I may be Dr. Nina Ford-Johnson a pediatrician, but I’m a mom first. My babies are my top priority, always. With this Delta variant going around affecting Black kids at a higher rate, I’m telling any parent with children 5 and older to get the COVID vaccine.
Find vaccines near you at vaccines.gov
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Glen Oaks High School head basketball coach Harvey Adger earned his 900th victory on Dec 1 after the Panthers beat the Northeast Vikings during the first home game. The fact that Adger has done all this at one school is remarkable. The 900 total win ranks Adger among the state’s elite. Former Southern Lab coach Joel Hawkins is the leader with 1,081 victories. Adger, who has coached at Glen Oaks for 40 years, is known for molding his players beyond basketball which is one of the reasons school officials named Glen Oaks’ new gym in his honor.
The Nature Conservatory chose Taylor Barnett, a first-year LSU graduate student in strategic communications as their inaugural communications fellow. They’d had science fellows before, including from LSU, but realized they were missing something. As legislation on dedicated conservation funding come before the Louisiana House and Senate this year, TNC wanted to make sure their vocal support could be heard not just by their users and peers, but everyone. They selected Barnett to create diverse messaging to build broader consensus and support around Louisiana’s environmental challenges. “The environmental movement has been—still is—very white,” Barnett said, but, most people can appreciate clean air and water, ability to fish and hunt, job creation, saving and making money, and having their house not flood all
the time. As a fellow, she researches the economic impact of conservation projects and aids in writing TNC communications for diverse groups.
New Orleans trumpeter Terence Blanchard became the first Black composer to have an opera presented at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City on September 27. ‘Fire Shut Up in My Bones’ played to soldout houses and due to its success, the Met recently announced that it will present Blanchard’s first opera, ‘Champion’ in April 2023. Based on the life of African American boxer Emile Griffith, it will be directed by James Robinson and conducted by Met Music Director Yannick Nezet-Seguin. A six-time Grammy award winner, Blanchard does extensive work for film and TV and is a frequent collaborator with Spike Lee on his movies, including BlacKKKLansman and Da 5 Bloods, which were nominated for the Academy Awards’ Best Original Score. St. Charles Avenue Magazine recently named Blanchard and his wife Robin Burgess Activists of the Year, along with Drs. Joy and Howard Osofsky and Angel and Taylor Beery.
Tyricia Clark, a Baton Rouge native and graduate of the Louisiana Culinary Institute, recently competed in Netflix’s “School of Chocolate”. She began making desserts in high school and had since sold her T’Cakes —cakes, pies, cheesecakes, and old-fashioned teacakes— at
area pop-ups. On Netflix, she and six contestants studied the art of chocolate under the supervision of famed chocolatier Amaury Guichon. Through eight episodes, they learn skills to elevate their pastry knowledge by completing challenges meant to stretch their imaginations. In the end, Guichon names one of the contestants “Best in Class,” awarding the winner $50,000 to start a small business. “School of Chocolate” is streaming on Netflix. Clark’s T Cakes are available at tcakescatering.com
Attorney Monica D. Doss has been appointed First Assistant District Attorney for Rapides Parish. She has served as the Chief Felony Assistant District Attorney since July 2016. She also served as a staff attorney, attorney supervisor, deputy general counsel of the legal division, and director of the audit protest bureau of the Louisiana Department of Revenue. Before that, the Tallulah native was employed as the clerk of court and judicial administrator of the Orleans Parish Juvenile Court. She is a graduate of Grambling State University and the Southern University Law Center.
Former LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey became the 10th former Tiger to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame on Dec. 7. Dorsey--the most decorated defensive player in the school’s history – was officially enshrined during the 63rd annual National
Football Foundation Awards Dinner in Las Vegas. A native of Gonzales and two-time First Team AllAmerican, Dorsey earned unanimous honors in 2007 after leading LSU to a win over Ohio State in the BCS National Championship Game. During his senior campaign, he won the Outland, Nagurski, Lombardi, and Lott IMPACT trophies, becoming the first player in Tigers history to receive any of those awards. He accumulated 179 total tackles, including 27 for loss and 13 sacks, while playing in 52 games for LSU. He played five seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs (2008-12) and four with the San Francisco 49ers (2013-16). Off the field, he established the Glenn Dorsey Foundation, which focuses on teaching youth the importance of education.
