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An Open Letter to Mayoral Candidates City Councilwoman LaToya Cantrell and Judge Desiree Charbonnet
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Making New Orleans a Child-Centered City
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Guest Commentary by Ethan Ashley,
Orleans Parish School Board Member, District 2
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"You can tell the state of a nation by the condition of its children"
- Martin Luther King, Jr.
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Ethan Ashley, Orleans Parish School Board Member, District 2
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NEW ORLEANS - As we set a vision for our great city, our children must be a top priority. Imagine a city that provides a safe environment where our youth can develop emotionally, mentally and physically. This city would provide a multitude of recreational and academic activities for our youth. Systems would support our youth's engagement civically and economically in the sustainability and growth of our city. Healthy food options would be available in every neighborhood and educational experiences and exposure activities would be provided to youth to empower them to reach and achieve success despite their socio-economic background. Overall, New Orleans would be a proactive environment meeting the needs of our youth. This is the vision of a childcentered city and our next mayor must wholeheartedly believe and invest in creating it.
We can no longer afford to have New Orleanians make the tough decision to
move from our great city because of the lack of health services, safety, jobs, and educational opportunities available for their children. We need a mayor who will commit to diverting and raising resources for the expansion of programs for early childhood education and literacy. We need a leader who is willing to invest money in job creation, vocational training, civics, entrepreneurial training, and mentorship for our youth. We need a visionary who will support the expansion of our youth diversionary and restorative
justice programs in coordination with our juvenile court system. We also need a mayor who can inspire the public-private partnerships needed to ensure that the creation of coordinated trauma-informed care and mental health services are made available for our youth and their families.
Only a mayor who is invested in creating a solid infrastructure for our youth by
coordinating services and service providers, raising and leveraging funds in support of youth opportunities and early childhood education, investing in policies that positively impact our youth, and supporting the sustainability and expansion of existing effective data-driven youth programming will be successful in creating a child-centered city. Overall, we need a leader who will start building a pipeline of access to opportunity and leadership for our youth.
If we focus our resources on our youth, we can change the trajectory of our city. It is not difficult to imagine a New Orleans where students are consistently prepared for post-secondary education, where the high level of educational attainment attracts new businesses to our thriving city, and where violence and incarceration rates significantly decrease. That vision of our city can only be realized with intentional focus on our children.
If we want to address the disparities within our city, everybody must pitch in and help. It starts with our youth and we are all responsible. However, we need our mayor, the executive of our city, to be ready to make the investment in our youth and to create a coordinated citywide strategy. The task of caring for the youth of our city cannot fall solely to Orleans Parish School Board and Recovery School District. We need the entire city, early childhood providers, health systems, housing systems, criminal justice systems, social services agencies, business industries, transportation systems, political systems (local, state and national), higher education systems, nonprofit agencies and the
K-12 education systems to come together and create an action plan for the development of our youth in this city.
The next mayor of New Orleans must prioritize at least three action items for our children to move our city in the right direction:
- Invest in early childhood education (0-5 year old) and literacy,
- Coordinate a citywide partnership with community leaders, philanthropic organizations, nonprofit agencies, Orleans Parish School Board, Recovery School District, higher education institutions and corporations to ensure that every child in New Orleans is proactively provided access to high quality education, workforce training, job creation, after school and summer school educational programming, and trauma-informed care and mental health services, and
- Locate resources to support and expand our juvenile diversionary programing.
We cannot wait until crisis happens to join hands, instead, we must build partnerships that provide the opportunity for proactive initiatives. Of course, the Orleans Parish School Board will remain dedicated to the education of the youth of New Orleans, but our next mayor must be willing to allocate resources in a manner that ensures that the full needs of our children and their families are addressed.
Our future is directly tied with our children and whether we acknowledge it or not, everything that we do is intended to enhance their development. The truest purpose of our economy, healthcare systems, criminal justice systems, and education systems is to allow more children to grow up safe and develop in healthier ways. There are things that drag children below the waves, and things that keep them afloat. We must provide adequate investments to hold our children up when the tide comes in or else they will be dragged down and ultimately drown, even in shallow water. There is no in between. The next
mayor of New Orleans must be fully invested in making our city a child-centered city, our children and the future of New Orleans depends on it.
For the betterment of our children,
Ethan Ashley
Orleans Parish School Board Member, District 2
Director of Policy and Advocacy, Center for Development and Learning
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Mayor Landrieu Announces Historic Redevelopment Projects Opening Access to Riverfront
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3.2 miles of contiguous space from Spanish Plaza to Crescent Park
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NEW ORLEANS (10/27/17) - Today, Mayor Mitch Landrieu joined elected officials and community stakeholders to announce multiple historic riverfront redevelopment projects between Spanish Plaza and Crescent Park. Not only will these landmark projects further stimulate economic growth and redevelop the City's riverfront, but will also provide contiguous public access from Spanish Plaza to Crescent Park. Residents and visitors will be able to enjoy this spectacular 3.2-mile stretch and these projects will further optimize opportunities for planned activities along the riverfront.
