In a moment that stunned and stirred his congregation, Rev. Vance Price announced his recent marriage to Janay Powell during Sunday’s worship service, saying he did so to maintain trust and transparency with his church family. “Most of you have…
Author: Free Press
175 Air Conditioners Donated to Residents in Monroe’s Districts 3 and 4
With temperatures rising and summer fast approaching, relief is on the way for dozens of households in Monroe, thanks to a donation of 175 air conditioning units to residents in City Council Districts 3 and 4. The initiative, spearheaded by…
Black Tie Guys “Man Camp” fighting youth crime with values
The Alfred Blakes Cultural Arts Center is echoing with energy this week as boys aged 9 to 14 participate in the 2025 “Man Camp,” a four-day youth development experience hosted by the Black Tie Guys mentoring program. Running June 2–5…
Snaps of the City
Between May 29 and June 4, 2025, our friends were busy on social media, including these snaps.
Theresa Birden, 89, remembered as pillar of her family
Theresa Mae Birden, a beloved mother, grandmother, and lifelong member of the Monroe community, passed away on May 21, 2025. She was 89. Funeral services were held Saturday, May 31, at 11:00 AM at Lone Star Baptist Church in Sterlington,…
Our Rich Black Heritage : The Forgotten “L.I.A.L.O.” Negro Organization
Part 1 of a 2 Part Series “Those who cannot remember(or don’t know) the past are condemned to repeat it.” – George Santayana Once upon a time, in Louisiana, “Before Black Students were allowed to attend Neville High School or…
Our City Our Community
By Marie Brown This past weekend, the Juneteenth UMOJA and OCOME organizations sponsored a workshop in Monroe at the Greater New Antioch Baptist Church entitled Empowering the Community. Residents heard from several speakers on topics of discussion, including Small Business…