No Struggle, No Progress
No Struggle, No Progress
Sorted by date Results 1977 - 2026 of 3623
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...
Rising Rap Star LaFem' Nikia turned it up recently at the Juneteenth RiverWalk in Monroe LA. She performed Witch Stupid A**, Bust it Open and Final Warning! If you don't know, now you know! Check out Rapper LaFem' Nikia!...
You mean the world to me, James and Charlene Goods 7th Wedding Anniversary July 19, 2021 with love! Congratulations James and Charlene!...
The Monroe City Academy League (MCAL) is a youth sports league provided by The Academy Fitness & Sports LLC and Free Me Association. The purpose of the league is to provide constructive physical sport activities for youth in the city of Monroe, specifically offering safe after school activities. The league provides football, basketball, baseball, softball, soccer and cheer to youth ages 5-12. Teams will practice at city of Monroe Community Centers, Lillie Marbles; Emily P. Robinson, Powell St., Harvey H. Benoit, Saul Adler, B.J. Washington and...
Excitement is an understatement to express the joy in our hearts to reunite again. Again Bunches and Bunches of Family Fun was celebrated on Saturday, July 3, 2021 at the home of Larry Wright, Sr., in Farmerville LA. Family and friends came from near and far to celebrate their Greatest Legacy Recie Mae Frazier Hollis, passionately known as "Madear". Members of the descendants in attendance included: Families of the Hollis, Wright, Lewis, Yarborough, Elliott, West, Washington, Bowden, Lusk,...
A Texas woman in town visiting relatives was arrested by police on Saturday, July 3, 2021, after she allegedly fired her weapon at another motorist. Yeshikya Williams said she was heading to West Monroe on I-20 when she saw an individual driving in an unsafe manner. Williams, who had her three children with her, quickly passed the vehicle and exited at Thomas Road in West Monroe, LA. According to Williams, an unidentified White man began to use profane words, accusing Williams of pulling in...
At Richwood High School reigning as Miss Freshman Maid of Honor will be Serenity Reed at the 2021 Richwood Homecoming. Thanks Community Partner Creed & Creed for partnering with many schools and organizations in Northeast Louisiana. Congratulation Miss Freshman Maid of Honor Serenity Reed!...
Gun violence is taking its toll on Monroe, LA and northeast LA. One of the ten commandments - Love thy neighbor as thy self - seems to now be nonsexist, especially with youth and young adults. There's an African proverb that states, "A child that is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth." What is missing in our youth is love. Before integration and twenty-five years after, if children didn't receive love at home, they got real love at school. The powers that be figured...
The state of Louisiana has the highest prison population in America, which has the highest prison population in the world. The overwhelming number of prisoners locked up in Louisiana prison are Black men, women, and children. Collectively, these Black prisoners generate tens of millions of dollars that helps maintain Louisiana’s industrial complex, and it modern life trade of Black subjects whereas, in the past Black slaves fetched hundreds of dollars on the slave trade market in Louisiana, a...
The state of Louisiana has the highest prison population in America, which has the highest prison population in the world. The overwhelming number of prisoners locked up in Louisiana prison are Black men, women, and children. Collectively, these Black prisoners generate tens of millions of dollars that helps maintain Louisiana's industrial complex, and it modern life trade of Black subjects whereas, in the past Black slaves fetched hundreds of dollars on the slave trade market in Louisiana, and...
Richwood Police Chief Johnny Cleveland allegedly went to a local Richwood business owner and reportedly ordered the establishment to be closed. In a video on social media, an individual that appeared to be Cleveland is seen confronting an unidentified person in front of several people inside the building. The person that is alleged to be the police chief of the town of Richwood seems to be telling the owner that he is shutting down the establishment. He is telling everyone inside to leave...
Johnny Hall Reed 1949 - 2021 Johnny Hall Reed was born on September 5, 1949 to the union of Willie and Oddie Reed Sr. He was preceded in death by his parents Willie and Oddie Reed, brothers Willie Reed Jr., Robert Reed, Jerry Reed, Lawyer Reed, and Dennis Reed. He was drafted to serve his country a few days after finding work in Michigan. He served in the United States Army from 1969-1971, stationed in Germany. On May 15, 1976, Johnny married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Ann Goins. To...
