Music’s value and impact on the prison community are revealed in the documentary film “Songs of Souls,” that will be screened at Baton Rouge Community College (BRCC) on Thursday, June 13, at 6 p.m. 

"Songs of Souls,"  a film by Ronnie Clifton, is based on the folklore of Louisiana bluesman Huddie “Lead Belly” Ledbetter, who sang his way out of prison -- twice. The film not only highlights Louisiana musicians, but also sheds light on Louisiana’s criminal justice system and how music brings a degree of normalcy to life in the correctional facilities. 

The film focuses on four Louisiana musicians – Eric Adcock, David Egan, Michael Juan Nunez and Roddie Romero -- as they share their own musical styles with their prison audience. 

Local businesses are getting a chance to explore contracting opportunities with the city  of Baton Rouge and East Baton Rouge Parish.  It's all happening at the Small Business Development Summit  underway at the Baton Rouge River Center until 1 p.m.

Mayor-President Melvin “Kip” Holden is hosting the event.   

Representatives from the following city-parish departments will be on hand to discuss their processes for procuring goods and services, and to provide information about how small businesses can take advantage of those opportunities:

• Planning Commission
• Purchasing
• Office of Community Development
• East Baton Rouge Parish Library
• Downtown Development District
• Sanitary Sewer Overflow Program/Department of Public Works
• Fire Department
• Mayor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness
• Division of Human Development and Services
• Juvenile Services
• Information Services

There will also be opportunities to meet one-on-one with city-parish purchasing and procurement managers.

From the Baton Rouge Area Chamber 

The Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC) is now accepting applications for the Baton Rouge Area Leadership Program class of 2014.  The program was founded in 1985 to prepare a diverse group of professionals for leadership positions in the community.  There are now over nine hundred graduates, many of whom serve in leadership positions on boards, commissions, and hold both state and local public offices.

The Baton Rouge Area Leadership Program focuses on key areas of concern such as education, cultural and personal diversity, city and state government, healthcare and social concerns, economic development, the arts and media, the criminal justice system, and the environment.  Graduates leave the program with first-hand knowledge of the issues facing our region and the potential for a positive community experience through volunteerism.