AFFORDABLE LIVING
Propeller is thrilled to announce the implementation of our innovative Co-CEO model, aimed at fostering collaborative leadership and driving strategic growth in service of New Orleans social entrepreneurs. Jessica Allen, formerly Propeller COO and Interim CEO, and longtime Propeller
Co-Founder and CEO Andrea Chen, form this dynamic duo with a wealth of experience and expertise, poised to lead Propeller into its next phase of expansion and success.
"We are thrilled to embark on this exciting journey as Co-CEOs of Propeller," says
Allen. "Our combined leadership approach reflects our shared values and will support us in empowering our talented team to achieve their full potential.” Chen says, “Together, we are poised to lead Propeller to new growth and transformational impact.”
RECOGNIZING THE HOLIDAYS
A word from the publisher: I must first acknowledge myself as one of Dr. Keith Winfrey's patients. He saw me through my life-threatening liver condition that could have cost me my life. Then if that wasn't enough, I had a debilitating stroke that left me
with my Arms locked in place and legs that I merely could not move. My memory was shot, I had aphasia and it was hard speaking. But today with the help of Almighty God, Dr. Keith Winfrey, the Ochsher team, and the Xavier Speech Department, they have
recovered and restored 90% of my life and all my abilities. It's a miracle and I thank them for it, especially Dr Keith Winfrey, not because he's a good person, but because he is an extremely GOOD Doctor. I recommend him to anyone in need of a good doctor.~
DR. KEITH WINFREY
but one that can be detected early with proper screening. According to statistics from the NIH and the National Cancer Institute, over 600,000 Americans succumb to cancer annually, with lung cancer ranking as the deadliest. However, unlike lung cancer, colorectal cancer offers an opportunity for early detection through innovative screening methods.
The NOELA Clinic, established in 2008 in the aftermath of Hurricane
Katrina, initially screened only 3 percent of its patients for colorectal cancer. By the end of the last year, under Dr. Winfrey’s leadership, this figure skyrocketed to more than 80 percent.
Dr. Winfrey’s approach was not only about increasing screening rates but also about making the process accessible and less daunting for patients. He championed the use of next-generation home tests like the Fecal Immunochemical
Test (FIT), which requires only one stool specimen, no dietary modifications, and offers accurate results.
“We discuss with patients the importance of getting screened, and we have FIT screening kits on hand,” says Dr. Winfrey. “Many of our patients were initially reluctant as they weren’t familiar with the test, or they were afraid of what they might find.”
Dr. Winfrey’s dedication to improving cancer
screening rates in underserved communities did not go unnoticed. He was one of only four physicians in the nation to receive a Catalyst For Change Award, recognizing his efforts in cancer research and
raising awareness in underserved areas.
Hailing from Atlanta, Dr. Winfrey arrived in New Orleans in 1990 to attend Xavier University before graduating from Tulane Medical School.
His upbringing and early experiences shaped his commitment to addressing healthcare disparities, particularly in marginalized communities.
At the NOELA Clinic,
which serves a diverse population including Vietnamese, AfricanAmerican, and Hispanic patients, Dr. Winfrey’s initiatives have made a tangible difference. Dr. Winfrey’s approach isn’t just about increasing screening rates but
also about affordability and accessibility. He acknowledges the existence of other screening options like Cologuard, a DNA test, but emphasizes the cost-effectiveness and efficacy of FIT screening, especially for underserved communities.
As a recipient of the Catalyst For Change Award, Dr. Winfrey received $50,000 to be donated to a nonprofit fighting cancer, underscoring
his commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at combating the disease.
Beyond his clinical role, Dr. Winfrey is deeply involved in addressing broader health disparities. He serves on various committees and initiatives aimed at reducing health
disparities and improving access to quality healthcare in Louisiana.
Dr. Winfrey highlights the importance of health screenings in addressing disparities and underscores the need for increased awareness and access to healthcare services, particularly in minority and low-
income communities. Despite advancements in medicine and technology, health disparities persist due to various factors including poverty, lack of access to healthcare, and social determinants of health. Dr. Winfrey remains steadfast in his mission to bridge these gaps and promote health equity for all.
