The Baton Rouge Weekly Press 04/24/20

BATON

ROUGE,

LOUISIANA

SERVING BAKER, CENTRAL, AND ZACHARY A PEOPLE’S PUBLICATION

THURSDAY, APRIL 23-29, 2020

AARP, NNPA Join Forces for Riveting Webinar on Saving Black Lives During COVID-19 Pandemic

VOL. 43 • NO.10 • FREE

Baton Rouge Area Leaders A Force For Send Critical Video Messages to African American Community Amid Covid-19 Quarantine

Helping, Healing A Super Chef's Highest Good Unfolding

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia AARP, the nation’s oldest and largest nonprofit dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and over, and the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), the trade association of the Black Press of America, held a briefing to help provide critical information for those most at-risk and impacted by the novel coronavirus.

The 45-minute webinar addressed tools and resources to help the African American community navigate through the pandemic and included a panel of experts in the fields of health, caregiving, financial security, and entrepreneurship.

Lorraine Miller and Chris Brown of Burrell Communications in Chicago coordinated the webinar, which was titled, “AARP – NNPA COVID-19 Black Media Update.”

Jointly hosted by NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., and AARP Vice President of Multicultural Leadership, Shani Hosten, the live program also marked the first appearance by renowned infectious disease expert and Meharry Medical College President Dr. James Hildreth as a member of the NNPA Coronavirus Task Force and Resource Center.

“Data is critical, and we’ve got to have testing, testing, testing,” Dr. Hildreth stated.

“Testing is our best hope to save lives. I’ve been insisting this to the mayor of Nashville, the governor of Tennessee, and anyone who will listen. If we don’t do widespread testing, people are going to die, and that’s the bottom line,” he said.

As of the webinar, more than 609,000 Americans have contracted COVID-19, the deadly disease that’s caused by the coronavirus.

There have been at least 25,603 deaths, and based on incomplete data, African Americans are disproportionately affected and represent the majority who’ve died from the virus.

“This is a particularly critical time for the African American See WEBINAR, on page 2

Gov. John Bel Edwards

Mayor Sharon Weston Broome

Mayor Darnell Waites

Senator Regina Ashford Barrow

State Rep. C. Denise Marcelle

Bishop Charles E. Wallace

Attorney Tiffany L. Foxworth

State Rep. Barbara West Carpenter

Agnes Andrews, Allstate Insurance

BATON ROUGE, La - Ivory D. Payne, publisher of the Baton Rouge Weekly Press, in cooperation with Gov. John Bel Edwards's Get Serious Louisiana campaigan recently initiated an internet video project to reinforce the importance of social distancing and safety as Louisiana

attempts to flatten the curve of COVID 19, save lives and begin our road towards recovery. He approached business, spiritual and governmental leaders and asked that they share a short 30-60 second video that shared tips, encouragement and the seriousness of practicing safety and caution

Councilwoman Chauna Banks

during this global pandemic.

Participants include: LouiSee LEADERS, on page 2

Chef Kevin Roberson

BATON ROUGE, La — When the COVID19 stay at home order was given, I work at an Early Learning Center that has remained open to provide childcare for essential employees in the city. However, we are a non-profit organization and could not receive any unemployment benefits offered by the state.

Part-time employees were told to stay home through during this time; and they would not be paid, as the church had no means to do so. The action caused me to think about how serious of an impact such a decision would have on his helper, who is/was a part-time employee. Chef Kevin

quickly began to ponder; how he could be of help to in offer some assistance to his kitchen helper? He wanted so much to help her to continue to have some income during this unexpected and devastating time period. It was only through Chef Kevin’s powerful spiritual connection that he had the desire to uplift, to bless and to help heal the needs of another person.

Now, he desperately pondered and wanted his helper to have some kind income to help her out throughout this ordeal.

