At Monday’s Monroe City Council meeting, Randy McConaughey of 201 Loop Road took to the microphone and made a statement that left many in the room shaking their heads. “I’m a taxpayer. The district you represent may or may not…
Category: Editorial
Our Rich Black Heritage: Colored Business-Owner T.J. Davis,The Davis Market, and The Central Ca’fe
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…
Violent crime decline welcomed: over 63 days without a murder
For months, our city council has celebrated a remarkable milestone: a significant reduction in violent crime, particularly murders. At the most recent council meeting, Councilman Verbon Muhammad led the audience in applause to mark 63 days without a murder—a stark…
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…
Jacksonville brutality case sends vibes to Blacks across the nation
On December 9, 2024, a shocking incident unfolded in Jacksonville, Florida, when 22-year-old William McNeil Jr. became the victim of egregious police abuse during a traffic stop by officers of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO). That incident hits home to…
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…