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Page 4October 6 - October 12, 2018Newsmakerwww.ladatanews.comRep. Waters Lashes out at‘False Allegations’By Stacy M. BrownNNPA Newswire ContributorDemocratic California Rep. Maxine Waters went on the defensivewhen pundits and media friendly toPresident Donald Trump accusedone of her staff members of secretly releasing the personal information of three Republican senators.Waters and Trump have longfeuded with the president callingher names and Waters simply calling for his impeachment.However, as the contentious confirmation hearings of Trump’s Supreme Court nominee, Judge BrettKavanaugh, roared on, allegationscontinued.While the testimony of Dr.Christine Blasey Ford took placein the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing room, South Carolina’s Sen. Lindsey Graham andhis GOP counterparts, Sen. OrrinHatch and Sen. Mike Lee of Utah,saw information that includedtheir phone numbers and addresses leaked onto Wikipedia.Gateway Pundit and RedState,both Trump-friendly sites, reportedRep. Maxine Waters (D-CA) (Courtesy photo)that the IP address responsible forthe leak was associated with Waters’ office and a staff member wasresponsible.Waters went on the offensive:“Lies, lies, and more despicablelies. I am utterly disgusted by thespread of the completely false,absurd, and dangerous lies andconspiracy theories that are beingpedaled by ultra-right-wing pundits, outlets, and websites who arepromoting a fraudulent claim thata member of my staff was responsible for the release of the personalinformation of Members of theUnited States Senate on Wikipedia,” she said in a statement sent tovarious news outlets, including theNNPA Newswire.“This unfounded allegation iscompletely false and an absolutelie,” Waters said.She continued:“The United States Capitol Policeand our internal IT specialist havedetermined that the IP address inquestion does not belong to my office or anyone on my staff.“The member of my staff –whose identity, personal information, and safety have beencompromised as a result of thesefraudulent and false allegations –was in no way responsible for theleak of this information.“My office has alerted the appropriate authorities and law enforcement entities of these fraudulentclaims. We will ensure that the perpetrators will be revealed, and thatthey will be held legally liable for allof their actions that are destructiveand dangerous to any and all members of my staff.”@StacyBrownMediaAfter the Civil War ended the 13th , 14th and 15th Amendments were added to the U.S. Constitution, ending slavery, giving Blacks equal protection under the law and granting Black males the right to vote. Under Reconstruction, Blacks held offices in states across the former ConfederateStates with Louisiana having elected officials at the local and state level rising to the offices of Lt. Governor and Governor.Cover Story, Continuedfrom page 3.No longer can Blacks sit idly byand not be engaged at the polls.This election as is all elections is important. Recently, we made historyby electing the City’s first womanMayor, LaToya Cantrell. On thisballot of special importance is Louisiana Constitutional Amendment 2regarding non-unanimous verdictsin serious felonies. Something thatis a Jim Crow Era Law that’s still onthe books and is the cause of manyBlacks being sentenced to longprison sentences including life behind bars.When it comes to Blacks voting, there are still those who try toobstruct. But the mountain climbto full equality that seemed insurmountable for our fore parents hasbeen reduced to a speed bump inthe 21st Century. If we are proactive and organized, we can get tothe polls. This must be a priority forus as a people if we are to not onlysurvive but thrive.In 2018 we as African-Americanshave the opportunity to vote with-out poll taxes, literacy test, the KuKlux Klan and other White terroristorganizations keeping us away fromthe polls. So, on Nov. 6th get outand restore hope and continue thefight for liberty, justice and equalitythrough the vote. Let your voice beheard and shape the history of thiscity, state and nation.more photosmore storiesmore data

State & Local Newswww.ladatanews.comOctober 6 - October 12, 2018Page 5NOLA Community Book StoreCelebrates 30 YearsBy Tylan NashData News WeeklyContributorWhen walking into the Community Book Store, it’s almost as if youare stepping inside of a piece of BlackHistory itself. On the back wall of thestore, next to the window, you willfind T-shirts, with themes and colorsresembling those of African tribes.Hanging from another wall, there arepaintings of local artists. In one corner towards the store back sits a shelfwith strictly self-care items, shea butter jars in many different sizes, andAfrican black soap and essential oils.Turn another corner, and there arerows and rows of books varying insize, color, and subject, but they haveone thing in common: they’re all onlywritten by Black authors. This wasn’ta feat that was done overnight, however. On Sept. 28th, the Black-owned,Bayou Road bookstore celebrated 30years of service to the New Orleanscommunity.The Community Book Store wasfounded on Sept. 28, 1983, by VeraWarren-Williams, a New Orleansnative, who started selling booksin her trunk. It was started as ahome-based community service,to provide educational materials toAfrican-American students, so thatthey could see themselves represented in those materials. Comingfrom a family where doing social activism was the norm, giving back toher community was something thatcame natural to her.