By Garry Blanson First Negro Police Officer on the Monroe Police Department in the 20th Century While so much “fanfare” was being made over the end of the Louisiana inspection sticker, did anyone else happen to notice that something very…
Category: Editorial
School board silent on tax, still no plan
The deafening silence coming from the Monroe City School Board regarding November’s upcoming tax vote is, Nobody has a plan. Candidates have signs up to run for office in November, but even the candidates avoid talking about their plans to…
Our City, Our Community
By Marie Brown Why is voting important? Typically, we vote to make a positive change on the local, state, and national levels. There are opportunities to support a candidate, legislation, or voting measures. Some say,” They don’t vote because politicians…
School board issues easy-to-read finance report
To the public; As part of its statutory duties under Louisiana law, the School Board is responsible for adopting, overseeing, and ensuring the proper administration of the district budget.Board’s recent report supports that responsibility by making financial information accessible to…
Our Rich Black Heritage: The forgotten Black graduates of “Delta Area Vocational School”
By Garry Blanson Established for Black People in Monroe, Louisiana Today, when I say the words “Delta Vocational School,” most people generally presume that I’m talking about either the Delta school in West Monroe, Louisiana, or the Delta school on…
In drowning aftermath, community’s love gives hope
In the wake of the unimaginable tragedy that claimed the lives of 10-year-old Ja’Oni Williams and 9-year-old Ja’Candis Owens on the Ouachita River last Sunday, our community has been shrouded in a heavy, collective grief. There are no words in…
Thank God and The Monroe Free Press for ten years of writing ministry
First, allow me to thank God and Rev. Roosevelt Wright, Jr. for opening doors for me on this incredible journey. In June 2016, I began my God-given assignment of writing Christian articles for The Monroe Free Press. The very…