No Struggle, No Progress
No Struggle, No Progress
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P.E.E.P. President Kenneth Wilson presented Stephanie H. Carter Founder of J.W. Brown Laboratory School and Marie Brown Founder of Juneteenth Minds of Joint Action Association in Monroe LA on Friday July 19, 2024 at P.E.E.P Inc. at 1411 Orange St. in Monroe LA. Both organizations are doing positive things in our community by showing hope for those who need inspiration. Special thanks to LA State Representative Adrian Fisher for addressing a need and making hope available for these two nonprofit...
On Friday, July 19, 2024, P.E.E.P. President Kenneth Wilson honored Stephanie H. Carter, Founder of J.W. Brown Laboratory School, and Marie Brown, Founder of Juneteenth Minds of Joint Action Association, at P.E.E.P. Inc. located at 1411 Orange St. in Monroe, LA. Both organizations are making a positive impact in our community by providing hope and inspiration. Special thanks to LA State Representative Adrian Fisher for addressing the need and supporting these two nonprofit organizations. Each...
The Greater Free Gift Baptist Church Young Male Ministry will launch a Speakers Bureau for the months of May and June, at 9 AM, each Saturday, 5510 Highway 165 South, Richwood, LA Bishop Rodney McFarland, Sr. is pastor. The aim is to speak positivity in the lives of young males in hopes of deterring I'll behaviors witnessed in many communities throughout the nation. "I'd much rather look up to these young guys rather than look down on them in a funeral home", says Dr. Victor Butler,...
PPW aka Foster Wilhite Gone Home July 3, 2024 RIP...
The Greater Free Gift Baptist Church Young Male Ministry will launch a Speakers Bureau for the months of May and June, at 9 AM, each Saturday, 5510 Highway 165 South, in Richwood, LA Bishop Rodney McFarland, Sr. is pastor. The aim is to speak positivity in the lives of young males in hopes of deterring I'll behaviors witnessed in many communities throughout the nation. "I'd much rather look up to these young guys rather than look down on them in a funeral home", says Dr. Victor Butler,...
There is a lingering concern and disappointment, rooted in the historical struggle for political representation, that surfaces in the mayor's race and even the governor's race, painting a bleak picture for minorities in Louisiana. In the governor's race, Jeff Landry had the name recognition of being the state's Attorney General and challenging (and losing to) John Bel Edwards four years earlier, but the seeds had already been planted. Though Shawn Wilson had been in state government for over...
On March 15, 2023, Wossman Lady Cats and Boys Basketball Louisiana 2024 State Champions receive a big donation toward their championship rings from P.E.E.P and former Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo. This is P.E.E.P's second year supporting Wossman State Champions' Basketball. "It's an honor to recognize our young people making a difference in our community," said P.E.E.P. President Kenneth Wilson...
With the upcoming mayoral election in Monroe, we are being presented with two very different tales of this one city. When you cast your vote for the person that you choose to serve the city of Monroe, consider the tales that they each tell and examine the proof of their accomplishments. Three candidates are in the race for mayor. Of those, one candidate, Betty Ward Cooper, is a first-time mayoral candidate with no city-wide or mayoral experience that can be examined for accuracy and...
WHY I AM RUNNING FOR MAYOR I have been asked many times why I wanted to be mayor again, and the answer is simple... I am touched by the feelings of infirmities of the people of Monroe. I am touched by the concerns of all the people of Monroe, but especially the most vulnerable people, the elderly, and the youth. For the last four years, I have worked for the National League of Cities/SSCI (Strong Southern Cities Initiative). Louisiana is one of the impoverished states listed in this initiative b...
(DIVIDED WE FALL) On February 13, 2024, a diverse group of public leaders, community activists, and concerned citizens gathered to discuss the future of Monroe and the upcoming mayoral election. The prevailing concern was that the public perception favored the Ellis administration, despite the reality that many citizens are worse off under his leadership. The meeting highlighted how media coverage often fails to accurately report increased crime levels since Ellis took office despite the true statistics identifying a surge in local criminal...
