The Drum Newspaper

20/05/2025

LSU’s first Black president, William F. Tate IV, leaves for Rutgers University http://drumbeatsla.com/lsus-first-black-president-william-f-tate-iv-leaves-for-rutgers-university LSU President William F. Tate IV has accepted the role of president at Rutgers University and will conclude his service at LSU on June 30, 2025. The social scientist made history as the university's first Black American president.
“This was a distinctly difficult decision, and one I did not take lightly. LSU, its students, faculty, staff, and supporters are all incredible and inspirational. You will forever stay in my heart. This is a very special place, and I am honored to have been a part of it for four incredible years,” said Tate on May 19, 2025. “There’s no other place like it in the world, and I will forever cherish the memories we created together.”
Tate served as president of LSU's eight campuses and head of the flagship campus in Baton Rouge since July 1, 2021. He held faculty appointments in sociology, psychiatry and behavioral medicine, epidemiology, and population and public health at the Baton Rouge campus, LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport, LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans, and Pennington Biomedical Research Center.
"Under his leadership, LSU has soared in research," stated an LSU official news release. In the 2023-2024 academic year, LSU’s campuses in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Shreveport achieved a record-breaking $543 million in combined research activity. He introduced the Pentagon Priority areas—five research focus areas of agriculture, biomedical, coast, energy, and defense/cybersecurity—where LSU could have a significant impact on the state and nation. He also initiated LSU’s goal of becoming a Top 50 research university and ramping up the university’s drive toward national prominence through life-changing discoveries.
Tate will begin July 1, 2025 as Rutgers' 22nd president. LSU has announced Vice President for Agriculture and Dean Matt Lee will serve as LSU’s interim president.
"When the presidential search committee began the search for Rutgers’ next president, with community input, we sought a transformative leader who embodies Rutgers’ values and our multi-campus identity – someone who is intentional, collaborative and unafraid to think big – someone who understands well the broad, higher education environment and sees the unique opportunities for Rutgers to succeed through it all. Dr. Tate is that extraordinary leader, a scholar, an innovator and a transformative force whose vision will unite academic excellence with public impact," said Rutgers Board of Governors Chair Amy L. Towers. "I am confident that Dr. Tate’s strategic vision and approach to leadership make him very much the right leader at the right moment for Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey."
“We are saddened by President Tate’s departure but grateful for the deep and meaningful impact his leadership left on the LSU enterprise over the last four years,” said LSU Board of Supervisors Chairman Scott Ballard. “We wish him well on his journey and will always consider him a Tiger.”
Highlights of Tate’s time as President include:

- Historic fundraising capped by the largest gift in LSU history—$245 million for health initiatives;
- Record enrollment of over 55,000 students across the LSU enterprise and record-breaking graduate rates;
- Record research growth, including consecutive double-digit increases and the $160 million National Science Foundation FUEL grant;
- Increased state support, especially in the Pentagon Priority areas;
- And the meteoric rise of LSU’s cybersecurity programs to one of the best in the nation.

19/05/2025

Youth Fishing Rodeo set for June 7 at Zemurray Park https://drumbeatsla.com/fishing Young anglers are invited to cast their lines at the upcoming Youth Fishing Rodeo on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Zemurray Park in Hammond. The free event, open to children ages 5 to 15, will run from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Check-in begins at 8 a.m. and will close at 8:45 a.m., with fishing starting promptly at 9 a.m. Pre-registered participants will receive a free rod and reel, while supplies last, on a first-come, first-served basis.

Although the event is free, registration is required for participants to be eligible for prizes. All children MUST be accompanied by an adult at all times

Young anglers are invited to cast their lines at the upcoming Youth Fishing Rodeo on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Zemurray Park in Hammond.

19/05/2025

Louisiana, where are the fathers? http://drumbeatsla.com/25-fathers We know you can tell us.

The Drum is looking to feature 25 fathers across Louisiana who are leaders in their homes and their communities. Complete the form at www.drumbeatsla.com/fatherhood and tell us their story of fatherhood and activism.

Follow for more.