A time of Chef Kevin’s highSee CHEF, on page 3

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MCDONALD’S CELEBRATES THE FRONT-LINE

STATE & LOCAL

RELIGION

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STATE & LOCAL NEWS

Send your news to the news department at the Baton Rouge Weekly Press by emailing it to: brweeklypress@yahoo.com

INDEX State & Local...................... 2 - 3

In appreciation for the healthcare workers, police officers, firefighters and paramedics who are committed to our health and safety, McDonald’s will offer free Thank You Meals*, between Wednesday, April 22 and Tuesday, May 5, as a token of appreciation......See Page 3

ANTIVIRAL DRUG WITH POTENTIAL

GOD IS OUR PRESENT HELP

“KEEP BR SERVING”

BR native Darnisha Harrison, founder and CEO of Ennaid Therapeutics, is advancing the development of an antiviral drug that may potentially fight coronavirus cases, ...See Page 3

It was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who said, "In a real sense, all life is interrelated. All men are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. ...See Page 4

The “Keep BR Serving” Campaign, launched earlier this month by Mayor-President Broome and local business leaders, announced The campaign has reached $100,000 in gift card sales. ....See Page 5

Religion....................................4 Business....................................5 Classifieds.................................5

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Weekly Press • Thursday • April 23-29, 2020 • www.brweeklypress.com

STATE & LOCAL Baton Rouge Native Develops Antiviral READER INFORMATION Drug With Potential To Fight Coronavirus

By Jozef Syndicate

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Baton Rouge native Darnisha Harrison, founder and CEO of Ennaid Therapeutics, is advancing the development of an antiviral drug that may potentially fight coronavirus cases, and which would be more easily administered to those afflicted by the disease.

Harrison’s Georgia-based pharmaceutical company filed a patent for a therapeutic called ENU200 that could treat as much as 80 percent of asymptomatic, mild to moderate COVID-19 infections.

“Our science strongly suggests that ENU200, a repurposed drug with a well-established clinical and safety profile, has the potential to be a broad solution to address the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Harrison in a statement from the company. “Unlike other COVID-19 drugs in development, which must be administered via injection or intravenously under the care of a physician, ENU200 can be administered orally, thus enabling in-home treatment for COVID-19 infections.”

Harris graduated from Baton Rouge Magnet High School and LSU before moving to Georgia.

She began the company researching therapeutics for zika, dengue, chikungunya virus, and hepatitis C viruses. Today, the research team at Ennaid has developed a pipeline of about 10 drugs.

“When no one paid much attention to these viruses, we certainly did,” Harrison said. In 2014, she

These are uncertain times for all of us, and at the BRWeeklyPress Newspaper we take the health, safety and security of our customers, communities, volunteers, advertising partners, and business partners very seriously. We are committed to giving you the news as it develops and as it is reported to us, and our news partners regardless of the circumstance.

I want to personally share the steps we are taking Ivory D. Payne to ensure we continue to deliver on our commitment to provide safe, reliable, and affordable service our customers. We understand that the news we deliver is essential to navigating through the COVID-19 crisis and your everyday lives.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our offices located at 4910 Monticello Blvd., Suite C., Baton Rouge, La, is temporarily closed to the general public. Safety is our first and core value for the BRWeeklyPress Newspaper staff and visitors. Until this crisis is over and has become manageable and we adjust to our “New Normal” we are committed to providing the weekly newspaper via our online digital edition.

The BR Weekly press will be available to our readers, subscribers and advertisers through email marketing and our social media platforms. The BR Weekly press has served the community for over 42 years and have an extensive and active opt in email subscriber data-base that continues to grow daily. If you have not had the opportunity to join the BR Weekly Press E-List to The BR Weekly Press Digital or our weekly e-blasts visit our website at www.brweeklypress.com and register today.

We invite the community to get involved and join us as we continue to serve our community. You can show your support in the following manner: • If you have news, press releases, and photo, please email them to us at brweeklypress@yahoo.com

Darnisha Harrison, founder and CEO of Ennaid Therapeutics

was featured in Newsweek as one of 13 Entrepreneurs to bet on.

ENU200 had been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for a different purpose and is no longer prescribed, but scientific modeling shows that it can deliver antiviral activity to the proteins that make up coronavirus. “We focus on finding that early science that can be beneficial,” she told interviewers at ISNDT in 2016.

Harrison said they are hoping the FDA will fast track the drug through its emergency process and will run a clinical trial before bringing it to market.

According to the corporate website, Ennaid Therapeutics “brings innovative cures to rare and seemingly incurable diseases, thus improving the health and saving the lives of humans and animals all over the world.”

“Our friends, our families are hurting. We focused on how we can get more money in the hands of individuals as well as businesses,” Firvida said, adding that AARP lobbied that seniors also receive $1,200 stimulus payments.

She said the original bill allowed for seniors to receive just $600.

Reginald Nance, AARP’s New York associate state director of multicultural outreach, noted the importance of fraud protection and emphasized that AARP has organized various forms of assistance for seniors nationwide.