The Louisiana Judicial Council of the National Bar Association convened its 26th Annual Conference in Monroe, Louisiana, on Friday, February 16, 2024, at the Northeast Delta African-American Heritage Museum. Comprised of African American judges from across Louisiana, the council held its President's Reception at the North Louisiana Heritage Museum, where several distinguished legal figures of north Louisiana were honored. The group, including Justice Piper Griffin, the sole African American...
It has been a year-long struggle for former interim police chief Reggie Brown, but the effort to win reinstatement within the Monroe Police Department has paid off. Following a recent ruling by the Second Circuit Court of Appeal, Brown is well on his way back to being employed by the city's police department. In a February 2024 ruling, the court asserted that a reviewing court was "out of bounds" when it overruled a decision by the Monroe Municipal Fire and Police Civil Service Board that ruled...
Supporters of Mayor Jamie Mayo gathered at the Abe E. Pierce lll Convention Center in Monroe, LA, on Tuesday, February 13, 2024. Among them were current and former elected officials, including Rick Saulsberry, Rodney Welch, WM Alderman, Adrian Fisher, St. Rep. Verbon Muhammad, Charles D. Jones, former state senator, Kenneth Wilson, Katrina Jackson, St. Senator, Dr. Ollibeth Reddix, Angela Mayo, Jamie Mayo, Juanita Woods, City Council, Michael Thompson, Ouachita Police Jury, Pat Moore, St. Rep.,...
St. Luke Baptist Church in Monroe LA honored servants Pastor Alonzo and First Lady Shelia Clark on Sunday January 28, 2024. Guest speakers' morning was Pastor Richard Wilson lll St. James Baptist Church Sterlington LA and Pastor Auburn Robinson Triedstone and Union Baptist Churches. Pastor Clark leads his congregation by teaching God's Word while living life by reflecting what thus says the Lord. He cares for others deeply while lifting them in prayer when others face misfortunes. Members and...
Early voting begins March 9 - 16 (excluding Sunday, March 10) 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM. American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees Local 2388 (AFSCME Local 2388) officially endorsed former Mayor Jamie Mayo for the upcoming mayoral election in an announcement on the steps of City Hall on Monday, January 29, 2024. Former Mayor Jamie Mayo expressed his gratitude, saying, "Thank you to the leadership and members of AFSCME Local 2388 for your strong endorsement. You are the heart and soul...
The list of qualified candidates for the March 23, 2024 election has been released. In the race for the city of Monroe's mayor position are Betty Ward Cooper, Friday Ellis, and Jamie Mayo; candidates for the town of Richwood's mayor position are Gerald Brown and Ashley Harris. For the city of Monroe City Council, District 1, Douglas Harvey is running unopposed; District 2 features candidates Gretchen Ezernack and Herbert Herb Guillory; District 3 has Juanita G. Woods running unopposed; District...
The path to glory unfolds without warning, devoid of a designated time or date. A collective heaviness weighs on our hearts upon learning of the unexpected departure of Ronald Phillips. A proud 1972 graduate of West Monroe High School in West Monroe LA Ronald defied the odds, leaving an indelible mark as a cherished son, brother, uncle, and friend to those fortunate enough to know him. Ronald's journey led him to serve as the former Monroe Regional Airport Manager under the guidance of former...
Jamie Mayo, former mayor of Monroe, LA, has unveiled his 2024 public safety plan for Monroe, LA. His comprehensive initiative aims to create a city where every resident can thrive and feel secure in their homes and neighborhoods. Despite a consistent decrease in the crime rate during Mayo's previous administration, the current crime rate in Monroe is now 500% above the national average, which is considered unacceptable. His previous administration brought a world-class Public Safety Center to...
Mayo/Supporters Gear Up for Election Before a packed house of fired-up supporters, former mayor Jamie Mayo was met with cheers and chants of " We want Mayo back" as he officially announced his candidacy for Mayor of Monroe for the 2024 spring election on Thursday, August 24, 2023 at the Tabatorium in Monroe, LA. Mayo emphasized his three major priorities as economic development, crime, and education, in which a comprehensive plan is being finalized. The night ended with local pastors and...
