No Struggle, No Progress
No Struggle, No Progress
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A previous shooting suspect was finally arrested on Monday, December 20, 2021 according to reports made by police. On August 1, 2021, two juveniles were shot during a drive-by shooting on South Second and Linderman Ave. in West Monroe, LA. The victims told law enforcement that someone in a silver SUV had attacked them. Police found the wrecked and abandoned SUV on South 1st St. near a railroad bridge. Police located the vehicle's owner and arrested suspect Jaleesa Parker, 27, of Monroe, LA....
Members of Monroe's District 4 met with their council member and city liaisons on Monday, December 20, 2021, to discuss hot topics important to the group, hoping to end the year with something to look forward to; Carday Marshall, the district's representative, shared a few of the neighborhood successes which included infrastructure-heavy projects like drainage repairs and road re-striping. The gathered crew, however, came to have a real conversation about the ways the city is changing and the fi...
Birthday Queen Mrs. Ola Tennant celebrated her birthday on Sunday, December 19, 2021 with a birthday parade at Wossman High School in Monroe, LA. Monroe police and fire departments escorted almost 150 cars lined up to celebrate Mrs. Tennant's birthday including family, friends, old co-workers, and former students. Those close to Mrs. Tennant got out of their vehicles to show her real love. Happy Birthday, Mrs. Ola Tennant!...
Statement by Dr. Calvin Mackie, founder and president of STEM Global Action “I applaud the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) for recognizing that a devastating lack of educational investments and resources in communities of color is contributing significantly to the creation of a wave of “Lost Einsteins.” Too many gifted and high achieving Black and Brown students throughout the country are not nurtured and therefore their talents and potential contributions to our nation’s competitiveness are being wasted. “Citi...
A Louisiana judge is in hot water for using racist language following the arrest of a Black man who was charged with an attempted burglary charge at the judge’s residence. Lafayette City Court Judge Michelle Odinet was among others in her home using the n-word as the Black man was being apprehended. At the time, the suspected burglary was captured by video with the voices of people inside the residence openly using the n-word, as Odinet was reportedly one of the individuals. Odinet would later confirm through her attorney that she indeed did u...
What's done in the dark will always come to the light! Many have speculated what really happened on November 15, 2021 when Jessica Lee, 29, was found dead in her apartment on Evangeline St. in Monroe, LA. According to police, a suspect has been identified and found. Authorities arrested alleged suspect Nelson Bridges, located in Houston, TX. Bridges was Jessica's boyfriend during the time when she was found dead by a gunshot in her apartment. The suspect who has connections in Bastrop, LA, will...
On Tuesday, December 14, 2021, dozens gathered for Monroe's City Council meeting. There were several resolutions listed on the agenda that were approved, including $800,000 for the zoo parking lot remodel with ease. Still, there were some that focused directly on the Black community and our youth that were not. A group of young men who serve and lead over 700 youth in our city appeared before the council, pleading for financial support on behalf of the impoverished youth. The young men, parents, and supporting community showed up to advocate...
The Ouachita Parish Police Jury may have rubbed some people the wrong way when members of the Jury voted unanimously to support a West Monroe venture to the tune of $1 million. West Monroe Mayor Staci Mitchell spoke at the Police Jury meeting recently and got Jurors to make a commitment. Her administration is proposing to build an indoor sports complex next to the Ike Hamilton Expo Center. Mitchell, who is running for re-election, said that the sports project would also drive economic activity benefitting the parish. She said that a million...
Hearts are saddened as a fatal vehicle accident on I-20 in West Monroe, LA claimed the life of Kenneth Mansfield on Friday, December 17, 2021. Kenneth Dwayne Mansfield was born January 26, 1964 in Monroe, LA to the late Frank Mansfield Sr. and Vera L. George Mansfield. Kenneth accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of the King Ollie Missionary Baptist Church in Monroe, LA under the leadership of Rev. SLV Johnson, the late Rev. J.L. Cotton and Reverend J.L. Perry Sr. Kenneth was fondly...
