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Monday 8:30am - 6:30pm Tuesday 8:30am - 6:30pm Wednesday 8:30am - 6:30pm Thursday 8:30am - 6:30pm Friday 8:30am - 6:30pm Saturday 8:30am - 6:30pm

The Drum Newspaper, Ponchatoula, LA (2026)

09/28/2026

Tangi Book Club picks ‘Who is Government’ for October read http://drumbeatsla.com/tangi-book-club-picks-who-is-government-for-october-read The League of Women Voters invites the public to join the conversation on "Who Is Government “ by Michael Lewis for the October Book Club meeting, Oct. 15, 6pm at the Ponchatoula Branch Library, 380 N Fifth St.

Copies are available for check out from Tangipahoa libraries.

09/24/2026

Jimi Johnson’s art comes home for Bogalusa Blues & Heritage Festival, Sept 25 – 26 https://drumbeatsla.com/jimi-johnson-art Bogalusa-born artist Jimi Johnson is returning to his hometown through his work, creating the official poster for the 15th-anniversary Bogalusa Blues & Heritage Festival, scheduled for Sept. 25-26.

Johnson was also commissioned to create the festival’s first commemorative anniversary vinyl collector’s edition. The two projects mark his return to an art form he set aside while managing the responsibilities of everyday life.

Born in Bogalusa, Johnson was raised in the Boston area after age 10. He eventually returned to Louisiana—and to painting—with a belief that artistic expression remains present even when it is not being practiced.

“The art inside you never dies,” Johnson said. His connection to the blues is central to his work. “Blues is art. You can’t really teach it. It comes from something deeper."

Johnson’s festival poster reflects that philosophy while honoring the music and heritage of his hometown. Based on available festival history, he is believed to be only the second documented Black artist selected to create the festival’s official poster, following Bogalusa artist Richard C. Thomas.

Thomas created the festival’s 2014 Professor Longhair poster and in 1989 became the first Black artist commissioned to create an official New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival poster. For the anniversary collector’s edition, Johnson is using authentic vintage vinyl records as canvases. Each piece is hand-painted and airbrushed, then numbered and authenticated as a collectible work of art.

The festival is scheduled for Sept. 25-26 in Cassidy Park, Bogalusa, La.

09/23/2026

‘Pouring the Foundation’ event connects skilled trades and community building http://drumbeatsla.com/pouring-the-foundation-event-connects-skilled-trades-and-community-building By 5:30 a.m. July 30, young participants from Texas and Louisiana had gathered at the Grow Dirt Teaching Garden in north Baton Rouge, ready to pour 4,000-psi concrete, plant vegetables, and begin a two-day effort centered on skilled trades, farming and brotherhood.

The event, “Pouring the Foundation” was hosted by community activist Louis Ali of Grow Dirt and We Must First Be Brothers, a Texas-based organization that teaches, promotes and helps produce brotherhood among young Black boys and men.

Michael Muhammad and J19, the founders of We Must First Be Brothers, traveled from Texas with young participants ages 10 to 20 to learn new trades.

“If we equip our youth with skilled trades, farming, fishing and hunting, they can rebuild our inner-city communities from the inside out,” said Ali.

Participants arrived at the Grow Dirt site on Cunard Avenue in north Baton Rouge by 5:30 a.m. July 30 to prepare for a 7 a.m. concrete pour.

Before work began, the Reverend Errol Domingue of Elm Grove Baptist Church and Student Minister Michael Muhammad of the Nation of Islam led a prayer circle based on Psalm 127: “Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it.”

Ali then guided the group in reciting the Optimist Creed and coached the young men through each stage of pouring 4,000-psi concrete. At the same time, elder gardener Lanie Vernon Jr. taught participants how to plant tomatoes, cucumbers and snap beans.

The concrete pour was complete by noon. That evening, the group gathered at Elm Grove Baptist Church for a live “We Must First Be Brothers” podcast discussion and roundtable.

