Civic Engagement Decoded

April/May 2016 • Community Voices Orchestrating Change • Issue 10 Volume 2

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Neighborhoods Partnership Network’s (NPN) mission is to improve our quality of life by engaging New Orleanians in neighborhood revitalization and civic process.

Letter From The Executive Director Photo: Kevin Griffin/2Kphoto

The Onion of NOLA Neighborhoods Life is a series of experiences, each one of which makes us bigger, even though sometimes it is hard to realize this. For the world was built to develop character, and we must learn that the setbacks and grieves which we endure help us in our marching onward. — ­ Henry Ford

Timolynn Sams Sumter

H

ave you ever asked the question what is the purpose of life? Or have you been a part of something that seems larger than life? Something that you put everything into only to realize that none of it was about you, but about what you could offer to the process that would contribute to the end goal.

Even more, what if there was no end goal that you walk away with the same level of confusion and naivety that you had when you started? Where would you go from there?

This is the lesson that I have come to terms with this year. The journey and path of understanding this city and its mysterious cultural enclaves called neighborhoods continue to take me down roads and hills, streams and valleys, mountain tops and alleys that I was not equipped or prepared to experience but it has built a warrior, a fighter, a compassionate resident who has a genuine love for community. A person who no longer question why, but why not and begins to research has it ever been done before and by whom.

The summer I entered the Musician Union Hall on Esplanade Ave I walked into that large hall, filled with engage residents, amazed and focused. I was bright-eyed and bushy-tailed to say the least all eventually leading me to believe that I could unravel the community engagement onion. Initial I was in unaware about how neighborhoods can sometimes be environments poisoned by racism, sexism, political ineptitude, and financial corruption that could prevent them from fulfilling their shared vision of existing.

As I grew to understand the onion there was also a need to recognize that each layer had a specific purpose and role in (re) building sustainable and just neighborhoods.

In the last 10 years I’ve had the pleasure of working with 43 unique neighborhood leaders who served as board members, 25 people on staff at one time or another, and over 185 interns from some of the most prestigious universities in the country. The lesson that I will take with me is that there is disconnect between the theory and practice of “community” and “citizenship.” That for “civic engagement” to work and have longterm impact we must undertake the difficult work of defining civic engagement as it is defined by those who are utilizing it. In addition there is a need to also be present to the values that are essential to the well-being of any civic construct—humility, efficacy, and empathy.

I implore the leadership of this city to understand the onion of our neighborhoods as we continue to build resilient communities. That we know that the future of civic engagement in the city will depend on how well we are able to define what we mean within the local and institutional contexts of civic engagement.

I am thankful for every experience that I have had and acknowledge and it is those experiences that are adding layers and stretching us to our next resilience.

NEIGHBORHOODS PARTNERSHIP NETWORK

NPN provides an inclusive and collaborative city-wide framework to empower neighborhood groups in New Orleans.

Find Out More at NPNnola.com

NPN Board Members Victor Gordon (Board Chair) Ryan Albrigh Carolynn Carter Karen Chabert Catherine Flowers Alonzo Knox Wendy Laker Sylvia Scineaux-Richard Katherine Prevost Third Party Submission Issues Physical submissions on paper, CD, etc. cannot be returned unless an arrangement is made. Submissions may be edited and may be published or otherwise reused in any medium. By submitting any notes, information or material, or otherwise providing any material for publication in the newspaper, you are representing that you are the owner of the material, or are making your submission with the consent of the owner of the material, all information you provide is true, accurate, current and complete.

Non-Liability Disclaimers The Trumpet may contain facts, views, opinions, statements and recommendations of third party individuals and organizations.

The Trumpet does not represent or endorse the accuracy or reliability of any advice, opinion, statement or other information in the publication and use of or reliance on such advice, opinion, statement or other information is at your own risk.

Copyright © 2016 Neighborhoods Partnership Network. All Rights Reserved.

Any copying, redistribution or retransmission of any of the contents of this service without the express written consent of Neighborhoods Partnership Network is expressly prohibited.

Timolynn Sams Sumter

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The Trumpet | April/May | 2016

N E I G H B O R H O O D S

P A R T N E R S H I P

The Trumpet

N E T W O R K

Contents

4 Be Aware of Tax Identity Theft 6 101 on Scaling Your Business Operations and Process Mapping 9 Law Would Make Black Men Second Class Citizens 12 Should Charters Go Back to the District?

20 OPDEC: When the Veil Tells More

Than The Unveiling

Says ... Take Four 13 Fred Bites Off of the Apple

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Continuing a Legacy of Cooperative Economics

Black Men of Metro 10 100 New Orleans Elect 2016 Officers

18 Confessions of a Helicopter Mom

The Trumpet Editorial Board David Baker Louisiana Weekly Rachel Graham Neighborhood Development Foundation (NDF) consultant Christy Chapman Author Kevin Griffin Clark 2k Photo NOLA & Graphics Matt Hendricks Ride NOLA Linedda McIver AARP Louisiana

The Trumpet | April/May | 2016

Julia Ramsey Orleans Public Education Network (OPEN) Gretchen Zalkind NOLA Timebank Keith Holt Bike Easy Ashley Thomas Total Community Action (TCA) Ethan Ashley Urban League of Greater New Orleans Geoffrey Brien Louisiana Public Health Institute/ TFL

NEIGHBORHOODS PARTNERSHIP NETWORK

3321 Tulane Avenue New Orleans, LA 70119 504.940.2207 • FX 504.940.2208 thetrumpet@npnnola.com www.npnnola.com 3

Be Aware of Tax Identity Theft

By Deborah Banda

E

very two seconds, someone’s identity is stolen. And with tax season upon us, con artists are stealing Social Security numbers to file for fraudulent tax refunds. It’s a big problem. To date, the IRS has identified around 15 million false tax returns alone. For more information on the latest trends in tax identify theft, check out AARP’s Fraud Watch Network. And you can also view targeted information and a special video devoted to tax identity theft awareness at www.aarp.org/ scamalert.

The Warning Signs How do you know if you’re a victim of tax identity theft? If someone files a fraudulent tax return using your identification, and then you file your return, the IRS will contact you by mail. The letter will state that more than one return was filed using your Social Security number. Note that the IRS will not contact you by phone, email, text or social media. You can check the legitimacy of any IRS mailing by calling 1-800-829-1040.

You’ll also get an IRS notice if someone uses your Social Security number to get a job, and the employer reports that income to the IRS using your number.

The letter will indicate that you did not report all of your earnings on your tax return. Another warning sign could be receiving a W-2 or Form 1099 from an employer for whom you didn’t work.

If You Fall Victim If you become a victim of tax identity theft, here are the steps to take: • Contact the IRS immediately using the contact information on the notice you received. You’ll be asked to fill out an IRS Identity Theft affidavit, Form 14039.

• Contact your bank and credit card companies and inform the credit bureaus of the fraud. Ask one credit bureau -- Experian, TransUnion or Equifax – to place a free fraud alert on your report, and the others will follow. A fraud alert lasts 90 days, but you can renew it.

• Access your credit report free from all three credit bureaus. Ask the bureau that places your fraud alert how to obtain your reports.

• File an Identity Theft report with the Federal Trade Commission. This will help you get fraudulent information removed from your credit report and stop companies from trying to collect debts related to fraudulent activity.

• File a police report. Bring the form you filed with the FTC to the police.

Tips for Avoiding Tax Identify Theft It’s becoming ever more difficult to protect our identities, but here are some steps you can take to protect yourself and your family: • Monitor your credit reports. You can order free reports from all three credit bureaus once a year at www.annualcreditreport.com.

• Never give your Social Security number or other personal information to phone callers.

• If you file your tax return electronically, be sure to use a private, protected wireless network. Filing your return from the local coffee shop, library or other public place is not a good idea.

• Provide information to your tax preparer in person – avoid sending a fax that may easily be seen by someone else.

• Shred papers that contain sensitive personal information.

Hopefully, you will never encounter any form of identity theft. Make sure to protect your personal information to the best of your ability, and know what to do if you’ve been victimized.

Sign up for the Fraud Watch Network at www.aarp.org/FraudWatchNetwork to get the latest information on ID theft and scams. You can also call the Fraud Watch Network Hotline at 877-908-3360 to get your questions answered directly from trained volunteers. And for help with filing taxes safely, see information about AARP’s Tax Aide program at www.aarp.org/TaxAide.

Biking Against Traffic is Dangerous

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hen you ride against traffic, you're riding the wrong way.

