More than any school in the state, homecoming is a “big deal” at Carroll High School. Its week-long celebration of legacy and pride attracts Mardi Gras-style crowds of up to 10,000 for the six days leading up to the big…
Category: Roosevelt Wright
City’s “forever” water rate increases should stop or be challenged
There Is something wrong with Monroe’s “Forever” water and sewer rate increases, which increase annually without any city council action. Simple mathematics suggests that increasing water and sewer prices, even if there is no proportionate increase in production costs, will…
Thirty pieces of silver syndrome smashes Black majorities in local governments
A few weeks ago, the Free Press published a campaign finance report that showed one of the three black members on the Monroe City Council had been targeted as the weak link who could be used to divide and conquer…
Mayor Ellis is becoming the “Invisible Man” in Black circles
When it comes to the Black community, Mayor Oliver Friday Ellis could easily be described as the invisible man. The Monroe Black community has always enjoyed the presence of elected officials at prominent events, conventions, and significant moments. For over…
GSU has least diverse student body, but it’s not by design
The Supreme Court’s ruling on affirmative action has the potential to impact all three Northeast Louisiana universities. However, the impact on Grambling State University, a historically Black college, may be oddly significant because Grambling has the least diverse student population…
Pride Month activities at the Zoo might have been excessive for children
In recent years, Pride Month has emerged as a powerful platform for the LGBTQ+ community to celebrate their identities and advocate for equality. However, the recent Pride Month celebration at Louisiana Purchase Garden and Zoo has sparked a necessary debate…
Why Boycott the Essence Festival? NAACP travel advisory is ill advised
The NAACP has issued a travel advisory for Louisiana, urging Blacks to exercise caution when visiting the state because of its discriminatory laws and policies. That means the NAACP wants the Essence Festival in New Orleans to fail. That’s ironic…