In the September 3, 2022 edition of the Free Press in a story titled “Area War on Poverty entrusted to three groups” “Prime Time” was identified as a “For-Profit” corporation. However, Prime Time Family Reading is a “Non-Profit” Corporation. It…
Category: Submissions
Our Rich Black Heritage: George B. Hamlet
By Garry Blanson GEORGE B HAMLET was the first African-American mayor of Monroe, La. Before 2022, I was told and thought that Abe Piere was the first Black Mayor of Monroe, Louisiana. However, while doing research, I discovered that Abe Pierce wasn’t…
Our Rich Black Heritage: Samuel B. Fuller
By Garry Blanson The Accomplishments of our Black ancestors should be and are very important to the older generation of Blacks living today (and to the younger generation as well). Back in 1905, when Samuel B. Fuller was born in…
75-year-old Oak tree snaps in rain storm
Lafayette Traylor has lived at his small home on S. 25th Street for 16 years and has seen storms, sleet, and hail, but when the 75 year old Oak tree that sits in his front yard split in three places…
Mayo makes another public appearance at ribbon cutting
Another Afro-Centric business has opened in Monroe, this time on Forsythe Avenue. Many dignitaries were on hand for the ribbon cutting of Goin Postal, a postal and package company, located at 1800 Forsythe Avenue. Among the many personalities present was…
Our Rich Black Heritage: Mary Ellen Pleasant
By Garry Blanson There’s an old saying that I learned from my Personal Development Studies; it says,”Change your plan, but not your goal.” Whenever I think about The Underground Railroad, my mind almost instantly thinks of Harriet Tubman. Well, by…
My Withdrawal of candidacy for city school board
To All My Constituents, Supporters, and Family I have had the pleasure of serving on the Monroe City School Board for the last four years. During that time, I put in place several policies and voting for several items that…