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Covenant House

NEW ORLEANS DATA NEWS WEEKLY — Covenant House A Beacon of Light and A Place of Refuge for Homeless Youth of New Orleans
It is a place that is a beacon of light for many young people who feel they have nowhere to turn. Since 1987 Covenant House of New Orleans has helped transform and save the lives of countless numbers of young people by giving them the help, they need to live healthy productive lives.

Published

6 years ago

September 12, 2019

Oakland Post

Photo by: ladatanews.com

By Edwin Buggage Editor-in-Chief

Covenant House A Beacon of Light and A Place of Refuge for Homeless Youth of New Orleans
It is a place that is a beacon of light for many young people who feel they have nowhere to turn. Since 1987 Covenant House of New Orleans has helped transform and save the lives of countless numbers of young people by giving them the help, they need to live healthy productive lives.

The causes of Homelessness Among Youth in New Orleans
As is quite evident, when one looks under the overpasses of many parts of the City, New Orleans has a problem with adult homelessness. But many do not know that there is a growing problem with homelessness among youth.

Many are disconnected from their families for a variety of reasons including, abusive homes, victims of human trafficking, some who have aged out of the foster care or other traumatic experiences.

Brian Gorman, who is the Director of Administration, speaking about Covenant House and its mission says, “We serve youth ages 16 to 21. We provide them with the support they need that includes temporary shelter, counseling services and with our partners help them with a host of challenges they come to us with.”

Continuing he says, “Our doors are open 24 hours for those who are in need, we get kids from all walks of life and backgrounds who seek us out.”A Snapshot of the Youth Covenant House Serves The statistics provided by Covenant House provides a snapshot of who are the clients they service each year.

80% are survivors of physical abuse and/or sexual abuse, assault, or rape
30% aged out of foster care
15% ran away from home
70% were thrown out of homes that no longer wanted them
52% are young men, 46% are young women, and 2% are transgender
40% of our young men and 20% of our young women were recently released from jail or juvenile detention
33% of our young women are mothers
25% are victims of human trafficking and/or sexual labor
33% are LGBTQ
85% suffer from PTSD/poly-trauma – 35% receive medication
80% have used drugs – 40% have a serious addiction

Stories of Recovery and Hope
When we look at these startling numbers it pulls at the heart strings, but the young people who come are much more than statistics. They are resilient, brave and courageous. And with the help of Covenant House, they learn to cope with their difficulties and most of all with hope they often discover that there are brighter days ahead.

Gorman speaks of what their program entails, “We have an approach that is guided by five principles: immediacy, sanctuary, value communication, structure and choice. We have found this approach works in helping the youth that come through Covenant House.”
While Covenant House Provides a Valuable Service Solving the Problem of Youth Homelessness Will Require More Resources
Throughout the years many from the civic and business community have come out in support of Covenant House. One of them is former City Councilmember and WBOK Radio’s Oliver Thomas. He once worked at Covenant House as the Director of Advocacy. “The mission is a great one and I am proud to say that for a time I worked with them in helping guide and give some of our homeless youth the tools to succeed in life.”

Also speaking on the issue of homeless youth in New Orleans, he says, “The problem is much larger than people think. Especially since Hurricane Katrina, as you know that we have an adult homeless problem. But there are so many youths out here who do not have homes or are in circumstances where they feel they have nowhere to turn. It is great that Covenant House is providing these services, but much more is needed if we are to eliminate the problem of youth homelessness.”

Working Towards Solutions: Coming Together to Support Homeless Youth
Many people across the City come out to support Covenant House. One of their biggest fundraisers is their Annual Sleep Out. It is where citizens from across the City sleep outside for the night to bring voice to the issue of youth homelessness.

“This is a big event for us where people sleep outside in solidarity with our mission of helping the young people, we service here at Covenant House. It is incredible how many people come out to support the work we do, says Gorman.”

Speaking of other ways people can help he says, “There are always volunteer opportunities and we have community partners who help us as well. We realize that we cannot do this work alone of providing hope and opportunities for the homeless youth of New Orleans.”

This article originally appeared in New Orleans Data News Weekly.

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Black Feminist Movement Mobilizes in Response to National Threats

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — More than 500 Black feminists will convene in New Orleans from June 5 through 7 for what organizers are calling the largest Black feminist gathering in the United States.

Published

3 days ago

May 30, 2025

Stacy M. Brown

By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent

More than 500 Black feminists will convene in New Orleans from June 5 through 7 for what organizers are calling the largest Black feminist gathering in the United States. The event, led by the organization Black Feminist Future, is headlined by activist and scholar Angela Y. Davis. Paris Hatcher, executive director of Black Feminist Future, joined Black Press USA’s Let It Be Known to outline the mission and urgency behind the gathering, titled “Get Free.” “This is not just a conference to dress up and have a good time,” Hatcher said. “We’re building power to address the conditions that are putting our lives at risk—whether that’s policing, reproductive injustice, or economic inequality.” Hatcher pointed to issues such as rising evictions among Black families, the rollback of bodily autonomy laws, and the high cost of living as key drivers of the event’s agenda. “Our communities are facing premature death,” she said.

