July/August 2015 • Community Voices Orchestrating Change • Issue 9 Volume 4
Y E A R S k r o w t e N N P N e h t n i orhoods s b r h g e i e d N a e L rleans g O n i w e g N Emer lture of Cu e h t g n i at Celebr
Neighborhoods Partnership Network’s (NPN) mission is to improve our quality of life by engaging New Orleanians in neighborhood revitalization and civic process.
Letter From The Executive Director Photo: Kevin Griffin/2Kphoto
Timolynn Sams Sumter
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The Economic Exclusion of
MY Culture, MY Heritage and MY Neighborhood
ecently in the media there have been multiple conversations about culture, heritage, and the symbols that have dictated and dominated the progression of American society. Symbols such as the confederacy “battle” flag, (reappearing as the face of the newly founded racial segregationist party, the Dixiecrats for South Carolina politician Strom Thurmond) led to the massacring death of nine people in the historic “Mother Emmanuel” AME church, thereby resulting in the state of South Carolina removing it from the public square, leading other Southern municipalities to follow suit. Weeks prior to Spokane, Washington NAACP chapter president Rachel Dolezal monopolized every morning news show and social media thread with the ongoing questioning of racial identity. Even here at home New Orleans took its first legal step in the possible relocation of four Confederate monuments by calling for 60 days of public meetings. My answer to these dialogues of “who lives matter” and the removal or dismantling of confederate artifacts is --- “Great! Now what?” This is not to discount any activity and conversations that are to be had but where does addressing the problems of the twenty-first century requires going beyond business as usual. Racism is not a byproduct it is woven by historical events into the fabric of American culture. It is time to think boldly about what is required to deal with the systemic difficulties facing the United States. I believe it is time for us to examine the substance of U.S. slavery, Jim Crow, and capitalism but to also include a strong dose on economic inclusion Poverty, like racism is a complex phenomenon that varies with social and economic conditions of the community. Human poverty is deprivation in multiple dimensions, not just income and unemployment, but also lack of basic capabilities such as health and literacy, important factors in whether a person is included in or excluded from quality of GOOD life. Historically people of color have used their culture as both a politic of social survival and a tool for social change. Understanding cultural heritage and sharing a cultural community’s history helps motivate individuals to take agency and create change within their communities. Yet having generational wealth for families to live a life that has been enjoyed by so few is what’s going to have a greater and more impactful outcome to our American quilt. Understanding racism and poverty as social and economic exclusion, we begin to understand the need to address poverty through policies that foster inclusion and reduce inequalities in the determinants of health. Connected problems require joined-up solutions. This means tackling inequality which stems from poverty, poor housing, pollution, low educational standards, joblessness and low pay. Tackling inequalities generally is the best means of tackling health inequalities in particular. By creating comprehensive mental and physical health services and debt-free higher educational opportunities we can equalize and correct the wrongs of our history. We can’t rewrite history, but we can shape the culture going forward which results in neighborhoods and communities all being great places to live.
NEIGHBORHOODS PARTNERSHIP NETWORK
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 Ryan Albrigh Carolynn Carter Karen Chabert Catherine Flowers Alonzo Knox Wendy Laker Sylvia Scineaux-Richard Katherine Prevost 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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The Trumpet | July/August | 2015
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
N E T W O R K
Contents
4 My Public Transit Experience: A Cinderella Story 7 2015 Trumpet Awards Nominations Form 9 Across Cultures, Darker People Suffer Most, Why? 20 What’s in Your Neighborhood? Finding the Resources to Strengthen Our Neighborhoods 22 Samantha Beaulieu on: New Orleans’ Film and Television Industry
5 Everyone is Connected, What’s Your Degree?
NEIGHBORHOODS PARTNERSHIP NETWORK
get amped about membership
14 Get Amped About Membership
Airport Terminal. Aiming For 16 What Brought Me Back 23 New Employment Rates to Soar
The Trumpet Editorial Board Gabrielle Alicino NEWCITY Neighborhood Partnership David Baker Louisiana Weekly Eileen Carter The Good Life Christy Chapman Author Kelsey Foster Committee for A Better New Orleans Kevin Griffin 2K Photo NOLA & Graphics Rachel Heiligman Ride New Orleans
The Trumpet | July/August | 2015
Linedda McIver AARP Louisiana Michaela Moss guest editorial Obinna Oynendym guest editorial Valerie Robinson Old Algiers Main Street Corporation Julia Ramsey Orleans Public Education Network Eva Roodenrijs guest editiorial Gretchen Zalkind NOLA TimeBank
NEIGHBORHOODS PARTNERSHIP NETWORK
3321 Tulane Avenue New Orleans, LA 70119 504.940.2207 • FX 504.940.2208 thetrumpet@npnnola.com www.npnnola.com 3
My Public Transit Experience
A Cinderella Story By Pam Legge
Buffalo, NY in 2007. In Buffalo I enjoyed the fact that I could get around successfully without a car as opposed to some larger cities in the state, especially those in communities surrounding New York City, where having a car is a necessity. As time and circumstances resulted in my becoming a newly-transplanted New Orleans resident, I was happy to see that the buses were coming back, and excited about the prospect of Lakeview service returning. I used the Li’l Easy when it was there, and although I do miss the personal quality, regular buses did seem to be the better solution. The RTA has made adjustments including new service changes that began May 31st. The 45-Lakeview bus route that connects us to the rest of the city runs less frequently now, every 40 minutes as opposed to 30 minutes, but has eased us running or rushing around to catch our connecting routes on the street car, the Jefferson Transit line, or the 91-Jackson/Esplanade. The schedule works well getting to and from work, but if I decide to do anything after work during the week or volunteer on the weekends, I run the risk of my 45-Lakeview turning into a pumpkin as the bell strikes 8PM--or on Sundays the witching hour is 6:40! Volunteering at festivals and other events gives me an opportunity to contribute to the culture of New Orleans that makes where we live so special. Yet I feel like I’m missing out on Prince Charming because I don’t have the ability to connect where I live to where the magic is. Public transportation can support more than our cultural economy. A quality transportation system can bolster the economy for the city and region, enhance personal opportunity and mobility, and reduce congestion and our carbon emissions. To make matters worse, the RTA Board has under its consideration a complete system overhaul that would alter many routes and eliminate others, including my only link to the city, the 45-Lakeview. For these and many other reasons, I have joined the “Coalition for Quality Transit” supported by RIDE New Orleans. We are a group of transit riders, community partners and leaders working together on grassroots advocacy campaigns in order to improve transportation services. No bus should be a pumpkin, no one should be left behind and quality transit does not have to be a fairy tale.
