March/April 2015 Trumpet by Neighborhoods Partnership Network

FR March/April 2015 • Community Voices Orchestrating Change • Volume 8 Issue 2

Social Entrepreneurship & Innovation Businesses doing good while doing good business & creating change for New Orleans communities

Neighborhoods Partnership Network’s (NPN) mission is to improve quality of life by engaging New Orleanians, individually and collectively in neighborhood revitalization and civic process.

Letter From The Executive Director Photo: Kevin Griffin/2Kphoto

Checking out of Civic and Public Life Timolynn Sams Sumter

y siblings and I are all products of what is possible when community is invested in public and civic life. From public housing prior to purchasing a home that we own to this day in the Broadmoor neighborhood to public hospitals yes, I am a Charity baby, that’s where babies were born in the 1970’s, my parents utilized every inch of public systems. My siblings and I all attended and graduated from public high schools utilizing public transportation and went onto public state universities. My father a “labor worker” who worked where and when he could and my mother, raising four children in the inner city worked in the public sector providing a full picture of how we have a responsibility to reciprocate that which was given to us. Voting, reading and tracking local, national and world news and volunteerism was all part of our civic life, but there was a part that I never considered until now that my parents believed in public investment and using public services. Now I don’t know if that was based on our being able to afford the private life or not but, I can only imagine where I or my sibling would be or what we would be doing had my mom “checked out” of civic and public life once she “arrived” to an acceptable socio-economic class. According to the Center for American Progress where there are communities with a stronger and more sustainable middle class, there also tends to be more upward mobility for the poor. In New Orleans where 39% of our children are living in poverty (17% higher than the national average) it makes our “#1 in this” and “top ranks in that” seem more oxymoron than realistic. The idea of investing in public and democratic institutions must be viewed as a key to ensure our civil liberties. It is the values of inclusiveness, participation, task sharing and reciprocity in public problem solving, and an equality of respect for the knowledge and experience that everyone involved contributes to community building that will enhance mobility. Middle class families in a city might also make it more economically mobile and they tend to create middle class institutions, like well-funded public schools. In the end a healthy middle-class that invest and “check-in” to public is the real pre-requisite to moving New Orleans families out of poverty over time. Civic engagement no longer can be limited to increasing the number of voters at the polls and not removing the barriers to participation, promoting participatory democratic problem solving, and investment in the public institutions that invites meaningful civic engagement.

NPN provides an inclusive and collaborative city-wide framework to empower neighborhood groups in New Orleans.

Find Out More at NPNnola.com

NPN Board Members Victor Gordon, Board Chair, Pontilly Neighborhood Association Ryan Albright, CBNO Karen Chabert, Irish Channel Neighborhood Association Wendy Laker, Mid-City Neighborhood Organization Sylvia Scineaux-Richard, ENONAC Katherine Prevost, Upper Ninth Ward Bunny Friend Neighborhood Association

Third Party Submission Issues Physical submissions on paper, CD, etc. cannot be returned unless an arrangement is made. Submissions may be edited and may be published or otherwise reused in any medium. By submitting any notes, information or material, or otherwise providing any material for publication in the newspaper, you are representing that you are the owner of the material, or are making your submission with the consent of the owner of the material, all information you provide is true, accurate, current and complete. Non-Liability Disclaimers The Trumpet may contain facts, views, opinions, statements and recommendations of third party individuals and organizations. The Trumpet does not represent or endorse the accuracy or reliability of any advice, opinion, statement or other information in the publication and use of or reliance on such advice, opinion, statement or other information is at your own risk. Copyright © 2015 Neighborhoods Partnership Network. All Rights Reserved. Any copying, redistribution or retransmission of any of the contents of this service without the express written consent of Neighborhoods Partnership Network is expressly prohibited.

Timolynn Sams Sumter

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N E I G H B O R H O O D S

P A R T N E R S H I P

The Trumpet 6

The unfinished business of civil rights

Teens explore activism in SE-PA-RATE

N E T W O R K

Contents

10 OPEN 2015 Legislative Breakfast 16 Faubourg St. Roch Launches New Website 21 LFAT partners with OPSO on film industry training 24 CeCe’s 20 Thoughts with The Real Rick Ross Power Moves: Minority High17 Making Growth Firms Make Their Mark

26 Citywide Neighborhood Meetings

Voices for Organizing for Transportation Choices

11 NOLA Next Young Innovators Experience

13 A Metamorphosis comes to Broadmoor

The Trumpet Editorial Board

The Trumpet Editorial Staff

Gabrielle Alicino, NEWCITY Neighborhood Partnership

Rachel D. Graham, Editor-in-Chief

David Baker, Louisiana Weekly

Scott Bicking, Art Director

Christy Chapman, Author Kelsey Foster, Committee for A Better New Orleans Kevin Griffin, 2K Photo NOLA & Graphics Rachel Heiligman, Ride New Orleans Linedda McIver, AARP Louisiana Valerie Robinson, Old Algiers Main Street Corporation Julia Ramsey, Orleans Public Education Network

3321 Tulane Avenue New Orleans, LA 70119 504.940.2207 • FX 504.940.2208 thetrumpet@npnnola.com www.npnnola.com

Reagan Sidney, ForeScene Events Anna Stenger, ForeScene Events Gretchen Zalkind, NOLA TimeBank

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E. N E C PS OR HIST

Open Daily 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Historic French Market

Seafood, baked goods & produce vendors in the Farmers Market

Free events year-round • Family-friendly • Open Daily Yoga classes, cooking demos & walking tours weekly New boutique retail shops • Al fresco dining • Live music

Flea Market features local artisans daily

“ French Market New Orleans” FrenchMktNOLA 4

HOMEGROWN AND HANDMADE SINCE 1791

ETTING. IC S

Visit WWW.FRENCHMARKET.ORG for a calendar of events, shop and restaurant listings, and parking information THE TRUMPET | MARCH/APRIL 2015

n o ’ n i y t r a P We’re ! e r a u q S e h t with YLC Wednesdays on the Square Wednesday March 18th 5 to 8 p.m.

Lafayette Square Want to celebrate the release of the March/April Trumpet at this week’s YLC Wednesday on the Square? Visit www.npnnola.com/npnnola_members to Plug Into the Network by becoming a member, then us join for food, beverages & the sounds of Bonerama & Louisiana Spice.

See You on the Square! THE TRUMPET | MARCH/APRIL 2015

Economic Empowerment

The Unfinished Business of Civil Rights By Linedda McIver, Director, Multicultural Outreach,AARP Louisiana

ational Urban League President/CEO Marc Morial, who last year hosted a conference themed, “Bridges to Jobs and Justice”, often stresses the need for poor people to have jobs as a key to economic empowerment and civil rights. Marcia Griffin, founder of Homefree USA, says home ownership is crucial to economic empowerment since “96 percent of African-American wealth is in our homes.” Michael Grant, president/CEO of the National Bankers Association, says the key to economic empowerment in the Black community is the support of Black-owned banks. “For every $1 million of invested capital in these banks, they are able to loan out seven, eight, nine or $10 million for economic development, business growth and job creation,” Grant says. And then Marie Johns, former deputy administrator of the U. S. Small Business Administration contends the key to economic empowerment in the Black community is clearly the support of small businesses, which President Barack Obama recently called the “lifeblood of our economy” and the “cornerstones of our communities.” Despite the historic variety of perspectives among economic leaders on just how to empower African-American people, there is one thing on which they all agree: They agree that economic empowerment of the Black community is crucial and remains the unfinished business of civil rights. “Reverend Martin Luther King had many ideas. But those who marched with him and continued the work for justice after his assassination, knew his vision for economic power for the powerless,” says Harvard Law School professor Charles J. Ogletree Jr., founder and executive director of the Charles Hamilton Houston Institute for Racial Justice. That movement was started after the passage of the Civil and Voting Rights Acts in 1964 and 1965 respectively. Having led those victories, Dr. King had just started a “Poor People’s Campaign”, focusing on the economic empowerment of sanitation workers in Memphis, Tenn., when he was assassinated April 4, 1968. “His campaign’s primary goal was to establish a firm social protection floor that insured shared prosperity,” says Bill Spriggs, chief economist for the AFLCIO. “He died helping sanitation workers gain the right to organize because his campaign underscored the need for workers to fight for just wages and working conditions.” African-American leaders are working to revive Dr. King’s campaign in the 21st Century because of the gross economic disparities. According to a recent Pew report, White America is 20 times richer than Black America. On the eve of his assassination, Dr. King encouraged preachers at the Mason Temple in Memphis, “It’s all right to talk about the new Jerusalem, but one day, God’s preacher must talk about the new New York, the new Atlanta, the new Philadelphia, the new Los Angeles, the new Memphis, Tennessee.” Currently working alongside AME Church leaders to develop a program to support Black-owned businesses, Grant says he draws from Black History: “We played a major role in growing America from a small colonial outpost to the greatest industrial giant the world has ever known. We don’t have to argue about our ability to grow wealth. We have made everyone else rich, some filthy rich. Isn’t it time that we finally make our efforts productive for ourselves?”

