baton
THURSDAY, October 29, 2009
rouge,
louisiana
Vol. 34 • No. 26
a people’s publication
Serena Williams Coming to Baton Rouge
Interracial Couple Sues Louisiana Jurist Special to the NNPA from the Afro-American Newspapers WASHINGTON (NNPA) An outraged Louisiana couple filed a federal lawsuit Oct. 20 against a local official’s decision to deny them a marriage license because they are of different races. Now married, Hammond, La. residents Beth and Terence McKay, said in their suit that justice of the peace Keith Bardwell’s refusal to marry them was unconstitutional. They are seeking unspecified monetary damages, citing emotional distress and mental anguish. “The U.S. Supreme Court has long recognized that interference with marriage rights solely upon the basis of race is a violation of constitutionally protected rights,” read the suit, which was filed in U.S. District Court Eastern District of Louisiana in New Orleans. Laura Catlett, the McKays’ attorney, added in an
Mayor Melvin ‘Kip’ Holden
Mayor Holden Takes Bond Proposal to Airwaves BATON ROUGE - Supporters of a $900 million bond proposal put Mayor Kip Holden on television Wednesday night on WAFB. The Committee for the Future of East Baton Rouge paid $21,100 for the 30-minute special. The broadcast featured Holden, Sheriff Sid Gautreaux, Police Chief Jeff LeDuff and others. The bond proposal calls for millions of dollars in infrastructure improvements, including a new law enforcement complex and drainage repairs. “I would think mostly it’s preaching to the choir. I would think most people who watch this are already supportive of it. They had their thoughts re-enforced,” said political analyst Jim Engster. A new prison and traffic signal synchronization are also on the table, but the biggest attention-getter is “Alive.” “Alive” will be an interactive nature museum built on the banks of the Mississippi River. Many opponents say that “Alive” that could kill the mayor’s plan. “I don’t think it [the special] was over-emotional. I just think it was pretty much a straight-laced look at what he hopes to offer,” said political analyst Clay Young. The mayor and his team have spent thousands on commercials pushing the bond proposal. The Committee for the Future of East Baton Rouge paid $23,895 for a series of commercials on TV. “I think if you were in the gray area on this, then it probably pushes you to the mayor’s side a little bit because of the way it was put together. If you were staunchly in the no category, I don’t know that this overwhelmingly convinced you that your position is the wrong one,” Young said.
interview with the AFRO, “Public officials are required to uphold the law…. He should be publicly reprimanded by a court and stopped from performing marriages.” Bardwell said his decision, made in early October, not to marry the couple—a White woman and Black man—was based on concern for the welfare of children the couple may have. “There is a problem with both groups accepting a child from such a marriage,” Bardwell told The Associated Press. “I think those children suffer, and I won’t help put them through it.” After learning of Bardwell’s decision, Humphrey contacted local and national media. “We are used to the closet racism, but we’re not going to tolerate that overt racism from an elected official,” she told CNN. See couple, on page 8
Actress Robin Givens Stars in Children’s Series Shot in Baton Rouge
Serena Williams
to Play Advanta WTT Smash Hits in Baton Rouge 2009 NCAA singles champ Devin Britton joins field Serena Williams is bringing her top-ranked game to Baton Rouge. Williams, who reclaimed the number one world ranking two weeks ago, will play in Advanta WTT Smash Hits, a charity event co-
NATIONAL/state & Community watch
hosted by Sir Elton John and Billie Jean King, on Dec. 8 at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center on the Louisiana State University Campus. Event officials also announced the addition of rising U.S. standout Devin Britton, who captured the 2009 NCAA singles title as a freshman at the University of Mississippi. Williams and Britton join an all-star lineup that includes Andy Roddick, Lindsay Davenport, Anna Kournikova, Tommy Haas, Liezel Huber and local favorite Chanda Rubin of
STATE & LOCAL NEWS
Lafayette, La. The 17th annual Advanta WTT Smash Hits is a charity tennis event that raises funds for the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) and Baton Rouge area AIDS charities. Reserved tickets are are available through the LSU Box Office or by calling 800-9608587. Tickets can be ordered online at http://www.wtt. com/smashhits. Williams has won eleven career singles Grand Slam singles titles including two See williams, on page 3
Business News
Givens to Walk Red Carpet for Premiere BATON ROUGE — Multitalented actress Robin Givens will walk the red carpet at a Baton Rouge theater for the premiere of JK’s House. The sit-com musical, shot on a sound stage at Baton Rouge’s Celtic Media Centre, combines song, dance and lively banter in an upbeat kid-friendly performance. JK’s House chronicles the life of a 7-year-old girl as she learns various manners and acceptable behaviors through social interactions. She and her older sister are raised in a single-parent home. Their mother, Amber, played by Givens, is a doctor and is actively involved in a book club which meets frequently at her home. Jakayla Lawrence, of Baton Rouge, (who is actually 6-years-old) makes her on-screen debut in the title role of JK.
Health news
Producer/Director Aaron Williams says the project is unique and will appeal to people of various ages and backgrounds. “We wanted to shine the spotlight on an ordinary kid in America,” Williams said, “to show what it’s like to walk in her shoes, live in her house, and play in her backyard. It’s really a journey See givens, on page 2
religion news
The Lighthouse Gospel Singers began singing as the Wright Brothers in the year of 1948. In 1950, they were reorganized and adopted the name of the Lighthouse Seniors..See Page 7
INDEX
After School Programs The Campaign for Spelman College is a $150 million fundraising effort that aims to actualize the ambitious goals identified in the institution’s strategic plan for 2015. This is the largest such venture the college has embarked upon in its 128-year history.....Page 10
A new survey finds no progress in participation in afterschool programs by Louisiana youth over the last five years, even as the nation made progress and demand for afterschool programs in Louisiana increased dramatically. ...See Page 2
New Health Care Bill Historic
After months of struggle, House Democrats unveiled sweeping legislation Thursday to extend health care coverage to millions who lack it and create a new option of governmentrun insurance. A vote is likely next week on the plan...See Page 8
Sickle Smart Empowerment
R&B/Pop Star Ruben Studdard and the local Sickle Cell Disease Association of America (SCDAA) chapter, the Baton Rouge Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation, hosted the Be Sickle Smart “Empowerment Day”... See Page 9
Local & State............................2 Special...............................4 & 5 Commentary.............................6 Religion....................................7 Business....................................8 Health.......................................9 Other......................................10
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Page 2 • The
Weekly Press • Thursday, October 29, 2009
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Louisiana Lossing Ground in Availability of After School Programs, Survey Finds Special to the NNPA from the Louisiana Weekly
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NEW ORLEANS (NNPA) - A new survey finds no progress in participation in afterschool programs by Louisiana youth over the last five years, even as the nation made progress and demand for afterschool programs in Louisiana increased dramatically. The rate of participation in afterschool dropped to just 13 percent in 2009, trailing the national average of 15 percent – and a significant percentage of the state’s children are still unsupervised each afternoon after the school day ends. The data come from the landmark America After 3PM study,
conducted for the Afterschool Alliance and sponsored by the JCPenney Afterschool Fund. It was released this month in conjunction with Lights On Afterschool, a nationwide rally for afterschool that was held October 22. “This new study is sobering for Louisiana, which is losing ground in making afterschool programs available to children,” said Afterschool Alliance Executive Director Jodi Grant. “The data tell us that the great majority of Louisiana parents who want their kids in afterschool programs aren’t able to find them, usually because programs aren’t available, they can’t afford the fees, or transportation issues make it
impossible. But this is a solvable problem. These are all barriers we can and should overcome. Quality afterschool programs keep kids safe, inspire them to learn, and help working families. Every Louisiana family that needs an afterschool program should have access to one.” According to the new study, fully 23 percent of the state’s schoolchildren are on their own in the afternoons, and another 15 percent are in the care of their brothers or sisters. By comparison, 13 percent of Louisiana schoolchildren are enrolled in afterschool programs, down from 15 percent in 2004. In addition, the parents of 52 percent of children not already in afterschool say they would enroll their kids in a program if one were available. Ninety percent of Louisiana parents say they are satisfied with the afterschool program their child attends.