We are a group of transit riders, community partners and leaders working together on grassroots advocacy campaigns in order to improve transportation services.
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ne of the things I love doing in New Orleans, and a way to get to do things without incurring a lot of cash expenditure, is to volunteer at festivals. I enjoy a good relationship with the JazzFest, French Quarter Fest, Bayou Boogaloo, Essence, and any other event I’m lucky enough to be considered for. New Orleans is a magical place and having these opportunities helps me connect with the cultural fabric and history of the city and allows me to contribute to its ongoing spirit—its culture, music, food, history, architecture, people, etc. Yet physically connecting to these events is a challenge because of the limitations of public transportation. Accessing the magic of New Orleans culture makes me feel like Cinderella-desperately dashing from the ball to catch my ride home, hoping not to be left behind. You see, I do not own a car and, even if I could afford one, I made the decision once upon a time that my money would best be spent on public transportation. I fell in love with my neighborhood of Lakeview volunteering here several times after Hurricane Katrina. It has been my home since moving here from
Pam Legge is a Case Specialist with the Code Enforcement Department and has been an employee of the City of New Orleans since September 2009. She was recently appointed to the RTA’s Riders Advisory Committee. She is a volunteer with The Coalition for Quality Transit supported by RIDE New Orleans.
If you’d like to join the Coalition for Quality Transit or just share your experiences and/or vision for public transportation contact Matthew Hendrickson, RIDE’s Advocacy Program Coordinator, at matt@rideneworleans.org or 504-249-8419. 4
The Trumpet | July/August | 2015
Everyone is Connected, What’s Your Degree?
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ew Orleans is a fascinating city - perverse, complex, sometimes maddening, and sometimes startlingly beautiful, but always full of culture. There is one degree of separation between New Orleans, her neighborhoods, and the people who call them home. Our culture can be seen on front porches, hosting seafood boils, and on roaming block parties we call second lines. Now you can get connected to Timolynn Sams, the executive director of NPN, as we explore our degree of separation. She has joined the WBOK 1230 AM Good Morning Show team as their new cohost. The Good Morning Show is a political commentary, news and views of the day, and an open forum for community issues and discussion.
At the WBOK studio with (from left to right) mayor Mitch Landrieu, Timolynn “One Degree” Sams, Deputy Mayor of Citywide Initiatives Judy Reese Morse, Oliver “OT” Thomas, Algiers welcome table member and NPN board member Carolyn Carter, and Central city Welcome table member Sam Eattan.
Join Timolynn “One Degree” Sams, Oliver “OT” Thomas, and their guests Monday through Fridays from 7:00am – 9:00am on WBOK 1230AM as they critically analyze pressing news topics.
Seniors: Stay at Home
W
e help elderly and disabled individuals stay out of nursing homes in New Orleans with the Shared Housing of New Orleans program. Ours is a preventative program that allows elderly and/or disabled individuals to remain in their homes who would like to, and who do not need to be in nursing homes. We do this by matching a Homeowner with a Homeseeker. The Homeseeker provides light housekeeping and companionship. The Homeowner, in return, provides room and board. We take self-referrals or referrals from others.
SHARED HOUSING OF NEW ORLEANS
Matching Homeowners with Homeseekers
(504) 896-2575 All Services are FREE The Trumpet | July/August | 2015
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Teacher Quality
Cultivating Effective Teachers By Hazel S. Parker, PhD
One of the largest systemic changes in New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina surrounds education. The quality of a teacher is critical when decision-makers, school leaders, policy-makers, administrators, and parents think about education. Well-prepared, competent teachers allow a school and its students to thrive.
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am a founding school leader at a new, independent charter school. Cypress Academy is opening its doors for the first time on August 12th to serve kindergarten and first grade students. Like other high-quality schools, Cypress will be a safe place where children play, learn, develop social and emotional skills, and begin the process of developing critical thinking skills. Cypress Academy views the quality of a teacher as one of the greatest assets and direct links to school success for students. We have teachers who are caring, have strong content knowledge, and high expectations of students. We value the quality of teachers so much that Cypress applied and received a Believe and Prepare grant from the Louisiana Department of Education (DOE). The grant was created to improve teacher preparation programs throughout the state and to connect teacher preparation providers and schools so new teachers have a smooth transition into the classroom after graduation/certification. Cypress Academy’s partner is Vanderbilt University, one of the best institutions in the country to prepare teacher educators and leaders. Our Head of School received his
PhD from Vanderbilt. The pedagogy taught at Vanderbilt aligns with Cypress’ philosophy of teaching and learning. The goal is to work with the College of Education to fulfill the mission of the DOE grant which is to share promising practices, create program design with the expectations and needs of schools, improve mentoring of new teachers, and develop preparation program coursework with the expectations and skills needed in schools. Vanderbilt professors will provide expertise to Cypress and Vanderbilt teacher candidates and interns will have an opportunity to work with students in New Orleans and interact with existing Cypress teachers. This collaborative relationship improves the quality of teachers in New Orleans and the overall teacher preparation process. As we ‘look back’ and reflect on the state of education in New Orleans, lets ‘look forward’ and continue to innovatively improve our educational practices in the city. Progress and success is possible by working collaboratively, at all levels. People seriously committed to education seek to improve the field for the well-being of children who come to school wanting and expecting teachers who genuinely care, and are prepared to successfully teach ALL.
We value the quality of teachers so much that Cypress applied and received a Believe and Prepare grant from the Louisiana Department of Education (DOE).
Advertise In
T
The
rumpet
The Trumpet is New Orleans’ only community newspaper written by neighborhood residents for neighborhoods about New Orleans neighborhoods.