“AARP community connections have mutual aid and support groups where they might help with grocery shopping, financial assistance, or emotional support,” Nance stated.

Dr. Hildreth wrapped up the webinar by noting that the federal government fell asleep at the wheel and could have prevented much of the mayhem caused by the coronavirus.

He called the spread of COVID-19 “entirely predictable,” and noted that the lack of planning by the federal government obviously was bad news for African Americans.

Dr. Hildreth also stated his frustration with those who imply that African Americans are more

susceptible to the virus.

“Absent a vaccine or a drug, the only way to protect our communities, which means to keep the virus out, is we have to have testing,” Dr. Hildreth stated.

“We need to do what South Korea did, which is to identify the positive tests, do contact tracing, and screen everybody. We should have a nationally coordinated response because viruses don’t respect orders,” he said.

Dr. Hildreth continued: “You might have one state controlling the virus, but if the neighboring states don’t do that, we’ll find ourselves right back where we started. Data is critical. Many are saying that African Americans are more susceptible to the virus, and that’s absolutely not right.

“We may be more susceptible to severe diseases and death, but the evidence doesn’t support that Black people are more susceptible to the virus. The only way to prove that is to have an equal number of African Americans and white exposed to the virus at the same time and determine who got infected at a higher rate. Without data to support this, those statements drive me crazy. We have to have more tests.”

Updated information on the coronavirus came be found at www.aarp.org/coronavirus and at the NNPA’s www.BlackPressUSA.com COVID-19 tab.

Webinar from page 1 community,” Hosten stated, noting the various resources AARP has developed, including a Black resources tool kit on its website.

Chavis stated that it’s essential to get accurate information out as much as possible to the Black community.

“We want to make sure that during this pandemic, we get information out that will help save Black lives,” he said.

Rita Choula, AARP’s director of caregiving and caregiving information resources, said providing care to family members has its own share of problems. Still, the coronavirus has made that all the more challenging.

“People are stressed and worried, not only about caring for themselves but protecting and caring for someone in the home or someone long distance,” Choula stated.

“It’s very important that there is increased conversation with nursing facilities through virtual visitation and phone calls, which is what AARP is advocating.”

Cristina Firvida, AARP’s vice president of financial security and consumer affairs, noted that AARP has continued to advocate at the state and federal level for everyone struggling financially during the pandemic.

Letter From The Publisher

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Advertise, Sponsor and Partner your business outreach strategy with The Baton Rouge Weekly Press. We have several ways to provide access to the community. We want you to stay connected with your loyal clients and customers during this crisis. Let them know that you care about them during this pandemic and that you are still providing the service and products that they have come to love and trust.

Lastly, I want to stress the importance of SOCIAL DISTANCING, and only leaving home when it is absolutely necessary. Wear your mask and gloves when out in public to protect yourself as well as others. Wash your hand and practice good hygene to stop the spread of COVID-19.

I receive communications from our President, Governor, Mayors-President, City and State officials, as well as healthcare and emergency care providers daily. Please pay close attention to the information and govern yourselves according. We will get through this crisis. Thank you for your support and prayers. We are praying for you as well.

Ivory D. Payne CEO/Publisher BRWeeklyPress Newspaper Office: 225.775.2002

Leaders from page 1 siana Gov. John Bel Edwards, Mayor President Sharon Weston Broome, Mayor of Baker, La Darnell Waites, Senator Regina Barrow, Representative C. Denise Marcelle, Representative Barbara Carpenter, Attorney Tiffany Foxworth, Agnes Andrews, Councilwoman Chauna Banks, Bishop Charles Wallace, Baker Councilwoman Doris Alexander and more.

The video will air on the Weekly Press Website(http://wwwbrweeklypress.com), Facebook @brweeklypress and UTSTV. com About The Weekly Press The Baton Rouge Weekly Press

Newspaper has served the public for over 40 years. The philosophy of the Weekly Press is quite simple. We believe in the value of people and their community. We know the importance of getting involved and understanding the culture, politics, business and advertising needs of our community.