Jamie Mayo, former mayor of our beloved city, is pleased to announce his candidacy for the position of mayor of Monroe. The official announcement will be made during a public event on Thursday, August 24, 2023, 5:00 - 8:00 PM at The Tabertorium, 311 N. 9th St., Monroe, LA. "I have spent countless hours listening to your concerns, hopes, and dreams for Monroe. I have witnessed the challenges we face, but I have also seen the incredible potential that lies within our community. It is this...
Former Monroe, LA Mayor Jamie Mayo was recently invited to the White House by President and Dr. Biden to celebrate the 2023 LSU Lady Tigers basketball national championship. Mayo's invitation included hearing remarks from President Joe Biden, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, Vice-President Kamala Harris as well as LSU head coach Kim Mulkey. A reception followed with Mayo invited to meet with players including Angel Reese, Alexis Morris, and Flau 'Jae Johnson....
Former Monroe police officer Reggie Brown has had what one could call a "complicated" relationship with some within the city of Monroe as a police officer. He has held several positions within the department, going all the way to that of chief. Many will say that was because of his "relationship" with former mayor Jamie Mayo, that as long as Mayo was the mayor, Brown was the chief. That all changed with the changing of who sat behind the mayor's desk when the current mayor, Oliver "Friday"...
One Percent lost is not acceptable to God. New Faith Missionary Baptist Church in Monroe LA celebrated their Pastor & Wife Rev. Lenard and First Lady Deloris Montgomery on Sunday November 20, 2022. Guest speaker was Pastor Timmie Battle St. Paul C.O.G.I.C in Bastrop LA...
Reggie Brown has been axed from the Monroe Police Department (MPD). Again. It has been about two years since Oliver "Friday" Ellis became Monroe's newest mayor, but there has been what some may call a "stain" on his record as mayor that has to do with how he and his administration have treated former Monroe police chief, Reggie Brown. Brown was the interim leader of MPD when Ellis took office. Brown became embroiled in a controversy over his alleged handling of a police brutality complaint on...
Free Me Association is a 501c3 organization that's focused on youth and community development through sports and education. On Saturday, November 19, 2022, Tyree Hollins MCAL co-founder and board president of Free Me Association and Stonewall Hunter lll, MCAL co-founder and board vice president of Free Me Association presented former Monroe mayor, Jamie Mayo, an award in appreciation for being a Gold MCAL sponsor....
An economic development project spearheaded by former Monroe city councilman, Mike Echols, came under fierce opposition from community leaders during the Monroe City Council Tuesday, July 26, 2022. In the most recent meeting, council members wrestled with explaining the intended project and how the city would benefit. The agenda item was slated for further discussion and possible final passage at the July 12 meeting but was canceled because there were not enough council members able to attend. Before council members discussed and voted on...
When Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis announced that city employees that belonged to the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Union could soon see increases in their wages, it got people talking. The city then engaged the services of the Gallagher Group to come up with a formula that would grant city employees wage increases that were comparable with employees in cities similar to the size of Monroe. Mayor Ellis followed up that announcement that upon approval by the city council, employees of the union would soon get those...
There were hugs and smiles galore Thursday, March 17, 2022, as the Monroe Fire and Police Civil Board voted to have former interim police Chief Reggie Brown reinstated back on the Monroe Police Department. Brown became the subject of a controversial case involving a former Monroe police officer, where it was alleged that Brown, while chief, engaged in a coverup to drag on a case in an effort to help former mayor Jamie Mayo win reelection. Brown, who was still police chief when newly elected...
Continued from February 24, 2022 Betty Ward Cooper Betty performs other community volunteer service work that includes President of the Board of Control (Trustees) for the Ouachita Parish Public Library System; President of the Louisiana Federation of Democratic Women (LFDW). She serves as a Northeast Louisiana liaison with Power Coalition for Equity & Justice and NAACP Legal Defense Fund. Serves on the Planning Committee - Mayor's Friday Ellis' City of Monroe Early Childhood Initiative. She...
Alicia "Cocoa" Calvin has always stood out for her commitment to her community and leadership, representing others with integrity. After all, her grandparents, Willie May and Elijah McCoy taught her what it means to support her community. Together they built the Corner Store & Café and created a place where neighbors could come together and talk about how to make their community better for all residents. Her grandmother's message to a young Calvin - "Your greatest gift is giving of yourself."...
