Activist Profile: Marie Aubrey of VOTE-NOLA

This profile is republished from our friends at VOTE-NOLA:

How did you get involve with VOTE?
In June of 2012 I was listening to the WBOK morning show and Norris Henderson was on the radio talking about how to get prisoners released, and it was interesting to me. I remembered Norris’ name and so I called in to the station and he remembered me and said 
that he would call me right back off the air and when he did we spoke about helping my son, who is currently in prison. He spoke about VOTE over the air and so I asked about the organization and that is how I first heard about VOTE, started being a member and attending meetings.

Why did you get involved with VOTE?
I have a son that has been in prison almost 25 years now. He is in Angie Louisiana (Raven 66). The conversation that the men on the radio were having was very interesting to me. That is how I got to the meetings and when I got there I enjoyed the meetings and listening to what I heard.

What is your favorite aspect of VOTE?
There are quite a few things that I like that VOTE does, helping to try to get prisoners released, keeping up with the prisoners and helping them get work. I like the fact that VOTE is involved with many other organizations that do different things.

What do you think is the most important thing that VOTE does?
I think one of the most important things is that VOTE is trying to get certain laws that affect formerly incarcerated people changed to help them better their lives.

Has VOTE changed the way you see the criminal justice system or civic engagement? 
VOTE has changed the way I see the criminal justice system a lot. First of all I never knew anything about the justice system until my son who was sentenced wrong, went to prison. I never really knew much before then. VOTE has changed my mind about the way the criminal justice system work, because it doesn’t really work for Black people or poor people. I’ve never been in an organization like this before, so this is all fairly new and it feels good to know that we have someone else that is trying to do something to help you as well as other people.

What is something that you would like to see VOTE tackle in the future?
What I would like to see VOTE tackle is something to put Norris into some type of office that will push him in a higher position to help people that are incarcerated. He is a smart man that gets your attention when he speaks, and knows what he is talking about.

What is something that you like to do in your time outside of VOTE?
There is not a lot that I’m doing besides focusing on my son. I’ve been sick for some time now, so I don’t have a lot of energy, I do have more good days than bad days. Before I was sick, I liked going to the casinos, it was one of my pleasures. I liked playing the machines. I haven’t gone in a while though. Now I would love to help out VOTE any way that I can. I do love my garden and I go out there almost every day and find that it is very relaxing for me.

African American Leadership Project to Host Awards Ceremony

From the The African American Leadership Project:
The African American Leadership Project (AALP) will host its first Morris F.X. Jeff Jr. Community Service Awards ceremony on Thursday February 17th from 7:00pm to 11:00pm at the Anthony Bean Community Theatre, located at 1333 So. Carrollton Ave.

According to AALP Chairperson Mrs. Gail Glapion, “we seek to recognize the life work and honor the memory of the late Dr. Morris X Jeff Jr., beloved and highly respected community leader, Afrocentric scholar-activist and city official who was one of the original founding members of the AALP.” It is our intent to recognize individuals and institutions for their contribution to the progress and well being of the African American community of New Orleans, and the overall good of the entire human family.

This year’s individual honoree is Dr. Mtangulizi Sanyika, founding member of the AALP, and its 1st Project Manager. He is also a former Professor of African World Studies and lead faculty for the Global Issues Honors Consortium at Dillard University. Since its founding in 2002-03, Dr. Sanyika has served the AALP with distinction, and has been a leading voice for equity and justice for African Americans and other marginal groups in the recovery and rebuilding of the city.

This year’s institutional honoree is radio station WBOK-1230 AM, the leading radio voice of the African American community of New Orleans. In its brief 3 years of existence, WBOK has evolved from a small local AM radio station into a nationally prominent media outlet that covers diverse aspects of the African American experience in New Orleans. It is also a primary source of day to day information, public commentary and analysis of issues of concern to African Americans that mainstream media may sometimes distort or not cover at all.

During the event, the AALP will formally introduce the public to its new Project Manager, Attorney Ernest Jones, an accomplished public attorney and justice advocate. According to event Co-chairs Gail Glapion and Jones, the AALP will also announce the launching of its Economic Justice campaign which is intended to track recovery/rebuilding dollars and contracts to determine if African Americans have received their fair share. Music and refreshments will be provided at the event in addition to networking opportunities and cultural fun. A donation of $30.00 per person is requested. For more information, contact Ms. Cher Washington at 504-240-2222.