The projects include:
- Spanish Plaza - $7.5 million plaza renovation;
- Four Seasons - $400 million Renovation of the World Trade Center;
- Canal Street Ferry Terminal - $37 million state-of-the-art terminal;
- Ferry Pedestrian Bridge - $7.3 million new pedestrian bridge;
- Woldenberg Riverfront Park - $6 million park improvements;
- Moonwalk Park - $3 million park renovation;
- Esplanade and Governor Nicholls Street Wharves - $15 million conversion; and,
- Crescent Park - $31.2 million.
"Through the hard work of every stakeholder involved, we are redeveloping the entire riverfront and creating a new way to experience New Orleans," said Mayor Mitch Landrieu. "New Orleans will now be home to one of the largest contiguous riverfront parks in the U.S. which is a huge win for every resident and visitor of our city. This important step builds on the legacy of other great City leaders that opened up the riverfront and will spur economic development."
New Orleans riverfront offers unparalleled views of the city's skyline, Algiers and the Mississippi River, creating an environment for residents and visitors alike to interact and enjoy various vantage points of New Orleans and recreational space. By reconnecting to the Mississippi River, New Orleans joins the growing list of world-class cities that are exploring opportunities to restore and enhance the natural environment while simultaneously improving residents' quality of life and enjoyment of the outdoors.
As part of the City's commitment to resilience and sustainability, these riverfront enhancements contain features to reduce energy usage and reduce the effects of global warming. Some of the features include LED lighting upgrades, enhanced tree canopies and storm water management features. This will result in a reduction of the heat island effect and reduction of light pollution.
District C Councilmember Nadine Ramsey said, "The riverfront redevelopment will not only link commercial areas along the Mississippi with recreational space, it will also beautify a long neglected stretch of the riverfront with a new park. The coming Four Seasons, the renovation of Spanish Plaza, and the new ferry terminal and walkover are all assets to the city and signs of the economic boom we are currently experiencing. Our citizens will reap the benefit of new jobs and an enhanced quality of life. The proposed riverfront redevelopment will be a jewel in the crown of New Orleans."
Councilmember-at-Large Jason Williams said, "As New Orleans redevelops one of its most valuable and beautiful natural resources, it is crucial that we prioritize connectivity along the entire riverfront. This must be a space open and accessible to all residents for a variety of uses. Thank you to our public and private partners who have made these dream projects a real possibility."
Councilmember-at-Large Stacy Head said, "The transfer of the Public Belt to the Port of New Orleans should provide the public with confidence that the Public Belt operations will be in the best interest of the city and not any individual entity, will allow for responsible growth of the Port as one of our region's most important economic assets, and will allow New Orleanians and visitors to gain access to and use the riverfront in ways that have never been realized before."
District D Councilmember Jared Brossett said, "New Orleans was established because of its relationship with the river, so this is a major milestone in reconnecting our residents with the lifeblood of the city. Following the success of Crescent Park, alongside similar stories in San Francisco and Boston, we are continuing a waterfront redevelopment being seen around the country. By welcoming our residents and guests to the riverfront, we will gain access to and appreciation of one of the City's greatest assets."
Sharonda Williams, Regional Transit Authority Board President said, "RTA is excited to be a part of the significant upgrade to the riverfront. Along with residents, over 10 million visitors visit new Orleans every year and I strongly believe this new terminal will proudly serve as the beacon to the gateway of our great City."
Ron Forman, President and CEO of Audubon Nature Institute said, "Audubon is honored to work with the City, New Orleans Public Belt, the Port of New Orleans and the hospitality coalition on the historic Tricentennial Riverfront Park, creating three miles of open riverfront green space for our community. Joined by Spanish Plaza, Woldenberg Riverfront Park, the Moonwalk, and Crescent Park, the promenade will serve as the 'front porch' of the city of New Orleans. Connecting these treasured parks will serve as a valuable community asset for families and visitors, and affirms Audubon's mission of conservation, education and recreation."
Brandy D. Christian, President and CEO of the Port of New Orleans said, "The Port celebrates our partnership with the City that allows residents and visitors to see for themselves what we at the Port experience every day - the magic of a working river in action. The benefits extend beyond the views. The Port's stewardship of the New Orleans Public Belt positions both entities to increase economic impact throughout the region."
Kathleen Turner, Executive Director of the French Market Corporation said, "The French Market Corporation is excited to partner with the City of New Orleans and be a part of redeveloping the City's Riverfront. This work allows greater access to every resident and visitor in New Orleans."
Darryl Berger, Founder and Chairman of the Berger Company
said, "This transaction has been described as bold, visionary, transformative, and even historic. All of that applies as the result is a classic win-win-win for the City, Dock Board, and all citizens and visitors to this city. "
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About the Port New Orleans
The Port of New Orleans is a deep-draft multipurpose port at the center of the world's busiest port system and is connected to major inland markets and Canada via 14,500 miles of waterways and six Class I railroads through the switching services of the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad.