Someone driving a car makes a right turn from a side street, driveway, or parking lot, and they drive right into you. The person driving didn't see you on your bicycle because they were looking for on-coming car traffic only on their left, not on their right. They had no reason to expect that someone would be coming at them from the wrong direction.

Riding against traffic may seem like a good idea because the person riding the bike can see the cars that are passing them, but it's not. The above scenario is the clearest example of why this is a dangerous activity. In urban communities across the nation, biking against traffic is consistently one of the top 3 reasons for crashes involving someone on a bicycle.

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Don't ride against traffic. Ride in the same direction as traffic. Lastly, riding the wrong way is against the law. You can get ticketed for it, and you will be at fault in the event of a crash.

Stay safe, stay legal. Ride in the same direction as traffic.

My name Keith Holt (email, keith@bikeeasy.org).

I’m the Community Education Manager for Bike Easy. This is just one tip for safer cycling from Bike Easy, the local, grassroots nonprofit that makes bicycle riding in Greater New Orleans easier, safer and more fun for everyone.

Find out more at www.bikeeasy.org The Trumpet | April/May | 2016

You’ll feel like you’re talking to VIRTUALLY every neighbor in New Orleans ... and beyond.

The new NPNnola.com The Trumpet | April/May | 2016

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trepwise is an impact consulting firm whose mission is to use entrepreneurial thinking and approaches to grow and sustain for-profit and non-profit organizations by providing innovative and practical solutions.

101 on Scaling Your Business Operations and Process Mapping

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n the first Trep Tip we discussed how to construct a value proposition— distilling the fundamental premise of your business into the problem you’re solving, the solution, and the corresponding price. Nailing down a value proposition is complicated, and will likely require a number of different iterations. But at a certain point you will hone in on your solution, and if all three components align you should begin to see early traction. So what’s next?

The simple answer is to scale your business.

But what does that mean, and how do you do it?

At the end of the day, everything you do in your business is a process.

Whether it be the series of steps to create your product in a manufacturing plant or the strategy you use as an individual to pitch to customers, there are systems and patterns that any successful business must standardize and replicate as they scale. One of the things that every entrepreneur must do is get these processes out of their brain and onto paper. This is called process flow mapping.

Eventually you will want to illustrate all the processes of your business, everything from payroll to outbound sales. But to begin with, you should focus on the key operations of your business, the ones that drive the value proposition.

Here’s what I would recommend: 1. Identify the processes within your business that are direct drivers of the value proposition.

2. Document and understand these processes through process flows.

3. Evaluate how these processes will have to change as you scale.

4. Proactively implement changes to achieve growth goals.

Let’s consider an example. Jim runs a donut shop. He just opened up a few months ago and people are starting to take notice. His donuts are not only delicious, but they are incredibly fresh, a product of them being made daily in the back of the shop. His value proposition—delicious, fresh donuts—allows him to set higher price points than his corporate donut competitors. The initial traction of his shop has Jim excited about the potential for expanding his business. How should he begin thinking about this growth opportunity?

S ' M I F

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There are many processes that go into running the donut shop, including making the donuts, fulfilling the orders, providing customer service, marketing the business, and ensuring quality of his product. Ultimately he will want to document and improve all of these, but when it comes to driving the value proposition, it is the making of fresh donuts that is the most important.

UT S

H DON S E R

1. Identify processes that drive the value proposition:

2. Document and understand these processes through process flows.

Making the donuts:

Jim sits down with his employee who runs the back of the house at the shop and together they map out the process of making donuts in the back of the store.

Make Batter

›

Prepare Glazes

›

Roll & Cut Dough

›

Fry Donuts

›

Glaze & Powder Donuts

3. Evaluate how processes will have to change as you scale.

If customer flow increases by 50%:

• Surplus batter and glazes needs to be prepared at the beginning of the day to deal with the demand at peak times.

If Jim’s Donuts expands to a second location:

• Donut batter and glazes will be made in a central kitchen and delivered to each location. However, each shop will continue to fry and glaze their own donuts, maintaining the freshness that clients are expecting.

Example updated process flow:

OFFSITE

›

Make Batter

ON-SITE

›

Roll & Cut Dough

›

Prepare Glazes

›

Fry Donuts

›

Pack & Deliver

›

Glaze & Powder Donuts

Supporting Processes:

• Jim then can ask himself, given these new processes, how supporting processes will also need to change as the business scales: • Should he change the service model, expanding from one employee behind the counter to one that takes orders, another that calls out numbers, and a third bussing tables and prepping the kitchen?

• Should he invite his cash register to the 21st century, begin to accept credit cards as well as cash?

4. Proactively implement changes to achieve growth goals.

Equipped with knowledge of where the business is headed, Jim can evaluate his goals and begin to proactively implement the necessary changes. Maybe he posts a job to begin the hiring process. Maybe he starts looking at available real estate for a second location. Regardless, by planning ahead he will be better positioned for bringing his deliciously fresh donuts to the masses.

Well, that’s the 101 on scaling your operations and process mapping.

Have a great week and thanks for reading!

The Trumpet | April/May | 2016

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Featured here are recent volunteers to Lower 9th with CSED volunteers coordinator Warrenetta Banks (Center)

Lower 9th Ward Center for Sustainable Engagement & Development Sustain the Nine ~ River to Bayou

Program Areas: Natural Environment • Built Environment Food Security • Volunteers Coordination For More Information and to Make a Donation, Visit us at: www.sustainthenine.org Stop By Our Office: 5227 Chartres Street • New Orleans, LA 70117 (504)324-9955

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Law Would Make Black Men Second Class Citizens

By Jeff Thomas & Timothy Ray

New Orleans lawmaker Walt Leger, a democrat state party leader who represents a majority-minority district, has introduced legislation that would cripple the voting rights of black males in Louisiana: House Bill 153

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eger’s motivations have come into question, with many speculating he has put forth this bill in the hopes of affecting the field in the next New Orleans mayoral race and restricting who is legally permitted to cast votes in the race. What Leger does not consider, is that former convicted felons turn their lives around every day. There are countless “success stories” about men and women who found new motivations while serving their sentences and reentered society in the most positive ways. Many former convicts complete college degrees, write books, serve as motivational speakers - all methods of giving back and making the most of their second chance. Maybe Walt Leger does not believe in second chances. Perhaps, Walt Leger believes the concept of redemption is just a fairytale.

Last year when former State Senator Derrick Shepherd qualified to run for the Louisiana House of Representatives, he faced an uphill battle from the beginning. Shepherd, a Marrero lawyer who once held public office, is a former convicted felon. Legally, Shepherd was barred from seeking or holding public office in Louisiana. Shepherd successfully challenged that law, all the way up to the Louisiana Supreme Court.

The Louisiana Supreme Court voted almost unanimously to strike the law down. Now Walt Leger has taken it upon himself to “fix” the law and once again deny a second chance to every reformed inmate.

Leger’s bill even goes a step further; Leger wants to prohibit former convicted felons from accepting an “appointment of honor, trust, or profit”.

This is the sort of vague wording that gives unscrupulous officials broad power and discretion often resulting in dire consequences for black people. We should be creating pathways for people to become productive citizens, not chronic trouble makers.

In Louisiana, former convicted felons can be admitted to practice law.

There is no ban on admittance to the legal community; as long as a candidate has the requisite education, the only stipulation is that the candidate for bar admission "bears the burden of proving his or her good moral character and fitness to practice law by clear and convincing evidence". Leger, a lawyer himself, knows that many lawyers are admitted to practice in this state while having less than stellar records — usually from acts done during their juvenile years or during their undergraduate studies (on spring break, for instance).

Not only does Leger intend to restrict who can seek or hold public office, Leger’s bill will also suppress the voting rights of convicted felons who have served their time in prison. By leaving in one line of the old law, Leger will keep at least 70,000 ex-felons off the voting rolls because they are currently on probation or parole.

Proof of over policing in the African American community is undeniable.

Here’s an interesting fact: 85% of the people detained in jail in New Orleans are black, while the black population in New Orleans is closer to 60%. Unless Leger offers changes, his bill would deny 100% of them full citizenship even after they have paid their debt to society.

Not only does Leger intend to restrict who can seek or hold public office, Leger’s bill will also suppress the voting rights of convicted felons who have served their time in prison.

The Trumpet | April/May | 2016

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Pictured from left to right: James Logan, Walter Wright, Aaron Jackson Jr., Kevin Hill, Patrick Anderson, Michael Wallace, Robert Mitchell Jr., Eric Griggs, Jonathan A. Wilson

Elect 2016 Officers The New Orleans chapter of 100 Black Men today announced its new slate of officers for 2016.

