Across Louisiana: ICYMI
Across Louisiana: ICYMI
Hurricane assistance extended to Feb. 11, African American Honorary Service Award nominations open; Judge Harris presides
Hurricane Ida assistance deadline extended to Feb. 11
FEMA has extended the period for applicants to request Public Assistance grants for Hurricane Ida. The new deadline is Feb. 11, 2022. The Public Assistance (PA) Program delivers FEMA grant assistance to local and state governments and their agencies, houses of worship and certain private nonprofit applicants following a disaster declaration. Communities, nonprofits and houses of worship interested in applying for a PA grant should contact their local or state emergency manager to begin the process and submit a Request for Public Assistance form. Applicants are highly encouraged to submit their forms through the online FEMA Grants Portal for faster processing. For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4611. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.
Tangi library seeks nominations for African American Honorary Service Award
In celebration of Black History Month, the Tangipahoa Parish Library will once again honor an African American middle or high school student who has made a positive impact in Tangipahoa Parish. Last year’s recipient was Brooke Weathersby from Hammond High Magnet School. Recommendations for this 2022 Tangipahoa African American Honorary Service Award are now being accepted through the library’s website, www.tangilibrary.com The winner will be selected by a committee and there will be an awards ceremony on Saturday, Feb. 19 at 10 am at the Amite Branch. The library will accept nominations from teachers and community leaders until Friday, January 28, 2022 at 6pm. Nominations must be submitted electronically and the forms can be found at www.tangilibrary.com
Judge Vanessa Harris replaces Odinet after racist outburst
The Louisiana Supreme Court has appointed retired judge Vanessa Harris as judge pro tempore of Lafayette City Court to replace suspended Lafayette City Court Judge Michelle Odinet. The Louisiana Supreme Court temporarily suspended Michelle Odinet, without pay, after a video surfaced of Odinet using a racial slur. Odinet’s son who is also believed to be in the video was removed from the LSU Track & Field Team. As alumna of Southern University and the Southern University Law Center, Harris has become the first Black judge appointed to Lafayette City Court. She will serve as judge pro tempore through Feb. 28, 2022.
Cannabis conference to return to New Orleans
Black CannaBusiness Magazine said will be returning to New Orleans in 2022 for the Black CannaConference & Expo—the only business to business conference for Black professionals in cannabis. At gthis month’s event, the Black CannaBizCon received a proclamation from the City of New Orleans and local leaders in support of their work and significance to the business community. Black CannaBizCon partnered with Minorities For Medical Marijuana, Illinois Equity Staffing, the Association for Cannabis Health Equity and Medicine, the Minority Cannabis Business Association, and other organizations that have committed to equity in the cannabis business space. The three day conference included programming and workshop sessions focused on health, social equity and ownership, business development and community advocacy.