Email thetrumpet@npnnola to advertise. 6
The Trumpet | July/August | 2015
2015 Trumpet Awards Nomination Form & Categories
It’s that time again! For its eighth year, the Neighborhoods Partnership Network (NPN) is hosting its annual Trumpet Awards. Nominate your picks for the city’s most dedicated and effective community organizers and leaders in 2015. The Trumpet Awards annually honor individuals, elected officials, businesses and groups who share NPN’s vision of making every New Orleans neighborhood a great place to live. Nominations are due by Wednesday, September 30th. Winners will be announced at the 2015 Trumpet Release Party and Awards Ceremony on Friday, November 7th. Your name: Your nominee’s email address: Your email address: Your nominee’s phone number: Your phone number: Is your nominee a member of NPN? (YES) (NO)
CATEGORIES Best Neighborhood-based Initiative Addressing a City-Wide Public Policy Issue - Recognizes the best
initiative addressing, at the neighborhood level, one or more of the following city-wide public policy issues: • Health & Wellness • Public Education • Arts & Culture • Economic Vitality
• Homelessness • Veterans Affairs • Environment
Elected Official Neighborhood Hero - Awarded to the elected official (city, state or federal) who is involved and responsive to neighborhood-based groups in his or her district Good Neighbor to Neighborhoods Award Recognizes the best example of collaboration between two or more entities (government and neighborhood association, business and nonprofit, one neighborhood with another, etc.) to improve a neighborhood’s (or neighborhoods’) quality of life Neighborhood Phoenix Award - Recognizes
the neighborhood that has undergone the greatest transformation in the past year, rising from the ashes to renew itself
Are you (or your neighborhood/non-profit organization) a member of NPN? (YES) (NO)
Best Education Advocate - Honors an individual or group who exemplify what it means to advocate for children in our public schools
Award you are nominating for:
Best Neighborhood School - Honors the public school
Why are you nominating this person/organization/project?
which has set the bar high for serving the neighborhood it calls home
Best Neighborhood Make-Over - Recognizes the best initiative to bring more beauty to a neighborhood, remediate blight, and/or address environmental concerns Most Outstanding Youth Group - Recognizes the youth group who works to reform the public school system and advocate for themselves Best Faith-Based Community Initiative - Honors a faith-based organization taking an active role in its neighborhood to improve the quality of life for all residents What city council district is your nominee in? What is/are the neighborhood/s your nominee serves?
The Trumpet | July/August | 2015
Model Citizen Award - Recognizes an individual
volunteer working so hard and so tirelessly to improve our quality of life that he or she becomes an example of what is possible for our community
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Algiers Technology Academy (ATA)
Preparing Students for the Multimedia Industry
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lgiers Technology Academy (ATA) is an open enrollment, public charter school located on the Westbank of New Orleans, Louisiana. ATA opened its doors in 2007 with a vision of preparing students for success in college, career, and beyond by providing skills that will make students marketable in today’s technological savvy society. ATA continues to offer traditional coursework incorporating unique technology-based courses to students in grades 9-12 and has progressively offered Graphic Arts courses to include skills in Graphic Design, Video Production, and Audio Engineering.
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One of the major highlights of ATA is that students are able to obtain industry-based certifications. Students take Graphic Arts courses, which teach students how to use industry-based software under the Adobe Creative Suite such as Photoshop for print design and After Effects for motion graphics. Students are also given the option to take Video Editing classes that teach students how to use software such as Premiere Pro or Apple’s Final Cut Pro. Upon completion of the courses, students are eligible to take certification exams to become certified in particular software. ATA is dedicated to providing students with the knowledge and skills to prepare them for working in the multimedia industry or continuing their learning at the collegiate level!
The Trumpet | July/August | 2015
How the Smoke Free NOLA Campaign Has Impacted the Cultural Economy By Michaela Moss
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n April 22, New Orleans became a smoke free city, joining 700 other American cities in an attempt to protect the health of their citizens. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, tobacco usage is the leading preventable cause of death in the US. Tobacco has a crippling effect on every organ in the human body, and second hand smoke alone exposes the human body to 69 cancer-causing chemicals. Therefore, this ordinance was born out of a desire to preserve the health of those who work and play in environments filled with second hand smoke. Since this smoke free ordinance took affect there have only been 21 reported violations. This highlights the ease at which the city has adopted this new policy. The management at the Spotted Cat has already noticed the city policy has helped to improve the health of their bartenders and musicians. While it is still too early to see the full impact this ordinance will have on reducing rates of tobacco-related diseases in New Orleans, the staff at the Spotted Cat have experienced less congestion, fewer allergies, and are better able to preform –
which is essential for vocalists and musicians alike. While some bars and casinos within the French Quarter have argued that this new ordinance will decrease their revenue, many bars in surrounding neighborhoods have not felt a single negative impact caused by the ordinance. According to Spotted Cat manager Cheryl Abaña-Emmer, “as far as revenue is concerned, [I] have not seen any changes that are directly correlated to the new ordinance.” Similarly, dmac’s, a local Mid City bar, has been positively impacted by the smoke free ordinance. General manager Dave Bean said that while they lost some smoking regulars, they have gained a local non-smoking crowd, resulting in an increase in revenue. While the health of non-smoking employees has improved, the desire of smoking employees to smoke has reduced as well. Bean has observed, “that by working in a smoke-free environment employees who choose to smoke are lighting fewer cigarettes both on and off the job.” The variety of health benefits will continue to be revealed as this ordinance remains in effect; however, these benefits are not limited to the health of those who work in the cultural economy and will continue to extend to other aspects of the cultural economy as well.
While the health of non-smoking employees has improved, the desire of smoking employees to smoke has reduced as well.
Across Cultures, Darker People Suffer Most, Why? By Obinna V. Onyenedum
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began to read James Baldwin the year I transferred from a San Diego community college up north to the University of California, Berkeley. The son of two Nigerian immigrants and the youngest of three boys my parent’s main focus was to see me fly through high school and graduate from college. Racial awareness, so it seems, now, looking back, was temporarily shelved for my sake, so that I could grow up thinking my skin color didn’t dictate my worth. They wanted me to believe that this world was fair to the degree of each person’s effort. Reading Baldwin changed that. One doesn’t need a PhD, only a relative consciousness, to know, as Andre 3000 has shown, “Across Cultures, Darker People Suffer Most…” From Oakland, CA to Brooklyn, NY those who have money are pushing generations out of historically black neighborhoods. On the continent of Africa, as well as other places throughout the Caribbean, indigenous people are being forcibly removed from their ancestral lands. Even more sadly, the same government that should be protecting our rights is the one holding the auction and providing the incentives. During
the more recent televised examples of hyper fatal police encounters with Black people – pausing a moment for those of us that never make it to the newsreel – I yearned to know where in this world was safe? Where do Black Lives Matter Most? My questioning led me to New Orleans, a nationally known Black city with 60% of the population – pausing one more time for the thousands who couldn’t return after Katrina – and an abundance of cultural history. And here I was confronted with a question, what makes a city ‘Black’? Population? Culture? Economics? Or Politics? And if those are the guidelines then there doesn’t seem to be a single ‘Black’ city in the United States, even Atlanta falls short if we think about an equal distribution of power and resources. My question of concern is: Who are the Drivers and Sustainers of the Black Economy? And the answer; a dynamic set of leaders. It requires the combined strength of the Church, the Schools, the Youth, and of course, the Elders. Black people have always been community oriented, and I believe, now more so than ever, we need to look inward, recycle our dollars, donate to high schools and HBCUs, and a conscious critique of our communities and ourselves. All in the name of love. Sankofa.