The organization’s new officers include: Jonathan A. Wilson is a proud New Orleans native with extensive experience in finance, community and economic development, organizing and education advocacy. Wilson has served the banking and financial services industry in a variety of leadership roles while at Liberty Bank and Trust Company. A graduate of St. Augustine High School and Wheeling Jesuit University with a degree in Political and Economic Philosophy, Wilson hopes to bring a different perspective to the organization as President.

Aaron Jackson, Jr. is a business owner with strong ties to the community.

Jackson is an IT manager that has worked in information technology for the past 15 years. As a co-founder of the grass roots organization ACE Jackson is no stranger to working with the community. Jackson is the president elect of the 100 Black Men of Metro New Orleans.

Michael Wallace a New Orleans native with considerable knowledge in accounting. A graduate of Loyola University in Accounting Wallace has been in banking for the last 18 years. While working at Liberty Bank and

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Trust Company Wallace has maintained several different roles. Wallace is the treasurer of the 100 Black Men of Metro New Orleans.

Robert Mitchell, Jr. is a New Orleans native who graduated from Warren Easton. Mitchell attended from Alabama State University with a Bachelors in Management. Mitchell has been the registrar/director of records and registration at Dillard University for the last three years. Mitchell is the parliamentarian of the 100 Black Men of Metro New Orleans chapter.

Patrick L. Anderson a graduate of L.E. Rabouin High was born and raised in New Orleans. Anderson is an Early Childhood Educator that has devoted more than two decades to the New Orleans Public Schools and Recovery School District. Holding memberships in many religious, civic, and fraternal organizations Anderson knows what it takes to lend a helping hand in the community. Anderson is the immediate past president of the 100 Black Men of Metro New Orleans chapter.

The Trumpet | April/May | 2016

The Trumpet | April/May | 2016

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Should Charters Go Back to the District?

The Things We Should Be Considering

By Lamont Douglas

I believe the only reason a school governing body should be in existence is to serve students and their families—if it is lacking in that area, then it is failing. Changing the governing body of charter schools that serve some of the most at risk students in our city may not be the best way to conduct experiments on educating students. The notion of aspiring to be the highest performing school district in the nation is nice and the expectations are great, but the nurturing of our most precious resources shouldn't fall victim to the chase of an immoderate dream.

As a parent, I would like to offer the governing bodies of New Orleans public schools some useful advice when deciding whether the Orleans Parish School District should control charter schools.

• The Recovery School District, Orleans Parish School Board and the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education should clearly identify themselves to students and parents, including which schools they are operating, which schools have transferred and what schools are slated to transfer.

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s I prepared to participate on a parent panel for family engagement hosted by the National League of Cities, I came across an article, “Why should New Orleans charter schools return to the Orleans Parish School District?” Given that two of my children attend charter schools that are now under the Orleans Parish School District (Edna Karr and Andrew H. Wilson) and one of my sons attends KIPP Renaissance, a school contemplating the move, I was intrigued to read what Andre Perry's thoughts were on the matter.

After reading the article, I knew that I had to spring into action. I had to provide a parent’s perspective to the question of whether New Orleans charter schools should return to the Orleans Parish School District.

Perry says, “Ultimately putting a school district back together again will be more instructive for the rest of the country than learning how New Orleans broke one up.” Does Dr. Perry believe that a valid reason for moving schools between governing bodies is to act as an instructional tool for the rest of the country? I wonder if he knows that there are students that attend those schools whose futures depend on these actions.

I also would be interested in knowing if he thinks that learning about how “New Orleans broke one up” is a matter that should be taken lightly. Many children, families, neighborhoods and communities were affected by those actions and the script shouldn't be read around the country. I think he is off base with this idea; the New Orleans Public School system is not a sideshow exhibit.

It is also wrong that he doesn't mention parents, guardians or community support and engagement when making any of these crucial moves between RSD and OPSB.

• Many times these potential governing bodies do not communicate clearly with the students and families that they serve.

• Vital meetings are often held during school hours which limits the number of parents, guardians and community stakeholders who can attend.

This practice should be amended to better suit parents, guardians and community.

These suggestions are just a few thoughts that are brought up when I engage the families of New Orleans charter schools. I also have strong feelings about these moves and the implementation of the process. I believe that RSD should not relinquish control if the movement is not seamless and won't affect students’ daily academic lives.

The communication not only between these two governing bodies but also to families should be transparent throughout the process. The Orleans Parish School District should initiate a campaign inviting parents to see the changes that have been made and what the future holds for students and families of district schools. The Orleans Parish School District should agree to perform regulatory duties that assist schools in daily operations but also give autonomy to the charter management organization. Administrators and educators at charter schools should also have the freedom to make critical academic choices for the betterment of their student body. The RSD and the Orleans Parish School District should commit to actively communicate and collaborate in working through the flaws of the ONEAPP system in order to ensure the best outcomes for families.

I hope these agencies combine their talent and resources in producing the best outcomes for the families and children of New Orleans.

The Orleans Parish School District should initiate a campaign inviting parents to see the changes that have been made and what the future holds for students and families of district schools.

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The Trumpet | April/May | 2016

Fred Says ... Take Four Bites Off of the Apple

By The New Orleans Neighborhood Development Foundation

L

ots of us, myself included, grew up hearing our parents warn us about who’s paying the rent instead of about who owns the house. Because of this, generation after generation, we learned to focus on immediate finances instead of on the big picture. We then apply this same mentality when it comes to our tax refunds—we immediately buy ourselves some nice things or maybe we pay off a few bills. Now, I’m not here to discourage paying off bills, but I do have some better strategies to go about maximize the usefulness of your return to improve your financial position, ones that take the big picture into consideration. I call it taking four bites off of the apple.

A nice-sized tax refund is a fantastic opportunity to improve I’m not here to discourage your credit history—which is your record of paying your paying off bills, but I do responsibly. Why should have some better strategies bills you care about that record? to go about maximize Because down the line, if you the usefulness of your want to buy a house, a shoddy credit history can result in return to improve your loan being denied. If you financial position, ones that your manage to get approved for a take the big picture into home loan anyway, poor credit consideration. I call it taking will result in higher interest rates and insurance costs. And four bites off of the apple. don’t think you’re off the hook if buying a home isn’t in your future plans: auto dealers, landlords, and potential employers also check credit, so a bad history can mean losing that car, apartment, or job you had your heart set on.

So why not simply use that tax refund to pay off your outstanding bills?

Because while creditors are happy to get the money, they aren’t as happy to help you out in return. Whether it’s an intentional punishment or it’s just the nature of the process, reporting that you’re up to date on payments can come very slowly. It might not show up on your credit history for months and months.

So when your tax refund comes, instead of just paying off debt, try one of these smart tricks to pay off a bill (or three) and become the master of your own credit history at the same time:

Take Out a Savings Secured Loan Imagine you have $4,000 in your savings account after your tax refund arrives. You can now take out a savings secured loan of, say, $3,000 against that amount. Immediately deposit that money back into your account, and then set it up for automatic repayment of the loan. By doing this, you’ve accomplished a few things: you’re collecting interest on the money you’ve deposited, the bank is reporting on your responsible payment history to credit bureaus, and you’re establishing a relationship with your bank which can come in handy should you decide to purchase a home down the line.

Use a Secured Credit Card Instead of a Debit Card to Pay Your Debts Credit card use builds credit history; debit card use does not. So instead of having your tax return deposited to our checking account, place it into a

The Trumpet | April/May | 2016

secured credit card account that you will then use in place of your debit card.

If you know that you pay a certain amount of bills with your debit card every month, schedule an automatic payment to your new secured credit card for that amount every month. Look for cards that don’t charge fees and/or cards that pay rewards on spending. With a secured credit card, you can’t overspend, and again, the bank will be making positive reports that improve your credit history. It’s another win-win.

The arrival of a tax refund can be the turning point for improving your credit. This tax season, particularly if you’re a parent, make sure you take advantage of earned income tax credits because qualifying for these will become more difficult very soon. Getting the biggest refund possible and taking a forward-thinking approach to using that money can, down the line, mean the difference between telling your kids “I pay the rent around here” and telling them “I own this house.” And that’s another win-win: you’ve improved your situation and are turning the tide on some generational financial lessons to boot.