“By going into the classrooms, Irealized that there was a void. Andso, I began bringing my own booksfrom my own personal library intothe schools, and it had a profoundeffect on the children,” WarrenWilliams said. “Then people startedto borrow my books, so that gaveme an idea to order books and sellthem, so people could have thesame books that I have,” she said.Warren-Williams has created aspace within her bookstore, whereVera Warren-Williams, owner of the Community Book Store marks the 30th Anniversary with close friendTina McLendon on Sept. 28. (Photos by Tylan Nash)people from all walks of life cancome together and discuss thingsthat are happening within theircommunity. As soon as patronswalk in the door, she greets themwith a hello and a smile. Her closefriend from Howard University,Tina McLendon recounts how herfriend always had a caring and loving personality.“Even in college, she always hadthat giving part of her personality,”McLendon said, “she was alwaysthinking about the community.”The community where the building is located is along Bayou Road,a part of New Orleans where thestreets are lined with other Blackowned businesses. These entrepreneurs vary from owning restaurantsto clothing stores. The bookstorehas been at this location for morethan 10 years and is something thatWarren-Williams is very proud of.“We’ve persevered through Katrina, and all of the other things thathave come up since our conception,” Warren-Williams said.“We’re more than a bookstore,follow us on@DataNewsWeekwe’re a gathering place,” WarrenWilliams said, “people come andhang out, they talk.”Local residents who come intothe bookstore consider WarrenWilliams like family, like SonyaWilliams, who considers herselfa regular, and loves coming to thebookstore and helps out around thestore in her spare time.“I come to the community bookstore a lot,” Williams said. “Theyhost so many community events,and they create this sense of community I just love being around.”Williams isn’t the only one whofeels that way, dozens of residentsvisited the bookstore on its anniversary, interacting with other customers, as well as Warren-Williams.“Helping Black children understand their self-worth will alwaysbe one of my greatest accomplishments,” Warren-Williams said.

Page 6October 6 - October 12, 2018Data Zonewww.ladatanews.comBogalusa Blues & HeritageFestival HighlightsPhotos by Kichea S. BurtData News Weekly ContributorIn just five short years the Bogalusa Blues & Heritage Festival hasbecome known as one of the bestfestivals in the New Orleans regionand Gulf Coast. Putting on a slateof entertainers tilted heavily towardthe blues each year, the word isout Bogalusa is THE festival to attend outside of New Orleans. WhatNew Orleans is to jazz, Bogalusa isto the blues and you know what?Data was there!!!Data Zone,Continued on page 7.

Data Zonewww.ladatanews.comOctober 6 - October 12, 2018Page 7Data Zone, Continued from page 6.Visit www.ladatanews.com for more photos from these eventsWBOK1230AMA BAKEWELL MEDIA COMPANYReal Talk for Real Times.1639 Gentilly Blvd. New Orleans, LA 70119 (504)942-0106www.wbok1230am.com

Page 8October 6 - October 12, 2018Commentarywww.ladatanews.comPresident LaughingstockJulianne MalveauxNNPA ColumnistOur 45th President rushed backfrom his United Nations meetingin New York to watch the hearingof his Supreme Court nominee,Brett Kavanaugh, and his accuserDr. Christine Blasey Ford. Reportedly, he was impressed by Dr. Ford,but excited by Kavanaugh’s belligerently offensive session with thesenators. From my perspective,Kavanaugh was disgraceful. He attacked Democratic senators, at onepoint asking Minnesota SenatorAmy Klobuchar if she had a drinking problem! His angry, entitledtemperament was inconsistent withSupreme Court service. But by thetime this is published he is likely tohave been voted onto the court.While the Supreme Court deliberations have dominated the news,it is essential to consider the waythat 45 appeared on the world stage.First, he was inexplicably and rudely late to the UN, signaling his owncontempt for the organization andits members. Indeed, according toNew Yorker reporter Robin Wright,the UN had to scramble to find another speaker to fill in 45’s assignedtime. Then, just minutes after 45 began talking, the assembled groupstarted laughing at him. Undoubtedly, they were amused about hisassertions of having done morethan any other Administration inUS history. 