Thanks to all who have allowed the Monroe Dispatch newspaper to come to your homes another year in 2021. Happy Holidays! We will be closed over the next two weeks for a well-deserved vacation but will return to you again in January 2022, if the good Lord says the same! From all of us at the Monroe Dispatch - Frank, Jessica and Noah DeTiege, Eddie D. Gillis, Nate Reed, Jason Hamilton, Mary Roggerson, the late Perry Thomas, Katima Epting-Wiley, Pastor K.C. Wade, Dr. Joseph Capers Sr., Jeanette Herren, Po’ Folks’ Poet Marion Obafemi, Mr. Pic...
PEEP and the Board Directors held its 22nd Annual Christmas Giveaway at Harvey Benoit Community Center Pavilion in Monroe LA on Saturday, December 18, 2021. PEEP gave away 50 16 inch bikes to needy preschoolers(3-5 years of age) throughout Ouachita Parish. Also, PEEP provided a ham with all the trimmings to over 125 families. Recipients were also served with cornbread dressing and all the trimmings....
Monroe native Brandi Jelks made it home to Louisiana just in time for the Christmas holidays this year.This trip is extra special because it's both her husband and son's first time in Louisiana. The family is in town from Scotland, where Brandi now calls home....
At Wossman High School in Monroe, LA, Aubrey Crawford was selected as Support Personnel of the Year. Around the Wossman campus, Crawford wears multiple hats as a coach, the voice of the Wossman Wildcats and head custodian. There's no job too big or small for Crawford who is a valuable team member. Congratulations Aubrey Crawford!...
Recently, the amazing Robert and Pauline Clark hosted an All White Gala at ULM's Bayou Pointe Patio in Monroe, LA. The Clark's know how to throw a funraiser. Entertainment was by the Too Laid Back Band from Houston, TX and 3 DJ's, Radio People's Rob Lloyd, Scott Banks and Grave Digga. The All-White Gala was a party with a purpose supporting the Northeast LA Sickle Cell Foundation in Monroe, LA. It was one of the most exciting events of 2021. Photo All white gala 13 -Corey Schott, Samjah,...
Wossman Neville Carroll Class of 1971 50 years later. 1st row Sitting(L-R) Joyce Barnes, Ella Brown, Betty S. Gaines (deceased), wWanda Brown, Sybil T. Jones, Genita M. Hunter, Arnese McClinton, Mary P. Roggerson. 2nd row(L-R) Bernard Keaton (deceased), Lawrence Steward, Cloteel L. Edwards, Clara Etta Toombs (deceased), Kassandra W. Cole, Beatrice Strong, Wilma G. Braden,Rosemary Henry, Diane Davis, Ruby J. Starr, Christine Simmons (deceased), Ruby M. Robinson (deceased), Joyce C. Jackson. 3rd...
What’s the best way to file your taxes this year, call Adams Tax! We are conveniently located on ULM’s campus in Stubbs Hall rm# 107. Tax season is right around the corner. Now is the time to gather all forms like W-2s, 1099s, and other essential tax statements and receipts. Adams Tax refund solutions can make your tax season much lighter on the pockets! We offer Refund Transfers (which allow customers to pay their tax preparation fees with their refund), and Easy Advance Loans (up to $6,000). We also offer several refund disbursement opt...
Mankind's most prized possession is Black women. Their beauty goes beyond man's imagination. Being the most beautiful on earth, Black women create an excitement in the world that is captivating. Black women are breathtaking, loving, and of course, intelligent. There is nothing in this world as glamorous as a Black woman like Anquinette Watson, whose beauty and fascination captivates the world....
A drive-by shooting occurred at Kingsway Apartments in Monroe, LA on December 14, 2021 with kids witnessing over 100 shots that were allegedly fired. One person was hit by gunfire. It was a scary incident that happened out of the blue, scaring children and adults. Community residents are terrified and afraid of this unwarranted violence happening in their neighborhood. Witnesses on the scene recall many innocent people including kids running and ducking gunshots. Luckily no one was in the open...
Hearts are saddened at the hit and run death of Princess Janecia "Neci" Walker. Princess Janecia was the victim of a hit and run on Monday, December 6, 2021 after being found in the median of US Hwy 165 North by her brother and others. Princess Janecia was rushed to the hospital where she later died from injuries. On Sunday, December 12, 2021, family, friends, and Wossman Softball teammates and students celebrated the life of Princess Janecia at the Wossman High School softball field where...