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R O O D E H T G N I K C O UNL T N E M E G A G N E C I V I TO C 2016 Presidential Election and Congressional Primary Election Dates • Last day to register to vote for Presidential Election 10/11/2016 • Presidential Election and Congressional Primary Election are 6 a.m. through 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2016 Information for the April 9th Election, Municipal General • Early voting will be March 26th - April 2nd, excluding Sunday the 27th. Hours of operation will be from 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

• Early voting locations include: City Hall, Algiers Court House, Chef Menteur Warehouse, and Spanish Fort Community Center (addresses can be found on our Early Voting tab found on the left side on this page).

• Deadline to register to vote is March 9th, 2016.

• Deadline to request absentee by mail ballot is April 5th. Please be reminded to submit your request as soon as possible to ensure time for postal delivery and return before the deadline. All absentee ballots are due

by April 8th, 4:30 p.m. (excluding military and oversea REGAINING RIGHT TO VOTE FOLLOWING A FELONY SENTENCE • Convicted felons who have completed all the terms of their sentence have the right to register to vote.

• Obtain documentation of sentence completion in person at the Louisiana Office of Probation and Parole, New Orleans District, 731 St. Charles Ave., 3rd floor, New Orleans, LA 70130.

• Take the documentation to the Voter Registrar's Office in City Hall. 1300 Perdido Street, Rm. 1W23 • Complete the registration form and receive your voter registration card.

VOTER REGISTRATION PROBLEMS • Call 658-8300, Office of the Orleans Parish Registrar of Voters, if there are problems with your voter registration.

ELECTION PROCESS PROBLEMS • Call 658-9000, Office of the Orleans Parish Clerk of Court to report problems with the election process.

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The Trumpet | April/May | 2016

Keys of Civic Engagement Include • • • • • • •

Community problem solving Regular volunteering for a non-electoral organization Active membership in a group or association Participation in fund-raising run/walk/ride Other fund-raising for charity Run for Political office Symbolic Non-Participation

Keys of Civic Engagement (Electoral) Include • • • • • •

Regular voting Persuading others to vote Displaying buttons, signs, stickers Campaign contributions Volunteering for candidate or political organizations Registering voters

Keys of Civic Engagement (Political Voice) Include • • • • • •

Contacting officials Contacting the print media Contacting the broadcast media Protesting Email petitions Written petitions and canvassing Boycotting

The Trumpet | April/May | 2016

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New Orleans Black Masking Indian Culture Forms Cooperative

Continuing a Legacy of Cooperative Economics

I

n 1907 W. E. B. Dubois hosted a conference on Negro Businesses and Cooperatives at Atlanta University. He was known to have hosted several conferences addressing cooperative economic sustainability in Black communities. DuBois believed that because African Americans were economically discriminated against due to racism, we could not achieve such. At the conference he delivered a speech and a quote from that speech addressed a pertinent issue of today. He said, “We unwittingly stand at the crossroads—should we go the way of capitalism and try to become individually rich as capitalists, or should we go the way of cooperatives and economic cooperation where we and our whole community could be rich together?”

The New Orleans Black Mardi Gras Indians Cooperative (The Co-Op), formed out of necessity, is a collective of Black masking Indian Nations and organizations working together in the spirit of history and culture to promote economic sustainability through job and wealth creation in the New Orleans African American community. Its foundation is built upon the Ujamaa Principle (4th Principle of the Nguzo Saba –Kwanzaa): To build and maintain our own stores, shops and other businesses and to profit from them together. Its formation is an historic endeavor in the City of New Orleans with extraordinary potential to change the conversation on indigenous culture, economic sustainability and empowerment of New Orleans African American culture bearers and working class.

Unique in concept, the New Orleans Black Mardi Gras Indians Cooperative does not function as a “normal” cooperative, as each member is an individual contractor that receives compensation for his/her goods, with a percentage going to the Co-Op. By positioning themselves as a collective, the Co-Op serves each member’s personal economic needs, controls goods and services, increases income and wealth and sustains communities where culture bearers live in African American neighborhoods. More importantly, the Co-Op recognizes that the tradition of masking goes beyond the social organization of community and that it has exchange value in local, state, national and international cultural economies. The Co-Op’s intent is to surpass social and cultural value of race and politics; and link members of the Indian Nations to opportunities for individual wealth, and provide a system for sustainability of the culture through cooperative economics-Ujamaa. The Cooperative is open to all members of the Black masking Indian nations to equally share in wealth

The New Orleans Black Mardi Gras Indians Cooperative was officially established in March 2014 and owned by 18 Black masking Indian Nations and affiliates.

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and created economic opportunities. The Co-Op is for us by us, building on our talents, spirituality, discipline, and authenticity toward true economic transformation.

Rooted in the spirit of empowerment and resistance to oppression that dates back to the 1700’s, the ritual of New Orleans Black masking Indians (New Orleans Black Mardi Gras Indians), a New Orleans indigenous African masking tradition, to hand stitch elaborate suits, requiring months of detailed sequin and beading, stoning, and stitching work—on Carnival Day, to take to the streets of their neighborhoods, in celebration of the amalgamation of Native Americans of Southeast Louisiana and the enslaved. The ritual of masking on Carnival Day was once a time to settle old scores between rival gangs (tribes). However, giving reverence to Allison “Big Chief Tootie” Montana, today it is all about aesthetics - the power of the needle and thread –to be the prettiest.

The history of the first organized Black masking Indians dates back to the late 1800’s, however, the Louisiana Code Noire (Black Code) was a decree originally passed by France's King Louis XIV in 1685. In 1722, the first known escape of a slave from a plantation took place.

The Choctaw, Seminoles and Chickasaws tribes in Louisiana were responsible for freeing some of the Africans from slavery. With the Indians’ help, Africans learned to survive off the land and lived in the forest, which later came to be known as Maroon Camps. In 1724 Governor Bienville forbade blacks from wearing feathers.

In 2013, recognizing the social organization and discipline of the Black masking Indians, NewCorp, Inc. (a private, non-profit Community Development Financial Institution) created a consensus driven space to convene the tribes in a structured facilitated discussion on replacing competition with cooperation and cooperative economics. Under NewCorp’s umbrella, the New Orleans Black Mardi Gras Indians Cooperative was officially established in March 2014 and owned by 18 Black masking Indian Nations and affiliates. The business model includes sales of one-of-a-kind authentic Indian suits, as well as the deconstruction of authentic Black masking Indian suits and transforming them into collectible fine art pieces; manufacturing, marketing, and selling merchandise as a brand to the open market.

The Trumpet | April/May | 2016

Annually, millions of tourists come to our city to take part in the celebratory traditions of Carnival, New Orleans Jazz and Heritage, and Satchmo Festivals, to name a few. However, while there has been intentional marketing of indigenous rituals and cultural practices of African American culture bearers, strategically, there has been an under-utilization of their unique assets, which has limited the cultural economic impact on job creation opportunities and overall economic development and sustainability specifically in the African American community. The Co-Op acknowledges the need to connect art, culture, and economic development and is working towards becoming a change agent by creating and promoting a business standard that not only recognizes practitioners as cultural assets to tourism and New Orleans’ business community, but put in place systems-procedures that ensure compensation and opportunities to transfer their cultural skills and knowledge into products and services that offer growth potential.

The Black masking Indians are not only culture bearers in African American neighborhoods, but also a celebrated attraction for New Orleans’ cultural tourism and a vital component of the Carnival experience part of New Orleans unique tourism market -- an authentic experience that validates the brand marketing of the city as one of the top tourism destinations in North America.

The Black masking Indians are a part and parcel of New Orleans’ Carnival experience, which generates over $20 million in government revenue and over $1 billion in spending from tourists and locals alike. Although the Black masking Indians are a major attraction, they have not benefited economically from their skills and artistry.

The City of New Orleans reported the results of a survey conducted by its Office of Innovation that 52% of working age African American men are unemployed; over 40% have criminal records and only 28% reported drugs use as a barrier. With the City’s high unemployment rate for African Americans, and particularly African-American men, the intent is to create quality, sustainable jobs for members of the Black masking Indian Nations and others in the community, including ex-offenders; and the New Orleans Black Mardi Gras Indians Cooperative stands ready and equipped for the task.

The Co-Op was birthed and incubated with care under the guidance of NewCorp, Inc., which provided human resources, unlimited access to experts in the visual arts, business and non-profit professions, and a place to host meetings and conduct business. While organic, every stage of development has been guided by authentic engagement, best practices, and monetary support of believers/funders. In three years, the New Orleans Black Mardi Gras Indians Cooperative has worked diligently to transform one-of-a kind creations of the masking tradition into a pathway to wealth and job creation for culture bearers. It participated in the selling of its pieces of artwork at the 2014 and 2015 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festivals, and was received with rave reviews.

