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Volume 23 – Number 8 JULY / AUGUST 2016 $3.50 onyxmagazine.com
JAXPORT
WELCOMES CARNIVAL ELATION
50
YEARS OF DEMOCRATIC PROGRESS IS IN JEOPARDY
ALI
THE GOAT, THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME
INTRODUCING THE 26 FLORIDA LEGISLATIVE BLACK CAUCUS MEMBERS
contents 11 Massacre at the Pulse Nightclub 18 Urban Introspective: Abandonment, Lies and Neglect of 5 Pinellas County Schools 20 Politics: Fifty Years of Democratic Progress is in Jeopardy
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COVER STORY
MUHAMMAD ALI The Goat, The Greatest of All Time
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24 How To Ace Going Back To School: What Every Parent Should Know 26 Talking to Your Children about Mental Illness 27 Girls and Bullying: Pain and Potential PTSD
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28 Nutrition & Wellness: Healthy Eating Away from Home 30 Food & Wine: Meditating with Wine
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36 Business: Jaxport Welcomes Carnival Elation During National Tourism Week 40 ONYX Black History Master’s Shadow 48 ONYX Educates: A Time Honored Tradition
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INTRODUCING THE 26 FLORIDA LEGISLATIVE BLACK CAUCUS MEMBERS O N E / F L O R I DA
P R I M A RY
ONYX MAGAZINE 5
FROM THE PUBLISHER PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Richard E. ‘Rich’ Black MANAGING EDITOR Towanna Hogue ASSOCIATE EDITOR Gwen Belton DESIGN DIRECTOR Vernon Greene DESIGN EDITOR Jason Jones ADVERTISING DIRECTOR David Williams BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Matt deJager
RICHARD E. “RICH” BLACK JULY/AUGUST 2016 Devoted Readers, Welcome to the July/August issue of ONYX Magazine. First and foremost, I want to express our condolences to all the victims’ families and friends of those who were injured or killed at the Pulse Nightclub located in our hometown, Orlando, FL, as well as the parents and family of two (2) year old Lane Graves of Elk Horn, NE, who was killed in the alligator attack at the Grand Floridian hotel’s Seven Seas Lagoon. On the cover, we honor the greatest professional boxer of all times who could “float like a butterfly and sting like a bee,” the one and only Muhammad Ali. He was not only an exceptional athlete but also a man who stood strong in what he believed in, especially involving politics and religion. Ali will truly be missed by everyone worldwide. We also introduced to you the twenty-six (26) Florida Black Legislators as well as recognizing the chair, Senator Geraldine F. Thompson of District 12, who is also running for Congress. Senator Arthenia Joyner, Senator Audrey Gibson, Senator Chris Bullard, and Senator Oscar Braynon, II are also being featured. As always we remain committed to providing inspiring, informative and entertaining information to you, our readers. Please contact us and share your thoughts and opinions at info@onyxmagazine.com or give us a call at 321.418.7136. Enjoy!
Rich
COMMUNITY RELATIONS MANAGER Maria Barnes EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Cynthia Slaughter CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Hannah Drake William Jackson Bernard W.H. Jennings Zelda Jones Steven King
Eric A. Pettus Dr. Delvena Thomas Tonyaa Weathersbee Roniece Weaver
CIRCULATION DIRECTORS Eugene Leach and Alice Leach CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Bud Dorsey Sean Waddell, Sr. ONYX ADVISORY COMMITTEE Michelle Tatom, Chairperson Johnny Rivers, Chairman Emeritus Bob Berryhill Alma C. Horne Dr. Lavon Bracy Rodney Hurst Byron Brooks Larry Lee, Jr. Mable Butler Eric Knowles Dr. Cynthia Chesnut Zita Steglich-Ross James Clark Margaret J. Thompson John Crossman Alan Williams Keydrum Dinkins Dr. Samuel Lamar Wright FOUNDERS
Lester and Lillian Seay ONYX is published by RBlack and Associates, LLC, Address: P.O. Box 555672, Orlando, Florida 32855-5872 Phone (407) 4512891, or (407) 298-0544. Subscription rate is $19.95 for six issues. For subscriptions and notification of address change, contact ONYX Magazine at the above address or e-mail us at info@onyxmagazine.com. Letters to the editor are encouraged. Copyright 2015 by ONYX Magazine. All rights reserved. No part of the publication may be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. Opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the writer or interviewee and not necessarily those of the publisher. Manuscripts, photos and art should be submitted with a self-addressed stamped envelope. The publisher does not assume responsibility for any materials not submitted in manner advised. Unsolicited materials are not subject to payment from ONYX Magazine.
12TH ANNUAL
ONYX AWARDS 2016 H O N O R E E S
Tom Joyner
Derrick Brooks
Maurice Starr
Mark E. NeJame Humanitarian Award
Communications Award
Coca-Cola Beverages Florida
Alachua County Branch of the NAACP
University of Central Florida
Lifetime Achievement Award
Performing Arts Award
Business Award
Lifetime Achievement Award-Sports
Community Service Award
Ribault Girls Basketball Team ONYX Spotlight
Terry Prather Publisher Award
Gayle Andrews
Diversity Award
Orlando Magic Minority Male Youth Summit Gino Nicholas Mentoring Award
Ali MUHAMMAD
THE GOAT, THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME Towanna Hogue
MUHAMMAD ALI, BORN CASSIUS MARCELLUS CLAY, JR., in Louisville, KY (January 17, 1942 - June 3, 2016) was an American gold medalist, three-time world heavyweight boxing champion, philanthropist, activist, devoted husband and father, died of complications from septic shock at the age of 74 in a hospital located in Phoenix, AZ. He also suffered from Parkinson’s disease for more than 30 years.
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Muhammad Ali was not just admired for his athletic gift and buoyant personality but also for his political, religious and social stances. In 2005, Ali was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President George W. Bush, and in the same year the $60 million Muhammad Ali Center, a nonprofit museum and cultural center focusing on peace and social responsibility, opened in his hometown of Louisville, KY.
Dee Muldrow said, “Muhammad Ali gave us a lot of great moments in the boxing ring, but what he may be remembered for just as much is his quick wit and his biting quotes. Ali never shied away from jumping into racial issues and making his opinions known. ‘The Greatest’ was also perhaps the world’s most popular Muslim, and he never stopped defending his religion. Always, Forever “The Greatest.” Many were in attendance to not only celebrate his life, but to honor and pay their respects to Ali as well as his family. Fifteen thousand (15,000) people attended the funeral and over 100,000 people turned out for the funeral procession. The actual memorial service was about three hours long, and was held at the ‘KFC Yum Center’ in downtown Louisville, KY. Bob Gunnell, a family spokesperson said, “Muhammad wanted this to be a free event, an event that was open to all.” Muhammad Ali’s current wife Lonnie Ali said in one of many eulogies, “Muhammad indicated that when the end came for him, he wanted to use his life
and his death as a teaching moment. He wanted to remind people who are suffering that he had seen the face of injustice. He never became bitter enough to quit or engage in violence.” Ali’s children were in attendance; Laila Ali, Rasheda Ali, Hana Ali, Maryum Ali, Jamillah Ali, Khaliah Ali, Muhammad Ali Jr., Miya Ali and Asaad Ali. Will Smith, Lennox Lewis, and Mike Tyson were pallbearers. In attendance were Spike Lee, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Ambassador Shabazz, Whoopi Goldberg, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Sugar Ray Leonard, Evander Holyfield, David Beckham, Don King, Bernard Hopkins, Former NBA coach Pat Riley, and Martin Luther King III. Bryant Gumbel, comedian Billy Crystal and former President Bill Clinton gave a eulogy. Bill Clinton actually gave the final speech, where he talked about Muhammad Ali lighting the Olympic torch in Atlanta in 1996. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and Jordan’s King Abdullah II were in attendance as well as Jesse Jackson, Yusuf
Islam, Imam Zaid Shakir, Donnie Simpson, Arsenio Hall, Larry Holmes, George Foreman, Jim Brown, Omari Hardwick, Hamid Karzai, actor/rapper Common, and former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis. President Barack Obama unfortunately was unable to attend but Valerie Jarrett, one of his advisors read a statement where he said Ali helped inspire him to “believe he could be anything, even President of the United States.” Ali, he said, “I am America. I am the part you won’t recognize. But get used to me — black, confident, cocky; my name, not yours; my religion, not yours; my goals, my own. Get used to me.” Obama added that “the Ali I came to know,” was not just “as skilled a poet on the mic as he was a fighter in the ring, but a man who fought for what was right. A man who fought for us. He stood with King and Mandela; stood up when it was hard; spoke out when others wouldn’t.” Family member Sean Waddell Sr., reminisced about his Muhammad Ali and stated, “Basically, Ali instilled self confidence in me as a kid. He’d always come to his aunt’s barbershop which is my grandmother, Eva Clay Waddell, to get fellowship and get his haircut. He’d also come to Aunt Coretta’s house which was a local bakery. He later took Aunt Coretta to his Deer Lake, PA training camp as his cook. Ali was always about family and his father, Uncle Cash made sure that we were always together, self-confident and taught us to always walk tall no matter the circumstances even as a young Black man!” We will always love and admire you champ! Rest in peace! ONYX MAGAZINE 9
MASSACRE AT THE PULSE NIGHTCLUB
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NYX Magazine extends our deepest condolences and sympathies to all of the families, friends and loved ones of the people who lost their lives or where injured at the Pulse Nightclub on June 12. It saddens us that such a cowardly act of terrorism continues to stem from fear and hatred because of differences in race, religion or sexual orientation. This massacre is considered the worse mass shooting in U.S. history and unfortunately happened in our beautiful city, Orlando, FL. The City of Orlando released the following names of the 49 victims killed in the shooting: Edward Sotomayor Jr. (34); Stanley Almodovar III (23); Luis Omar Ocasio-Capo (20); Juan Ramon Guerrero (22); Eric Ivan Ortiz-Rivera (36); Peter O. Gonzalez-Cruz (22); Luis S. Vielma (22); Kimberly Morris (37); Eddie Jamoldroy Justice (30); Darryl Roman Burt II (29); Deonka Deidra Drayton (32); Alejandro Barrios Martinez (21); Anthony Luis Laureanodisla Disla (25); Jean Carlos Mendez Perez (35); Franky Jimmy Dejesus Velazquez (50); Amanda Alvear (25); Martin Benitez Torres (33); Luis Daniel
Towanna Hogue
Wilson-Leon (37); Mercedez Marisol Flores (26); Xavier Emmanuel Serrano Rosado (35); Gilberto Ramon Silva Menendez (25); Simon Adrian Carrillo Fernandez (31); Oscar A Aracena-Montero (26); Enrique L. Rios, Jr. (25); Miguel Angel Honorato (30); Javier Jorge-Reyes (40); Joel Rayon Paniagua (32); Jason Benjamin Josaphat (19); Cory James Connell (21); Juan P. Rivera Velazquez (37); Luis Daniel Conde (39); Shane Evan Tomlinson (33); Juan Chevez-Martinez (25); Jerald Arthur Wright (31); Leroy Valentin Fernandez (25); Tevin Eugene Crosby (25); Jonathan Antonio Camuy Vega (24); Jean C. Nives Rodriguez (27); Rodolfo Ayala-Ayala (33); Brenda Lee Marquez McCool (49); Yilmary Rodriguez Solivan (24); Christopher Andrew Leinonen (32); Angel L. Candelario-Padro (28); Frank Hernandez (27); Paul Terrell Henry (41); Antonio Davon Brown (29); Akyra Monet Murray (18); Geraldo A. Ortiz-Jimenez (25); Christopher Joseph Sanfeliz (24). Please keep their families in your thoughts and prayers. President Barack Obama said of the horrific shooting that killed 50 people,
“This was an act of terror and an act of hate. Americans have to decide if having easy access to firearms is “the kind of country we want to be.” This marks the 15th time that the President has had to address the nation after a mass shooting. It is time to address and change our country’s lax gun laws especially with people under investigation for terrorism and those who are known to be mentally unstable and mentally ill. This attack was not just on the gay and lesbian communities but on the country as a whole. All men are created equal but still there is so much anger, hatred, disrespect and violence displaced on others who are different than we are. When will it stop? Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., stated, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” We all need to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. We seriously need to think about this especially during the presidential election and other political seats that will be available very soon. We need leaders of peace and love not of anger and hatred.