18/05/2025

Poll reveals Louisianans favorite April Festival https://drumbeatsla.com/poll-reveals-louisianans-favorite-april-festival Mardi Gras kicks off Louisiana's season of celebrations and festival that extends into hurricane season. In the recent Positivity Poll by Positively Louisiana, residents revealed their favorite April festival. Ponchatoula's Strawberry Festival topped the list. Followed by the Baton Rouge Blues Festival, and the Boudin Fest in Scott, Louisiana.

The Positivity Poll also asked: Out of ALL the festivals in Louisiana, if you could only celebrate ONE for the rest of your life, which would it be? Why?

Here are six responses:

- "The Boudin Festival is one of a kind. I could attend this festival several times a year"
- "It would definitely be the Strawberry Festival... mainly because it's a sign that the season is shifting and we're entering into the spring/summer months. I'm also a big fan of strawberries... strawberry shortcake is my absolute favorite!"
- "Zydeco fest because it’s family friendly, fun, and really celebrates Louisiana culture."
- "The beauty of all the multicolored, humongous flying kites in Port Allen is unforgettable. With perfect weather I could celebrate the Kite Festival for the rest of my life."
- "Zydeco fest! I love the music, the energy, and all of the horseback riding."
- "Jazz fest to share the culture of our amazing state and it’s influence"

Pollers won prizes from the Massage Garden Mobile Therapy and Body Care--the April and May Positivity Partner. See the comments and winners and www.positivelylouisiana.us. Feature photo from Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival Inc page.

15/05/2025

The average Louisianan has not broken a sweat in 93 days, finds survey http://drumbeatsla.com/sport For years, public health experts have waved red flags about America’s slide into a sedentary lifestyle, tying it to a laundry list of health woes - heart disease, diabetes, you name it. But here’s a question that’s been simmering beneath the surface: Is this less about laziness and more about a cultural drift away from playing sports entirely? A new survey from LiveSportsonTV.com digs into this, polling 3,024 adults to find out how many have swapped cleats for remotes - and why.

The findings paint a telling picture. When asked, “When’s the last time you played a sport that made you break a sweat?” the average Louisianan said it was 93 days ago (compared to a national average of 98 days). That’s over three months since they last huffed and puffed on a field, court, or trail. But the numbers vary wildly across the country. Take North Dakota: folks there haven’t broken a sweat in an average of 188 days - over half a year. Meanwhile, Colorado residents are practically still wiping their brows, averaging just 19 days since their last workout-worthy game. It’s a stark divide that hints at more than just climate or terrain.

Then there’s the choice between doing and viewing. LiveSportsonTV.com asked, “If you had an hour to spend on sports, would you rather play or watch?” In Louisiana, only 20% picked playing over watching - a stat that might make gym teachers everywhere wince. North Dakotans, true to form, were the least enthusiastic, with just 11% opting to lace up. Coloradans, on the other hand, flexed their active streak again, with 67% saying they’d rather be in the game than on the couch. It’s a split that suggests geography, culture, or maybe just habit plays a bigger role than we think.

Losing the Love - and What Might Bring It Back
The survey didn’t stop at sweat stains and screen time. It also probed whether Louisianans have simply fallen out of love with playing sports. Here, 47% admitted they’ve lost interest - perhaps a reflection of declining local options or shifting priorities.

So what’s holding people back - and what could pull them in? The answers offer a glimpse into the practical and psychological barriers:

- 44% said they’d play if they had friends or a group to join. It’s a reminder that sports, at their core, are social - and loneliness or a lack of buddies might be sidelining more people than we realize.
- 27% blamed a lack of free time. Between work, family, and the endless scroll of streaming options, carving out an hour to shoot hoops isn’t as simple as it sounds.
- 16% pointed to a shortage of local opportunities or facilities. If the nearest court is miles away or the community league folded years ago, motivation can fizzle fast.
- 14% got creative, saying they’d play if they could do it from home - like virtual reality sports. It’s a nod to how tech might just bridge the gap for the housebound or the hesitant.

When it comes to big events like March Madness, viewing habits reveal a state of casual fans rather than diehards. Only 11% watch every game religiously, while 40% catch a few when they can. Another 21% tune in only if their team is in the mix, and 28% skip the whole spectacle entirely. For basketball buffs who do watch, the survey pegged their March Madness screen time at an eye-popping 59 hours - proof that when the stakes are high, the couch still calls.