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NOCCA Theatre department presents

SE-PA-RATE

A Dramatic commentary on Race in new orleans

Teens explore activism, local history and race

By Orissa Arend

major challenge for the Commission on Race and Reconciliation of the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana has been how to include young people in the discussion of racism. Many of them experience a justice system that does not respect them or protect them. In upper-class homes some have friendships that cross racial lines – indeed they claim to hardly even notice these lines – and they can’t remember a time when a Black man wasn’t president. Their experience is so different from their elders who grew up in the Jim Crow South, that it is easy to forget that these generations have much to learn from each other. Notes Lindsey Ardrey, member of the Commission and Youth Director at St. George’s Episcopal Church, “I think that it’s important to not only include young people in ongoing race talks, but to have them actively seeking and creating opportunities to further the conversation. What actions can they take? And how do their own identities and personal experiences contribute to our collective understanding about race, class, and gender?” Fortunately, a dynamic new play by NOCCA students (New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts) called SE-PAR-ATE speaks not only to these current generations, but also to the post-Reconstruction New Orleans activists who challenged legal segregation in the late 19th century. SE-PAR-ATE recreates the arrest and conviction of Homer Plessy. It also sets up an imaginary dialogue between the actors and the historical players about how and why they did what they did and then examines how we separate ourselves from each other today. In June, 1892, a thirty-year-old shoemaker named Homer Plessy bought a first-class railway ticket from his home in New Orleans to Covington, north of Lake Pontchartrain. The two-hour trip had hardly begun when Plessy was arrested and removed from the train. Though Homer Plessy was born a free man of color and enjoyed relative equality while growing up in Reconstruction-era New Orleans, by 1890 he could no longer ride in the same carriage with white passengers. Plessy’s act of civil disobedience was the result of a carefully choreographed campaign planned by the Comite des Citoyens, a group of Republican free men of color who had watched their rights disappear under the increasingly strict Jim Crow laws of the post-

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Reconstruction period. Plessy had been chosen for the test because he was well established in the community and could pass for white. His case went all the way to the Supreme Court of the United States, but failed. “Separate but equal” was enshrined as the law of the land until it was finally overturned by the Supreme Court in the Brown vs. Board of Education decision in 1954. But the seeds of peaceful resistance and reform had been planted by Plessy and his group. Keith Weldon Medley ensured that their efforts would not be forgotten in his book, We as Freemen: Plessy v. Ferguson, which provides the historical information for the play. Medley will be on hand to sign this book as well as his latest book Black Life in Old New Orleans at the upcoming performance. The play will be performed at Trinity Episcopal Church, Bishop Polk Hall, 1329 Jackson Ave. on Sunday, March 22 at 3 pm. The production is free and open to the public. Following the performance teenage responders from Trinity Episcopal Church, Christian Unity Baptist Church, Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, and the People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond, will take questions from the audience and pose questions to the cast which is 40 percent Black, 40 percent White and 20 percent Latino. Other supporters include the Commission on Race and Reconciliation of the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana, Justice and Beyond, the Tulane University Episcopal Chapel of the Holy Spirit, the Atlas Foundation, St. George’s Episcopal Church, First Grace United Methodist Church, and the New Orleans Tribune. This promises to be a unique opportunity for young leaders to come together, get to know one another, and study their local history. They will offer guidance, wisdom, and a fresh perspective to their elders as our city tries to chart a course toward full social, educational, and political inclusion. Whatever your age, come and be a part of this historic dialogue. For more information, contact Lindsey Ardrey at lindsey@stgeorge-nola. org or 504-899-2811. Orissa Arend is the author of Showdown in Desire: The Black Panthers Take a Stand in New Orleans. You can reach her at arendsaxer@bellsouth.net.

Transit Riders Call for Action at Community Convening

By Matthew Hendriksen, Advocacy Program Coordinator, Ride New Orleans n January 24th, 2015, Ride New Orleans hosted ‘Voices for Transportation Choices’, an unprecedented community convening, that brought together a diverse group of public transportation riders, community leaders, business owners, and public officials to talk openly and honestly about community transportation priorities. The convening kicked off with the “Making Transit Work” exercise. This breakout activity brought people together from all walks of life to plan a transit trip in various scenarios based on real stories of New Orleanians travelling to school, work, doctors’ appointments and more. We learned that reliable, on-time transportation services are essential to holding down a job and succeeding in school, that missing a connecting bus can add 45 minutes or more to a commute, and options for getting home after a late night shift are limited. Through this exercise, we explored what it means to depend on transit for everyday lives. Next, we considered neighborhood transportation priorities with the help of Arthur Johnson, Executive Director of the Lower 9th Ward Center for Sustainable Engagement and Development; Cheryl Vallerie, a resident of Hollygrove; and April White of the Faubourg Lafitte Tenant Association. The areas of greatest need to support our neighborhoods included more early morning and later evening buses and streetcars, shorter wait times, greater access to the LIFT bus for seniors and the disabled, and getting more buses on the streets with convenient neighborhood bus routes. Public officials joined in the community conversation to talk transportation priorities for 2015. Justin Augustine, Vice-President of Transdev in service to the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (NORTA); District D City Councilmember Jared Brossett, Chair of the Transportation and Airport Committee; and Flozell Daniels from the NORTA Board of Commissioners highlighted opportunities for community members to shape transportation planning and decision through NORTA’s new Riders Advisory Committee and discussed big projects like the N. Rampart streetcar expansion, the Canal Blvd Terminal, new ferry boats and terminal upgrades and more.

We rounded out the convening with an inspiring story from our neighbors in Baton Rouge. Edgar Cage from Together Baton Rouge shared his experiences forming a community coalition that came together to support transit reforms and new revenues as the Baton Rouge transit agency Capital Area Transit System (CATS) – was on the brink of ending bus service. Their grassroots efforts resulted in winning new, dedicated revenues for CATS while simultaneously holding their transportation leaders accountable for delivering promised reforms and new services. Throughout the day, Ride New Orleans posed the question – “What do quality transportation services look like?” to attendees. One participant summed it up nicely, saying: “Quality transportation services take everyone to their destination reliably, affordably, efficiently, sustainably, and courteously.” More than 40 attendees at the ‘Voices for Transportation Choices’ convening signed up to join Ride New Orleans’ Action Committee – and it’s not too late to sign up to join our kick-off meeting! Our Action Committee is comprised of transit riders and community partners working together on grassroots advocacy campaigns in order to improve transportation services. We are in the early stages of forming this working group and you are invited to participate as much, or as little, as you would like and in any capacity that you are comfortable with. Needless to say, you will be instrumental in shaping the actions that will affect the future of public transportation in New Orleans. Our first Action Committee meeting will take place on Saturday, March 21st from 10 AM to noon at Sojourner Truth Neighborhood Center, 2200 Lafitte Avenue.