Givens from page 1 through life.” The children’s series has been compiled into a long-format program for a single-screen viewing. The premiere will be held from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 1, 2009, at Rave Motion Pictures-Mall of Louisiana, 6401 Bluebonnet Blvd. Givens will be on hand for the event, which is free and open to the public with limited seating available. The East Baton Rouge school system has been invited to the premiere, and tickets will be given to area school children. On Monday, November 2, Givens and Williams will offer a special viewing at McKinley Middle Magnet School at 1:00 p.m. Afterwards, students will be able to ask questions in a roundtable discussion. “We think it’s important to get children involved in this ground-breaking project, to hear See givens, on page 3
marge's
THOUGHT personalities of other FOR THE WEEK: states. Call Terry at FOR THE BEAUTY 257-4065. OF THE EARTH. Ms. Rychelle ARGUS Morris wants you L i ter a c y to call her if you Nights are being are a graduate of St. held in the various James High School or schools around the knows someone who parish and the area is. The class of 1989 is MARGE LAWRENCE celebrating their 20th parishes. Lowery Middle in Ascension year anniversary and sponsored their very the date is December first “Reading Adventures at 5. Pass the word along. Call Lowery” at the Intermediate- Rychelle at 359-2837. Middle School. Parents and St. Aloysius Cathostudents gathered in the school lic Church continues the cafeteria for a brief introduc- Divorce and Separated Recovtion by Principal Monica Hills. ery program for twelve weeks. Then the parents proceeded to All participants are asked to the three different directions read Rebuilding by Dr. Bruce to witness different stations Fisher. The meetings are held broken up by numbers. The on Sunday afternoons and all stations included “Pen Pals” who are interested as couples which was designed to show should attend. Call 772-5445 parents how to be involved Conroe, Texas was with their kids with writing the setting for the recent ROTC and reading. The second station Cadets Leadership Training. was “Book Club” which was This outdoor leadership camp designed to show parents how housed a total of 80 cadets from parents need to get involved schools in Texas and Louisiwith their child’s education ana. The purpose of the school and how to help children suc- was to focus on developing ceed in school. Finally, par- leadership qualities for each ents gathered at the “Author individual. The key areas of Talk” station to hear an author instruction included physical describe how she wrote and fitness, room and personal inpublished a book. The event spection, orienteering, archery, was enjoyed by parents and mark manship, canoeing, surparticipants alike. vival and shelter building, and Membership Drive low hoops course. The trip was for the Council on the enjoyed by area Cadets Francis, Aging has begun. Without Allen Hamilton, and Kelson. restrictions membership is M a c h i ne P i t c h open to parish residents who State Tournament was has reached the age of majority. held in Zachary with the winner There is no fee for membership, being declared as Parker Hales. and all who are interested in He was named Most Valuable the problems and concerns of Player at the Cal Ripken 7& 8 the elderly are invited to mem- year old contest. Parker is the bership son of Cynthia Hales. CongratT-Bone Originals, ulations, Parker. the art club that declares the Happy Birthday to Trevis spirit of Louisiana, announces a Williams, Aaron “Bo” Carter, call for artists, however young. Stephanie Bolden and Janice The call is for original work of Randolph Landon. art submissions from La. artists Betl a ted H a p p y that show the world how our See marge, on page 3 state has the spirit and lively
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Thursday, October 29, 2009 • The Weekly Press • Page 3
Seventy-Five Diamond Jubilee Anniversary of Zeta Phi Beta, Sorority, Inc. girls between the ages of four and eight. The male groups are Gems (2001) boys between the ages of four and nine and Gents boys between the ages of ten and seventeen. The chapter also sponsors The Male network (2002) a group
By Kesha Burton BATON ROUGE - Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, inc., Mu Zeta Chapter honored its affiliates at a seventy-five Diamond Jubilee Anniversary Fellowship. As the chapter continues reflecting, remembering and rebuilding it saluted the groups it sponsors in its program of service to the community. A power point presentation chronicled the chartering dates and decades of activities fro the various groups. The graduate chapter sponsored two undergraduate chapter, Beta Alpha at Southern University and Rho Epsilon at Louisiana State University. The Baton Rouge Amicae (friends of Zeta) was charted in 1953. Mu Zeta sponsors three youths groups Archonettes (1983) girls between the ages of thirteen and seventeen, Amicettes (1985) girls between the ages o nine to twelve and Pearlettes,
Pictured from left to right the front row are Dr. Barbara W. Carpenter, past international resident. Julia Carnes chapter president, Bernestine B. McGee, chairwoman, Devynn Porter, president of Rho Epsilon, Deon’ Shay Collins of Beta Alpha, Gladys Seals, Amicae president, Constance Carroll immediate past chapter president, and John McGee first president of the Male network. Back row from left to right are Kristian Gordon of the Archonettes and Gabriel Gordon a member of the Gems.
Marge from page 2
Williams from page 1
Birthday to Mrs. Ada Dixon, Rosa M. Tompkins, and Porshia Dixon. With Love & Sympathy to the Horton family of Pointe Coupee parish and the Goodman family of Avoyelles parish. Thanks to the SU planners of Homecoming ‘09. The weather was great, too! Congrats to LSU for three wins in a row! Have a super, blessed weekend. My kind of weather is upon us-cool & crisp, beauty all around!!!
in 2009, the Australian Open and Wimbledon. Last month, she won her 10th Grand Slam doubles championship, capturing the 2009 US Open title with her sister Venus Williams. Williams, a two-time Olympic Gold medalist in doubles, recently released a new book “On The Line”. Britton, a native of Brandon, Miss., is considered one of the bright young stars on the American tennis scene. Earlier this year at age 18, Britton became the first freshman since 1996 and the youngest player ever to win the NCAA men’s singles title. The former Ole Miss star was the first player in school history to win the NCAA men’s singles championship. Britton turned pro in July 2009.
