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In our main floor we offer accommodations for up to 180 people. On the second floor we can accommodate up to 250 guests. We have a variety of hors d’oeuvre, appetizers and a full catering menu.

T H ROUG H

YWCA GREATER NEW ORLEANS HOSTS GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY

State-of-the-art facility in Mid-City will bring back critical services for women, children, and families

October 4, 2022 New Orleans, LA A groundbreaking ceremony this morning at the site of the new YWCA facility in Mid City marked a vital step in the return of crucial programs for women, children, and seniors in the Greater New Orleans area.

In 2005 when Hurricane Katrina’s floodwaters destroyed the YWCA building, they also washed away the YWCA’s hallmark services, including domestic violence and rape crisis counseling, financial education, daycare, after school programming, and other offerings to enrich youth and empower women. These programs had been an integral part of the YWCA’s contributions to the Greater New Orleans area since the chapter was founded over a century ago.

YWCA GREATER NEW ORLEANS HOSTS GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY

In 2005 when Hurricane Katrina’s floodwaters destroyed the YWCA building, they also washed away the YWCA’s hallmark services, including domestic violence and rape crises counseling, financial education, daycare, after-school programming and more offerings to enrich youth and empower women. These programs had been an integral part of the YWCA’s contributions to the Greater New Orleans area since the chapter was founded over a century ago.

Now, thanks to the tireless efforts of the YWCA Board of Directors, committed volunteers and fundraising partners, the YWCA will have a permanent home at the

corner of South Norman C. Francis Parkway and D’Hemecourt Streets.

“This has been a walk in faith. For over 100 years, YWCA Greater New Orleans has been a beacon of light for women and youth in our community. For all the women who came before and all the women who will come after us, we knew that light must not be extinguished . Through faith, tenacity, and perseverance we, the members of the Board of Directors and volunteers, have achieved what some believed to be impossible. In this new state-of-the art facility, once again, women will be able to turn to us

for support, guidance, and advocacy. Children will be able to receive assistance in their growth and overall learning in a safe,nurturing environment ,” says Loyce Pierce Wright, current President of the New Orleans YWCA Greater New Orleans Board of Directors since 2007.

The return of the YWCA has been a 17-year journey fueled by these determined volunteers despite fundraising challenges. Due to their fortitude, the project is now moving forward.

Loyce Pierce Wright

State-of-the-art facility in Mid-City will bring back critical services for women, children, and families

Through lengthy negotiations with FEMA, a grant from the state of Louisiana, support from Mayor Latoya Cantrell’s office and other fundraising efforts, the YWCA Board and volunteers managed to secure the funding needed for the $10 million construction budget. Trapolin-Peer Architects was chosen as the design team for the project back in 2009. The New Orleans Firm known for pioneering the revitalization and transformation of New Orleans’ Warehouse District, drew on its extensive background in early head start/ preschool design to design the state-of-theart two-story, 16,967 square foot facility. The firm consolidated the Y’s multiple buildings to create one beautiful cohesive space the YWCA and the community can be proud of. TrapolinPeer designed the womens’ center and daycare spaces with the Y’s core mission to help women in mind. There are also multiple training spaces, resource areas, staff offices and flex spaces that can be used for a range of educational programs including parenting

classes and counseling. “Equity in education starts before kindergarten,” said Paul Peer, Principal/ Architect at TrapolinPeer Architects. “There is nothing more valuable and empowering to a mother than to have a trusted pre-school/ daycare. TPA has designed multiple facilities for Kingsley House and Total Community Action, Inc. and it was a pleasure to be able to apply our experience to help the YWCA get theirs back in service. The YWCA Women’s Center is also an important part of the building’s programming, creating a hub for all of the Y’s services to the community.” With the return of

the YWCA’s physical structure, comes the return of the group’s local programming and legislative advocacy aimed at eliminating racism and empowering women by creating real change for women, families and communities. And this story of resilience and dedication is only the beginning, as the YWCA Board already looks to next steps in eventually also reopening the transitional housing for women and families seeking safety from domestic violence.

Real estate developer and investment firm, Kupperman Companies, is recognized for playing a pivotal role in helping to secure the gap funding needed for the project.

Real estate law firm Steeg was critical to the negotiations in securing the funding with the State Office of Community Development. Construction on the new YWCA will begin later this month with plans to open the facility in late 2023.

ABOUT YWCA

Since its inception in 1911, the YWCA of New Orleans has developed into one of the most innovative and productive YWCAs in the country. The mission of the Board of Directors is to rebuild the physical structure of the agency and reestablish the hallmark

CELEBRITY BALL

programs benefiting women, children and the elderly in the Greater New Orleans area. With a profound commitment to the community’s well-being, the YWCA is dedicated to providing excellent programs and services that effectively address community needs and help people to change their minds, bodies and lives. Visit ywcanola. com to join the efforts.

ABOUT TRAPOLIN-PEER ARCHITECTS

Trapolin-Peer Architects is a New Orleansbased design firm with expertise spanning historic renovation and new construction architecture for multiand single family, hospitality, education, and mixed-use.