The Weekly Press is proud to be a part of the Greater Baton Rouge area and will always strive for the best in quality, content, and accuracy to serve our readers, community and our advertisers.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, The Weekly Press will continue to serve it’s readers through print and web services. Learn more at www.brweeklypress.com.

www.brweeklypress.com • Thursday • April 23-29, 2020 • The Weekly Press • Page 3

Chef from page 1 est good began to unfold once he decided to use his Paid Time Off (PTO) to allow his helper to work a few days of each week to have some income to assist with her immediate and urgent needs. With this act of kindness on behalf of another, during the Governor’s unspecified stay at home order, the helper could work a few days out of each week and make some money to help provide with both immediate and urgent needs.

How could I help her with to have some income throughout this ordeal? I decided to go in and use my paid time off (P.T.O.) so, she could work a few days out of each week, and make some money. Otherwise, she would be stuck with no income at all, for however long the lockdown will last. Chef Kevin displays an unselfish and profound example of an action intended to uplift, to heal and to bless the well-being of another in need of assistance. So, here is where Chef Kevin starts on the first week of the shutdown, where he works two days one week and three day the next week using is his paid time-off.

Now, his helper could work when he is off and receive a paycheck; as well. Chef Kevin knows that sharing is caring; and his act of kindness he states, “it only cost me the hours I had accumulated over time to take off; so, now we both can get a paycheck.”

Unfortunately, he states that there is a deep concern in not knowing if they would be open or closed when the regular payroll may not be paid. He gave up time for those days. Then, on April 13, the employees were informed that restrictions on workers receiving unemployment benefits had been suspended because of the national pandemic virus. It was this information that confirmed that the helper would be able to stay home and receive payments – a true blessing. Also, now I would be able to work without using any more P.T.O. This action would then help with our social distancing and stay-at-home order from the Governor.

It was following the action by the Governor that the workers were informed that they would be given paid sick hours due to COVID19; and this action would allow for no loss of accumulated P.T.O. hours. Lastly, Chef Kevin can continue to work without having to use any P.T.O. that would then be available to Chef Kevin whenever needed for a later date.

He states, “I chose to use my time before the Governor’s decisions were made. I had already decided to help my helper; and I want to do this because I felt that sharing some of my P.T.O. time would be a way I could help someone in need; and then I should. This idea of sharing my time with someone in need was an opportunity that just came up when the kitchen helper began to be overly stressed about the pending situation. She was deeply worried about how she was going to pay rent and monthly bills without any income. As the spread of pandemic health and death issues spread across the country, so did the people’s intentions and actions to protect themselves both healthy-wise and financially.

Many individuals were either laid-off or work hours cut by the employers; to protect their businesses. Lastly, it such abrupt layoff actions that left the employees to have no idea how they would make it through both these freighting experiences and the rebound afterwards. It is in times such as these that we need to increase our awareness about the needs of others less fortunate.

Make such decisions to help others in your lives knowing that such actions are the right things to do.

Helping others to start the healing process to begin when there is a genuine need is one of the most valuable things one can do – to reach and to help someone who was in need; a real live a position that I along with many others have found themselves during both these horrific and uncertain times.

Let us all just both be reminded and to remember that God is still in charge and all things are possible to all believers; especially if you are gathered in His name; He is there with you at all times and through all things; Matthew 18:20.

McDonald’s Celebrates Healthcare Workers and First Responders with Free “Thank You Meals”Front-line

Dr. Orlando McMeans Named to Governor’s COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force

Dr. Orlando F. McMeans

In appreciation for the healthcare workers, police officers, firefighters and paramedics who are committed to our health and safety, McDonald’s will offer free Thank You Meals*, between Wednesday, April 22 and Tuesday, May 5, as a token of appreciation for their selfless service.

While the majority of America is staying home, McDonald’s has remained open, with our franchisees and hardworking restaurant employees serving hot meals to communities who need quick and affordable options, especially those on the frontlines such as healthcare workers and first responders.

The company is grateful for the ongoing dedication and commitment of McDonald’s employees who enable McDonald’s to stay open to serve our communities during these challenging times.

Each Thank You Meal will

be available at no charge via drive-thru or carry out at participating McDonald’s restaurants nationwide through May 5. The Thank You Meal, available during breakfast, lunch or dinner, will feature a choice of sandwiches, drinks, and a side featuring small World Famous Fries or a Hash Brown, along with a note of appreciation. It will be served in McDonald’s iconic Happy Meal box, in the hopes of bringing a smile along with delicious food.

Day or night, these frontline heroes can simply show their work badge to receive one of the below Thank You Meal options: Breakfast A choice of an Egg McMuffin®, Chicken McGriddles® or a Bacon, Egg and Cheese Biscuit. All options come with any size soft drink, tea or hot coffee and a Hash

Brown.