About the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad
The New Orleans Public Belt Railroad (NOPB) is a Class III switching railroad with the primary mission of serving the Port of New Orleans and local industries. The NOPB is a neutral carrier with direct connections to six Class I railroads. It plays an important role in expediting local and intermediate freight through the strategic New Orleans rail gateway.
About the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
With 1.1 million square feet of contiguous exhibit space, an award winning staff and first class amenities, the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center is the sixth largest convention center in the nation, a consistent Top 10 host of the largest number of conventions and tradeshows annually, and one of the city's "Top Workplaces." As "Louisiana's Economic Engine," Convention Center event activity has produced $53.7 billion in economic impact since its 1985 opening, including $3.4 billion in new tax revenue for state and local governments.
About the French Market Corporation
The French Market Corporation manages the historic French Market District, a New Orleans cultural institution located in the heart of the renowned French Quarter. The District is host to unique boutique shopping, regional cuisine, world famous confections, and local arts and crafts. The District is home to the Upper Pontalba Building on Jackson Square, the Shops of the Colonnade, and includes the open-air Farmers and Flea Markets. The most recent addition to the District is Crescent Park, a 1.4 mile urban park, nestled along the Mississippi River with spectacular views of the City. Locals and tourists alike flock to the French Market District year round for a uniquely New Orleans experience.
About Audubon Nature Institute
Audubon Nature Institute is a 501(c)3 not for profit that operates a family of ten museums and parks dedicated to nature. We serve our visitors, our community and our world as an educational resource, an environmental guardian, a leader in economic development and a venue for family entertainment. The success of the Audubon family lies within the individual strengths of its facilities. Working together, they are helping to create a bright future for generations to come.
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National African American Reparations Commission
To Convene in New Orleans
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Danny Glover, Samia Nkrumah to Participate in Milestone Events
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NEW ORLEANS - As the issue of reparations for the historical crimes of African enslavement in the United States and the rest of the Americas continues to gather momentum, the National African American Reparations Commission (NAARC) will convene two major events in New Orleans, a Benefit Reception, November 30th and an Area/Regional Town Hall meeting Dec. 2nd.
Among the national and international dignitaries scheduled to participate in the New Orleans gathering are Actor/Activist Humanitarian Danny Glover; Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, Chairman of the CARICOM Reparations Commission and Vice Chancellor/President of the University of the West Indies from Jamaica; Ms. Mireille Fanon, daughter of Frantz Fanon, Paris France; and, Ms. Samia Nkrumah, the daughter of Kwame Nkrumah, first President of Ghana. Ms. Nkrumah has become a vocal advocate for reparations, particularly focusing on engaging Africans from the continent in the movement.
"Reparations is an issue whose time has come," said Dr. Ron Daniels President of the Institute of the Black World 21st Century and Convener of NAARC. "In November all roads will lead to New Orleans which for a few days will become the epicenter for the growing U.S. and global reparations movement. This gathering will build on recent developments in this global movement including the recent launch of the Center for Reparation Research at the University of the West Indies in Jamaica."
Established by the Institute of the Black World 21st Century in April of 2015, NAARC is comprised of a group of distinguished professionals and activists from across the U.S. with outstanding accomplishments in the fields of law, medicine, journalism, academia, history, civil rights and social justice advocacy. Several Commissioners will participate in this milestone gathering including:
Kamm Howard, National Co-Chairperson of the National Coalition for Reparations for Blacks in America (NCOBRA), Chicago; Atty. Nkechi Taifa, veteran reparations activist and human rights lawyer, Washington, D.C.; Dr. Julianne Malveaux, Black America's leading political-economist and President Emeritus, Bennett College for Women, Washington, DC.; Dr. Iva Carruthers, General Secretary, Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference, Chicago; Nana Dr. Patricia Newton, CEO of the Black Psychiatrists of America, Baltimore; Rev. Jo-Ann Watson, former Detroit City Council Member; Yvette Modestin, Founder and Executive Director of Encuentro Diaspora and an IBW board member, Boston; and, Dr. V.P Franklin, Faculty Member, Tulane University and Editor of the Journal of African-American History(JAAH), New Orleans.
A delegation of Afro-descendants from Colombia will also participate in this historic gathering and will present a report on racist attacks and human rights atrocities being suffered by the large Black population in that South American country. A number of Afro-Descendant leaders and organizations from Colombia have expressed an interest in forming a National Reparations Commission to seek compensation and repair for enslavement and generations of crimes perpetrated against their communities.
The New Orleans events will kick off with a Benefit Fundraising Reception Thursday, November 30, 7:00 PM at the Conference Center of Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO), featuring presentations by Danny Glover, Samia Nkrumah, Mireille Fanon Mendes France and Dr. Julianne Malveaux and cultural performances by Sullivan Dabney, Jr. & Muzik Jazz Band, Chief Shaka Zulu of the Yellow Pocahontas and Mr. Michael "Quess" Moore. Susan Henry, General Manager of WBOK Radio, will serve as the Master of Ceremony. The Reception is being hosted by Dr. Clyde Robinson, Director of the Center for African and American Studies.