Game-day rituals tell a similar story. A hefty 57% order wings and settle in, treating watching as their sport of choice. Just 16% hit the field themselves before kicking back, while 12% tinker with fantasy lineups and 14% scour betting odds - more invested in the spread than the sweat.

“We’re seeing a real shift in how people engage with sports,” said Emil Sturesson of LiveSportsonTV.com. “It’s not just about time or access - there’s a cultural lean toward spectating over participating. But the appetite to play is still there, especially when friends or local options make it feel less like a chore and more like a good time. We need to meet people where they are - whether that’s building more courts or finding ways to make sports social again.”

By LiveSportsonTV.com Feature photo by Stephane YAICH on Unsplash

13/05/2025

Poll reveals Louisianans favorite April Festival http://drumbeatsla.com/poll-reveals-louisianans-favorite-april-festival Mardi Gras kicks off Louisiana's season of celebrations and festival that extends into hurricane season. In the recent Positivity Poll by Positively Louisiana, residents revealed their favorite April festival. Ponchatoula's Strawberry Festival topped the list. Followed by the Baton Rouge Blues Festival, and the Boudin Fest in Scott, Louisiana.

The Positivity Poll also asked: Out of ALL the festivals in Louisiana, if you could only celebrate ONE for the rest of your life, which would it be? Why?

Here are six responses:

- "The Boudin Festival is one of a kind. I could attend this festival several times a year"
- "It would definitely be the Strawberry Festival... mainly because it's a sign that the season is shifting and we're entering into the spring/summer months. I'm also a big fan of strawberries... strawberry shortcake is my absolute favorite!"
- "Zydeco fest because it’s family friendly, fun, and really celebrates Louisiana culture."
- "The beauty of all the multicolored, humongous flying kites in Port Allen is unforgettable. With perfect weather I could celebrate the Kite Festival for the rest of my life."
- "Zydeco fest! I love the music, the energy, and all of the horseback riding."
- "Jazz fest to share the culture of our amazing state and it’s influence"

Pollers won prizes from the Massage Garden Mobile Therapy and Body Care--the April and May Positivity Partner. See the comments and winners and www.positivelylouisiana.us. Feature photo from Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival Inc page.

09/05/2025

Harambee Kulcha Shop, a place of economic unity and culture, maintains Ms. Mary’s legacy http://drumbeatsla.com/harambee When Mary Dunnigan arrived in Baton Rouge in 1998, she came with more than a suitcase—she brought a dream to create something of her own. Fondly known today as “Ms. Mary” by generations of loyal customers, Dunnigan is the founder and CEO of Harambee Kulcha Shop, a community-rooted business specializing in fresh-dipped incense, perfume-grade body oils, and handcrafted personal care products.

Ms. Mary's entrepreneurial journey began years earlier in a bedroom in Los Angeles, California. There, she and her sister, Anita Dunnigan, launched Culture Videos, renting culturally relevant VHS tapes to local customers. “We were running a business out of a bedroom before streaming was a thing,” she said.

That small enterprise unexpectedly led to a deeper mission. A chaplain from a nearby federal prison connected with the sisters, and soon they were curating books and videos for incarcerated Rastafarian and Muslim groups. They even began visiting facilities, offering educational presentations on culture and faith.
“That experience opened our eyes to how business can also be a form of service,” said Anita Dunnigan.
Harambee Kulcha Shop
But launching a retail business in Los Angeles came with financial and logistical challenges. The cost of rent alone made the idea nearly impossible. So when an opportunity arose to move to Baton Rouge, the sisters seized it.

This became the start of Harambee Kulcha Shop. Bearing the Swahili term that means "pulling together in unity," the shop was established with a spirit of community collaboration. With the name Harambee, customers and product creators ate invited to come together to achieve what they cannot accomplish alone.


From flea market booth to brick-and-mortar success
Harambee’s first shop opened on Allelo Drive, but foot traffic was limited. “Customers told me I was on the wrong side of Florida Boulevard,” she said. A breakthrough came just four blocks away at the local flea market. There, surrounded by established vendors and steady traffic, her small booth began attracting loyal customers.

