Education
Meet Lisa Batiste teaching students GRIT
Through the MyGRIT Course, creator and owner Lisa Batiste helps students deepen their learning by increasing their critical thinking ability. […]
Who to watch
Who to watch
Meet Angela Allen-Bell, legal activist-scholar
Angela Allen-Bell is a respected local, national and international legal scholar and expert on civil and human rights, social and restorative justice and the interplay between race and justice. It was her research that catapulted the recent movement that, in November 2018, successfully ended the use of non-unanimous juries in Louisiana. And she is one of the founding members of the advocacy […]
Life
Meet Maxine Crump, Dialogue on Race
“This year of an unprecedented pandemic has put everyone in the world on common ground,” said Maxine Crump who leads the Dialogue on Race Louisiana. […]
Finance
Meet Lawanda Jackson where the mortgage resides
Lawanda Jackson began Turn Key Mortgage of Louisiana, LLC to offer mortgage financing with flexible underwriting requirements and comparable interest rates without compromising mortgage terms nor adding costs to the borrower. […]
Politics
Meet State Rep. Ted James, father, public servant
State Representative Ted James said he gives Louisiana residents “trusTED leadership, inspiration, and public service,” but his most important title is father. “Other than that, God has blessed me to become a lawyer, professor, and state representative. […]
Business
Meet Elizabeth Jones, capturing memories
Creative entrepreneur, Elizabeth Jones started Studio 8:17, specializing in sport highlight videos. Now, her media company provides a broad range of videography and marketing services for businesses, churches, and schools. […]
fashion
Meet Chenese Lewis, bold and beautiful
Chenese Lewis is a nemesis to fashion idealism. She’s a gorgeous full-figured, plus-size model who celebrates positive body image and health self-esteem. […]
Education
Meet Tia Mills advocating for educators during the coronavirus pandemic
As president of the state’s association of educators, Tia Mills Ph.D. is a leading advocate for teachers who is intentional about building collective support for educators especially during the nation’s most erratic academic year caused by the coronavirus pandemic. […]
Baton Rouge
Meet Kayla Perkins beyond the stacks
Internationally, 2020 was a year of medical, social, political, racial, and economic upheaval caused by the coronavirus pandemic. More than 7,000 Louisianans died while 173,000 were unemployed and all 710,000 K-12 students and teachers were […]
Health
Meet Bianca Plant eating God’s way
While hosting monthly televised nutrition segments, dietician Bianca Plant, MPA, RD, LDN presents nutritious recipes and healthy lifestyle strategies shared in her first cookbook, Eating to Live–Eating God’s Way. During a time where many people are looking to nutrition to prevent or heal from […]
Baton Rouge
Meet Brandon ‘Chef B’ Williams, cooking up excellence
Brandon “Chef B” Williams is community minded. The culinary teacher and local celebrity chef said he strives to provide the best Cajun-Creole products and chef services to local and international customers. After recently appearing on the Food Network, The Drum asked Williams about 2020 and his focus for 2021. […]
Business
Meet Horatio Isadore, unapologetically
Horatio Isadore opened the doors of Southern Cofe with the mission to inspire hope, passion, vision, and faith into the Scotlandville Community and the Baton Rouge Metro area. […]
In the Issue
Meet Louisianans for the community, for justice, for health, for education, for culture. Meet the People for 2021
Internationally, 2020 was a year of medical, social, political, racial, and economic upheaval caused by the coronavirus pandemic. More than 7,000 Louisianans died while 173,000 were unemployed and all 710,000 K-12 students and teachers were […]
Drum Roll
Ambassador Chad Barnes Jr. raises funds for OLOL Children’s Hospital, patients
Every year, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals chose a champion to serve as the ambassador for their local hospital. For Baton Rouge, that champion is Chad Barnes Jr, the 2020-2021 CMN Ambassador for Our Lady of […]