Love,
Marge
of men who play significant roles in the lives of the members. Each group was represented by present or past members. Bernestine B. McGee served as chairwoman of the event. Co-chairs were Laura Laynes and Emily Singleton, and Julia S. Carnes served as chapter President.
Trick-or-Treating Hours Adjusted for Oct. 31
Captained by King and John, the Smash Hits players will form two teams and play the World TeamTennis format. John will also participate in a celebrity doubles match to open the event. Haas and Roddick are expected to face off in the evening’s men’s singles showdown. Special VIP ticket packages are also available through the Pennington Family Foundation for $1,000. These tickets include exclusive VIP court side seating and admission to the Smash Hits VIP Reception and Auction which will be attended by John, King and all players. Auction items are expected to include a tennis lesson with Roddick, John’s piano bench and King’s personal Centre
Court Wimbledon tickets. For more information on the VIP Reception, contact Paige Sharber at 225-928-8346. Smash Hits has raised more than $9 million for the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) and various local AIDS charities since 1993. This year’s event, presented by the Irene W. and C.B. Pennington Foundation and hosted by the Baton Rouge Area Foundation, will benefit EJAF and AIDS charities serving the Greater Baton Rouge area. For more information on Advanta WTT Smash Hits, visit www.WTT.com/SmashHits. Please contact Rosie Crews, WTT 817.684.0366 (rcrews@wtt.com) or Chris Constable, EJAF 646.443.2063 (cconstable@lwpco.com).
Official Trick-or-Treating hours for East Baton Rouge Parish have been moved up an hour from their usual time and will now be from 5:00pm to 7:00pm on Saturday night, October 31st. Mayor-President Melvin “Kip” Holden adjusted the time at the recommendation of Chief of Police Jeff LeDuff and the Louisiana Capital Area Safety Council in light of the LSU-Tulane home game that evening. Chief LeDuff is urging all motorists to be especially mindful of pedestrians during these hours, and to stay off of residential streets if at all possible. Motorists heading to the LSU-Tulane football game are asked to be extremely cautious and observant while driving through residential areas. Parents are also advised to avoid walking along major thoroughfares along the LSU football traffic routes if possible. Police officers are being directed to concentrate heavily on local neighborhoods throughout the city to insure the safety of
children and adults alike. The department also strongly encourages parents to take advantage of the many organized, supervised Halloween events that are taking place in all areas of the city. Additionally, the Baton Rouge Police Department is offering the following safety tips to parents whose youngsters will be out trick?or?treating: • Never allow children to trick-or-treat without adult supervision. • Always stay in groups. • Use sidewalks and stay out of the street whenever possible. • Wear reflective clothing or bright costumes. • Trick-or-treat only in familiar neighborhoods. • Do not allow children to eat any candy or treats until thoroughly checked by an adult. • Call police if any suspicious activity occurs, or if candy is suspected to be tainted. • Residents are urged to hand out only manufactured, sealed candy.
Givens from page 2 their voices” Williams said. “With all the new developments in the film industry in Louisiana, it’s a great time to share that momen-
tum with young people.” For more information, please contact Publicist Valentina Wilson at (225) 253-2438.
att.com
At AT&T, diversity and inclusion will always be top priorities. That’s why we’re proud to support the Louisiana NAACP and its outstanding work advocating for equality. © 2009 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&T and the AT&T logo are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property.
Page 4 • The
Weekly Press • Thursday, October 29, 2009
2009-2010 SU FOOTBALL SCHEDULE 09/05/09 SU at Louisiana-Lafayette Lafayette, LA 6:00 p.m. CT
10/22/09 SU vs. Prairie View A&M Baton Rouge, LA 6:30 p.m. CT
09/12/09 SU vs. Central State (Ohio) Baton Rouge, LA 6:00 p.m. CT
10/31/09 SU at Arkansas-Pine Bluff Pine Bluff, AR 2:30 p.m. CT
09/19/09 SU at Tennessee State Baton Rouge, LA 6:00 p.m. CT
11/14/09 SU vs. Alabama State Mobile, AL 2:30 p.m. CT
09/26/09 SU vs. Alcorn State Baton Rouge, LA 6:00 p.m. CT
11/28/09 Bayou Classic SU vs. Grambling State New Orleans, LA 1:00 p.m. CT
10/03/09 SU at Jackson State Jackson, MS 6:00 p.m. CT
12/05/09 SU at Texas Southern Houston, TX 1:00 p.m. CT
10/17/09 SU vs. Fort Valley St Baton Rouge, LA (HC) 5:30 p.m. CT
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Thursday, October 29, 2009 • The Weekly Press • Page 5
Bayou Classic Tickets - Southern vs Grambling State Football McDonald’s Battle of the Bands Tickets The yearly matchup between Louisiana rivals Grambling and Southern in November is much more than just a football game -- it is an event that draws thousands of college students and other fans to New Orleans to hang out, party and show their school spirit. Over the last several years, this black college football game has been a compelling offensive juggernaut, with both teams trading touchdowns like demented stockbrokers unloading bonds. However, this is a game in which the records of the teams coming in are pretty much irrelevant, as the rivalry is so strong that crazy upsets often happen.