Propelled by curiosity and possibility, the firm has transformed the New Orleans landscape through exploring

relationships between people, function, and sustainability.

Trapolin-Peer’s recent local projects include Edna Karr High School, The Sazerac House, Fidelity Bank Headquarters at 353 Carondelet Street, The Julia at St. Charles, and the Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans. The firm’s recent regional work includes The Pearl Hotel in Bay St. Louis, MS, Brent Lofts in Pensacola, FL, and Wellen Park MixedUse in Venice, FL. For more information about Trapolin-Peer Architects, visit trapolinpeer.com

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CORTES MICHAEL WARD THE WARD LEGACY CONTINUES…

They say life is a song…. love is the music, and nothing could be truer for this rising musical whiz kid. Born son of worldrenowned jazz violinist, Michael Ward, he became attracted to the violin at the tender age of 2, and began tagging along with

his father at the age of 3. Through observing his father and exploring the violin, this ignited a spark in his love for music.

Cortes began his musical training under the instruction of the late Brian E. Murray Sr. who encouraged him to enroll

at the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music. At the age of 6, Cortes enrolled and began studying under the tutelage of violin instructors, Carl LaCoste and Phil Von Maltzahn. The Ellis Marsalis Center for Music serves as a performance, education,

and community venue where many of New Orleans’ finest musicians are music educators. Cortes loves the staff, classes, recitals, and summer camp. His parents; Lenzie and Michael Ward consider the center to be a part of their village which has aided in his musical journey and moral guidance.

Proverbs 22:6 says “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Cortes, now 12

years old, has not only been under the training of his father, but also his older brother, Shaun Ward. Shaun is also a product of following in his father’s footsteps, and has established a vastly impressive career himself. Cortes has shared the stage with his father and brother. They both use their platforms to inspire other young musicians. Cortes has performed at Sheriff Marlin Gusman’s annual Thanksgiving Dinner, the New Orleans

Jazz & Heritage Festival, the Satchmo Summerfest, the Inaugural NOLA East Festival, Live After Five Baton Rouge, and several school and church engagements. Recently, Cortes performed at Sweet Lorraine’s Jazz Club for the birthday celebration of proprietor, Paul Sylvester Jr., his godfather.

As the holiday season approaches, Cortes is preparing for the Ward family’s annual holiday concert, Christmas with

the Wards featuring All Strings Attached. The group includes father and son(s) trio of Michael, Shaun, and Cortes Ward. This concert showcases the rich-unique musical

heritage of the Ward family’s legacy as violinist, which has passed through generations, and has become a family tradition. In addition to Cortes’ love for music, he also

enjoys skating, bowling, swimming, eating crawfish, and hanging out with his neighborhood friends, Todd, Tyson, Tony, and little brother Cameron Ward (aka Smurf). Cameron is the vocalist of the family. He also attends the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music and Young Starz of NOLA under the instruction of President/Vocal Director, Raion Ramsey. Young Starz of NOLA is an organization that provides multi-faceted, high-quality performing arts programs to the youth of New Orleans, where Cortes is a devoted volunteer. Cortes is eager to mature into a seasoned musician. He relishes the challenge of learning more and growing through practice, prayer, and performing.

Be The Change That You Want to See (PARTICIPATE IN THE PROCESS)

At the request of the Collaborative, $500,000 was appropriated for Minority Initiatives for the 2023 Budget. The Collaborative was given a Proclamation by the City Council for 10 years of Service and Advocacy

Paula Roddy, Dir. of Compliance for DOTD, presented an informative overview of upcoming DOTD contracting opportunities at our September Zoom meeting.

Update on our request for a Minority Set-ASide legislation for the City of New Orleans Followup on - Request for Increased Bonding Assistance

The MEER Report Pod Cast Followup on - City of New Orleans Garbage Contract https://cityofno.granicus. com/MediaPlayer. php?view_id=42&clip_ id=4152 REQUEST FOR $500,000 for Minority Business Initatives

The Collaborative appeared before the New Orleans City Council Economic Development Committee, and presented our 2022 Agenda for the Council and the City Administration. We are pleased to announce that our 2022 request for $500,000 to facilitate a future Disparity Study

and other minority business initiatives was accepted by the council and placed in the 2023 city budget. This is a big win for the Collaborative and the minority business community.

The Collaborative, along with the New Orleans City council continues to advocate for means, and measures to level the playing field in City contracting. A special thanks to Councilman Helena Moreno for her leadership on this important issue.

(Click photo to see Video of this announcement)

https://cityofno. granicus.com/ MediaPlayer.php?view_ id=42&clip_id=4152 City Council Proclamation

On August 18, 2022 the Collaborative was honored with a proclamation from the New Orleans City Council for 10 years of advocacy in addressing issues of (1) Extreme racial inequities, (2) Minority contracting, (3) Disadvantage Business Enterprise regulations,(4) Office of Supplier Diversity staffing, (5) 2018 Disparity Study, and more.

