By Victor C. Kirk The Census tables awakened America to its “browning” as the number of African Americans and Hispanics grew in some instances four-fold from a decade ago’s census reporting. Monroe saw a change as well. A total population…
Category: Editorial
City walk-back of Community center fees is step in right direction
The City of Monroe is quietly walking back its decision to enforce Mayo era fees at City Community Centers; we agree with that decision. The James Mayo administration passed a series of fee increases during the final years of its…
Low ACT scores of area Black students paint dreary picture for future thinkers
Are we dumbing down the next generation by lowering expectations and accepting mediocrity? The African-American community should be concerned that the average African-American student in all schools in our parish is not being prepared for higher-order thinking. We…
Perspectives on the lives we live: Topic: Haiti – Part Three
By Victor C. Kirk There was complete surprise when Mayor Romaine requested that I find for him two Louisiana Queens that would participate in the Haitian Carnival Ball. His office would make hotel and travel arrangements for the two queens,…
Rev. George Washington’s life was a testament to pastoral greatness
Editor’s Note: The Rev. George Washington, the retired 40-year pastor of the Mary Goss and Tried Stone Baptist Churches, died on July 28, 2021. The following tribute to his life on behalf of the Monroe community has been submitted by…
St. Francis threat to fire unvaccinated employees raises serious issues
The controversy over whether an employer can fire an employee who refuses to take the COVID-19 vaccine heated up this week, we think it is a delicate balancing act between public safety and individual freedoms. At issue is a mandate…
Perspectives on the lives we live: Topic: Haiti – Part Two of Three
By Victor C. Kirk The invitation read “LE PRESIDENT A VIE DE LA REPUBLIQUE ET MADAMA JEAN-CLAUDE DEVALIER ONT LE PLAISIR D ’INVITER MR. ET MOME VICTOR KIRCK A UN BAL TRAVESTI LE LUNDI CINQ MARS…” DEGUISEMENT DE RIGUEUR –…