Saturday, December 2nd is the main event: an Area/Regional Town Hall Meeting from 11:00 AM -3:00 PM in the Auditorium of the Administration Building on the campus of Xavier University. The Town Hall Meeting will feature a Keynote Address by Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, who has emerged as the voice of the global reparations movement, and Remarks by Samia Nkrumah. Congressman John Conyers, Dean of the Congressional Black Caucus and Sponsor of HR-40, the Congressional bill to assess reparations proposals, has also been invited to address the gathering.
The Keynote Address and Remarks will be followed by a Listening Session where the audience will have an opportunity to voice their opinions on reparations and provide suggestions and recommendations to the Commissioners on NAARC's preliminary 10-Point Program for Reparations for African Americans. The Listening Session is considered the most important part of the program. The Town Hall Meeting is being hosted by Dr. Cirecie A. West-Olatunji. The Commissioners will also be hosted for a meeting at the Ashe Cultural Center by Carol Bebelle.
The Benefit Reception and Town Hall Meeting are free and open to the public, but participants are encouraged to come prepared to make tax-deductible donations to support the work of NAARC. For further information call 504-363-1106 or visit www.ibw21.org and the NAARC Facebook page.
Contact: Don Rojas --Email:
donrojas636@gmail.com
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New Roads mayor agrees to resign, pleads no contest over misuse of credit cards and gets probation
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Terry L. Jones, The New Orleans Advocate
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BATON ROUGE (October 19, 2017) - New Roads Mayor Robert Myer has promised to resign from office and never seek it again as part of a plea deal he reached with district prosecutors Thursday over allegations he misused city-issue credit cards and used his position to coerce city employees into actions for his personal gain.
The embattled mayor will submit his letter of resignation at 9 a.m. Friday and must repay the city any outstanding money he owes for personal charges he made with the credit cards and pay additional court costs and legal fees that will be determined at his Jan. 9 sentencing date.
Myer entered a no contest plea to one count of malfeasance in office as part of deal, which was hashed out Thursday evening in Plaquemine.
He was set to go trial Jan. 16 after being indicted last year on nine counts of malfeasance in office and a count of abuse of office.
A no-contest plea has the same effect as a guilty plea in criminal court but would not be an admission of guilt in civil court. Myer will avoid a year in jail and be placed on probation instead.
He would not comment to reporters Thursday evening as he left the courthouse. His attorney, Steven Moore, spoke on his behalf, describing the court proceedings as an "emotional time" for Myer.
"Robert wanted it to end this way," Moore said. "The plea agreement was made in order for Robert and the city of New Roads to move on. He's only had the best interest at heart for New Roads."
Moore has previously called the case against Myer a conspiracy led by the mayor's political adversaries.
This marks the second time the city's top official is leaving office under a cloud of scandal.
Myer's predecessor, Tommy Nelson, was convicted in 2011 of racketeering, wire fraud, lying to investigators and the use of telephones in aid of racketeering. He was sentenced in 2012 to 10 years in federal prison.
Myer submits his resignation in the third year of his second term as mayor.
He was accused of using a city-issued credit card for personal transactions and conspiring with Cherie Rockforte-Laviolette, the city's former chief financial officer, whom he allegedly allowed to make more than $9,000 in personal charges on city cards between Jan. 1, 2011, through Dec. 31, 2014, in exchange for sexual favors during that time....
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Fats Domino, a founding father of rock 'n' roll, has died at age 89
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Advocate file photo by JOHN McCUSKER -- Fats Domino sits on his custom sofa at his home in Harvey, Louisiana in 2013.
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Keith Spera, The New Orleans Advocate
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NEW ORLEANS - Antoine "Fats" Domino, the lifelong New Orleanian who was a founding father of rock 'n' roll, died Tuesday at a local hospice. He was 89.
Jefferson Parish coroner Jerry Cvitanovich confirmed Domino's death.
One of Domino's children, Adonica, told an Advocate reporter on Wednesday morning that her father had not died. But she confirmed his passing to WWL-TV anchor Eric Paulsen, a friend of the family.
Domino's rollicking piano, paired with a perpetually sunny voice that bore traces of his 9th Ward Creole patois, informed a long string of million-selling singles in the 1950s that facilitated rhythm and blues' transition to rock and roll, including "Ain't That a Shame," "Walking to New Orleans," "Blueberry Hill" and "Blue Monday." He ranked among the decade's top-sellers and became an international star, touring the world tirelessly with a crack band.
In 1986, Domino joined Elvis Presley, James Brown, Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, Jerry Lee Lewis, Sam Cooke, the Everly Brothers and Little Richard as the very first inductees into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame. The likes of Elton John, John Lennon, Bob Marley and John Fogerty cited him as a major influence and inspiration. Billy Joel gave the speech inducting Domino into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame.
Domino was born in New Orleans on February 26, 1928, to a family of modest means. His portly girth earned him the nickname "Fats." As a young man, he became obsessed with the piano.
Visionary producer, songwriter, trumpeter and Imperial Records talent scout Dave Bartholomew "discovered" Domino at the Hideaway Lounge in the 9th Ward. Working at Cosimo Matassa's recording studios in and near the French Quarter, Domino and Bartholmew created a body of work unlike any other in the annals of New Orleans music. Together, they established New Orleans as a hotbed of rhythm & blues and early rock 'n' roll.
