Viewpoint: As we give thanks today, remember those who are less fortunate

Why is Thanksgiving special? After all, the early Pilgrims weren’t such great folk. They muscled their way onto this continent and used weapons not available to its indigenous population to seize land, food and people while eliminating anyone who got in the way. They brought diseases that tribes had no means to combat. They broke up homes and destroyed villages and sacred grounds.

Turkey and ham giveaway hosted by InspireNOLA on Tuesday (sponsored)

InspireNOLA Charter Schools will host its annual drive-through turkey and ham giveaway as part of its NOLALove initiative that launched in early October. Local politicians and community leaders will join InspireNOLA students and volunteers in distributing nearly 1,000 turkeys and hams, along with a perishable food package, while supplies last. The giveaway will take place at Alice M. Harte Charter School (5300 Berkley Drive, New Orleans, Louisiana 70131 ) on Tuesday, Nov. 22, beginning at 10 a.m. The event is free and open to the public. The line for the giveaway will begin at the back gate of the school on Berkley Drive and continue to Eton Street and then to McArthur Boulevard.

InspireNOLA hosts annual turkey and ham giveaway on Tuesday (sponsored)

InspireNOLA Charter Schools will host its annual drive-through turkey and ham giveaway as part of its NOLALove initiative that launched in early October. Local politicians and community leaders will join InspireNOLA students and volunteers in distributing nearly 1,000 turkeys and hams, along with a perishable food package, while supplies last. The giveaway will take place at Alice M. Harte Charter School (5300 Berkley Drive New Orleans, Louisiana 70131 ) on Tuesday, November 22, 2022, beginning at 10 am and is free and open to the public. The event is being sponsored by New Orleans’ Councilmember Freddie King III, U.S. Representative Troy Carter, State Senator Jimmy Harris, State Senator Gary Carter, State Representative Delisha Boyd, District Attorney Jason Williams, Elroy James, Wright Gray Trial Lawyers, Infinity Title, King Ja’mere Foundation, and the Benjamin Foundation. NOLALove is InspireNOLA’s response to the violence crisis in New Orleans by physically manifesting the word ‘love’ through community outreach, engagement, and collaboration.

InspireNOLA Schools announces Kevin Barnes, Jr. as Chief of Staff (sponsored)

InspireNOLA Charter Schools is proud to announce that Kevin Barnes, Jr. has joined the organization as Chief of Staff. He most recently served as the Managing Director of Engagement and External Relations at KIPP New Orleans Schools, which is part of the national KIPP Foundation, the nation’s largest charter school network. InspireNOLA Chief Executive Officer Jamar McKneely said, “As we approach our 10th anniversary, I couldn’t think of a better person to help continue our commitment to this city. Kevin is a proven leader and is dedicated to bringing diverse stakeholder groups together while bolstering the creation of a positive learning environment for our students.”

Chief of Staff (CofS) Kevin Barnes, Jr. said, “It brings me great joy to continue to advocate for the young people of New Orleans as I join the leadership team of one of the highest-performing school networks in our city. I am excited to work alongside some of the most talented educators in the region.

This book sale is really, really big. Really.

The Friends of the New Orleans Public Library’s Really, REALLY Big Book Sale is happening Saturday (Nov. 12) at the Latter Library. Held on the front porch of the historic building on St. Charles Avenue, the Really, REALLY Big Book Sale is the signature fundraiser of Friends of New Orleans Public Library. Sales of used books fund important New Orleans Public Library programs such as the Summer Fun Reading program, adult literacy classes and much more.

InspireNOLA Charter Schools launches citywide youth initiative to combat gun violence Oct. 12 (sponsored)

A student-led initiative that focuses on decreasing gun violence across the city. The city we all know and love is now the “Murder Capital for the U.S.,” and it’s time that we, as leaders across the city, act quickly to change this narrative. Recent reports suggest that youth in New Orleans are at the forefront of the current violent crime wave that has inflicted our city. InspireNOLA, a local charter school network in New Orleans, is refuting the new title with its latest initiative — NOLALove. A youth-driven and community-wide call-to-action, NOLALove is our response to the increased crime and lives lost to senseless gun violence ravaging the city of New Orleans.

Business Profile: Rich’s Wash Dat, helping NOLA shine one car at a time

From humble roots to blossoming success, Rich’s Wash Dat has served the New Orleans area for years, offering high-quality services with a topnotch staff. Family owned and operated, every Rich’s Wash Dat location is committed to hiring people of all ages, colors, creeds; offering free washes to police and first responders; and operating in an environmentally friendly way. A simple idea to help families and locals keep their cars clean was all that was needed to create the brand we know today. The premier car wash opened in 2008 in Westwego, giving the community an opportunity to clean their cars at an affordable price. WashWego in Westwego was the first of its kind in the area, adding technologically advanced methods to ensure high quality in a quick and fun option to a typical car wash.

Knowledge for Change Celebration supports Nola Abortion Fund at Carrollton Station on Friday (sponsored)

Register to vote, learn what will be on the midterm elections and support the New Orleans Abortion Fund with raffle donations sponsored by local businesses such as Stein’s, Wild Lotus, St. James Cheese, Picnic Whiskey & Provisions and more! This Friday, Sept. 30, acclaimed artist Mikayla Braun and educator Jaclyn Tregle partner with Carrollton Station to host the What Is Going On?! Knowledge for Change Celebration, which will provide a space where people can register to vote, with help from the League of Women Voters of New Orleans.

Le Bag sale x ricRACK supports sustainable clothing practices bringing Hollywood styles Sept. 21-25 (sponsored)

Le Bag Sale! It’s ricRACK’s semi-annual gigantic sale of clothing, costumes and textiles in the store — plus each night we will restock from our warehouse so that each day there will be new items added into the mix. We have clothing from local productions in all sizes up to 20 in addition to items in our resale shop — designer brands, vintage, kids, accessories and fabrics! There is an enormous variety to choose from: clothes, costumes, sparkles, upholstery, quilting cottons, textiles and more. Costume departments from local and national TV shows and feature films, to the likes of Queen Sugar, Claws, and Interview with a Vampire, have donated their set wardrobes so we can turn it into funding for our programs. We are very grateful for their contribution to our community’s textile recycling efforts!

Second Line Arts Collective: Music Education from Recess to Record Deals (sponsored)

In 2016, professional musicians Darrian Douglas and Gregory Agid were perplexed. New Orleans is a world renowned music city- Why were so many local musicians struggling to make ends meet? They soon discovered that many artists were lacking business skills and too often were depending on playing endless gigs to pay the bills. 88% of musicians they surveyed had zero music business exposure throughout high school or college. They decided to change the narrative by founding Second Line Arts Collective, a music education nonprofit for aspiring artists to grow their industry skills and knowledge base.