The activities continued July 31 with a morning coffee discussion, a barbershop dialogue at Furious Stylez and fellowship at Throw Dat Dirt ATV Park.

Ali described the work as part of a regional shift among Southern Black Americans away from the integration-focused model associated with the civil rights era of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and toward the self-help approach of Booker T. Washington and Elijah Muhammad. They summarized that approach as “Do for Self.”

The stated aim is to make communities safe and decent places to live, work and play through practical skills, mutual accountability and brotherhood rather than dependence on external systems.

We Must First Be Brothers emphasizes intergenerational connection, discipline and shared labor as foundations for stronger families and communities, said Ali. The Baton Rouge event combined hands-on skill-building with spiritual instruction and public discussion.

09/21/2026

Amite Gospel Festival celebrates faith, music, and community http://drumbeatsla.com/amite-gospel-festival-2026 Residents of Amite and surrounding communities gathered Saturday, Sept. 19, for the annual Amite Gospel Festival, a daylong celebration of gospel music, fellowship and cultural expression.

The festival brought together local residents and visitors for an afternoon of praise, live entertainment and community connection. Local vendors added to the gathering, creating a welcoming atmosphere where neighbors could share music, food and fellowship.

Verno Vaughn, DJ Byron and hype man Manny helped keep the celebration energized throughout the event. Macedonia Freewill Baptist Church’s liturgical dancers and the Church of Jesus Christ Praise Team also took the stage, offering performances rooted in worship and tradition.

Bro. Ricky Ricard joined the lineup, adding another voice to a program that reflected the breadth of gospel music and ministry in the Amite area.

Event chairperson and visionary Katrular Bell led this year’s planning effort with Keaton Kendrick, Tanika Kendrick, Lequita McGee, Pastor Lionel Johnson, Secterica Burise, Ayana Buchanan Bowie, Stacey Jones, and Mary Johnson-Pea.

Their work helped bring together the festival’s musical, cultural and community elements, continuing an event built around shared faith and local participation.

Photographer Donald Davis captured the excitement of the day, documenting the performances, fellowship and energy that defined this year’s festival.

09/18/2026

Democratic Party announces Congressional endorsements http://drumbeatsla.com/democratic-party-announces-congressional-endorsements The Louisiana Democratic State Central Committee announced its official endorsements for six congressional races and adopted positions on two constitutional amendments following a transparent, structured and deliberative endorsement process.

DSCC members participated in candidate discussions, consideration and debate before voting on each endorsement and ballot measure. While some votes were unanimous, others reflected the majority decision of the Committee following discussion.

CONGRESSIONAL ENDORSEMENTS

The Democratic State Central Committee endorsed the following candidates:

- Congressional District 1: Lauren Jewett
- Congressional District 2: Troy Carter
- Congressional District 3: John Day
- Congressional District 4: Conrad Cable
- Congressional District 5: Antonio Wilson
- Congressional District 6: Lindsay Garcia

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT POSITIONS

The DSCC also voted to:

- OPPOSE — Constitutional Amendment No. 4
- SUPPORT — Constitutional Amendment No. 7

“Our members took this responsibility seriously,” said Louisiana Democratic Party Chair Randal Gaines. “There was thoughtful discussion, respectful debate, and a process that allowed our members to fully consider the candidates and the issues before them.”

“This was a transparent and efficient process, and today’s decisions reflect the collective voice of the Democratic State Central Committee. We are proud of the work our members put into this process and the responsibility they have accepted in helping shape the future of our party and our state.”

The Louisiana Democratic Party also highlighted the growing national support for Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Jamie Davis, who recently received a national endorsement from The Collective PAC, a leading national organization focused on building political power and supporting Black candidates and elected officials.

The endorsement brings additional national attention to a candidate whose campaign is rooted firmly in Louisiana — a third-generation row-crop farmer from Waterproof in Tensas Parish who has taken his grassroots campaign from the farm to communities across the state.