Their first collaboration, "The Fat Man," recorded in December 1949 at Matassa's studio on North Rampart Street, is widely considered the first true rock 'n' roll record.
Domino supported those singles by touring relentlessly. His concerts often featured integrated audiences, a rarity for the time.
By the late 1960s, after the Beatles -- who were avowed Domino fans -- and other British Invasion bands changed the face of popular music, the hits were harder to come by. However, Domino continued to perform and tour.
But he eventually grew weary of the road. His last tour was a rocky 1995 European jaunt plagued by illness. For the next decade, he rarely strayed outside Orleans Parish, save for the occasional gig at a Mississippi Gulf Coast casino. He limited his hometown appearances to an occasional set at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, or private functions.
He preferred to cook and hang out with his "podnas" at his longtime home at the corner of Caffin Avenue and Marais Street in the Lower 9th Ward.
He had built the spacious split-level in 1960 as a sleek, modern mansion of blond brick. His wife, Rosemary, and various relatives occupied the two-story main house, with its pink and yellow trim and fence of wrought-iron roses. A smaller, adjacent house served as Domino's hideaway.
He elected to remain at that house as Hurricane Katrina approached in August 2005. A section of the retaining wall alongside the eastern edge of the Industrial Canal, not far from his home, ruptured, flooding the neighborhood. He was eventually rescued by a Harbor Police boat, even as some media outlets reported erroneously that he had perished in the storm.
Domino joined other storm survivor at the Superdome, before making his way to Baton Rouge, where he stayed briefly with a granddaughter's boyfriend, LSU quarter Jamarcus Russell. He then moved temporarily to Ft. Worth, Tex.
He eventually bought a handsome stucco house in a gated community in Harvey, where he lived quietly, making only rare public appearances for the rest of his life.
Shy by nature, he was often anxious before performances. That performance anxiety only grew more acute in his later years. His final hometown concert was a May 19, 2007 performance at Tipitina's.
In recent years, his mental and physical health declined steeply, friends and fellow musicians who visited him at his home reported.
Keith Spera writes about music, culture and his kids.
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A NEW ORLEANS TRIBUNE EDITORIAL: The New Orleans Tribune Endorses Desiree Charbonnet
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We Are With Desi
NEW ORLEANS - As you, our dedicated followers and readers, know, we consciously chose not to make an endorsement for mayor in the primary. Leading up to the election, we talked to each of the top candidates in the race. We examined their responses to our questions, their platforms and plans for the city and were left truly feeling that any one of them was experienced, intelligent and thoughtful enough to serve the city of New Orleans and its people well. We didn't agree with any of them on every issue. We still don't; but we trusted that Michael Bagneris, LaToya Cantrell, Desiree Charbonnet, as well as Troy Henry and Tommie Vassel were running for mayor because each believed he or she could make a difference and would work in the best interest of the city even if we didn't always agree with them. That was good enough for us.
As time went on, we hoped the rest of New Orleans would see, as we had, through the baseless attacks against Desiree Charbonnet, which were later
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revealed to be funded by Leslie Jacobs, Lane Grigsby, Jay Lapeyre, Stuart Phillips, Boysie Bollinger, Paul Fine and other White business elite through the Not For Sale NOLA political action committee they formed for the express purpose of attacking Charbonnet reputed to have cost $600,000. When Sidney Torres also put Charbonnet in his crosshairs, we began to struggle with our decision. We have to question the intent and motivation of anyone who fought tooth and nail against putting a dozen or so affordable units in the high-end apartment building he is developing with the use of generous tax credits. His baseless attacks against Charbonnet clearly have nothing to do with what is best for ALL of the people of New Orleans. The way we see it is that if he really he cared about ALL of the people of New Orleans, surely he would not be against making a handful of apartment units cost effective for low and moderate income New Orleanians.
We considered retracting our no-endorsement pronouncement about a week before the primary. We were concerned about Not for Sale NOLA's deceitful tactics, and we thought we could make a difference. Still, we stuck with our original decision to let the primary play out. But, we can no longer sit on the sidelines. The future of OUR city is far too important. And while we have great respect for LaToya Cantrell and believe she, too, would make a fine mayor, we urge our readers to vote for Desiree Charbonnet.
Here's the bottom line. If we can look at Bagneris, Charbonnet, Cantrell, Henry and Vassel, and see no substantial differences in their ability to govern fairly, honestly and with integrity, we are left to wonder one thing: What is it about Desiree Charbonnet that has raised the ire of rich, shadowy folk to the extent that they would sabotage her campaign with a smidgen of their money and even more of their baseless, unfounded accusations of "cronyism" and "corruption"-words we haven't heard in eight years?