Congrats to this dynamic organization.

https://cityofno.granicus. com/MediaPlayer. php?view_id=42&clip_ id=4152 Paula Merrick Roddy, Director of Compliance for DOTD

We were pleased to have Paula Merrick Roddy, Director of Compliance for the Department

of Transportation and Development (DOTD) at our Sept ZOOM meeting. She gave an eye opening presentation regarding the upcoming contracting opportunities available to minority contractors. She outlined Billions of dollars that are slated or minority contracts as a result of current and expected Federal spending. This meeting was well attended, and there was much discussion about DBE compliance on these contracts. The DBE community can be assured DBE contract compliance is NOT taken lightly by her department. Ms. Roddy strongly urged minority businesses to get certified ASAP. Her department is seeking competent and certified firms to take advantage of these opportunities.

https://cityofno.granicus. com/MediaPlayer. php?view_id=42&clip_ id=4152 Update on our request for a Minority

Set-A-Side legislation for the City of New Orleans

In our July news letter we informed you that the City of Baton Rouge passed HB - 457, establishing a 25% Minority Set-A-Side program. We continue to advocate for the same or similar program in the City of New Orleans. The Collaborative have engaged representatives of the Louisiana Black Caucus and ask them to author a Set-A-Side Bill for New Orleans. We need your assistance. Write and/or ask your representative to support this effort. Community involvement is critical to the success of this legislation.

Click To Watch The MEER REPORT

Request to Increase the LED Bonding Assistance to $250,000 With all of the construction projects available in Louisiana and

the upcoming Federal Infrastructure money expected to arrive, Minority firms must be able to compete for many of these contracts. Without bonding capacity our firms can’t bid the projects as PRIME contractors.

The Collaborative has made a request of the Governor to increase the bonding assistance from LED to a higher level. In doing so, we met with the Assistant Secretary of LED (Louisiana Department of Economic Development) to move this request

The City of New Orleans Garbage Contract Followup - Gaming The System

The City of New Orleans contract selection committee have selected IV WASTE to replace our current DBE contractor (Metro Services), to service 2 areas of the city. The collaborative attended the selection meeting and (1) explained to the selection committee the purpose of the DBE rules (In which we helped

to create), and (2) The Importance of maintaining high DBE compliance standards. Additionally, we objected to the use of Mr. Torez’s Mother as the primary DBE.

As a result of monitoring the DBE compliance on this contract and working with Office of Supplier Diversity, and public awareness, this contract has been brought into compliance. IV Waste is NOT allowed to use family or passthru entities on this city contract.

forward. Stay tuned for progress on this issue. Collaborative Bi-Monthly Zoom Meeting

The Collaborative continues to have bimonthly Zoom meetings. Our next meeting is Sept 22, 2022 at 5:30 pm. You can request an invite by emailing

“thecollaborative504@ gmail.com.

The Magnolia Mansion

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From Business Partners to Partners in Life

THE STORY OF LAWRENCE MARTIN & HELEN WILLIAMS

By Dr. Rhonda M. Lawson Meet the World Image Solutions

When New Orleans entrepreneur Lawrence Martin suffered a stroke in January, 2021, he could have decided it was time to slow down. And who could have blamed him? Even in the height of the COVID 19 pandemic, the 68-yearold founder of NOLA.Tv, the Asante Foundation, Boulevard Magazine and Connect2Black has remained connected with his beloved hometown and business community.

However, instead of resting, he stood up to the challenge to reclaim his health and continue supporting the New Orleans business community. Two years later, he has regained much of his strength and is now preparing to add a new title—husband.

After many years courtship, Martin will marry his long-time love Helen Williams, a professional caregiver,

retired international auditor with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service and now a Real Estate Broker. The wedding is set to take place at the historic Magnolia

when Helen, a venture capitalist, invested in Connect2Black, a smart-phone-based mobile application that serves as a resource guide for businesses

“Heaven must have sent her from above. No doubt that God sends angels with miracles just when you need them, and an angel she is.”

Mansion on Nov. 12, 2022. Lawrence and Helen’s love story didn’t happen by happenstance. The two New Orleans natives met several years ago

as well as Black cultural experiences.

“When I looked at her, I had to ask, ‘who’s that lady?’” Lawrence said.

Helen shares this sentiment. “I purpose my soul to adore him. In return, he doubles his love back to me. My goal isn’t to find peace,

but to bring it to him. That’s our joy, our fun, and he always reminds me that I am his precious queen. That’s our story of True Black Love.”

This Black Love story is one that covers Lawrence and Helen in all they do, starting with becoming business partners to becoming partners in life. Lawrence believes this bond will not only remain unbroken, but will also continue to inspire those around them.

Their love for business and passion for community and entrepreneurship are what connected the couple years ago. Lawrence said he admires her commitment to bettering the Black community.