Davis’s background has helped shape a campaign focused on working families, rural communities and Louisianans who want their voices heard regardless of political affiliation.

“Jamie Davis is demonstrating that Louisiana is a state where we can compete, organize and win,” said Gaines. “The support coming from outside Louisiana reflects what we have been seeing on the ground here at home — voters are engaged, communities are organizing, and there is real momentum behind this campaign.”

Louisiana Democratic Party Executive Director Dadrius C. Lanus said, “National support matters, but our work is happening right here in Louisiana. Our job is to turn that support into organization, turn organization into engagement, and turn engagement into votes.”

The Committee’s work now moves into its next phase of organizing. “Our responsibility now is to organize, educate and mobilize voters. That means standing behind our endorsed candidates, making sure voters understand the choices before them, and building the grassroots infrastructure necessary to compete in every part of Louisiana.” He said, “The discussion is over. Now it’s time to get to work.”

The Louisiana Democratic Party will work alongside its endorsed candidates, local Democratic parish committees, volunteers and community leaders to engage voters and build support across Louisiana leading into the 2026 election.

09/15/2026

Southern brings inaugural STEM game day experience Saturday http://drumbeatsla.com/stem-game-day Southern University’s College of Sciences and Engineering will host its inaugural STEM Game Day, sponsored by Google, on Saturday, Sept. 19, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Southern University Welcome Center. (Register here)

The event will bring science, technology, engineering and mathematics to life through hands-on learning, innovation, gaming and career exploration. All STEM Game Day activities will take place at the Welcome Center, with the exception of the e-sports experience, which will be located on the east side of A.W. Mumford Stadium.

The event reflects Southern University’s commitment to expanding access to STEM education, developing the next generation of STEM professionals and strengthening connections among education, industry and the community.

“STEM Game Day is about creating an environment where students can see, touch and experience STEM while imagining themselves as the scientists, engineers, technologists and innovators of tomorrow,” said Lealon Martin, Ph.D., dean of the College of Sciences and Engineering. “By bringing these experiences into the energy and excitement of Southern University STEM Game Day, we have an opportunity to reach students and families in a unique way while strengthening the connection between our university and the communities we serve.”

Designed to combine the excitement and tradition of Southern University game day with opportunities to explore the possibilities of STEM, the event welcomes K-12 students, families, educators, college students, alumni and community members. Participants will have opportunities to engage with Southern University faculty and students, community organizations and industry professionals through interactive activities and demonstrations.

In addition to Google’s sponsorship, participating community and industry partners include STEM NOLA/STEM Global Action Network, SU EDGE, INDUSTRY MAKES and NOLAvate Black, along with additional Southern University and community partners. Together, the organizations will provide opportunities for students to learn directly from professionals, educators, entrepreneurs and innovators.

A central goal of STEM Game Day is to help young people recognize that STEM extends beyond classrooms and laboratories and plays a role in fields such as gaming, sports, transportation, health care, manufacturing, energy, computing, artificial intelligence and entrepreneurship. By introducing K-12 students to STEM in a fun and welcoming environment, the College of Sciences and Engineering seeks to encourage students to explore STEM coursework, college majors and career opportunities.

College students will also have opportunities to engage with industry and community partners, learn about career pathways and connect their academic experiences to real-world applications. Alumni and community members are invited to participate and support the next generation of STEM leaders.

For more information, including registration, click here. Interested participants must create an account to register.

09/14/2026

Amite Gospel Fest starts this weekend http://drumbeatsla.com/amite-gospel-fest Spirit of Deliverance Community Outreach is hosting the Amite Gospel Fest on September 19, starting at noon.

09/11/2026

MAP 2026: Music art poetry: The Art of Blackness http://drumbeatsla.com/map-2 The third annual MAP: Music. Art. Poetry., returns to Baton Rouge with a bold new theme, "The Art of Blackness," an immersive black-carpet fundraising experience on September 18, 2026, 7pm, at Pura Vida Coffee Bar, 4005 Nicholson Drive, Suite A.