The Bayou Classic has arguably the best halftime show in football; both schools feature outstanding bands that march, strut and play in a ridiculously funky fashion. Many folks consider the halftime band matchup the highlight of the game. In addition to Saturday’s game, a Friday night Battle of the Bands is the time for the bands to shine, and the accompanying Greek show features skits and singing from traditionally black Greek organizations across
AnconA’s
Louisiana. Also on Friday, a Super Job Fair at the French Market Exhibition Hall in the Hyatt Regency is what it claims to be, a job fair filled with a variety of employers seeking to connect with the student bodies of Grambling and Southern. Participants are encouraged to bring several upto-date resumes and to be sure to dress for success. Unquestionably the most colorful manifestation in the annals of Black College Football, the
annual gridiron clash between Louisiana rivals Southern and Grambling State, affectionately known to the world as the State Farm Bayou Classic, has become one of the most anticipated events in the nation. This event is an exhibition of the high standards of academic achievement deeply embedded in the traditions of the two institutions. The State Farm Bayou Classic is more than just a football game. It is a unique family fellowship that exists within a football
game, which has become in its colorful and glorified history, the greatest, most distinguishable sporting event in all of Black America. The gridiron match-up between Grambling State University and Southern University, two great Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) rivals, represents the best that collegiate sports have to offer: teamwork, tradition, passion and fierce competition. The first ever Bayou Clas-
sic was played in New Orleans’ Tulane Stadium in 1974. There were 76,753 fans in attendance to witness the birth of a unique and treasured pastime. Grambling defeated SU in that contest, 21-0. Southern leads the series 18-17, and Southern University posted an eight-game winning streak that ended in 2001 (the longest in the Bayou Classic Series). With the game’s expansion over the years from Tulane Stadium to the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, LA, the State Farm Bayou Classic, including over 200,000 fans who descend upon the city to take part in the festivities, pumps more than $30 million into the New Orleans economy, annually. From the excitement of a sensational football competition, crowd favorite Battle of the Bands, to the gospel brunch, the event seeks to serve each and every one of its patrons, while assisting future See Football, on page 8
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Commentary Thursday, October 29, 2009 • The Weekly Press • Page 6
The Way I See It
Just Let It Fade Away over America, I just cannot see or understand his obThere are those jection. people that will comThen yes I do. plain just for the sake I know exactly of complaining. There where he is coming is nothing truer than from, I was surprised the unfounded deto read comments from bate pertaining to the people right here and Noble Peace Awarded around Baton Rouge to the utmost honorable that had negative William President of the United things to say about the Jones States, Barack Obama. award. I am just warnIf this man has not proing you. I am not a bit jected a solidified effort surprised. to bring about peace in the world, Look there is the one perthen there is no means ever for son that responded by saying that peace. his traveling around the world Even the senator that ran in an effort to bring about peace against him for President con- through positive communication gratuded him for such an honor. is projecting weakness on the part Now, for this guy, slow lumber of the United States. head, that is spewing poison all That is the way I see It By William Jones
Child Watch
Can Children Get Congress to Protect Their Health? By Marian Wright Edelman (NNPA) - In 1931, Grace Abbott, the Chief of the U.S. Children’s Bureau, gave a speech about her long and frustrating workdays in our nation’s capital trying to advocate for children’s needs. She said she felt all alone standing with her baby carriage on the sidewalk watching a great traffic jam moving toward the Capitol where Congress sits. She saw all kinds of vehicles including the tanks and trucks the Army put into the street; “the handsome limousines in which the Department of Commerce rides…the barouches in which the Department of State rides with such dignity…[and] the noisy patrols in which the Department of Justice officials sometimes appear.” And so she stood on the sidewalk watching, “because the responsibility is mine and I must, I take a very firm hold on the handles of the baby carriage and I wheel it into the traffic.” And so must we parents and grandparents and child care providers and educators grab the handles of our baby strollers and the hand of our children and walk into the traffic headed for Congress. We must make them hear and respond to the urgent, but still too ignored, needs of our 8.1 million uninsured children. We must break through the political den of powerful special interests like the insurance and drug companies with their fleet of well paid lobbyists. On Wednesday, November 4th, the Children’s Defense Fund is organizing a Champions for Children’s Health Stroller Brigade in the nation’s Capitol to send an urgent and clear message to our political leaders that real health reform for children must be enacted this year. Children’s unmet health needs have been lost in the debate’s “big” issues. Unless we act now, millions of children could be worse, rather than better off, as a result of pending health reform legislation. D.C.’s stroller brigade will extend to Congressional districts across the country on November 6th through 8th where concerned parents, grandparents, faith, and community leaders will tell members of Congress back home to stand up and invest in an affordable, accessible, and comprehensive child health system. So far, stroller brigades are being planned for Arkansas, California, Florida, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, and Texas. It is morally and economically indefensible for millions of American children to be denied critically needed health reform in the richest nation on earth claiming it lacks the money to protect its children.
We need to end the bureaucratic barriers that keep two out of three of the more than eight million uninsured chilMarian Wright d re n w h o are already Edelman eligible for either CHIP or Medicaid from actually getting the care they need. A simple, seamless enrollment process like older Americans have for Medicare would ensure our children are cared for and covered. We need to guarantee every child access to the full range of preventive and other health care services they need and that we now provide to all children in Medicaid but not to all children in CHIP or in the proposed Exchange. A child covered by CHIP has the same value as a child covered by Medicaid and all deserve comprehensive care regardless of the program they are in. And we need to provide an affordable national health safety net for children whose families make up to 300 percent of the Federal Poverty Level ($66,000 for a family of four) and eliminate the unjust lottery of geography. Whether a child’s family can afford coverage should not depend on where they live. New York covers children up to 400 percent; North Dakota only to 160 percent; and Massachusetts and twenty-one other states, plus the District of Columbia are already at 300 percent. A child in North Dakota is no less valuable than a child in New York or Massachusetts. The lives and health of millions of children depend on health reform this year. They will not get what they need unless you speak up and demand it. Children have no other voice but yours. Lift it high and loud. Grab your strollers, your scooter, or your walking shoes, and join our children’s brigades on November 4th in Washington, D.C. and in other states across the country November 6-8th. In America, every child should have the health care they need – now. They have only one childhood. Together we can make it happen. To learn how to join a stroller brigade, create your own, or take action in other ways with simple steps, visit www.childrensdefense.org/strollerbrigade. 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 Start, a Safe Start and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities.
It’s Time to Press Forward on the Public Option By George E. Curry NNPA Columnist This is a defining week for Democrats who must decide whether to press for the public option in health care and risk losing the support of a lonely Republican senator or press for the measure to avoid offending an increasingly vocal segment of its base. The Senate is expected to come up with a bill this week, after much wrangling, and send it to the Congressional Budget Office for an official pricing. After being declared dead in the Senate, the public option – a government plan to compete with insurance companies to lower prices – saw a strong revival on the heels of public opinion polls showing more than half of all Americans favor such a plan. In order to win over some reluctant Democrats, states will be allowed to opt-out of the program. “My guess is that the public option level playing field with the state opt-out will be in the bill,” Senator Charles Schumer of New York said on “Meet the Press.” The progressive wing of the Democratic Party has grown increasingly irritated by the mixed signals emanating from the White House. On the campaign trail, Barack Obama advocated health reform that includes the public option, saying that’s the only way to drive down escalating insurance premiums.
After assum(D-Wis.) said on “Face ing office, President the Nation.” Obama has alternately Public opinion expressed support polls support Feingold’s for the public option view. A Kaiser Family and dismissing it as a Foundation poll found “sliver” of the overall in October that 57 perplan to reform the $2.5 cent of Americans favor trillion annual health creation of a “governGeorge care system. ment-administered E. Curry Savaged by public health insurance misleading TV comoption.” mercials sponsored by conservaA poll by the Washington tive groups, progressives finally Post and ABC News produced started fighting back, proving similar findings. Respondents that so-called death panels were were asked: “Would you support never proposed and pointing or oppose having the government out that the United States is the create a new health insurance only country in the industrialized plan to compete with private world without a national health health insurance plans?” plan. The U.S. spends more per Overall, 57 percent precapita on health care than any ferred the government action. other nation, but ranks 37th in As expected, the support was overall health, according to the higher among Democrats – 77 World Health Organization. percent – and lower among The best way to make health Republicans at 26 percent. A care insurance more affordable majority of independents – 57 is to offer a program similar to percent – expressed support for Medicare that would compete the government option. directly with health insurance With clear public support companies. behind the public option, why But the Republican lead- are Democrats acting like such ership in Congress, members wimps? who regularly extol the virtues In Obama’s case, he still of market-driven competition, holds out hope that he can garner do not want to see the kind of bipartisan support for health care competition offered by a public and other programs. In fact, he option. Evidently, they are in a has placed an inordinate amount minority. of attention on winning the vote “The American people are of Maine Sen. Olympia Snowe, for some alternative that will the only Republican who seems create some competition for willing to consider supporting the abuses of the insurance in- the administration’s health care dustry,” Senator Russ Feingold bill.
