No Struggle, No Progress
No Struggle, No Progress
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Disclaimer: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty. A suspect wanted in an October shooting on Wendall Dr. in Monroe, LA has been arrested. The Monroe Police Department (MPD) recently announced that Thomas J. Little, who was allegedly involved in a shooting incident, had been wanted for Aggravated Assault with a Firearm and Attempted Second-Degree Murder. According to MPD, the incident happened on October 28, 2023, when three off-duty officers were working a detail at the Burg...
In 1969, Monroe City Schools integrated, and Coach Rankins was sent to Neville High School as punishment. However, he turned this into a blessing by working hard for the students at Neville High School. Coach Rankins was a man of God, who professed God as his Lord and Savior. He was a member of Solomon Temple Baptist Church for all his life, growing up in the church as a child and remaining faithful as an adult churchgoer. Coach Rankins was a special guy who did things his way, not caring what...
Officers of the Monroe Police Dept. arrested a suspect who was alleged to have been involved in an automobile chase where shots were fired during the encounter. Officers would arrest a suspect identified as 36-year-old Isaac C. Bradley as the driver of one of the vehicles involved in a high-speed chase. According to the affidavit filed by officers, officers were on patrol in the area of Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive near the vicinity of Powell and Renwick Streets. They received a call that gunshots came from a dark-colored Dodge Charger....
It wasn’t for the faint of heart. It was words that needed to be said and heard in hopes that mistakes made by a school board or any school board in America would not happen again. But at a school board meeting on November 14, 2023, Monroe City Schools Board members and the public heard the results from findings of Investigators of the South, a firm hired by the board to investigate the activities concerning Superintendent Brent Vidrine. It was a long-awaited report that was scathing in detail about the shortcomings in how the system as a whole...
One may think of lawyers in general during times when we might need one. They are essential to ensuring our rights are protected when one has to go through civil or criminal cases. Lawyers, like judges, are held to the highest standards to ensure they perform their duties with honor and integrity. I’m no lawyer, but I can appreciate them for what they do. A few years back, a case involving a lawyer who practices in Louisiana was brought to my attention. This case was about more than just his legal skills, but rather about how he conducts h...
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...
Rose of Sharon Baptist Church in Monroe, LA loves to give and share their love with the community. On Sunday, November 19, 2023, Rose of Sharon blessed 100 families with Thanksgiving turkeys and canned goods by Grace and Mercy. During this Thanksgiving weekend, Rose of Sharon Baptist Church Family invites you to their Sunday Worship Experience, 8:15 AM for Sunday School, 9:00 AM for Worship. The church has numerous ministries and invites you and your family to participate in the many ministries...
Dellwood Church of God in Richwood, LA held a new pastor installation at its 30th Church Anniversary on Sunday, November 19, 2023. Dellwood Church of God installed Rev. Earnest Profit as its pastor. Many were in attendance to receive Pastor Profit, including family, church members, and friends. Special guest was Rev. David Profit Jr., who spoke from the subject, "Look in the Mirror." There was lots of praying, singing, and praise! Dellwood Church of God is a special place like no other -...
P.E.E.P. honored the legacy of the late Mrs. Elaine Clay with a Thanksgiving Senior Luncheon on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at Mt. Zion Life Center in Monroe, LA. The late Mrs. Elaine Clay was a special person and will be remembered by P.E.E.P. (Positive Enterprise Empowering People). Her legacy will live forever because of the life she lived, serving others....
The City of Monroe honored the enduring legacy of Abe Edward Pierce III, a trailblazer and community leader, at a building dedication ceremony on Monday, November 20, 2023.. The event tool place at the Monroe Convention Center at 401 Lea Joyner Memorial Expy in Monroe LA. The building dedication ceremony served as a tribute to Pierce's contributions to education, civil service, and the Monroe community....
Sister Bertha Jones took the spirit higher at True Vine Baptist Church Fall Revival in Monroe LA on November 13, 2023. Guest evangelist was Dr. Bernard F. Mitchell Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Mendenhall MS. The spirit of the Lord showed up early when Sister Jones sang, "I know what prayer can do," with rafters falling. Rev. Stonewall Hunter Jr. Pastor....
