A Monroe woman was arrested Tuesday on multiple counts of animal cruelty following the discovery of three deceased German Shepherd puppies at a residence on Ouachita Avenue. Vanessa Ballard, 38, was taken into custody on April 8 and booked into…
Author: Free Press
Black Tie Guys assess next steps toward success
The Black Tie Guys took another important step in their journey of self-improvement and academic excellence during a personal evaluation session held at the Powell Recreation Center on Monday, April 7th. Every six months, members of the Black Tie Guys…
Four community friends buried after services last week
Funeral services for four friends of the community were held last week, all under the auspices of Smith Funeral Home. Deacon Golia Gaines, 95 Deacon Golia Gaines of Monroe passed away on March 19, 2025, at the age of 95.…
“Catfish” Coleman arrested for St. Mary Church fire
A 49-year-old Monroe man has been arrested in connection with a fire that damaged a historic Black church last month, authorities confirmed yesterday. Nicky L. “Catfish” Coleman was taken into custody on April 8, 2025, and charged with simple arson…
Services Saturday for Eddie Gives,79
Services for Eddie Gives, Jr., 79, will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Greater Free Gift Baptist Church, Mr. Gives, a beloved husband, father, deacon, and community member, passed away peacefully at his home on…
Our City—-Our Community
By Marie Brown The City of Monroe is playing a troubling game as it relates to development throughout the entire city. Because of the age of the infrastructure which consist of roads, bridges, water ,sewer etc. in Monroe, millions of…
Our Rich Black Heritage: Rev. M. M. Flynn
By Garry Blanson It’s fascinating how every week I’m able to find a different “FORGOTTEN BLACK PIONEER!” Sometimes while I’m researching a totally different subject, I get drawn to an event, post, or person that leads me to someone new,…