The booth eventually grew into a larger space, then an ideal-sized shop within the market. Over fifteen years, she built a devoted clientele—including students and staff from Southern University, where she participated in campus market days for four years.
“Some of those students still come to the shop today,” she said. “I’ve watched their children grow up.”

Developing her own natural product lines
Success didn’t come overnight. “There was a lot of trial and error,” said Anita Dunnigan. Hours of research led them to reliable suppliers and ingredients to formulate products.

That research eventually became two signature brands:

- Natural Roots, a hair care line that includes a crème, leave-in spray, shampoo, and hair pudding.
- Irie Kosmetics, a body care line featuring a pain relief formula and a men’s foot care kit.

Natural Roots by Harambee
“It’s easy to buy pre-made products and put your label on them. But Mary wanted to create something original—from the ingredients to the scent profiles,” she said. “It takes time and patience, but it’s worth it.”
Through meticulous research, Ms. Mary learned the science behind hair butters, essential oils, incense, and aromatherapy, how to price effectively, and the art of packaging.




Innovation and community connection
In 2013, Ms. Mary made the bold move to leave the flea market and expand her business footprint. Her current location at 8484 Airline Highway has been home since 2015—but not without challenges. The building required extensive renovations—floors, walls, ceiling, even the air conditioning. “There were days when I thought, ‘What did I get myself into?’” she said. “But I never looked back.”
Harambee Kulcha Shop at 8484 Airline Highway
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Harambee Kulcha Shop stayed open while others closed. Ms. Mary developed an alcohol-free hand sanitizer, addressing product shortages during a time of crisis.
People were afraid, and sanitizer was increasingly becoming hard to find. Ms. Mary researched and developed a formula that worked. Within weeks, Harambee offered sanitizers bottled in three sizes and ready for sale.


Workshops, Wisdom, and a Woman-Led Team
Today, the Harambee is more than a retail space. It’s is exactly what Ms. Mary desired: a gathering place, a place of economic unity, a shop of culture.

She credits the shop’s success with her team of six women who also sell their products in the shop. “This business is woman-owned and womaned,” she said with pride. “We put our hearts and souls into every detail.”

Together, the women regularly host hands-on workshops: from waist bead classes that explore cultural symbolism, to crystal gemstone sessions focused on holistic healing.
“Our customers are the reason we do what we do,” she said. “So many of our products and ideas came …

07/05/2025

MC Dyalekt brings money lessons to Middleburg’s Young Investors http://drumbeatsla.com/dyalekt April 11 was a night of energy and inspiration at the Goodwood Library, where the Middleburg Institute’s Young Investors Program took center stage during “Dinner with Dyalekt,” a high-energy event blending financial literacy, culture, and creativity.
At the heart of it all was MC Dyalekt, a Brooklyn-based rapper and educator who serves as director of pedagogy at Pocket Change. Known for using hip-hop to teach young people about money, Dyalekt travels the country helping students connect financial lessons to their lived experiences.
“We’re an organization that uses hip-hop pedagogy to teach young folks, families, educators—everybody who needs to know it—about money,” Dyalekt told the crowd. “But it’s not your usual money kind of conversation. We talk about the feelings around money and how we actually get to the changes we want to make in our lives.”

Throughout the evening, students weren’t just listening—they were responding, laughing, thinking and learning out loud. Dyalekt challenged assumptions, asked tough questions and encouraged students to see themselves not just as learners, but as future leaders.
Parents, teachers and program mentors watched proudly as students stepped into their voices. More than a performance, the event reflected the deeper mission of the Young Investors Program: building confidence, shifting mindsets and helping young people shape new identities around money and power.
“One of my greatest things that I’ve been able to do is go from zero to one,” Dyalekt said. “People say, ‘Oh, I got this A student into college.’ A students are going to go to college. My favorite thing is when I can take the kid in the back of the room like this and get them to go like this [become successful].”
According to founder Joyce James, that’s the transformation the Middleburg Institute is aiming for—reaching students who have been overlooked or left out of financial conversations, and equipping them with tools to change the trajectory of their lives.
Students also learned about youth-led missions and the upcoming launch of Hip Hop FinFest, a national songwriting competition where students turn financial knowledge into original music.
But the most powerful evidence of impact came not from the adults—it came from the students themselves, who asked thoughtful questions, shared goals and showed up as fully engaged learners and leaders.

