which new sodium ever, we regret thatslippery neither a slope single them to she vote,teased lobby, speak for and rooted politicizednor science that protect limits, the FDA’s Hamburg also housein republican any other them. Adults need to listen will further reduce consumer cited the need for a “realistic Senator joined them to push for carefully to what candidates say choice potentially timeline.” Regulatory coverageand for all children. hurt they will do for children andpropofamipublic health. nents, such as they Michael Jacobsen, the CDF Action Council strongly lies and, once are in office, “There’s no legitiPh.D. ofto the Center Science in supports longabsolutely overdue health cov- we need hold themfor accountable. mate to allegedly volunthe Public are already eragepurpose for everyone in America as Please thank Interest, your Members of Contary that are issued by gress seeking toscores use such a timeline as soonguidelines as possible—because children with of 80 percent or acannot regulatory agency other than a benchmark to create process wait. As SChiP comes up above and let those with“a scores of again for reauthorization in early 60 or below know It’s you this are as a precursor to mandatory of percent mandatory limits.” 2009, we hope every of dissatisfied with theirof performance. regulation,” said JeffMember Stier, the sort of expectation failure that Congress insist on Center’s covering And pleaseNational convey thatCenter same mesdirector of will the National concerns risk everyAnalysis child andDivision. pregnant mother sage to each presidential Risk assessment experts. candidate. nowIn byan enacting and adequately thatvoluntaryour leaders interview with the We must “In demand fact, the funding the provisions of the All commit to children asapproach a conditionis Associated Press, FDA Combefore-mandatory healthy Children Act.Hamburg of our vote. missioner Margaret simply a political strategy to Specious claims thataimed we could said new guidelines at make the rules palatable to a regnot find the billion Marian Wright Edelman is Presilowering themoney—$70 level of sodium in ulation-weary, salt-consuming over five years—to cover all dent of the Children’s Defense food products are nearing com- public,” said the NationalFund CenchildrenCiting is belied that amount Action Council Leave pletion. theby guidelines as and ter’sitsStier. “Dr. Soniawhose Angell, the spent in eleven monthssuggested for tax cuts No ChildAdministration’s Behind® mission point is to voluntary, Hamburg Obama forthe theAP topthat one “we percent richesta ensure child a Healthy Start, to canofmake personevery on non-communicable Americans and in seven months a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe big impact working with the in- diseases, recently testified about for the iraq War. We do not have Start and a Moral Start in life and dustry” to lower sodium levels. how guidelines can turn into exa money problem in America: We successful passage to adulthood “While there are individu- plicit rules -- a tactic she not surhave a priorities and political will with the help of caring families als with issues prisingly employed while workdeficit. itspecific is time medical for all adults to and communities. requiring low-sodium diet, a ing for New York City Mayor protect theahealth of our children. one-size-fits-all prescription for a Michael Bloomberg. When New reduction in our daily salt intake York City’s 2005-2006 ‘marketalk notadio from page is simply sound advice for 4 based voluntary strategy’ to reall Americans,” said Cherylyn duce restaurant trans-fats was
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all funny or remotely appropriate about the use of a lynching wardsabout from page obama,’’ 5 reference Michelle he said. ‘’it’s - i’m speechless.’’ As President Bush pointed out design competition alum Kimberly so eloquently during the Black Goldson to perfect the memorable history Month event, the noose look. represents ‘’more than365Black a tool of McDonald’s murder but a tool of intimidation’’ Awards launched in 2003 as an exto generations of African-Ameritension of the company’s 365Black cans. Nooses not only robbed some platform, which celebrates the of their lives but of their pride, heritage andmany achievements peace of mind. ‘’As a civil society, we must understand that noose displays and lynching jokes are deeply offensive. they are wrong. And they have no place in America today,’’ he said. Neither o’reilly nor ingraham has been reprimanded by their respective employers even though the Fox News personality did offer a half-hearted apology. At least ingraham didn’t drop the l-word but her suggestion that Sharpton, a former presidential candidate and respected member of the African-American community and beyond, is a petty thief reeks of race-baiting and negative stereotyping of African-Americans and black men in particular. But it’s hardly the first time either has ventured into questionable and offensive territory. how can
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we forget o’reilly’s less-thaninformed comments regarding a dinner he shared last year with Sharpton at Sylvia’s in harlem? o’reilly expressed surprise over of African-Americans year-round. how other ThesimilarSylvia’s 2014 programwas is a to free, tickrestaurants New York restaueted event.inVisit www.eventfarm. rants. com/365BlackAwards2014 to reg‘’there wasn’t one person in ister for tickets. Sylvia’s who who was screaming, Those miss the live ‘M-Fer, want morecan icedstill tea,’’’ awards iceremony share he said. in the experience by watching the As the Washington Post’s robinson sadly observed on MSNBC in February, ‘’All you can go by is his words and his actions. And he keeps saying these things that sound pretty darn racist to me.’’ has talk radio learned anything from imus’ decline and fall? of course not, because it didn’t take imus too terribly long to get a new gig. our nation’s media outlets should not provide a platform for racialhostility and hateful speech now or in the future. What kind of messageare we sending to our children, our nation and our world? in such an historic election year, we cannot stand aside and allow individuals to use the airwaves as an outlet for insensitive and misguidedcommentary. if you hear something that offends you, speak up.