Historic Pine Hill Baptist Church (Brickyard Community) celebrated their 96th Church Anniversary on October 22, 2023. Among the past church members and families recognized was the Edwards' Family by Deacon Billy Randle. Edwards' Family Members were Bonnie and Leroy Edwards Houston TX, Mary L. Edwards, Rev. Kenneth W. Edwards who Pastor of Church of Christ in Rayville LA, Shelia Colquitt, Vienna Smith and "From Sword to Pen," Pine Hill Deacon Art "Silver Fox" Edwards Chairman of the deacon...
Recently at Carroll High School in Monroe LA, Homecoming Royalty Miss Carroll Tayler Epting was honored by former Carroll Graduates LA State Senator Katrina Jackson, LA State Representative Adrian Fisher and City Marshal Robert Cherry. Also pictured are Miss Carroll's Dad Rod Williams and Carroll Principal Patrick Taylor....
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. New Faith Missionary Baptist Church in Monroe LA celebrated their Pastor and Wife Rev. and First Lady Lenard Montgomery Sr.'s 20th Anniversary. Special guest was Dr. Rico Tyler St. Luke Baptist Church West Monroe LA "Commit, Guidance, Restoration, Protection and Reward was the theme....
Gearing up to significantly impact on how Louisiana families gain financial restitution, The Middleburg Institute supported by Share Our Strength has launched a multi-city public awareness campaign promoting the expansion of Louisiana's child tax credit legislation. Throughout the month, The Middleburg Institute will host listen-and-learn events explaining why tax credits matter for families and children in Louisiana and how to improve access to tax credits and tax assistance. Participants will also learn grassroots advocacy, leadership for res...
You are in an abusive relationship with yourself when you don’t love yourself and your surroundings. You are most likely to be killed by your friend, cousin, brother, sister, mother, father, or someone of your race because you won't stand up, speak up, and stop the violence that’s going on in your life. You have to, first of all, love yourself enough. Your family and friends have these illegal guns and are more likely to get mad at you and shoot you or steal from you than someone you don’t know. Love yourself, stop the brutality! Parents are n...
Young Black people are succumbing to gun violence at an alarming rate. The combination of prayer, corporal punishment, parental distrust of schools, and the challenge of children having children has created a nightmarish dilemma. Without plans to address this spiritual epidemic, it will only worsen. According to police reports, a shooting occurred on Heritage Circle in Monroe, LA, where a 20-year-old was found with a gunshot wound. Unfortunately, the victim later died after being taken to the hospital. Gun violence knows no bounds; bullets...
King Solomon Missionary Baptist Church in Monroe, LA honored servants Pastor and Lady Wesley Daniel for 26 years of faithful service on Sunday, November 12, 2023. Guest minister was Pastor Donald Anderson Sr. of Greater New Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Benton, LA....
Allocate tax money where it's needed most, especially as southside schools grapple with innovative techniques and a one-size-fits-all mentality. The Monroe City School system acknowledges the greater needs of its low socioeconomic schools but falls short in providing essential resources. The problems these schools face are enormous, yet the public only hears about the system's dedication to providing opportunities without a clear plan of action. The public demands school accountability, not the lip service received for the last 50 years. Tax...
It doesn't take much for the tide to change in relationships abruptly in the 21st century. Many attempt to escape trouble at the expense of getting violently hit or shot. Every domestic dispute has different outcomes; some escape wrath while others are victims. According to police, a verbal altercation took place when the victim exited the residence, slamming the door. The suspect also exited the home with a pistol in hand, allegedly pointing at the victim on November 11, 2023, in West Monroe,...
Details from a deadly confrontation between Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies and an Ouachita Parish man were recently released. As the Monroe Dispatch went to press last week, it received reports of a deadly shooting by deputies of a local man killed on November 7, 2023. At the time of the tragedy, few details were released because the incident was under investigation by the Northeast Louisiana Sheriff’s Investigative Unit (NLSIU). Since then, the Sheriff’s Investigative Unit has released new details surrounding the circu...