Snowe objects to the public option, preferring to establish a triggering mechanism that will go into effect if the insurance companies fail to meet certain targets. With Snowe’s vote, Democrats will have the 60 votes needed in the senate to overcome an expected GOP filibuster. But Obama should not be willing to throw his core supporters overboard just to win Snowe’s vote and falsely claim that he has obtained some kind of bipartisan victory. The reality is that bipartisan, by definition, requires the cooperation of the other side. But Republican leaders have made a political calculation that the best way to regain power is to obstruct everything the administration proposes. The GOP has become the “party of no.” No to legislation stabilizing Wall Street. No to a stimulus plan. No to true health care reform. No, no, no. There are signs that Republicans are paying a price for strident opposition. A recent Washington Post/ ABC News poll found that only 19 percent of those questioned expressed confidence in Republicans’ ability to make the right decisions for America’s future; 79 percent lacked such confidence. The poll contained additional bad news for the GOP. Only 20 percent of voters consider themselves Republicans, the lowest figure since the Washington See press, on page 8
Black Turnout Looking Mild for November Elections By Ron Walters From all that I can tell, Barack Obama isn’t running in the fall and that fact is likely to have a decisive impact on the elections for governor in both Virginia and New Jersey and the House of Representatives. Blacks are 15 percent of the population in New Jersey and 20 percent in Virginia, so their vote could make a difference in these close races. Nevertheless, the Obama factor is critical because the 95 percent level at which Blacks voted for him last year is the highest in American history brought the turnout numbers close to their representation in the population. Yet, the emotional drama, laden with hope and the possibility of real change with which most blacks went to the polls was an historical event that is unlikely to be replicated in the next general election, not to speak of the off-year elections coming up. Generally, the Black vote can be 30-50 percent in an off-year election of what it was in the presidential election and that is the danger.
The posture of television ads for Rethe black vote is espublican McDonnell, pecially critical in attempting to split Virginia where Creigh the black vote. Even Deeds, the Democratic if Deeds were to win candidate has not run Wilder over, it una particularly effeclikely that his influence tively election and is would have much efnot as charismatic as fect with the election his conservative chalso close. Ron lenger, Republican In the most recent Walters Robert McDonnell. Public Policy poll, alPresident Obama though blacks say they has campaigned in Virginia support Creigh Deeds (68-20) for Deeds, but the White House when asked whether they are was recently peeved because “excited” about the race, the Deeds has not labeled himself percent of blacks responding an “Obama Democrat” in a state shows: “Very excited” -- 41 perwhere Obama won an historic cent, “Somewhat” – 31 percent victory last year. With Deeds and “Not very” – 26 percent. lagging, at this writing, by an So, Creigh Deeds has not lit a average of 12 percent in recent fire in the Black community polls, he badly needs a strong which would be necessary for black turnout. a big turnout with most Blacks Deeds, however, describes not very excited by or about his himself as a “Creigh Deeds campaign. Democrat” and has failed to A somewhat similar picture lock up at least two prominent presents itself in New Jersey with black heavy-weights in the State, the incumbent Governor John former Governor Doug Wilder Corzine running for re-election. and Sheila Johnson, wealthy wife Corzine is running neck-andof Bob Johnson of BET fame. neck with Republican challenger Sheila Johnson has made Chris Christie, just behind her in
a recent poll by 2 percent, after running behind by double-digits most of this year. Obama has campaigned strongly for Corzine and if he pulls ahead, it could be said that the Obama factor made a difference. But contrary to Deeds, Corzine is also working the black community hard as Rev. Reginald Jackson leader of the Black Minister’s Council of New Jersey has recently endorsed him. The Black vote could also be a factor in House whether the House holds on to its Democratic majority in States like Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina and Ohio. More than in the South however, Ohio could be a bellweather of Obama’s ability to hold keep his Northern and Mid-western states in the fall elections. In this economically challenged stated, Obama has climbed back up over 50 percent in his favorable rating according to recent polls – something the major media has kept secret. With the Youth turnout See election, on page 8
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, October 29, 2009 • The Weekly Press • Page 7
Religion
We Must Walk in Victory Over the Spirit of Carnality By Donald Lee
Lighthouse Gospel Singers
The History of the Lighthouse Gospel Singers The Lighthouse Gospel Singers began singing as the Wright Brothers in the year of 1948. In 1950, they were reorganized and adopted the name of the Lighthouse Seniors. They have covered many cities and states in such a glorifying way, singing praises through song, both near and far. Through the years, the Lighthouse Seniors have song with many of the most well known artists as well as benefit programs, anniversaries, banquets, appreciations, festivals and wherever the word of God is needed. Three members of the group are now preaching God’s word: Rev. Perry Wrights and Rev. Sterling Wrights and one asst. pastor Rev. Dwight Coston. Former members are: Helen Wright Dantzler, John Jackson, Earl Wright and John Johnson. Members that have gone home to be with the Lord
are: William Jackson, Rev. Samuel Spears, Jerry Jackson, Willie Jackson Willie Miles, John Robertson and most recently Mr. Earl Johnson who had sung with the group for 44 consistent years. Current members are: Rev. Perry Wrights, Rev. Sterling Wrights, Levie Wrights, Roosevelt Hafford, Donald Ray Johnson, Linwood Wrights, David Wrights, Lamar Coleman, Frank Wright, Leonard Hafford, Sam Milligan, Rev. Dwight Coston and honorary member Richard Kirk. After a monumental 60 years of singing God’s praises, The Lighthouse Singers show no signs of slowing down by the mercy of God. They have been and remain pioneers in a gospel music as they are one of the few groups that have never dissolved since their origin. Their signature song, “I’ll Rise Again” remains to be requested at ever appearance.