The Monroe Downtown Revitalization Project has gotten the green light from the Monroe City Council, and in a number of years, the landscape of downtown Monroe has shown a breath of new life. Nevertheless, it is not just downtown, but all one has to do is look at other areas of the city where there has been significant development (Armand St., Oliver Rd. to Lamy Ln.), as one part of the city moves forward. Many in Monroe still remember when another section of the city thrived, and there was a sense of pride within the Desiard Street area, with...
A local school band director is in trouble after an alleged incident on campus, where a Carroll student received corporal punishment for performing poorly during rehearsal and was disciplined. Band Director Desiree Player, who is a well-known and respected educator, uses the same form of punishment on other band students. Monroe City Schools Board (MCSB) officials took action against Player after Carroll's Principal Eric Davis informed her that a parent had filed a formal complaint. According...
Spreading the joy of love and giving, Adams Tax and Taylord Cutz presents an Adopt-A-Family Christmas, serving area families. Simply email them explaining why your family should be chosen as an Adopt-A-Family recipient. For more information, call 318-732-2602 or email [email protected]. Accepting applications through Saturday, December 18, 2021....
Congratulations Dr. Torironda L. Douzart, 2021 Grambling State University graduate who will be conferred a Bachelors in General Studies with a concentration in Juvenile Behavior and a minor in Child Development and Early Literacy on Friday, December 17, 2021 at Grambling State University. Dr. Douzart recently graduated from Hope Bible Institute in May 2021 with a Doctorate in Biblical Psychology and is now a licensed spiritual therapist. Dr. Douzart is the mother of five beautiful kids Ezekiel,...
District F Ouachita Parish Police Juror Lonnie Hudson says that garbage/trash containers located in several parish neighborhoods are an eyesore and make the residential areas unattractive. The containers are really commercial dumpsters, used by some residents in parish neighborhoods such as Tanglewood and Charmingdale, as other residents in those neighborhoods use regular-size trash cans, the kind that riders pick up and empty. Those dumpsters being used in the areas mentioned are the kind that...
Ruth Hunter Varner, the oldest matriarch of the College Point community, transitioned to be with the Lord on Tuesday, December 14, 2021. She was the oldest and one of the last descendants of the famous Wesley's Barbecue clan. She was well known throughout the College Point community where she lived for over 75 years. People always enjoyed stopping by her house to have a glass of tea on a Sunday after church. She was always well respected and her quiet, meek humble spirit that she displayed...
Since Deion Sanders signed on the dotted line to be head coach at Jackson State University, he has worked relentlessly to spread the good word about Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to Black athletes. His efforts have increased conversations amongst top recruits considering attending HBCUs. He is also working to create more equity for Black athletes at HBCUs. In recent news, JSU has secured an official commitment from Travis Hunter, one of the top recruits in the class of 2022. On National Decision Day 2021, Hunter changed...
It was a birthday which will be long remembered on Saturday December 11, 2021 as Queen Sherry Handy celebrated with family and friends at the Hotspot in Monroe LA. Entertaining Sherry and her guests were the Ghetto Cowboy & PPW while Doc Chilly handled the ones & twos! Sherry’s birthday party was an evening of fun time and parting with family and friends as the Queen Sherry stepped into another chapter of life while doing what she loves best which is enjoying life’ golden moments. Queen She...
United Theological Seminary and Bible College will register students for the spring semester Tuesday, January 18, 2022 at 5:00pm. Classes will begin on Tuesday, January 18, at 5:30pm in the library. CDC guidelines will be observed. Classes will return to campus (from virtual) and meet in the library. Classes offered (for the Bachelor of Theology degree and audit) this semester include: Mondays. 5:30pm- The Psalms; Mondays. 7:20pm- Church Administration; Tuesdays. 5:30pm- Philosophy of Religion; Tuesdays. 7:20pm- The Prophets. Master of...
Gun violence is a preventable public health tragedy affecting communities all over the United States. According to the Every Town Research and Policy firm, every day more than 100 Americans die by gun violence. In Monroe, LA, a person has a 1 in 56 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime according to neighborhoodscout.com. Guns don't always make you safer; owning a firearm increases one's likelihood of dying by homicide, suicide, and unintentional injuries. According to police reports, a...