Shelia Diarse was crowned Mrs. Twin Cities and Mrs. Louisiana Plus America 2020-2021 recently. Beholding such distinct honor, Shelia has had the pleasure of worshiping with various churches, meeting local and state leaders, engaging in serving the needs of the community, sharing care packages with college students, and hosting events with the intent to inspire all women. Shelia will compete in the upcoming national pageant on July 31, 2021, and kindly asks for prayers, godly support, and...
Peggy A. Johnson is a 2021 OIC graduate in Monroe, LA. She earned certifications as a Certified Phlebotomy Technician and a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant while attaining the highest GPA (grade point average) honors award. Praise God!...
Nolan Norman Day in the Park is a family run fun day to remember the incredible community leader and compassionate neighbor, Nolan "Big Daddy" Norman. The day is in its 13th year and is now host to one of the best blues festivals in north Louisiana. Nolan Norman Day in the Nolan Norman Park in Wisner, LA was held Saturday July 3, 2021. The Blues Festival featured T.K. Soul, Sir Charles Jones, Chris Ivy, Jeff Floyd, L.J. Echols, Ms. Jody Rhomey, Mr. Head Bad, Summer Wolf, Keith Frank, Veronica...
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....
Strange and sad accidents happen every day that sometimes leave us to face an unthinkable fortune. A recent fatality leaves a Monroe family to mourn the loss of a beloved mother, daughter, and friend. Tuesday, June 29, 2021, officers responded to the call of a fatal shooting at Graduate Hotel in Annapolis, MD. Michelle Jordan Cummings, formerly from Monroe, LA, was found just after 12:00 midnight. Police reports allege that Cummings was standing on her hotel balcony when she was struck with a...
Domestic issues are somewhat of a common thing as issues in love sometimes go awry. On June 26, 2021 police arrived at a Monroe residence to respond to incident involving suspect, Keyera Young and victim, her boyfriend. According to reports, Young told police she did spray the victim with mace that also got on his 7-year-old daughter as they attempted to get away from her. Young also admitted to using her vehicle to strike her boyfriend's car out of rage. Their 3-month-old daughter was her car...
Pastor Ronald Hunter Sr. Sunrise: November 22, 1945, Passaic NJ, Sunset: June 20, 2021 Monroe LA- Pastor Ronald Hunter Sr. parents were Rev. Theodore Marshall Carter and Theodoshia Hunter. To this union six children were raised and reared. Pastor Hunter graduated from high school in New Jersey in 1964. He received his certificate of licensing November 16, 1985 at Friendship Baptist Church in New Jersey. Pastor Hunter was ordained to the ministry on November 16, 1965 at Sunlight Baptist Church...
Monroe City School Board - why has this southside school been left to such ill-repair? The community and taxpayers are wondering how long the children will have to suffer in such destitute conditions. Concerned neighbors share that Jefferson Upper Elementary School has been in dire need of repair since April 2021. Why haven't these seen issues been addressed?...
Monroe Police were called to the Swanson Youth Center on Monday, June 28, 2021 to assist in putting down what could be called a rebellion by Swanson inmates. Law enforcement would have to make several trips to the center after receiving calls of inmates causing disturbances, one of which was where an employee was allegedly injured. Monroe Police said they responded to several calls to assist Swanson personnel to "round up" some of the inmates who had gotten out of their dorms and were having...
Rally For Justice, press conference and Juneteenth kickoff was held Thursday, June 17, 2021 at Harvey Benoit Community Center (1700 Oaklawn Dr., Monroe, LA). The Nation of Islam-Monroe Study Group, UMJOI, and local attnoreys called this Juneteenth Kickoff Rally for Justice in support of the ongoing police brutality cases in Monroe supporting Ronald Greene, David Harris, Jeffery Scott, Timothy Williams, Aaron Bowman, Earl Grant, Alphonso Brown, and Reggie Brown. These individuals have been...
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 2021 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....
Nolan Norman of Extension, LA, and Wisner, LA, and the greater community is gone but never forgotten. Mrs. Elizabeth King Norman and family affectionately called him Big Daddy. Each 1st Saturday in July in Wisner, LA is celebrated as Nolan Norman Day. The Norman family commemorates the day with a good-time community celebration and blues concert because Norman loved helping others and listening to the blues. Big Daddy gave his family the greatest gift anyone could give; he loved and believed in...
