Violence Abuse and Neglect in New Orleans The Untold Story Never Reported...

More than 20 years ago the U.S. Military descended upon the Desire Projects in New Orleans, La. with assault rifles and army tanks on a mission to drive out the Black Panthers whose presence in Desire was seen as a threat of terrorism by local officials. The conflict ignited a riot in the Desire, as residents marched the streets in support of the Black Panthers. However, in light of mounting tension between the Panthers and the U.S. Military, they fired guns causing many casualties, including an innocent young boy who was caught in the line of fire. As his blood filled the streets, the residents were horrified and shocked by the nonchalant attitude of the military to kill without remorse.

Critically acclaimed writer, Clarence Nero, witnessed similar experiences while growing up in the Desire Housing Projects in New Orleans's 9th Ward. He tells a wrenching story of triumph over tragedy in his novel Desire.

Ms. Dupree, a longtime resident of New Orleans and a popular personality on The Tom Joyner Morning Show, said she witnessed the protest during the showdown between the Panthers and the U.S. Military. At the time, I was a student at Tulane University, she recalls. I couldn'st believe what I was seeing with my own two eyes. Our military was using force and guns against its own citizens. This was the first time this had been done in our city and no one knows about it. People lost their lives. I'sm glad Clarence Nero is telling his story to the world, she explains in the Forward she wrote for Nero'ss novel.

Nero, hailed by Dr. Maya Angelou as a promising young author, has recently gained support for his story from Academy Award-Winning director Jonathan Demme. Demme, known for directing the films Silence of the Lambs and Beloved, recommended Nero'ss screenplay Desire to the Sundance Film Festival. He says, I'sm a big fan of both Clarence Nero and his material. Demme recently produced a documentary about the struggles of the lower Ninth Ward residents impacted by Hurricane Katrina. Nero hopes to collaborate with Demme and other producers/directors interested in shedding light on the untold stories and hardships endured by 9th Ward residents.

Actors Victoria Rowell (Drucilia The Young and the Restless) and Lemman Rucker (Why Did I Get Married and Meet the Browns) are anxiously awaiting the movie as noted in their letters of intent to Nero. They too, want to be a part of increasing awareness about violence, abuse and neglect in New Orleans.

About Clarence Nero

Clarence Nero is a native of New Orleans'ss lower 9th Ward that was demolished by Hurricane Katrina. He grew up in New Orleans's infamous Desire Housing Project, where drugs, violence and poverty defined the way of life. After earning a B.S. degree from Howard University, he worked as a chemist in the Forensic Department of the District Government in Washington, D.C. before transitioning to a career as a writer. Nero was first inspired to become a voice for violence, abuse and neglected children, while teaching middle school students in Washington, D.C. Nero constantly travels throughout the country speaking to teens and adults about the problems most threatening to the current generation. His presentations address many issues; including, the high rate of black men in prison, teenage pregnancy and AIDS. Nero tackles these critical social issues with deep, personal insight. His writing has been endorsed by numerous writers and celebrities. Nero completed his second novel, Three Sides To Every Story after earning a Master'ss of Fine Art degree in Creative Writing from Louisiana State University. The sequel Too Much of a Good Thing Ain'st Bad will be released June 2009. Nero currently resides in Baton Rouge, Louisiana where he teaches college.

For additional information, visit www.nuworlepublishing.com.

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