Data News Weekly

Lighting The Road To The Future
“The People’s Paper”
Two-Day
Juneteenth
Event at
Historic St.
James AME
Church
Data Zone
Page 4
June 15 - June 21, 2024 59th Year Volume 7 www.ladatanews.com
A Data News Weekly Exclusive
Brandy
Galmon
New Orleans Daughter
Continues to be a
Bridge Over Troubled
Water in Ghana
Newsmaker
Wendell Pierce
Denied Housing in
New York Over Race
Page 2
State & Local
A Gideon’s Army of Men
at Watson Memorial
Teaching Ministry
Page 6 Page 7

Page 2
June 15 - June 21, 2024
Cover Story
www.ladatanews.com
Brandy Galmon
New Orleans Daughter Continues to be a
Bridge Over Troubled Water in Ghana
On May 29th, 2024, Tender Hearts Foundation in collaboration with Nkansah Foundation celebrated
International Menstrual Hygiene Day with female and male youth.
Tender Hearts thanks the Queen Mother for
allowing us to serve the women of Hope
Village.
Brandy shares a heartwarming message to young
mother in Hope Village that just gave birth to twins’
days before the baby shower. Paco stands close by
with gift in hand.
Brandy Galmon, Founder of Shola
International 504 and Tender Hearts
Foundation.
Glenda Bell
Data News Weekly Contributor
Brandy Galmon has been a registered
nurse for 20 years, specializing
in patient advocacy and juvenile justice.
These experiences led her in 2023 to
create Shola International 504. She successfully
held her Inaugural Music Festival
in Accra, Ghana, aimed at raising
awareness of maternal health disparities
and introducing the Dream of Shola’s
House… a fully functioning transitional
home for young mothers. “Empowering
young women can help break the cycle
of poverty and improve the lives of their
families and communities.”
Ms. Galmon, affectionately known as
“Shola,” headlined the heartfelt Groove
Festival with internationally acclaimed
poet and priestess Sunni Patterson, New
Orleans artist Paco Troxclair (“Duffy”),
the self-proclaimed King of Orisabeats,
Oba Ogunlano, and several other local
Ghanaian talents. Day one of the festivities
began with a night of intimate performances
as all artist united to share
their voices and music with each. Day
two began with the foundation’s members
shopping at local markets to gather
items for the donation of rice, toiletries,
baby food, diapers, and clothing to over
100 pregnant women in Hope Village.
As a show of appreciation, the young
women paraded the village while singing
“Aseda”, which means “Grateful”!
“We were invited to join and it was
one of the most beautiful experiences
of my life, says Galmon.” Later that day,
the members hurried to Odinas Place to
Cover Story, Continued on page 3.
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Cover Story
www.ladatanews.com June 15 - June 21, 2024
Page 3
Cover Story, Continued from page 2.
close out the festival with the harmony
of New Orleans live music
and poetry. The gathering lasted
deep into the night as attendees
participated in panel discussions
and sing- along. Paco was definitely
a fan favorite! The night ended
with a candle light visual for mothers
that felt ending their life was
their only recourse as they could
not afford to care for their child. A
Registered Nurse by trade but humanitarian
at heart, Brandy vows
to stay committed to helping young
women who are socially and economically
disadvantaged.
The Groove Festival gave birth
to the launch of Tender Hearts
Foundation, dedicated to supporting
women in Ghana. The foundation’s
mission is simple: Empower
Her! Tender Hearts Foundation,
an extension of SI504, conducted
its first outreach project of 2024 on
May 28th, globally recognized as
World Menstrual Hygiene Day. The
“Graceful Flow” Outreach Project,
in collaboration with Nkansah’s
Foundation, aimed to empower
young women in health and menstrual
hygiene at Tinkong SDA Basic
School in the Eastern Region of
Brandy, Paco and Sunni arrive to unload supplies being donated by
the foundation.
Ghana.