To clear up the negative narrative that has been displayed concerning Carroll Over the last year, allegedly the sheriff and the media have put out lies and created a narrative in favor of the sheriff to cover up his wrong doings. People including many in the black community have fallen victim to this false narrative without even questioning our coaches about what happened. That negative stigma has attached itself to Carroll High School where we have witnessed extra police presence at the games as if the students, coaches, and fans are somehow...
Help celebrate the induction of the late Lula Mae Goins Green, the first African American nurse in charge of an all-White nursing ward, on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at 3:00 PM at the African American Museum, 1051 Chennault Park in Monroe, LA. Lula Mae Goins, the fourth child of Mamie and Percy, was born on November 23, 1932, and raised in Monroe. She attended Monroe Colored High. Lula continued her education at the Louisiana School of Nursing for Coloreds in Natchitoches, Louisiana, where she...
At Whittney's Entertainment Center in Monroe LA, Raymond Whittney's Birthday Extravaganza had grown folks vibes featuring live performances from Coup Deville, Sweet Nay, Rhomey, Ricky White and Magic One on Saturday November 11, 2023. Lil Bobby Womack handled the ones and twos. The birthday celebration was strictly for the grown and sexy and they showed up!...
Spiritual Harvest Ministries in Monroe recently celebrated their 18th Church Anniversary. Special guest speaker was Pastor Vernon Foy First Baptist Church in Rayville LA and St. Joe Baptist Church in Kelly LA. From the heart, what this church means to me was done by youth church members. Special recognition was rendered to Spiritual Harvest Members who go the extra ten miles while wanting to contribute more. Pastor Foy shared the Word like church folks never heard! The Spiritual Harvest...
Thirteen (13) years ago, my beloved daughter, Victoria Stevenson Moore Archangel died in a car accident. When I found out about the accident, I wanted to die. It was the worst news to hear. Nevertheless, I cannot imagine parents finding out that their children were gunned down and killed. I am a State Representative, I am a mother, and I am grieving with the parents. Their children were gunned down and killed. It is like experiencing my daughter's death all over again. Yes, my heart is very...
One of Monroe, LA's most dangerous intersections, 8th St. and Texas Ave., was the scene of another car crash on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, as residents who live nearby know the familiar sound and feel of when accidents happen in the neighborhood. There are no additional details of the crash, including if there were any injuries or fatalities, as of press time. When will the cries for safer south Monroe traffic measures be answered? Need another reason why voting is important and why your vote...
A police shooting occurred in Monroe, LA on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 where a police officer shot and killed a suspect. Investigators continue to obtain evidence and question witnesses while trying to determine the causes of the officer-involved shooting. The suspect was pronounced dead, and their identity has not yet been shared due to the nature of the shooting. The Northeast Louisiana Sheriff’s Investigative Unit is handling this investigation....
By the time these words will be read, Dr. Brent Vidrine should be retired as head of the Monroe City School District after being at the post for ten years. People will remember him in their own way, but he certainly will be remembered as someone who came aboard with high expectations to turn a flailing school district around. How he will be judged is not up to this reporter but rather by those who knew him best. Those who worked with him in the field of education up until the time he was unceremoniously released from his position as...
WAKE UP This is a call to all area elected officials, attorneys, community, church and civic leaders, and any other concerned citizens. What was witnessed over the past year dealing with Franklin Parish was a demonstration of White privilege, Black disconnect, and no sense of community concern or unity. Three coaches from Carroll High School in Monroe, LA were arrested and faced several bogus charges. Two pleaded guilty to prevent serving jail time, but one pleaded not guilty and went to court. Despite presenting substantial evidence, he was...
Disclaimer: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The arrest of the two suspects who have been charged in the shooting death of a 14-year-old hours after Carroll's 2023 homecoming football game brought a sense of relief to the community. The two suspects, one a 17-year-old minor and 19-year-old Joshua Smiley, are currently incarcerated, with both facing multiple charges. The minor is charged with Second-Degree Murder, Criminal Conspiracy, two counts of Carrying a Weapon on...