Lunch and Dinner A choice of a Double Cheeseburger, 6-Piece Chicken McNuggets® or a Filet-OFish® will be offered. All options come with any size soft drink, tea or hot coffee and small fries.

Local Franchisee Owners Weigh In “The local McDonald’s owner-operators in New Orleans have joined forces to offer free meals for first responders at every location in the city. We wanted to give back to those who are sacrificing their own health and spending time away from their families to keep our community safe.” - Louis Colin, New Orleans McDonald's Franchisee and former NOPD “Healthcare workers and See FRONT-LINE, on page 5

BATON ROUGE, La. – Dr. Orlando F. McMeans, ChancellorDean of the Southern University Ag Center and the College of Agricultural, Family and Consumer Sciences, has been named to Governor John Bel Edwards Louisiana COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force.

"It is indeed an honor to be named to such a tremendously important and talented working group,” said Dr. McMeans. “As an African American growing up in southern Alabama under similar conditions to those most disproportionately and adversely affected

by COVID-19, it affords me an opportunity to lend my life experiences and expertise to addressing this national issue," he added.

The task force will focus on research and actions to improve health outcomes and equity for the state’s residents. The group’s progress will be monitored by a statewide Health Equity Dashboard.

McMeans was appointed with several other leaders from within the Southern University System.

These leaders include Dr. Sandra Brown, dean of the Southern University Baton Rouge campus’ Col-

lege of Nursing and Allied Health, who will serve as co-chair of the task force and Dr. Rani G. Whitfield, Southern University System Board Member and family practice physician.

Deleso A. Alford, professor of law at the Southern University Law Center; and Dr. Damien Ejigiri, dean and professor of the Nelson Mandela School of Government and Social Sciences will serve on the task force’s Public and Regulatory Policy subcommittee, which will focus on policies and laws that impact health disparities.

Southern University System President-Chancellor Dr. Ray L. Belton and Chief of Staff Dr. Katara Williams, were also appointed as part of the task force’s administration along with SU alum and Commissioner of the Louisiana Board of Regents, Dr. Kim Hunter-Reed.

The task force is scheduled to hold its first meeting on Friday, April 24.

For additional information about the Louisiana COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force and a complete list of members, visit https://gov.louisiana.gov/index. cfm/newsroom/detail/2469

Gov. John Bel Edwards Announced Two Co-chairs and Appointed Members to the Louisiana COVID-19

“It is an honor to serve the citizens of Louisiana on the COVID19 Health Equity Taskforce," said Co-Chair Dr. Sandra C. Brown, Dean of Southern University's College of Nursing and Allied Health. "I look forward to working with a distinguished diverse group of experts from across the state that are committed to addressing the health disparities that specifically challenge minorities and vulnerable populations in Louisiana not only in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, but in advancing health equity for decades to come."

"I am excited to be able to contribute to this important taskforce," said Co-Chair Dr. Thomas LaVeist, Dean of Tulane University's School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine.

"Louisiana has for many years been among the least healthy states and the racial disparities seen around the country are as evident here as it is elsewhere.

I am particularly delighted that Governor Edwards has prioritized health equity and I am hopeful that we will be able to make a difference for our state."

The task force’s work will begin immediately, and its actions and research will result in improved health outcomes and equity in Louisiana. A statewide Health Equity Dashboard will be created to monitor the progress of the task force.

Louisiana COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force: n Sandra Brown, DNS, APRN, FNP-BC, CNE, ANEF, FAANP,

FAAN (Co-Chair) nSouthern University and A&M Baton Rouge Dean and Professor, College of Nursing and Allied Health n Thomas LaVeist, Ph.D. (Co-Chair) Tulane University Weatherhead Presidential Chair in Health Equity, Dean of Public Health and Tropical Medicine n Earl “Nupsius” BenjaminRobinson, Dr.H.Sc. Louisiana Department of HealthOffice of Health Equity, Community Partnerships n Deputy Director Takeisha Davis, M.D. New Orleans East Hospital Chief Executive Officer n Rebekah E. Gee, M.D. LSU Health Care Services Chief Executive Officer n Corey Hebert, M.D. Dillard University Chief Medical Officer / Assistant professor - Tulane and LSU n Theron J. Jackson Morning Star Baptist Church Pastor n Raymond A. Jetson MetroMorphosis Chief Executive Catalyst To see complete list of appointees please visit https://www.brweeklypress.com/