In a town where a politician is nothing without political allies and hired advisers, why are the White business elite so bothered because Charbonnet counts among hers Ike Spears, a local attorney, and businessman/bail bondsman Blair Boutte? Thing is, we bet they are just as concerned that former mayor Sidney Barthelemey and former city councilman Lambert Boissiere Jr., are in her camp, as well. But because Jacobs and her posse failed to manufacture any mud to sling about them, hoping it would stick to Charbonnet, they conveniently left their names out of their preposterous and bizarre attack against the candidate. How about Congressman Cedric Richmond, Clerk of Court Darren Lombard, former city councilwoman Cynthia Willard Lewis, Public Service Commissioner Lambert Boissiere III, Criminal Court Clerk Arthur Morrell, former national president of Delta Sigma Sorority Cynthia Butler McIntyre, and other respected leaders, such as Deborah Elam and Barbara Major? To be sure, each of these individuals is influential, particularly in the Black community; and they are Charbonnet supporters, as well. Ahhh, is that at the heart of Jacobs and her posse's dilemma with Charbonnet? Does the idea that she could become the city's next mayor with strong support from the Black community and without their help, specifically, pose a serious crisis for them?
Who Do You Trust?
Well, as we said earlier, we just don't have the time nor inclination to attempt to figure the minds of the malicious. It's a good thing this one is easy. What we knew for sure going into the Oct. 14 primary is that for the first time in eight years, New Orleans would once again be under the leadership of a Black mayor. The minute qualifying ended in July and the long list of candidates for the race officially took shape, we knew our next mayor would be Black, and so did the White business elite. They couldn't do a thing about the next mayor being Black, but if they had any say it would at least be one over whom they thought they could exercise some influence and control.
To be clear, no shade is intended against any other candidate in either the primary or the impending runoff. All we're saying is that if those same forces thought for one second that they had no shot at influencing or controlling any other candidate in the race they would have gone after them, too. Those candidates not targeted by Not for Sale NOLA's vehement attacks should not consider themselves special. In fact, a better posture may be to question
why your candidacy doesn't concern this group. As we see it, they looked at Charbonnet, her supporters and advisors and decided that their ability to exact any influence over her was a longshot, maybe even impossible. They couldn't get close to her; so they attacked her. They wanted her out, and they figured all they had to do was utter their lies with the authority, arrogance and power that their wealth affords them and it would make a difference. They were almost right. Charbonnet, who began the race at the top of the polls-the one to beat-came in second, a full nine points behind Cantrell.
Not for Sale NOLA's despicable commercials aired on local stations; and their mailers were disseminated to targeted sections of the city. But they stretched beyond the boundaries of decency to misleading, dishonest and unmerited with baseless and unsubstantiated connections of Charbonnet to former congressman William Jefferson and former mayor Ray Nagin. What they obviously don't know is that many in the Black community have celebrated Bill Jefferson's return and are rooting for Ray Nagin's appeal.
In addition to the attempt to cast a dark cloud drenched in bigotry and bias over her relationship with Boutte and Spears, the mailers also included statements by City Councilwoman Stacy Head based on nothing more than rumors she had heard about how much money was being contributed to mayoral campaigns back in July. Even more outlandish is that the quotes are taken from a general statement that Head made about the mayor's race as the qualifying period ended and were used by Not For Sale NOLA out of context. Now, this is the same Stacy Head who blew kisses at former public housing residents, taunting and arrogantly dismissing them as the City Council was deliberating to tear down traditional public housing. Why should we trust her? Head's words had nothing to do with Charbonnet and her campaign specifically. But including Head's quotes just like throwing in pictures of Jefferson and Nagin were calculated moves. Altogether, it is the type of rhetoric that appeals to those looking for any reason, however unfounded and meritless, to justify their hate-fueled efforts to degrade and vilify Black leadership. Unfortunately, it is also the type of rhetoric that sidetracks and confuses many of the rest of us.
Still, we are dismayed by Michael Bagneris and the tone of his endorsement of Cantrell. He regurgitates the same preposterous notions pushed by Not for Sale NOLA and even borrows their linguistic racism with abandon with regard to another Black candidate. He goes so far as to say he is concerned that Charbonnet's supporters would have too much control over City Hall, bids and contracts. Then he says this, according to the article about his endorsement of Cantrell that appears in nola.com:
"I believe what I say. I'm not one just to throw things out," Bagneris said. "If (Charbonnet) is in there, then just put the for-sale sign-up."
In
The New Orleans Advocate story about his endorsement of Cantrell, he is quoted as referring to Boutte, Spears, Congressman Cedric Richmond, and Charbonnet's brother Bernard Charbonnet as the "fearsome foursome" what "controls" Charbonnet.
What?!!!!
Let's get something straight. Desiree Charbonnet has NOT ever been accused of, investigated for, or charged with any wrongdoing in her 19-year political career. All of a sudden, a bunch of rich, White people get to taint her image by making baseless accusations against her. They send out mailers featuring caricatures of a gun-toting Charbonnet-images hatched in the same twisted, racist mindset of those who held President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama with such disdain that they published a heinous political cartoon on the cover of
The New Yorker depicted them as fist-bumping, Muslim extremists, complete with Michelle Obama toting an automatic weapon and rounds of ammunition. Jacobs and her posse sent out a mailer with a cartoon image of a Black woman carrying a pistol and not only was there no outcry, a fair share of Black folk are actually buying this bull. To be sure, New Orleanians-Black and White-ought to be outraged by this sort of blatant racially-tinged rhetoric.
