Did you know that there was once statewide competition among black students in Math, English, Spelling, Science, Music, Drama, and Athletics? When Louisiana schools were segregated, our facilities were unequal, but the intense focus on scholarship was second to none.…
Category: Editorial
Wossman’s Transgender court member is sign of the times
Last week, Wossman High School elected a transgender person to its homecoming court for 2023. It was historic for Monroe, but it is part of a trend that is growing across the nation. The former male student moved to Texas…
Our Rich Black Heritage: Nannie H Burroughs
By Garry Blanson Nannie H. Burroughs was born on May 2, 1879, in Orange, Virginia, to John and Jennie Burroughs. In 1883, sometime after the passing of one of her sisters and her father. Nannie and her mother moved to…
What if military training was next for “idle” graduates with no plans?
Over 27,000 young people will graduate from high school as members of the class of 2023. The State Department says about 18,900 of the graduates are expected to enroll in college. What about the other 8,100? Some of those 8,100…
Our Rich Black Heritage: Edward D. Brown
By Garry Blanson Recently, the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby was held (the winner’s purse for the 2023 Kentucky Derby was “3 million dollars,” the highest purse in Triple Crown racing history). While many Black People have heard about…
Our Rich Black Heritage: Mary H. Dickerson
By Garry Blanson In the past, Black women have made great contributions to our Black Communities and The Civil Rights Movement. Between 1870-1914, Black women established many civic clubs, groups, and organizations in America. One of the women who helped found…
Monroe Police Chief has a “trust” problem that needs fixing
When crime reports indicate that crime is trending downward, it’s natural for community members to feel a sense of relief and security. However, when those reports do not square with the feeling of insecurity in the community, the police department…