“Helen realizes the challenges that Black people face from a number of socio, political and economic dispositions, to include external oppression and internal suppression— also known as “CrabsIn-A-Basket Mentality,” Lawrence said. “She’s a realist and understands that opportunities are often right in front of us and we fail to act upon them. Moreover, we fail to preserve our best assets, the unique dynamics of culture and

how to bring about a value proposition to an international market.”

Born in Baton Rouge and growing up with her great aunt in the Third Ward of New Orleans, Helen said she recognizes the importance of a strong foundation and community.

“Values are so often forgotten and misguided,” she said. “Families are torn apart for immature reasons, like mediocrity and lacking divine wisdom.”

It was this similar belief that led Lawrence to found the Asante Foundation in 2008, which celebrates the contributions of the African-American community in New Orleans. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded more than 350 crystal icons to business owners and philanthropists throughout the city.

“For far too long, there has been a lack of positive and motivating recognition of the talents, gifts and abilities of the everyday Black people who keep our communities resilient, loving and moving forward,” he said.

Aside from their love

for New Orleans, Lawrence and Helen are also bound by their love and trust in God.

“I am anchored by faith to believe in the power of prayer, love of God, others and self. This isn’t just a metaphoric statement lacking the true spirit of a sincere heart,” Helen said.

Lawrence, an active member of Franklin Avenue Baptist Church, added, “Her foundation of Godliness has produced a beauty that’s more than the outer look of mere mascara. It is said that beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, and Heaven has sent an eye candy, as truly, one to behold.”

The couple plans to continue their respective and joint business ventures, supporting young and established African American business owners throughout the city of New Orleans. However, Lawrence said he also plans to travel and support their beloved New Orleans Saints with his new bride, whom he describes as a true ‘Who Dat Nation warrior’.

“The story isn’t over yet,” he said. “More is to come.”

Who’s Dat Lady … Helen

From a little girl, the cute dresses, burets and made-up hairdo was all done to teach her how to always be presentable in public and privately.

Helen grew up in the 3rd Ward adjacent to the Calliope Housing Project off Erato Street, then moving over to Toledona St. Sheltered by her great–aunt, she was disciplined to be focused on achievement.

Reminding her to stay away from those boys in the lower 9th Ward. A fear she would later overcome to realize it as a myth to the contrary.

Failure was not an option; not learning from mistakes was a lessor option. Helen’s greataunt gave Helen lots of attention, perhaps because her aunt worked with special needs kids, not that Helen had any major trauma, but that her mother left her with her greataunt at the tender age of 3 1/2 years old.

She didn’t want that responsibility at the time. Nonetheless her aunt became her caregiver and custodial Angel assigned to all of Helen’s needs. Helen grew up with much love for her mother, as her greataunt instilled into her the value of love and respect, sometimes unexplained, but always required.

When visiting her birthplace hometown of Baton Rouge, Helen would refer to her mother’s house and kinfolks, as a trip to see my “mama and them”, connected by blood, yet distant by values.

And now as she have become the successful great-aunt herself, life seems to

repeat itself with her great-niece needs.

Helen’s great aunt established structure in her life early on; prayer, quality clean clothes, 3 meals daily at the table, with soft butter always out, along with desert prepared from scratch. Helen would sometime say, in spite of the needed structure and discipline, she was spoiled – not rotten, but tastefully spoiled… Well, wait a minute, Not to get too far off the line of thought, when she received a brand new Volvo with a manual open sun-roof, she considered it was a disaster, for she demanded all electrical functions for windows and door locks, and as a result of this major

disappointment, in spite of her great aunt making the down payment and co signing, no one had dared ask her to go to the store or make errands for anything – Yes this does sound a lot like spoiled rotten to the core. Nonetheless, early on she was provided transported to and from school daily, and every special activity she had to attend. Awh, with one exception, when she decided to opt-out a pick up from her personal chauffer. Her great-uncle.

Early on, Helen was required to write the checks pay all household bills, and balance the family’s checking account regularly. She became a pianist at a early age and share her gift in her neighborhood church

every sunday. Attended St Monica Catholic Elementary School, then Xavier Preparatory and then later graduating from Dillard University.

While in college, with the favor of a fellow church member and financial administrator

School as a contractor.

Later her college professor asks her to consider joining IRS, and introduced her to an IRS officer that pointed her to office in Houston, Texas. She started out doing domestic corporate exam.

eat her lunch had she not been prepared with a sharp understanding of International tax laws, treaties, codes and laws, governing rules of the game. Traveling to Asia, China, Japan, Europe, Spain, India, Russia, France, Belgium, to name a few, you name

at Dillard University, she had numerous work-study projects that keep her busy. Upon graduating, off to the work world, she joined Orleans Parish

Then she plummeted at the opportunity to go International. Unbeknown to her, this would place her in front of major players and tough negotiators that would

it, she taxied on runways in countries around the world. Without hesitation, she quickly established her stakes in the grounds to walk away from deals that did not measure up

loopholes and payments owed to the American people. Helen is no pushover in negotiating what’s in the best interest to her client.