45 was speaking tomore than one hundred and thirtyheads of state and dozens of otherdelegations. They laughed because45 is truly funny.As he ran for President, 45 constantly scolded that our countrywas the “laughingstock” of theworld. Then he stood in front of other world leaders and proved themcorrect. Our nation is not a laughingstock, but President Trumpsurely is. He is out of touch with therest of the world, out of order in hisdealings with others, and out of control with his myopic “America First”philosophy.We may still be the most powerful nation in the world, but we areholding onto that perch only tentatively. We’re not the largest countryin the world. The population of India, at 1.35 billion, or the populationof China, the world’s most populousnation, at 1.41 billion people, dwarfsour population of roughly 326 million people. We are a scant 4.3 percent of the world population. Indiais 17.7 percent of the world population, and China is a whopping 18.5percent of the world population.Population size is not necessarily an indicator of power, and mostconcede that the United States remains an influential world leader.But we are a world leader now ledby a clown, the laughingstock ofthe world. And in embracing an“America First” doctrine, we isolateourselves from others and diminishour own world power.Our power has come from ourability to play well in the world. Ithas come from our embrace ofglobalism. Indeed, our economicgrowth has often been a functionof our global role. People want tocome to the United States, to studythe United States, to vacation in theUnited States and to enjoy the products and brands of the United States(McDonald’s and Nike are but twoexamples). Our President’s behavior repels people from the UnitedStates instead of attracting peopleto us. His jingoistic “America First”speech belied decades of international cooperation. His notion thatnations are better off going it alonethan working in collaboration isisolationist nonsense. His speechwould have been better deliveredto his sycophants who drink hisFool-Aid than to a thoughtful international audience of his peer worldleaders.“America is governed by Americans,” 45 said. “We reject the ideol-ogy of globalism, and we embracethe doctrine of patriotism. Insideeveryone in this great chambertoday, and everyone listening allaround the globe, there is the heartof a patriot that feels the same powerful love for your nation, the sameintense loyalty to your homeland.”It is possible to be a patriot andalso embrace globalism, especiallyif we are thinking of our nation’swell being in the long run. In other words, the world is interlinked,and our countries are intertwined.What would we have to give up ifwe “went it alone”? I don’t think 45is capable of thinking this through.What if countries decided to stopdoing business with us? What products would we have to give up?At the United Nations meetinglast year, 45 ridiculed North KoreanPresident Kim Jong Un as “LittleRocket Man.” Now Mr. RocketMan is his new best friend, worthyof 45’s praise. 45 heralded his Junesummit with Kim Jong Un as a sucMalveaux, Continuedon page 10.Know Your Worth, Right NowMorgan A. OwensNNPA Newswire ColumnistThree words that we often shouldfollow, but don’t. I didn’t know myworth or even know I was worthyfor many years. How many of usfeel or have felt that way? We settlefor the status quo, we keep ourhead down to not ruffle feathers.We would rather be loved any kindof way than none at all. What kindof life is that? What kind of worthis that? I struggled for many yearsover knowing who I was and whatI stood for. There is no reason why,other than I let others define what Ishould look like, how I should feelabout myself and accepted howthey wanted me to be loved.I found confidence by helpingothers. In turn, I found my self-worth. I write in my book, “FindingMy Sparkle,” “I spent the early partof my life not truly loving myself. Iwas a victim of bullying, self-doubt,depression and self-hate. Often, Iwas put down by others that lookedlike me. I developed a complexabout myself – to the point I didn’twant to live anymore, I wanted tobe skinny, blonde hair and blueeyed like my classmates – then Iwould be ‘pretty.’ I struggled withmy self-confidence throughoutmiddle school, high school and college. My body changed but I stillwasn’t happy. It wasn’t until I madea conscience decision to love mybody and myself no matter what. Iwas tired of being unhappy. I foundthat confidence by helping others.In turn, I found my self-worth. Itdidn’t happen overnight and it’s stillnot fully complete, but I know whatI do and don’t deserve at this pointin my life.”When I learned to start sayingno, my life began to flourish.“I spentover a decade being in relationshipsthat took a toll on my self-esteem.Toxic relationships that suppressedmy growth not only as a woman,but in my career and business. Inorder to please whomever I was dating I often cancelled my own selfcare plans, such as working out orspending time with my friends andfamily. My mother told me I was“too available” and I was. I was willing to compromise my feelings andpriorities for another person. Whenyou do that it allows others to walkover you. I use the word, “allows”because ultimately you are givingthem permission to.I had to learn it was perfectlyokay to say “no,” and if someonedidn’t respect that no – then thatwas their problem and not mine.When I learned to start saying no,my life began to flourish. You maylose some friends or relationshipsbut that is just God’s way of makingroom for those who truly need to bein your life. I had to learn this andmany of you reading probably arealready going through this, or youwill – and that’s okay. You have tobe with okay with letting go, lovingpeople from a far and continuing togrow in a positive light. Harboringnegative energy only takes awaytime where you should be invest-ing in your career, business or ownpersonal health.” I found my selfworth.I know what you’re thinking:“Who is she to be preaching aboutself-worth?” No, I’m not an expert,or the most confident woman inthe world, but I know what it islike to feel worthless. I also knowhow it feels feeling worthy. Honestly, I choose feeling worthy anyday. Even if I am the only one whobelieves that I am. When you really think about it, why do we giveOTHERS control or authority overour own self-worth? It is ours. Being fully transparent, you won’t findyour self-worth in a day, a week oreven a year. The journey can belong and often times emotionallypainful but it is necessary! I didn’tget the opportunities I wanted untilI became the person ready to receive them. That journey took metwenty-seven years. While we arebuilding our careers, taking careof our families, let’s remember ourwhy and our worth.You are worthy. Live everydayas such.My top tips on finding self-worth:PatienceKnow, that you won’t find yourself in a day, a week or even a year.The journey can be long and oftentimes emotionally painful but it isnecessary!Believe in YouHow can others believe in you ifyou don’t believe in yourself?Have FaithWithout faith any foundation willcrumble.Happiness is a choiceNothing more, nothing less.Let it GoCut the dead weight out of yourlife. If someone isn’t helping youto be better, don’t be afraid to lovethem from a far. It’s not your job toconvince them that your worthy ofanything.Morgan A. Owens, is the author ofthe book, “Finding My Sparkle”.

Opinionwww.ladatanews.comOctober 6 - October 12, 2018Page 9Making the Case for Voting Yes on Amendment 2(Non-Unanimous Jury Law) on November 6Angela A. Allen-BellAssociate Professor ofLegal Writing and Analysis,Southern University LawCenterOn November 6, 2018, we willdecide the most important CriminalJustice Issue of our lifetime. This isbecause of the multitudes of peopleeffected by Louisiana’s Non-Unanimous Jury Law, either directly orindirectly. Louisiana voter will beasked: “Do you support an amendment to require a unanimous juryverdict in all non-capital felony cases for offenses that are committedon or after January 1, 2019?” If youbelieve in justice and care aboutliberty, join me in voting “yes” toAmendment 2.This law was placed in LouisianaConstitution in 1898, after the CivilWar, when a supremacist ideologyand an insatiable appetite for freelabor still prevailed despite thefederal government having forcedan end to slavery. At this 1898 Constitutional Convention where theChairman of the Judiciary Committee openly acknowledged that theymet “to establish the supremacy ofthe White race” –the Non-Unanimous Jury Law was formally adopted with two bad intentions in mind:(1) to obtain quick convictions thatwould usher people into Louisiana’squick convict leasing system (as areplacement for free slave labor);and (2) to ensure African-Americanjurors would not block convictionsof other African- Americans.In the years since, a host of unintended consequences have resulted, such as a disproportionatelyhigh number of plea bargains, massincarceration, voter suppressionand disenfranchisement, wrongfulconvictions, discrimination againstand marginalization of minority andwomen voters and public distrust.When these things are considered,it becomes clear that the upcoming vote is about much more thana contemptable racial history of thelaw. Louisiana’s Non-UnanimousJury Law involves the highest ofAngela A. Allen-Bell is Associate Professor of Legal Writing and Analysis at Southern University Law Center.all compacts: The Constitution ofthe United States. For it is the SixthAmendment to the Constitution ofthe United States, which guarantees an impartial jury. What’s atissue on November 6, 2018 is theConstitution itself and the protections it promises.At no prior point in history havethe people of Louisiana been askedto register their informed preferences on this issue. The 1898change was not done by the people.The 1973 change (from 9 of 12 to 10of 12) was not done with any disclosure to voters about the history orimplications surrounding this law(as was the case in Oregon, the onlyother state allowing non-unanimousjuries in criminal cases, when theychanged the law in 1934). Allowinga vote of a fully informed populationwould properly reflect our collective desires about who we are as aState. We have been robbed of thisopportunity.In all federal courts and in fortyeight of the fifty states, a unanimous vote of twelve is required infelony cases. While it is true thatLouisiana and Oregon are outliers,it is not true that two states violatethe Sixth Amendment is worse

Bogalusa Blues Fest Highlights October 6 - October 12, 2018 53nd Year Volume 23 www.ladatanews.com A Data News Weekly Exclusive. Page 2 e 6 e 12 2018 wwwaaae INSIDE