Mrs. Robert Jean Winters Lee was born on November 16, 1944 to the union of the late Mrs. Annie Mae Nelson Winters Burrell and Mr. Mack Winters, Sr. On November 5, 2023, her Master beckoned, and she obediently answered His call. She was the only daughter of three children. "Bobbie", as she was affectionately called, began her walk with the Lord at a young age. She was baptized at Mt. Nebo Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Allen. She later united with the Rose of Sharon Baptist...
Disclaimer: All persons are innocent until proven guilty. If you look up and see two people fighting, it's difficult to tell who's right and who's wrong. According to local law enforcement authorities, police were summoned to a residence on Highway 80 East in response to a physical disturbance between two females on November 3, 2023. Two persons attempted to diffuse and separate the two women and an arrestee. Suspect Adrian Sampson sprayed pepper spray on one of the victims as a means of trying...
Louisiana is known as “The Sportsman’s Paradise" state for its hunting and fishing areas and also if you want to do some alligator hunting. If you are really a “tough guy” you can try a little alligator wrestling. Just kidding. But seriously, Louisiana will soon be known as it is already recognized or ranked as the second most dangerous state for pedestrians. That is a designation that the state could well do without. According to reports, Louisiana was ranked #2 most dangerous state for pedestrians, according to a bumper.com recent review...
Donterrio Anderson presents an encore performance " More of the secrets in the city" stage play Sunday, November 19, 2023 at 5:00 PM at Monroe Civic Center Jack Howard Theatre, 401 Lea Joyner Memorial Expy., Monroe LA. General admission tickets, $20. VIP tickets, $40 (includes admission, meal/drink, VIP seating), and $30 at the door. More info, 318-791-2392....
In Observance of Breast Cancer Awareness, Little Flower of Jesus Catholic Church in Monroe LA observed Pink Sunday on October 29, 2023 at the 9am Mass. Little Flower Breast Cancer Survivors and church members observed Pink Sunday included Brittney Baker, Latonious Etheridge Zi’Mayh Baker, Ola Mae Kilgore, Emma Williams, Evelyn Body, Beverly Mancy, Earline Corley, Bonnie Arnold, Rosalind Lumpkins, Herdrea Brice, George “Vamp” Belton, top row Greg Paige, Jennifer Harris, Carla Mercy, Phyllis Guice, Xavier Bell, Kiara McNeal, Alice Daniels, Antho...
At your service specializing in BBQ ribs, chicken, turkey legs, brisket, sausage and boudin. Catering available Thursday - Sunday, 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM, 1311 Winnsboro Rd., Monroe, LA 71202. For orders call, 318-801-1052....
RaShad Bristo is a native and resident of Mansfield, LA. RaShad's childhood dream was to become a police officer. He decided to pursue that dream after graduating from Grambling State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. Hired and deputized by DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office, RaShad was sent to the police academy. After going through weeks of vigorous training, he was denied certification to become a Peace Officer just days before graduation. Opposition and discrimination met RaShad head on. Having one arm had all of a sudden...
On Sunday November 5, 2023, Zion Spring Baptist Church in Monroe LA celebrated their 85th Church Anniversary. Special guest was Pastor Marcus Davis Ludden Chapel Baptist Church in Monroe LA. Young people of the church were able to express their future goals to the church during the church anniversary. According to those in attendance, the 85th church anniversary was very uplifting, inspirational and spirit filled....
A local mother received a phone call that all parents dread. Debra Price-Ervin recounted that on November 6, 2023, she received a call from Ochsner-LSU Medical Center informing her that her son, Triney Price, was in critical condition. Like any concerned parent, Ervin said she rushed to the hospital, and upon seeing her son, her heart fell apart. She learned that Triney's condition was worse than feared; hospital personnel allegedly told Ervin that her son had tuberculosis after suffering from...