To sign up for the Action Committee, email matt@rideneworleans.org or call 504-249-8419

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NEWCITY Neighborhood Partnership

Community thoughts about new development By Gabrielle Alicino, NEWCITY Neighborhood Partnership Coordinator, Providence Community Housing

More than $5 billion of development work has been or is slated to be reinvested in the Tremé, Lafitte, Tulane/Gravier, and 7th Ward neighborhoods of New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina.

ith devastating destruction and unprecedented new funding, it seemed that change was imminent in New Orleans. Residents and stakeholders, however, recognized the need to preserve and respect the historic and cultural roots of these neighborhoods. To do this, Providence Community Housing called together 15 stakeholders and residents to meet to discuss new projects, give input, and ensure that the community was abreast of redevelopment efforts. As Providence CEO, Terri North, explains the goal was to create a space to, “communicate and be inclusive of all community members when planning to work in the area. Through the leadership and participation of many neighbors, businesses and non-profit groups, NEWCITY has evolved to have a life of its own proving that true partnership, respect and collaboration produces results that benefit everyone.” Currently, over 80 organizations, residents, and businesses are formal members of NEWCITY, with new members joining monthly meetings, signing up for email notifications, and engaging on social media to receive pertinent news and information. New Orleans native and returned Tremé resident, Amy Stelly, appreciates NEWCITY because she says, “At NEWCITY you hear about projects when they are embryos, usually you wouldn’t hear about things until they are already happening, but NEWCITY almost seems like a testing ground for some development ideas.” Amy says that thinking back to New Orleans before the storm, she feels much safer in her home now, and is energized by the development going on around her. While the neighborhood demographics are changing, Amy is excited by the prospect of the redevelopment of the Bell School by Artspace, a Minneapolis based non-profit organization that creates affordable housing for artists. The project will cost over $40 million and will create 79 units of live and workspace for artists and their families, community green space, a nonprofit incubator, and a commercial kitchen. Artspace is in partnership with the New Orleans Master Crafts Guild, which will undertake the restoration of

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the chapel on site as a training ground for their apprenticeship participants. As Amy sees it, the Bell School is interesting because, “Tremé has historically been the home of writers and musicians, while the 7th Ward were more artisans, plasterers, iron workers, divided along those creative lines. Bell will work to bring all those disciplines together under one roof.” Another longtime Tremé resident, April White, sees the development differently. “A lot of the redevelopment is for profit, not necessarily neighborhood improvement as far as community involvement. I welcome all business development in the neighborhood, but I think most businesses are attracted here because of the medical center, and are not catering to the demographic differences, being that Tremé is mostly black. Our community has a lot of problems with violence and education. I wish people coming in were more interested in helping promote education and jobs for youth. Training and employment opportunities with new businesses for the community, especially for young people would be awesome.” Within the NEWCITY area, April is excited about some upcoming project and programs. At the February meeting she learned about car2go, a car sharing company that would like to bring a fleet of 200 smart cars to New Orleans. She said “I thought that was really awesome. I think it is perfect for our city, and for residents, not just tourists.” April is also a supporter of the Lafitte Greenway because, “I think the green space is very much needed in our community.” The development within NEWCITY is certainly not slowing down, but by engaging with residents and other organizations, businesses and programs that are slated for the area can engage with NEWCITY Neighborhood Partnership to ensure that their plans are supported by and strengthened from community input.

Learn more or join NEWCITY at newcitynola.org.

Orleans Public Education Network Hosts 2015 Legislative Breakfast

Organization Also Debuts Year’s Policy Priorities: Teacher Quality, Young Black Boys and Men, and School Governance

By Julia Ramsey, Orleans Public Education Network ommunity leaders, educators, parents and policymakers joined together at Orleans Public Education Network (OPEN) on March 5, 2015 for a legislative breakfast and panel discussion on New Orleans education issues. Representatives Wesley Bishop (District 99) and Joseph Bouie (District 97) sat on the panel, as well as Orleans Parish School Board (OPSB) President Seth Bloom. Also in attendance were OPSB members Leslie Ellison and Nolan Marshall, as well as representatives from the offices of Senator David Vitter and Councilmember Nadine Ramsey. The event also served as an opportunity for OPEN to debut its 2015 Policy Priorities. These priorities serve as the primary conversation drivers throughout the organization’s work each year, as staff works with policymakers and state legislators to achieve critical goals in each area of focus. The organization’s priorities this year are Teacher Quality, Young Black Boys and Men: The School to Success Pipeline, and School Governance and Early Childhood 10

Education. “We tried to have a discussion about which single issue was the most critical, but every time we tried we came back to these three,” said Thelma French, President and CEO of Total Community Action and head of OPEN’s Policy Committee. “None of them could be pushed back another year. We must embrace, engage and amplify them now.” The conversation focused on the priority topic areas, with the policymakers taking questions from moderator Flozell Daniels, Jr. of the Foundation for Louisiana as well as the crowd. Other major topics were testing admissions standards for four-year colleges, the need for increased funding for early childhood programs, and data accessibility and transparency in tracking students between schools. “Selective admission schools are turning away the average Louisiana student,” said Rep. Bouie. “Some may enroll in community college, but only 10 percent of those continue on to a four-year program, let alone graduate. So we lose our young people to THE TRUMPET | MARCH/APRIL 2015

neighboring states.” “Higher education for young men of color is crucial,” said Rep. Bishop. “Students coming out of public schools deserve both access and success. Legitimate avenues for making a living are closed to them. Therefore it’s important to focus on retention instead of admissibility.” OPSB President Seth Bloom spoke on the board’s plans for the new year, expressing excitement at the leadership of newlyappointed Superintendent Dr. Henderson Lewis and emphasizing the importance of collaboration and cooperation in the process of returning schools to unified control. “I see my role as helping facilitate good relationships with all entities. Keeping lines open with the Recovery School District and educators is the most important thing right now, so we can regain our schools when they are ready,” said Bloom. Representatives from the Recovery School District and charter management organizations were invited to the panel, but were not able to attend. OPEN plans to continue its work around the Policy Priorities by collaborating with stakeholders and policymakers to: • Support community-aligned, culturally competent teacher preparation programs that build an educator workforce capable of authentically engaging New Orleans students • Take a look at systemic investments that can improve the life outcomes of young Black boys and men by focusing on

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•

the critical academic benchmarks of readiness for school at kindergarten, proficiency in reading by 3rd grade, proficiency in numeracy by 8th grade, and high school graduation rates Continue to work towards unified governance that gives attention to the oversight and compliance that is necessary to strengthen the district’s ability to meet the needs of all students, and leverage international data (the Early Development Instrument) to guide investments in building quality early childhood systems throughout the city

Where does it flood in your neighborhood? UPCOMING NEIGHBORHOOD WORKSHOPS: Central City • Broadmoor Zion City Gert Town Hollygrove • Lower 9th Ward • Gentilly • Algiers • Mid-City TO REGISTER contact Jeff Supak at (504) 525-2121 or

jsupak@globalgreen.org www.waterwisenola.org

Facebook.com/ NOLAwaterwise waterwisenola on Instagram #waterwisenola WITH SUPPORT FROM

When talking about rain events and floods in New Orleans, it’s common for longtime residents to refer to the May deluges of 1978 and 1995. But residents will also likely complain about the flooding that they experience on their block on an annual – or monthly – basis.

As the second rainiest city in the lower 48 states, New Orleans lies below sea level and sits on a lot of concrete. When these factors are added together, our stormwater issues are not so surprising. What is surprising, however, is that not all parts of the city experience the same severity of flooding. In fact, some parts of the city rarely flood while other parts seem to face chronic inundations. Water Wise New Orleans is a group of water professionals and concerned individuals who promote simple solutions to the problem of localized flooding. To understand which parts of the city suffer from chronic drainage problems, Water Wise NOLA has teamed up with the Foundation for Louisiana through its Equity Caucus Environmental Sustainability working group to produce a community flood map. Launched in 2014 and comprised of residents, nonprofit partners, public and private sector representatives, and other allies, the Equity Caucus addresses quality-of-life concerns in the city. Its Environmental Sustainability working group includes Water Wise NOLA, Committee for a Better New Orleans, Sankofa CDC and urban planner Amy Stelly. The group came together to identify where residents experience flooding block-by-block. This citizen-based data provides information to determine flood “hotspots” across the city of New Orleans. Everyone’s participation in the survey is encouraged. One way to participate is to attend a Neighborhood Water Wise Workshop to learn how to actively manage rainwater in order to reduce the burden on the city’s drainage system and help prevent localized flooding. At the workshop, time is devoted to a community flood mapping exercise. Dots, color-coded according to flooding severity, are placed on a map of the study area. Once the mapping is complete, the data will be analyzed to determine which areas of the city need greater focus and attention to stormwater management. During the workshops, rain barrels and home assessments are raffled. Winners of the home assessments are eligible to receive rain gardens, planter boxes, or rain barrels. Members of their communities are invited to a “build-day” at prize recipients’ houses, where participants will learn how to build and install green infrastructure on their own properties. If your institution or group is interested in sponsoring a workshop or would like to participate in the survey, contact Jeff Supak at jsupak@globalgreen.org, 504-525-2121. The survey can also be filled out online at: bit.ly/waterwisesurvey.