Drum Roll
Bar association honors Angela White-Bazile with a Hidden Figures Award
Angela White-Bazile received the Hidden Figure Award from the National Bar Association Women Lawyers Division. She is executive counsel for Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson. The award recognizes a woman lawyer who’s made significant contributions to the legal […]
In the Issue
Irene Lewis named Southern University’s chief student marshal
Irene L. Lewis, a Southern University agricultural sciences major with a concentration in plant and soil science, has been named the University’s Spring 2020 Chief Student Marshal, the student graduating with the highest grade point […]
Baton Rouge
Eight Southern University leaders assigned to Governor’s COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force
Southern University System will have seven representatives on Governor John Bel Edwards Louisiana COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force. The task force will focus on research and actions to improve health outcomes and equity for the […]
Baton Rouge
LaDonte Lotts takes JiggAerobics Fitness to Shark Tank
LaDonte Lotts is widely known around Baton Rouge and Houston for his program JiggAerobics Fitness, and on May 1, he will present his business model to investors on Shark Tank. JiggAerobics is a global lifestyle brand […]
Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge native develops antiviral drug with potential to fight coronavirus
Baton Rouge native Darnisha Harrison, founder and CEO of Ennaid Therapeutics, is advancing the development of an antiviral drug that may potentially fight coronavirus cases, and which would be more easily administered to those afflicted by the disease. […]
Business
Mabry elected NAHRO Southwest Regional Council President
Tonya Mabry of Amite, La., has been elected to serve a two-year term as president of the Southwest Regional Council of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials. Mabry is the executive director of […]
Baton Rouge
Who to Watch: Myra Richardson
She is a catalyst with a passion for representing and standing with marginalized voices. […]
Baton Rouge
Students shine light on Blacks in classical music
Student cellists Cecilia Spencer, of Baton Rouge, and Ethan Clay, of Zachary, were recognized nationally as they shined a light on African Americans competing in the world of classical music. A “No-Labels” broadcast piece produced […]
Baton Rouge
Saluting Our Sailors: Petty Officer 3rd Class Casper Anderson IV
Modern attack submarines are the most technologically advanced and capable undersea warfighters in the world. Operating these highly complex submarines require sailors from the U.S. Navy’s submarine community, also known as the ‘Silent Service.’ Petty […]
Drum Roll
Following a residency with Jacksonville Symphony, Courtney Bryan takes her music to Rome
Composer and pianist Courtney Bryan, Ph.D., has been awarded a fellowship at the American Academy in Rome. She was awarded the esteemed Rome Prize for music composition in April. Bryan teaches in the School of […]
Baton Rouge
Who to Watch: Barbara W. Green
Baton Rouge counselor Barbara Green said she discusses everything with Seniors, parents, and social workers. At 71, Green manages a full time practice, host trainings and seminars, teaches in ministry, and publishes children’s books along […]
Business
Who to Watch: Niki’ H. Morrow
As a child growing up in Lake Charles, Niki’ H. Morrow wanted to “save the world.” It is a passion that she said has led her to earn a degree in sociology from LSU and […]
Drum Roll
Edwards announced his appointments to several Louisiana boards and commissions
Gov. John Bel Edwards announced his appointments to several Louisiana boards and commissions. St. Bernard Port, Harbor and Terminal District The Board of Commissioners of the St. Bernard Port, Harbor and Terminal District Board has […]
Baton Rouge
Who to Watch: Dawn C. Collins
Dawn C. Collins is an East Baton Rouge Parish School Board member and community advocate. The Lee High School graduate and Baton Rouge native, is a governor’s appointee to the East Baton Rouge Parish Board […]
Baton Rouge