New Orleans always meant the world to her, a sports enthusiast she is.. YES a TRUE - Who Dat Nation Warrior, that would fly internationally to see the Saints play anywhere.

Retired from battling the international tax game, She now finds herself as a National Front-liner, First Responder in the Belly of the Beast to combat CoVid 19, Yes PPE’d down – draped in

to what the law called for; and swiftly followed up with applicable resolve.

“It seems as though coming up in the 3rd Ward, aka; the “Tra” as she puts it, so rightfully prepared her for the world. Moreover, she never let a moment pass or a comment go without expressing gratitude for her upbringing by the superb parental guidance of her great aunt.

After traveling the world as an international auditor for the US Treasury Department, IRS, negotiating with corporate giants and world leaders on trade deals impacting tax

full medical garment to tackle this malicious life threatening chronic level virus. As a second career, she has an enthusiastic quest for knowledge and care for others.

Doing her part, with that tenacious personality to win when she can, understanding that all patience may not make it, in this cold reality of life.

However, this caregiver, business and real estate tycoon has a passion for success, also realizes the challenges that Black people face from a number of socio, political and economic dispositions, to include external oppression and internal suppression.

Moreover, believing that someone else’s ice is colder. Not withstanding her appreciation and gratitude for the many great contributions Blacks have made to this universal space of humanity.

She’s a realist, and understands that opportunities are often times right in front of us and we fail to act upon them. Moreover, we fail to preserve our best assets, the unique dynamics of culture and how to bring about a value proposition to an international market.

As a venture capitalist, she sees Connect2Black, app as a means to achieve passion, purpose and principles all-inone coherent, lucrative investment opportunity while acquiring generational wealth..

Therefore her vision to see that it can attain

Therefore, sighting words of spiritual calling, when called upon to bring your gifts to the storehouse, “think of the reality of the house you live in, and how you can best serve it”

Who is she; “Helen”, a young women and

its goal, may call for a bit of rebranding, but for the most part, its founder had laid down a pretty good road map that could reach an awesome height with the influx of a solid capital investment game plan.

So without any reservation, she said, count me in, “we can do this”.

lady anchored by faith to believe in the power of prayer, love of God, Others and Herself isn’t just a metaphoric statement lacking the true spirit of a sincere heart. Practicing her faith isn’t for her to be a bible tooting Christian that has theological degrees, or one who merrily retains the contents of biblical scriptures by memory,

without gathering the understanding of the scripture and its true message, rather appreciating the “Sermon

Helen is fully aware of how to be transactional, make a deal, she’s professionally trained. to get to the bottom

for immature reasons, mediocrity, lacking divine wisdom. As though. The serpent of hell is still whispering in Eve’s

We See” is the way she prefers to live. Her foundation of Godliness has produced a beauty that’s more so “Skin Deep” than the outer look of mere masca rae, yet, it is said that beauty is in the eyes of the beholder and heaven has sent an eye candy, as truly, one to behold.

line. What’s in it for me. But don’t mistaken her love for life, God, self and others are on the surface of her heart, and her gift of discernment takes her far beyond any negotiating table of any world leader, she’s got it!!!

Values so often forgotten and misguided interest in what really matters, families are torn apart

ear, suggesting that she should deceive Adam to eat of a poisonous fruit for control and power. Or Adam to not understand the role he must play to secure his family and the kingdom God has given him to protect.

Therefore, She is beholding with principles to love and honor her man, treat him like a

king he is. Not taking him for granted or being disrespectful, yet with great humility, use her powers of precious femininity to serve as an awesome queen to him, for she is Queen, and to use her role to nurture, support and serve her family. “This is where some women go wrong, they quicken to say they don’t need a man” I get that in the content that with God, I can do all things, but in reality to my key essential existence and the beautiful experience found in the anatomy of being a woman, I so celebrate out of him I came. He gave me his purest part of himself, yet tender enough to care for

me. I prefer the rapture of his manly love, embraced in the comfort of his arms exemplifying True Black Love. “I purpose my soul to adore him, in return, he, doubles his love back to me. My goal isn’t to find peace, but to bring it to him. That’s our joy, our fun, and he always remind me that I am his precious Queen and that’s our story of Black Love

Time is precious and we ought not spend it in trivial arguments, battling for status, power plays for wining arguments, wealth and things over each other. Working together and speaking

In-Love to one another ALL the time, in ALL things is my philosophy. Truly appreciating each and every moment

together is my joy and essence of life. Life is to be celebrated and is too short to be wasted.

That brings it to the point of Helen’s awesome life, not as it always been, but what it has become now and her promising future.

Being pampered by a fatherly example, she had an appreciation of how to be loved and give love in return, and through it all, the timing turned out to be just right when she landed the eye of her most desirable man, one who had experience in life well enough to give her ALL the joy that she may ever need. He too, had to asked the question; Who’s that Lady; Helen… Heaven must have sent her from above, no doubt that God sends angels with miracles just when you need them, and an angel she is. HELEN. The story isn’t over yet, more is to come in this next episode of Black Love and Who’s That Lady .. Helen

For this time, it’s spiritual God first in everything Now this is where it begins!