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A Metaphorphosis comes to Broadmoor

he devastation was nearly complete in the Broadmoor neighborhood following Hurricane Katrina and the levee failures in late Summer 2005. The flooding reached eight feet with every house inundated with foul water and silence as even the birds had abandoned the once bustling and thrumming residential neighborhood. It would have been almost impossible to imagine Broadmoor’s transformation from the federal flood. Almost ten years later, Broadmoor has become a model for redevelopment. Through careful planning and the persistent hard work of residents and community partners, the neighborhood has realized much of its vision of “Better than Before” with many improvements including a renovated school, a rebuilt library/community center, a health clinic and a busy commercial corridor. The next stage in the community’s transformation will be the Arts and Wellness Center, housed in the former St. Mathias School. The Broadmoor

Improvement Association (BIA), the Archdiocese of New Orleans and Blessed Trinity Church have spearheaded the $2 million project, which will include innovative, creative programs and holistic wellness services in a vibrant, collaborative space with a dance/fitness studio, an early childhood resource room, counseling offices, design studios and office space for partner organizations. In order to outfit the space and cover start-up costs, BIA has started a fundraising campaign and will be hosting Metamorphosis, on Saturday, March 21, 7-11 pm at the Keller Library and Community Center The event will include music by local jazz singer, Sharon Martin, food, drinks and a community-art project. Please consider buying a ticket to the main event, donating to the project or attending the patron party from 6-7 pm, which will include a champagne toast and a sneak peak of the site.

NOLA TimeBank

Better than Barter and Easier than Ever

eed help planning your garden? A ride to the store? A pet sitter? With a membership in NOLA TimeBank, New Orleanians can access these and many other services through a mutual aid system of service exchange. At NOLA TimeBank receiving services does not cost money. The only charge is to pay-itforward by providing help to someone else. Get a service and pay a time credit; provide a service and earn a time credit. Everyone’s hour is equal. Everyone gives. Everyone receives. Using a barter system when funds are low is nothing new - but the NOLA TimeBank has expanded on traditional barter schemes with a system that treats all members’ talents equally. An hour of child care is equal to an hour of legal advice is equal to an hour of language lessons. And non-profit organizations are encouraged to enroll. Time spent volunteering in the community deserves recognition and NOLA TimeBank does by awarding time credit for work done in the community NOLA TimeBank abides by the core values of TimeBanking:. • Assets: We all have something to give. • Redefining Work: Building community is real, valuable work. • Reciprocity: Helping works better as a two-way street. • Social Networks: People joined in shared purpose are stronger than individuals.

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• Respect: Every human being matters. Membership in NOLA TimeBank and access to the on-line database of skills and talents is free but new members are required to attend an orientation. Orientations are held every Tuesday afternoon at the Rosa F Keller Library Community Center. NOLA TimeBank uses a special web-based program to manage all the member accounts and members’ skills. The software, developed by TimeBanks USA, has recently completely updated for ease of use. NOLA TImeBank was selected from 200 TimeBanks nationwide to introduce the new software called Community Weaver 3. Now TimeBank members can easily use a smart-phone to access a needed service or post a time-sensitive offer. There has been a lot written recently about the new “sharing economy” but is it really “sharing” to rent out your spare room by the night? At NOLA TimeBank we believe that the sharing economy is an economy where we can truly share and appreciate one another’s gifts without the need to attach a price tag.

SAVE the DATE

Join us for a celebration of the New Orleans’ smoke-free ordinance on Thursday, April 22, 2015. This spectacular event will feature a special SmokeFree NOLA bar crawl, performances from some of NOLA’s best musicians and much, much more! Follow us on Twitter (@SmokeFreeNOLA) and like us on Facebook for updates on the celebration plans.

Implementation

Celebration smokefreenola.org 14

healthierairforall.org THE TRUMPET | MARCH/APRIL 2015

Faubourg St. Roch Launches New Website Support from NEO-NCBI makes online One-Stop Shop a reality

n behalf of the 2015 board of directors and members of the Faubourg St. Roch Improvement Association (FSRIA), I express our appreciation to the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Engagement through the Neighborhood Capacity Building Initiative (NCBI) program for awarding us the Challenge grant. The grant was written by former FSRIA secretary, Rosie Lacy,

of Civic-Link. Through this grant, residents and visitors are able to remain connected to FSRIA through our new Web site. It provides the latest updates about the association’s meetings and agendas, community events and general news about St. Roch. In addition, as an information database for anything residents might need regarding house repairs and preservation, city services, local businesses and more. We launched www.faubourgsaintroch.org on Thursday, March 12 at our monthly association meeting. The purpose of FSRIA is to serve as an information clearinghouse for all things Faubourg St. Roch. Our goal is to ensure anyone living between the boundaries of Elysian Fields Avenue and Press Street (train tracks) and St. Claude Avenue to Florida Avenue are engaged and informed.

Uniquely, we are represented by two council districts C and D, and two state representative offices. Our “Faubourg Franklin” historic neighborhood is a cosmopolitan for all who want to live, work and play downriver. The mixture of retired teachers, longshoremen, eclectic musicians, urban planners and others from all walks of life make a diverse and vibrant neighborhood. With a heart that is warm and unclogged, the potential for our success is infinite. Finally, neighborhood kiosks will be available to residents by Summer 2015. Again, FSRIA thanks Ray Bolling and the entire Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Engagement for their continued support of St. Roch’s capacity building initiatives. We’re Rochin’, Derrick Floyd FSRIA - 2015 Board President

Maximize your membership benefits with your personal profile on NPNnola.com. 16

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Making Power Moves High-growth minority firms make their mark on the economy and the community In 2014, the New Orleans Business Alliance in conjunction with Leslie Jacobs, launched PowerMoves.NOLA, an initiative designed to support the success of minority entrepreneurs in high-growth industry sectors. On the eve of New Orleans Entrepreneur Week’s Inclusive Innovation dialogue, three of the area’s top breakthrough innovators talk about their work and the role each plays in bringing about equity and addressing the city’s income disparity challenges.

Damon Burns, Munivestor www.munivestor.com @munivestor

Founded in 2013, Munivestor is a web-based software platform for the municipal bond industry with a particular focus on the retail buyer. Information on municipal bonds is highly, unorganized forcing investors to visit hundreds of websites in order to manage their portfolios and satisfy regulations. Munivestor software collects and organizes municipal bond data to provide investors with the information they need on a single platform.

How do you see innovation countering wealth disparity in the City of New Orleans over the next five years? The wealth gap in New Orleans is one of the worst in the country. I believe the way to overcome this in the long-run is by prioritizing education equality. It all starts with education. In the short-run, attracting modest paying jobs that do not require a highly skilled workforce can do much to change people’s socio-economic standings. Innovative business creation can certainly boost the economy but I am not sure that it will directly impact the wealth gap in the same way that education can. Reversing poverty will not happen overnight but investing in the people that need it most is the right thing to do.

How does the municipal bonds market impact the continued vitality of the City of New Orleans? Municipal bond are issued by state and local governments to fund infrastructure projects. Assets funded with municipal bonds include streets, highways, schools, airports, hospitals and many other things. The City of New Orleans periodically access the bond market to finance its projects. It’s ability to access the market hinges on two primary issues: the condition of the bond market and the City’s underlying financial and economic condition. In general, the bond market will be more stable than any individual entity. The City must continue to make improvements in its financial health and economy to keep efficient access to the bond market. As a result, the City will be able to update and build new infrastructure to better serve its citizens. What data factor into determining whether a municipality is a good bet when making investments? There are roughly 8 different types of municipalities with each having its own set of key metrics. However, the fundamentals of financial management tend to be more consistent. A municipal government must always strive to spend within its means or financial distress will be inevitable. Municipalities with healthy general fund reserves, minimal pension liability requirements and well-performing economies are good indicators of a solid investment. What are the impacts of municipal bond investments on everyday residents in places that have experienced long-term disinvestment or are in need of significant infrastructural repair? A municipality’s frequency in accessing the bond market can impact citizens in multiple ways. Municipal bonds are generally secured by local taxes and user fees. A municipality with high levels of debt tend to tax their citizens more than a government with modest levels of debt. On the other hand, less financially stable municipalities access the bond market less frequently (they should at least) because their citizens have limited taxing capacity. As a result, less infrastructure gets maintained and built.