Who to Watch 2018: McClanahan, Banks, Emery, Gilmore, and Harris in Baton Rouge
Twelve Louisiana residents have been selected by The Drum’s publisher and staff as people to watch in 2018. In this issue, we introduce five: NAACP State President Michael McClanahan, councilwoman Chauna Banks, novelist Lynn Emery, anti-domestic violence activist Twahna […]
Baton Rouge
Who to Watch: Lynn Emery
Author Lynn Emery’s romantic suspense novels and mystery fiction have won and been nominated for several literary awards, including Best Mul- ticultural Mainstream Novel by Romantic Times Magazine. Set in the swamps and bayou, Emery’s […]
Baton Rouge
Who to Watch: James Gilmore Jr., Ph.D
On any given day, James Gilmore Jr, Ph.D., can be found actively push- ing a political issue, managing an athlete, marketing spa services, or fishing. Within his company, Bayard Management Group, he manages government relations, […]
Baton Rouge
WhoToWatch 2018: Michael McClanahan
One of the first things Michael McClanahan will let you know about him is that he’s from a “little town called Zwolle in Northwest Louisiana.” Quickly after that, you’ll realize his love of people, the […]
Who to watch
Who to Watch: Twahna Harris
“Whatever you’re passionate about will write the legacy you leave to the world,” said Twahna P. Harris, whose passion in advocacy is writing an enduring legacy against domestic violence. Recognized statewide for the work she does […]
Politics
Who to Watch: Councilwoman Chauna Banks
Chauna Banks has lived her entire life in Scotlandville district where she has served seven years as councilwoman. A graduate of Southern University Lab High School and Southern University, she has found her life’s purpose […]
Entertainment
Baton Rouge to celebrate a musical, community champion during Henry Turner Jr. Day Oct 28.
A few months ago, a middle-aged Black man with his gray beard lending a distinguished air to his casual summer attire walked into the deli section of a popular South Baton Rouge grocery store. The […]
Drum Roll
Meet Renee Horton–another hidden figure
Renee Horton, PhD, remembers spending many nights gazing at the stars as a child growing up in Baton Rouge, wondering if there was anything beyond our universe. Her interest in space was stimulated during family […]
In the Issue
New Orleans native Adam Rodney ranked #1 Epee Fencer in the US
NEW ORLEANS – New Orleans native Adam Rodney will represent the United States and his hometown of New Orleans, La. at the World Fencing Cup in Heidenhiem, Germany. According to a recent announcement by the United […]
Life
Youth to Watch: Jason Holliday Jr.
Every year, The Drum presents individuals who our readers need to watch and take note of. For 2017, we begin with youth to watch. Because of their leadership skills, gifts, talents, and personality, twelve Louisiana youth […]
Feature
Youth to Watch in 2017
Every year, The Drum presents individuals who our readers need to watch and take note of. For 2017, we begin with youth to watch. Because of their leadership skills, gifts, talents, and personality, twelve Louisiana youth […]
Business
Youth to Watch: Alexandria ‘Chef Alex’ Bellanger
Every year, The Drum presents individuals who our readers need to watch and take note of. For 2017, we begin with youth to watch. Because of their leadership skills, gifts, talents, and personality, twelve Louisiana youth […]
Politics
Youth to Watch: Frederick Bell Jr. 19
Every year, The Drum presents individuals who our readers need to watch and take note of. For 2017, we begin with youth to watch. Because of their leadership skills, gifts, talents, and personality, twelve Louisiana youth […]
Drum Roll
Harris, Hogan to serve on state’s domestic violence commission; others named to boards
Gov. John Bel Edwards has made new appointments to several Louisiana boards and commissions. Announced through a news release Oct 10, the appointees are: Fredrick H. Miller Jr., of Kenner, was reappointed to the Kenner […]
In the Issue
Woman to Watch: Blair Imani Brown
Last year, when hundreds of students gathered at LSU by candlelight in response to the Mike Brown indictment decision, it was the organizing work of Blair Imani Brown and Peter Jenkins. The event became the […]
Feature
Woman to Watch: Erika Green