Black people and some White people know a thing or two about sharecropping. That’s where the owner (or master) has people to work for him and he gives them what he thinks their “share” of the profits should be. It was and is a system that kept Black people from progressing, because for a long time, that was a way of life for them. While some may believe that the owner was a benevolent person who gave everyone a fair share. That was not always the case, if ever. Before any money was given, the owner would always look at the “numbers”, that mone...
By (Aunt) Mrs. Bertha Page Dunlap Sherry Dunlap Dennis was a resident of Monroe LA, who went home to be with the Lord on Saturday December 4, 2021. She attended Lincoln Elementary School now Roy Shelling Elementary School and also Carroll High School in Monroe LA. Sherry completed her high school studies graduating from high school in Shreveport LA. She attended college for two years. Sherry was employed at one time as a bus driver by Monroe City Schools once moving from Shreveport. Sherry was...
Janecia Walker was the victim of a fatal hit and run accident which allegedly happened on Monday, December 6, 2021 after she was last seen walking from Sonic on US Hwy 165 North to Zaxby's back to work after visiting a friend. Jenecia was found by her brother and others who searched for her after finding out she was missing. The search found Janecia lying face down in the median on Hwy 165 North. She had been struck by a hit and run driver. She was rushed to the hospital where she later died...
Many times incidents of violence happen due to three things: money, drugs, or a love interest. Anytime a gun is fired, the bullet doesn't stop until it strikes something or someone. According to police reports, officers were summoned to an Apple St. residence in Monroe, LA on Friday, December 3, 2021. Two victims were standing outside the residence at 12:00 midnight, when suspect Derrick Moore, 31, allegedly drove up in a vehicle and began shooting. Both victims were struck by gunfire, sending...
Mishun Kage was born March 27, 1972 to parents Shelia Cage and Clarence Marshall. Mishun was married and the father of five children. He died unexpectedly on Monday December 6, 2021. His funeral arrangements were incomplete under the direction of Smith Funeral home in Monroe LA....
It's that time of the year when people all across this nation get into the Christmas decoration spirit. The light and figurines are put in place, and the only thing left is for darkness to descend. The lights seem to put everyone in a festive mood, as kids, young and old, marvel at the beauty of the lights. There is also the "competition" of who can put up the most dazzling Christmas display that will bring the crowds in night after night. Then there are also the cities and towns that put on...
The next few days may be pivotal for distressed Richwood Mayor Gerald Brown, as the voters of Richwood will go to the polls, Saturday, December 11, 2021, to decide his future as mayor of the northeast Louisiana town. Over the years, Brown has fallen out of favor with many citizens of the town, as a petition to recall him from office garnered more than the required signatures to ask for such a recall. Brown has gone on offense, saying that the recall drive is the effort of three of the town’s five Alderpersons. Brown said that Alderpersons Wilbe...
The next few days may be pivotal for distressed Richwood Mayor Gerald Brown, as the voters of Richwood will go to the polls, Saturday, December 11, 2021, to decide his future as mayor of the northeast Louisiana town. Over the years, Brown has fallen out of favor with many citizens of the town, as a petition to recall him from office garnered more than the required signatures to ask for such a recall. Brown has gone on offense, saying that the recall drive is the effort of three of the town's...
News from an independent audit over how seized money is handled by the Monroe Police Dept. should be of concern to the public, as it plays to the public trust. The audit may cast a shadow over the police department because it apparently didn’t followed established procedures in how the money is to transferred to bank accounts held by the city. The audit revealed that MPD only deposited seized money in a city bank account over a fiscal year one time since May 2020. This is now December 2021, in what should be another fiscal year. Monroe P...
The Owl St. Ministry in keeping with the motto of unity in the community selects a community based nonprofit organization each year. This year the ministry chose the nonprofit Renewal Center in Monroe LA for their yearly donation recently. Seen pictured with Billy Varner Renewal Center Director with Owl St. Ministry's Clydell Jones and Wilma Yearby. The ministry through the generosity of our local supporters and ministry members awarded three educational scholarships. This is done each year to...
Grambling State University will celebrate its Fall 2021 graduating class with commencement ceremonies on Wednesday, December 15, Thursday, December 16, and Friday, December 17. Scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m. each day, the events will be held in the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center and streamed live on Grambling State’s YouTube channel. On December 15, degrees will be conferred from Graduate Studies (Doctor of Education, Master of Arts in Teaching, Master of Arts in Social Sciences, Master of Education in Special Education, Master of E...