Michelle Dawson, minister of music at Adriel Christian Ministries in Baton Rouge, La., recently shared these nuggets regarding relationships and living a life centered on holiness. Here’s a little something Dawson shared that everyone should be able to glean from: What the Holy Spirit has taught me is that carnality is a big problem in the Christian Church today. It is one of the biggest motives for sin today and definitely a significant tool used to destroy marriages. Carnality is self-serving – a spirit of satan.. satan became carnal and full of self pride when he decided that he no longer wanted to serve God, but wanted to use the talents, gifts and other abilities that God had given him for his own purpose and for his own power (Isaiah 14:12-15). He inflicted that same spirit upon mankind when he caused Adam and Eve to sin in the Garden of Eden.. The Bible says that after satan tempted Eve, she saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise (power) – she ate the fruit and gave to her husband (Genesis 3:6). And hence was
born the lust of the flesh. If you think about every kind of sin - pride, self-centeredness or anything self-serving Donald is the basis Lee of it. When a person remains unsaved and carnal, he is of his father – the devil – and the works of his father he will do, as the Scripture says (John 8:44). But, we who are saved are to walk in the (Holy) Spirit, after our Father, so that we will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh (Galatians 5:16). Carnality, a spirit of satan, has been brought into the Church and is a big problem for many Christians. There is a desire to serve God, but according to our own will and way. We want to satisfy our flesh, and not only through fornication or adultery, but through any motive that is self-serving. Then we ask God to bless it. When we do this, we have not submitted fully to God, but are actually still serving satan. And no man can have two masters (Matthew 6:24). This is not how God created us to be. We
were distorted by satan and Jesus has given His life for us and works diligently now by His Holy Spirit to make us back the way we were in the beginning before sin. In the beginning, we were content to obey God and do His work. If you think about it, there was no desire to pursue our own wills. Even when God blessed Adam and Eve and told them to be fruitful and multiply, starting a family was designed for their enjoyment and fellowship, but for His glory – not self-centered or self-serving. And that is what fornication and adultery is. So, when a Christian brings a carnal mind into a marriage it will definitely affect the marriage negatively in countless ways in addition to fornication or adultery. Once this snare is removed, there will be stronger relationships and a stronger, more powerful and more effective body of believers all around. Romans 12:2 says, And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Dawson also shared nuggets regarding the mind renewal process as it relates to newly converted Christians:
Regeneration, or rebirth, is the first step of the salvation process and the awakening actually occurs within this step. After the awakening happens, the Holy Spirit can detect within our hearts whether we are serious about our desire for Him in our lives. When we invite Him in, it is at this point that He comes into our hearts and we become regenerated or born again. Once we are regenerated – washed by the blood of Jesus - and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, we become a new creature and the repentance process begins, which is the shedding of the old man. The Holy Spirit convicts us by showing us our wrong habits and actions (sin) and by His power and our submission and yielding to Him, we turn away from them.. We turn away from that lifestyle and begin walking in a new direction. All of us Christians, whether single or married, should take something from this week’s column that will help us to walk in victory over the spirit of carnality. The Rev. Donald Lee can be reached for prayer or comment at (225) 773-2248 or pastordonjlee@yahoo.com.
Community Mourn the Loss of Three its Members Rev. Robert B. Holden, Associate Minister of the Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church funeral arrangements are incomplete at the time of publication.
Robert L. Johnson who passed on Monday October 26, 2009 and his funeral arrangement are incomplete at the time of publication.
Rev. Frank Green, Pastor of True Vine Baptist Church past recently and funeral were held at his church. The Baton Rouge Weekly
Press and New Birth Ministries wish to send conciliates out to the Green Family, Johnson Family, and the Holden Family.
Visit Us Online @ www.theweeklypress.com
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
Jesus Name Apostolic Temple, Inc. 2548 Weller Avenue Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70805 Telephone: (225) 356-1160 Communion 1st Sunday......................... 1:00 p.m. Sunday School.................. 9:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Bible Class Tuesday................................7:30 p.m. Mission Night Thursday ..........................7:30 p.m. Deliverance Night Friday ........................7:30 p.m. Bishop Jimmie & Rose Lee Wade
Heritage Search Ministry Pentecostal Church
4313 Airline Highway (located in the Metro-Aire Shopping Ctr) Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70807 • Phone: (225) 355-1045 Mackie C. Allen, Pastor Paul Hammock, Apostle and Overseer Order of Service Sunday School...................9:00 a.m. Sunday Worship................11:00 a.m. Monday-Prayer...................7:00 p.m. Wednesday-Praise and Worship.............7:30 p.m. Friday-Bible Study......7:30 p.m. “Where your inheritance is amongst the Saints”
Let the Community Know Whats Happing at Your Place of Worship Email your church event or religious organization news to The Weekly Press @
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 Worsh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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
NEW HOPE BAPTIST CHURCH 5856 Greenwell Springs Road • Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70806
Telephone: (225) 926-0246 • Facsimile: (225) 927-8500 • Toll Free # Sunday Morning Worship - 10:45 AM Sunday School - 9:30 AM 1-888-700-6174 Lord’s ESupper -3rd Sundays Prayer Service - Wed. @ 6:00 PM Mail Address # nhbc@nhbc.brcoxmail.com - Wed- @ 7:00 PM Pastor Bible Leo Study D. Cyrus Sr., Pastor
Schedule Mission Statement: NewChurch Hope Baptist Church is a family of baptized believers who worship the Lord our God in spirit and in truth, teachSchool the saved Sunday Morning Worship - 10:45 AM Sunday - 9:30to AMreach the lost and minister to the needs of others, while encouraging one another through s Supper -3rd Sundays Prayer Service - Wed. @ 6:00 PM acts ofLord’ love and living in obedience to Gods Word 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
Page 8 • The
Weekly Press • Thursday, October 29, 2009
business
Couple from page 1
Pelosi: New Health Care Bill is ‘Historic Moment’ The 7th Annual Gala on the Bluff was a Huge Success By Toni Jackson BATON ROUGE - What a success! The 7th Annual College of Business Gala on the Bluff Scholarship Fundraiser has received rave reviews. On Friday, October 16, 2009 - Homecoming Friday - Southern University supporters packed the Sheraton Atrium and came ready to party for a purpose! On behalf of the Southern University College of Business family, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank to you for the commitment of our sponsors and supporters for making this event so successful. It was the vision of our Host committee to inform, entertain, and provide a networking forum for our supporters to engage in and share in our #1 commitment-our students, said Dr. Donald Andrews. We would like to thank all of our supporters especially Agnes Andrews AllState Insurance Agency, Walgreens, FMOL Health System, Inc., Johnson and Johnson, The Advocate, and Willie L. Anderson-Select Agent, State Farm Insurance and Financial Services, for their generous contribution helped make our vision a reality by helping us provide over $20,000 in scholarships to deserving business students. As we continue to grow, please know that partnerships and sponsors are vital to the success of our students. To all who supported the 7th Annual Gala on the Bluff Scholarship Fundraiser, you
Boeing Company Makes $35,000 Donation to SU The Boeing Company made a donation of $35,000 to Southern University on Wednesday to be used by several academic programs on the Baton Rouge campus. Darrell Warner, of Boeing, presented the donation, a series of three checks, to SU Chancellor Dr. Kofi Lomotey in a short ceremony. “The Boeing Company is proud of its tradition of giving in support of Southern University… In an era of financial challenges and declining budget Boeing has maintained its funding to Southern University which I believe demonstrates Boeing’s commitment to Southern and its mission,” Warner said, who is also a Southern graduate. “We are grateful for the donation from the Boeing Company and for their support of Southern University,” Lomotey said. “We hope to continue to build our relationship with this great company.”