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
BATON ROUGE, LA - As many as one million Americans live with Parkinson’s disease approximately 60,000 more are diagnosed each year. In Louisiana, Parkinson’s affects more than 65,000 individuals - one of the higher incidence rates in the nation. According to the American Journal of Managed Care, the annual economic impact of Parkinson’s disease in the United States is roughly $10.8 billion, including both direct medical expenses and indirect costs such as lost income, disability payments and medical costs. To underscore the importance of translating research on Parkinson’s disease into improved treatments and an eventual cure, Pennington Biomedical will host the 3rd annual Parkinson’s Conference on Saturday, July 19, a2014. Research shows link between heart and brain heal “We are excited host brain functio heart function could lead totoimpaired our third annual conference on a health topic so important to Louisiana. The large and interactive audiences at our first two meetings were a testament to that importance,” said Dr. Donald Ingram, one of the event organess of and diabetes, when increased p nizers the particularly lead researcher it isthe leftNutritional undiagnosedNeuroscience and untreated. delay or pr in the day is heldLaboratory on the fourth at tuesday and Aging Pen- diabetes. of every Biomedical. March. Among nington “Once again on that day, people are encour- for type 2 we’ve assembled an outstanding aged to take the Diabetes risk test, weight, sed program with experts on topics either the withbasic papermechanisms and pencil or online. from of the 45 and hav the risk and test requires users to answer diabetes. Af disease treatment strategies, seven simple questions about age,- Native Ame to family and societal impacts weight, lifestyle and family history-and we’ve allowed ample time islanders a all potential riskquestions factors forand diabetes. for audience dis- are women People scoring 10 points or more are more than cussion.” at a high risk for type 2 diabetes and the Dia The conference will also are encouraged to talk with a health feature several exhibitors ofcare professional. fering information pertinent to An estimated 54 million Ameripatients Parkinson’s disease cans havewith pre-diabetes. those with and their families. pre-diabetes have blood glucose levRegistrants are encouraged els higher than normal but not high to sign up in advance of the event. enough to be diagnosed with type The conference can accommodate 2 diabetes. only 400intervention attendees. Online regearly via lifestyle istration will close once capacchanges such as weight loss and ity attendance has been reached and/or on July 14, 2014. Walk-in No registrations on the day of the event cannot be accepted. If you The conference will be held scree at Pennington Biomedical Rescree search Center located at 64000 Perkins Road in Baton Rouge in Presen the C.B. Pennington Jr. Building. of Our For more information please visit Land Line (225) 356-0703 www.pbrc.edu/parkinsons. made Cell Phone (225) 235-6955 GSRASAC E-mail: on Goodshepherdbapt@bellsouth. broadcast BET Networks on August 10 at 10 p.m. EDT/9 net Hours: Mon-Thurs 8am – 8 pm p.m. CDT. The awards cerBreast emony will also air Shepherd on CEN- Substance Abuse Center Good Tuesday TRIC on August 17 at 11Outpatient p.m. Intensive / Inpatient Therapy 10am – EDT/10 p.m. CDT. AdditionFor Drugs, Alcohol, Anger Management LSUHSC ally, fans can follow @McDonEMAIL YOUR NEWS 1401 N. 2873 alds on Mission Twitter forDrive updates on Rev. Donald Britton, MA, LAC Baton R Baton Rouge, 70805 ARTICLES TO the awards show LA and join the Clinical Director (225) 315-0740 Harris Hayes, Overseer conversation using #365Black- Bishopthewpres@bellsouth.net Awards.
Could You Be At Risk?
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!
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