By Garry Blanson Before I give my list of some of the former Black-owned barbershops that use to be in Monroe, Louisiana, I will share a short story about one of the neighborhood barbers who cut my hair when I…
Category: Editorial
Sending kids to prison for “any crime” is not a good idea
What’s the real reason lawmakers are considering sending children to Angola rather than juvenile lockups? Is it about making us safer, or is it secretly about saving money? No one has said it aloud, but the fact that a proposal…
Our Rich Black Heritage: “The Former Black-Owned Beauty Shops In Monroe”
By Garry Blanson Once upon a time, in the Louisiana Territory, back when it was under Spanish rule.There was actually a Law that made “CREOLE WOMEN” & “FREE WOMEN of COLOR” tone down the beauty of their hair! The law…
What ignored need will Neville Charter school address?
The dedication of parents and community members to improving educational outcomes at Neville High School is commendable. The Neville Charter Association’s stated goal of moving from “good to better” reflects an admirable commitment to excellence that has long been part…
Our Rich Black Heritage: The forgotten Black-owned service stations in Monroe
By Garry Blanson “A People without knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without Roots” -Marcus Mosiah Garvey Recently, I discovered that when the “Monroe Civic Center” was built, several streets like “Vicksburg Street” disappeared into the…
Harris’ Presidential loss due in part to laid back black support
The 2024 presidential election has come and gone, leaving in its wake a sobering reality for the Democratic Party and Vice President Kamala Harris. While the majority of Black voters stood behind Harris, the enthusiasm and turnout needed to secure…
Our Rich Black Heritage: “Black Americans have made major strides in spite of oppression and injustice. This Bi-Centennial Booklet is a tribute to Black and White Americans” – Bernie Dayton Robinson
By Garry Blanson “THE BLACK BI-CENTENNIAL COMMITTEE” Before he died, “Mr. B.D. Robinson” assembled A Black Bi-Centennial Committee to put together A Booklet On the History of Blacks in Ouachita Parish & Monroe, Louisiana. The Booklet is Called,”Contributors of Ouachita…