WASHINGTON – After months of struggle, House Democrats unveiled sweeping legislation Thursday to extend health care coverage to millions who lack it and create a new option of government-run insurance. A vote is likely next week on the plan patterned closely on President Barack Obama’s own. Speaking on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Congress was “on the cusp of delivering on the promise of making affordable, quality health insurance available to every American — and laying the foundation for a brighter future for generations to come.” Officials said the measure, once fully phased in over several years, would extend coverage to 96 percent of Americans. Its principal mechanism is creation of a new government-regulated insurance “exchange” where private companies could sell policies in competition with the government. Federal subsidies would be available to millions of lower-income individuals and families to help them afford the policies. The ceremony marked a pivotal moment in Democrats’ yearlong attempt to answer Obama’s call for legislation to remake the nation’s health care system by extending insurance, ending industry practices such as denying coverage on the basis of pre-existing medical conditions, and slowing the growth of medical spending nationwide. Democrats issued a statement saying their measure “lowers costs for every patient”
President Barack Obama, accompanied by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of Calif., waves as he leaves the Rotunda on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009, following a ceremony where former Massachusetts Sen. Edward Brooke received the Congressional Gold Medal.
and would not add to federal deficits. They put the cost of coverage at under $900 billion over 10 years, a total that evidently didn’t include additional spending. Pelosi was flanked by rank-and-file Democrats as she made her remarks. Across the Capitol, Senate Democrats, too, are hoping to pass legislation by year’s end. Legislation outlined by Majority Leader Harry Reid earlier this week would include an option for a government-run plan, although states could drop out if they wished, a provision not in the House measure. With Republicans expected to oppose the measure unanimously, Pelosi and her lieutenants worked for weeks to resolve differences within the Democratic rank and file.
The toughest of them covered the terms under which the government insurance option would function. Liberals generally wanted the government to dictate the rates to be paid to doctors, hospitals and other health care providers, with the fee levels linked to Medicare. Moderates, fearing the impact on their local hospitals, held out for negotiated rates between the government and private insurers — and won. Not all liberals were ready to sign on. Rep. Lynn Woolsey, D-Calif., a co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, was noncommittal about whether progressives would accept the negotiated rates. “This is not walkaway time and it is not acceptance time,” she said.
Arthritis Association Gala to Honor Bobby Yarborough The Arthritis Association of Louisiana (AAOLA) will hold its 11th Annual Tribute to Excellence Gala on Thursday, Nov. 5, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Baton Rouge. Baton Rouge businessman and admired philanthropist Bobby Yarborough, CEO of Manda Fine Meats, will be presented with the organization’s annual Tribute to Excellence Award for his longtime support for local charitable causes. Yarborough, who was named the 2009 Businessperson of the Year by the Baton Rouge Business Report, is credited for building his company’s reputation for corporate giving. Personally, he has served as chair of the Greater Baton Rouge Boys and Girls Club and the Academic Distinction Fund and is a member of the Capital Area YMCA and Family Road. Presented each year at the Tribute to Excellence Gala, the Tribute to Excellence Award honors individuals who devote time and effort to improving the quality of life for fellow Louisianians through their commitment and dedication to nonprofit organizations and
those they serve. Past honorees have demonstrated their commitment to the Baton Rouge community through service and philanthropy. The only exception to this tradition over the years was the 2006 Tribute to Excellence Award, which was presented to “Katrina hero” Patrick Pearman, a Kenner man who sent his family to safety ahead of Hurricane Katrina’s arrival and stayed behind to help rescue, feed and shelter hurricane victims at his own expense. Other past honorees include Baton Rouge MayorPresident Kip Holden; businessman and philanthropist Price LeBlanc and his family; J.H. “Jay” Campbell Jr., CEO of Associated Grocers; Richard Lipsey of Lipsey’s, Inc.; Gary Sligar, CEO of Baton Rouge Coca-Cola Bottling Co.; Gary Mockler, Chairman of Mockler Beverage Co.; LSU Athletic Director Skip Bertman; and Gerry Lane of Gerry Lane Enterprises. This year, the AAOLA also will present WRKF medical reporter Susan Hidalgo-Smith with the 2009 Laurie Smith Anderson Award for Excellence
in Healthcare Reporting for her commitment to accuracy, awareness and relevance in healthcare reporting. The award was renamed in 2007 in memory of its first recipient, Baton Rouge Advocate health reporter Anderson, who died of cancer in May of that year. In addition to the awards, the Tribute to Excellence Gala will feature a brief program on the impact of arthritis in Louisiana and a live and silent auction to help raise funds for the AAOLA. The gala, which includes a sit-down dinner, will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 4728 Constitution Ave. in Baton Rouge. The evening begins with cocktails and auction viewing at 6 p.m. Business attire is suggested. Call the AAOLA office at (225) 761-8230 for ticket information. The AAOLA is the only local nonprofit organization dedicated to improving lives through continuing community service, education and support of research for arthritis and related diseases. For more information, call the office at (225) 761-8230 or visit www.aaola.org.
Bardwell, a justice of the peace for Tangipahoa Parish’s 8th Ward for the past 34 years, is scheduled to hold the office until 2014. He denied the charges of bigotry. “I’m not a racist. I just don’t believe in mixing the races that way,” Bardwell continued. “I have piles and piles of Black friends. They come to my home, I marry them, they use my bathroom, I treat them just like everyone else.” U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu (DLa.) said Bardwell’s practices and comments were deeply disturbing. “Not only does his decision directly contradict Supreme Court rulings, it is an example of the ugly bigotry that divided our country for too long,” Landrieu said. According to The New York Times, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal has joined civil rights groups and others in calling for Bardwell’s resignation. Tangipahoa Parish President Gordon Burgess said in a statement that Bardwell’s views were not consistent with his or those of the local government. But as an elected official, Bardwell was not under the supervision of the parish government, reported the AP. “However, I am certainly very disappointed that anyone representing the people of Tangipahoa Parish, particularly an elected official, would take such a divisive stand,” Burgess said in an e-mail. “I would hope that Mr. Bardwell would consider offering his resignation if he is unable to serve all of the people of his district and our parish.” Although the couple is distraught by Bardwell’s decision, they said they realize that his views are not shared by most of the community. “He’s not representing all the people that he is supposed to be
representing,” Humphrey told CNN. “He’s only representing the people with his same opinions.” Humphrey and McKay were later married by another justice of the peace in the same parish. Humphrey said she believes the incident occurred for a reason. “I just think that God puts you in the right positions at the right time in order to stand up to people who choose to live their lives with hate,” she said. According to CNN, Bardwell told a local Louisiana newspaper that in his experience, most interracial marriages don’t last. He said he always asks if a couple is interracial and, if they are, refers them to another justice of the peace. Bardwell said no one had complained in the past. But the McKays could not take this lying down, Catlett said. “Knowing them as I do now, they find that this is very wrong and they want it to be brought to light so it doesn’t happen to other couples,” she said. The number of interracial marriages has skyrocketed nationwide, nearly quadrupling between 1970 and 2005, the most recent year for which there is U.S. Census data. As of 2005, nearly 8.5 million Americans are living in “mixed marriages,” according to CNN. According to the AP, a spokeswoman for the Louisiana Judiciary Commission said investigations of the incident are confidential for now. However, if the commission recommends action to the Louisiana Supreme Court, that information would become public. Catlett said she expects a number of stalling tactics but believes justice will be served to the unjust official. “Chances are very good he will be found to have discriminated against [the McKays].”