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CHAIR OF THE FLORIDA LEGISLATIVE BLACK CAUCUS Florida State Senator Geraldine F. Thompson District 12
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tate Senator Geraldine F. Thompson attended Miami Dade Community College and, later, received a John F. Kennedy/Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship to attend the University of Miami (Coral Gables, Florida). She sought a Master of Science degree in Communications from Florida State University, where she earned the advanced degree in 1973. She and her husband Emerson moved to Orlando where she was employed first as a teacher in area public schools and, later, as Director of the Equal Opportunity Office and Assistant to the President at Valencia Community College – a position she held for 24 years. Among her many accomplishments at Valencia was the establishment of the “College Reach Out Program (CROP), which enabled thousands of low-income and disadvantaged students to go to college. As a historian, her passion for history led to the research and compilation of documents that resulted in the publication of her first book in 2003, “Black America Series: Orlando, Florida.” She is also credited with preserving The Well’s Built Hotel, which housed some of America’s most prominent citizens, including Justice Thurgood Marshall, Ray Charles, Ella
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Fitzgerald, Jackie Robinson and many more. She helped secure funds to convert the hotel into a museum that is known today as The Wells’ Built Museum of African-American History. In November 2006, she was elected to serve as the first African-American woman to represent District 39 in the Florida House of Representatives. She was elected Democratic Leader Pro Tempore for the Florida House in 2008. She was elected to the Florida Senate in November 2012 and currently serves on the following committees: Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation Tourism and Economic Development; Community Affairs; Transportation; Ethics and Election; Commerce and Tourism; and, the Joint Administrative Procedures Committee. In December 2012, Senator Thompson was elected Chairman of the Orange County Legislative Delegation, becoming the first woman and first African-American to hold the leadership position. In 2014, she was named chair of the Florida Women’s Legislative Caucus. Senator Thompson has received numerous accolades, positions and awards to include the following:
The Florida Education Association’s Mary McLeod Bethune Humanitarian Award; The National Education Association’s Mary Hatwood Futrell Award; Executive Woman Award; Legislative Award from the American Cancer Society; The Martin Luther King Jr. Award from the Greater Orlando Alliance of Black School Educators; Selected by U.S. Congressman Alan Grayson and honored by the U.S. Congress as one of 50 distinguished local women leaders; Florida Director of the National Foundation for Women Legislators; Executive Board Member of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators; The Florida League of Cities 2014 Legislative Appreciation Award; The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council Legislative Appreciation Award (2014);Tri-County League of Cities 2016 Senator of the Year Award; Vice Chair of the Florida Black Legislative Caucus (2015-2016); Chair of the Florida Legislative Black Caucus (2016-2017). Senator Thompson is married to the Honorable Emerson R. Thompson, Jr. They have three children (Laurise, Emerson III and Elizabeth) and four grandchildren. On October 12, 2015, she announced her candidacy for the United States Congress.
Florida State Representative Bruce Antone District 46
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lorida State Representative Bruce Antone is a native of Mobile, Alabama and a longtime resident of Orlando, Florida. Representative Antone received his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the historic Tuskegee University and was inducted into Eta Kappa Nu, an Electrical Engineering Honor Fraternity. He completed one year of Graduate Studies in Electrical Engineering at Tuskegee University and served as the Assistant Track Coach for the men’s and women’s track teams while in Graduate School. Representative Antone began his professional career at IBM (International Business Machines) in 1983 in Orlando, Florida. He was an Account Systems Engineer, a Regional Application Development Specialist and Marketing Representative during his career with IBM. While employed with IBM, he completed IBM’s Systems Engineering and Marketing School in Dallas, Texas, and earned several One Hundred Percent and Branch Manager Awards for outstanding achievement. Representative Antone began his political and legislative career in 1992. He was employed by the Florida Legislature and served as the Chief Legislative Aide to State Senator Buddy Dyer for a total of eight
years (1992-1999 and 2001-2002). In 1999, Representative Antone accepted a two-year position with theTechnological Research and Development Authority (TRDA) in Titusville, Florida. While working at the TRDA, he served as the Director of Education, Director of Energy Programs and Director of Minority and Women-Owned Business Programs. In 2002, Representative Antone was elected to the Florida House of Representative and served from 2002-2006. During this time, he held several leadership positions. He was Vice-Chair of the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee, one of four Democratic Floor Whips and ViceChair of the Florida Conference of Black State Legislators. He served as a member of the Agriculture, Education Appropriations, Criminal Justice Subcommittee and the Business Regulation and Telecommunications committees. From 2006-2012, Representative Antone served as the Director of Community and Governmental Relations for a non-profit organization in Central Florida, which is dedicated to providing twenty-four hours a day residential care to children that are considered foster children and wards of the State of Florida.
In 2012, Representative Antone was re-elected to the Florida House of Representatives. He sits on several committees: he is currently the Ranking Democratic member on the General Government Appropriations Subcommittee, and a member of the Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee, Tourism and Economic Development Committee, Education Committee and K-12 Education Committee. Recently, he was elected as the 2016-2017 Vice Chairman of the Florida Conference of Black State Legislators and the 2016-2017 Chair-Elect of the Central Florida Caucus of Black Elected Officials. Representative Antone’s public service and community involvement is extensive. He was a founding and longtime member of the African American Council of Christian Clergy (Ministerial Alliance). He is a former member of: the Orange County Planning and Zoning Commission, the Orange Blossom Trail Development Board, the NAACP and SCLC. A supporter and member of many civic and local organizations that advocate for those individuals and communities that have no voice.
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Florida State Representative Randolph Bracy, III District 45
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tate Representative Randolph Bracy III was born in Jacksonville, Florida to Randolph Bracy Jr., the Pastor of the New Covenant Baptist Church of Orlando, and Dr. LaVon Wright Bracy. Representative Randolph Bracy went on to pursue his bachelor’s degree at the College of William and Mary where he graduated with a degree in psychology in 1999, and later graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Master’s in business administration and a Master’s degree in sports administration in 2006. Representative Bracy served as a political consultant and school administrator prior to his election to the Florida Legislature for the 45th district in 2012. In 2012, following the reconfiguration of Florida House of Representatives districts, he opted to run in the newly created 45th District, which includes Apopka, Ocoee, and Winter Garden and has a minority-majority population. He faced Shannon Currie, a former legislative aide to retiring State Senator Gary Siplin, in the Democratic primary. The Orlando Sentinel endorsed Bracy, praising his “real-world experience in build-
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ing partnerships to entice businesses.” In the end, Bracy narrowly defeated Currie, winning with 54% of the vote and a 562 vote margin of victory. Representative Bracy faced the Republican nominee, Ronny Oliveira, in the general election, and once again, the Sentinel endorsed him for his “better articulated vision for improving the district.” As was to be expected in this heavily Democratic district, Representative Bracy defeated Oliveira in a landslide, receiving 69% of the vote, and was sworn into his first term in the Florida House of Representatives later that year. In 2014, Representative Bracy was re-elected to his second term without opposition. He serves on various committees, including Finance & Tax, Regulatory Affairs, Economic Affairs Committee and the Criminal Justice Subcommittee. In 2016, Bracy announced that he would run for the Florida Senate in the 11th District, following incumbent State Senator Geraldine Thompson’s decision to run for Congress. Representative Bracy is a small business owner and currently resides in Ocoee, Florida with his wife Alfrea Bracy and their 2 daughters.
Florida State Senator Oscar Braynon, II District 35
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tate Senator Oscar Braynon, II was elected to the Florida Senate to represent Senate District 35 in March of 2011. District 35 encompasses the majority of Northeast Miami-Dade County and parts of Southern Broward County. Prior to being elected in his current position, Senator Braynon served as the State Representative for District 103. Senator Braynon credits his interest in politics to his parents, Oscar and Patricia, who took him to local government meetings as a child. He quickly learned that the only way to make a difference in the lives of others was to be an active participant in the political process. His life-long dream became a reality in July of 2003, when at the age of 26 he was elected to serve as a City Councilman of Miami-Dade County’s third-largest populated city (Miami Gardens). He made history by becoming one of the youngest politicians ever elected in Miami-Dade County. On June 27, 2005, he was unanimously appointed Vice Mayor of the City of Miami Gardens. Constituents of Senate District 35 would describe the Senator as an honest and committed public servant, however, he
has long been recognized as a shining star in South Florida for his efforts in giving back to the community’s most vulnerable citizens. Senator Braynon hosts an annual youth invitational basketball tournament, helping children in his community constructively enjoy spring break. He has also served as a City of Miami Summer Youth Employment Counselor, providing pre-employment training to disadvantaged youth, and has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, Special Olympics, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, 100 Black Men of America, the United Way and he is a mentor for the 5000 Role Models. Senator Braynon is always working hard in and out of the legislature to ensure fairness for not only his constituents but every resident of Florida. When he is not working to improve the lives of the citizens of Senate District 35, Senator Braynon serves as a Governmental Consultant and is a wonderful husband to Melissa Fung Braynon and father to Brandon and Oscar Braynon III. He is a graduate of Florida State University and is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated.
