No Struggle, No Progress
No Struggle, No Progress
Sorted by date Results 1944 - 1993 of 3623
In Monroe, LA, city school students are hurting and in dire need of a new 21st-century school system education that could provide more hope and equity for a better, more prosperous future. With the new school year beginning next week, many hope school board leaders remember to keep the students' best interests first over conflicting agendas. The children of Monroe are a reflection of the city's future. In order for the entire city to move forward, more attention, more importantly, more resources have to go to the neediest schools in the area....
The Monroe Police Department (MPD) released bodycam footage of local resident (the late) David Harris and his encounter with MPD officers in an April 2021 incident that has been shrouded in much controversy. It was controversial because as a result of Harris' encounter with MPD, he would die not long after the initial contact with the officer who saw him walking on Standifer Street. Bodycam footage shows an officer engaging in a conversation with Harris, and he is told by someone that knew...
On April 28, 1960, Romona Hobdy (Montgomery) was born to the union of Floyd and Mary Hobdy in Winnfield, LA. She was the youngest of 3 children. Romona was raised in Union Hill Baptist Church, where she became a Christian at a young age and was an active member.She attended and graduated from Winnfield Senior High School in Winnfield, LA. After graduating from high school, she attended Northeast Louisiana University in Monroe, LA, where she relocated and remained. She married Lenard Montgomery,...
Jesse Williams began his career with Green Oaks Detention Center in Monroe LA over 47 years ago as a part-time detention worker, progressing to dentation manager before his tenure ended in May 2021. Williams was honored on Saturday July 31, 2021 with a retirement/birthday party in Monroe LA. Photo Jesse Williams...
At Carroll High School Awards Day 2021, Carroll Scholar Shemeka Varner was one of many Carroll Students awarded with scholarships. Varner received a ULM scholarship in the amount of $80,000 for her education recently. Congratulations Carroll Scholar Shemeka Varner!...
Enrich Personal Care Services and Enrich Behavioral Health in Monroe, LA held a backpack and school supplies giveaway on Saturday, August 7, 2021 at its headquarters. Over 500 bookbags were given. Kids were also treated to hamburgers and hotdogs along with cold treats from an ice cream truck, providing sweet treats on the sizzling summer day....
LA Legendary Football Coach Mackie Freeze of Terzia/Richwood High Schools was inducted into the 2020 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in Natchitoches, LA on Saturday, June 26. 2021. Other 2020 inductees along with Coach Freeze were Ronnie Coleman, Lou Dunbar, Kerry Kittles, Phil Robertson, Charles Tillman, Angela Turner-Johnson, Kent Lowe, Robin Fambrough, Joan Cronan and Tim Brando. Coach Freeze made history as the organization's oldest inductee at age 94 and won 4 consecutive Louisiana State AA...
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...
Psalm 90:10, states the days of our years are threescore (60) and ten (70) years, and if by reason of strength, they be fourscore years (80) years. The Rayville, Holly Ridge, Delcho, and Sugar Hill communities, thank God for Sister Ella Armstrong Wagner who has lived in the community for 97 years. On August 4, 2021, Sister Wagner celebrated her 101st birthday. Family, friends, neighbors and five generations came from many states to celebrate with Mother Wagner. Mother Wagner is a firm believer...
Matthew 24:10 - And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. One can never truly foresee the tragic difficulties we may have in our lives, especially when it comes to struggles with our family. Saturday, August 1, 2021, is a day one Monroe family will never forget after family drama led to a series of very unfortunate events. According to police reports, police responded to a disturbance on Marx St. where officers found a Black female with a severe injury t...
April 20, 1950 ~ August 1, 2021 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. - 2 Timothy 4:7 Our angel, Amy Lois Douzart Allen, 71, was born April 20, 1950 in Rayville, LA. She was the fifth child of nine, born to the late Eddie James Douzart and Hester Warren Douzart. Amy received her formal education at Carroll High School where she was a proud member of the graduating class of 1969. Amy realized that the Lord was the head of her life, accepted Christ as her...