“Graceful Flow” raised awareness
and challenged taboos that
prevent young women from reaching
their full potential. The day included
educational workshops and
awareness sessions for both young
women and men, providing vital
information on menstrual hygiene,
proper disposal of menstrual waste,
good hygiene practices during
menstruation, and the importance
of regular check-ups. A local midwife
demonstrated the creation of
reusable pads and the correct use
of sanitary cups. Free sanitary pads
and other hygiene products were
also distributed to ensure young
women have access to affordable
and sustainable hygiene solutions.
As September approaches, the
foundation is in preparation for a
fundraiser to support the 2nd Annual
Festival in Ghana affectionately
titled Harmony in Motherhood.
“I thought we’d give it a touch of
Brandy Galmon
jazz this year and bring along
two or three homegrown female
artists, “says the New Orleans
native. Alongside the music, will
be interactive workshops, panel
discussions, and Q&A sessions
with experts. Additionally, informational
materials and resources
on maternal health and well-being
will be offered, alongside health
screenings and consultations for
expectant mothers.
This year’s multi-day event will
also highlight the first Empower
Her Widow’s Outreach. Widowed at
the tender age of 19 while pregnant
with twins, Brandy felt it necessary
to acknowledge and provide solace
to women affected in the same way.
With the strong belief that out of
calamity comes cause, the Tender
Hearts founder plans to provide
emotional support and counseling
sessions for widows to cope with
grief and loss. There will also be a
distribution of essential items like
food, clothing, and household necessities
to widows in need.
The goal of the Tender Hearts
Foundation is to hold this festival
annually and expand gradually.
Empower as many women as we
can. When asked her purpose in
life, Brandy believes her assignment
from God is to go forth and
be a blessing to humanity. “It is
very important that we remember
to do good by people and although
heaven is the goal, there’s nothing
wrong with giving people a little
heaven on earth.”
“Women’s wellness fuels the
nation. Empower her health,
empower transformation.” -
Brandy Galmon

Page 4
June 15 - June 21, 2024
Data Zone
www.ladatanews.com
Two-Day Juneteenth Event at Historic St. James AME Church
Launching of the multi-year initiative BLACK SQUARE NARRATIVES
1823 – 2023 A Bicentennial Activation of St. Louis Cemetery No. 2 in New Orleans,
Louisiana The Louisiana Museum of African American History (LMAAH)
none none
The Louisiana Museum of African
American History or LMAAH presents
a two-day Juneteenth event, in
partnership with the National Trust
for Historic Preservation National Park
Service, and the Andy Warhol Foundation
for the Visual Arts, at the Historic
St. James African Methodist Episcopal
Church to launch its new, multi-year
initiative BLACK SQUARE NARRA-
TIVES 1823 – 2023.
With education and democratic,
civic activation for the preservation
and promotion of Black Square, in St.
Louis Cemetery No. 2 in New Orleans,
Louisiana as its mission, LMAAH will
facilitate a two-year, multi-organizational,
collaborative research and writing
initiative, to develop a new archive
referred to as the BLACK SQUARE
NARRATIVES Archive. In addition,
LMAAH will commission a new, interdisciplinary,
authoritative body to
produce the archive, referred to as the
NEW ORLEANS BLACK SQUARE
NETWORK (NOBSN) pronounced
NO-B-S-N. Scholars and Artists will be
invited to produce new, interdisciplinary
works based on research in the
BLACK SQUARE NARRATIVES Archive.
“This grant will allow us to launch
a major campaign to galvanize the
collective genius of our community in
our interest to continue to educate our
people, the general public, and future
generations about the historical and
cultural significance of Black Square
to the Mississippi Delta and the whole
country,” states Monique Moss, Director,
and Curator of the Louisiana Museum
of African American History or
LMAAH.
“Hidden in plain sight, Black Square
is arguably the largest memorial in
America dedicated to Black champions
of freedom and complete emancipation
who fought during critical periods in
history including the Haitian Revolution,
chattel enslavement, the Civil
War, and the counter-revolutionary
period of Reconstruction,” professes
Leon A. Waters, Historian and Chair of
the Board of LMAAH.
In a two-day commemoration of
Juneteenth hosted at the Historic St.
James AME Church, the inauguration
of BLACK SQUARE NARRATIVES begins
on Friday, June 14th from 6 -9 pm.