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Florida State Senator Dwight M. Bullard District 39
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tate Senator Dwight M. Bullard graduated from Florida A&M University where he received his B.S. in history education. Since 2000, he has been a teacher at Coral Reef Senior High School and was sworn into office as representative of District 118 and has been reelected subsequently. He served as a member of the agriculture and natural resources policy committee, the Pre K-12 appropriations committee, Pre K-12 education policy committee and the economic development policy committee during his first term. Representative Bullard was a member of the justice appropriations subcommittee, the K-20 competitiveness subcommittee, the agriculture and natural resources subcommittee, and the criminal justice subcommittee for the 2011 legislative session and a member of higher education appropriation subcommittee for the 2012 legislative session. Representative Bullard was named democratic ranking member of the Pre K-12 education policy committee after his first term and became most recently Democrat ranking member of the education committee.
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In November of 2012 he was elected to the Florida Senate. He’s received numerous awards including the Florida Education Association’s Freshman Friend of Public Education Award, the Florida Education Association’s Friend of Education Award, and the Florida Association of School Administrators’ Next Generation Leader Award. Senator Bullard is also affiliated with the MiamiDade Democrats, and hence was awarded the Young Democrat’s of Miami Dade Outstanding Leadership Award. The South Dade Democrat, the Ron Brown Democratic Caucus, and the Richmond-Perrine Alumni Chapter of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated, as well as, the J.L. King Prince Hall Masonic Lodge are just a few more of his affiliations. Senator Bullard is a member of the Richmond Heights Homeowners Association and in January 2010 was named Grand Marshal of the Annual Homestead/Florida City Martin Luther King, Jr. parade. He was recognized as an honorary member of City Year Miami and received their official jacket after keynoting their annual day of service. In addition, Senator Bullard holds
a lifetime membership to the NAACP. During his time in the legislature, Senator Bullard has been leading the fight on issues such as the School-to-Prison Pipeline that disproportionately affects children of color and online bullying in Florida public schools. He’s brought attention to Florida’s controversial laws and has sponsored legislation both in the Florida House and Senate for reform or repeal of the Stand Your Ground law. Senator Bullard has appeared on CNN, NBC, NPR affiliates, and countless media outlets throughout the country. Florida A&M University awarded him the National Rattler F. Club Distinguished Alumni Award and the Alumni Inaugural 40 Under 40 Award. When asked why he ran for Senator of District 39, he spoke about the desire to fill a void in leadership and an even stronger desire to give back. He was inspired to do so by not only his mother and father, but also President Obama whom he believes was the right candidate at the right time. In the upcoming years, he plans to stay active in the community, saying “the people deserve a voice that identifies with them”.
Florida State Representative Daphne Campbell District 108
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tate Representative Daphne D. Campbell is a mother, wife, critical care registered nurse, businesswoman, community leader and community advocate in District 108 as the voice for the voiceless for her community for the past 23 years. Campbell is sponsoring and co-sponsoring bills from Licensure of Foreign-Trained Physicians, State Minimum Wage, and Police Body Cameras, Music Therapy, and Reinstatement of Citizenship for Dominicans of Haitian Descent. Representative Campbell has been a legislator for almost six years which is three term serving District 108, received several awards such as Doctorate in Divinity, Professorship in Theology, Legislator championship, etc. With her legacy as a leader for the entire community and for the State of Florida, State Representative Daphne Campbell is a true leader of excellence. As a native of Haiti, Representative Campbell is deeply and personally connected with the issues of the Haitian community. It is this connection that she has carried with her throughout her terms in
office and will continue to carry well into her future political career. Representative Campbell has been awarded the Community Champion Award, awarded by the Haitian American Nurses Association (HANA), also honored with the “Daphne Campbell Nursing Scholarship�, a scholarship in her honor for the tireless work she has done in the nursing community on behalf of the Board of Governors of the Dr. Jose Regueiro Foundation and the Board of Governors of Florida National University Nursing Division. In addition, Solidaridad Sin Fronteras (SSF) has made a special recognition to Representative Campbell for her historical work with the Foreign-Trained Physicians Bill, a Bill in which she sponsored and has passed in the House of Representatives; and in gratitude for her hard work has renamed their new Exam Training Center located at 3219 W 4th Ave. in Hialeah after her. Representative Campbell has been an avid supporter and a pillar of excellence in the community, applying herself wherever she is needed. Working intimately with
groups such as HANA, aiding Haitian Nurses in taking the State Board Exam (NCLEX) without legal status, sponsoring law for affordable housing bills to help aid low income families, corresponding with President Obama to continue and allow TPS and extend it to Haitian Families in need, Haiti to be added for the first time to H2A-H2B Visa, sponsoring Law in the state of Florida for Haitian family reunification parole program to help Haitians reunite with families in the US, sponsoring law for police officers, correctional officers and state troopers to be recognized as a hall of fame in the capitol, pulling resources to help save several homes from foreclosure and helped to bring millions of dollars in funding for colleges and universities in the district (Miami Dade college, and FIU.) In addition, she recently helped to restore and rebuild Biscayne Park with a brand new city hall, allocating funding to renovate North Miami library, work alongside countless nonprofit organizations, and continuously fighting for education for low income families, and job creation.
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URBAN INTROSPECTIVE
Abandonment, Lies and Neglect of 5 Pinellas County Schools Tonyaa Weathersbee
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he beginning of school should be a time of hope and promise for children. For African-American children, it should be the step toward that better life that so many of them experience only through what they see on television, in films, or in books. But for far too many black children in Pinellas County, school doesn’t mean stepping towards success as much as it means being stuck in a quagmire of failure. In its Pulitzer Prize – winning series, “Failure Factories,” The Tampa Bay Times uncovered how five schools in the predominantly black areas of the county deteriorated, in the course of eight years, into the worse schools in the state. This happened largely through abandonment, lies and neglect – three things that black folks are all too familiar with. According to the series, the abandonment came when the Pinellas School Board turned its back on integration in 2007. Then came the lies; the
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board never came through with promises of resources and money to make up for the access to resources and money that those schools lost by no longer having access to white parents with money and connections. Then the neglect. After black children at Campbell Park, Fairmount Park, Lakewood, Maximo and Melrose elementary schools began to fail at obscene rates, they did nothing. Nothing. Now those schools are, according to the state Education Department, among the worse in the state. Melrose has the lowest standardized test scores of all the elementary schools in Florida, followed by Fairmount Park. Maximo is ranked the 10th worse, while Lakewood came in at 12th and Campbell Park came in at 15th. And what this all reveals are uncomfortable truths that black people have had to deal with for ages; the main one being that to be black means to become invisible to those who have the power to make decisions that govern our lives. The invisibility began when, in 2007, many black parents apparently warned
board members that the schools would suffer if they ended integration. At that time, those five schools scored no lower than a C on the standardized tests. They also warned that if all those schools were to suddenly cater to only the neediest black youths, the counselors and specialists would be overwhelmed – compared to in the past, when those students were spread out among all the schools. So what’s left is a lot of black children who may wind up in the system, instead of getting the education they need to avoid it. What’s also left is, at least for me, a lot of anger. Anger that, according to the series, all of these schools where all these black children are failing lie within six miles of the county’s most affluent neighborhoods. Anger that in too many places, black people haven’t attained the affluence that they need to not have to rely on white people to ensure that their children have access to educational resources. Anger at the racism. There’s no way
that schools filled with white children failing at that rate would have gone neglected for nearly a decade. That’s infuriating. Here’s what should happen now, though. The African-American parents and citizens who are concerned about those failure factories, or rather, the fate of black children in Pinellas, should borrow a page from Black Lives Matter – because apparently those lives stopped mattering to the Pinellas School Board as soon as they ended integration. The U.S. Department of Education has opened a civil rights investigation, but the citizens should do more – disrupt, sit-in, whatever it takes – to bring
change. Most of all, they should come with some proposed solutions – a policy fix, a dedicated tax – to correct the problem. What makes this so bad is that, prior to 2007, Pinellas didn’t have this problem. So the board essentially broke what was fixed. They need to go back and fix it again. Because this is 2016. And this simply won’t do. Tonyaa J. Weathersbee is a multiple award-winning columnist and multimedia journalist in Jacksonville, Fla. To learn more about her and her work, go to www.tonyaajweathersbee.com or www.facebook.com/tonyaajweathersbee. Or follow her @tonyaajw.
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POLITICS
Fifty Years of Democratic Progress is in Jeopardy Bernard W.H. Jennings
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his election season is like no other in United States history. This falls’ Presidential Election will prove to be the most pivotal and most important election in our lifetime. Over fifty (50) years of democratic progress is at stake. The next President of the United States will likely be in a position to name three (3) Supreme Court Justices. Our next President will have the opportunity to continue the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) and the Homeowner Affordable Mortgage Program (HAMP), appoint a new Surgeon General, increase funding for Historical Black Colleges and Universities, fund early childhood education, address women’s rights and opportunities, improve veterans rights and benefits, preserve the Social Security Trust Fund, initiate efforts to rebuild our transportation infrastructure, lead the nation to a lesser dependence on fossil fuels, and build upon and improve race relations at home and abroad and preserve those fifty (50) years of democratic progress. The world is watching and we have a long way to go for equality but united we stand, divided we fall. A large focus of the media is now on the mindset of the Delegates and Super-Delegates. Delegates serve as party loyalists whom are charged with following the popular vote and nominate the candidate of their party who receive the majority of votes in the Presidential Primary Elections. The media is reporting political poll after political poll in an attempt, it seems, to sway the votes of those same delegates. Pundits even go as far as to state their opinions of what delegates should be considering. The Republican Delegates have chosen their nominee. However, Democratic Delegates will converge in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania the last week in July this summer. Ironically, democrats will hold their Democratic Convention in the same US city where our Nation’s founding 20 ONYX MAGAZINE
It is paramount that everyone who is able to vote, do so. The Democratic Party faces deep pockets from its Republican challenger. fathers gathered to author the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States and its Preamble, and is the home of the Liberty Bell. There is much to consider this Election season. Especially as the Nation and the World witnessed the most contested and divisive Republican contest in United States history. The Republican leadership has been forced to acknowledge and accept a Nominee that they do not agree with and frankly, in their own words feel is not fit to be the next President of the United States. On the Democratic Party side, the candidate with the highest number of Delegates is still in a contest with a challenge to the nomination from a candidate who mathematically cannot win the necessary delegate
votes to cease the Democratic nomination in July. Clearly, it is time for the Democratic Party to come together and prepare to get out the vote (GOTV) in November. Each and every vote will be counted. It is paramount that everyone who is able to vote, do so. The Democratic Party faces deep pockets from its Republican challenger. Even with the dissentions within its ranks, the Republican Party has the ability to out-spend the Democratic Party. As far as delegates are concerned, I believe their minds are made up. I’m with her. History will tell the story of just how important this Election Season really is. The question will remain; Will 50 years of democratic progress be preserved or be in peril?