New Saint James Baptist Church in Monroe LA hosted a Back to School Youth Empowerment Explosion that was geared towards the youth in our community August 4-6, 2021. The theme for the Youth Explosion was the "Mighty Avengers, Game Changers." The purpose of this event was to let our youth know that they are empowered by God to be Game Changers. They have the knowledge, the wisdom, and the God-given ability to make changes to their lives and others in their communities. It is essential that our...
Attorneys for former interim police chief Reggie Brown continue to press their case for reinstatement when they recently appeared before the Monroe Fire and Police Civil Service Board, July 27, 2021. Brown's attorneys asked board members to allow what they said was evidence and witnesses who could support their assertions that Brown was unjustly fired by new Monroe mayor, Friday Ellis. Brown was fired by Ellis following a complaint filed by local resident Timothy Williams over alleged police...
Groundbreaking was held at the site of the city's water treatment plant on North 10th Street, Tuesday, July 10, 2021, as the city of Monroe is set to begin work at the plant that as city engineer Kim Golden indicated, will retrofit and bring the plant up to future standards. It is a project that was looked at during the Mayo administration, as Golden said that the city now has the "contract and funding to proceed with the project". Current Mayor Friday Ellis speaking to those gathered said that the project "was first on his list" when he took...
Rose of Sharon Baptist Church (716 Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr., Monroe, LA) will host the Millard Dean Lee Memorial Scholarship Program, Sunday, July 18, 2021 at 9:00 AM during the Park and Praise Service. Guest speaker is former Monroe mayor, the Honorable Jamie Mayo. Rev. A. B. Davis-Johnson, Sr. is pastor....
The saga of local Monroe resident Timothy Williams' unfortunate encounter with several officers of the Monroe Police Dept., took a turn to where MPD officials may soon say more than what we have heard from them. The plight of Williams' encounter with MPD officers has been well documented and now that MPD appears to be slow in speaking to the public, perhaps the federal government can do what local civilian government wont do. Now that a federal lawsuit against MPD is a matter of public record,...
Happenings For the 2021 Good Times Monroe Dispatch enjoyed the chat, love to Monroe LA & family. Hope to see yall soon Bearchest TX Edna’s Cooking “Home of the Breakfast Bowl” Serving Southern Style Hot Breakfast & Lunch Daily Monday- Friday 6 am – 2:30 pm and Sat 7 am – 2 pm All Plates come with coffee or fountain drink Great Food! Great Service @ Reasonable Prices 2 locations Now Save #1 4399 Hwy 165 South Monroe, LA /318-737-7873 & Tiger Market Café 1800 Forsythe Ave Suite 1 Monroe, LA 71201/318-325-4000 Ms. Edna & Staff ~ Serving up...
When Oliver "Friday" Ellis was sworn in as Monroe's newest mayor, one of the first things on his agenda was to make a change to the Chief of Police position. Ellis, being new to politics, surprised the region when he defeated former and longtime mayor, Jamie Mayo. Oliver Ellis became the first white mayor to sit at City Hall for almost twenty years. Ellis stressed that crime was an issue in Monroe, but he was never critical of operations at MPD, but one could acknowledge that Ellis' vision for...
The Louisiana Municipal Association (LMA) sent former Monroe mayor Jamie Mayo off in style, honoring him with the organization's Presidential Award earlier this month. The event held in Baton Rouge recognized Mayo for his outstanding 25 years of service to the city of Monroe as both mayor and councilman....
There is something that is going on in the search for a new Monroe Police Chief that may be perplexing to some. In the span of over three years, the city has gone through two police chiefs (three if you count Chief Holmes' retirement), and a fourth is on the horizon. Who the next police chief will be is anyone’s guess, but it would appear that someone wants a “certain” individual in the chief’s chair and the three individuals that have taken the exam, do not fit the bill. Charles Johnson, Thomas Rhodes, and former interim chief Reggie Brown h...
Cherry's Tree Innerattainment is proud to announce that its own, Al "big AL" Cherry, is back with brand new music, new sound, and new vision! Since his last release in 2015 and a more than 3-year hiatus from social media, big AL is literally back like he never left! Although his absence from social media brought about a unique silence and privacy, big AL has definitely not stopped from traveling the globe sharing the Gospel, performing and speaking. The energy, excitement, and entertainment...
