By Garry Blanson One of the things that makes this week’s article extra intriguing is that it sheds light on two (2) Colored-Owned Businesses that opened after Colored Businessman John Robert Patterson Sr., who owned Patterson’s Million Article Store and…
Category: Opinions
Our city, Our community – Wisdom of the Ages
By Marie Brown I attended the recent NAACP banquet this past weekend and heard political hopeful Chris Lewis make some glaring comments about young people stepping up and getting involved. He suggested that it is time for older people to…
Our Rich Black Heritage: “The Forgotten” – Council for United Civil Rights Leadership
By Garry Blanson “In Order for Situations to Change for Black People in Monroe, Louisiana, Black People in Monroe, Louisiana Are Going to have to Change” -Garry O’Dell Blanson We’ll begin this week’s article with a story about an…
Our city – Our community: The State of the City
By Marie Brown Friday, July 11, 2025, was the day the City of Monroe announced in local news outlets that Mayor Friday Ellis would deliver the “State of the City Address.” During his five-year administration, Mayor Ellis has delivered highly…
Our Rich Black Heritage: Richard L. Jackson and The Southside Boy’s Club
By Garry Blanson Recently, it has been brought to my attention that A familiar symbol,”Fleur-de-Lis,” which is displayed on LOUISIANA’S STATE FLAG and on the FOOTBALL HELMETS of the NFL FOOTBALL PLAYERS OF THE NEW ORLEANS SAINTS FOOTBALL TEAM, and…
Our City – Our Community: Black History is under attack
By Marie Brown Attention—Black History is under attack in America. During the Black History Month in February, students, churches, and organizations across the country celebrated the milestones and accomplishments of our ancestors, as well as honoring modern-day leaders. The key…
Our Rich Black Heritage: Hattie Mcgraw McClanahan, wife of Dr. G. McClanahan “Got Milk?”
By Garry Blanson What a way to begin this week’s article! Well, I thought that I would use the question to remind everyone, especially the younger generation, that the idea of food delivery service to our homes in Monroe, Louisiana,…