Free Vol. 3 Issue 11 July 15-31, 2009 www.cenlalight.wordpress.com E-mail:[email protected]What is really going on at the VA Hospital in Pineville? Is there a cover-up? Photo by Bill Sumrall JUSTICE WANTED — Floyd Hamilton III stands in front of veterans and supporters of a federal lawsuit he filed against the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Pineville, two doctors and the hospital’s administrator. Hamilton contends the hospital is covering up malpractice and maltreatment of patients. The group stands on the steps of the federal courthouse in Alexandria. For more of this story, go to Page 7.
Transcript
Free
Vol. 3 Issue 11 July 15-31, 2009 www.cenlalight.wordpress.com E-mail:[email protected]
What is really going on at the VA Hospital in Pineville? Is there a cover-up?
Photo by Bill SumrallJUSTICE WANTED — Floyd Hamilton III stands in front of veterans and supporters of a federal lawsuit he filed against the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Pineville, two doctors and the hospital’s administrator. Hamilton contends the hospital is covering up malpractice and maltreatment of patients. The group stands on the steps of the federal courthouse in Alexandria. For more of this story, go to Page 7.
The lighT – July 15-31, 2009Page 2
Sherri L. Jackson,Publisher1429 Third StreetAlexandria, LA 71301
Name:____________________________________ Address:__________________________________ City_________________ State________________ Telephone ________________________________ One Year: _________ $35 Two Years: ________ $60
The Light, 1429 Third St., Alexandria, LA 71301
“If You’re Not Reading The Light, You’re in the Dark”
Kimistry Advanced Hair Care Salon Beauty & Barbershop
(A Family-Friendly Environment) 925-927 Johnston St., Alexandria, LA
Seeking Licensed Cosmetologists And Barbers with an established clientele
Contact Kim Jackson-Victorian
(318) 613-0041
CENTRAL LOUISIANA WOMEN’S CLINIC
Rashonda L. Dean, M.D. Obstetrics and Gynecology
Phone (318) 442-5800
FAX (318) 442-1109 501 Medical Center Drive Suite 4A, Alexandria, LA 71301
Office Hours By Appointment
$1 million milestone celebrated
JOINT VENTURE — Pineville resident Estelle Miles is surrounded by representatives of the partnership that rehabilitated her home through the Affordable Housing Program grants. Shown from left are Linda Venson and Sherri L. Jackson, both of Rapides Station Community Ministries; Willie Spears, Red River’s vice president of Community Investment; Kevin Dorn, Pineville City councilman; Vicki Miller, Red River’s vice president and compliance officer; and Debbi Boniol, compliance assistant.
In a brief press conference held Friday, July 17, Red River Bank, Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas and Rapides Station Community Ministries celebrated the distribution of more than $1 million in grants that rehabilitated homes in Central Louisiana.
The Affordable Housing Program rehabilitative grants were administered through Red River Bank from funds Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas.
Each year, FHLB Dallas returns 10 percent of its profits to the communities served by member institutions.
In collaboration with the banks, Rapides Station Community Ministries, under the leadership of Dr. Joe S. Green, worked to rehabilitate and restore 50 homes in Rapides and Avoyelles parishes.
““I’m thankful that the grant program was in place so I could benefit from it. It’s a good thing because it has helped a lot of people,” said Estelle Miles, one of the program’s recipients.
The lighT – July 15-31, 2009 Page 3
Rapides Primary celebrates 13 years of service with a give back to community
Photos by Sherri L. Jackson
CELEBRATION TIME — Food, fun and fellowship top the day of the 13th-year anniversary celebration of Rapides Primary Health Care Center, 1217 Willow Glen River Road, on Saturday, July 11. The celebration was the Center’s way of giving back to the community that has supported it through the years. Activities included face painting and jumpers for the children, cards and Dominos for adults and food by Pam Boutee’s catering. Patricia Lewis, the Center’s executive director, said the event was a success and looks forward to the upcoming year. The Center has plans for a Women’s Pavilion, which will offer health care to women.
Page 4 The lighT – July 15-31, 2009
Essence Festival brings much needed infoBy Attorney Ingrid Johnson
The 15th Annual Essence Music Festival was held in New Orleans, July 3-5 at the Louisiana Superdome.
Many people only know of the great concerts offered with the closing act always being Frankie Beverly & Maze. However, many people don’t know the icing on the cake for “the Essence” is held at Ernest Morial Convention Center.
The Superdome concerts are good, but what makes the happenings at the convention center the icing is that admittance is FREE. Some may say in life, “you get what you pay for.” Well, that theory is proven wrong.
For no pay, no charge, no cost, you can enjoy the culture, education, exposure, and good time offered in the convention center. This year there were concert performances by Mary Mary, Kirk Franklin, Smokie Norful, and others as a tribute to Bishop T.D. Jakes. There were discussions on “Black in America” moderated by CNN reporters with panelists such as Bill Cosby, Tom Joyner, the Rev. Al Sharpton, and others.
The discussions are deep and very inspirational. Attendees leave encouraged to do their parts in strengthening their families and communities.
Apparently, the word is spreading, because the live viewing room had several thousand seated and so did the overflow room. While those concerts and discussions are going on, the market place area is full of activity. It can take you hours to browse through the market place and partake in the food court.
Photos Courtesy of Ingrid Johnson
(At top) Alexandria attorney Ingrid Johnson poses with journalist Roland Martin of CNN. Martin is a nationally syndicated columnist with Creators Syndicate, an author and a commentator for TV One Cable Network. According to his Web site, www.rolandmartin.com, he is also a CNN analyst, appearing on a variety of shows, including Campbell Brown: No Bias, No Bull, The Situation Room, Anderson Cooper 360, Lou Dobbs Tonight, and many others. In August 2007, he joined Essence Magazine as a special correspondent, writing a bi-monthly column and a daily blog on Essence.com. In October 2008, Martin joined the Tom Joyner Morning Show as senior analyst.
(At bottom) Essence Festival attendees visit the booth that encourages blacks to get tested for HIV AIDS.
Ralph Carter“Michael” from Good Times
Page 5The lighT – July 15-31, 2009
Sights from the 2009 Essence Festival
Photos Courtesy ofD’Nais Mack
The lighT – July 15-31, 2009Page 6
Deb Jerricha Franklin and Beau Antonio Roberts crowned at 2009 UEMBA banquet
Photos by Sherri L. JacksonROYALTY — Jerricha Franklin of New Bethel Community Baptist Church, and Antonio Roberts of Pilgrim Baptist Church, reign as the queen and king of United Educational Missionary Baptist Association Inc. The banquet/cotillion was held Tuesday, July 14, at Best Western Convention Center. Also participating were Keuna Woods, Devin Hazel, Saretta Wilson, Kirsten Hankins, Briana Martin, Darius Sewell, Desmond Beverly and Nathan Chestand. Dr. Joe S. Green, pastor of St. Matthew Baptist Church, was the speaker.
IN THE HOUSE — Alexandria native Nic Harris of the Buffalo Bills stands with the Rev. Clarence Dupar Jr., who Harris considers a mentor. Harris attended the banquet/cotillion to help give out scholarships. (At right) Charlie and Ethel Taylor, members of True Vine Baptist Church, read over the program before it starts.