Former Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator and assistant coach Hue Jackson is Grambling State Tigers’ new head coach. Jackson recently completed his first season as Tennessee State’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. He was a Bengals assistant and offensive coordinator before the Cleveland Browns hired him as their head coach in 2016.
After five years at LSU, wide receivers coach and assistant head coach Mickey Joseph returns to Nebraska University as the Huskies’s wide receivers coach, passing game coordinator, and
associate head coach.The 53-yearold coaching veteran is a New Orleans native who played Nebraska alumn. He was at LSU since 2017 and is known as one of the best recruiters in the country. He was responsible for developing some of the nation’s top receivers including Ja’Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson and Terrace Marshall.
Former Neville football player stars as a coach in the new movie “National Champions” Monroe native Reginald Robinson hit the big screens Dec. 9 in the Thunder Roads Films’ release of “National Champions”. Directed by Ric Roman Waugh, the movie stars heavyweights such as J.K. Simmons, King Bach, Lil Rel Howery, and Russell Wilson The film depicts a college football team left with a decision whether to play a championship game or strike and demand to be compensated. In the film, Robinson stars as an assistant coach.Robinson’s rise to movie fame began on the Bill Ruple Stadium as a 3-year letterman at Neville High School.
Amite public defender Erica D Williams has announced her candidacy for Hammond City Court Judge. For 12 years, she’s served as a public defender in criminal misdemeanor court in Hammond and the 21st Judicial Court, and also in felony court in Amite. The seat became vacant after the death of Judge Grace Gassaway in June.
Teresa Cooper and Katherine Young wanted to create a space where women--sisters and friends--would gain strength and transform relationships by sharing their surface and deep pains.
“You can be sisters by association or birth and still not be friends. And you can have friends who become sisters... We wanted to create a space where women can be SisterFriends for real,” Cooper said.
To create that space, the Christian leaders went into the studio and on to Facebook and YouTube with the intention to have candid conversations centered around faith that would build up any viewer—especially women. In 2019, they created SisterFriends Cups and Conversations, a weekly talk show featuring four hosts seated around a wooden dining table. Two seats are reserved for them as hosts and two for guests. They sit in front of a white bookshelf accented with colorful decor and flowers. The brightness of the room matches the women’s laughter and chatter, even when the topics are heavy and dark. And, they discuss any and every aspect of life.
“The show is centered around conversations with sister-friends of different ages, races, and statuses who discuss various topics from a faith-based perspective. The cup is the extra flavor and personal connection within the conversations on this web-based show,” said Cooper.
The 30- to 40-minute show, which has had 65 episodes, is designed to show viewers that they are not alone, Young said. Within months of starting the show, Cooper and Young began shifting for a broader audience because of the coronavirus pandemic and the growing number of people going to social media to find “good shows.”
And, Cooper said, SisterFriends makes it
easy to have to dig so hard for the good stuff Cooper said. They said they are showing viewers how God is not only concerned about their lives, but he is involved in all details. They said the show does this by having candid discussions on difficult topics like suicide, ghosting friends, plastic surgery, loss of a child, friendship betrayal, post-traumatic stress disorder, raising gifted children, incarceration, and other “in the closet” conversations with invited guests.
They also take these discussions up on the show’s monthly blog.
“We didn’t want the show to be salacious or full of drama. We wanted people to feel empowered that God cares about what we care about,” said Cooper. Together, the hosts—who have been friends for 20 years—prayed and consecrated to design a space to listen to what women are concerned about and the right timing to discuss those topics.
“SisterFriends is for them to know that God sees them and we are here.. We don’t have to hide. We can have candid conversations and in the end, we all have something strong to sip on,” Young said. “It’s no judgment.”