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Page 4 • The

Weekly Press • Thursday • April 23-29, 2020 • www.brweeklypress.com

RELIGION Streaming LIVE Churches n Oasis Christian Church: Bishop Charles E. Wallace Sunday Morning 8:00 A.M. Wednesday Night Bible Study 7:00 P.M. https://livestream.com/accounts/27567249/events/8379840 n Rose Hill Church: Pastor Danny Donaldson See website for times https://www.facebook.com/rosehillbatonrouge n Living Faith Christian Center Bishop Raymond Johnson Sunday at 10:00am • YouTube: https://www. youtube.com/channel/ UCiHSeRaHIS8ewCoFhcYHGnQ • Piksel: https://campus.piksel. com/living-faith-cc • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LivingFaithChristianCenterBR/ n Mt. Carmel Baptist Church Rev., Dr. Andra Johnson Sunday at 9:30am https://www.mtcarmelbtr. com/?fbclid=IwAR2yeejE375i Y6MvJarHBFFsg9uWpJc1ExzVVjZNlhUvs5fC3OAiyTGow2k

God Is Our Present Help

The Church Lady Speaks: Stay In The House Stupid!

By Pastor Danny Donaldson Rose Hill Church Special to The BR Weekly Press

It was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who said, "In a real sense, all life is inter-related. All men are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly".

The validity of these words not only echo through our country but around the world. For the very first time in our generation, the world is bleeding! We are amid a global pandemic that has sickened millions and has taken almost one hundred thousand lives.

We are at war with an invisible enemy called Coronavirus. We can now honestly say we are all in this together, for this invisible enemy does not care about one's ethnicity, nationality, or socioeconomic status. It does not care how many degrees you have or how many followers you have on social media; it is an equal opportunity destroyer.This illness is so pervasive that it has many people asking where God is.

First, we must understand God never promised His children exclusion, but assistance. John 16:33 says, "These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take coruage; I have overcome the world". Psalm 46 goes on to say, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present

Hey babies,

PPastor astor DDanny anny DDonaldson onaldson God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; — Psalm 46:1-2 (KJV)

into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and welldeveloped, not deficient in any way". The text makes it very clear our faith grows in adverse situations.

Finally, it boils down to perspective. If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at will change. So, instead of complaining, maximize this time by working on yourself spiritually, emotionally, and physically. God has the whole world in His hands.

help in the time of trouble. Think about this; the word "present" in the text is made up of the prefix "pre" and the root word "sent".

It means that God is our pre-sent help. It means that this pandemic did not catch God off-guard He is present to help us.

Next, we must understand faith is often birthed during times of adversity and uncertainty.

James 1:2-4 says, "Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faithlife is forced

It’s me the church lady. Yeah I know it’s been a while. You say you haven’t seen me In Church.

Well, Chile most of us haven’t been going to church unless you live up there in Central. Lord have mercy. So I haven’t seen y’all either.

Yeah, we have all had to re-group sugars because of this dreadful thing, this Covid-19. Yes indeed! I tell you that there is a terrible thing! More than 15,000 people have tested positive, and there are almost five hundred dead across the state of Louisiana. I tell you people are dropping like flies, and I telling you no lies. It has no respect of person brothers and sisters. No sir re Bobby jr. It is what you would call non-discriminatory. It doesn’t care about race, gender, or age. It don’t care if you got money coming or if all your money is gone! It doesn’t care if you live downtown, in Spanishtown, Brookstown, across town or out of town. Why I think it’s name is “the devil” because that monster is running around seeking who it can devour! And it must be hungry because it’s been eating our lunch. Lord have mercy on us! Chile I’m hearing that preachers got it, and deacons got it, and their wives are getting it too. Do you hear me?

Nah, it ain’t like the AIDS either. You don’t have to go sneaking and creeping or hotel peeping looking for it because that rascal will come looking for you!

But here’s the catch, they tell me that if you stay at home it has a hard time finding you.

Yeah, yeah that’s what I said.

The problem is the simpletons in our city somehow think that they are smart enough to outwit this invisible enemy. Now I already know what you’re thinking

because it sounds pretty stupid to me too. Just plain dumb I tell you!

Do you know that the Governor bless his heart; has told them to stay at home, and the congressman he told them too. Yes he did. The Mayor has even asked them nicely, but nah do you think that they’re listening? Heck no!