Tragedy struck in the Charles Johnson Park in Monroe LA, on Monday October 10, 2021, where many are often found completing laps along the trail, playing basketball, or watching kids play. Elijah Emmanuel Meadows was shot and killed in a horrific senseless murder. Elijah shared a special relationship with his cousin, Ja'Nidjiah. They were so inseparable many who met them thought they were twins. Not only did they work together, they were saving up to move in together, and eventually move to Texas...
Frequent shootings have residents in Monroe's Black community fearful, especially in crowds where age groups vary. Many older Black residents are nervous when participating in activities with multiple ages realizing at any given time violence might be prevalent. According to police reports, a drive-by shooting was witnessed where shots were fired from a vehicle on Saturday, October 9, 2021, in Monroe, LA. Witnesses saw a vehicle that was struck by bullets from a firearm. Police stopped a car...
A heated argument between mother and daughter happened recently leaving one in police custody. According to police reports, on Saturday, October 9, 2021, suspect Shante Davis had an argument with her mother; after emotions heightened, Davis allegedly struck the victim in the face. Her mother left her home distraught and went to a neighbor for help. When police arrived she shared what had happened. Moments later Davis was identified and questioned. She shared a different story alleging that her...
All of God's Commandments are important for us to follow, and there is one that can help one live a long life. The one where we are to "honor our father and mother" should be upheld to show love and respect to them. Yes, we may all have disagreements with our parents, but one must remember who is the parent and who is the child. Parents are legally responsible for us until the age of 18, and after that, we are on our own. Circumstances sometimes dictate that parents extend their guardianship further depending on a child's health or mental...
When it comes to mental health and how to treat it, few in the area know more than Billy Foster. Foster, who has over 25 years of experience in the mental health profession, has been embroiled in a legal matter with his one-time business associate Adrian Fisher since 2006. Fisher, a pastor at Living Waters Ministries and a candidate for the Louisiana House District 16, said he did nothing illegal when he and Foster parted ways a year ago. Foster shares otherwise, saying that he wants the public to know just what happened and that Fisher is not...
When settling a disagreement, you can talk or argue to resolve the conflict. When the disagreement turns physical, then someone or both parties will face legal problems that will cost both parties. A recent disturbance between boyfriend and girlfriend turned physical, and now has two suspects facing jail time, paying fines, and probation. The verbal argument turned physical when one suspect struck the other in the face with a closed fist then grabbed her around her neck. One suspect pushed the...
The Staten Family already misses you so very much, Henry Earl Staten our baby brother. Henry was born March 3, 1957 while departing this life September 30, 2021. He was so loved by so many who will miss his singing, piano and organ playing. As a little boy, Henry taught himself how to play both the piano and organ. Always and forever, we will love you, Henry. Rest on in the Master's care. We will all meet again over yonder. Always hello and never goodbye, we (Staten Family) will put on our...
A local woman has spent the last several years going through some harrowing experiences that she hopes no one else goes through. She said that her encounters began when she was living in an apartment complex in West Monroe, LA. She said that things started soon after she had moved in and a man of a foreign descent moved into an apartment directly above hers. She remembers speaking to him once, and what he allegedly told her shocked her. She said that he told her that he "knew" that she didn't have any furniture in her apartment, though he had...
The road to glory has no appointed time or date. There are no warning signs of when your final day on earth will be, nor will there be a day marked on the calendar prior too! Hearts are saddened at the passing of American Hero Veteran Charles Grayson. He was a Monroe native who grew up in Ghost Town in Monroe LA between Coolidge and Prospects Streets. Grayson was a Carroll High School Graduate. From high school Grayson went to the military serving his country being awarded three purple hearts. H...
In the past, the city of Monroe has been the scene of some big promotional events that brought many big-name stars perform. The artists have played to standing room crowds and have, from time to time, providing economic stimulus to the city. Now, the Monroe Dispatch has learned that some promoters are allegedly feeling some heat from the city, as future events or shows can only be held at two places. Events/shows must be held at either the Civic Center or The Hub. Sources allege that the city appears to come down on area promoters and not...