October 28, 1934 – August 1, 2021 Abe Edward Pierce III was an educator and politician in Monroe, LA, who served as the city's first African-American mayor. Mr. Pierce held the position for one term from 1996 to 2000, when he was unseated by the Republican candidate, Melvin Rambin. A graduate of the former Monroe Colored High School prior to desegregation and the historically black Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA, Mr. Pierce was a classroom teacher who taught biology, chemistry, and p...
Something about this story just doesn't sound right. In one of the most bizarre and terrifying moments in life, a man who had just gotten married allegedly opens fire on a passenger in his car and on other people who were also in their vehicles. According to reports, Devin Jose Jones was stuck in traffic on the Bonnet Carre' Spillway heading back to Alexandria on Saturday night, July 31, 2021 when the alleged gunfire happened. An argument began as Jones allegedly accused his wife of having an affair with the male passenger, according to the...
Sunrise: March 24, 1955 Sunset: August 2, 2021 Arenta Peevy was the fourth of five children born to Leroy and Dorothy Peevy. He was the grandson of Eddie Leroy Warner, Hickory Henry Peevy, Bessie Walden Peevy and Elisha and Elsie Reed. Eddie Leroy Warner, Hickory Henry Peevy, Bessie Walden Peevy and Elisha and Elsie Reed, great grandparents Fred and Savanna Taylor, Birdie Wade Reed, sister Fannie Mae Thompson, son Rico Peevy Sr., and grandson Rico Peevy Jr. all preceded him in death. At an...
Congratulations Ouachita Parish High School 2021 Graduate Madison Nelson. Wishing Madison all the best as she takes another step in life....
The Monroe/Ouachita Parish Branch of the NAACP led by Branch President Rev. Ambrose Douzart recently met with Ouachita Parish Sheriff Jay Russell to discuss the possibility of parish officers using body cameras. The Monroe Dispatch spoke with Rev. Douzart, and he expressed his views on the need for body cameras to be worn by officers. Douzart shared a statement outlining why cameras can play a pivotal role for the community if trust is to be restored, especially after recent local events have...
Dazzle Dance will open its doors for it's 10th dance season this year! Invest in your child's dream of becoming a beautiful dancer. Register them online today - www.dazzledanceonline.com or register in-person at Dazzle Dance Studio (830 MLK Jr. Drive, Monroe, LA), Saturday, August 21, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM, and Sunday, August 22, 1:00 - 3:00 PM. Visit www.dazzledanceonline.com for more or text, 504-499-1227....
Of the three candidates vying for chair of the English Department, Terrence T. Tucker became the first African American selected as chair at the University of Memphis in Memphis, TN. Terrence, a 1996 graduate of Ouachita Parish High School, completed his undergraduate work at LSU in Baton Rouge. Then, he received his Master's Degree and PhD in African-American Studies from the University of Kentucky in Lexington, KY. Prior to becoming chair, Dr. Tucker was the Coordinator of the...
Wyatt and Louise X were high school sweethearts. They 've been together so long that when you see one, you're looking for the other. Their love for one another has stood the test of time, while they've traveled the world how many times? Congratulations Wyatt and Louise X, you mean the world me!...
The Monroe-Ouachita Chapter of Grambling University National Alumni Association presents the 19th Annual Evening with GSU Athletic Department on Thursday, August 26, 2021 6:00 P.M. at the Monroe Civic Center BD Robinson Room. The first 150 guests will receive a free appetizer from Texas Roadhouse (West Monroe, LA). For ticket(s) and other information, contact Ezzard Burton at 318-680-9057 or Larry Mason at 318-503-5189. There will be several door prizes and silent auction items. The two major...
For I am ready to be offered, and the time of my departures is at hand. I have fought a good fight. I have finished my course. I have kept the faith. - II Timothy 4:6-7 After months of battling with health complications, George Allen, Jr., 74, affectionately known as "Duck" entered his heavenly home on Monday, July 26, 2021. He was born December 15, 1946 to George Allen Sr. and Ozellar Kilgore Allen in Monroe, LA. George was the fifth of nine children. He was the life of the party wherever he...