Cooper and Young
ministries
are Christian authors in Shreveport, Louisiana. They said they love cups and conversations with friends, so is the show an off-shoot of their Christian ministry? Yes and no. With the show being produced in the studio at New Creations Family Church on 8410 Kingston Road, it is easy to directly connect it to church ministry, but the women said the intention of the show does not center around building the church’s membership.
“People need inspiration and a media culture that leaves information, clarity, and realness in the atmosphere. As a Christian, I feel a call to provide hope, care, and love presented in a platform that leaves you hopeful at the end,” said Cooper.
“It is a positive reinforcement for the vision in the guests’ and viewers’ lives,” said Cooper. Through monthly blog posts, they are able to expand especially during the stressful time of the now, two-year coronavirus pandemic. “We are always lifting and adding female voices to the conversation especially those who haven’t been discovered yet or haven’t discovered their potential.”
The women said they are qualified —if you will— to discuss these topics because they “are all these women” said Young. “Rejection, grief, teen pregnancy. We have lived through them. We are relatable in all these areas. We have
kindred spirit and compassion.”
Cooper agreed. “It’s led us to where we are now. This (show) is another extension that speaks to how God will take the pains of our lives and allow them to be the mission of our lives.”
We are intentional, they said. With each episode, the cup matches the topic, guests, or enthusiasm. Then, the conversations begin. Although the women have no formal training in broadcast journalism or production, SisterFriends runs smoothly between hosts and guests akin to shows like The View and Red Table Talk.
Women between the ages of 30 and 55 are the core demographics who watch the show, but Cooper said the 40-year-old women are finding the show most relatable. “They are holding us down,” she said.
One goal of the show is for viewers to broaden conversations and make them not have “to dig so hard for the good stuff,” Cooper said. By “good stuff, they mean good conversations, healthy friendships, and life solutions. The hosts have been married for more than two decades and said they often have to seek God’s love and presence beyond the church walls. SisterFriends Cups and Conversations is the result of their seeking and growing relationships with other women in their life’s pursuit.
The show begins with a cheerful theme song developed by Cooper and Dwayne Taylor and sung by Phonecia Richards. The women introduce themselves and share the cup—
Both lead women’s and
If you’ve ever smelled a homemade pie and thought, “I can smell that all day,” then you would love the candle collection created by The Alchemist Kitchen in Baton Rouge. These candles are warm, creative, and fla vorful accents in any atmosphere. After a re quest on social media, The Drum caught up with candlemakers and scent creators from The Alchemist Kitchen to learn more. Who are The Alchemist Table owners and candlemakers? The Alchemist Table is headed by Kenyata Fountain with partners Kesley Ebbs and Karey Ebbs. Fountain is the company’s candlemaker. She also started the Black Market Pop-up Shop in Baton Rouge. A computer scientist by trade, Fountain is the information technology manager at The Baton Rouge Metro Airport with 10 years of experience. She has a bachelor of sci ence degree in computer science from Southern Univer
sity and a masters degree in information security and assurance from Capella University. She is also a cer tified mediation teacher, Yoni Steam tech, chakra healer, and herbalist. Kesley Ebbs is the herbalist and owner of Growing Futures LLC in Minnesota.Karey Ebbs handles dis tribution and Cara Ebbs manages corporate finances.
What are your signature scents? Created by Kenyata Fountain, all candles uniquely smell and look like a drink or dessert. The Unwine Collection is a collection of candles that look like alcoholic beverages; the Old Fashion candle is scented with bourbon and vanilla; cof fee candles are light and dark roast and even affogato candle with Amaretto, vanilla, espresso, autumn spices. Dessert candles include fruit pies, frappuccino crumble cake, and Nana’s Pecan Pie.
This led her to making products for herself. “Ironically
Matador Vodka, Louisiana’s first Black-owned sugar cane vodka company, brings a “unique, clear, crisp, and elegant” drink to customers. Try this sweet and tangy cocktail as you celebrate the new year.