Who’s Dat Man … Lawrence

Over the course of the last two decades, New Orleanian entrepreneur Lawrence Martin has conceptualized, founded and evolved four integrated media or media adjacent companies. The companies— NOLA.Tv, The Asante Foundation, Boulevard Magazine and Connect2Black— have complementary missions and integrated functions that together form a holistic ecosystem meant to generate and celebrate within the Black community a Culture of Appreciation.

Martin’s enterprises foster an increased political self-esteem, significant economic advancement and a more positive psychological orientation of Black New Orleanians that go beyond the traditional limitations of self-help and

mutual aid. The intent is to formalize business and communication structures that serve as powerful countervailing forces to the legacy policies and current plans upholding institutionalized racism and personalized bigotry—e.g., chattel slavery, Jim Crow laws and governance practices, and the seemingly ceaseless circles of hell of modern day mass incarceration, economic disinvestment, community underinvestment and voter suppression. Collectively, Martin’s businesses seek to upend the continued legitimation of white supremacist advantages that have damned Blacks in the Gulf South to an unwarranted penury and undeserved pessimism.

From its inception in 2003, until the storm and subsequent political response that reset the hard-won progress Black entrepreneurs were already obtaining in New Orleans, NOLA.TV had historically supplied the

African American community with responsible journalism and high-quality daily news live-streaming on the thenburgeoning internet. For ten years The Asante Foundation has recognized, awarded and publicized grass roots, grass tops and professional leaders across a spectrum of enterprises of excellence. Martin has brought forward 29 issues of Boulevard Magazine, an elegantly-designed quarterly glossy that publishes in-depth features about the issues and innovators impacting African Americans in New Orleans. And most recently he led the development of Connect2Black, an online app that facilitates shopping with, supporting and promoting Black-led businesses in New Orleans.

What Can We Do, What Should We Do, What Shall We Do?

Revitalizing a Pioneering

The problem: There is currently no mainstream media outlet in New Orleans devoted to providing daily and breaking news to the Black Community. Without access to timely, crucially relevant, and accurate information, the African American community is left without sufficient defenses when powers move quickly to capitalize on and exploit unexpected events. Rumors and chaos ensue in the absence of the real story, often dividing our communities and stalling our ability to wisely respond and reject the raw deals and fait accomplis that are so often proffered instead of rational and humane resolutions.

The solution: Restore the daily network utilizing the latest technology and platforms.

The opportunity: Cultivate and train a new generation of journalists out of Xavier, Dillard and SUNO. Provide them with responsible educators and mentors and employ them to deliver the headline news, and to develop programming across religion, health and fitness, fashion, campus life, gumbo, arts and tourism verticals.

Raise up the next wave of Gwen Ifills and Bill Bradleys by developing a production department to generate revenue by unleashing youthful passion and creativity on commercials made by them internally, with messaging that appeals and uplifts the African American community, dispensing with grotesque stereotyping and distortion.

Maintaining The Asante Foundation’s Recognition of Good Works in our Community

The problem: For far too long there has been a lack of positive and motivating recognition of the talents, gifts and abilities of the everyday Black people that keep our communities resilient, loving and moving forward. We have not had a central resource center as a collection point for our accomplishments, to serve as our griot after we’re gone and inform our children and their future children of how we solved the dilemmas and hardships with which we were confronted, so often not of our own making— the nuts and bolts of how we overcame.

There may come a day when their very survival may depend on access

to and integration of the knowledges, practical remedies and bold approaches held within those everyday stories.

The solution: To build on the foundation of 350 crystal icons that Asante has awarded in recognition, thanks and honor of our people’s improvisational genius and devotional labors; and to celebrate and document them for the ages.

The opportunity: To educate the community about the vast resources and cultural assets we have throughout every ward in New Orleans and to celebrate ourselves for our perseverance, persistence, intellect and sheer stamina.

Continue to Sustain the Quarterly Publication of Boulevard Magazine

The problem: ours is an indispensable highquality local Black-centric glossy that matches design aesthetics with journalistic content. We can do even better with more resources.

The solution: to maintain and further attract a pool of skillful writers and photographers to generate incisive, insightful reporting and arresting photo-

journalism that’s well appreciated in our community by readers, advertisers, sponsors and community leaders. The opportunity(ies): to continue to elevate the bar in representation of our Central City community. To maintain our présence in print, beautifully, by employing experienced journalists who can write with wit, style and cultural sensitivity. To provide a cultural artifact that can connect to, drive audiences toward,

and reinforce all of our other media.