Hearts are heavy today as a community is mourning the deaths of three teenagers who lost their lives in an automobile accident in Lincoln Parish. The three teens were all residents of Jonesboro, LA. News of the accident has rocked the small community, especially those who knew the teens. According to reports, law enforcement officers responded to the scene of an automobile crash that allegedly occurred on Works Rd. in Jonesboro around 3:45 PM on July 27, 2021. Officers said that the driver,...
Herman Brown was born July 20, 1934, in Eudora, Arkansas. He was a very bright, spirited individual who loved and enjoyed family, friends, and life. Exemplifying leadership as a young adult, he was responsible for leading his family to a better quality of life by moving them to Monroe, LA. With determination to be successful and a desire to contribute to the community, he worked in several capacities for the city of Monroe, which included Housing and Urban Development and the City Marshal's...
The Educational Foundation of Eta Delta Lambda Chapter Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. hosted its 26th Scholarship Awards Reception Saturday, July 24, 2021 at Living Water Ministries International in Monroe, LA. Outstanding scholarship award recipients for 2021 included Troy Bell Jr., Lee Dixon, Curtis Johnson Jr., Adrian Cole, Denim Hill, Brandon Kimes, and Paris Varnado....
On Tuesday, July 20, 2021, Mrs. Rosie Mae Carr transitioned to her heavenly home. Rosie was a member of Peter Rock Baptist Church. She was a 1957 Carroll High School graduate. Rosie served as a Dietician at E.A. Conway/L.S.U. Medical Center until her retirement in 2000. Services for Mrs. Carr are entrusted to Hester's Central State Funeral Home. Visitation will be Friday, July 30, 2021 from 4:30 - 5:30PM. Her graveside service will be Saturday, July 31, 2021 at 11:00 AM at Richwood Memorial...
Congratulations Class of 2021 College Grad Lenkedra Moore who earned her Masters in accounting and finance from DeVry (Keller) University. 2021 Grad Lenkedra will be in that number of DeVry (Keller) Graduates receiving degrees on July 31, 2021. Lenkedra is the daughter of Sharon Moore....
It was a moment in time at the Radio People's Platforms & Polyester 70's Party hosted Saturday, July 17, 2021 at the Hub in Monroe, LA, where a sold-out party was in full-blown 70's mode. The crowd was seen decked in 70's attire while Meet the Press Band cranked out hit after hit, 70's style....
Life can sometimes throw you a curveball just as you think a fastball straight down the middle is coming. We may think that we are one step ahead, but life is not a straight line from point A to point B. We can be thankful for having the support of family, but there comes a time when an individual has to stand on their own two feet, especially when they can. A local man says that he is doing just that, as he has taken the necessary steps to, as he said, get his life back in order. He shared that he is recovering from some things that can take c...
On Wednesday, July 21, 2021, Mrs. Catherine Bryant symbolically walked "the walk of longevity" celebrating 100 years with family and friends marshalling her on through applause and warm shout-outs. As she walked the imaginary red carpet from the entrance to the rear of Dr. Alyce Adams' office where a surprise birthday party awaited, she was filmed by Jesse Davis of Fox 14, NBC 10. His interview with her was quite heartwarming to all as he did a genuflect on one knee showing honor, reverence,...
A local woman says she is out of a job, not because she was hostile or antagonistic or hard to get along with, but simply after asking management for assistance to do what she was told to do. The woman, who works at one of the local fast-food restaurants, said that it was almost closing time and the dishes needed to be washed. She was working with several other employees, and one of them allegedly said, "go ask the old Black lady". A minute later, the night manager came over to her and asked if she was going to wash the dishes. She said that...
Morning Glory Church of Jesus Christ honored worthy servants Dr. Sophie and William Robertson at their 7th Appreciation on Sunday, July 18, 2021 at 201 Stanley Ave. in Monroe, LA. Guest speaker was Overseer and Apostle Sidney Clay Sr. who left the church with the spoken words, "There's no place like home!"...