There is opportunity within Black communities; the New Orleans Black Mardi Gras Indians Cooperative seeks to tap into the economic capacity of culture bearers and African American neighborhoods. The membership recognizes that Black communities cannot build wealth by being just consumers; they must generate and distribute goods and services in order to create wealth and economic stability in their communities.

W.E.B. Dubois, also referred to as a fierce warrior, pushed black people to develop cooperatives so that all Black people could get rich together. He was concerned and afraid that we were choosing the wrong path to economic growth–capitalism by choosing individualism. Well, the New Orleans Black Mardi Gras Indians Cooperative has chosen to do otherwise.

Contact information on the New Orleans Black Mardi Gras Indians Cooperative info@nobmgic.com

The New Orleans Black Mardi Gras Indians Cooperative will be at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival in Congo Square on April 28–May 1, 2016. See you there!

The Trumpet | April/May | 2016

17

Confessions of a Helicopter Mom

By Rameisha “Ramie” Johnson

“Hi!

I’m Ra’Son’s mom, Ramie, nice to meet you.” It’s the same sentence I’ve uttered every August for the last four years, the same one my daughter’s teachers have heard from hundreds of other parents.

But what they don’t know (yet) is that I’m a different kind of parent. I’m a ‘helicopter’ parent. And that means we are going to get to know each other. Really well.

The history of my helicoptering goes back to my daughter’s pre-kindergarten days.

While Ra’Son was in pre-k, her teacher and I exchanged notes every day. She was genuinely concerned about the education of my child. She knew I was anxious and attempted to make things easier by being proactive in our conversations. I appreciated her directness and honesty when I had questions. While this was part of her class structure, it set the parent/teacher engagement bar high for future teachers.

Her kindergarten teacher was very different. My impression was that she was burnt out. We didn’t communicate daily, and she often gave one-word responses to my questions. She avoided parent-teacher conferences unless she got pressure from the principal. One time, when Ra’Son was confused about her homework, I asked her teacher how a lesson was presented in class (so I could use similar vocabulary or methods at home). She told me that if my daughter didn’t learn it in class then I shouldn’t have a problem teaching it to her myself. Every day, I worried about what Ra’Son was or wasn’t learning. Thankfully for other families, the teacher moved on after that year.

Since then, I’ve encountered a range of engagement styles. Her first grade teacher was super engaged with the parents, but not so much with the students. She called during the holiday to see how Ra’Son progressed through an enrichment packet, but didn’t follow up on her promise to listen to each child read a book that they brought to school. She talked to me about referring Ra’Son to be evaluated for 504 accommodations, but never did the paperwork to move it past the referral stage. On the other hand, I absolutely loved her second grade teacher. She welcomed new ideas and explicitly told parents how we could support her during the week on the homework sheet. I would have paid her salary myself, if I could have, to convince her to teach third grade.

Because my experience was so inconsistent, I felt like I had to be involved and on top of things all the time. It didn’t help that my field of work was also education. That only made me that much more aware of how important Ra’Son’s

experience in school was. As a former school counselor, I worried that she would somehow end up like some of the students I worked with previously – behind in school, pregnant, in jail, or even worse – dead. My work and life experiences taught me that I had to be heavily involved—no immersed—in my child’s life to ensure that she would have all the necessary skills to be a wellrounded, successful adult.

So what do I do? For one thing, I ask questions.

A lot of questions. I ask about the quality of instruction.

I ask for clarification on homework or about general school observations. I’m highly engaged. I attend virtually every meeting and parent-teacher conference. I verify her teacher’s certification every year. I have links to resources that will help me understand what she is supposed to be learning. I know all about what Ra’Son is doing and what’s happening at school. If she’s getting off track, you know I’ll be on it. My attention to her school also extends beyond her. If another parent has a school-related question, there’s a good chance I’ll know the answer. If you want to know what other parents are really thinking, you know you’ll hear the truth from me. And if you’re doing right by my daughter, I will be behind you all the way. If not, bless your heart.

The thing is, with helicopter parenting, there are pros and cons. In terms of pros, I’ve been lucky enough to have jobs that allow me the flexibility to tend to my child’s life both academically and culturally. There are times when her school provides me with information before I get a chance to ask simply because they know I’m going to ask. I get a call when my daughter leaves her glasses at

The thing is, with helicopter parenting, there are pros and cons.

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The Trumpet | April/May | 2016

home. They know my family so well that we have an understanding on a number of common occurrences. And I feel sure that my daughter will get the education she needs—because I’m making sure of it.

On the other hand, it’s exhausting. I can’t calculate the number of hours I’ve spent researching best practices by grade level, printing enrichment materials, going to meetings, and so much more. Being at the school so frequently might seem like a plus, but I know it can also feel like I’m intruding or being overbearing. It’s a lot for my daughter, too. I worry sometimes that I’m not giving her as much space as she needs to make mistakes and grow. And I worry that other students at her school may not get the same attention she does, because their parents aren’t as hyper-focused as I am.

The truth is, I don’t want to be a helicopter parent. I’d rather be more like a drone—quieter, smaller, and less intrusive. I still want to visit my child’s school regularly, but more by invitation, with specific times and reasons to visit. I want to be able to allow my child the room to put into practice all that we’ve taught her and to make mistakes while it’s still safe to do so.

The truth is, I don’t want to be a helicopter parent.

I’d rather be more like a drone— quieter, smaller, and less intrusive.

I want Ra’Son’s teachers and school staff to think of me as a useful partner, not a squeaky wheel.

One of the biggest ways that schools and teachers could help reduce helicoptering would be by communicating a lot more clearly and consistently with parents—about what’s going on at school, about what our children are learning and how they’re progressing, about how we can help at home. Then we might not worry so much or feel the need to hover so close. My school has gotten a lot better about this and I’ve found my own ways to get the information I need, but what about other parents?

I know shifting from a helicopter parent to a drone parent will take work. I’m ready to do my part and take a step back. My question is, are schools ready to step forward?

Rameisha “Ramie” Johnson is a New Orleans native, proud mom and veteran school counselor and enrollment advisor. As a Navigator, she currently focuses on supporting parents across New Orleans throughout the school choice and enrollment process. She holds a BA in Sociology and an M.Ed in School Counseling from the University of New Orleans. You can follow Ramie’s blog www.ednavigator.com

Join us on April 5, 2016 to celebrate this year’s class of New Orleans parent and child leaders, and applaud their amazing accomplishments.

2016 Parent Graduates Mr. Patrick Anderson | Ms. Benita Cochran | Ms. Gwendolyn Cook Mr. Lamont Douglas | Mrs. Anthonika Gidney | Ms. Merline Kimble Ms. Regineka Tassin | Ms. Sheana Turner | Ms. Domonique Tyson Ms. Kendra Andrus | Ms. Lashandra Caldwell | Ms. Kimberly Dejan Mr. Duane Gidney | Ms. Janice Kimble | Mr. Marshall Rutledge Ms. Jennifer Taylor | Ms. Marceia Walker 2016 Child Graduates Miss Mikaela Dejan | Mr. Elijah Evans | Miss Malia Nickles | Miss Myla Tassin Mr. Jaiden Turner | Miss Diamond Francois | Mr. Devin Francois | Mr. Damon Francois

RSVP at bit.ly/fltinola2016 A program of Orleans Public Education Network | www.opennola.org