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Michelle D. Craig & Jade Brown-Russell Transcendent Legal @Transcendent_JD www.transcendentlegal.com

Transcendent Legal is headquartered in New Orleans and offers a new and innovative model for the practice of law in the Gulf South Region. Transcendent is the first law firm in the region to combine legal services with technology for the benefit of the client, making Transcendent the first legal-tech startup in the area. The firm’s focus is to give clients real-time access to documents, budgets, invoices, project milestones and beyond via Transcendent’s state-of-the-art web platform. Transcendent represents a new level of providing efficiency, quality and collaboration between client and attorney. Who is the typical Transcendent Legal client, and what services do you provide? Transcendent is a full-service law firm. Accordingly, we provide the services that any large law firm provides with the exception of some criminal matters.

Our clients vary. We have many clients who are very small, very new start-ups. We also service big box retail companies, banks, family-owned organizations, fast-food chains, educational institutions, non-profits and fortune 500 companies. Additionally, we serve as legal counsel to several Tech startups and industry-specific companies. As you can see, we work with companies from a variety of backgrounds. 2. One of the barriers faced by start-ups and community groups, alike, are the overwhelming costs of quality legal services. How does Transcendent response to those challenges? One of the reasons that we started Transcendent was to give our start-up and community group clients more flexibility in receiving quality legal services before a business-threatening event takes place. In our practices, we saw several instances of start-up and/or community groups being taken advantage of by supposed “investors” or “partners.” We saw them trust people they shouldn’t trust. We saw them enter into agreements that were totally bad for their interests. We saw them give away the right to manage their companies and give away equity that they did not have to part with. Most of this occurred because they didn’t know the implications of the agreements they were signing. All of this occurred because they sought legal advice after they entered into a bad business deal instead of before they did so. Sometimes we were able to fight for them and fix the problem, but sometimes they were left in a very bad situation. We saw so many trusting individuals become hardened by the struggle to start and keep their businesses going. A lot of times those issues could have been totally avoided with a short chat with legal counsel before they entered into a bad agreement/contract/lease/partnership/venture etc. To make it easier on those clients, we started offering alternative fee arrangements and/ or flexible fee arrangements. If a client wants to start with a small monthly billing cycle, we work with them to do that. If they want to pay us hourly but cap the number of hours we work, we negotiate with them to determine the number of hours that makes sense. Our goal is provide the scenario that works best for them to receive the legal assistance they need on the front end of their start-up journey and not the back end. We want to decrease the number of times we are helping a company or group dissolve the business because of some avoidable legal problem and increase the number of times we are negotiating great deals that benefit their businesses. So far, we have been pretty successful in these client/lawyer partnerships. Our larger clients win as well. We adopt that same strategy with the larger clients giving them the option to choose their billing preferences. The only thing we ask from all of our clients is that they remain fair with us. Likewise, we promise to remain fair with them. This is working for Transcendent. We believe it is working because this is the way that these types of services should work for all parties.

How do you see innovation leveling the playing field on the entrepreneurial landscape in the City of New Orleans over the next five years? Innovation levels the playing field anywhere that it happens. We’ve seen it throughout history. New Orleans will be different only because we have created a space where entrepreneurship is the norm and not the exception. In the coming years, we are pretty confident that New Orleans will see a plethora of new and exciting companies in every field imaginable. It is exciting because it will create a domino effect throughout the city. More innovative companies in the city will create more jobs; more jobs will create more opportunities for everyone; more opportunities will be noticed throughout the U.S. which will create more interest in our city. While New Orleans will always be known as an awesome and fun place to live (because we all know that it is), it will also become well-respected as a place to seriously, unapologetically chase and succeed at creating a crazy, innovative, revolutionary community. We believe Transcendent legal is one of those companies that will help do just that.

Douglas Findlay, SocialChomp @SocialChomper socialchomp.com

SocialChomp is multimedia marketing platform that allows users to create a stream of content from hashtags, keywords, and/or location criteria across various social networks in realtime. They can then modify and then repost — or crosspost — the content across relevant accounts. SocialChomp also offers widget options, which can be embedded onto websites, blogs, and/or branded Facebook tabs. In a nutshell, how can Social Chomp benefit entrepreneurs and even community organizations and neighborhood groups? Two Ways! 1. Social networks are exploding with posts tagged with visuals and locations. SocialChomp is an easy tool to collect all of this information for analysis and re-sharing. 2. The most unique aspect of our platform is the capability to generate revenue with merchandise. Every image collected or uploaded within our platform can be sold as smartphone cases, fleece blanket, canvas art, pillow and more within an demand marketplace. In short, generate a cool visual that represents your business/group/organization...allow supporters to purchase merchandise and get a 15% cut of sales. 2. How has the advent of social media tools like Instagram and Twitter helped level the playing field and bridged the digital divide in communities of color? You can build a powerful brand efficiently without anyone’s permission. No politics. No gatekeepers. The network effect of having your perspective distributed to the world with a click is game changing. SocialChomp monetizes that Instagram picture into a pillow, phone case, a blanket, and more. 3. You have been success in linking innovation and artistry. How do you see the two growing together over the next five years, especially in the City of New Orleans? I see artisans, musicians, and small business owners taking advantage of technology platforms to spread their brand around the world. New Orleans is a small city geographically, but they way we experience the city depends on economics and class. I see innovation and artistry bridging those gaps and creating a New Orleans where everyone can realize they’re potential.

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The Arts and Entrepreneurship Meet in the DDD Candidates to compete for over $25K in resources at Downtown NOLA Arts-based business pitch

s a Strategic Partner of the 2015 Entrepreneur Season, spearheaded by The Idea Village, the DDD along with Creative Alliance of New Orleans and Louisiana Cultural Economy Foundation will host the Downtown NOLA Arts-Based Business Pitch during New Orleans Entrepreneur Week 2015, the premier annual business festival, on Monday, March 23rd. The Business Pitch is aimed at identifying and supporting entrepreneurs that have an arts-based project or product situated in the creative, architecture, technology, digital media or film/entertainment fields that benefits the Downtown Development District and is scalable. The DDD, CANO, and LCEF are seeking arts-based businesses (or business ideas) that highlight the superior resources that Downtown New Orleans offers. Businesses should, ideally, serve to enhance way-finding and experiences in the built environment for everyday walking and living in Downtown New Orleans. We would like to thank all those entrepreneurs who submitted applications to compete for over $25K in resources. We received a number of talented candidates and great ideas. The five finalists are: • CAO Printing LLC – Enhancing Downtown media by applying concrete

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adhesive material on pavement corners to guide visitors to various landmarks in the CBD. • CineCorps – A nonprofit production company that builds relationships between satellite Hollywood productions and locally-based filmmakers. • Passion Dance Center – A school for commercial dance and performing arts. • The Wild Life Reserve – Preserving, protecting and promoting a creative ecosystem by creating a foundation for fashion designers to learn, brand and design. • Tutti Dynamics – Developers of a multimedia platform that enables users to study the techniques of experts in the arts and sciences. Each of the five finalists is committed to relocating to, or conducting business in, Downtown New Orleans. They all have the ability to foster a hub of innovation by attracting buzz, talent and economic activity. Sponsors include Corporate Realty, Jones Walker, Postlethwaite & Netterville, Beta and Wisznia & Associates.

THE POWER of the Neighborhoods Partnership Network (NPN) lies within a solid foundation of diverse Members all working together to improve the quality of life New Orleans. Join NPN today to plug into that power and to take advantage of all the benefits of membership. • • • • • • • • • • •

Opportunities to serve on NPN committees Exclusive Member-level profile on the NEW NPN Website. This includes the ability to post events and news. Invitations to exclusive Membership events. Monthly members-only email One year subscription to The NPN Trumpet bi-monthly magazine NPN Best Practices Binder filled with more 100 valuable resources Access to the Civic Community Hub and Resource Library 20 percent discount on print and digital advertising Recognition as a new member in monthly members-only email Recognition in 2014 Annual Report

Visit www.npnnola.com/npnnola_members to PLUG INTO THE POWER TODAY. SCAN TO PLUG INTO THE POWER TODAY!