LMAAH opens an exhibition and walkthrough
featuring new, commissioned
Logo for the Louisiana Museum of African
American History (LMAAH). The Sankofa
bird is a universal Adinkra symbol that
represents translations of an African
proverb such as ‘go back’ and get it;
Image of Edmond Dede, 19th century classical music
director interred in Black Square. Research conducted
by eminent scholars of New Orleans Black History
Dr. Raphael Cassimere, Jr., Danny Barker, Florence
Borders, D. Clive Hardy, Joseph Logsdon, and Charles;
sponsored by NAACP in 1980.
Historic St. James AME Church, founded in 1844, is the oldest Black,
Protestant church and the Mother Church of African Methodism in the
Deep South. Renown as a beacon for organizing Black recruits for the
Union during the Civil War; Rev. Demetris D. Phillips, D. Min is Senior
Pastor.
Image of James Lewis, a Black Captain in the Union
Army; a Colonel during Reconstruction; and later a
Captain in the Metropolitan Police.
artworks based on Black Square by
Fine Artist JRenee; with presentations
on Black Square by scholars Denise
Augustine, Barbara Trevigne, Beryl
Hunter, Monique Moss, and Jonn Hankins.
On Saturday June 15th LMAAH
presents a full Cultural Program from
2-5 pm featuring presentations by Leon
A. Waters (The Real Reason to Celebrate
Juneteenth), Dr. Raphael Cassimere,
Jr., (Heroes and Heroines from
the Black Church to Black Square),
Mark Roudane, Opera Creole, Third
Eye Theatre, and Cultural Ties African
Diaspora Dance and Percussions. The
event culminates with a singing procession
from Historic St. James AME
Church to Black Square in St. Louis
Cemetery No. 2.
Both events at Historic St. James
AME Church located at 222 North Roman
Street are FREE and open to the
public.
For more information about
LMAAH’s two-day Juneteenth Event at
Historic St. James AME Church on Friday,
June 14th and Saturday, June 15th
contact LMAAH at lamuseumafrique@
gmail.com or 504-432-9901
Visit www.ladatanews.com for more photos from these events.

www.ladatanews.com June 15 - June 21, 2024
Data Zone
Page 5
The Louisiana Museum of African American
History (LMAAH) launches the multi-year
initiative, BLACK SQUARE Narratives, in a
two-day Juneteenth celebration at Historic
St. James AME Church.
The historic marker erected under the auspices
of the New Orleans Archdiocesan Cemeteries,
demarcating St. Louis Cemetary No. 2 in New
Orleans, as a ‘Holy Place.’ Established in 1823,
after the Haitian Revolution and before the Civil
War, square 3 in this cemetery is referred to as
Black Square.
Monique Moss, Board Member and Director of the
Louisiana Museum of African American History
(LMAAH), was inspired to conduct research on
Black Square by Leon A, Waters, who shared the
history that had been shared with him by Dr. Raphael
Cassimere, Jr.
Stronger Immunities
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today. They reduce many preventable infectious diseases
that cause serious illness in infants, children and adults.
Protecting more than just our own bodies, vaccines also
keep us healthier as a family, community and state by
allowing us to build stronger immunities that lead to
stronger communities.
To learn more about vaccines, visit
immunizations.la.gov
or speak with a healthcare provider.

Page 6
June 15 - June 21, 2024
Newsmaker
www.ladatanews.com
Suits Actor and New Orleans Native Wendell Pierce
Denied Housing in New York Over Race
Shahana Yasmin
Think504.com
Wendell Pierce has revealed that
his application for an apartment in
New York’s Harlem was denied allegedly
because of his race.
“For those of you who don’t
understand my righteous anger;
I’m on 2 TV series, ELSBETH and
RAISING KANAN. I’m filming
SUPERMAN. Two years ago, I finished
the fourth season of JACK
RYAN. Last year I finished a run on
Broadway in DEATH OF A SALES-
MAN,” his post read.
“Even with my proof of employment,
bank statements and real
estate holdings, a White apartment
owner DENIED my application to
rent the apartment … in Harlem, of
all places.
“Racism and bigots are real.