VOTE
Florida State Representative Gwyndolen Clarke-Reed District 92
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epresentative Gwyndolen “Gwyn” Clarke-Reed was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2008, and reelected subsequently. As of the 2016 Session, she was appointed as the Democratic Ranking Member of the Children, Families & Seniors Subcommittee and also serves on the Appropriations Committee, Health & Human Services Committee, and Veteran & Military Affairs Subcommittee. Representative Clarke-Reed served twelve (12) years on the Deerfield Beach City Commission, serving as the Vice Mayor during her first year. During her time as a Commissioner, she started a summer employment, career development, and mentoring program for youth ages 13 to 15. She has served as President of the Broward League of Cities, the first Deerfield Beach government official ever to hold the post and the first woman of color elected to the position in the forty-five (45) year history of the organization. Her honors include recognitions as the 2012 Greater Fort Lauderdale Democratic Club Legislator of the Year; 2012 ICABA 100 Most Accomplished Caribbean Americans; 2012 Keynote Speaker Award for
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Everest University Spring Commencement; and the 2012 Latino Who’s Who. In 2012, she was honored as a Shining Star “Light of the Community” by the Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce and was inducted into the Broward Senior Hall of Fame for the Class of 2013. In 2014 Representative Clarke-Reed was inducted into the Broward County Women’s Hall of Fame and also received The Honorable Carrie P. Meek Servant Leadership Award, Legislator of the Year. She was presented with a Statement of Support for the Guard and Reserve from Chuck Hagel, Secretary of Defense in 2014. In 2015, Representative Clarke-Reed was presented the Presidential Humanitarian Service Award by the Broward County Association of Deputy Sheriffs and Auxiliary. She was recognized by PACE Center for Girls, Broward County, for her commitment to Florida’s girls and young women. In 2016, she received a Certificate of Appreciation for her Dedication and Outstanding Service to the City of Pompano Beach and Certificate of Appreciation from the City of Lauderdale Lakes. She also received the Broward County Public Schools Legislative Appreciation Award in 2016.
Representative Clarke-Reeds’ public service and memberships include the Boys and Girls Club; Kiwanis Club; American Cancer Society; Mango Festival; Greater Deerfield Beach Democratic Club; American Association of University Women; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; the Common Highlands Homeowners Association; North Broward Hospital District Community Primary Care Committee; Broward Teachers Union-Retirees; St. Laurence Chapel, and the Democratic Women’s Club of Northeast Broward. Gwyn is also a member of The International Women’s Leadership Association and presently serves as 1st Vice President of the Pompano Beach Women’s Club and serves as 2016 Broward Days Board Member. She served as the 2014-2015 Vice Chair of the Broward County Legislative Delegation, and presently serves as the 20152016 Chair of the Broward County Legislative Delegation. She is a retired educator and holds a bachelor’s degree from Brooklyn College and a master’s degree from Adelphi University. She is the mother of two, Vincent and Veronica Rose.
Florida State Representative Bobby B. DuBose District 94
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tate Representative Bobby B. DuBose was elected to Florida House of Representatives on November 4th, 2014. He was elected to this new position after serving in The Fort Lauderdale City Commission District III seat since March 10th, 2009. On April 5th, 2011 Representative DuBose was appointed as Vice Mayor for one year. He was re-elected unopposed on November 22nd, 2011. Representative DuBose received his Bachelors of Arts degree in Economics from the University of Florida. After graduation, Representative DuBose returned to his hometown neighborhood where he learned the true meaning of “to whom much is given, much is required”. Representative DuBose believes strongly in community service and has volunteered his time serving in many civic organizations since childhood. He is a life member of the NAACP, Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity and of the University of Florida Alumni Association.
During his term on the Fort Lauderdale City Commission, Representative DuBose was appointed to the Broward County Planning Council where he served as the Vice Chair. He was the City’s representative to the Tourist Development Council. He is currently a member of the Florida League of Cities Board of Directors, a member of the Florida League of Cities Growth Management and Economic Development committee and the Advocacy Committee where he serves as Vice-Chair and a member of the Broward League of Cities Executive Board, where he is also the Immediate Past President. In addition, Representative DuBose is a member of the National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials and the Florida Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials where he served as regional coordinator. He is also a member of the University of Florida National Alumni Board. Representative DuBose has received several honors and awards including: 2013
Broward Education Foundation’s Hall of Fame Outstanding Achievement Award; 2012 American Tennis Association Hall of Fame Chairman’s Award; 2011 South Florida’s 50 Most Powerful Black Professionals by Legacy Magazine; 2011 Ordinary People Doing Extra Ordinary Things by Friends of the AARLCC; 2009 Gold Coast Magazine’s, “40 under 40” Broward County Rising Stars; and 2009 Broward Young Democrats – Young Democrat of the Year. In 2011, the City of Fort Lauderdale’s Centennial Year, Representative DuBose was privileged to serve as Grand Marshall for the Sistrunk Historical Festival and Parade and proudly presided over the City’s celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Beach Wade-Ins and the grand opening of the Eula Johnson House. He is a member of Mount Bethel Baptist Church. He is married to the former Yvette Culver and the proud father of Ethan Joshua and Jacob Emmanuel.
ONYX MAGAZINE 23
How To Ace Going Back To School: What Every Parent Should Know After a long summer of sun and fun, it can be difficult for kids and parents to get back into the school routine. However, with proper planning, the transition can be less stressful for everyone. Here are a few tips to help your family make the grade when the fall arrives: Eric A. Pettus, Founder/President, Pettus & Dawkins Financial Group
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Take advantage of the Back To School Tax-Free Weekend – Typically a few weeks prior to the beginning of the new school year, many states will waive the sales tax on most clothing items and most school supplies. That tax savings can help your dollars go much further when it comes to getting all of the necessities for a successful school year.
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Begin the school routine two weeks in advance – Kids have a more difficult time adjusting to a new routine than adults do. Help your child get in the habit of going to bed early and waking up in the morning with an alarm. Together, you and your child can also start getting school supplies organized, selecting school attire, and planning meal options for the week.
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3
Every day after school, have a discussion with your child about what they did in school and what assignments were given as homework. Once they are done, be sure to review all homework before your child turns it in. Also be sure to inquire about the high points and low points of their day.
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Purchase a large calendar – This will help everyone keep track of due dates for assignments and projects. You can also notate dates for upcoming school activities, extra curricular activities, and any appointments.
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Limit your child’s technology and television time during school nights – By doing this, you reduce the amount of distractions they have while trying to
get homework assignments or large projects done. Additionally, you’ll have less to contend with when bedtime comes.
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Set up meetings with all of your student’s teachers three weeks after school begins – This will help you establish an open line of communication early on as well as get a preview as to what is in store for your child’s academic progress.
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Have your child set academic goals for the school year – This can be reading 30 books, getting straight A’s, or improving in a particular subject. Set checkpoints throughout the year to review their progress and hold them accountable to their goal.
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Start college planning and career planning now – If you child has expressed interest in a particular profession, capitalize on that interest and ask them to do some research. Make sure they investigate how much that profession pays and what subjects in school are considered requirements for that field. Have your child inquire about doing free internships to get experience and determine if that is what they really want to do. In addition, have your child find out what colleges and universities specialize in the field that your child is looking to enter. The most expensive tuition is the one that pays for an unused degree. For additional information please visit www.pdfgi.com.
DR. THOMAS
Talking to Your Children about Mental Illness Dr. Delvena Thomas
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iscussions about mental wellness should be shared with our children. Suicide rates among African American children have doubled in the last two decades. US suicide rates have been higher historically amongst Whites of all ages, but the rates of suicides amongst Black boys and girls continue to rise. Most Americans are uncomfortable discussing mental illness, and especially in certain communities. My first experience with mental illness was during junior high school. A very close friend struggled with personal identity and felt she did not fit in. She would avoid attending school on some days by telling her mother that she was sick. She would isolate and 26 ONYX MAGAZINE
was withdrawn – not attending after school functions and not socializing in popular teen hang out areas. Eventually, she attempted to kill herself by overdosing on medications. The most difficult years of development is the adolescent period. It is the bridge between childhood and adulthood. The transition to the teenage period is complicated by puberty, further gender development, sexual identity, concern about how one appears to others, creating one’s identity in society. Peer pressure to engage in sexual activity or use substances such as cigarettes, alcohol and drugs is common. Abraham Maslow defined a hierarchy of needs in life starting with basics like food,
shelter, and on a higher level, things like personal, financial security, love, and companionship. When these things are unobtainable, mental wellness is compromised. Three out of four people with mental health problems showed signs before age 24. Mental illness includes depression, anxiety, bipolar (“manic-depressive”), schizophrenia, sexual dysfunction, personality disorders, and addictions. Children are no exception to mental illness. They exhibit signs of mental duress similar to adults. It’s back-to-school for children so some will face new challenges and some of the same challenges as the preceding school year. The first day of school can cause butterflies
due to eager anticipation. The excitement of meeting new teachers and greeting may keep students awake. Children should be monitored and engaged continuously by parents and their educators to ensure they don’t experience mental duress beyond the usual jitters felt the night before the first day of school. Bullying in schools is a serious problem that has been associated with suicides. It can result in stress and mental ailments common in our communities, like depression and anxiety. Bullying can lead to drugs, sexual violence and relationship problems. Some signs that your child may be experiencing any of these things include irritability, withdrawing from family or friends, behavior changes, aggression, intense fear of certain things, difficulty concentrating, weight changes, greater concern about food and/or weight, more headaches and stomachaches, self-harm (cutting or burning themselves), verbalizing thoughts to harm themselves. If you notice any of these signs, talk with your child and inquire about any concerns. Talk with your child’s teachers and the school psychologist. Seeing a pediatrician is a great beginning to access medical care. If you have insurance, coverage for mental health care includes seeing a social worker, psychologist and/or psychiatrist.