The Trumpet | April/May | 2016

19

OPDEC

When the Veil Tells More than the Unveiling

By Eva Roodenrijs

A

s a recent addition to the New Orleans community – having moved the party to function equitably and inclusively? Confident in my researching here from California after my recent college graduation – I have skills and political wherewithal, having recently earned my dual degree in the been observing the election happenings in the city from an outsider humanities and social sciences from the University of California, I presumed that perspective. As a registered Democrat, I spend more of my time I would be able to come to a quick and comprehensive understanding of this considering the Democratic happenings around the city, curious as group. This was not, in any way, the case. Had this been a report for school that to what entities are endorsing who, and how the party mobilizes itself in order I was meant to turn in that gave a complete overview of this group – the Orleans to ensure the largest turnout of voters, etc. Moving from a strongly Blue State Parish Democratic Executive Committee (OPDEC) – it would have been a very into a Red State, I had no idea what to expect in terms of voter turnout and short report. engagement – after all, I thought, people already seem to find enough reasons OPDEC has three main online platforms, as most organizations and groups not to vote claiming that their vote “doesn't matter” in the long run, so what do today: their own website, Facebook, and Twitter. I started with their website, were democrats to feel in a state like Louisiana? but was quickly discouraged in thinking that I could find anything worthwhile Although I was relatively well informed about there. Besides their mission statement on the first page the national happenings of the Democratic Party reading, “Orleans Parish Democratic Executive Committee having spent some time volunteering for the Bernie is committed to building a strong neighborhood-based Steven Kennedy assured campaign, the local politics of Orleans Parish Democratic Party by using the civic involvement fostered in me that my confusion itself remained quite a mystery to me. A few days post-Katrina rebuilding to serve the Democratic community around OPDEC was not my in New Orleans,” there was very little information available before the March 5th primary however, a coworker dropped a leaflet on my desk. Looking down I saw fault – “very few people in on the actual function of the group. Moreover, I gave up a vertical row of eleven faces staring up at me under quickly on the utility of the website when I realized that New Orleans understand the magnanimous title – “The Better Leadership the most recent updates were made to announce the 2014 the function of OPDEC,” he meeting dates, which were announced without a time, Ticket.” I paused looking over the flyer. Who were these people with districts assigned to them by date, or place assigned to them. Confused by the complete said, “I have people with letter? I was surprised to see that New Orleans was lack of information on the website I moved on confidently Ph. D.’s calling me to ask voting for people besides the respective Democratic to Facebook and Twitter, knowing as a millennial that if what OPDEC is and who or Republican candidates, and I curiously flipped any group desires to have a strong social impact today, the page over to find out more. What I read next these two platforms need to be strongholds of information they should vote for.” pushed me to take a deeper interest in this group of and engagement. Again, I was disappointed. OPDEC’s strangers.

Twitter had not been updated in over nine months, and although their Facebook included one vague reminder to “geaux vote” posted It read, in all caps, “WHY WE SUPPORT THESE CANDIDATES ...” on February 24 of this year, the rest of their page lacked any information that would help me to better understand the function of the group. In addition, • The present Democratic Committee has not protected the interested of the scrolling down their page looking at the responses to their postings over the last citizens of New Orleans and the State of Louisiana. year with barely any likes, comments, or activity to speak of, the OPDEC online • The present Democratic Committee draw district lines to protect their presence looked more like a ghost town façade of a group than an entity with elected seats for re-election and not in the interest of the People… any real impact. ”Gerrymandering”.

This complete lack of engagement and information is not what one would • The present Democratic Committee has NOT demanded the return of expect to find from a group “committed to building a strong neighborhoodNeighborhood Polling Precincts for easier voting access and citizen based Democratic Party” in New Orleans, especially during an election year. participation.

Frustrated, and starting to doubt my skills as a researcher, I turned to the insights • The present Democratic Committee refuses to hold forms or workshops of Steven Kennedy, a long-term community member who ran for OPDEC in regarding Voter Education.

District C this past voting period. He assured me that my confusion around • These endorsed Candidates will STOP the Family Nepotism and OPDEC was not my fault – “very few people in New Orleans understand the “Cliques” in the seats held by the present Democratic Committee and their function of OPDEC,” he said, “I have people with Ph. D.’s calling me to ask family members. what OPDEC is and who they should vote for.”

Although talking to Steve made me feel better about my own researching The final bullet point, a grand mission statement for these eleven faces – abilities, our conversation did not elucidate or uncover any real knowledge “It’s Time We Bring The Democratic Party And It’s Interests Back To The People” about what power OPDEC really holds in Orleans Parish. “If nobody knows – solidified my desire to know more about this group. what OPDEC does and who to vote for,” I asked, “then why is there so much Who, I thought, took the Democratic Party away from the people in the first importance attached to these elections?” He told me that he often wondered place? And who was this mysterious entity, the Democratic Committee, which the same thing. He did not understand why important figures, including various seemed to be wreaking havoc on the rights of the people and the ability of Louisiana state senators and representatives, were spending resources to

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The Trumpet | April/May | 2016

endorse OPDEC candidates, when the efficacy and impact of this group in the community is questionable to say the least. Steve and I were also able to commiserate on the lack of information available – he told me that he has even signed up for their email list and has never received a single email from them.

When I asked him if he had ever been to a meeting, he told me that although one would expect that these meetings should be open to the public and widely publicized so that the party can better engage voters, he never could find information about them.

Overall, my inquiry into OPDEC has left me with many more questions than answers; therefore, I will begin with the answers. OPDEC as stated by its mission is the sole representative of the Democratic Party in New Orleans. Therefore, all party matters and happenings in the city depend on OPDEC to be disseminated and mobilized throughout the community. In order to carry out the mission of the party in Orleans Parish, OPDEC holds elections every four years in line with the presidential elections, electing 14 new members from every voting district in the city – A, B, C, D and E. OPDEC is required to hold four annual meetings, but it seems, at least in 2014 when there meeting dates were last posted, that they hold them monthly. Although any registered Democratic over the age of 18 can run for OPDEC, what appears to be the key in getting elected to these positions in a race where nobody really knows what is going on, is name recognition. For example, Steve told me that he lost in his own district because those that were elected were all current or previously elected officials that people in his community already knew of. In addition, other than holding these elections every four years, Steve has only seen OPDEC in the public sphere when endorsing candidates in elections.

Other than this, their actual impact and function remains a mystery to most of

the Democratic community in New Orleans. The only other actions by OPDEC, or lack of actions rather, which I have encountered in my research are the grievances laid out by “The Better Leadership Ticket.” Although I cannot in any way speak to the veracity of these complaints, as no information exists in the public forum to corroborate them, they do undoubtedly stem from somewhere, and whether or not they are fully true, they do express the frustration mounting around a group that is meant to represent the people, but also seems to work extremely hard in trying to stay away from them.

As stated previously, if this were a school report meant to explain the function of OPDEC, I would have failed. However, although I am all for personal responsibility, it also seems that in many ways the Orleans Parish Democratic Executive Committee is failing the Democrats of New Orleans in more ways than one. By remaining such a mystery – making a large public appearance only every election cycle – OPDEC seemingly fails to engage the community except when it is of benefit to themselves. The greatest question I am left with after this laborious and ultimately unfruitful journey is this: if from a community perspective the function and impact of OPDEC is little to none, then why do those in the community, even those in places of power such as senators and representatives, place any importance whatsoever on these elections and/or this group? The only conclusion I can come up with is that there must be power attached to this group somewhere, and that power has chosen to remain hidden from me, Steve, and the greater New Orleans Democratic community. Sometimes, as with Adam and Eve, the veiling and obscuring of oneself says a lot more about an entity than anything else, and OPDEC may just fit this profile.

Overall, my inquiry into OPDEC has left me with many more questions than answers...

DPEC ELECTED MEMBERS DPEC MEMBER(S) DISTRICT A

DPEC MEMBER(S) DISTRICT B

DPEC MEMBER(S) DISTRICT C

DPEC MEMBER(S) DISTRICT D

DPEC MEMBER(S) DISTRICT E

Susan G. Guidry

Latoya Cantrell

Troy Carter

Cynthia Hedge-Morrell

Austin Badon

Gizelle Banks

Diana E. Bajoie

Nadine Ramsey

Joseph Bouie, Jr.

Wesley Bishop

Eileen Carter

Samson "Skip" Alexander

Gary Carter, Jr.

Arthur A. Morrell

Cynthia Willard-Lewis

Anna Nguyen

Lois J. Dejean

Joseph Broussard

Marlon Defillo

James A. Gray II

Aylin Acikalin-Maklansky

Jay H. Banks

Leslie Ellison

Jared C. Brossett

Charmaine L. Marchand

Felicia Kahn

Darren Lombard

Sidney H. Cates, V

Alicia Plummer Clivens

Jason Cantrell

Ruth Ramsey

Eugene Green

Therese Badon

Katherine Baudouin

Morris "Moe" Reed, Jr.

Catherine Dannel Cates

Kara Johnson

Avis Brock

Ericka Edwards-Jones

Sandra Green Thomas

Shelia Collins-Stallworth

Olander "Butch" Bajoie, Jr.

Kristin Gisleson Palmer

Angele Wilson

Lisa Manning Ambrose

Danae Columbus

Lisa Ray Diggs

Randy D. Greenup

Willie Jones

Charmaine Baker-Fox

Morris W. Reed, Sr.

Dominic Willard

Carl A. Haydel

Deirdre Martin-Lewis

Delisha Boyd

Matthew A. Willard

Frederick Bell

Ronald Coleman, Sr.