There are those who will do anything
to destroy life’s journey for
Black folks. When you deny our
Wendell Pierce
personal experiences, you are as
vile and despicable.”
A recent decision by a US appeals
court blocked a Black-owned
venture capitalist firm from awarding
grants exclusively to Black
women entrepreneurs. The court
said the grants would violate Title
42 of the US Code, which “ensures
equal rights under the law and prohibits
the use of race when awarding
and enforcing contracts”
Pierce shared a link to the story
on his social media the next
day, adding in the post: “While
I appreciate the response to my
own personal experience of discrimination
in housing, I only
mentioned it as an example of
the insidious nature of bigotry.
This court decision is profoundly
more disturbing and injurious.
CALL TO ACTION.”
In a separate thread posted on
Tuesday, Pierce wrote more about
the appeals court decision: “The
law was put in place to protect former
slaves from discrimination.
Edward Blum, an opponent of affirmative
action, has argued its text
means that race can’t be considered
at all in contractual relationships.
Private funding blocked by the
courts. NOT TAX DOLLARS.”
“Private investment into Black
businesses being blocked with
laws in place to prevent discrimination
against Black businesses. The
racist irony. Racist, bigoted, fascist
Americans who burned down Black
Wall Street in Tulsa 100 years ago
are still alive and well.
“The effort being made to deny
Black folks from participating in
‘life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness’
is abhorrent. A private business
deal blocked by the courts.
What happened to less government
intervention in our lives.”
Pierce is best known for his role
as Detective Bunk Moreland in The
Wire and played lawyer Robert
Zane in Suits. He will soon be seen
as Perry White in James Gunn’s
new DC Universe with the release
of Superman in 2025.
State & Local News
A Gideon’s Army of Men at
Watson Memorial Teaching Ministry
Eric Connerly
Data News Weekly
Contributor
In a time where men’s engagement
in church communities can often
face challenges, the Watson Memorial
Teaching Ministries Men’s
Ministry stands out as a beacon of
inspiration and hope. What started
as a small street ministry aimed at
providing support and guidance to
boys and men facing various challenges
in their lives has now blossomed
into a vibrant and impactful
men’s ministry.
One of the key distinguishing
factors of the Watson Memorial
Teaching Ministries Men’s Ministry
is its ability to create a welcoming
and inclusive space specifically
tailored to the needs and interests
of African American men. Through
a combination of fellowship, mentorship,
and spiritual guidance, the
ministry has successfully attracted
men from all walks of life, offering
them a sense of community and
purpose.
My prayer to God has always
been, “Teach me how to effectively
minister to and pastor men, so this
ministry has always had a deeprooted
commitment to reaching out
to men intentionally,” says Bishop
Rev. Tom Watson continues the work of being a faith leader that’s
dedicated to uplifting and empowering the community.
Tom Watson, Senior Pastor, “ We
want to build a strong Gideon’s
Army of men for our community.”
A prayer answered Bishop Tom
and Rev. Pat Watson received a
vision to dedicate community outreach
to men and boys throughout
the year but place special emphasis
on this vision assignment
in June, dubbed “Men’s Month.”
With a legacy that stretches back
to the early nineties, the Watson
Memorial Teaching Ministries
holds a rich history of serving
boys and men, particularly in the
African American community. Dating
back to its humble beginnings
in a First Street storefront church
under the leadership of Bishop
Watson. “My wife has faithfully
executed this assignment by successfully
leading the charge with
The Family Center of Hope,” said
Bishop Watson.
Gideon’s Army,
Continued on page 7.

www.ladatanews.com June 15 - June 21, 2024
National News
Howard University Revokes
Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Honorary Degree
as Mogul’s Legal Troubles Grow
Stacy M. Brown
NNPA Newswire Senior
National Correspondent
Just days after Howard University
announced it would revoke the
honorary degree awarded to Sean
“Diddy” Combs in 2014, additional
details have emerged about the
decision and the mounting legal issues
facing the hip-hop mogul.