GIRLS AND BULLYING: Pain and Potential PTSD William Jackson, M.Ed. Edward Waters College @wmjackson – william.jackson@ewc.edu
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irls of all ages are involved in some form of online communication. They are sharing photos, videos, emoji’s and other graphical displays of emotions and friendships. The increase of a girl’s social life has transitioned to digital relationships that travel across the digital languages of social media sites. Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr, Twitter, Snapchat and other forms of digital communications are dominated by photographs, videos, words, phrases, acronyms and the occasional use of profanity and sexual dialogue. Technology has opened a Pandora’s Box to potential vicious Bullying, Cyberbullying, Cyberstalking and Sexting. These actions have created a change in digital interactions and etiquette. Girls must be taught how to “talk” digitally to each other and not to bully, or in the case of technology cyberbully. Parents should observe their child’s accounts to see what they are doing as well as to help keep their children safe especially from predators or anyone else that could do them harm. Too many children especially teens do not value life as it should be valued and their nature is more violent and less compassionate. Communication with wireless devices has created a paradigm shift for parents, educators, and even law enforcement in the attempts to monitor, educate and prevent bullying actions by girls and women. Statistics show that girls will bully using technology more than boys and a girl’s online activity is more vicious. Even tele-
vision media has shown true to life movies about girls bullying in the traditional sense in the school environment and also through digital means. The unfortunate deaths by suicide and attempted suicides are reported weekly on national news stations sows that bullying and cyberbullying creates havoc emotionally and psychologically for girls. Girls as they mature into women have stated that they suffer from PTSD because of the stress resulting from bullying through middle and high school. Speaking at national conferences to teens and young adults, I have spoken with women in their 30’s and 40’s that carry the emotional scars of bullying from middle and high school. Many parents do not understand or are in denial regarding cyberbullying, (cyberbullying via text messages or online via Internet). The recent deaths of girls being in fights that have made national attention are a result of a child being bullied. The result of bullying does have serious emotional and psychological consequences that can last a lifetime. Girls who are bullied have a greater risk for depression which can lead to drug dependency, alcohol and other substance abuse. Schools cannot be fully blamed for bullying. Students go home, seclude themselves in their rooms and use their digital devices to sometimes make the lives of other girls and boys hell on social media. Parents are accountable and are being held responsible in most cases. It takes parents being active, engaged and involved to stop all forms of bullying. ONYX MAGAZINE 27
NUTRITION & WELLNESS
Healthy Eating Away from Home
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ou eat in a variety of places, your home, at work, in restaurants and maybe even in your car. For some of these places you have more control over what choices are available than at others. Since high calorie foods are everywhere, it’s important to take the time to plan ahead to make sure you have healthy options available. Meals at Home Whether you are cooking for just yourself, one to two people, or a larger group, planning meals is a good place to start improving your food choices. Taking the time to plan a healthy evening meal can help you avoid a less healthful “drive-through” dinner. To start, grab a pencil and paper and list your favorite meals. It may help to talk to your family or thumb through a favorite cook book. Some of the meals will be healthier than others, but for now, just write them all down. You might want to use SuperTracker: My Plan. The plan will show you your daily food group targets — what and how much to eat within your calorie allowance. It can help you plan your upcoming meals
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to meet your weight goals and suggest ways to improve choices. Once you’ve planned your meals, make a grocery list. Take some time on your visit to the grocery store to choose lower-calorie ingredients. Here are some ideas that may help: • Many casseroles and meat sauces use cream soups as a base. Use a low-fat cream soup. • Substitute a low-fat cheese in casseroles and vegetable sauces. • When using sharply flavored cheese, such as cheddar and parmesan, you can usually reduce the amount in a recipe to save calories without sacrificing flavor. • Try a non-stick cooking spray or a small amount of cooking oil for sautéing instead of frying with solid fat. • If you’re using ground beef for tacos or meat sauce for spaghetti, look for a lower-fat variety such as ground round or ground sirloin or try using skinless ground turkey breast. Once you’ve browned the meat, drain to remove excess fat. • Instead of full-fat versions of mayonnaises, butter, and salad dressings, try those that are lower in calories, total fat, saturated fat, and trans fat. • Check out the frozen food aisles for quick, low-calorie vegetable side dishes. You can find cut green beans, sliced carrots, and other chopped vegetables in the frozen food section. Avoid the ones with added cream, butter, or cheese sauces as these ingredients can add calories. You can steam these vegetables quickly in the microwave. • In some soups and entrees, you may also be able to add dry beans to extend the recipe and improve the nutritional
value. This is easy to do in vegetable-based soups and chili. You can just add a cup of canned white beans, kidney beans, or pinto beans to the recipe. As another example, if you are making enchiladas, rinse a can of black beans and add these to the ground meat. Research shows that people get full by the amount of food they eat, not the number of calories they take in. You can cut calories in your favorite foods by lowering the amount of fat and or increasing the amount of fiber-rich ingredients, such as vegetables or fruit. Eating fewer calories doesn’t necessarily mean eating less food. At first, you may find you only get a lower calorie meal planned for one or two nights a week. Don’t criticize yourself, you’re making steps in the right direction. Over time, you’ll figure out meal-preparation short-cuts and it will become easier to make healthy family meals a regular occurrence. Meals on the Go For the places where you might grab a snack or have a meal on the go (such as the car or at your desk), make sure you have nutritious snacks available or at home that you can take with you. For example: • “Grab-and-go” fruits: apples, oranges, bananas, canned fruit without added sugars, and raisins. • Washed and chopped fresh vegetables: celery, carrots, and cucumbers. • Low-fat and fat-free milk products: yogurt without added sugars, milk, and low-fat cheeses.
• Whole-grain crackers and breads. • Protein choices such as low-fat deli turkey slices or almonds and other nuts and seeds
You’ll find it’s easier to make better choices when you have a good variety of nutritious foods available in the places where you eat.
Take the time to make a shopping list and re-stock your cabinets and fridge with healthy options. It’s also a good idea to think about stocking your office cabinet or car glove box with healthy shelf-stable treats if these are places where you snack.
Healthy Lunch Recipe This recipe can be used from leftovers from dinner or can be made ahead for a healthy lunch. This is one of my favorite recipes. Try and let me know how much you enjoyed it.
Burger: USDA Food and Nutrition
GREATEST TURKEY BURGER EVER Water 1 cup Brown rice, parboiled, raw 2 oz Raw ground turkey, no more than 15 % fat 2 lbs Canned tomato paste 2 oz Frozen egg, thawed 3 oz Garlic, minced 1 Tbsp Canola oil 2 Tbsp Fresh onions, diced 4 oz Fresh celery, diced 7 oz Ground black pepper 1 ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce 2 Tbsp Salt 1½ tsp Fresh spinach, chopped 4 oz Dried craisins 3 oz
Lightly season water with salt. Pour rice in water and bring to a boil on stove. Cook over medium high heat until water evaporates. When water evaporates turn off rice and allow steam to continue cooking. Set aside. In a small skillet, heat oil. Add onions and celery. Sauté until tender. Remove from heat and set aside. In a large bowl combine all ingredients, add celery, onions, and cooked rice. Fold in spinach and craisins. Use a scoop (icecream scoop) to portion meat evenly. Pan sear and flatten burgers lightly, or bake in oven until turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Remove from oven. Serve with a whole grain roll, lettuce, tomato and top off with a light ranch dressing. To make a meatloaf, follow the same directions and pour meat mixture into a loaf pan and bake until meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
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FOOD & WINE
Meditating with
Wine‌
The kids are heading back to school and you are feeling stressed. Many of you parental types are no doubt setting your children up for success. You are inundated with school, church and social functions that you know will give your darling little angels the edge to become the next major contributor to society. I am not writing this for the kids, I am gearing this message to you... Yes you. Take time for yourself and alleviate stress with a glass of wine. We have heard for years that wine in moderation is healthy. What if we meditated with wine? Let’s give it a whirl or a swirl in this case. Pour yourself a glass of wine in the nicest glass you have. You want this beverage to appeal to all your senses. Carry your glass of wine to a quiet, comfortable spot to sit. Look at your glass of wine and take into consideration all the people and processes involved in getting it in to your hands. The soil the vines grew in, the sunshine that ripened the grapes, the farmers that planted and picked
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them, the trees that made the barrels, the designer who created the label, the tree that grew the cork‌ you get the picture. Experience the feeling of the glass in your hand. Lift the glass and take a big inhale. What kinds of things can you smell? Take a sip and let it sit on your tongue for a few moments. What is happening in your body? Close your eyes and really focus on the flavors. Take at least one full inhale and exhale before you swallow. Once that first sip is down, notice, what has changed in your body? Envision that all pent up stress leaves your body through your extremities. Repeat until the glass is empty. You might want to start with a small pour, the idea is to make wine meditation so appealing that you actually do it and then feel accomplished. This guided imagery approach will give you another weapon in your arsenal to combat stress. If you have questions about food and wine, drop me a line: sking@onyxmagazine.com...
Florida State Representative Reggie Fullwood District 13
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tate Representative Reggie Fullwood is a native of Jacksonville, FL and was elected to the Florida State House of Representatives in November of 2010. Reelected in 2012 and again in 2015, his legislative priorities include improving public education, job creation, revitalizing urban communities through housing and economic development, and providing healthcare to those in need. Representative Fullwood is also the Executive Director of Metro North Community Development Corporation, Inc., a Jacksonville-based 501(c)(3) not for profit organization that focuses on real estate and community development. In 1999, at the age of 24, Representative Fullwood became the youngest person ever elected to the Jacksonville City Council where he represented District 9. He served two terms and held several leadership positions including Floor Leader and Chair of the Finance, Public Services and Utilities and Recreation and Community Development Committees. Representative Fullwood is one of only
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three Northeast Florida Legislators who earned an “A” grade for the 2013 Legislative Session from the Florida Times Union. Representative Fullwood writes a weekly political and social editorial column for the Jacksonville Free Press, a Northeast Florida minority-owned newspaper. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Communications with a minor in Political Science from the University of North Florida. He is also a graduate of the 2004 class of Leadership Florida and is an alumnus of INROADS. He is an affordable housing advocate and a member of the Northeast Florida Builders Association. Public service and volunteerism are essential components of Representative Fullwood’s life. He has been a member of the board of directors for several Northeast Florida nonprofits, has coached youth sports in local parks and has been active in numerous community-based organizations. He also serves on the Jacksonville Cultural Council. Representative Fullwood is married to Latasha Garrison-Fullwood, a Jacksonville attorney, and they have three children – Rejenald, Zoie, and Garrison.
Florida State Senator Audrey Gibson District 9
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tate Senator Audrey Gibson is a native of Jacksonville’s Northside. She attended local schools in Jacksonville and graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor’s in Criminology. She is the proud mother of adult children and her leisure interests include sporting events such as, Formula 1 and NASCAR racing, flower gardening, music and period movies. During her career, Senator Gibson has worked as Congressional District Administrator and as a Business Community Liaison. Senator Gibson is affiliated with many cause-worthy organizations, such as NCSL Standing Committee on Natural Resources and Infrastructure; Blue Print for Leadership (Class of 1999); Jacksonville Community Council Inc.; Jacksonville Women’s Network (JWN); Women’s Legislators’ Lobby (WiLL); Women’s Action for New Directions(WAND); Citizens for Tree Protection; Save Our Libraries; Community
Hospice of Northeast Florida, Inc.; Communities in Schools Jacksonville Advisory Board; Scenic Jacksonville Inc.; Democratic Executive Committee; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.-Jacksonville Alumnae Chapter; and the Northwest Jacksonville Community Development Corporation, among others. In her current capacity as State Senator for District 9, she is committed to fighting for her constituents as well as all people of the State of Florida. She currently serves on the following committees: Criminal Justice, Vice Chair; Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security, Vice Chair; Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development; Communications, Energy, and Public Utilities; Reapportionment; Rules; Joint Legislative Auditing Committee. Senator Gibson has testified before the U.S. House Judiciary Subcommittee on
Juvenile Boot Camps and related issues, and is the recipient of many awards and recognitions, including: 2016 recognition from The Delores Barr Weaver Policy Center; 2015 Florida Smart Justice Alliance Award, 2015 Senator of the Year Award from PACE Center for Girls; 2014 Legislator of the Year Award from the Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged; 2013 Community’s Senator from Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce NE FL, Inc.; 2013 Outstanding Legislative Leadership from Florida Insurance Council, Inc.; 2013 Pacesetter from WiLL; 2008 Community Service Award from HOPE, Inc.; 2007 Hall of Fame Inductee, Outward Bound Discovery; 2006 Women of Distinction Award Girl Scouts of Gateway Council; 2006 Good Neighbor Award from FCCJ; 2006 Children’s Home Society Public Official of the Year Award; and 2006 Legislator of the Year Award from Northeast Florida Association of Realtors.