“To be a Negro in this country, and to be relatively conscious, is to be in a rage almost all the time” —James A. Baldwin
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Participants from the St. Roch circle discuss their experiences before and during with the WTNO.
The Welcome Table New Orleans
Race–Reconciliation– Community
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little more than a year ago residents from across the city volunteered to join the inaugural Welcome Table New Orleans (WTNO), a Mayor’s Office initiative that focuses on race, reconciliation and community building. The WTNO, which is funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and led by the Deputy Mayor for Citywide Initiatives Judy Reese Morse, brings together people of different ethnicities and backgrounds to work collectively on projects that will make New Orleans better and stronger. Since May 2014, residents have been participating in the WTNO neighborhood circles in Algiers, Central City and St. Roch. The residents take part in a facilitated process of circle discussions, relationship building and action. These circle discussions take place in safe, civil and secure spaces.
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The WTNO participants, mostly strangers to one another a year ago, have shared a variety of experiences including exchanging personal histories and perspectives and discussing events that have caught the nation’s attention. They have also attended workshops and weekend retreats. Their efforts have helped them to not only explore their own thoughts and feelings on race, but also to call attention to the need for racial reconciliation in our city and country. “To reconcile means to take two opposing things and bring them together for some harmony, and those two opposing things really lie within us,” said Carol Carter, an Algiers circle participant. “I realize that through this process, I was standing in my anger and frustration and that I wasn’t being effective or fair to myself and my community in the state that I was trying to deal with some of these things.”
The Trumpet | July/August | 2015
Now Carol and the other trailblazers of this initiative are developing reconciliation projects that they hope will inform, educate and engage the people of New Orleans. “I applaud the Welcome Table New Orleans participants for their courage to share and listen, for their open minds and open hearts,” said Mayor Landrieu. “We can all agree – it’s not easy for anyone to discuss race – and their willingness to do so demonstrates the new way in New Orleans. “ Last month, Mayor Landrieu, along with participants and leaders from the Kellogg Foundation, the William Winter Institute and the Urban League of Greater New Orleans, hosted an event to celebrate the culmination of the initiative’s first year. The event was an opportunity for participants to highlight their racial reconciliation projects and commitment to the process. In addition to the three neighborhood circles above, the WTNO has a circle for Mothers who have suffered loss due to gun violence, and Civic Leaders. This summer, the WTNO Youth Circle will be launched.
Algiers Circle Reconciliation Project Summary
and place historical markers that recognize and include the contributions made to the city of New Orleans by community leaders who were role models in building bridges across racial lines, as well as sites that divided the city. The circle will engage the New Orleans community through public participation (circles) to inform about the intent of placement and to solicit design ideas and support from youth. Finally, the Central City circle will identify and/or develop programs and curriculums about the markers that educate residents, students and tour guides about these people/places/events.
The St. Roch circle envisions New Orleans as a model city for racial reconciliation, where all neighbors courageously help and encourage one another.
This 12-month project is designed to guide high school aged Algiers youth to explore the racial and multi-ethnic fabric of Algiers history through interviews and conversations with elder residents and historians. A multi-racial group of 24 students will be trained by experienced researchers and artists to use their analytical abilities and creative talents to conduct and archive the interviews; to interpret the information acquired; and, to depict their newfound knowledge via a public art installation in Algiers which will be revealed to the public in May, 2016.
Central City Reconciliation Project Summary This project is an initiative designed by the Central City Circle to recognize, honor, and educate. The circle will work with partners to design
St. Roch Reconciliation Project Summary
The St. Roch circle envisions New Orleans as a model city for racial reconciliation, where all neighbors courageously help and encourage one another. The circle seeks to engage New Orleanians in dialogue that acknowledges the historic roots of racism and oppression, examines the current impact of racism on our city, and builds pathways forward towards racial reconciliation. Throughout a year-long pilot project the circle will focus our collective efforts on the St. Roch community. The St. Roch Circle will identify historically significant places throughout St. Roch to host four (4) intimate conversations and Story Circles that provide residents multiple opportunities to share and learn from one another. Through these dialogues we hope to build a better understanding of the issues and concerns that are most pertinent in the lives of St. Roch residents. The circle will build from the local culture to identify creative ways of sharing and dispersing these stories throughout St. Roch and the entire city, like Conflict Theatres. The project will utilize social media as a tool to raise awareness of the project, to spark conversations about racial reconciliation across the city, and invite people to join the dialogue and attend a culminating event in June of 2016
To learn more about Welcome Table or to get involved, residents are encouraged to visit http://welcometableneworleans.org/
You’ll feel like you’re talking to VIRTUALLY every neighbor in New Orleans ... and beyond. The new NPNnola.com The Trumpet | July/August | 2015
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Get Amped U
Quarterly membership meeting Get Amped is NPN quarterly member event that allows us to engage, form, and activate out NPN network. This month we held a farm to fork brunch at the Hollygrove Market and Farm. We want to thank Hollygrove Market and Farm, DivaTenders, and Chef Netters for making our meeting great. It was a beautiful day for a brunch in the garden.
get amped about membership Timolynn Sams, executive director of the Neighborhood Partnership Network, gave an inspiring speech on the variety of ways in which NPN advances member organizations. She empowered member organizations to get more involved in the community “When you are with NPN you are constantly expanding, constantly on the rise�. Sams highlighted the variety of resources NPN offers to strengthen the member organizations.