According to organizers, "No two MAPs are the same — this isn't a gala or a showcase, it's a full sensory takeover where Black creativity isn't performed for an audience, it's lived alongside one."

The annual event is presented by Creatives for the Culture and the Creative Alliance, organizations dedicated to empowering and providing access, strategy, and visibility to underserved and underrepresented creative entrepreneurs.

This year, guests arrive through the Black Carpet, MAP's newest signature entrance, created by hosts and ambassadors Marvin Anderson and Andrea Kelley.

The ticketed event showcases an immersive visual and audio portrait exhibition, "Origins in Black & White" by Devron Creative, and live poetry and dance performances throughout the night.

Five visual artists-- Quon, Jonathan "Skinnydope" Brown, Tyquencia Vessel, Braylon Barnes, and Ciara Sanders-- will present original work,
Other highlights include:

- A fashion presentation by Love My Reality (LMR), founded by designer Crystal Lewis
- DJ 2Cruell & PJ the DJay keeping the energy moving all night
- Bites and sweets from Street Cravinz and Krystal's Tasty Treats
- A special live vocal performance by Tiffany Phillips, with a finale by songbird and spoken word artist Rayne Myers

"Every element is a working artist, and every ticket is direct investment in their next opportunity. MAP exists because talent alone has never been the barrier — access has. Every dollar raised fuels CFTC's ongoing programming and professional development for underserved creatives across Louisiana. CFTC doesn't just create work for artists to be seen— it creates the spaces where they're finally valued, not tolerated," said organizers.

Tickets are $45 at creativesfortheculture.net.

08/28/2026

How Angel Reese and ‘Barbie Night’ reminded fans why representation matters http://drumbeatsla.com/reese More than 16,000 people, mostly wearing pink, filled Atlanta’s State Farm Arena as the Atlanta Dream and Las Vegas Aces battled on the court.

The fans wore pink jerseys and dresses, and a few sported vibrant pink hair. Celebrities such as Mariah The Scientist, Aniya Harvey, “Love Island,” Monalea, Flo Milli, and actress Crystal Renee Hayslett were all in attendance to support the Atlanta Dream’s “Barbie Night.” The pink theme celebrated Angel Reese’s new collaboration with Barbie, which debuted in retail stores during WNBA All-Star Weekend.

Angel Reese and a fan with a Barbie Signature Role Model Angel Reese Doll Photo by A.R. Shaw

But beyond the fun theme of women and girls wearing all-pink on “Barbie Night,” it proved to be a powerful moment of representation.
Dolls are not just toys kids use to pass the time; they reflect how kids see themselves within the broader framework of society.
“I didn’t have dolls that really looked like me much, and that’s why I really wanted to make sure this was super intentional,” Reese said prior to the game. “Because now they have a doll that looks like you, with nails and hair. That was something that was important for me when getting the doll.”

Reese became known as the “Bayou Barbie” during her college years at Louisiana State University. The nickname followed her to the WNBA, and she also held two “Barbie Nights” while playing with the Chicago Sky in 2024 and 2025. But this year’s “Barbie Night” has a bit more history involved, considering that Reese is now the first WNBA player with a Barbie doll.

“Being a first always means a lot,” Reese said, now known as the ATL Barbie. “There are a lot of women that have come before me that have walked so I can run. So many of the legends of this game have reached out to me and just poured into me, and it really just means a lot to me.”

Kennedy Saulsberry, Shirley Saulsberry, Kameren Saulsberry—Photo by A.R. Shaw

Thousands of young girls at State Farm Arena held the Angel Reese Barbie doll while watching Reese play on the court. Atlanta Dream fan Alexis Mosley attended the game with her 6-year-old daughter, Nevaeh Jones, who held her Angel Reese Barbie doll in hand from start to finish.
“My daughter absolutely thinks the Angel Reese Barbie doll is magical,” Mosley said. “She loves Black Barbie dolls and to have one that she can hold, see on TV, and can come to the game, that’s everything to her. I hope she remembers this moment so she can grow up and make something great of herself as well.”