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Florida State Representative Mia L. Jones District 14
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native of Jacksonville, Florida, Representative Mia L. Jones is serving in her final term in the Florida House of Representatives. Prior to her service in the Florida Legislature, she served on the Jacksonville City Council from 2003 to 2008. Representative Jones is an advocate in the area of Healthcare and has worked diligently to ensure that all Floridians have access to quality affordable health care. Since being elected, Representative Jones has remained true to her platform of promoting economic development in underserved communities, partnering in education to ensure that all students receive a quality education, promoting long-term solutions to infrastructure and health care disparities, and ultimately working to improve the quality of life for the citizens she represents. Recognizing her commitment to these areas, Representative
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Jones served as the first Health Commissioner for the City of Jacksonville and as the Director of Boards and Commissions under Mayor Alvin Brown. Currently she is the Interim Executive Director of Agape Community Health Network, Inc. At the state and national levels, Representative Jones serves as the Florida House of Representatives Democratic Leader pro tempore (2012-2016), former Chair of the Florida Legislative Black Caucus, Regional Director for the National Black Caucus of State Legislators, Treasurer for the National Organization of Black Elected Legislative (NOBEL) Women, former Regional Director for the National Foundation of Women Legislators, former State Director for the National Order of Women Legislators, and former State Director for Women in Government. Locally, she serves on the Board of Directors for Feeding Northeast Florida and the Tiger Academy.
Ever the advocate for professional development for others as well as for herself, Representative Jones is a graduate of Leadership Florida (Class of XXIV), Leadership Florida’s Local Government Leadership Program (Class IX), Leadership Jacksonville (Class of 2000) and has received numerous awards and honors. Married to George C. Davis, she is the youngest of three children born to Lawrence and Hannah Jones. Educated in the Duval County Public School System and graduated from William M. Raines Senior High School (Class of 1986), Representative Jones holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and an MBA in Human Resource Management from Florida A & M University (FAMU). She is an active member of Bethel Baptist Institutional Church, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., a National Life Member of FAMU Alumni Association, The Links, Incorporated and ultimately a Community Trustee.
Florida State Representative Shevrin D. Jones District 101
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tate Representative Shevrin D. Jones, Florida House District 101, better known as “Shev” was elected to the Florida House of Representative, unopposed in 2012, and subsequently in 2014. When he’s not serving his constituents, Representative Jones works at City Year Miami as the Director of Major Gifts and Strategic Partnerships. Additionally, he is the Founder and CEO of LEAD Nation, one of South Florida’s top youth organizations for leadership development training. In its ten (10) years of youth empowerment, LEAD Nation still maintains a 100% high school graduation rate among its participants. Through his passion to be a catalyst for education and social change, Representative Jones and the LEAD Nation team instills in every youth that they have a responsibility to serve their communities with honesty, integrity and passion. Jones is also the Founder of the South Florida Youth Summit, the largest gathering of young people in South Florida, bringing in more than 2,000 youth over the course of a three (3) day weekend summit.
Representative Jones attended Florida A&M University where he received his Bachelors of Science degree in Biochemistry/Molecular Biology. Currently, he is attending Florida Atlantic University where he is pursuing his doctoral degree in Educational Leadership – Higher Ed. Prior to becoming a legislator, Representative Jones served as an AP Chemistry teacher in the Broward County School system from 2006-2008, and then went on to teach at Florida Atlantic University High School from 2008-2012. Jones believed that teaching was his calling, and whenever he entered a classroom, it was always with the mindset that “Every child CAN learn.” Representative Jones is also very involved locally, state-wide, and nationally. He is a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, Leadership Florida Connect - Class 32, Leadership Broward Class 27, the South Florida Youth Summit’s Executive Planning Team, and the Council of State Governments TOLLS fellowship program, to name a few. He has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades including a feature in Gold
Coast Magazine’s “Top 40 under 40”, Legacy Magazine’s South Florida’s “50 Most Powerful and Influential Black Leaders” of 2016, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Ft. Lauderdale’s Finest, a Congressional Political Institute Honoree, ICABA’s 100 Most Accomplished Caribbean Americans, Florida Young Democrat of the Year, and Broward Parent Teachers Association’s Legislator of the Year. September of 2015, he was appointed to sit on President Obama’s College Promise Taskforce. November of 2015, he was also elected as the State Director for the National Young Elected Officials Network. Representative Jones is the son of Rev. Eric and Mrs. Bloneva Jones, the current mayor of the City of West Park. Jones is passionate about youth, education, equality, diversity and economic development. He desires to leave a legacy that will emulate dedication and commitment for the lives of future generations. He loves people, and he is grateful to God for giving him the life of helping others. His number one quote is “I will not die the man that could have been, but never was”.
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BUSINESS
JAXPORT Welcomes Carnival Elation During National Tourism Week
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AXPORT Board Chairman Dr. John Newman and CEO Brian Taylor formally welcomed Captain Salvatore Messina and the Carnival Elation to Jacksonville on Monday with a commemorative plaque presentation at the JAXPORT Cruise Terminal in North Jacksonville on May 2, 2016. Representatives from Visit Jacksonville and the Jacksonville Zoo were also on hand celebrating National Tourism Week and inviting Elation passengers to enjoy local attractions. JAXPORT is a full-service, international trade seaport situated at the crossroads of the nation’s rail and highway network. The port owns, maintains and markets three cargo terminals and one passenger cruise terminal along the St. Johns River: Blount Island Marine Terminal, Dames Point Marine Terminal, Talleyrand Marine Terminal and the JAXPORT Cruise Terminal. JAXPORT has invested $600 million in recent infrastructure improvements in everything from cranes to docks to rail and a newly authorized project to deepen the federal shipping channel. Cargo activity through Jacksonville’s seaport positively impacts tens of thousands of jobs and supports nearly $27 billion in annual eco36 ONYX MAGAZINE
JAXPORT Board Chairman Dr. John Newman and CEO Brian Taylor formally welcomed Captain Salvatore Messina and the Carnival Elation to Jacksonville on Monday with a commemorative plaque presentation at the JAXPORT Cruise Terminal in North Jacksonville.
nomic output for the region and state each year. The vision of JAXPORT’s Strategic Master Plan is for Northeast Florida to be a principal hub of the nation’s global logis-
tics, trade and transportation network. The Carnival Elation, which carries 2,054 passengers, is now sailing yearround out of JAXPORT’s cruise terminal. Elation is a newer ship than the previous home-ported ship, the Carnival Fascination, which has shifted to San Juan, Puerto Rico. Elation offers four-day cruises to Freeport and Nassau in the Bahamas and five-day voyages to Nassau and the private Bahamian island of Half Moon Cay. Carnival offers a wide array of quality cruises, and pride themselves on delivering memorable vacations to each guest. A Carnival cruise offers not only outstanding value for the money, but most importantly, fun! A “Fun Ship” cruise features day and nighttime entertainment like stage shows, musical performances, casinos and more. “We make our guests feel right at home, too — think comfy stateroom accommodations, attentive service, delicious food and drink.” Reservations are currently being accepted for all of these cruise programs. For additional information and reservations contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com. For more information on cruising from Jacksonville, visit JAXPORT.com/cruise.
Florida State Representative Arthenia L. Joyner District 19
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tate Senator Arthenia L. Joyner, lawyer, public servant, civil and women’s rights advocate and community leader is a dynamic individual who has not just lived history, she made it. When faced with segregation and discrimination, she participated in the first civil rights demonstrations in Tampa in the 1960s. She was arrested twice while attending FAMU for her efforts to desegregate movie theaters. As President of the National Bar Association (1984-1985), she was arrested in an anti-apartheid protest outside the South African Embassy in Washington, D.C. The first African-American female attorney in Polk and Hillsborough Counties, Senator Joyner has been in private practice for forty-six (46) years – longer than any other African-American woman in the history of the State of Florida. Her election to the Florida House of Representatives in 2000 and The Florida Senate in 2006 made her the first black female State Representative and State Senator from Tampa. Most recently, she was elected by her peers
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to serve as the Florida Senate Democratic Leader in 2014-2016, making her the first black woman and the second woman to hold the position. Senator Joyner was the first black appointed to the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority and the first black female to serve on the Board of Directors of the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce and its executive committee. She also served as National Legal Advisor to Delta Sigma Theta, Inc., National Parliamentarian of the Links, Inc., National Legal Counsel to the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, and the Chair of the Florida Legislative Black Caucus. Becoming widely recognized for her leadership on women’s and human rights, President Clinton appointed her to the U.S. Delegation to the Population Conference (Cairo, 1994) and the U.S. Delegation to the United Nations 4th World Conference on Women (Beijing, 1995). In the FL legislature Senator Joyner passed legislation that protects pregnant women in prison, victims of human trafficking and relationship violence, and any female
younger than 18 from genital mutilation. She also passed a measure addressing higher black infant mortality rates. She passed legislation to compensate Floridians who were wrongfully incarcerated, and continues to spearhead efforts to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment in Florida. Most recently, Senator Joyner has been an advocate for expanding health care, overhauling unfair mandatory minimum sentencing laws, automatically restoring civil rights to certain ex-offenders and increasing legislative pay to encourage more working class Floridians to run for office. She has filed a bill that would reimburse the families for burial expenses of children interred on the grounds of the former Dozier School for Boys and the establishment of a memorial to the victims, initiated the removal of the Confederate flag from the Senate seal, and successfully sued the Florida House of Representatives for its abrupt adjournment of the 2015 legislative session. The Florida Supreme Court agreed, finding the departure unconstitutional.