She can be seen actively advocating for justice and equality of services for residents. “I love the city and that’s why I do what I do,” Green said. […]
Education
Woman to Watch: Angela Myles
On any given day, conversations with Greensburg , La. native Angela Myles can veer from excitement about the young 4-H club members she mentors to worry about the unkept community garden tucked away at St. […]
In the Issue
Woman to Watch: Lue Russell
Lue Russell, Th.D., is a passionate lionhearted woman. As chapter chairwoman of the National Congress of Black Women and state organizer with the PICO National Network, Russell fights for equality, justice, and change within the […]
Business
Woman to Watch: Sevetri M. Wilson
Throughout Baton Rouge and New Orleans, Sevetri Wilson is quickly becoming the business leader who needs no introduction. Not because of the uniqueness of her name–which means “of royalty”–but because of the aggressive growth of […]
Health
Woman to Watch: Alma C. Stewart
With the Louisiana Legislative session in active mode, this health care advocate is busy mobilizing Louisiana citizens and elected officials around all health equity issues from funding the Affordable Health Care Act, expanding Medicaid, and […]
In the Issue
Men to Watch: Leroy ‘Bro. Jay’ Vallot, 50s
Media Activist with Reel Talk Radio Show, Digital Soul Media, and Community Defender TV Show Location: Lafayette, LA Moves made in 2014: successful radio talk show on KJCB and also getting access to more events for the TV show What […]
Who to watch
Men to Watch: Chancelier ‘xero’ Skidmore, 43
Executive Director of Forward Arts in Baton Rouge Hometown: Plaquemine, LA Role Models: My mother, Patty Smith, Dr. Ray Sibley, Gerri Hobdy, Dr. Susan Weinstein, Anna West, Mary West, Gaylynne Mack, Renee Chatelain, Sam Singleton, Dr. Isaac Greggs, Thandor Miller, Paul Griffi n, Laura Mullen, […]
In the Issue
Men to Watch: Donney Rose
Program Director/Teaching Artist Forward Arts, Inc. in Baton Rouge Moves made in 2014: Organization granted official 501(c)3 status, coached Baton Rouge National Poetry Slam, and was published and featured in Nicholls State universty’s literary journal, Gris Gris. What to expect […]
Who to watch
Men to Watch: Bishop Samuel McGill, 42
Presiding Bishop All Nations Church International in Hammond, LA CEO of All Nations Radio, LLC. Moves made in 2014: Launched All Nations Radio which sky-rocketed to being the #1 Gospel Internet Radio Station and received 2015 Stellar Award Nomination […]
In the Issue
Men to Watch: Lemar Marshall, 54
Hammond City Councilman-District 4 Practice Administrator at North Oaks Obstetrics & Gynecology, LLC Location: Hammond, LA Moves made in 2014: Re-elected to the Hammond City Council; started the Hammond Youth Education Alliance; Became a White-Riley-Peterson Fellow studying after-school policy at the Riley Institute at […]
Who to watch
Men To Watch: Nathan Haymer, 36
Southern University Director of Bands Location: Baton Rouge Moves made in 2014: Named director of one of the most famous marching bands in the nation. Assisted with The Southern University Marching Band’s Documentary, “The Band Plays On” produced by The Rouge […]
In the Issue
Men To Watch: John Gray Jr, 34
Musician with Continuum Music Educator at The Dunham School Location: Baton Rouge Moves made in 2014: Baton Rouge Symphony’s Teacher of the Year; The Links Role Model of the Year; Selected to the 2015 class […]
In the Issue
Men to Watch 2015
Louisiana is home for many talented, intellectual, cultured, and politically savvy people. THE DRUM staff and editors have identified the people to watch in 2015 from Ponchatoula and Hammond to Baton […]
In the Issue
WHO TO WATCH: Attorney Alfreda Bester
There is never a typical day for Alfreda Tillman Bester. She is the people’s lawyer. But let her tell you, while it helps others, she believes that her legal work also brings her closer to […]
Who to watch
WHO TO WATCH: Myeshia Carter
MYESHIA CARTER IS A 22-YEAR-old native of Baton Rouge. She grew up in a single parent home with seven siblings, where she was number six of her mother’s eight children. Growing up, Carter’s family was not always financially stable as they had to live […]