Community activists plan march at Southern University same day as Sharpton’s visit

The Rev. Al Sharpton, the controversial activist and former presidential candidate, is scheduled to speak at Southern University at 6 p.m. on March 16. A group of local activists plans to march on campus on the same day to draw attention to issues surrounding the city-parish’s North Wastewater Treatment Plant. Neighbors have long complained about severe odors coming from the plant and health problems they say are caused by living near it. Greg Mitchell, who lives across from the wastewater facility, says Southern officials have approved the march, although that could not be confirmed in time for this report. “We’re trying to get as much attention, as much help, as we possibly can,” Mitchell says. “The university is in this community also.” —David Jacobs