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Kevin Wilkins, an associate professor at Tulane, gave our members an informative marketing presentation that detailed how easy it is to engage a target community and provided us with the necessary tools to do so. He emphasized how marketing is so much more than social media and inspired us to expand the tools used to market our members.
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These presentations, which help our member organizations to examine the magnitude of the impact they are having on their communities, is only one of the many benefits that is included in the NPN membership. An NPN membership creates the space for continual dialogue and the possibility to continually strengthen our organizations.
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Members of NPN are invited to quarterly membership meetings to create dialogue with other community partners. These spaces also enable our membership to learn from the experiences of other organizations. They are given access to resources to assist in the grant application process, given a free subscription to The Trumpet, and provided with multiple platforms to highlight the impact their organization is having on the community. Our members have the ability to publish articles in The Trumpet and be featured on WBOK’s radio show The Good Life with Eileen Carter. How can you and your organization get involved? Apply to become a member!
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What Brought Me Back By Aaron Frumin
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first came to New Orleans as a 21-year old college dropout responding to Hurricane Katrina with the Red Cross. Since then, I’ve lived in just about every kind of dwelling imaginable from La Place to St. Bernard; built about 100 homes in almost all the neighborhoods in between; and, worked with I-don’t-know-how-many volunteers from too many places to count. I left New Orleans in 2011 to join Teach for America in Colorado, and have spent the last year getting reacquainted with the city. In Colorado, people own rock-climbing gear, everyone drives a Subaru, and they hang out in back yards. In New Orleans, people gather in the street and the party’s is on the front porch. It was a small thing that really stuck out while I was away. So, when Coloradans asked where I was from, I always felt compelled to reply “California…by way of New Orleans.” I needed them to know that this place - and all the things about it - had become part of my identity. I never knew the Pre-Katrina New Orleans. When I got here, the water had just receded, and military police stalked every corner of the French Quarter. The bars on Frenchmen rarely charged a cover, and there definitely wasn’t a Dat Dog looming over them all. Even though there wasn’t much music in the streets, you could tell that it had been there and would be back once the piles of sheetrock were cleared away. It’s been a funny thing to be back. In the years after Katrina, progress was measured in symbolic victories like a successful Mardi Gras, the Saints winning the Superbowl or an uneventful hurricane season. Now, 10 years later, progress is measured in the way we discuss new and old industries, bringing thousands of well-paying jobs; education reform, leading to the academic growth we need to close the achievement gap; and the kind of
social progress that you won’t find anywhere else in the South. What I’m learning is that the 10 years since Katrina have been about more than just rebuilding or building new things. It’s been about embracing community and recognizing our values – figuring out what to preserve and how to share it with others. And, I think, it’s that spirit of hospitality, giving and pride – more than jazz music or a crawfish boil – that draws so many people here and has made New Orleans part of their identity, too. Aaron Frumin Aaron Frumin is the Founder and Executive Director of unCommon Construction, a nonprofit that uses the construction process to highlight learning opportunities and empower youth. Since Katrina, he’s been a Red Cross volunteer, AmeriCorps NCCC member, Habitat for Humanity House Leader and Teach for America Corps member, but is most proud of the fact that he has not paid for a haircut in nearly 10 years.
“The Good Life”
Embrace Love & Forgiveness By Eileen Carter
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verybody wants that thing called “The Good Life.” If you asked a numerous people that very question, “What is “The Good Life?” chances are you would get a hundred different answers. But even in the variety of answers, you would find several common areas that are important to almost everybody. So, while our definitions may vary, there are many things that we all consider necessary for “The Good Life.” The truth is that more “stuff” can actually diminish the quality of our Eileen Carter life. Interestingly, there is a growing awareness of the benefits of keeping things simple. Many people have figured out that The Good Life is often a less complicated life; one that embraces love and forgiveness. We saw the ultimate display of love and forgiveness through the families of the Charleston shooting victims. They showed our nation what it means to be a Christian. Not by words but through faith. They spoke words of love and forgiveness days after their loved ones were violently ambushed in their own church in their own bible study class; they turned the other cheek. With their words, they changed the tide of hate and ignorance in our country.
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How are we called to do this in our daily lives? Each day I walk up the stairs at WBOK, put on those headphones and I want to open one person’s mind to living differently in the world. That is “The Good Life” to me. I want to offer a positive outlook on life; an attitude of gratitude. With so much negativity thrown at us daily, its nice to have an hour everyday to simply be reminded of our blessings. To take a moment and not be judgmental of our neighbor when we live in a glass house, to listen to a different point of view, to be tolerant. Forgiveness of self, love of self, those are the first steps. Forgive yourself for that bad relationship. Forgive yourself for mishandling your finances. Forgive yourself for not finishing your education. Forgive yourself for falling off your wellness routine. Forgive yourself for decisions you made as a parent. Forgive yourself for your past. When we love ourselves and forgive ourselves for mistakes of our past, that’s The Good Life. Have the courage to forgive, walk through the pain of imperfection to a wholehearted journey of love. We impact our cultural economy by being a contributing member of society. We become more productive citizens when we look to achieve a better life for all. Yet we must first, look in the mirror and begin there.