To keep that momentum going, the Middleburg Institute is inviting the community to its Invest Festival Crawfish Boil on Saturday, June 7, at the St. Gabriel Community Center from noon to 5 p.m. This family-friendly fundraiser will feature all-you-can-eat crawfish, live music, games, youth showcases and more. Proceeds support the Young Investors Program.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://themiddleburg.org/tickets/.
By Miranda Thomas, Special to The Drum

06/05/2025

5 Things You Can Do to Support Public Education Today [Drum Call] https://drumbeatsla.com/5-things-you-can-do-to-support-public-education-today-drum-call Public education in America stands at a crossroads.

Across the country, schools face political attacks, funding threats, and efforts to roll back diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives that have barely begun to correct the harm from centuries of racial discrimination.

At the same time, our classrooms are more diverse than ever. Students of color now make up the majority of public school enrollment, yet the system around them remains largely unchanged: just 7% of U.S. teachers identify as Black, despite Black students making up over 15% of the K-12 population.

This lack of representation has real consequences for all students. Studies show that Black boys who have at least one Black teacher are up to 39% more likely to graduate, score higher on standardized math and reading tests, and have better attendance, self-esteem, and grades. Black educators do more than teach lessons: they bring perspective, mentorship skills, and cultural relevance that enriches every student’s classroom experience.

An inclusive public education experience is a responsibility that belongs to all of us, from school district leaders to students themselves, and we play a role in preserving it. Here are five actions key stakeholders can take right now.
1. Prioritize Representative Leadership
Although students of color comprise more than 50% of public school enrollment, only 14% of local school board members identify as people of color. This gap is not just a demographic mismatch; it is a form of disenfranchisement. School boards make critical decisions about curriculum, staffing, resources, and policies that shape every aspect of a child’s education.

Equitable leadership is essential to building a school system where every child matters. Research shows that students taught by Black teachers report significantly higher feelings of belonging, and schools with more Black teachers see 20% to 30%fewer disciplinary infractions among students.
2. Administrators Must Build Cultures of Belonging
School administrators, from superintendents to principals, set the tone for the entire learning environment. Their commitment to inclusion must be visible and consistent. This means recruiting and retaining diverse educators, offering quality professional development, mentorship opportunities, and providing tools and resources that will help educators create a culture of understanding in classrooms.

At the Center for Black Educator Development, we were dismayed by the number of school and district leaders who reached out for help with the recruitment of diverse candidates but sheepishly admitted they didn’t have a plan to make sure they stayed. So we designed a toolkit to help.
3. Let Teachers Teach Truth and Foster Connection
Educators shape how students see themselves and the world around them. Staff must commit to teaching accurate, honest history, even when the truths are uncomfortable.

In today’s politically-charged climate, this can look like reinforcing values such as fairness, respect, self-worth, and understanding in how they approach the curriculum, making sure every child in their care has safe spaces to learn, engage, and grow. When students trust their teachers, they are more likely to engage in learning, express themselves authentically, and process complex social realities in healthy ways.
4. Families Must Organize and Advocate
Families are powerful advocates whose voices matter — at school board meetings, with teachers, through community organizing. For example, a coalition of parents in Texas organized town halls and media campaigns to fight the removal of Black and Latino history from school curricula, and they ultimately influenced district-level curriculum decisions. When families work together, they build collective power, hold systems accountable, and drive meaningful change.
5. Empower Students to Speak Up and Lead
Children of color are the majority of students in K–12 public education; that percentage will continue to grow. Therefore, children of color deserve to see themselves reflected in the curriculum, the administration, and leadership within their schools. They also deserve to have the tools and encouragement they need to advocate for themselves. When students at Central High School in St. Paul, for example, organized a campaign to diversify their school’s curriculum and bring in more teachers of color, they strengthened the system for everyone. Adults must be ready to listen and act.