HOW DR. KEITH WINFREY CREATES A COMFORTABLE RELATIONSHIP WITH HIS PATIENTS
1. Establishing Trust:
Building trust is crucial in any doctor-patient relationship. Dr. Winfrey would prioritize creating a safe and welcoming environment where patients feel comfortable sharing their concerns and medical history. He would take the time to listen actively, show empathy, and validate their experiences.
2. Effective Communication: Dr. Winfrey would prioritize clear and open communication with his patients. He would explain medical concepts in a way that is easily understandable, avoiding jargon and using plain language. He would encourage patients to ask questions and address any concerns they may have.
3. Cultural Sensitivity: Recognizing and respecting the diverse backgrounds and cultural
beliefs of his patients would be a priority for Dr. Winfrey. He would strive to create a culturally sensitive practice by understanding and incorporating cultural nuances into his approach to care. This might include being aware of different health practices, beliefs, and preferences that may influence a patient's healthcare decisions.
4. Patient-Centered Care: Dr. Winfrey would prioritize patient-centered care, which involves tailoring treatment plans to meet the individual needs and preferences of each patient. He would involve patients in decision-making processes, ensuring they have a voice in their own healthcare journey.
5. Empowering Patients: Dr. Winfrey would empower his patients by providing them with the necessary information
and resources to actively participate in their own care. He would encourage them to take ownership of their health and make informed decisions.
6. Respect for Privacy and Confidentiality:
Dr. Winfrey would prioritize maintaining patient privacy and confidentiality. He would ensure that patients feel secure in sharing personal and sensitive information, knowing that it will be kept confidential.
7. Continuity of Care:
Dr. Winfrey would strive to establish long-term relationships with his patients, promoting continuity of care. This would involve providing consistent and comprehensive care over time, which can contribute to a patient's comfort and trust in his practice.
The Black Bag Medicine Foundation
A United Philanthropic Fund at the Greater New Orleans Foundation
Founded April 1999
Dr. Robert E. Dawson, MD, MPH, President and Founder
“Planting seeds, Nurturing dreams and Growing Doctors.” “A life is a terrible thing to lose.” Dr. Robert E. Dawson, MD, MPH Celebrating 25 years!
April 25th - April 28th, 2024 Scheduled Events
1 2
Minority Health Support for HBCU Medical Training!
“The Black Bag” Serves minorities at all levels of education-SNMA
APRIL 27TH ScientiÞc Symposium Scholarships Jazz Brunch 3
APRIL 28TH
“Giving God the Glory” Tribute to Martin Luther King Jr., Coretta Scott King, Mahalia Jackson 4 “EXCELLENT FOOD, SERVICE FROM MY HOME TOWN FOLKS.” 1800 St Bernard Ave, New Orleans, LA 70116 (855) 727-3653
HBCU Medical Schools Vision New HBCU Medical Schools in Mississippi & Alabama Reception (CCAC)
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA TO OPEN FIFTH HBCU MEDICAL SCHOOL IN THE NATION
By Wynton Jackson
Xavier University of Louisiana and Ochsner Health are teaming up to create the fifth HBCU medical school in the United States
Xavier University of Louisiana and Ochsner Health System are partnering to create the nation’s fifth HBCU medical school. The newly-minted Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine will reportedly “mitigate disparities that
kill Black people with some diseases two times more often than others,” according to physicians in an article by Lottie L. Joiner of The Grio. The new medical school hopes to boost the number of Black doctors in the United States.
HBCUs are the nation’s largest supplier of Black medical professionals. While only six percent of doctors in the United
States are Black, 70 percent of them come from HBCUs, per a report from The White House. Increasing representation within the medical field is crucial in eliminating incongruity between white and Black health. For example, The Grio’s article cites a CDC report stating Black women are 40 percent more likely to die from breast cancer than white women. Black men are twice as likely to
die from prostate cancer than other men, and in general, Black people are 20 percent more likely to die from colon cancer within the first five years of diagnosis.
“This is a pathway to reduce and hopefully, ultimately eliminate health care disparities,” said Dr. Yolando Lawson, the president of the National Medical Association. “Just having a Black physician in the county prolonged the lives of not just Black folks, but white folks too.”
“Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine was born from a truly collaborative vision between the Xavier University of Louisiana and Ochsner Health,” said Dr. Leo Seoane, the Dean of Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine and executive vice president and chief
academic officer at Ochsner. “By addressing the critical shortage of physicians in standing up this hBCU medical school in the Gulf South, XOCOM will pursue diversity in medicine and ensure equitable representation in healthcare to better serve our communities for generations to come.”