Tune into The Good Life on WBOK 1230AM weekdays at 9am and rebroadcast at 11pm The Trumpet | July/August | 2015
Legal Education for NOLA Youth By Eva Rodenjis
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he first day of my summer internship with NPN began with watching a viral video of a police officer pulling a gun on a group of young, mostly African American teenagers in McKinney, Texas. Watching this video, I realized my proximity in age to this group and I considered what I would do if a police officer confronted my friends and me in a similar way. I realized quite quickly that I would have no idea how to handle a situation of that nature, but also that in today’s biased society, as a white, blonde, middle-class female I would not likely encounter situations in which I would require those sorts of skills. My goal in coming to New Orleans was to learn about all things education, and this video left me wondering if and how schools in Orleans Parish were preparing its 85% African American public school population to deal with encounters like the one in McKinney. As of 2001, one in six black men had been incarcerated, and according to Michelle Alexander in The New Jim Crow, if current incarceration trends in the U.S. continue “one in three young African American men will serve time in prison.” Moreover, Louisiana as a state not only leads the U.S. in incarceration rates, but also (if it were its own country), the world. Considering these facts, New Orleans youth could likely benefit from some sort of civic or legal education in order to begin pushing back against these harsh realities. Delving more deeply into this topic, I researched what, if any, sorts of legal education programs existed for New Orleans youth. Looking back at my own high school experiences in this realm when beginning my research, I realized that no program taught me more about the law, prepared me better to be a poised, confident, and engaging public speaker, or taught me more critical thinking skills than Mock Trial. In my research however, I found that only three schools in New Orleans have Mock Trial teams – Jesuit High School, McGehee School, and Benjamin
The Trumpet | July/August | 2015
Franklin High School – whose demographics are 86%, 83%, and 45% white, respectively, in a city whose youth demographics are roughly 75% African American. The lack of Mock Trial teams in the city of course cannot begin to give an accurate or complete picture of what civic or legal leadership training stands available to the young New Orleans community. However, this small illustration does bring up a larger question of who in our current society has the greatest access to avenues of self-improvement or empowerment? Taking this small example into consideration, the group in New Orleans who will not likely be confronted with situations to use this type of legal or leadership training (people like me) are the ones that are receiving it (at least in the realm of this particular program). Considering the model of NPN that aims, “to play a significant role in building the capacity of residents to stay involved and engaged,” how can we begin to think about building both the capacity and awareness of the young people within our communities who need it most, so that they are able to courageously, competently, and critically engage with a fundamentally biased system? That is the question that I am left with after this small exploration, and the one I aim to at least begin to answer in my remaining time here in New Orleans. Based on my own experience, I believe that the skills legal education programs like Mock Trial instill – responsibility, a sense of self-value, and the ability to critically evaluate situations – would be especially beneficial to the young people in New Orleans considering the facts previously mentioned. Having spent nearly a month here, and engaging almost exclusively with concerned, compassionate, and highly resilient people however, I have no doubts that the New Orleans community has the ability to fiercely respond to this issue and many others like it.
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Orleans Public Education Network Announces
Enduring Impact and Distinguished Product of New Orleans Schools Awards 2015 Organization will celebrate Jay Altman and Anthony Recasner, co-founders of FirstLine Schools, and local entrepreneur Calvin Mackie By Julia Ramsey, Orleans Public Education Network
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n November 14, 2015, New Orleans unifies to pay tribute to the best and brightest working to support our youth.The OPEN Public Education Awards (OPEAs) commemorate educators, schools and community organizations who have achieved data-backed success in improving outcomes for the students of New Orleans. Together, the education, business, and civic communities will stand as one to honor the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to a bright future in our school system. Orleans Public Education Network is proud to announce the honorees of its two premier awards: the Enduring Impact Award and Distinguished Product of New Orleans Public Schools. The Enduring Impact Award recognizes educators whose skill, practice and advocacy have had a resounding influence on their students and on the education landscape as a whole. They are shining examples of the millions of educators who work in America’s public schools. The award targets veteran professionals for their already-impressive achievements — and even more importantly, for the promise of what they will accomplish in the future. This award is open to public nomination, allowing students, parents, colleagues and members of the public to show their appreciation for the inspirational role models across the system. Dr. Anthony “Tony” Recasner and Mr. Jay Altman are the architects of arguably the first community-based charter school in New Orleans, born out of parents’ desire to have expanded middle school options. The two originally opened James Lewis Extension School as a direct run school in 1992, and would eventually charter New Orleans Charter Middle School, Samuel L. Green Charter School, and several others under the FirstLine leadership. Their work through Summerbridge, Lewis Extension and more has affected hundreds of students, families and educators.
Orleans Outreach, New Orleans Summerbridge, and Leading Educators. As director of education for London-based ARK schools from 2005 to 2008, Jay helped develop a British network of academies, charter-like schools in complex urban environments. He also was instrumental in establishing two training programs there – Future Leaders for aspiring principals of open-admission schools, and Teaching Leaders for mid-level school leadership.
Dr. Anthony “Tony” Recasner Co-Founder, FirstLine Schools CEO, Agenda For Children A native of New Orleans, Dr. Anthony “Tony” Recasner took over the helm of Agenda for Children in January 2011 after almost twenty years of working to reform public education in New Orleans. Tony is co-founder of FirstLine Schools, a charter school management organization which opened the city’s first charter school (New Orleans Charter Middle School) and now operates five charter schools. Tony’s work has consistently demonstrated how to educate disadvantaged children by challenging and engaging them academically, while effectively addressing their social and emotional needs. In January 2009 at President George W. Bush’s farewell address to the nation, Tony was recognized by the President for his work and for serving as an example of heroism for all Americans. Tony serves on the board of the Greater New Orleans Foundation, Louisiana Children’s Medical Center, the Louisiana Children’s Cabinet Advisory Board, Bureau of Governmental Research, St. Andrew’s Episcopal School. He also serves on the Advisory Board of the Louisiana Outdoor Outreach Dr. Anthony “Tony” Recasner Program (LOOP). Tony has a Master’s and Doctorate in School Psychology from Tulane University and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Loyola University New Orleans. The Distinguished Product of New Orleans Public Schools honors a graduate of the New Orleans public school system who has demonstrated leadership, personal and professional achievement, and a profound dedication to the city. Distinguished Products can come from the civic, business, or education sectors. As with the Enduring Impact Award, this individual is openly nominated by members of the public.
The Enduring Impact Award recognizes educators whose skill, practice and advocacy have had a resounding influence on their students and on the education landscape as a whole.