Freddie King III

Durrell L. Laurent

Raquel Greenup Richmond

Maple Richmond Gaines Angelique LaCour Leah Stevenson Ryan Banks Patricia Diane Frank Sylvia M. Crier Mindy Brickman Mark Vicknair Deborah Langhoff

The Trumpet | April/May | 2016

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“If the first woman God ever made was strong enough to turn the world upside down all alone, these women together ought to be able to turn it back, and get it right side up again!" —Sojourner Truth Tune into Pumps, Pearls, and Politics Fridays at 1 pm on WBOK 1230 AM! And join us for our POWERtalks created to encourage women to build more robust networks of female leaders, enhancing partisan competition, and stimulating women in public and political life.

For updates about the show, Like us on Facebook, follow me on twitter @ timolynn or sign up to join the mailing list at www.onedegreeimpact.com POWERtalks are held at: Ashe Cultural Arts Center 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd.

April 19 Crosstalk: A dialogue between

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Email thetrumpet@npnnola to advertise.

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The Trumpet | April/May | 2016

Are you a leader of color interested in making a positive impact in the field of education? If so, The Urban League of Greater New Orleans is excited to announce that we are taking applications for our 3rd annual ULEAD (Urban Leaders for Equity and Diversity) cohort.

ULEAD is the premier training institute for leaders of color in the community on the current educational landscape in New Orleans. During this training program, participants have the opportunity to learn from many influential leaders in the field of education such as Dr. Andre Perry, Dr. Howard Fuller, Senator JP Morrell, Superintendent Henderson Lewis and many more. Alumni of the ULEAD program have gone on to join several difference charter boards, worked together on partnerships to implement programs to improve parent engagement, and have even had their works published.

If you are interested in participating, please fill out the quick information sheet link located below: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/18OqV_ snrwFkPtcXkXiYnGgMZx54ojfAMZtvdZR4AwTQ/viewform.

If you would like to learn more, feel free to contact Ethan Ashley via email at eashley@urbanleagueneworleans.org.

The Trumpet | April/May | 2016

23

2

CeeCe Gives

thoughts about

Cecil Dalton a.k.a. Ms. Seal

man, eCe” Chap

By Christy “C e book, f th the author o hts Ever y 20 Thoug ve. hould Ha Woman S native s n w Orlea She is a Ne something years nty who is “twe itter w her on Tw llo of age.” Fo r. eAutho at @CeCeth

2

It is an honor to do this interview on New Orleans business woman Cecile "Ms. Seal" Dalton. This year is "Seal's 19th Annual Easter Parade". Last year "Seal's Class Act" added "Kids-N-Seniors with a Purpose". This was added to include children with developmental delays to be apart as well. We couldn't forget about our "loyal and retired" customers either, so "Ms.Seal's" 83 year uncle affectionately known as "Uncle B" started "Seal's Easter Parade Bicycle Riders" which he is a rider. This parade is so special not just because it is on Easter, but because it is an opportunity for the city to support something positive that motivates the children of our community. Not only is this event for the kids, it is an event that brings families together to support the children dressed up in mini gowns and tuxedos. This interview was very dear to me considering the "DIVA" that I have respected for years. A woman that

represents class, success and integrity.

Cecile Dalton known as "Ms. Seal" is the owner of "Seal Class Act" located at 2169 Aubry St. It was an esteemed honor to sit down in the comfort of her cozy nightlife spot and ask 20 questions. Thru her business and big heart, she has given the community of New Orleans as well as customers hope and some of the best entertainment, bringing artists such as Jeff Floyd, Tucka, BRW, Pokey ... some of New Orleans soulful legends such as Lisa Amos and Captain "Chicken" Charles. With all that she has accomplished and "big" things that she does, her heart of gold continues to pump love, support, direction and light in some people's dark spots.

While getting ready for "Seal's Social Act & Outreach Easter Gala" this Saturday, she took time out for our readers. Grab your cocktail of choice and explore this woman who has admiration of our community and mayor a little bit.

Cecil "Seal" Dalton and friend 1. What was your 1st business?

Seals Hideaway located at 2101 Duels St in the year 1995.

2. How did you know nightlife was right for you?

I didn't exactly know it was...the more I did, the better I got at it.

3. Why are you so willing to take chances and give people chances thru employment/gigs at your place ?

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Growing up in a poor area having the advantage of having things I saw struggles of other people. When I was child and teenager I was very fortunate. I remember when I was about 13 I always had rollers to roll my hair, one of my cousins had to roll her hair on brown paper bags, so one day I took my own money and brought her rollers. I wanted to help people then and now. I am blessed , so I bless others.

4. How did you juggle being a wife, mother, grand-mother and business owner?

I was living in Baton Rouge, so I would have to close my bar at night and drive home every night to get the children ready for school the next day. On weekends me and the children would stay by my mom and I would drive back home on Sundays,my husband understood my vision, I was determined to make the bar work.

Charles and I have successfully put our son through college and our (2) daughters are right behind him. We implement hard work and education in children. I have a grand-daughter Liyah, she is our world. She is the love of my life. She is our princess and always "Seal's Class Act Easter Parade Princess".

The Trumpet | April/May | 2016

5. What neighborhood are you from?

I am from the 7th ward.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11. How do you handle being a woman in 17. What makes Seal's different from other business? nightlife New Orleans spots?

It is a great challenge because nightlife is

That we look at our customers as family. We With all the awards, political dominated by men mostly, but I am respected. care. My spot is my customers spot. We are a proclamations, success and acquired I have been in business for years, so as a family. wealth, what do you feel is your woman I am doing something right. biggest accomplishment ? have you 18. How is it that you have been able to reached it?

12. What is your favorite place to visit? keep consistent customers even thru economic struggles?

I haven't reached it yet...it is still more to come

New York ... because I love to shop ... OOO from me. ... I love to shop. I love the hats. I love the

I look out for my customers. I love them. designers.

They are loyal to me and my business, and I What is your motivation? appreciate that.

13. You give a wealth of people hope and My faithful customers, the loyal ones that come stay positive about things, how are 19. What are some of the accomplishments everyday.... I swear I have customers that come you able to do so ? you have reached with "Seals Class every day (smiling)...and they don't want to Act"? leave even the next day at 6:00 A.M.

Thru God and the support of my family especially my husband Charles ... he is so

I own everything in my place...pool tables, Who was influential in your life? supportive and loyal. poker machines, juke box, liquor system and vending machines.

My dad . Because he was a hustler, he taught 14. Being a nightlife spot owner, what is me how to work and get it...and always taught your favorite cocktail ?

20. How do you give back to the me nothing was given to me. community?

J. Roget Wine is my favorite, I like Margaritas Do you have any plans for Seals or do but I am a J.Roget DIVA.

Starting off Easter is my favorite holiday and I you want to keep it "cozy" like it is? love to do things to make the children happy, 15. Can you see your self right now doing so I do my Annual Easter Parade & Egg Hunt, I want to retire and turn it over to one of my anything else ?

Back to School Drive, Christmas Toys for Tots, children.

Feed The Homeless every 4th Saturday of

No ... I don't want to be anywhere else. I love the month, and also my yearly Writing Essay What made you start "Seal's Outreach dealing with the people.

Scholarships. & Pleasure Club ?

16. What is something you want our My group of parents started...when I started Congratulations Cecile "Ms.Seal" Dalton readers to know about you? my 1st parade I did everything out of my on "Seal's Class Act & Pleasure Club 19th pocket, so they wanted to help me thru raising

I am a hard worker, I care about my Easter Parade". The city of New Orleans money and that was show it was started. community, I want to reach children, if I can supports you and appreciate all your reach one, that is my goal. I worked hard to continued efforts. get where I am.

You’ll feel like you’re talking to VIRTUALLY every neighbor in New Orleans ... and beyond.

The new NPNnola.com The Trumpet | April/May | 2016

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Neighborhood Meetings

Algiers Point Association 1st Thursday of the month – 7 p.m.

Visit www.algierspoint.org for location.

Algiers Presidents’ Council 4th Tuesday of the month 7 p.m.

Woldenberg Village - 3701 Behrman Place www.anpcnola.org Broadmoor Improvement Association 3rd Monday of every other month 7 p.m.

Andrew H. Wilson Charter School Cafeteria 3617 General Pershing Street www.broadmoorimprovement.com Bunny Friend Neighborhood Association 3rd Saturday of the month Mt. Carmel Baptist Church 3721 N. Claiborne Avenue bunnyfriendassoc@gmail.com BywaterNeighborhoodAssociation 2nd Tuesday of the month 7 p.m.