Workshops and plenaries will focus on direct action, policy advocacy, and practical organizing skills. Attendees will participate in training sessions that include how to resist evictions, organize around immigration enforcement, and disrupt systemic policies contributing to poverty and incarceration. “This is about fighting back,” Hatcher said. “We’re not conceding anything.” Hatcher addressed the persistent misconceptions about Black feminism, including the idea that it is a movement against men or families. “Black feminism is not a rejection of men,” she said. “It’s a rejection of patriarchy. Black men must be part of this struggle because patriarchy harms them too.” She also responded to claims that organizing around Black women’s issues weakens broader coalitions. “We don’t live single-issue lives,” Hatcher said. “Our blueprint is one that lifts all Black people.”

The conference will not be streamed virtually, but recaps and updates will be posted daily on Black Feminist Future’s YouTube channel and Instagram account. The event includes performances by Tank and the Bangas and honors longtime activists including Billy Avery, Erica Huggins, and Alexis Pauline Gumbs. When asked how Black feminism helps families, Hatcher said the real threat to family stability is systemic oppression. “If we want to talk about strong Black families, we have to talk about mass incarceration, the income gap, and the systems that tear our families apart,” Hatcher said. “Black feminism gives us the tools to build and sustain healthy families—not just survive but thrive.”

Stacy M. Brown

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Hoover’s Commutation Divides Chicago as State Sentence Remains

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — Hoover was convicted of murder and running a criminal enterprise. Although some supporters describe him as a political prisoner, the legal and public safety concerns associated with his name remain substantial.

Published

4 days ago

May 29, 2025

Stacy M. Brown

By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent

The federal sentence for Gangster Disciples founder Larry Hoover has been commuted, but he remains incarcerated under a 200-year state sentence in Illinois. The decision by Donald Trump to reduce Hoover’s federal time has reignited longstanding debates over his legacy and whether rehabilitation or continued punishment is warranted. The commutation drew immediate public attention after music executive Jay Prince and artist Chance the Rapper publicly praised Trump’s decision. “I’m glad that Larry Hoover is home,” said Chance the Rapper. “He was a political prisoner set up by the federal government. He created Chicago Votes, mobilized our people, and was targeted for that.”

But Hoover, the founder of the Gangster Disciples, is not home—not yet. Now in federal custody at the Florence Supermax in Colorado, Hoover was convicted of murder and running a criminal enterprise. Although some supporters describe him as a political prisoner, the legal and public safety concerns associated with his name remain substantial. “There is a divide in the Black community here,” said Chicago journalist Jason Palmer during an appearance on the Let It Be Known morning program. “Some view Hoover as someone who brought structure and leadership. Others remember the violence that came with his organization.” Palmer explained that while Hoover’s gang originally formed for protection, it grew into a criminal network responsible for extensive harm in Chicago. He also noted that Hoover continued to run his organization from state prison using coded messages passed through visitors, prompting his transfer to federal custody.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who is widely considered a potential 2028 presidential contender, has not issued a statement. Palmer suggested that silence is strategic. “Releasing Hoover would create enormous political consequences,” Palmer said. “The governor’s in a difficult spot—he either resists pressure from supporters or risks national backlash if he acts.” According to Palmer, Hoover’s federal commutation does not make him a free man. “The federal sentence may be commuted, but he still has a 200-year state sentence,” he said. “And Illinois officials have already made it clear they don’t want to house him in state facilities again. They prefer he remains in federal custody, just somewhere outside of Colorado.”

Palmer also raised concerns about what Hoover’s case could signal for others. “When R. Kelly was convicted federally, state prosecutors in Illinois and Minnesota dropped their charges. If a president can commute federal sentences based on public pressure or celebrity support, others like R. Kelly or Sean Combs could be next,” Palmer said. “Meanwhile, there are thousands of incarcerated people without fame or access to public platforms who will never get that consideration.” “There are people who are not here today because of the violence connected to these organizations,” Palmer said. “That has to be part of this conversation.”

Stacy M. Brown

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WATCH: Five Years After George Floyd: Full Panel Discussion | Tracey’s Keepin’ It Real | Live Podcast Event

Join us as we return to the city where it happened and speak with a voice from the heart of the community – Tracey Williams-Dillard, CEO/Publisher of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.

Published

5 days ago

May 28, 2025

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https://youtube.com/watch?v=OsNLWTz6jU0&feature=oembed

May 25, 2020. The world stopped and watched as a life was taken.

But what has happened since?

Join us as we return to the city where it happened and speak with a voice from the heart of the community – Tracey Williams-Dillard, CEO/Publisher of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.

She shares reflections, insights, and the story of a community forever changed. What has a year truly meant, and where do we go from here?

This is more than just a date; it’s a moment in history. See what one leader in the Black press has to say about it.

Recorded live at UROC in Minneapolis, this powerful discussion features:

Panelists: