Willie James Collins passed peacefully on July 17, 2026, at the age of 70. Family and friends are invited to gather and celebrate Willie’s life and legacy Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 2 p.m. Professional arrangements are under the direction…
Author: Free Press
Our Rich Black Heritage: 50 Year Anniversary of the B. D. Robinson Commissioned “Black Bicentennial Report”
By Garry Blanson In October of 2025, Facebook finally “began payouts” from the “2022 class action lawsuit” that resulted from the “Cambridge Analytica scandal,” and other privacy violations. In order to have qualified for receiving settlement funds, you must have…
Everyone needs encouragement
By Rusty Potter One of the greatest gifts we can give another person costs nothing. It has a priceless value. That gift is encouragement. Sometimes we think encouragement is only for people who are facing illness or financial hardship or…
Funeral services set for Patricia Cole
Patricia Ann Cole passed away on July 12, 2026, at the age of 74. To celebrate her seventy-four years of life, family and friends will gather for a time of reflection and remembrance, beginning with a public visitation on Friday…
Pastors are not exempt from taxes
Many pastors erroneously believe that because churches are tax-exempt, pastors are too. They are wrong, pastors must pay taxes too. Some innocently believe that they are 1099 employees and should not receive a W-2 like other church staff; they are…
Building ministry infrastructure to sustain marriages and families: Part Two
By Lisa Wilmore The Essential Question: Why Does Every Church Need a Marriage and Family Ministry? Blessings, Dear Friends, To begin with, in Part One, I discussed why every church needs a Marriage and Family Ministry and highlighted research…
NELA Black voters weighing U.S. Senate options
As November approaches, Black voters across Northeast Louisiana face a critical decision for the U.S. Senate—one that presents two distinct, compelling options and requires a careful calculation of community interest, political leverage, and long-term representation. Option 1: Supporting Principle and…