Dear Friends,
Congregants and clergy from Masjidur Rahim and Touro Synagogue celebrate Dr. King at the MLK Day celebration
I write this newsletter full of mixed emotions. Last weekend, we celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a peaceful soldier fighting for civil rights. There were many events throughout the city to honor his legacy. I am especially proud that the Weekend of Peace, an initiative that I helped facilitate between Touro Synagogue and Masjidur Rahim, was a success. Yet, on the very day that we honored Dr. King, five people were killed in shootings across New Orleans. How can we celebrate the man that preached nonviolence as a means to social change by killing one another?
I firmly believe that crime is a challenge we must address in a proactive manner from all angles. The fight against crime begins in our schools, in the home, in the workplace and on the playground.
I recently read a report that the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools (NAPCS) lists Louisiana as one of the top 10 states with strong charter school legislation in its second annual ranking of state charter laws. The analysis studies the country’s 41 state charter laws and scores how well each supports charter school quality and growth based on the 20 essential components from the NAPCS’ model charter school law. Creating legislation that supports our schools is a step in the right direction.
This week, the Algiers Charter School Association (ACSA) kicked off their first annual “Living the Dream” program. All
Councilmember Fielkow speaking to male middle school students at the Algiers Charter School Association’s kick off celebration for their ‘Living the Dream’ program
male middle school students in the ACSA network will participate in this on-going program which will facilitate meaningful discussions about the importance of academics, responsibility and respect. Impacting nearly 550 students, this monthly program will encourage these young males to stay on the right track. This initiative is another step in the right direction.
January is National Mentoring Month, in which the nation recognizes the importance of mentors and the need for every child to have a caring adult in their lives. New Orleans-based Teaching Knowledge of Principles (TKOP) organized several events to promote National Mentoring Month. As a mentor myself, I can testify to the fact that being a mentor is as enriching to your own life as it is to the child’s life. Mentoring is another step in the right direction.
Last week, the 13 member New Orleans Recreation Development Commission met for the first time, drawing a large crowd in City Council Chambers. It was wonderful to see so many interested citizens there, yet another testament to how important recreation is to New Orleanians. During the meeting, Roy Glapion was appointed Chairman of the Board. The Commission heard from Vic Richard, the former NORD director Mayor Landrieu hired in June, who will continue to oversee the city’s recreation programs until the Commission finalizes it search for a Director. Vic Richard presented in detail the plans for recreational programming and facilities, from an increase in the number of public pools to an increased number of employees. The Commission also adopted their Bylaws as well as a permanent committee structure that is comprised of human resources, public relations, finance/audit, facilities and programming committees. The next meeting is Tuesday, February 8. An expanded recreation program is yet another step in the right direction.
L to R: Bertrand Butler, Reverend Marie Galatas, Reverend Norwood Thompson, Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Planning Commission member Barbara Lacen Keller, Councilmember Fielkow, Councilmember Head and Reverend Sampson Skip Alexander
In order to address crime in a truly holistic manner, we must also look to economic development. An increase in jobs that pay living wages results in an increased number of parents that don’t have to work two or more jobs and can spend more time at home. Therefore, whether it is promoting international trade or celebrating the groundbreaking of a Rouse’s grocery store downtown, we are moving in the right direction.
What is the right direction, you may ask. The right direction is the path that does not lead to bloodshed or time in jail. The right direction gives our youth a future that does not include drugs or violence. In honor of the peaceful leader who would have turned 82 last weekend, let’s all move in the right direction together.
Your City Council President,
Arnie Fielkow
Contact:
Danielle Viguerie
Communications Director
Office of Councilmember-at-Large Arnie Fielkow
Ph: 504-658-1063
daviguerie@nola.gov