These idiots are still walking and driving and visiting and playing basketball. When the people have told them to distance themselves at least six feet from one another, but they’re to stupid to listen. Yes, I said it. Oh yes I did. I’m telling you what God Loves; the gospel truth. People are actin plumb stupid! So just believe and receive it today. Anyhow, I guess they’d rather be six feet under than stay six feet away and stay alive.

I mean I get it, and I know you get it with your smart selves.

So why in the world can’t these other dummies get it. I mean babies we watched it on t.v. where they were piling bodies up on a refrigerated truck in Italy and all those poor little people who lost their lives in China. So can you please tell me that why by the time this here corona got over here to America; we still don’t have a better understanding? I tell you instead of calling us America the beautiful, right now they ought to be calling us America the stupider! Because we are acting stupider than China or Italy. And Do you know that Louisiana has had almost as many people with this stuff as New York City. Can you believe that? OMG! Do you know how many people are in New York City? Chile I don’t know about y’all, but that’s enough to get my attention. And Poor New Orleans is taking a licking. Bless Um Jesus.

OUTREACH Church CHURCH Advertise YourDISCIPLES Services In The Weekly Press DIRECTORY CHURCH DIRECTORY M

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2032 Gore Rd, • Baton Rouge, LA 70807

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

Church directory ads starting at $10 per week call us for details 225.775.2002 CAMPHOR MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

8742 Scenic Highway – Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70807 Telephone: (225) 775-4106 - Fax: (225) 615-8359 Rev. Elenora Mackey Cushenberry, Th.D, Senior Pastor Rev. Tiffanie C. Postell, Associate Pastor

Rev. Elenora Mackey Cushenberry, Th.D.

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

Worship Service............................................................ 10:55 a.m.

Youth Sunday & Contemporary Worship........ 2nd Sun. 8:00 a.m.

Bible Study..................................Wed. 12:00 Noon and 5:00 p.m.

Prayer Ministry ...................................................... Tues 6:00 p.m.

Sunday Service............................... 9:00 am Sunday School................................ 8:00 am Bible Studay.......................... Mon.7:00 pm Saturday Sabbath ..................Sat. 11:00 am

Bishop Thelma Pearl Senior Pastor Bishop Michael Pearl, Assistant Pastor

We Don't Count Numbers. We Make Numbers Count

Advertise with us for as little as $10 each week!

New Jerusalem Faith Fellowship 982 N 46th St, Baton Rouge, La. 70802

Hour of Power ..............................................12 Noon Each Wednesday Sunday School............................................................................ 8:00am Church Service ........................................................................... 9:00am Communion Service .............................................. 2nd Sunday 9:00am Bible Study Wednesday .............................................................7:00pm Sister/Brotherhood Meeting...................................................... 6:00pm

We believe the Bible to be the inspired and only infallible written Word of God. We believe that there is One God, eternally existent in Three Persons; God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.

PASTOR DONALD A. MONTGOMERY

NEW BIRTH FULL GOSPEL MINISTRIES 1283 Rosenwald Road Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70807 Bishop I. J. Payne, Pastor

'THE NEW LIFE' Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

— 2 Corinthians 5:17

SUNDAY WORSHIP Every Sunday at 11:30 A.M.

HOLY COMMUNION

Every 3rd Sunday at 11:30 A.M.

SUNDAY SCHOOL Every Sunday at 9:30 A.M.

HOUR OF POWER

Every Friday at 12 NOON

Bishop Ernest Mills Dr. Donald Ruth, & Evangelist Yvonne MillsPastor

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

NEW HOPE BAPTIST CHURCH 5856 Greenwell Springs Road • Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70806 Telephone: (225) 926-0246 • Facsimile: (225) 925-8022 Toll Free: 888-700-6174 Websites: www.newhopebr.com Rev. Leo Cyrus Sr., Pastor

www.brweeklypress.com • Thursday • April 23-29, 2020 • The Weekly Press • Page 5

BUSINESS DIRECTORY A Guide to Local Businesses Serving the Community To Advertise your Business in the Business Directory, PLEASE CALL (225) 775-2002 TODAY!