Jay Altman Co-Founder and CEO, FirstLine Schools
Jay Altman
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Since 1990, Jay has partnered with like-minded parents and educators to provide quality educational opportunities for students in New Orleans open-admission public schools. He taught in the city for several years before co-founding New Orleans Charter Middle School. He was also a founder of James Lewis Extension School, New
The Trumpet | July/August | 2015
Dr. Calvin Mackie President, Golden Leaf Energy (GLE) President and CEO, Channel ZerO Group LLC Dr. Calvin Mackie is an award winning mentor, an inventor, an author, a former engineering professor, an internationally renowned speaker, and a successful entrepreneur. His message as a mentor, author, speaker, and entrepreneur continues Dr. Calvin Mackie to transcend race, gender, ethnicity, religion, and time. A lifelong resident of New Orleans, Dr. Mackie graduated from McDonogh #35 high school in 1985 with honors before completing his degree in Mathematics at Morehouse in 1990, graduating Magna Cum Laude and a member of the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa National Honor Society. He was simultaneously awarded a
Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech, where he subsequently earned his Master’s and Ph.D in Mechanical Engineering in 1996. Mackie is currently a partner and Senior Vice-President of Golden Leaf Energy (GLE), an innovative, renewable energy company. He also continues in his role as President and CEO of the Channel ZerO Group LLC, an educational and professional development consulting company he co-founded in 1992. Through his travels and online mentoring presence, Dr. Mackie reaches millions of students and professionals annually. Over the past 5 years, Dr. Mackie and his LIFE (Living Intelligently For Ever) Mentoring program has engaged, mentored and trained over 500 African-American males in New Orleans public schools. Most recently, Dr. Mackie founded STEM NOLA is a non-profit organization founded to expose, inspire and engage communities about the opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Since December 2013, STEM NOLA has engaged over 2500 K-12 New Orleans students in hands-on project based activities. “OPEN is absolutely thrilled to honor Dr. Mackie, Mr. Altman and Dr. Recasner at this year’s Public Education Awards,” said Deirdre Johnson Burel, OPEN’s Executive Director. “Each of them are truly innovators in their own right. They have identified a need and built a path forward where one hadn’t existed. They are each pioneers and we look forward to showcasing their accomplishments and celebrating their impact.”
July 23, 2015 • 6:00 – 8.00 PM Dillard University • Georges’ Auditorium
RSVP Today: bit.ly/parentsperspectivenola Child care available with pre-event RSVP
The Trumpet | July/August | 2015
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What’s in Your Neighborhood?
Finding the Resources to Strengthen Our Network By Michaela Moss
New Orleans has a diverse network of neighborhoods. Walking through the city it is easy to see how racial dynamics and income distribution influence each neighborhood. However, there are many additional factors that impact the quality of life in all 73 neighborhoods that are impacted by money, class, and race. A great neighborhood encompasses affordable and safe housing, good transportation, and access to health clinics. This snapshot detailing the current state of select neighborhoods and a comprehensive list of resources to improve those neighborhoods that lack the necessary conditions to create a vibrant community.
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The Trumpet | July/August | 2015
Michaela Moss is a third year at UC Berkeley; she is studying Public Health and Psychology.
To get the full report, with all 73 neighborhoods, visit NPN at npnnola.com or find us on Facebook at Neighborhoods Partnership Network. The Trumpet | July/August | 2015
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Samantha Beaulieu on
New Orleans’ Film and Television Industry hurt us. The film industry provided 33,000 jobs in Louisiana last year. Food services, production crews ... I am really, really disappointed, It’s a sad day for the film industry in Louisiana.
T: What do you think will happen with the new limits on those tax incentives? SB: I want to look at the bright side. Maybe it will be easier for smaller productions — but it’s those bigger productions like Jurassic World, Planet of the Apes, Django Unchained, The Butler, where you get three, four, five months of work at a time. The smaller productions don’t have the budget to hire as many people even though I love doing them. The film I am working on now is an independent production. The script is really good but there isn’t the budget.
T: What advice do you have for someone who wants to have a career in the film industry?
Samantha Beaulieu
SB: Just do it! There are tons of acting classes and workshops in town. Read the paper. Look online. Register with Central Casting. Central Casting is in New York and Los Angeles and now in New Orleans — this is huge. For someone who has no experience it is a good way to start and get onset experience as an extra.
The TRUMPET sat down with actor, writer, producer, T: Have you heard any reaction from Central and radio host, Samantha Beaulieu to talk about her Casting about the reduced incentives? SB: I interviewed the Director (of Central Casting, New Orleans) last experience working in the cultural economy and her August when they came to New Orleans. The decision to open in New outlook for New Orleans’ film and television industry. Orleans was years in the making. They looked at Atlanta, Chicago, other T: Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself? SB: I am born and raised in New Orleans. Grew up in New Orleans East and went to Cabrini High School. I was already acting back in High School. After college I moved to Los Angeles to pursue my acting. I was fortunate to land a leading role in a short called “Her Father’s Daughter” and in 2006, I caught another break when I was cast in a principal role in “Big Momma’s House 2”, working with Martin Lawrence. I was working in Los Angeles for five years. I came back in 2007. The films were coming here. When I left Los Angeles I had 4 credits and now, since I have been back home, I have 24 credits on my imdb.com page. I have been able to enjoy the abundance of productions that are shooting here. It has been a dream come true to be able to pursue my dream, do what I love and do it at home surrounded by my family and friends. This is where I grew up.
T: How do you participate in the “cultural economy” of New Orleans? SB: Well, I don’t know how it will work going forward since our governor just put a cap on the tax credits that go to the film industry. It’s really going to
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large markets and chose to open in New Orleans. I don’t know what they’re thinking now — I feel like Bobby Jindal wants to kill the film industry here.
T: Thanks so much for taking time out to talk with us. And where can we see you next? SB: I am working on a film right now — an independent feature film called “A Quiet Storm” by Jason Affolder.. it’s a drama. It is a local production about a young girl who witnesses a crime. It’s really topical — I play the mother. It should be out next year. Also, I have a radio show. Fridays at 2:00 p.m. on WBOK 1230 AM. My show is called “The Samantha Beaulieu Show” and I highlight the best of New Orleans entertainment. I cover film, theater, music, and food. Samantha has guest starred on TV series such as HBO’s “Treme”; “Eastbound and Down”; “American Horror Story: Coven”; and the CBS hit series “NCIS: New Orleans”, where she currently plays Officer Sullos. On the big screen, look for Samantha in “The Whole Truth” (2015), a courtroom thriller starring Keanu Reeves, Renee Zellweger and GuGu Mbatha-Raw; “Get Hard” (2015); “Return To Sender” (2015); and “Mississippi Grind” (2015) alongside Ryan Reynolds.