The hayride.com even got in on the deflect-and-destroy bandwagon with an absolutely bizarre story about New Orleans' long history of mixed-raced lineages and how it figures into this mayoral race. With Desiree Charbonnet's ancestry as a focal point, the article by Johann Batiste, actually used words and phrases such as "light complexion", "mulatto", and "black creole" and speculated about Charbonnet, and Bagneris and Cantrell for that matter, having Black ancestors that volunteered to serve in the Confederate army. Today New Orleans is-some 300 years after its founding-facing tough issues regarding crime, affordable housing, public infrastructure, poverty and more, and the hayride.com wants to talk about whether someone's great-grandmother, three times removed, was Black or if their great, great, great grandfather had a two families-one Black and one White. Ain't nobody got time for that.
WE have to be smarter than that. We must resist their attempts to divide (and conquer) OUR community. And while their petty plan may have impacted the primary, the runoff election offers another opportunity to show these folks that WE will not be swayed by their smear campaign. If you want to know how ridiculous and baseless their claims against Charbonnet and her association with Ike Spears and Blair Boutte are simply ask yourself why Jacobs, Grigsby and the rest of their posse chose Charbonnet's campaign for their attack? Boutte and Spears are two highly-sought after political strategists that have worked on a myriad of campaigns-campaigns for the likes of John Georges, Mitch Landrieu, John Bel Edwards, Arnie Fielkow and even Helena Moreno's recent, successful bid for City Council-and not once were they made the big, bad boogeymen because they were hired by these political candidates and elected officials. Why now? Why Desiree Charbonnet?
And if you think we're reaching when we say that the White business elite and Uptown crowd want someone in the mayor's office they at least think they can control, especially if that someone has to be Black, consider this: Nearly 16 years ago, when the idea of New Orleans ever electing another White mayor seemed like a fairytale, they went marching into the enchanted forest, also known as the executive level suites at Cox Communications, to persuade a young Black telecommunications executive who didn't have a lick of city government experience that he was just what the city needed and then put their might and money behind him to secure his victory. And never forget how they turned on him as soon as the city's demographics morphed enough in the wake of Hurricane Katrina to make him expendable. If WE need one reason not to trust the White business elite, this is it. When they no longer needed him, the prince was turned into a beast.
So here we are. Some three weeks away from the runoff. And we're unapologetic and completely forthcoming in this endorsement. We are with Desi for more reasons than one. Of course, we decided a while back that she could do the job. She has some good ideas and with the right team and ample time to implement them, our city would be better for it. We felt the same way about Michael Bagneris, Troy Henry and Tommie Vassel. And yes, we feel similarly about Charbonnet's runoff opponent LaToya Cantrell. That is the chief reason we did not make an endorsement for the primary. We found it hard to choose. And our endorsement of Charbonnet now is not meant as a criticism of her opponent.
But when we look at the line-up against Desiree Charbonnet-Grigsby, Bollinger, Torres, Lapeyre, Phillips, Fine, and Jacobs-Jacobs, who is already responsible for the debacle and arrogant takeover of our public schools that has been billed as "education reform" in New Orleans-we are fully persuaded that if that cast of characters doesn't want Desiree Charbonnet in City Hall, then SHE is exactly what OUR city NEEDS!
Take a serious look at who is supporting Desiree Charbonnet. Now, look at who is behind the attacks against her. Who do you trust?
It's time to truly wrest control of OUR city from the shadowy figures set on using their money, privilege and might to disenfranchise and marginalize OUR communities. Don't be distracted by malicious attempts to thwart progress and delegitimize Black (and White) leadership. What these powerbrokers need to learn once and for all is that not only is NOLA not for sale, but New Orleanians are NOT foolish little sheep easily led astray by their tricks and the few dollars they toss behind their despicable deeds.
In the words of Dr. Louis Charles Roudanez, founder and publisher of the historic
New Orleans Tribune established in 1864, "It is time that we are leaders ourselves!
That is why we are endorsing Desiree Charbonnet for mayor.
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Save-the-Date For the 2018 UNCF Mayor's Masked Ball
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Vincent T. Sylvain, Publisher |
The New Orleans Agenda
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Contact | Vincent Sylvain | 504-232-3499 |Vincent@SylvainSolutions.com
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Contributing Writers
Featured:
Kemberley Washington, CPA
KemCents Thursday Money Tips
Kemberley Washington, CPA is a former IRS agent and currently works as a professor at Dillard University. She
is the co-founder of the B.A.D.G.E.® plan and she is also the author of "T
he Ten Commandments to a Financial Healing
." Kemberley started the B.A.D.G.E.® plan in 2013.
Marc H. Morial, President & CEO, Nat'l Urban League
To Be Equal
To Be Equal is a syndicated weekly column by National Urban League President Marc H. Morial. Each week's topic focuses on issues affecting both African American's and the nation as a whole. Started in 1963 by CEO Whitney M. Young, Jr., as "
The Voice of Black America," the column was immediately picked up by major newspapers and radio stations across the country.