Florida State Representative Larry Lee, Jr. District 84
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tate Representative Larry Lee, Jr. was born in Statesboro, Georgia to Mary and the late Larry “Bobby” Lee, Sr. He grew up in Ft. Pierce, FL and graduated from Ft. Pierce Central High School in 1972. He graduated from Livingstone College (Salisbury, NC) in 1976 with a Bachelor of Science degree. Upon graduating from Livingstone he signed a professional football contract with the Denver Broncos. He later taught school and coached football and track at Screven County High in Sylvania, Georgia. He later married his college sweetheart Alice and they are the proud parents of one daughter, LaTasha. He has been employed by Indian River State College as a job placement counselor and has also taught at Ft. Pierce Central High School. In 1988 he opened his own State Farm Insurance Agency Representative Lee is a member of
Mount Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Fort Pierce, FL. He has served on the Board of Directors of the former Barnett Bank and Nations Bank. He has also served on the Board of Directors of the former Harbor Federal Savings Bank. Larry is a member of the Board of Trustees for the United Way of St. Lucie County. He is also a Board Member of The Parent Academy of St. Lucie County. He is co-founder of the Fort Pierce Jazz Society, co-founder of Avenue D Boys Choir. Larry’s passion for helping youth and senior citizens led him to found the Lighthouse Foundation (www. thelighthouseway.org) to serve these populations on Florida’s Treasure Coast and later created the Restoring the Village Initiative to help improve communities on the Treasure Coast. Larry is a driving force behind the formation of the Boy Scout Troop 772. He is currently serving in the Florida House of Representatives, District 84.
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ONYX BLACK HISTORY
Master’s
SHADOW Hannah L. Drake
Rowan: Did I not raise you for better? How many times have I told you? You have to be what? Olivia: Twice as good. Rowan: You have to be twice as good as them to get half of what they have.
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t was a moment in the hit television drama, Scandal, that rang true for me as an African- American female. It was the “twice as good” speech that many of my fellow friends and I had heard growing up. It was not just enough to be good, we knew that we had to be better than good. We were raised with the inherent understanding that we would have to work harder, run faster, jump higher, excel more and do more just to have an opportunity to sit at the table to have half of what they had. When I read that Harriet Tubman was selected to have her image grace the twenty-dollar bill ousting Andrew Hamilton, the “twice as good” speech ran through my mind. Instantly, my social media exploded with the news. There were memes and hashtags galore celebrating this momentous occasion. This feat, appeared like another moment to celebrate. However, once I read the full details I understood that Harriet Tubman would not grace the twenty-dollar bill alone. In fact, an image of Andrew Hamilton, would be on the reverse side. Immediately my sense of victory was diminished. Even at this moment, Harriet was not enough. Harriet Tubman, was an African-American abolitionist, humanitarian, an armed scout and spy for the U.S. Army during the Civil War. She was a woman that bravely escaped slavery and selflessly continued to return to free slaves not once, not twice, but thirteen 40 ONYX MAGAZINE
times on record. She was the first woman to lead an armed expedition in the war and guided a raid which liberated more than 700 slaves. She is revered amongst scholars, hailed as a hero in history books, and her life of liberating those enslaved is taught to students around the world. Still, she could not grace the twenty-dollar bill alone. Adding insult to injury, they place Andrew Jackson on the back of the bill with her. Andrew Jackson, is widely known for his role in slavery. At his death it is said that Jackson owned 150 slaves. He is also noted for his involvement in The Trail of Tears. It seems almost unbelievable that this is the person
they have chosen to adorn the twenty-dollar bill with Harriet Tubman. Two people who were on opposite sides of justice still reside on opposite sides of the twenty-dollar bill. With Harriet Tubman’s humanitarianism and courage, still, former President and slave master, Andrew Jackson, lingers in the shadows. If one day, this world decides that an African-American woman can stand alone, courageously, proudly, and heroically, on her own, then I will celebrate. Until that day I will not feel victorious, until we as African American women can stand alone with no remnants of master lingering in the shadows.
Florida State Representative Kionne McGhee District 117
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tate Representative Kionne L. McGhee was born and raised in Miami, FL in a tough community. As the oldest of six brothers and sisters, he grew up quickly, and assumed many responsibilities to help his single mother. Representative McGhee did not initially realize his determination to make a difference in his community from the start, however. With the encouragement of his mother, he attended Howard University, and graduated with his bachelor’s degree of political science in 2000. He went on to earn his Juris Doctor degree from Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law in 2004. Representative McGhee is also a published author, writing about his personal story in A Mere I CAN Is AMERICAN: A Story of Hope, Determination, and Second Chances Through the Power of I CAN, in 2009. In 2012, Representative McGhee saw the pressing need for a strong voice in the South Miami community that would strive for change, and ran for the Florida
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House of Representatives, District 117. He won with an overwhelming majority, and serves the South Miami-Dade area today. Much of his key legislation has focused on the specific issues affecting his community, most notably gun violence. He has received numerous community awards and recognitions from great leaders such as Governor Charlie Crist, Chief Judge Joseph Farina, Senior Judge Tom Petersen, Judge Mary Jo Francis and many others for his dedication and hard work. Now, a respected author, State Representative, and revered professor, Representative McGhee has become a role model for people of all ages whose stories are similar to his own as well as a trailblazer for justice and a motivator for success. Today, Representative McGhee continues to live in Miami with his lovely wife, Stacy, and their three beautiful children - Kionne II, Hayley, and Hayes. He plans to continue to Represent South Miami-Dade in the near future, and give a voice to those less fortunate.
Florida State Representative Edwin “Ed” Narain District 61
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tate Representative Edwin “Ed” Narain is a dedicated member of the Tampa Bay community who has served in various civic leadership roles more than two decades. The oldest of three sons born to Aubron and Yvonne Narain (Fort Lauderdale, FL), Ed moved to Tampa in 1994 to attend the University of South Florida. There he was elected President of the Student Body (1997-98) and was voted USF’s First Fall Homecoming King. While at South Florida, he partnered with the United Way to develop the first Student driven United Way campaign and received the Department of Student Affairs first Student Leadership Award. In 2015, he received the USF President’s African American Advisory Committee’s Ike Tribble Kente Alumni Award. Representative Narain has worked with several organizations that are committed to helping children and the working poor. He is a member of the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County, and served for
several years on the Hillsborough County Head Start Policy Council and the Hillsborough County Community Action Board. A Life member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. in 2008 Representative Narain was honored as the Tampa Alumni Chapter’s Man of the Year. In 2010, he earned the alumni chapter’s Leadership Award for guiding the chapter to its first Southern Province Chapter of the Year Award as President. Professionally, Representative Narain is a Regional Director with AT&T and is a three-time Florida Top Performance Manager of the Year (2009, 2010 & 2013). He has also earned two AT&T Summit Awards given to performers within the top two percent of the company (2005, 2013). A member of Leadership Florida’s College Leadership Florida (Class I) and Connect Florida (Class IV) statewide leadership programs, Ed earned a BA degree in Psychology and a Master’s in Business Administration from Saint Leo University. In
2013, he completed a Leadership Certificate and earned a Jurist Doctorate degree from Stetson University College of Law where he also received the Dean’s Award for outstanding service to the law school. In November 2014, Representative Narain was elected to the Florida House of Representatives as the State Representative for District 61. As a freshman legislator, Ed was elected Chairman of the Florida Legislative Black Caucus, received the 2015 Florida Counties Association County Champion Award, the 2016 Legislative Appreciation Award from the Florida League of Cities and earned two coveted Distinguished Advocate Awards from the Florida Chamber of Commerce in 2015 and 2016. Representative Narain is married to Monica, a public school teacher and together they have two young daughters. In his spare time, he enjoys watching movies with his family, reading, volunteering and mentoring young people.
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Florida State Representative Bobby Powell Jr. District 88
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tate Representative Bobby Powell Jr., was re-elected to a second term as State Representative to Florida House District 88 in November 2014. He is also a professional planner who works as a Project Manager for the firm Urban Design Kilday Studios. Representative Powell is the first, and only, American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) member to serve in the Florida Legislature. Representative Powell takes his role as a State Representative seriously and he can be counted on to bring a high level of professionalism and expertise to the Committees and Subcommittees that he serves on in Tallahassee. As a Representative, he is known for being extremely thorough and paying close attention to legislation that could become law and affect the citizens of Florida and his district. He has indicated that his number one goal as an individual who was chosen to represent a select group of citizens in the State of Florida is to serve the public interest by focusing on safe neighborhoods, economic development and attainable public education. He loves to serve his community and strives to think of innovative ways
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to reach residents who have become disconnected with politics, and those who fail to see the purpose of elections or elected officials. Representative Powell takes the words from his relative, former Bureau Chief of the Florida Department of Education Dr. James Barge, “A life of service is a life that counts.” Representative Powell is a former track & field athlete at Florida A&M University where he received numerous athletic and academic awards. He graduated Magna Cum Laude, from Florida A&M University, with a degree in Journalism (public relations) in 2003. He subsequently earned a Master’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Florida State University in 2006. He is a 2011 graduate of Leadership Palm Beach County, and serves on the LPBC Alumni Relations Committee. Additionally, he has coached football, track & field, and served as a mentor to many of our next generation of leaders. Representative Powell is a member of Christian Temple A.M.E, and as one of the most highly recruited speakers for many special events, and he is an inspiration to many people throughout the State of Florida.
Florida State Representative Sharon Pritchett District 102
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tate Representative Sharon Pritchett was elected to the Florida House of Representatives, representing District 102, in 2012. Representative Pritchett was appointed by the House Speaker to serve on several Committees of note: • Local and Federal Affairs Committee: • Children, Families and Seniors Subcommittee • Criminal Justice Subcommittee • Justice Appropriations Subcommittee • Rules, Calendars, and Ethics Subcommittee During the 2016 Legislative Session, Representative Pritchett sponsored HB 293, a PUBLIC RECORDS/JUVENILE HISTORY RECORD Bill, which requires personal information obtained during juvenile
arrest be exempt from the public record. This Legislation received Bi-Partisan support. it passed in both the House and Senate and was signed into Law by the Governor. Representative Pritchett was among eighteen members of the State Legislature to be recognized by Progress Florida, as “Middle Class Champions,” who “stood up to protect and expand Florida’s middle class 100% of the time on critical Bill” The Florida League of Cities also honored Representative Pritchett with a 2016 Legislative Appreciation Award for her “tireless efforts to protect the Home Rule powers of Florida’s cities.” Representative Pritchett continues to work to empower and create opportunities for others. She has made INTERGRITY the hallmark of her service and looks forward to continuing in service to her community.