Adult fans also found inspiration. Kameren Saulsberry, an attorney, has collected dolls since childhood and brought her Angel Reese Barbie doll to the game.

“It means a lot to me, my whole life, having a doll that could represent me as a Black woman and being raised by a strong Black woman,” Saulsberry said. “I always wanted to look up to role models as a kid, so having a doll who could symbolize a strong role model of a strong Black woman is phenomenal and amazing. It teaches us that we can be what we want to be. You can be a WNBA star, a lawyer, a doctor, a pharmacist, a teacher, or an astronaut.”

Alexis Mosley and daughter Nevaeh Jones—Photo by A.R. Shaw

Reese echoed those sentiments about the role she plays in inspiring the next generation.
“If you see it, you can be it. You can believe it,” Reese said. “Hopefully, the young girls are inspired. They see a Barbie that looks like them. Knowing that there’s no limitation. Anything you want to do, you can put your mind to.”
When asked what she would say to her younger self, Reese took a moment to reflect on her childhood. From not having many dolls that looked like her to having her own Barbie, Reese has come a long way, and her journey is just beginning.

“[My childhood self] would probably be proud of me and where I am right now,” Reese shared. “It hasn’t been an easy journey for me. I would tell her to just continue to push through, drive through, and there’s always going to be a light down the tunnel.”

By A.R. Shaw, Special to DrumBeats

08/28/2026

‘When spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion.’ [DrumCall] http://drumbeatsla.com/when-spider-webs-unite There is a powerful Ethiopian proverb: “When spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion.”

Big Mama understood that kind of wisdom. One spider web looks fragile and insignificant. But connect enough strands, working together with purpose, and what appeared powerless becomes powerful.

That is the story of voting in America—and especially the Black American experience.

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 did not happen because powerful people suddenly decided to share power. Ordinary Americans organized, marched, registered voters, and demanded that America honor its promises.

Fannie Lou Hamer, a Mississippi sharecropper, refused to accept that Black citizens should be denied their voices. John Lewis crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge and was beaten while demanding voting rights. Behind them stood thousands of unnamed people who organized churches, knocked on doors, and risked their jobs, safety, and lives for the ballot.
Their spider webs united—and changed America.
More than sixty years later, voting remains at the center of national battles. America continues to debate congressional maps, voter registration, voter-roll maintenance, identification requirements, ballot access, and election procedures. These debates remind us that democracy cannot simply be inherited. Every generation must participate in protecting it.

Too many eligible citizens remain disconnected or discouraged from the voting process. Others simply assume their registration is current.

That is why my family practices something we call “Gimme 5.”

It is simple: I commit to getting five people to vote. Those five reach five more. We confirm registrations, share election information, remind one another of voting dates, and encourage one another until the votes are actually cast.

Then we have a party—not to celebrate a candidate or political party, but to celebrate the actual votes cast.
Do the math: one plus five equals five. Five reach 25. Twenty-five reach 125. Imagine that multiplication happening through families, churches, fraternities, sororities, and neighborhoods.
So here is my two-part challenge:

First, confirm that you are registered to vote.

Second, Gimme 5. Activate five voters and challenge each of them to activate five more.

Our ancestors built the web. Now we must strengthen it.

Big Mama said, “When spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion.”

Terry Allen is an NABJ award-winning Journalist, DEI expert, PR professional,
and Vice President at FocusPR, founder of the charity City Men Cook, and Dallas Chapter President of NBPRS.org Feature photo by Francesco Ungaro.

The Drum Newspaper

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Monday	8:30am - 6:30pm
Tuesday	8:30am - 6:30pm
Wednesday	8:30am - 6:30pm
Thursday	8:30am - 6:30pm
Friday	8:30am - 6:30pm
Saturday	8:30am - 6:30pm