The Trumpet | July/August | 2015
New Airport Terminal
Aiming for Employment Rates to Soar By Michaela Moss
The new North Terminal is set to open in May 2018
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ayor Mitch Landrieu is motivated to revive the southeastern Louisiana economy by adding 30 new arrival and departure gates to the airport. While strong airports have aided in reviving the economies of other cities, it remains a question as to whether or not the construction of this terminal will give
our economy a much-needed jumpstart. But with the construction for the Louis Armstrong International Airport’s north terminal set to begin this fall, up to 3,000 new workers are expected to be hired for the job and plans are underway to make these jobs easily accessible for locals. The Network for Economic Opportunity (NEO) is creating a clear path to take the job applicants through basic job training and get them into airport construction positions. In a city where 62% of the population is African American and 52% of the African American males are unemployed, this airport expansion project has the potential to strongly impact the local economy. The recruitment office has created five “opportunity centers” to assess job applications and appropriately place local job seekers into employment opportunities. These five “opportunity centers” are JOB 1, Goodwill, Urban League, Total Community action, and Strive NOLA. All of whom are working to ensure that the majority of the job openings are filled by individuals living in neighborhoods with high unemployment rates in Orleans, Jefferson, and St. Charles parishes. As described in the contract with Hunt-Gibbs-BohMetro, the airport contactor, the city is requiring that all jobs offered for the airport first be posted on JOB 1 before they are released to the general public. This is designed to give New Orleans workers a head start when it comes to applying for these airport construction jobs. As this story continues to unfold, the Trumpet will be here to report on how the new developments impact you.
Opportunity Centers Job 1
3400 Tulane Ave., second floor. 504-658-4500 Orientation times: 3 p.m. Mondays and 10 a.m. Wednesdays
Goodwill 3400 Tulane Ave., first floor. 504-456-3933 Orientation times: 10–11 a.m. July 8 and July 22
Urban League
3232 North Galvez St. 504-324-4444 Orientation times: 9 a.m. to noon the first Monday of every month
The Trumpet | July/August | 2015
Total Community Action 1424 S. Jefferson Davis Parkway. 504-302-1124 Orientation times: 8:30 a.m. Mondays and Thursdays; 5 p.m. Wednesdays
Strive NOLA 1340 Poydras St., Suite 1800. 504-658-4201 Orientation times: Strive focuses on job seekers in need of intensive job readiness training, such as those who have been chronically unemployed or face other barriers. The program is operated in cohorts. Applications for the next cohort will be accepted starting July 8 23
Save Th e
Date
November Is Neighborhoods Month Neighborhoods Month is a celebration of the unique and indispensable role neighborhoods play in civic life. Hosted by Neighborhoods Partnership Network, a capacity building and civic engagement nonprofit, and its partners from throughout the metropolitan area, Neighborhoods Month brings together residents, businesses and government leaders from all neighborhoods to celebrate our neighborhoods and collaborate to improve our quality of life. NPN leads the planning for two major events during Neighborhoods Month: The Trumpet Awards, and The City of New Orleans’ Neighborhood Summit. Neighborhood organizations are encouraged to host their own Neighborhoods Month event showcasing their neighborhood. Neighborhood events registered with NPN will be included in the November issue of NPN’s The Trumpet Magazine and other Neighborhoods Month-related media.
The City of New Orleans Neighborhood Summit This city-wide event brings neighborhood leaders and City agencies together to learn new information, develop new skills and strengthen their relationships. This day-long event celebrates meaningful partnerships between residents and government – partnerships that when supported have the power to dig out entrenched cynicism and disengagement, providing a different paradigm for a public working with its government. As we get closer to November, there will be more information about our month long celebration of neighborhoods. Stay connected with NPN on our website npnnola.com and through Facebook at Neighborhoods Partnership Network as we post updates on events happening in your neighborhood.
NEIGHBORHOODS PARTNERSHIP NETWORK
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The Trumpet | July/August | 2015
7 Things Black People Should Know By Alana Banks
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We are not incompetent they wrote that narrative for us during slavery and now the media doesn’t has the courage to re-tell our real story
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Our Beauty is more than skin deep, it’s a black hole of greatness Black excellence dating back to the first human beings
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We have such have beautiful souls Dipped in 24 carat gold Queens like Nefertiti Kings like Tut And if you got lost with the names that founded royalty you need to do some more research
Our people are such perfect paradox How we are built to win and born to lose They tried buried us but forget we were seeds Clipped our wings but forgot that you don’t need to fly when you have roots grounding you to the sky is the limit my people never timid We bounce back They set us back We are already black so we don’t need much more than that
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They hate us cause they ain’t us
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This quote un quote great nations was built on our backs So If we stand up it most definitely collapse
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You don’t have to be the picture they try to paint of us Be great like your ancestors have taught you to be That’s what they are most afraid of
Peace and Love The Trumpet | July/August | 2015
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Neighborhood Meetings
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 BywaterNeighborhoodAssociation 2nd Tuesday of the month 7 p.m. Holy Angels Cafeteria 3500 St. Claude Avenue www.bywaterneighbors.com CarrolltonRiverbendNeighborhood 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
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Neighborhood Meetings
Claiborne-UniversityNeighborhood 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
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
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
Garden District Association Visit www.gardendistrictassociation. com for annual meeting information.
Irish Channel Neighborhood Association 2nd Thursday of the month 7 p.m. Irish Channel Christian Fellowship 819 First Street www.irishchannel.org
Gentilly Civic Improvement Association (GCIA) 3rd Saturday of the month 6:30 p.m. Edgewater Baptist Church 5900 Paris Avenue www.facebook.com/gentillycivic Gentilly Heights East Neighborhood Association 3rd Monday of the month 6 p.m. Dillard University, Dent Hall – Room 104
Edgewood Park Neighborhood Association 1st Saturday of the month 10 a.m. New Hope Community Church 3708 Gentilly Blvd.
Gentilly Sugar Hill Neighborhood Association 3rd Monday of the month 6:30 p.m. Volunteers of America 2929 St. Anthony Avenue
FaubourgDelachaiseNeighborhood Association Quarterly meetings Visit http://fdna-nola.org for details.
Gentilly Terrace and Gardens Improvement Association 2nd Wednesday of the month 7 p.m. Gentilly Terrace School 4720 Painters Street www.gentillyterrace.org
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
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
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 Lake Willow Neighborhood 2nd Saturday of the month 10 a.m. St. Maria Goretti Church Lower Ninth Ward Neighborhood EmpowermentNetworkAssociation 2nd Saturday of the month 12 p.m. 1120 Lamanche Street www.9thwardnena.org 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
The Trumpet | July/August | 2015
Neighborhood Meetings
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 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
Ask City Hall 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 www.npnnola.com
The Trumpet | July/August | 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
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Celebrating 10 Years March 2016