Representatives from both Xavier University of Louisiana and Ochsner Health came together to ratify the creation of the new medical school. Both organizations created a new board of directors which includes university President C. Reynold Verret and Ochsner Health CEO Pete November. It also includes Matthew Block, the executive vice president and chief administrative officer of Oschner Health, and
Trevonne M. Thompson, the associate dean of admissions a the University of Illinois College of Medicine.
“Ochsner Health is committed to meeting the needs of the diverse communities we serve, and we are honored to continue our work with Xavier University of Louisiana to improve the health of wellbeing of New Orleans, our state and region,” said CEO Pete November.
“By providing excellent training to more diverse physicians so they may better serve our communities, we are not only investing in the future of healthcare, but also in the long-term prosperity and wellness for our many neighbors, friends and family members throughout the Gulf South.”
MAKEYAH DAURHAM
Sisters Lock Alliance in 1988 as an Educator and Products.
brother, the “Leisure Curl” for black
hair, a ground-breaking concept in the 80s and 90s. Post-retirement
from the chemical hair industry, Makeyah embraced SisterLocksTM, a natural hair concept by Dr. JoAnne Cornwell, finding it a perfect match for her. Besides being a Brand Ambassador for SisterLocksTM, Makeyah is also “The Cutting Edge PoetTM,” impacting lives from New Orleans to Washington D.C., gaining recognition from figures like Bishop R.C. Blakes Sr. and former First Lady Hillary R. Clinton. For more info Contact: thelocalliance7@gmail.com Makeyah Daurham, Brand Ambassador for SisterLocksTM
MARKETA COOK
Marketa Cook, an experienced truck driver and devoted wife and mother, transitioned to SisterlocksTM after years of sporting natural hair. She abandoned weaves and wigs to revel in the freedom her locks offered. One year into this journey, her hair’s health and beauty are more exhilarating than ever. Under the mentorship of Ms. Makeyah Daurham, a distinguished SisterlocksTM Brand Ambassador, Marketa’s path evolved into a fulfilling career. Encouraged by Makeyah’s uplifting guidance,
Marketa earned certification as a SisterlocksTM Consultant. Her newfound passion led to a career shift, and she now eagerly welcomes new clients.
Inspired by her personal transformation, Marketa is committed to empowering women to embrace their natural beauty and free themselves mentally and in terms of their hair.
Contact: @Queen Naturelle, located in Zachary, LA, consultation by appt. only. (225)303-5048
PAMELA JACKSON
Queens of the South CollectionTM Pamela Jackson excels as the HR Director at Urgent Care and Farm Manager at her family’s JLJ Farms in Louisiana, a legacy of four generations. Under her leadership, the farm made history in 2023 as the state’s first black-owned enterprise to cultivate industrial hemp. Her agricultural commitment is further evidenced by her role on the Louisiana Hemp Promotion and Research
Advisory Board. Pamela actively contributes to Ponchatoula’s black women’s Krewe, Nizhoni, founded in 2020, celebrating the ethos “Great Women Do Great Things.” Embracing her natural hair, Pamela adopted SisterLocksTM in 2021, a decision made smoother by Makeyah Daurham’s expertise as a Brand Ambassador for SisterlocksTM, renowned for her dedication to maintaining healthy locks and scalp.
SANDRA SPANKS
Queens of the South CollectionTM Sandra Spanks highlights the significance of hair in Black History, emphasizing its role beyond fashion to a lifestyle, especially celebrated through styles like SisterlocksTM. She stresses the need to challenge perceptions of “black hairstyles” as unprofessional, promoting the embrace of natural textures. Sandra appreciates the Natural Sisters Lock AllianceTM and Ms. Makeyah Daurham,
the committed Brand Ambassador for SisterlocksTM for initiating her journey with SisterlocksTM. This choice has not only liberated her but also allowed her hair to flourish, fitting seamlessly into various aspects of life, from professional to personal. Sandra views SisterlocksTM as more than a hairstyle but as an investment in self, recommending them to those ready for a transformative and freeing experience.
FRANKLIN AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH
YOU ARE WELCOME!
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
Natural Sisters Lock Alliance 11020 Roger Dr
New Orleans, LA 70127
504.344.8360
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
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