HAVE QUESTIONS? GIVE US A CALL! 504-940-2207 THE TRUMPET | MARCH/APRIL 2015

Orleans Parish Sheriffs Office Announces Partnership to Train Inmates in Film and Television Arts

heriff Marin N. Gusman, and Gwendolyn M. Dixon, founder of the Louisiana Film Academy of Technology (LFAT), are proud to announce a breakthrough educational initiative to teach transitioning inmates practical skills to start a career in the film, television and digital arts. The program, designed to be a win-win, for the inmates, the Sheriff’s Office as well as the state’s film and entertainment industry, will launch in early 2016. Sheriff Gusman said, “I have long championed alternatives to incarceration as well as programs that teach transitioning inmates the skills necessary to succeed as hardworking members of the greater New Orleans community. This partnership with the Louisiana Film Academy of Technology will yield social, cultural and economic dividends for the transitioning inmates and the community at large.” This first-of-its-kind program joins professionals from the media arts with those who need a helping hand. The Louisiana Film Academy of Technology is committed to raising the funds and bringing the artistic community to the inmates. Through various fundraising events like the 2nd Annual Louisiana Film Academy Festival and Awards, and a live televised concert from the jail,

LFAT hopes to teach 12 to 14 inmate-students in an immersive three-month program twice a year. Inmates will learn fundamental skills to work as production assistants, lighting and audio assistants and to provide encoding for digital media. As a follow up to the actual hands-on instruction, LFAT will endeavor to place newly qualified students in internships in the greater New Orleans area. “With Louisiana such a hot bed for production the greater New Orleans area will benefit from the additional pool of skills workers,” said LAFT founder Dixon. “More importantly, we want this training to change the perception of inmates and the actual way we help them become productive citizens.”

The Louisiana Film Academy of Technology (LFAT) is a sponsored project of the Neighborhoods Parternship Network. Its vision is to offer premier training and start-up vehicle for persons who desire to enter the film industry.

Ret. service personnel put valuable skill to use as ‘Treps with VetLaunch VetLaunch is a 501c3 non-profit organization devoted to providing veterans the resources to effectively make the change from military to civilian life. From business start-up help to job training and placement, VetLaunch is here to assist in your transition from combat to career. Their 2015 Cohort will be showcased for New Orleans Entrepreneur Week on March 23, 2015. Co-founder Robert Armbruster talks the role veterans can play in the New Orleans economy. What do the numbers reflect about unemployment statistics and Vets returning to civilian life? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics at the end of 2014, the national unemployment rate was around 5.6 percent, while the rate for all veterans was 4.7 percent. Unfortunately the unemployment rate for Post 9/11 era veterans, the rate was 6.9 percent. So those veterans who served in the current conflicts are having a harder time finding work once they leave active duty service. You emphasize the importance of building a trusted cohort of like-minded veteran entrepreneurs that can rely on and support each other. Can you expound upon that and talk about other supports VetLaunch can or would like to provide to ensure the success of its participants? One of the things most veterans miss upon getting out of the service is the camaraderie that naturally comes out of working so closely with others toward a common mission. VetLaunch will be a physical space where veterans can work on their businesses together and learn from each other. They will become a network of businesses that can refer business to each other, help each other grow and hire other veterans who are looking for employment. For example, if you have a web development company as a part of the network, a lot of the other businesses will need those services, and it is always nice when you can do business with another veteran. Can you provide information on this new cohort of entrepreneurs and the businesses they are working to launch? We have five veterans in our inaugural cohort. We have an army veteran who has started a website development and marketing firm called Enmasse Media. We have a former Navy JAG officer who is developing an app to improve customer service for customers of food trucks and help drive sales

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to the food trucks called BRE Connected. Charlotte Aquarius is a veteran owned business that designs, handmakes and sells custom handbags. We have an officer in the LA National Guard and his wife who are creating a membership based makers space called NOLA Tchoup Block. Lastly, we have former Navy pilot-who has already written and produced a musical score for a hit documentary- who is starting a music production company called Madjac Music.

Can you provide additional information on the Landing Zone? The Landing Zone is a 25,000 sq. ft. co-working space that includes private offices, private desks and shared desk space, which can accommodate about 100 veteran start ups. It will provide conference, mail, reception, print and copy service to these start ups. It will include a kitchen, a gym and a 10,000 sq ft. event space. The Landing Zone will be the only collaborative workspace in New Orleans to specifically target U.S. military veterans. The space is designed to foster the camaraderie that veterans miss when they leave the service. Committed to building from their shared experience, the Landing Zone will serve as a coworking facility where veterans network and more importantly, work together in planning and developing successful businesses. How do you see social playing a role in further improving options for veterans in the City of New Orleans over the next five years? As it is with the rest of this generation, social media is a way to quickly and efficiently disseminate information to the current generation of veterans. This includes networking with other veterans and veterans groups, getting information about different veteran programs, searching for employment and marketing their businesses. At VetLaunch we have been able to grow a network of supporters through means other than traditional marketing.

NOLA Next Young Innovators Experience Cultivating New Orleans’ next generation of world changers For the second year, New Orleans Entrepreneurship Week (NOEW) will host an all-day invitation-only seminar for high school students to help sustain New Orleans position as a mecca for entrepreneurship. The event is a collaboration between Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans and the Idea Village and sponsored by The Brees Dream Foundation The city of New Orleans is known for its creative talent and its position as a hub for start-ups. Through NOLA Next: Young Innovators Experience NOEW will provide high school students with the necessary tools in leadership, technology and entrepreneurship. 10:00AM-11:30AM: Inclusive Leadership, Presented by Startup Effect and Venture for America. Women are underrepresented in leadership positions in almost every industry. This has negative effects on men and women alike and is a problem that must be addressed by a joint effort between genders! Venture for America and StartUp Effect partner to present “Gender Inclusive Leadership”, a series of speakers, challenges, and collaborative activities that will foster communication and leadership skills, and introduce students to the widespread problem of a lack of women in positions of power. Students will hear from local female entrepreneurs and leaders about their career paths and challenges in the workplace. This event is for both male and female students! 12:30PM-2:30PM: Technology Scavenger Hunt, Sponsored by Microsoft. Join us on an international, entrepreneurial expedition! Using the Surface Pro 3,Bing, and clues delivered through OneNote, your team will journey across the world collecting information to correctly identify the local entrepreneur and Idea Village alumni. This workshop will end with each team presenting their case using various Microsoft applications and the revelation of the

mystery businessperson. 3:00PM-5:00PM: Trust Your Crazy Ideas Challenge, Sponsored by JPMorgan Chase Bank and First NBC Bank. In September 2014, the Brees Dream Foundation announced that it would partner with Junior Achievement (JA) on the Trust Your Crazy Ideas Challenge. JA has a proud history of creating young leaders and inspiring them to own their economic success. This partnership champions both the classroom experience and community engagement. The momentum of the competition has been incredible. Last year, the Challenge saw 48 students from 8 schools. Since the 2014 school year began, the Challenge has grown to over 1,800 students, in 18 schools, that have all taken the first step of the Challenge and completed the JA Be Entrepreneurial program. The curriculum emphasizes creating a business and a business plan. The judges will determine overall program winners based on the teams’ business pitches and focus on creativity and future sustainability within the community. Winning teams will receive $10,000 towards continuing education. Their school will receive a $5,000 award for supporting their students’ entrepreneurial efforts. Participating schools include Isidore Newman School, St. Mary’s Dominican High School, Mt. Carmel Academy, The International High School of New Orleans, Lake Area High School, St. Augustine High School, and Lusher Charter School. Hosted by Lauren “Fleurty Girl” LeBlanc.

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To ED (and NOLA), With Love

hank you for making Brothers Empowered to Teach Initiative’s (BE2T) first event, To ED with Love (To ED) such a magical and inspiring event. Our team was overwhelmed by the love on display. On February 27th, we showcased what we do: inspire and incentivize more men of color to choose education as a career. We also honored our men in New Orleans who work everyday to support the growth and livelihood of our city’s children. Our honorees all personified one of our 10 values. This year we honored: • Lloyd Dennis, Silverback Society- Awarded for “Defying Convention” because men can do teach • Brandan “Bmike” Odums- 2Cent Entertainment- Awarded for “Remaining Relevant” because reaching the youth requires being in touch • Wild Wayne- Q93-Awarded for “Hustle with Grit” because even challenges are opportunities to grow. We also gave a special “Real Bruhs” Recognition to Willie Horton who changed careers to enter the classroom and teach 3rd grade. To ED launched our campaign, $15K in 2015, an effort to raise $15,000 to support 15 new fellows to enter our program this fall. At the event alone, we raised nearly 20 percent of our goal. Over 150 people attended the party with a purpose. DJ Raj Smoov provided the music to promote a fun and festive atmosphere (There may have even been a couple of line dances). Flozell Daniels Jr., President and CEO of the Foundation for Louisiana acted as the Masters of Ceremony engaging and inspiring the guests to support our work. We could not have accomplished this event without the kindness,

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generosity and love of so many. Special thanks to: • Lil’ Dizzies Café • Half Shell Oyster Bar and Grill • Lanitra Johnson & Company • Patricia Kelly • Propeller: A Force for Social Innovation • small hinges SCE Although the party is over the $15k in 2015 campaign has just begun. You can support the campaign in a couple of ways: 1. Make a donation via our IndieGOGO page. 2. Send a donation to: Brothers Empowered to Teach c/o Neighborhoods Partnership Network, 3321 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70117 3. Encourage your network to donate—host a gathering, reach out to people you think would be interested in our work, post the campaign via social media.