Furthermore, young people must see education not only as a space where their voices matter, but also begin to see teaching as a potential career. Decades ago, education was one of the leading careers for Black people. Today, too many young people avoid it because of systemic issues that prevent them from seeing it as a viable option. But we need them. And that pathway begin…

06/05/2025

May 14 is Women’s Health Day at the Capitol http://drumbeatsla.com/womens-health The Louisiana Center for Health Equity invites residents from across the state to attend Women’s Health Day 2025 at the Louisiana State Capitol on Wednesday, May 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The event is part of Louisiana’s 13th Annual Women’s Health Week, held in recognition of National Women’s Health Week. This year’s theme is “Women’s Health: Happenings, Hurdles, and Hope,” highlighting key issues such as health care access, Medicaid, maternal health and cancer.
Organizers say the event will include informative talks, policy discussions and a light lunch, all focused on promoting the health and well-being of women and families across the state.
Featured speakers include:


Knesha Rose-Davison, MPH, CPH, assistant director of operations at Tulane University’s Mary Amelia Center for Women’s Health Equity Research.


Frankie Robertson, president of The Amandla Group and a longtime women’s health advocate, who will speak on current legislative priorities.


During lunch, attendees are invited to join a panel discussion with key lawmakers:


Sen. Beth Mizell, chair of the Louisiana Legislative Women’s Caucus.


Sen. Regina Barrow, speaker pro tem of the Louisiana Senate.


Sen. Katrina Jackson-Andrews, chair of the Senate Select Committee on Women and Children.


The panel will address legislative efforts and future goals aimed at improving health outcomes for women in Louisiana.
Registration is free, but space is limited. To reserve a spot, visit https://WHD2025.eventbrite.com.
A full list of Women’s Health Week events can be found at http://eepurl.com/jcL0dE.

01/05/2025

Woodmere Festival celebrates community on May 10 http://drumbeatsla.com/woodmere New Growth Economic Development Association will host its highly anticipated Woodmere Festival on Saturday, May 10, 2025 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Woodmere Playground, 4100 Glenmere Drive in Harvey, Louisiana 70058. The family-friendly event is free to attend.
Taking place in Woodmere, one of the largest subdivisions in Louisiana, Woodmere Festival is a celebration of community, culture, and connection. This year’s event will feature 2,000 lbs. of free crawfish, live music performances by popular local artists including Kings of Brass, Nicole, Dave Lemon, and more, as well as a dedicated Kids Corner presented by Priority Health Care with activities for children of all ages.
"Woodmere Festival represents the heart and soul of our community. We are thrilled to bring everyone together to celebrate all that makes Woodmere special, and we expect an unforgettable time for our residents,” said Louisiana State Representative Rodney Lyons, District 87. "
“Woodmere Festival introduces the community to local businesses in the area and provides the businesses with an opportunity to expand and acquire new customers,” said Jonathan Stewart, President of New Growth Economic Development.
Festival attendees can also look forward to featured pop-up shops, food vendors, and community organizations sharing resources throughout the day.
Woodmere Festival Food Vendors

- NUMADA: oxtail in curry coconut sauce, jerk chicken, red grill snapper with tomato ginger mushroom sauce, and stir-fried ginger shrimp
- DEM PIES N MORE: crawfish pies, trinity pies (crawfish, shrimp & crabmeat), chicken pies, wings (sweet heat, garlic parmesan & buffalo) w/ mac & cheese, and ooey gooey
- Saynomo Grubb: gumbo, seafood potatoes, red beans & rice, and fried fish
- Pretty Girls Sausage: nachos, seafood nachos, shrimp pasta and hot dogs
- Lil Dustin's Italian Ice: Italian ice, fried Oreos with vanilla ice cream, and ice cream waffle Nachos with toppings
- ReJu Juice: cold-pressed juice
- Tutti's Tasti Treats: snowballs
- Suga Mama Sweets and Eats: cakes and banana pudding
- Big Easy Charcuterie Co.: charcuterie board cups
- Rosalyn's Pralines: pralines
- Mimi's Sweets & Treats: freeze-dried candy, candied grapes, candied pineapples, sour gushers, specialty brownies, and specialty rice crispies

Pop- Up Shop Vendors
This year’s Pop Up Shop vendors include Adore By Lacey, Scents Dat Pop, Anointed Creations, MzNitaBabee Creations, LRA Art LLC, The Final Touch Boutique, Zelda's African Imports, Big Daddy Ci**rs and Anais Accessories.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/WoodmereFestival.