Holy Angels Cafeteria 3500 St. Claude Avenue www.bywaterneighbors.com CarrolltonRiverbendNeighborhood Association 2nd Thursday of the month Central St. Matthew United Church of Christ 1333 S. Carrollton Avenue Carrollton United 2nd Monday of the month – 5 p.m.

St. John Missionary Baptist Church Leonidas Avenue and Hickory Street www.healthyneworleans.org Central City Renaissance Alliance (CCRA) 3rd Tuesday of each month 6:00pm Mahalia Jackson Early Childhood & Family Learning Center 2405 Jackson Avenue www.myccra.org Chapel of the Holy Comforter 4th Thursday of the month 6:30 p.m.

2200 Lakeshore Drive

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Neighborhood Meetings

Claiborne-University Neighborhood Association Quarterly meetings (Date and time TBA) Jewish Community Center 5342 St. Charles Avenue Downtown Neighborhoods Improvement Association (DNIA) Last Tuesday of each month 7 p.m.

Joan Mitchell Center 2275 Bayou Road

Filmore Gardens Neighborhood Association 4th Thursday of the month (no meetings in November and December) 6:30 p.m.

Project Home Again 5506 Wickfield Street

Holy Cross Neighborhood Association 2nd Thursday of the month 5:30 p.m.

Center for Sustainability Greater Little Zion Missionary Baptist Church 5130 Chartres Street

Garden District Association Visit www.gardendistrictassociation. com for annual meeting information.

Irish Channel Neighborhood Association 2nd Thursday of the month 7 p.m.

Irish Channel Christian Fellowship 819 First Street www.irishchannel.org

DeSaix Neighborhood Association 2nd Saturday of the month 10 a.m.

Langston Hughes Academy 3519 Trafalgar Street danadesaix.org

Gentilly Civic Improvement Association (GCIA) 3rd Saturday of the month 6:30 p.m.

Edgewater Baptist Church 5900 Paris Avenue www.facebook.com/gentillycivic

East New Orleans Neighborhood Advisory Committee 2nd Tuesday of the month 6 p.m.

St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church 7300 Crowder Boulevard www.enonac.org

Gentilly Heights East Neighborhood Association 3rd Monday of the month 6 p.m.

Dillard University, Dent Hall – Room 104

Edgewood Park Neighborhood Association 1st Saturday of the month 10 a.m.

New Hope Community Church 3708 Gentilly Blvd.

FaubourgDelachaiseNeighborhood Association Quarterly meetings Visit http://fdna-nola.org for details.

Faubourg St. John Neighborhood Association Board Meeting – 2nd Monday of the month 7 p.m.

Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Cafeteria 1368 Moss Street http://www.fsjna.org Faubourg St. Roch Improvement Association 2nd Thursday of the month 6 p.m.

True Vine Baptist Church 2008 Marigny Street

Gentilly Sugar Hill Neighborhood Association 3rd Monday of the month 6:30 p.m.

Volunteers of America 2929 St. Anthony Avenue Gentilly Terrace and Gardens Improvement Association 2nd Wednesday of the month 7 p.m.

Gentilly Terrace School 4720 Painters Street www.gentillyterrace.org Hoffman Triangle Neighborhood Association 2nd Tuesday of the month 5:30 p.m.

Pleasant Zion Missionary Baptist Church 3327 Toledano Street hoffmantriangle.org Hollygrove Neighbors Association Quarterly on Saturdays 12 p.m.

St. Peter AME Church 3424 Eagle Street Email hollygroveneighbors@yahoo.com for dates

Lake Bullard Home Owners Association Cornerstone United Methodist Church 5276 Bullard Avenue Visit lakebullard.org for meeting schedule Lake Catherine Civic Association 2nd Tuesday of the month 7 p.m.

Email lakecatherineassociation@yahoo. com for location information Lake Willow Neighborhood 2nd Saturday of the month 10 a.m.

St. Maria Goretti Church Lower Ninth Ward Neighborhood EmpowermentNetworkAssociation 2nd Saturday of the month 12 p.m.

1120 Lamanche Street www.9thwardnena.org Lower Ward Ninth Ward Stakeholders Coalition 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month 5:30 p.m.

1800 Deslonde Street Melia Subdivision 2nd Saturday of the month

5 p.m.

Anchored in Christ Church 4334 Stemway

The Trumpet | April/May | 2016

Neighborhood Meetings

Mid-City Neighborhood Organization 2nd Monday of the month 6 p.m. – meet & greet 6:30 p.m. – neighborhood meeting Warren Easton High School 3019 Canal Street www.mcno.org Milneburg Neighborhood Association 4th Thursday of the month 6:30 p.m.

Chapel of the Holy Comforter 2200 Lakeshore Drive The New St. Claude Association of Neighbors 1st Thursday of the month 7 p.m.

Pierre’s Hall 4138 St. Claude Avenue www.newstclaude.assocn.nscan.com New Zion City Preservation Association 1st Monday of the month 7 p.m.

APEX Youth Center 4360 Washington Ave. Oak Park Civic Association 3rd Thursday of the month 6:30 p.m.

Edgewater Baptist Church 5900 Paris Avenue www.facebook.com/ OakParkNewOrleans

Paris Oaks/Bayou Vista Neighborhood Association Last Saturday of the month 4 p.m.

Third District Police Station 4650 Paris Avenue Pensiontown of Carrollton Neighborhood Association 1st Saturday of the month 2 p.m.

Leonidas House Community Center 1407 Leonidas Street Pilotland Neighborhood Association 3rd Saturday of the month 3 p.m.

Pentecost Baptist Church Fellowship Hall 1510 Harrison Avenue Pontilly Association Pontilly Disaster Collaborative - 3rd Wednesday of the month General Meeting 2nd Saturday of the month 3869 Gentilly Blvd., Suite C Rosedale Subdivision Last Friday of the month 5:30 p.m.

Greater Bright Morning Star Baptist Church 4253 Dale Street

Ask City Hall Seventh Ward Neighborhood Association Every other month, on the third Saturday, at the Dillard University Community Resource Center, 33012 Annette Street (at Humanity), NOLA 70119. Mail us at: P.O. Box 8591, NOLA 70182 Seabrook Neighborhood Association 2nd Monday on the month Gentilly Terrace School 4720 Painter Street Email seabrookassociation@yahoo.com for times Tall Timbers Owners Association 2nd Wednesday in April & October 7 p.m.

Tunisburg Square Homeowners Civic Association, Inc. 2nd Monday of the month 6:30 p.m.

Visit tunisburg.org for location information Village de L’Est Improvement Association 1st Tuesday of every other month 7 p.m.

Einstein Charter School 5100 Cannes Street

West Barrington Association 1st Tuesday of the month 6 p.m.

Holiday Inn Express 7049 Bullard Avenue

Send your neighborhood meeting details to: info@npnnola.com

Neighborhoods Partnership Network 3321 Tulane Avenue New Orleans, LA 70119 504.940.2207 • FX 504.940.2208 thetrumpet@npnnola.com www.npnnola.com

The Trumpet | April/May | 2016

District A Susan G. Guidry City Hall, Room 2W80 1300 Perdido Street New Orleans, LA 70112 Phone: (504) 658-1010 Fax: (504) 658-1016 Email: sgguidry@nola.gov District B LaToya Cantrell City Hall, Room 2W10 1300 Perdido Street New Orleans, LA 70112 Phone: (504) 658-1020 Fax: (504) 658-1025 lcantrell@nola.gov District C Nadine M. Ramsey City Hall, Room 2W70 1300 Perdido Street Phone: (504) 658-1030 Fax: (504) 658-1037 Email: nramsey@nola.gov District D Jared C. Brossett City Hall, Room 2W20 1300 Perdido Street Phone: (504) 658-1040 Fax: (504) 658-1048 E-mail: jcbrossett@nola.gov District E James Austin Gray II City Hall, Room 2W60 1300 Perdido Street New Orleans, LA 70112 Phone: (504) 658-1050 Fax: (504) 658-1058 Email: jagray@nola.gov Council Member-At-Large Stacy Head City Hall, Room 2W40 1300 Perdido Street Phone: (504) 658 -1060 Fax: (504) 658-1068 Email: shead@nola.gov Council Member-At-Large Jason Rogers Williams City Hall, Room 2W50 1300 Perdido Street New Orleans, LA 70112 Phone: (504) 658-1070 Fax: (504) 658-1077 Email:jarwilliams@nola.gov

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The Trumpet | April/May | 2016