Disclaimer: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty. A local man is in custody, allegedly due to his shoe print. According to the Monroe Police Department (MPD), officers responded to a shooting on Evangeline Street on November 27, 2023, where they engaged in a foot chase with an individual suffering from a gunshot wound. The alleged suspect, identified as Kadorian J. Dougan, was soon apprehended and transported to a local hospital. As officers conducted their investigation at the...
One of the most special places in the world is Carroll High School in Monroe, LA. Carroll's late first principal, Morris Henry Carroll, along with late Carroll football coaches Thomas and Dorth Blade, helped to establish Carroll's excellence and mystic. Carroll is still a magical place for the thousands of Carroll graduates from 1953 until now. Childhood friends and Carroll classmates were blessed with another moment to fellowship and reminisce of the great Carroll days past during the...
No one knew how it might end. For weeks, there has been a cloud hanging over the Monroe City School Board as it grappled with how to handle what was called a "misconduct" allegation against Superintendent Brent Vidrine. Numerous meetings were held as the board sought ways to minimize the effects that a pending investigation would have on the school district, but it would not be business as usual. That all came to a head Monday night at a special meeting of the school board where members, by a 6-...
Disclaimer: All persons are innocent until proven guilty. In life, everyone has a choice. There are ten Commandments many choose to follow, one in particular, thou shalt not kill. We live in a mean world where wrong and right are now easily twisted, confusing the rules. According to police reports, Ouachita deputies were summoned to a shooting on Winnsboro Rd. and Hadley St. in Monroe, LA on October 22, 2023 in the early morning hours, where they found a victim shot 13 times in his vehicle....
Disclaimer: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty. A West Monroe woman is behind bars after she was arrested on October 27, 2023, and charged with Home Invasion. West Monroe PD said it all began back on September 23, 2023, when Zerrae M. Pratt went to the home of her ex-boyfriend. She allegedly was accompanied by two unidentified males, according to police. The victim said the entrance to his residence was done when the back door was kicked in. According to court documents,...
Ahmed Wright, aka Coach Kipp, passed on October 29, 2023 at Ochsner in New Orleans due to heart failure. He was a 1992 Ouachita High School graduate. Brother Ahmed was a student of Fruit of Islam (FOI), Captain and trainer of the men at Muhammad Mosque #99. Brother Ahmed was also a well-known pee wee football coach in south Monroe. You could always find Brother Ahmed selling the Final Call newspaper on Winnsboro Rd. in Monroe, LA. He loved coaching and developing young men and helping to steer...
Please join the Carroll High School Alumni for Justice regarding a critical concern affecting Carroll High School’s name, integrity, and legacy. Drouzon Quillen is a Carroll coach who was wrongfully convicted of battery on a police officer derived from the football game against Franklin Parish during the 2022 football season. Quillen is currently appealing the conviction and fighting for his life, as well as the reputation of Carroll High School in Monroe, LA. Carroll’s coaches have been portrayed as brutal aggressors however, there have bee...
Wossman High School celebrated Senior Night on Friday, October 27, 2023, recognizing Senior football, cheerleading, band members and Golden Girls. Each group was introduced at halftime before a packed stadium audience. Senior Golden Girls A'Shyria Montgomery and Kennede Harris were among those recognized. Congratulations seniors, thanks for your commitment and dedication! Dr. Harrington Watson lll is the Principal....
Every Grambling homecoming is special for James "Shack" Harris, but this homecoming had him on the ball field all smiles as if he were dressing out for the black and gold once again. Upon the naming of Grambling football field recently, at Eddie G. Robinson Stadium as Grambling State University Harris-Williams Field, Harris had a mini celebration with his wife and sister on the field. Shack is one of Monroe's most famous natives and quarterbacks from Carroll High School, Grambling, and was the...
Julian Woods shares an account of his journey living on the autism spectrum in a book he wrote titled Freed from the Shackles of Autism. Despite the odd stacks against him(he was nonverbal for the first five years of his life), he graduated from high school with honors and received his B.S. Degree in Engineering Technology from Grambling State University. Woods shares that his book was written to inspire someone living with autism and their parents. With early intervention, motivation, and...