Are any people of color safe especially those still living in segregated neighborhoods in South Monroe LA? What happened to love thy neighbor as thyself? According to police reports, Suspect Xavier Harris pulled a gun and fired shots at a house in Tanglewood on Greenwood Dr. Witnesses confirm an argument with a visitor sparked the shooting melee. Although the shooting occurred sometime in November 2020, investigators stayed on the investigation until a suspect was identified in lineup by...
Yulonda Yvette “Pookie” Hollins was born December 4, 1972 in Monroe, LA, to Dorothy Chatman and Joe Jackson. She accepted Christ at an early age and was a powerful woman of God. She spent her time raising her five children, loving others, and cleaning and beautifying anything she touched. Yulonda rededicated her life to God in 2018 when she became a member of New Hope Pentecostal Church. She loved to attend church. She worked in the church by helping with the youth praise dance team. Yul...
Monroe City Schools Superintendent Brent Vidrine got an early Christmas present, in of all months, July. That Christmas present was an 18-month contract extension in his position that was slated to expire December 31, 2021. Santa, aka the board members, decided to "reward" Vidrine with a new contract, even though the signed contract was only a draft. An incomplete contract wasn't a problem for five members of the board, who voted to extend Vidrine's contract without making sure that all of the...
Live every day as if it is your last, as we never know when life will begin or end. Hearts are saddened by the death of Walter "Walt Baby Love" Bynum's passing. Walt was an incredible guy who always thought of others. He was a hard worker who began working at the age of 13. Walt was one who had his own. He never asked anyone for anything and knew he had to provide for his family. He was employed with and retired from Monroe City Schools as a head supervisor. On the job, Walt was impeccable as...
Rosemary Johnson Gibbons was born to Eddie and Olive Blanche Johnson in Brooklyn, New York. January 10, 1963- the youngest of four children. Both parents preceded her in death. Rosemary was educated in Ouachita Parish, graduating from Richwood High School in the illustrious class of 1980. Rosemary was a gifted student and talented alto saxophone player. Rosemary was her daddy's girl but decided to emulate her mom and followed her into the nursing field. She continued her education at Delta...
The Southern University Alumni Federation/Monroe Chapter Scholarship Presentation and Student Reception was held Saturday, July 17, 2021 at the G.B. Cooley Conference Room in Monroe, LA. 2020 Southern University Scholarship recipients were Skylar Parhms, Victoria Rencher, and Brandon Horne. 2021 Southern University Scholarship recipients included Shemiya Allen, Ahlayna Calhoun, Madison Davis, and T’Keyah Gulley. Family, friends, and Southern alumni were in attendance and reco...
Master Barber/Stylist Leo Williams has left his Stamper's Barbershop kingdom and is now at Ciles Beauty & Barber Shop, 810 MLK Jr. Dr., (Hwy 165 Bypass) in Monroe, LA. Walk-ins welcome! Call 318-680-2567 for appointments, Tuesday - Saturday, 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM....
Next Level Worship and Praise Center celebrated and honored Pastor Tony R. and Minister Flo Carter for their 13th Anniversary, Sunday July 18, 2021 at St Paul United Methodist Church in Monroe LA. Guest pastor and church was Rev. Michael S. Thompson Sr. and Olive Branch Baptist Church West Monroe LA. Song "Fill me up" took the anniversary to another level, while God revealed his presence and spirit. Escorting the honorees were Elder James and Sister Dewanna McNeal. Program Leader Pastor Ronald...
Congratulations 2021 Southern University And A&M College Graduate Aleczandria Fairley with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice. She is a member of True Vine Baptist Church in Monroe LA....