Brothers Empowered to Teach (BE2T) is a sponsored project of the Neighborhoods Parternship Network. Its mission is to close the achievement gap for at-risk students by inspiring and incentivizing men of color to choose education as a career starting in New Orleans.

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It is different when you see it on CNN or any forms of media. But to talk to one of the world’s most interesting people and get them to open up and express emotions, that is priceless. Well that was what this interview was. When you turn from being one of the biggest drug kingpin in history to being a mentor and respected business man is major. It is powerful. One interview isn’t enough to know the southern California speaking guy. He really is what you see is what you get. What do you call someone who can make millions from cocaine that goes to jail for years and comes back out to make millions legally. You may have wondered who could make a million dollars a day in 80’s and 90’s, wonder no more as we get into the thoughts of not just Rick Ross, but the real “Freeway Rick Ross.” 1. Tell us who “Freeway Ricky Donnell Ross” really is? I am cool, calm and collective. I come from a family of sharecroppers between Dallas and Shreveport. My mom and dad separated when I was 4 months old. My mom wanted us to grow up with opportunities, so she moved us to California. That was called the Second Great Migration, the exodus of black Southerners not to the North but the West. I love people. I like being around them. I especially like to see my black people do well. I feel that I am in a position where as I can give people leverage to do better. I hate to see us fighting each other and being misinformed about things.

all.) That’s when the agents came in, let the dogs loose and captured me. I did five years. The thing with this is that I wasn’t selling drugs at the time, but you can be tried anytime for drug crimes dating back from 7 years. That’s the law 5.

2. Where are you from? I am from Troup, Texas. A small farm town outside of Tyler, Texas. 3. Tell us what a day in your life was like? Busy, moving but loving it. Getting money. My day would flow. Everything was systematically in place. I really enjoyed what I did to be honest. 4. What do you remember about the date that you were apprehended? What happened? I had stop selling drugs. It was 1989. I was working on my properties that I bought. I had guys working for me doing construction. One of my employees said that a cop came and asked questions earlier that day. I thought I’m not doing anything wrong anymore, so I don’t care. Next I heard screeching tires, it was about five police cars pulled up. I began to run. I remember the cops shooting at me. I ran into this house because the door was open. The guy said, “What are you doing in my house” I said, “I’m Rick Ross.” He asked me, “Do you have any money?” (Laughing now.) He let me stay there. The sad thing about it; that guy helped me, but he was on parole, and he violated for letting me stay there until the police kicked in his door. (I didn’t know the guy at

What turned you to drug selling? In 1965, Watts erupted. With all the riots and chaos, my mom and I would go in the destroyed stores collecting can goods from the fires to eat. My mom cleaned up offices at night to take care of us. She would do whatever it took. I didn’t like that. At about the age of 10, I was stealing from stores. When I became a teenager I kept the time for the pimps on Figueroa strip. I would knock on doors of hotels to let clients know that their time was up. I started off stealing bikes, then cars; taking the parts. I played tennis for Dorsey high school. I made all-city. Universities talked about me with scholarships even, but one thing I hid that my reading was limited. But once the coaches realized my inability, the scholarship offers were no good. I dropped out my senior year. In my early 20’s, a friend of mine returned home from playing college ball and happy about making money and living life. One day he handed me a pale yellow pebble. I didn’t know what it was. My friend told me that I was holding $50 in my hand. I said “No way, man.” That was my first encounter with cocaine. So many people back then was trying it, but I didn’t want to try it. I wanted to sell it. So I went out and did. How long did you serve in jail? How do you feel about people that are incarcerated that work with agents to reduce their sentencing time? In 1989 I did 5 years and went back in 1995 for 14 years. People that inform agents to shorten time: I use to be mad at them. But I learned that it is part of the game. It is what it is. I use to have a feeling of wanting to kill the guy that was the informant

in my case. I felt that he ruined my life, and he was supposed to be a friend. It is the utmost form of betrayal. But I let those feelings go because if you walk around with hate in your heart, it hurts you not that person. My main focus isn’t to hurt anyone now; it is to be successful. 7. What did you hate about jail? The loss of freedom and will. I felt like I lost my value. My worth. 8. What did you miss the most while incarcerated? Man my family. Jail takes you away from your family. 9. While in jail, what were you determined to do differently upon your release in 2009? While in prison, for one, I taught myself how to read. I won my case from jail. I researched my case, and found the cracks. They play baseball with lives. I was optimistic about my life and where I could go. It is wrong for people to put limits on themselves. I felt that I was going to come home and take back the game; not with drugs but with other legal businesses. 10. Who was the most influential person in your life growing up and now? My mom Annie Mae … She was there. My mom is genuinely a good person and she will stand by you. I am a student of knowledge. I respect a few people’s knowledge and experiences. So its no one in particular to me now. 11. How did you feel about well-known rapper Rick Ross a.ka. Rozay of Maybach Music Group, branding his self with your name? How did you handle it? I was in prison when I became aware of the rapper, and at first I felt gratified to learn that his name had

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value. Even now the publicity is unbeatable. After Rick Ross tattooed “RICK RO$$” across his knuckles, I began to feel slighted. He isn’t relevant. He is losing his sting now… He is not good as he used to be. 12. What are two things you respect from others? You can’t put every one in a box because every one is different. But I respect critical thinkers. People that can think. If we think first, some of bad things that take place wouldn’t take place. 13. Are you married ? How many kids do you have ? No, I am not. I don’t believe in traditional marriage. I don’t feel that no one should tell me how long I should be with anyone. If I have a commitment with anyone, it will be more lasting than going in front of a judge or preacher. I have seven kids, ages two through 29. 14. You are a published author, tell us about your book. It is “Freeway Rick Ross” The Untold Autobiography. I wrote the book when I was in prison. I started writing as a way to give back to society. I felt it was my last words. I started writing the book before I researched my case, the research that would later grant my release. 15. How does it feel to have had the movie “Kill the

Messenger,” starring actors Michael K. Williams and Ray Liotta, based on you in theaters all over the world? It was okay. I was upset because they didn’t consult with me. Michael did, but the directors didn’t. I was the closest one in the situation and still alive. Hollywood says I am difficult, but it’s really because I don’t tap dance to their music. 16. A documentary called “Crack in the System” just recently aired on television. What was it about? My life, how I grew up. How I got started off in the drug business and how prison was. 17. What do you regret about your life? Nothing! 18. How do you give back to your community? I am an active mentor within at-risk communities, and I am committed to underprivileged youths. I also have a literacy foundation called “Freeway Literacy”. 19. Who are you now? What would you tell those who are following your past footsteps now? I am a legal businessman. I am a movie producer. I am a voice for my people. A brother, uncle and a friend. To Righteous. I am teacher. Record producer. Philanthropist. I have a marketing business and a nightclub. I would tell those that are following

my old ways, that they are genius. If you can run a drug enterprise, you can do anything. Also I want them to read these books —Think and Grow Rich, As a Man Thinketh and The Richest Man in Babylon. Do not let anyone dictate your accomplishments to you. All limits are self-imposed. Be a thinker. Use your own mind. 20. What can we expect and look forward to from The Real Rick Ross? I am not finish yet. You can believe that. Sky is the limit. I don’t know how far I am going to go. But I am going.

Freeway Rick Ross: The Untold Autobiography can be purchased on Amazon. com/BlackandNoble.com. Follow Rick Ross on Twitter & Instagram @freewayricky.