Football from page 5 graduates of higher education in locating postgraduate work via the State Farm Bayou Classic Super Job Fair. State Farm enters its twelth
year as title sponsor of the Classic, which only serves to reiterate the pleasure, pride and continued growth of Black College Football’s most legendary event.
Press from page 6 Post started collecting such data in 1983. This week is a major test for the Obama administration. If Obama and Congressional Democrats can pass health care legislation containing the public option that will indeed be change we can believe in. On the other hand, if Democrats fail, they will be, in the words of James Brown, talking
loud and saying nothing. George E. Curry, former editor-in-chief of Emerge magazine and the NNPA News Service, is a keynote speaker, moderator, and media coach. He can be reached through his Web site, www.georgecurry.com You can also follow him at twitter.com/ currygeorge.
Election from page 6 also expected to drop in the fall elections, the Democratic Party’s dependence upon black turnout is greater than usual. But here is the rub: blacks are suffering from the fall-out of the economy at a disproportionate rate than the rest of the nation and need for the impact of the economic programs that have been put place to work for them. If that doesn’t happen, black voter turnout could be even less than projected.
These elections could be a window into the 2010 re-election race for Barack Obama, for if by then blacks have not benefitted from Obama’ programs, their turnout could fall back to at least the normal level of 85 percent – which means a 10% drop from 2008. That could cost Obama in a close election. So there is much here to learn from in these elections that don’t look like they matter very much.
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represents ‘’more than a tool of murder but a tool of intimidation’’ to generations of African-Americans. Nooses not only robbed some of their lives but many of their 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
Health Ruben Studdard, (SCDAA) Host Be Sickle Smart “Empowerment Day” R&B/Pop Star and American Idol Winner Ruben Studdard and the local Sickle Cell Disease Association of America (SCDAA) chapter, the Baton Rouge Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation, hosted the Be Sickle Smart “Empowerment Day” at Southern University, Thursday, October 22, 2009 in Baton Rouge, LA. The event educates those living with sickle cell disease (SCD) about the risk for a serious and under-recognized condition called iron overload. Ruben performed a new inspirational theme song he wrote for Be Sickle Smart entitled “I Am a Fighter.”
rants. ‘’there wasn’t one person in Sylvia’s who was screaming, ‘M-Fer, i want more iced tea,’’’ he said. 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
Dr. Cheryl Taylor Receives ‘Spirit of Renewal Nursing Excellence Award’
Thursday, October 29, 2009 • The Weekly Press • Page 9
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BATON ROUGE - Dr. Cheryl Taylor, director of the Office of Nursing Research at Southern University Baton Rouge campus’s School of Nursing has been selected to receive the prestigious Daniel J. Pesut Spirit of Renewal Award for Nursing Excellence by the Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) Honor Society of Nursing. Taylor will receive the award during the STTI Biennial Convention in Indianapolis in November. Only one nurse leader is bestowed the prestigious Spirit of Renewal Award by Sigma Theta Tau biennially. The award recognizes a nurse leader who exemplifies purposeful reflection in practice, mindful understanding of human interrelationships, and displays an appreciative, futuristic vision for the practice of nursing. “Dr. Taylor is an inspiration and reminds us through her actions that we must take care of ourselves as well as each other so that we can provide the best care for our patients and the communities we serve,” wrote Dr. Carol J. Huston, STTI President. “It is humbling to be acknowledged by the world of nurses for my creativity and leadership in service, science, and spiritual renewal,” said Taylor. “To God be the glory for my strength, honor and courage. Thanks to my colleagues and future nurses for being the jewels in the crown of quality health care for all.” Taylor is a former American Nurses Association Ethnic Minority Fellow. She has spent the past four decades mentoring nursing students, leading community health initiatives, and creating partnerships across the nation. As a member of the graduate faculty in Southern’s School of Nursing, Taylor teaches research, philosophy of science and health policy.
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Page 10 • The
Weekly Press • Thursday, October 29, 2009
other news
Spelman College Launches $150 Million Campaign ATLANTA, GA — The Campaign for Spelman College is a $150 million fundraising effort that aims to actualize the ambitious goals identified in the institution’s strategic plan for 2015. This is the largest such venture the college has embarked upon in its 128-year history. “If you want to invest in the future of this country, indeed the world, you have to invest in the human capital,” Beverly Daniel Tatum, Ph.D., Spelman College president, said. “Young women who are choosing to be at Spelman are ready and willing to put the determination, and commit-
ment into their education, so they can solve the problems that wait for them when they graduate. Yet they have to be able to graduate.” Among the primary goals of the campaign are to graduate 5,000 incredibly talented young women—many first-generation and economically challenged— over the next decade. To date, the campaign has raised more than $80 million in leadership gifts during the silent phase, putting Spelman that much closer to achieving this fundamental goal. “Spelman College provides a unique educational opportunity for African-American
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Left to right: Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum, president Spelman College; LaTanya Richardson Jackson, actress, producer, director; Tina McElroy Ansa, novelist, publisher, filmmaker, teacher, journalist
women and has a tradition of producing some of the brightest, best-educated graduates in the country,” said Frank Blake, chairman and CEO, The Home Depot. “Ensuring this outstanding institution has the resources, now and into the future, to prepare these young women for the demands of the global community and the everchanging economy is critically important.” The overarching goal of the campaign is to acquire the necessary resources to provide students with a transformational experience based on academic rigor and career development that leads to a life-changing commitment to community involvement and positive so-
cial impact. The primary goals of the campaign are to ensure that each student receives: the financial support she needs to complete her education; more global engagement opportunities; enhanced research experiences and career-related internships; increased access to alumnae connections; individualized leadership development experiences; and expanded service learning and community engagement activities. “The value of a Spelman education is witnessed through people such as Children’s Defense Fund Founder Marian Wright Edelman and marketing powerhouse Jerri DeVard,” said J. Veronica Biggins, Spelman alumna/campaign co-chair
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and managing partner, Hodge Partners, LLC. “Educating a Spelman woman, by funding scholarships and innovative academic programs, means supporting an engaged scholar who will use her knowledge and experiences to change the world in a meaningful way.” The Campaign for Spelman is keenly focused on securing the resources the college needs to continue to inspire and empower young women to do extraordinary things that change the nation, and the world. “Spelman is a national treasure, with a rich and productive history, where our students grow to be responsible leaders in their respective worldwide
communities,” said Yvonne R. Jackson, chair, Spelman College Board of Trustees. “This campaign will shore up the support so many of our students need to finish college; and it will add support to continue strengthening our academic programs to advance Spelman’s mission of empowering women to excel intellectually, think creatively, serve wholeheartedly and lead boldly.” For more information about The Campaign for Spelman College, visit: HYPERLINK “http://www.spelman.edu/ changemeansaction”http:// www.spelman.edu/changemeansaction.