Each and every day we wake up to contradictory news about how we should react or not react to COVID-19. According to Michael Rainey, staff writer for the Fiscal Times, we are facing a “Pandemic of the Unvaccinated.” With the delta variant of the COVID-19 virus driving an uptick in new cases in some parts of the United States, health officials warn about the outbreaks of cases in the locations where there is a lower percentage of vaccinated people and unvaccinated people at risk. Reportedly, hospitalizations and deaths are occurring almost ent...
There are citizens in the town of Richwood who believe that the police chief has overstayed his time in office. Johnny Cleveland has been a controversial pick since he became police chief, and his recent alleged actions at a Richwood business have only intensified desires of his removal. Richwood Board Alderwoman Leola Keyes is one of those citizens. In an interview conducted with Keyes, she spoke of public safety, saying that it is "critically important" to every citizen in the town of...
On Tuesday, July 13, 2021, the Monroe City School Board approved a new incomplete contract extension for Superintendent Brent Vidrine by a 5-2 vote. Just receiving the contract before the meeting, Monroe City School Board members Bill Willson, Jenifer Haneline, Rick Saulsberry, Darryl Berry, and Sharon Neal voted for an incomplete and unread contract. Who approves a fill in the rest contract, which can add anything after the fact? Who is to say, especially additional perks? Taxpayers and concerned citizens should be outraged, especially that...
Writer James Baldwin once shared, "Love can never be wrong. Love is the only thing that is right in this wretched world of ours. Sometimes, all you really need is a dose of love in order to gain happiness in your life. Love takes off masks that we fear we cannot live without and know we cannot live within." Actress Lucille Ball once spoke on loving yourself, offering, "Love yourself first and everything else falls into line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world."...
More troubling news continues to emanate from the Swanson Youth Center, as three more inmates broke out from the facility. The latest escape is believed to have happened sometime after 9:00 PM, Tuesday, July 13, 2021, as Monroe police officers arrived at the facility shortly thereafter. The three inmates have been identified as Tre'veon Jackson, Curtis Tassin, and Brandt Bennett. Swanson officials have released no other information regarding their detention as of press time. It is still unclear...
With no regard for race, creed, color, or ethnic origin, graduating high school students who plan to attend and enroll at a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in the fall immediately following their graduation may apply. For students who enroll in Southern University and A & M College, the scholarship value is doubled. The James H. Gray Foundation Scholarship, Inc. is funded by Patterson & Associates of Monroe, LLC. Starting her 2nd year at Southern University and A & M College in B...
Edwin Edwards, former Louisiana governor, passed away at age 93 on Monday, July 12, 2021. He will be remembered for his dynamic leadership that transcended party lines and helped shape Louisiana politics. An Edwards family spokesperson shared that the former state leader departed the world with family and friends by his bedside. Weeks before his death, Edwards accepted hospice care at his home. He allegedly died of respiratory issues. Governor Edwards had a colorful and controversial personal...
Individuals who have been convicted of crimes and sent away to serve time at correctional jails and prisons across the state are often left fending for themselves in navigating the criminal justice system. According to The Sentencing Project's review, Louisiana had the highest incarceration rate in the country at 680 per 100,000 people in its state. Over the years, many human rights organizations have worked to provide advocacy and resources to inmates whose human rights have been violated while serving time. Inmates often share stories of... 
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Chresancio "Chee-Chee" Jackson, a History instructor at Louisiana Delta Community College was recently promoted to Division Chair of Liberal Arts at the college. Chresancio "Chee-Chee" Jackson is the son of legendary educator Odell "Cuz" Jackson who is thanking the Lord and grinning from ear to ear! Congratulations Chresancio "Chee-Chee" Jackson!...
James Koon was convicted in 1996 by a 10/2 jury for allegedly killing an infant that was left alone with him while the mother ran an errand. He was charged with second-degree murder and was given a life sentence for the alleged act. Koon was sent to Angola State Penitentiary, where he contested the dismissal of his August 2013 petition, in which he challenged his 1996 conviction and life sentence. Koon based his petition on evidence allegedly not discoverable prior to 2011. The evidence shows the witness for the state of Louisiana, Dr. Steven H...