Bring to Full Flower the Black Economic Empowerment Vision and Potential of Connect2Black

The problem: Black commerce, culture, and communications sectors (including banking and the financial sector) face a whole set of gritty challenges, internal and external, that impede our ability to attract and retain dollars. The statistics may shock

you: whereas dollars within white communities circulate an average of 17 days, touching and enriching the bottom lines of many business and service providers, dollars are shown to stay in the Black community for a mere 6 hours. Put another way, it’s been measured that in the aggregate, Black folks get $.02 on the dollar in New Orleans, while the Anglo and other non-Black communities carry away the lion’s share. A fact made more painful by the knowledge that it’s mainly our cultural heritage, arts, history, and talents that attract them here in the first place. The solution: facilitate the ease of consumers in locating Black businesses in New Orleans in order to capture larger market shares, reinforce the advisability and desirability of buying Black in New Orleans, and more generally educate consumers about the societal advantages of investing in the Black community. it’s an important step towards reparations. The opportunity: Connect2Black is a smart-phone-based tool that serves as a resource guide for businesses as well as Black cultural experiences such as the Second Line. If

widely utilized it can help end the crippling economic disparities noted above. Connect2Black serves as a virtual concierge by enabling local Black-led businesses to connect with Black visitors, tourists, former residents, national membership organizations and others who wish to help Black businesses and communities in the Gulf South prosper right now. With its supplemental printed directory, it can reach into the consciousness and pocketbooks of older consumers, as well. With our Love we can do anything, with God all things are possible!

Interview with Euricka Alugas

Certified Occupational Safety Specialist Euricka

Alugas is 100% pursuing her passion. A long time ago Euricka decided that she wanted to create a platform where she could help people to stay safe and to protect their loved ones. Remembering how it all started at a very vulnerable time in her life during hurricane Katrina in 2005 being stuck inside her condo and couldn’t leave for weeks surrounded by water. Euricka vowed NEVER to allow herself to be that unprepared as it concerned her safety as well as her family’s safety. That was the day she decided to create the SAFE KIT and the rest is history. Euricka said “I believe that God opens unimaginable doors when you pursue your passion.”

Euricka Alugas’ dedication to service has always been the driving force behind her vision. Her humble beginnings in New Orleans combined with her urge to assist others especially the youth motivates her to use her gifts in innovative ways as a local businesswoman. Safe Kit, safety staffing and training companies, which is Alugas’ sole creation, has filled a void by supporting the city of New Orleans rapidly growing infrastructure. While it is atypical for an industrial and construction safety company to be 100% woman-owned and operated, Alugas is determined to forge a new path in this maledominated industry. In her collaborative

efforts to continue to cultivate and enhance the lives of people in her local, New Orleans community, Alugas continues her objectives of disseminating information to empower the lives of others. Her business, Safe Kit, is a mainstream company devised to maintain and enhance safety conditions at the workplace.

Through her extensive travels around the country where the company secured several safety contracts, Alugas often delivers a personal message that resonates with others who are seeking to bridge the economic and social gaps within their communities.

Based on feedback from people living in her native

New Orleans and beyond, through her Vision 2 Victory banner – formerly a non-profit organization that focused on helping urban youth in city and now an LLC, Alugas conceptualized, then invented the emergency Safe Kit “to enlighten educate, prepare, and equip residents with the essential techniques needed to survive natural disaster occurrences.”

Her strengths as a catalyst for change include a joint effort involving collaboration with Emergency Disaster Recovery programs that prepare and protect citizens against natural

disasters and artificial hazardous crises. Since launching Safe Kit and leading as its Chief Executive Officer, Alugas has assisted multiple business owners in updating and refining the safety rules, regulations, and permits needed within their industries. Safe Kit’s offerings encompass several areas of safety precaution and work processes, with topics including but not limited to CPR Training, OSHA 10-30 Bilingual Training, on-site drug testing, and contractor safety program revisions.

Alugas’ intuition, networking skills, and

ability to connect with people of all backgrounds, has compelled her to help make workplaces safe and more efficient. Her past and present certifications include the following: Certified Osha Instructor, LabMar RTA Ferry Safety Consultant, Pandemic Safety equipment supplier for CenterPoint Energy of Houston, Tx, Energy Smart and Entergy Solutions pandemic return-to-work Covid Training, Licensed Arborist, and State of Louisiana Facility Security Consultant. Alugas’ past and present projects

include the New Orleans Morial Convention Center, Entergy Solutions, Energy Smart, Center Point Energy, Landis Construction, and the City of New Orleans, among others.

Alugas’ mission to empower locals through innovative programs and dissemination of the latest information regarding disaster relief preparation has helped thousands of citizens prepare for lifethreatening situations. As an engaging motivator, Alugas has taken her skills back to the communities she grew up in by working as a

Certified Professional Safety Specialist and OSHA Outreach Trainer.

In these roles, she works with staff and trains contractors alongside their employees regarding the safety precautions and rules that have been proven effective at maintaining secure and life-saving workplaces. Safe Kit is now working with major companies and corporations to combat myriad types of emergencies. Safe Kit’s highly licensed and certified safety professionals impact millions, helping them maintain a safe

environment at work and in school. As frontline professionals, Safe Kit’s employees work tirelessly to execute innovative ways to reach other frontline workers, employers, and municipalities to bring them quality safety products and training.