After what seemed to be a "bizarre and unique" election season for local offices, the last remaining race for a local office has been settled. The question of who would occupy the fifth and final seat (Dist.4) on the Monroe City Council was won by Carday Marshall, Sr. Saturday (Aug.15) in a runoff between Marshall and challenger Jesse Smith. Marshall won with 52% of the vote while Smith garnered 48%. A total of 571 votes were cast in the District 4 contest, which is considered a low turnout....
It has been a whirlwind few days after Friday Ellis attended his first city council meeting as Monroe's mayor. Within mere days after his council meeting, Ellis fired interim Police Chief Reggie Brown and replaced him with the man that Brown replaced as chief of police. Former Police Chief Eugene Ellis was brought back on board after retiring earlier in the year, "stepping in at an important time, as we continue our process and search for a permanent chief of police", Mayor Ellis said in a...
The City of Monroe welcomed its' new Chief Executive Tuesday afternoon, as Oliver Ellis was sworn in as mayor following an election that was held up by the coronavirus virus, COVID-19. It was a festive day for the new mayor, as he pledged his love and support for a city that he said that he would stand for ,behind and with after taking his oath. Ellis defeated longtime incumbent mayor Jamie Mayo in a race that perhaps surprised many, but a change in the mayor's office has been made. The...
I Ain’t Mad at You Mayor James E. Mayo, like 2 Pac said and rapped, “I Ain’t mad at you!” Don’t be mad at us, we went fishing Saturday July 11, 2020. They told us the fish were biting at the honey hole. When we got back to the polls, they were closed. You can blame it on COVID-19 or the take the heat. Jealous Player Haters or some say, you gave the keys to the city of Monroe LA to Minister Louis Farrakhan. They hated you before Minister Farrakhan came to Monroe. So, we can’t blame Farrakhan for the outcome of the Mayor’s Election. Yet...
If African-Americans needed an incentive to vote in massive voting blocs, they need to look no further than what happened during last Saturday's July 11 mayor's race in Monroe. According to sources, hundreds, if not thousands of potential voters were denied their constitutional right to vote for the candidate of their choice in, you guessed it, predominately black precincts. Sources tell the Monroe Dispatch that the regular polling station at Carroll High School was changed, but none of the...
Certainly, congratulations are in order for newly elected mayor, Friday Ellis. He comes to the position of leader of the city of Monroe as a guy with little to no administrative and management experience. One of the major reasons that Mayo was trying to get re-elected was to maintain essential ongoing city business and to embark on newly planned innovative projects for the city. Of course, with this loss, those plans will not take place. However, Mayo can reflect proudly on all of the accomplishments he made during his close to 20 years of expe...
Brooke Foy, Rodrecas Davis and Vitus Shell are three local artists that may not be known to many in the Monroe area, but they have a big dream in mind. The three millennial artists went before the Monroe City Council Tuesday (July 14) night to present their presentation of having a Black Lives Matter Street Mural on DeSiard St. in the near future. Saying that mural would be a tribute to the movement that has occurred around the nation following the controversial deaths of George Floyd and...
Thank You Monroe! Let me begin this final column by expressing my gratitude to the Monroe Dispatch for affording me the opportunity to share positive columns about the many projects, initiatives, and efforts of the City of Monroe during my term as Mayor. I want to congratulate Friday Ellis as the next Mayor for Monroe. Also, Congrats to Juanita Woods, Gretchen Ezernack and Kema Dawson as councilmembers for the next four years. These are difficult times and I sincerely wish them well. I want to...
It goes without saying yet was bitter, the results from Saturday July 11 election. For the people who know better its hard, yet all you can do is count it all as joy. Brenda Shelling was among the many supporters of Mayor Jamie Mayo is still reeling as many other supporters....
All too often, we have a tendency to only recognize our blessings once they are gone. Don't let that be our downfall this year. Your right to vote was hard-won through years of strife and challenge. Don't be fooled today into squandering it in our upcoming elections. Mayor Jamie Mayo is up for reelection this year. He has served Monroe well, and has had particular allegiance to Monroe's African American communities. Under the Mayo administration, the City of Monroe has enjoyed some of its best f...
