The recent refusal by the Monroe City Council to certify the December 2024 sales tax election results, while ultimately temporary, highlights a concerning rift between the council’s Black majority and Mayor Ellis. This symbolic act of opposition is just the…
Category: Roosevelt Wright
Public Charter schools is an option black parents should consider
The concept of charter schools has sparked intense debate nationwide, including in Monroe. Many Black parents opposed the Neville Charter application, fearing it was a covert attempt by white families to segregate their children. However, it’s vital to understand what…
Jimmy Carter’s “Born Again” broke new ground for blacks and the poor
Jimmy Carter’s presidency is the first one in which the president publicly acknowledged that he was “Born Again” and demonstrated for four years the power of principled leadership and unwavering commitment to civil rights and social justice. His tenure in…
Surrounded by Billionaires, will Trump remember the poor?
As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office, it’s crucial to shift our focus to an often-overlooked segment of the American population: the poor. At present he is surrounded by Billionaires, and big business types. On the campaign trail, both…
Monroe’s recent tax vote reveals continued racial divide
The recent passage of Monroe’s infrastructure tax renewal should be cause for celebration. Instead, it stands as a stark reminder of our city’s persistent inability to bridge racial divides and forge truly inclusive governance. While Mayor Ellis celebrates the sales…
Future of the Bayou Classic lies in the “Black Experience”
The Bayou Classic began in 1974 as a showcase of Black college football excellence, featuring rivals Grambling State and Southern University. What started as a gridiron clash that drew over 76,000 fans has evolved into something far more significant –…
Five months in, Ellis still avoids black economic parity
In the five months since taking office, Mayor Friday Ellis’s administration has struggled to establish an effective working relationship with Monroe’s black-majority city council. This growing divide presents a challenge that, while difficult, is not insurmountable for a white mayor…