Muddle 1½ cups fresh cranberries with 2 tbsp honey in shaker add ¼ cup sparkling water and 1½ oz Matador Vodka shake pour over ice garnish with fresh lime or mint
There’s something about a pandemic and mandatory quaran tines that makes creative people more creative! That’s the story of Baton Rouge native Traneisha Jones, creative envisioner for House of Favor and owner of T. Jones Media.
Passionate about her work, Jones has helped new authors publish books, and new and established brands develop their marketing strategies for more than ten years through her Indiana-based boutique media and communications company. Using multiple talents, Jones finds success in an industry that demands and rewards creativity, but the height of COVID-19 restrictions, quarantines, and deaths pushed her to explore her creative abilities more.
“I’m an extremely creative person. I always have ideas and visions for stuff, but when the pandemic hit, we were all forced to work indoors and I needed an outlet, something that would allow me to push the boundaries of creativity,” she said. As a result, this pandemic’s push has birthed House of Favor-
–a brand that fuses faith and culture with gift-giving.
“I wanted to make gift-giving sexy and chic, and fun, and reflective of our faith and culture,” Jones said. “House of Favor is really about celebrating what makes us, us.”
The year-old brand magnifies the beauty and sophistication of Black women while celebrating Black love and life experiences in bundles of gift wrap, greeting cards, socks, and mugs. “House of Favor is very unique and representative of our culture. You’re never going to find gift wrap like this anywhere else,” a customer wrote in review.
While their hallmark is Christmas gift wrap and greeting cards, House of Favor has launched new products this holiday season that celebrate more milestones–including just-because gifts and 2022 planners. All gifts are available for shipping across the world.
NEW YORK—For the third year, Oonarissa Bernard has been selected by the Fashion Gallery of New York to showcase new fashion designs during New York Fashion Week.
In February 2019, she debut her womenswear line as an Emerging Designer, April 2019 as a Collective Designer at New York Bridal Fashion Week, and recently in September 2021 as a Pret-a-Porter Designer.
Next February, the Baton Rouge native will return to New York as Pret-a-Porter Menswear Designer to produce high-end fashion garments for men. She will debut the DoubleOSeven by OonaNicole menswear line with high-profile models.
Historically menswear has been presented by male designers from London and Russia. Bernard said she will make history at the 2022 Fashion Week as the only Black female designer creating and showcasing menswear.
“There are no African-American female menswear designers in the USA. I’ve done the research for years,” she said. “I’m literally going to be making history.”
In the fashion industry, designers are responsible for their production
When 8-year-old Makenzie Bradford decided she wanted to do something special for others, she didn’t know how much she could truly do. So, she wrote a script and recorded a short video for her family. “Help me help others for those in need at the women’s shelter,” she said.
“I am proud of her intentional and thoughtful efforts to help others,” said her mother, Charlaya. “Mak was resolved to MAKe It Happen.” The third-grader’s goal was to provide toiletries for women and children in a Baton Rouge center before the holidays. For two weeks, Bradford collected enough funds to purchase three boxes packed with hundreds of toiletries and special hygiene items for the center.
After making her special delivery earlier this month, Bradford videoed her thanks to everyone for helping to “make the world a better place.” “We are thankful to our family and friends for supporting her goal,” said Bradford’s mother. “I’m sure she’ll have more brilliant ideas, like this one, in the near future.”
costs for their brand. So, OonaNicole supporters who want to be a part of this historical occasion are contributing at http://www.oona-nicole. com/.
NEW ORLEANS—The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation has opened applications for the 2022 Catapult Fund small business training program.
The 2022 Catapult Fund is open to entrepreneurs in the beauty, fashion and jewelry industries.
To be eligible, applicants must have small Louisiana-based businesses in the beauty, fashion, and jewelry industries. These may include clothing, cosmetics, soaps, hair products, and more.