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THE TRUMPET | MARCH/APRIL 2015

CITYWIDE NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING CALENDAR Algiers Point Association 1st Thursday of the month 7 p.m. Visit www.algierspoint.org for location. Algiers Presidents’ Council 4th Tuesday of the month 7 p.m. Woldenberg Village - 3701 Behrman Place www.anpcnola.org Broadmoor Improvement Association 3rd Monday of every other month 7 p.m. Andrew H. Wilson Charter School Cafeteria 3617 General Pershing Street www.broadmoorimprovement.com Bunny Friend Neighborhood Association 3rd Saturday of the month Mt. Carmel Baptist Church 3721 N. Claiborne Avenue bunnyfriendassoc@gmail.com Bywater Neighborhood Association 2nd Tuesday of the month 7 p.m. Holy Angels Cafeteria 3500 St. Claude Avenue www.bywaterneighbors.com Carrollton Riverbend Neighborhood Association 2nd Thursday of the month Central St. Matthew United Church of Christ 1333 S. Carrollton Avenue Carrollton United 2nd Monday of the month - 5 p.m. St. John Missionary Baptist Church Leonidas Avenue and Hickory Street www.healthyneworleans.org Central City Renaissance Alliance (CCRA) 3rd Tuesday of each month 6:00pm Mahalia Jackson Early Childhood & Family Learning Center 2405 Jackson Avenue www.myccra.org Chapel of the Holy Comforter 4th Thursday of the month 6:30 p.m. 2200 Lakeshore Drive

Claiborne-University Neighborhood Association Quarterly meetings (Date and time TBA) Jewish Community Center 5342 St. Charles Avenue Downtown Neighborhoods Improvement Association (DNIA) Last Tuesday of each month 7 p.m. Joan Mitchell Center 2275 Bayou Road DeSaix Neighborhood Association 2nd Saturday of the month 10 a.m. Langston Hughes Academy 3519 Trafalgar Street danadesaix.org East New Orleans Neighborhood Advisory Committee 2nd Tuesday of the month 6 p.m. St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church 7300 Crowder Boulevard www.enonac.org Edgewood Park Neighborhood Association 1st Saturday of the month 10 a.m. New Hope Community Church 3708 Gentilly Blvd. Faubourg Delachaise Neighborhood Association Quarterly meetings Visit http://fdna-nola.org for details. Faubourg St. John Neighborhood Association Board Meeting – 2nd Monday of the month 7 p.m. Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Cafeteria 1368 Moss Street http://www.fsjna.org Faubourg St. Roch Improvement Association 2nd Thursday of the month 6 p.m. True Vine Baptist Church 2008 Marigny Street

Holy Cross Neighborhood Association 2nd Thursday of the month 5:30 p.m. Center for Sustainability Greater Little Zion Missionary Baptist Church 5130 Chartres Street

Filmore Gardens Neighborhood Association 4th Thursday of the month (no meetings in November and December) 6:30 p.m. Project Home Again 5506 Wickfield Street Garden District Association Visit www.gardendistrictassociation.com for annual meeting information. Gentilly Civic Improvement Association (GCIA) 3rd Saturday of the month 6:30 p.m. Edgewater Baptist Church 5900 Paris Avenue www.facebook.com/gentillycivic

Irish Channel Neighborhood Association 2nd Thursday of the month 7 p.m. Irish Channel Christian Fellowship 819 First Street www.irishchannel.org Lake Bullard Home Owners Association Cornerstone United Methodist Church 5276 Bullard Avenue Visit lakebullard.org for meeting schedule Lake Catherine Civic Association 2nd Tuesday of the month 7 p.m. Email lakecatherineassociation@yahoo. com for location information

Gentilly Heights East Neighborhood Association 3rd Monday of the month 6 p.m. Dillard University, Dent Hall – Room 104

Lake Willow Neighborhood 2nd Saturday of the month 10 a.m. St. Maria Goretti Church

Gentilly Sugar Hill Neighborhood Association 3rd Monday of the month 6:30 p.m. Volunteers of America 2929 St. Anthony Avenue

Lower Ninth Ward Neighborhood Empowerment Network Association 2nd Saturday of the month 12 p.m. 1120 Lamanche Street www.9thwardnena.org

Gentilly Terrace and Gardens Improvement Association 2nd Wednesday of the month 7 p.m. Gentilly Terrace School 4720 Painters Street www.gentillyterrace.org Hoffman Triangle Neighborhood Association 2nd Tuesday of the month 5:30 p.m. Pleasant Zion Missionary Baptist Church 3327 Toledano Street hoffmantriangle.org Hollygrove Neighbors Association Quarterly on Saturdays 12 p.m. St. Peter AME Church 3424 Eagle Street Email hollygroveneighbors@yahoo.com for dates

Lower Ward Ninth Ward Stakeholders Coalition 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month 5:30 p.m. 1800 Deslonde Street Melia Subdivision 2nd Saturday of the month

5 p.m. Anchored in Christ Church 4334 Stemway

Mid-City Neighborhood Organization 2nd Monday of the month 6 p.m. – meet & greet 6:30 p.m. – neighborhood meeting Warren Easton High School 3019 Canal Street www.mcno.org

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THE TRUMPET | MARCH/APRIL 2015

Ask City Hall Milneburg Neighborhood Association 4th Thursday of the month 6:30 p.m. Chapel of the Holy Comforter 2200 Lakeshore Drive The New St. Claude Association of Neighbors 1st Thursday of the month 7 p.m. Pierre’s Hall 4138 St. Claude Avenue www.newstclaude.assocn.nscan.com New Zion City Preservation Association 1st Monday of the month 7 p.m. APEX Youth Center 4360 Washington Ave. Oak Park Civic Association 3rd Thursday of the month 6:30 p.m. Edgewater Baptist Church 5900 Paris Avenue www.facebook.com/OakParkNewOrleans Paris Oaks/Bayou Vista Neighborhood Association Last Saturday of the month 4 p.m. Third District Police Station 4650 Paris Avenue

Pensiontown of Carrollton Neighborhood Association 1st Saturday of the month 2 p.m. Leonidas House Community Center 1407 Leonidas Street Pilotland Neighborhood Association 3rd Saturday of the month 3 p.m. Pentecost Baptist Church Fellowship Hall 1510 Harrison Avenue Pontilly Association Pontilly Disaster Collaborative - 3rd Wednesday of the month General Meeting – 2nd Saturday of the month 3869 Gentilly Blvd., Suite C Rosedale Subdivision Last Friday of the month 5:30 p.m. Greater Bright Morning Star Baptist Church 4253 Dale Street Seventh Ward Neighborhood Association 3rd Saturday of the month 1 p.m. St. Augustine High School 2600 A.P. Tureaud Avenue seventhwardassoc@aol.com

Seabrook Neighborhood Association 2nd Monday on the month Gentilly Terrace School 4720 Painter Street Email seabrookassociation@yahoo.com for times Tall Timbers Owners Association 2nd Wednesday in April & October 7 p.m. Tunisburg Square Homeowners Civic Association, Inc. 2nd Monday of the month 6:30 p.m. Visit tunisburg.org for location information Village de L’Est Improvement Association 1st Tuesday of every other month 7 p.m. Einstein Charter School 5100 Cannes Street West Barrington Association 1st Tuesday of the month 6 p.m. Holiday Inn Express 7049 Bullard Avenue

Send your neighborhood meeting details to: info@npnnola.com

Neighborhoods Partnership Network 3321 Tulane Avenue New Orleans, LA 70119 504.940.2207 • FX 504.940.2208 thetrumpet@npnnola.com

THE TRUMPET | MARCH/APRIL 2015

District A Susan G. Guidry City Hall, Room 2W80 1300 Perdido Street New Orleans, LA 70112 Phone: (504) 658-1010 Fax: (504) 658-1016 Email: sgguidry@nola.gov District B LaToya Cantrell City Hall, Room 2W10 1300 Perdido Street New Orleans, LA 70112 Phone: (504) 658-1020 Fax: (504) 658-1025 lcantrell@nola.gov District C Nadine M. Ramsey City Hall, Room 2W70 1300 Perdido Street Phone: (504) 658-1030 Fax: (504) 658-1037 Email: nramsey@nola.gov District D Jared C. Brossett City Hall, Room 2W20 1300 Perdido Street Phone: (504) 658-1040 Fax: (504) 658-1048 E-mail: jcbrossett@nola.gov District E James Austin Gray II City Hall, Room 2W60 1300 Perdido Street New Orleans, LA 70112 Phone: (504) 658-1050 Fax: (504) 658-1058 Email: jagray@nola.gov Council Member-At-Large Stacy Head City Hall, Room 2W40 1300 Perdido Street Phone: (504) 658 -1060 Fax: (504) 658-1068 Email: shead@nola.gov Council Member-At-Large Jason Rogers Williams City Hall, Room 2W50 1300 Perdido Street New Orleans, LA 70112 Phone: (504) 658-1070 Fax: (504) 658-1077 Email:jarwilliams@nola.gov