On Friday, June 7, Howard University’s
Board of Trustees voted
unanimously “to accept the return
by Mr. Sean Combs of the honorary
degree,” as stated in their official
release. The decision, linked to
a series of abuse allegations against
Combs, has led to the university
stripping all associated honors and
privileges.
Combs, 54, who attended Howard
University from 1987 to 1989
before leaving without graduating,
pledged $1 million in 2016 to
establish the Sean Combs Scholarship
Fund for financially needy
students. The university has also
terminated this pledge and a 2023
agreement with the Sean Combs
Foundation.
The catalyst for this drastic move
was a series of disturbing revelations.
In November 2023, Casandra
Ventura, known professionally as
Cassie, filed a lawsuit accusing
Combs of rape and physical abuse.
The lawsuit was swiftly settled the
Sean “Diddy” Combs
next day. More recently, in May,
CNN published surveillance footage
from a Los Angeles hotel showing
Combs attacking Ms. Ventura
near the building’s elevators.
Combs posted an apology video
on Instagram in response to the
footage, stating, “I hit rock bottom
— but I make no excuses. My behavior
on that video is inexcusable.
I take full responsibility for my actions
in that video.”
Howard University, founded in
1867 to educate freed slaves, is a
renowned historically Black university.
Its notable alums include
Vice President Kamala Harris and
Pulitzer Prize-winning author Toni
Morrison. Last year, the university
awarded honorary degrees to Representative
James E. Clyburn of
South Carolina and Keith Christopher
Rowley, the prime minister of
Trinidad and Tobago.
“Mr. Combs’ behavior, as captured
in a recently released video,
is so fundamentally incompatible
with Howard University’s core values
and beliefs that he is deemed
no longer worthy to hold the institution’s
highest honor,” board
members said.
The revocation of Combs’ honorary
degree comes amid a cascade
of legal challenges for the founder
of Bad Boy Records. In March,
federal agents raided his homes in
Los Angeles and the Miami area
as part of a human trafficking investigation.
Although no charges
have been filed, the raids followed
lawsuits by four women, including
Ventura, accusing Combs of rape
and sexual assault. A man has also
accused him of unwanted sexual
contact. Combs’ lawyers have been
actively filing motions to dismiss
these lawsuits.
Reportedly, prosecutors have
convened a grand jury in New York
and may seek sex-abuse and other
related charges against the mogul.
Adding to his woes, Combs recently
sold his majority stake in his
media company, Revolt, as his legal
issues intensified. Earlier, he sold
his half of the liquor brand DeLeón
for approximately $200 million after
its parent company cited tarnished
reputation concerns. Moreover, a
New York charter school network
that Combs had been instrumental
in expanding has severed ties with
him.
“The university is unwavering
in its opposition to all acts of interpersonal
violence,” Howard University’s
board wrote.
“Mr. Combs’ behavior is so fundamentally
incompatible with Howard
University’s core values and
beliefs that he is deemed no longer
worthy to hold the institution’s
highest honor.”
Page 7
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Gideon’s Army, Continued
from page 6.
This space can be yours for only $80
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504-821-7421
Throughout Men’s Month, this
remarkable ministry celebrates
the strength, resilience, and dedication
of African American men
who have found a place of belonging
within their church community,
defying the odds. As the
Ministry celebrates men’s month,
the focus is not only on recognizing
the accomplishments and
contributions of African American
men but also on encouraging
more men to actively participate
in church life. The ministry’s approach
is holistic, addressing the
physical, emotional, and spiritual
well-being of its members and
providing a support system that
extends beyond the church walls.
Throughout the years, the Men’s
follow us on
Ministry has organized various
initiatives and programs aimed at
empowering hundreds of men in
attendance to lead fulfilling and purpose-driven
lives. From its annual
Men’s Conference in the fall, where
workshops offer a diverse range of
opportunities and topics for men to
grow and thrive.
In a world where men’s presence
in church spaces can sometimes
be limited, the Watson Memorial
Teaching Ministries Men’s
Ministry stands as a testament to
the transformative power of faith
and community. Through their
unwavering commitment to serving
African American men and
guiding them on their spiritual
journeys, this ministry continues
to make a positive impact and inspire
others to do the same.
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June 15 - June 21, 2024
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