Alugas cares deeply about the safety of her clients. Through the mantra of Safe Kit, she believes in helping workers and contractors improve safety conditions on the job and in emergencies. Her maxim has always been and remains, “Safety first.”

FABC

You Are Welcome!

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I rejoiced with those who said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD.” Our feet are standing in your gates, O Jerusalem. Jerusalem is built like a city that is closely compacted together.

Inspired By His Word by Laverne Woods Dunn

Scripture encourages us to remember what God has done in your life and talk about it to our children and others. I will exalt you, my God and king, and praise your name forever and ever. I will praise you every day; yes I will praise you forever. Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! No one can measure his greatness. Let each generation tell its children of your mightly acts; let them provlaim your power. I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles.

Psalms 145:1-5 NLT

The Boulevard Business Directory

8 Fresh Food Assasin

1900 N Claiborne Ave, New Orleans, LA 70116 504.224.2628

Asante Foundation 2635 Aubry St. New Orleans, LA 70119 504.416.9699

Ashe’ Cultural Arts Center 1712/1724 O.C. Haley Blvd. New Orleans, LA 70113 504.569.9070

Beaucoup Eats 2323 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70119 504.603.4888

Beep-Me Plumbing, Heating & A/C 419 S Salcedo St #2, New Orleans, LA 70119

Ben Council Attorney at Law 419 S Salcedo St #2, New Orleans, LA 70119

Bright Moments

2249 C Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. New Orleans, LA 70113 504.592.1800

Cafe’ Reconcile 1631 O. C. Haley Blvd. New Orleans, LA 70113 504.568.1157

Carney Auto Title & So. Security School Inc. 2518 Tulane Avenue New Orleans, LA 70119 504-352-6038

Central City Economic Opportunity Corporation 2020 Jackson Ave New Orleans, LA 70113 504.524.3484

Central City Senior Program

2010 Phillip Street New Orleans, LA 70113 504.524.3484 ext.116

Charles F. Webb 6600 Plaza Dr. #210 New Orleans, La 70127 504.242.1781

Cresent City Pharmacy 2240 Simon Bolivar Ave. Ste A New Orleans, LA 70113 504.267.4100

Community Connection Programs, Inc. 1332 O. C. Haley Blvd. New Orleans, LA 70113 504.522.4304

Connect 2 Black 2635 Aubry St. New Orleans, LA 70119 504.416.9699

Dryades YMCA 2220 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. New Orleans, LA 70113 504.299.4310

FFLIC 1307 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. New Orleans, LA 70113 504.708.8376

Franklin Avenue Baptist Church 7 O’Clock Dental 2101 So. Claiborne Ave, Ste F New Orleans, LA 70113 504.309.3077

Good Work Network 2024 O. C. Haley Blvd. New Orleans, LA 70113 504.309.2073

Good Look Creative goodlookcreative.com 504.383.4426

Gulf Coast Housing Partnership 1610-A O. C. Haley Blvd. New Orleans, LA 70113 504.525.2505

HOPE Community Credit Union 1726 O.C. Haley Blvd. New Orleans, LA 70113 504.585.2858

Hot Spot Barber and Beauty Salon 1416 Simon Bolivar Ave. New Orleans, LA 70113 504.581.9633

Juvenile Justice Project of LA 2018 O. C. Haley Blvd. New Orleans, LA 70113 504.522.5437

Liberty Bank 6600 Plaza Drive New Orleans, LA 70127 800-883-3943

Mackie One Construction MackieOneConstruction.com 504.821.1530

Majestic Mortuary Services 1833 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. New Orleans, LA 70113 504.523.5872

Metro Disposal Inc. 9641 Old Gentilly Road New Orleans, LA 70127 504.368.4333

New Orleans Driving School 2518 Tulane Avenue New Orleans, LA 70119 504-821-5334

New Orleans Jazz Orchestra/Jazz Market 1436 Oretha Castle Haley, Blvd. New Orleans, LA 70113 504.301.9006

NOLA.Tv 2635 Aubry St. New Orleans, LA 70119 504.416.9699

O.C. Haley Blvd. Merchants & Business Association 1712 O.C. Haley Blvd, Unit 302 New Orleans, LA 70113 504.528.1806

Piety & Desire Chocolate 2727 S. Broad Street New Orleans, LA 70125

Revolution Bar 1840 Thalia Street New Orleans, LA 70113 504-265-5441

Richard Disposal Inc. 11600 Old Gentilly Road New Orleans, LA 70129 504.241.2142

Smiley’s Grill New Orleans 3716 Downman Rd, New Orleans, LA 70126 504. 248.7270

Swanson & Associates, Inc 5301 Elysian Fields Avenue New Orleans, LA 70122 504.821.0303

Up&Adam Eatz 3903 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70119 504.708.7237

Vyoone’s Restaurant 412 Girod St. New Orleans, LA 70130 504.518.6007