Monroe City Schools possesses all the ingredients for success: passionate teachers, dedicated academic leaders, and top-tier facilities. Backed by a healthy financial reserve and highly compensated executive leadership, the district is undeniably rich in resources. Yet, beneath the polished surface…
Category: Editorial
Our Rich Black Heritage: Part two of the humble beginnings of the Carver-McDonald Branch Library
By Garry Blanson At the end of my last ORBH article, the members of “The Colored Chamber of Commerce Committee” had just been informed that they would have to come up with “the entire amount of money for a building…
Our Rich Black Heritage: The Humble Beginnings Of The Carver-McDonald Library, In Monroe, Louisiana
By Garry Blanson Please note that this is part one of a two-part series. Way, way, way before “black citizens” in Monroe, Louisiana even had the money to acquire a building for a library, and when Negroes weren’t allowed entrance…
Outdated city school zones may need to be changed
For nearly six decades, the borders defining the Monroe City School District have been shaped less by geography and more by a complicated history of desegregation, legal mandates, and athletic maneuvering. But in 2027 the board will seat a new…
Our Rich Black Heritage: “The First Negro Zulu Mardi Gras Parade in Monroe, Louisiana”
By Garry Blanson Part Two from last week First, let me welcome everyone back for Part Two of this series! Next, I would like to thank “Lora Peppers,” in the Genealogy Department at the Main Branch of the Ouachita Parish…
Candidates should invest in ground games to be victorious in November
As qualifications end Friday, local candidates are officially gearing up for the upcoming November elections. Across our community, thousands of campaign dollars will soon be poured into signs, radio spots, digital ads, and direct mail. Yet, beneath the financial flash,…
Our City, Our Community
By Marie Brown Dear Neighbors, As Marie Brown, a fellow resident deeply invested in the vibrancy of our community and our city, I often reflect on how life’s journey can sometimes divert us, causing us to lose sight of our…