Leslie Jacobs Educate Now!
Leslie Jacobs is an insurance executive who has been engaged in education reform for over twenty years. A native of New Orleans, she began as a business partner to an elementary school, served as an elected member of the New Orleans School Board, followed by a twelve year government appointed position on the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE).
James F. Thomas, M.S., Fitness Instructor What the Fit Fridays
James Thomas serves as Head Trainer for K2 Body Sculpting LLC. Thomas is an American College of Sports Medicine Certified Exercise Physiologist (ACSM EP-C), a StrongFirst Kettlebell Instructor (SFGII). and BLS certified. He
writes a reoccurring general health and fitness article geared towards helpful tips on leading and living a healthier lifestyle.
Guest Columnists
Lloyd Dennis |
Jamar McKneely
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Kristina Kay Robinson |
CeLilliann Green, Esq.
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Dr. Andre Perry
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Taylor Sylvain |
Dr. Walter Kimbrough
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William Quigley, Esq. |
Dr. Christopher Williams
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Sandra A. McCollum
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Timothy David Ray, Esq.
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Dr. Beverly Wright
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Constituent Outreach
Mayor Mitchell Landrieu |
Congressman Cedric Richmond |
Councilmember Jared Brossett |
State Senator Wesley Bishop |
State Senator Troy Carter
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State Senator Jean-Paul "JP" Morrell |
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Public Relations
Sylvain Solutions / Policamp, Inc. is a full-service alternative media and public relations consulting entity headed by Vincent Sylvain practicing in the areas of community outreach, political consulting, corporate communications, and special events.
The Internet has fundamentally changed the way we do business with our customers. As such, 21st Century promotion requires a balance of e-technology with the art of persuasion. Using years of Web experience; the latest best-practice approaches; a responsive support system; and a proven database; market share is optimized.
We implement creative customized communication campaigns designed to impact our clients' specific goals. We have a history which is unmatched and unparalleled; while diverse in our experience we specialize in the following areas:
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"Lady Jazz!"
"Every so often a new voice stands up and proclaims itself, but few do so with such supreme depth and understated soul."
- Ted Panken, Jazz at Lincoln Center Playbill
Jazz Vocalist Stephanie Jordan is a proud user of Audix Microphones!
Available for
Bookings: Vincent Sylvain 504-232-3499 Vincent@SylvainSolutions.com
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The National Urban League
The mission of the National Urban League movement is to enable African Americans to secure economic self-reliance, parity, power and civil rights.
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Marc H. Morial, President & CEO
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EXCELLENCE INNOVATION RESPONSIVENESS
Metro Service Group, located in New Orleans, Louisiana is a multi-faceted corporation with specific expertise and certifications in the areas of Environmental Services, Construction/Demolition and Disaster Response and Recovery. Metro Service Group is a licensed Contractor, certified in Building Construction; Heavy Construction; Highway, Street and Bridge Construction; Municipal and Public Works Construction and Solid Waste Management.
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Acrew is the only "resume-less" job market place that connects employers and job seekers through brief first impression videos.
Click here to visit Acrew.co
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It's happening in NEW ORLEANS EAST!
Welcome to the eastern half of New Orleans, where families come to settle down and spread their wings.
NOLAeast.com
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Rodney & Etter, LLC
Rodney & Etter, LLC is a law firm comprised of a diverse group of lawyers with backgrounds in business, government, and science. We practice in New Orleans and in Houston, and are recognized by peers and legal organizations across the United States for our outstanding record of successful settlements and litigation.
RodneyLaw.com
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Daughters of Charity Health Centers
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Daughters of Charity Services of New Orleans offers primary and preventive health services that address the needs of the total individual - body, mind, and spirit.
Our nine health centers are conveniently located in Bywater, Carrollton, Kenner, Louisa, Metairie, New Orleans East, Prytania, Gentilly, Gretna and we provide care for chronic illnesses such as asthma, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and depression. Women's health, behavioral/mental health, dental, optometry, pharmacy, podiatry and Women, Infants and Children (WIC) services are also available at select health centers.
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Signs Now
Explore exciting graphics ideas from Signs Now that will help your business stand out from the rest - from signs and banners to digital signage and trade show displays.
SignsNow.com/neworleans
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Focusing on your Expectations!
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Pick It Up New Orleans!
An Anti-Litter Campaign by
The New Orleans Agenda and Metro Service Group
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New America Media is the country's first and largest national collaboration and advocate of 3,000 ethnic news organizations. Over 57 million ethnic adults connect to each other, to home countries and to America through 3000+ ethnic media outlets, the fastest growing sector of American journalism.
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The New Orleans Agenda Newsletter
Phone: 504-232-3499 | Email: Vincent@SylvainSolutions.com
Website: SylvainSolutions.com
Opinions expressed are not necessarily the views of The New Orleans Agenda, POLICAMP, Inc. , or Vincent Sylvain unless explicitly stated.
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