On Sunday June 27, 2021, F.D. Thompson American Legion Post 521 in Monroe LA held an installation ceremony for newly elected administration. Post 521 2021 New Administration included Commander Fredrick McHenry, 1st Vice Commander James Orange and 2nd Vice Commander Hardy Gunn....
Swayze Elementary School in Monroe, LA proudly celebrates its 2021 Student of Year, Tytionna Bates. Tytionna will celebrate her 12th birthday, July 3. She is the daughter of Shutaskie Mayes and Kevin Bates, and the granddaughter of Barry Sims and Cora Mayes. Happy Birthday Tytionna!...
Juneteenth celebrates the freedom of over 250,000 slaves at the close of the Civil War. The holiday is based on events that occurred mainly in Texas but is now celebrated nationwide. The celebration takes its name from June 19, 1865, the day federal troops arrived in Galveston to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation. Although the Proclamation had taken effect on January 1, 1863, it freed few, if any, slaves. In 2021 Juneteenth was finally declared as a federal and state holiday in Louisiana...
Monroe native, Tahari R. Griffin, BS, MA, was recently spotlighted in an international newsletter of one of the clinical trials (trial titled DELIVER-MS) she coordinates at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX. Ms. Griffin is a clinical trial Investigator and the sole Senior Research Coordinator at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX, overseeing all neurological clinical trials for the diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS - a disease that affects the central nervous system) and...
Edna’s Cooking “Home of the Breakfast Bowl” Serving southern style hot breakfast and lunch daily: Monday - Friday, 6:00 AM – 2:30 PM and Saturday, 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM. All plates come with coffee or fountain drink. Great food! Great service at reasonable prices. Three Monroe locations: Now Save #1 4399, Hwy 165 South, 318-737-7873; Tiger Market Café, 1800 Forsythe Ave, Suite 1, 318-325-4000; Now Save # 5, Hwy 165 S and Hadley St. Ms. Edna and Staff ~ Serving up LOVE every day! Edna’s Cooking features $4.99 breakfast and coffee, $6.99 lunch,...
The Monroe Housing Authority is dedicated to help bring back Louisiana, as the organization announces fourteen (14) of its housing communities will host FREE Covid-19 vaccination events between June 23rd and July 2nd. "The safety and health of MHA residents is our number one priority. That is why we are partnering with the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development, Louisiana Department of Health, and Louisiana National Guard for the Sleeves Up Bring Back Louisiana effort. By bringing this i...
When students make it to high school, they begin to make their stride in understanding what is required of them. In their rearview mirror, they have the perspective of being a kid. Looking ahead, they have a hopeful future available to them as a young adult. Michael Sherman was a teen full of promise. He graduated from Richwood High School this past year and was a popular athlete. Those who knew Sherman spoke highly of his character, sharing that he was kind and respectful. On Friday, June 18,...
Debra Renee McGee was born October 5, 1975 in Monroe, LA to the late Hosea McGee Sr. and Freddie Mae Kirby-McGee. She received her final wings on June 16, 2021, passing away peacefully at home. Debra was a Lincoln Elementary, Carroll Jr., and Carroll High School 1994 graduate. She was a member of the Carroll Bulldog band and later worked with the Carroll band alumni. Debra served at Swanson Correctional Center as a Captain and Juvenile Justice Specialist for over 20 years. She loved kids,...
News of the passing of Gregory Bridges, 70, sent shock waves throughout the Monroe community and beyond. Hearts are saddened by his unexpected passing shared by family and friends on Thursday, June 17, 2021. Gregory was a great guy who had a heart for people. He was a Lincoln High School and Grambling State University graduate, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting. Gregory was married to Dorothea Joseph Bridges. To their union, three daughters were born. He lived a life in which he...
Another rally for justice was held last Thursday, June 17, 2021 at the Benoit Community Center in Monroe, LA , as a sign to city officials in the Friday Ellis administration that the fight for justice is not over. In the past several years, there have been numerous controversial incidents involving law enforcement against unarmed African-American men. Several of those men, Ronald Greene and David Harris, died after encounters with law enforcement. The rally held at the community center further...