The Catapult Fund provides a 12-session course, over three months, of business training. Sessions will take place on Tuesdays from 9:30
Apply online for Catapult Fund Small Business Training Program at www.catapultfund.org
a.m. to 12 p.m. All classes will be held virtually via Zoom. Following completion of the training course, participants will be awarded grant funding.
The deadline for online applica tions is January 12, 2022. All appli cations and supporting documenta tion must be submitted online.
On Tuesday, January 25, 2022, interviews will take place virtually.
Courses will take place between Feb ruary 1, 2022 – April 26, 2022. This program is a partnership be tween the New Orleans Jazz & Heri tage Foundation and Capital One Bank and the Louisiana Small Busi ness Development Center Greater New Orleans and River Region.
ONLINE: catapultfund.org
When Jaelyn Carr begins her freshman year at Boston University in the fall, the 17-year-old will major in neuroscience. It’s been quite an evolution for the young scholar, who a few years ago, despised the mere thought of science.
“I hated, hated science,” she said. “I thought, ‘This just doesn’t make sense to me.’ I thought it was so stupid. Why does anyone need to learn this?”
Then came the transformation. In eighth grade, Carr’s worldview and aspirations changed after attending a workshop sponsored by STEM NOLA, the New Orleansbased non-profit focusing on STEM education. STEM NOLA’s hands-on teaching and activities empower k-12 students to learn science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through their own intuitions and actions.
The workshop Carr attended presented biology “in a very digestible way. It made me feel I could do it and really piqued an interest in the sciences.”
The teenager said she went from hating science to adopting a career ambition to “figuring out what makes the brain work.” Her STEM NOLA
experience triggered the change.
During her experience, Carr completed a dissection where several college assistants were “sounding boards for the students.”
“I was able to ask questions–lots of them–and the college student next to me would answer them. They had an answer for everything that popped into my mind. They made me realize that it’s not whether you’re good at science. It’s whether you are interested enough to take the time to learn it.”
After attending that workshop, she was determined to excel in science and become a neuroscientist.
The next year, when she attended high school, Carr called one of her STEM NOLA instructors to discuss how to survive physics. They reminded her that learning a difficult science was
not a measure of her intelligence. It was an opportunity for her to take the initiative to explore the rules of science on her own.
She said she recognizes how different things could have been if her eyes hadn’t been opened to the wonderful world of science and biology. “I literally would not be where I am today,” she said. “I probably would’ve done something in English. I’ve always been good at English, but I wanted to challenge myself. That’s what I will get opportunities to continue to do.”
Outside of studying science, Carr plays the piano, enjoys photography and reads topics like quantum physics. She does yoga, likes to write, and enjoys caring for plants.
“I’ve had a lot of family members to be affected by Alzheimer’s, depression, and anxiety,” she said. “I think that neuroscience is like the perfect mix between psychology, which was one of my first loves, and biology. It makes the most sense to me. It makes me feel like I will have the ability to make a difference.”
MACKIE, PhD STEM NOLA FOUNDER
Along with her mentors at STEM NOLA, Carr has plenty of support at home. Her father is a lawyer and her mother’s organization advocates for reproductive justice. “My parents are happy for me and proud of me. They see that I have a passion for what I want to do. This really feels like the way that I can help change the world,” Carr said.
In 2014, Calvin Mackie Ph.D, a former tenured Tulane engineering professor, began STEM NOLA to “inform, inspire and engage communities in learning STEM.” It is an award-winning program that has amassed millions of dollars in support to provide sciencebased activities, events, and virtual learning.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization specialized in hosting events and bringing STEM experiences to urban neighborhoods. It has transformed to include virtual sessions.
Over the past seven years, STEM NOLA has engaged more than 70,000 K to 12 students, 17,000 families and 2,150 schools across the country and in four countries. The program is continuing to expand to new locations across the country which led Mackie to expand into the parent organization STEM Global Action.
ONLINE: stemnola.com
This article first appeared as Jaelyn Carr’s Dream to Become a Neuroscientist was Born at STEM NOLA at STEM Global Action.