Email: cjw7@att.net www.cjwdistributors.com

2303 West Highmeadow Ct. Baton Rouge, LA 70816 Ph: 225-292-0305 Cell: 225-405-3427 Fax: 225-292-0307 Toll Free: 800-240-9507

BUSINESS “Keep BR Serving” Campaign Reaches $100K in Gift Card Sales for Local Restaurants BATON ROUGE, La. – The “Keep BR Serving” Campaign, launched earlier this month by Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome and local business leaders, announced The campaign has reached $100,000 in gift card sales. The money directly supports locally-owned restaurants and impacted service staff members.

“Our community’s response to this campaign is truly inspiring,” said Mayor Broome.

“I want to personally thank everyone who helped spread the word, encouraged a local restaurant to participate or purchased a gift card. You are proof anyone can make a difference. Our collective efforts are making a positive impact on our local restaurants and our economy. Let’s keep the momentum going and continue to show our support.”

Businesses and community members are encouraged to purchase gift cards to help sustain the local restaurant industry. To-date, more than 25 restaurants have signed up to participate and several local businesses, including H&E Equipment Services, Mockler Beverage, Rouses Markets, ExxonMobil, Republic Services and Neighbors FCU have pledged significant donations to support the local restaurant community.

To purchase gift cards or learn more about the campaign, visit keepbrserving.com. Gift cards do not expire.

Front-Line from page 5 first responders in [insert city here] and across the country are working tirelessly to keep our communities healthy and safe. As a small gesture of our appreciation, healthcare workers and first responders are invited to visit their local McDonald’s from now until May 5 for a free meal.”- Michael Valluzzo, Baton Rouge McDonald's Franchisee "The local McDonald’s owner-operators in Louisiana have joined forces to offer free meals for first responders at every location in the city. We wanted to give back to those who are sacrificing their own health and spending time away from their families to keep our community safe.” - Nicholas Valluzzo, Baton Rouge McDonald's Franchisee During past times of national crisis, McDonald’s has helped and served communities in need, from donating funds to disaster relief efforts to providing food for those impacted by natural disasters. McDonald’s commitment to feeding the nation’s healthcare workers and first responders throughout the current pandemic is a continuation of that dedication.

Additionally, McDonald’s local franchises have also been working throughout this crisis to support the thousands of communities their restaurants call home.

Serving these brave men and women would not be possible without McDonald’s dedicated and unwavering restaurant employees, who are also doing their part to help during this time.

McDonald’s employees are the heart of the business, and their health and safety has been and

will continue to be, the company’s top priority. McDonald’s has implemented nearly 50 new safety measures to ensure the well-being of its employees and continuing to explore additional safety steps in accordance with guidance issued by local and national health authorities including the CDC. Nearly all McDonald’s U.S. restaurants remain open and are offering convenient and contactless ways for customers to enjoy

McDonald’s favorites through the drive-thru, carry out, McDelivery, and mobile order & pay with our app. *Thank You Meals offered at participating US McDonald’s 4/22/20 through 5/5/20. Valid ID required. Limit one per person per day. Menu options may vary by restaurant.

Visit McDonalds.com for more details.

THE SUPER COOL BRAND

SUPER COOL FASHIONS IS MORE THAN A CLOTHING STORE. WE ARE A BRAND OF STYLE AND SOPHISTICATION. IN STORE BY SHOPPING

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY • 225.357.5796

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Weekly Press The Bator Rouge Weekly Press is Baton Rouge’s oldest and number one source for African Americans in Baton Rouge, Baker, Central and surrounding areas.

The Weekly Press

Place your ad today! (225)775-2002

The BR Weekly Press is currently looking for Freelance Writers, Photographers, Videographers, Writers, Bloggers and Social Media Professionals.

For more information or to submit your resume’ call us at 225-775-2002 or email us at https://www.brweeklypress.com/hiring

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PUBLIC NOTICE Request for Proposals Microtransit Pilot Program Solicitation #2020-Microtransit-001 The Capital Area Transit System (CATS), a political subdivision of the State of Louisiana, operating the public transit system in EBR Parish is accepting Offers for Microtransit.

Sealed offers are due to CATS Procurement Department

by March 11, 2020 at 10:00 AM (local time) at 350 N. Donmoor, Baton Rouge, LA 70806. A copy of this RFP can be found on CATS website at: https://www.brcats.com/page/ procurement. Written questions will be accepted through February 19, 2020 via email at: catsprocurement@brcats. com. Offerors are reminded to check CATS website often for addenda and other important dates in reference to this RFP. CATS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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Weekly Press • Thursday • April 23-29, 2020 • www.brweeklypress.com