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Florida State Representative Hazelle P. Rogers District 95
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tate Representative Hazelle P. Rogers began her political career in 1996, when she was elected to office in the City of Lauderdale Lakes, where she served for twelve (12) years, making her the first person from the English-speaking Caribbean American community to be elected to office in the southeastern United States. She also served as president of the Broward League of Cities in 2004. Representative Rogers was first elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2008, making her the first Jamaican and second person from the English-speaking Caribbean American community to be elected to the House, she was reelected subsequently. She first served as a Democratic Deputy Whip from 2010-2012, and again for 2012-2016. Representative Rogers has served as the Democratic Ranking Member on the House Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee since 2012. She was instrumental in receiving $2 million in funding for the Urban League of Broward County for the second consecutive year. As a freshman legislator, she was successful in having two bills passed in her
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first session; a bill that governs the transfer of motor vehicle titles in a person-to-person sales transaction, the other makes substantive changes with regard to substance abuse and mental health deliverables. In 2014, she passed a bill that exempts school districts from liability for donating food to local charities, and was also a strong advocate for in-state tuition for undocumented students which earned her the Broward College 2014 Award for support of the ‘Florida Dreamers’ Legislation. In 2009, she initiated the Caribbean Heritage Month Celebrations at the Capitol honoring the many contributions of Caribbean-Americans to the fabric of our nation. In 2010, she was appointed by former Governor Charlie Crist as a member of the Sunshine Census Statewide Complete Count Committee and in 2011 she served as a member of the House Redistricting Committee. She has been the recipient of numerous community awards, among them, the 2000 YMCA Volunteer Award; 2000 Lauderdale Lakes Democratic Club Leadership Award; and the T. J Reddick Bar Presidential Award; 2001 Induction into the Broward County’s Women Hall of Fame,
2005 Blue Cross Blue Shield Orange Bowl Thurgood Marshall Award; 2006 Success Magazine People’s Choice Award; 2008 JM Family Enterprise African-American Achievers Award; 2009 Caribbean American Democratic Club Democracy Award and the Democratic Women’s Club of Northeast Broward Exceptional Freshman Year Award; 2011 Broward Black Elected Leadership and Commitment Award; 2012 Jamaica Diaspora Honors Award and ICABA’s 100 most Accomplished Caribbean Americans in South Florida; 2014 Honorary Doctorate of Humanities, City College; 2015 Harmony Development Center Outstanding Achievement Award. Representative Rogers has been a recipient of the Florida Association of Counties’ Champion Award for 2014 and 2015; the Jamaican American Bar Association Legislative Award, 2015, and the Florida League of Cities’ Legislative Appreciation Award for four consecutive years 2013-2016. She is committed to supporting the United Negro College Fund. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business from the University of Phoenix and has been married to Clifton Rogers since 1974.
Florida State Representative Darryl Ervin Rouson District 70
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tate Representative Darryl Rouson has earned a reputation as a trailblazer in business and the community. In 1981, he became the first African American prosecutor in Pinellas County. In 2003, he was appointed the first chairman of the newly formed Substance Abuse and Addictions Task Force for The National Bar Association. Representative Rouson also served as president of the St. Petersburg NAACP from 2000 to 2005 and served on the Taxation and Budget Reform Commission in 2007. In April 2008 his years of activism, bold leadership and community service culminated in his being elected to represent Tampa Bay in the Florida House of Representatives. He is currently serving his last term as a state representative due to term limits. Over the years, Representative Rouson has been honored with several awards recognizing him for his leadership roles. Florida Partners in Crisis, Legislative Lead-
ership Award, 2012; Florida Alcohol and Drug Abuse Association, Legislator of the Year, 2010, 2011; PACE Center of Pinellas, Legislator of the Year, 2011; University of South Florida - St. Petersburg, Chancellor’s Award for Civic Leadership, 2010. Representative Rouson’s district covers portions of Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota and Hillsborough counties. His last session was this past March; he worked on comprehensive driver license reform and passed legislation regulating back yard gun ranges. Since he began his tenure as a state representative, Rouson has been regularly listed as one of Tampa Bay’s most influential politicians. Representative Rouson received a college degree in 1977 from Xavier University in New Orleans and graduated from law school at the University of Florida in 1980. He is married to Angela Rouson and is proudly raising five boys while practicing law in the Tampa Bay area with the Dolman Law Group.
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ONYX EDUCATES
A Time Honored Tradition
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everal of you are anticipating the hustle and bustle of Back-to-School. You are probably wondering who your child’s teacher will be, what types of nutritious food will be served during lunches, or what mode of transportation is most suitable for you and your child’s needs. You are probably thinking about Back-to-School sales on clothing, shoes, school supplies, and digital devices, such as tablets, laptops, and iPads. Some of you are thinking about physicals, immunizations, eye exams, and dental check-ups. Several of you may be considering which after-school program or extra-curricular activity is most likely to meet your child’s needs and satisfy their curiosity as well as their interests. No matter where your thought processes lead you, Back-to-School is a time honored tradition in which families and communities prepare to send their children off to school. Once school has begun, you probably start to think of ways to be involved in your child’s education that will be meaningful and memorable for both of you. You probably will attend open-house, meet-and-greet, and any of the other initial events designed by schools to start the school year off to establish relationships between teachers, administrators, parents, and students. You find this appealing because you want a relationship with your child’s school, but your time may be lim48 ONYX MAGAZINE
Research shows that parental involvement in our schools has a very significant effect on student achievement and academic success. ited due to other obligations such as work and you wonder if there really is a way to engage in the educational experience effectively as a parent. Actually there is. Research shows that parental involvement in our schools has a very significant effect on student achievement and academic success. Consider joining organizations, school-based councils, or volunteering as plausible possibilities. There are a few organizations out there that espouse advocacy for children, support for schools, and fundraising to help schools develop or sustain programs. Such orga-
nizations are the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and booster clubs. PTAs are on most elementary, middle, and some high school campuses whereas booster clubs are more than likely on middle and high school campuses. There is usually a minimal membership fee required by both of these organizations and the members meet once a month. Meetings are normally held in the evenings and last approximately 45 minutes to an hour. The PTA is a national organization whereas booster clubs are usually school-based. Another school-based group is the School Advisory Council (SAC), which annually assists in the development and evaluation of the School Improvement Plan. Unlike the PTA and booster clubs, there is no membership fee for its members. In fact, school districts ensure that there is a SAC on each of its campuses by Florida statute. The SAC meets monthly and is responsible for decision-making pertaining to school improvement that will promote student achievement and schoolwide academic success. Then there is also volunteering. Any questions regarding specific guidelines for volunteering should be directed to your school district. Regardless of how you are involved as a parent, the most important thing is that you are involved. It’s time. Let’ make parental involvement a tradition.
Florida State Senator Christopher L. Smith District 31
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tate Senator Christopher L. Smith began his public service by serving on local boards within the City of Fort Lauderdale. In 1995 he was appointed to the City’s Planning and Zoning Board. At a time of tremendous development within the City of Fort Lauderdale, Senator Smith fought seeking a balance between the need for economic development and the rights of existing property and homeowners. In 1998, Senator Smith was elected to the Florida House of Representative serving the City of Fort Lauderdale and six surrounding municipalities. He quickly became a strong advocate for Smart Justice. While in the House of Representatives, Senator Smith led the charge against the “tough on crime” policies of the then Governor, Jeb Bush administration. After the election fiasco of 2000 in which Florida votes were ultimately decided by the Supreme Court, Senator Smith co-authored the states’ election reform package of 2000 which became a model for the
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rest of the nation. In his final term in the Florida House of Representatives, Senator Smith was elected by his peers to be the youngest ever Democratic Leader in Florida Legislature. After being term limited out of the House of Representatives, Senator Smith was elected to the Florida Senate in 2008, representing Broward and Palm Beach Counties. Due to redistricting Senator Smith now represents 14 municipalities in Central Broward County. In only the third year of his first Senate term, Senator Smith was once again elected Democratic Leader of his chamber for the 2012-2014 Term. As Democratic Leader he led the caucus and set Democratic policy on statewide issues once again. In 2005 Senator Smith fought against the Stand Your Ground law when it was first introduced in the Florida House of Representatives. After the tragic death of Trayvon Martin in Sanford, Florida, Senator Smith called upon the Governor and the Legislature for action. Due to their
inaction, Senator Smith formed his own Task Force to discuss the controversial Stand Your Ground law in the State of Florida. He has now authored bills on revising the Stand Your Ground law and has been used as an expert nationwide on the effects of Stand Your Ground legislation. He has recently discussed the ramifications of the law on CNN, MSNBC, FOX News, NPR and numerous other media outlets. He is currently drafting a new Senate Bill which is a revision of Florida’s Stand Your Ground law that is scheduled to be filed this legislative session in the Florida Senate. Senator Smith is a graduate of Johnson C Smith University, in Charlotte North Carolina and obtained his law degree from Florida State University College of Law. He is a partner with the firm of Johnson, Anselmo et al. He has been married for 15 years to Desorae Giles-Smith, a NFBPA member and current Assistant City Manager for the City of Lauderhill. He is the proud father of two, Christopher age 14 and Christian age 9.
Florida State Representative Cynthia A. Stafford District 109
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tate Representative Cynthia A. Stafford represents Florida’s 109th Legislative District. First elected to the Florida House in 2010 and subsequently re-elected to a third term in 2014, Representative Stafford currently serves on the Appropriations Committee, Choice and Innovation Subcommittee, Civil Justice Subcommittee, Health Quality Subcommittee and Joint Legislative Auditing Committee. As a freshman Legislator, she was selected by the Speaker of the House in 2011 to serve as a member of the 2012 Presidential Primary Preference Selection Committee. Representative Stafford has sponsored legislation to repeal the controversial Stand Your Ground law in the State of Florida. She believes this law is dangerous, often deadly, applied unequally, and leads to outrageous results. In addition, she has also sponsored legislation to increase the state’s minimum wage. She believes increasing the minimum wage will strengthen our economy and help lift working people out of poverty. Representative Stafford has served in the
community for more than 25 years. She is an Attorney and Adjunct College Professor. For several years, she worked with the Dade County Bar Legal Aid Society where she represented victims of domestic violence. She was also a Congressional Aide with Former Congresswoman Carrie P. Meek, Development Director for the Family Christian Association of America, and Assoc. VP/Communications Director at Sonshine Communications. Representative Stafford’s past and present volunteer and community service includes: Casa Valentina Advisory Board Member, Inner City Children’s Touring Dance Company Advisory Board Member, and the Family Christian Association of America Advisory Board Member. Representative Stafford was also a mentor to young girls who had aged out of foster care as well as, a Miami Dade County Teen Court Judge for first time juvenile defendants who had committed nonviolent misdemeanor offenses. Representative Stafford awards and honors includes: Emerging Leader, Wom-
en’s History Month Honoree, Rising Star Award, and Outstanding Service in Political Awareness and Involvement. Also in 2012, the Mary Kay Foundation awarded a grant in recognition of Representative Stafford to the Miami Rescue Mission to support housing and services for domestic violence victims and their children. In 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016, she was recognized as a Champion of Florida’s Middle Class. In 2013, the Family Law Section of the Florida Bar honored Representative Stafford with the Legislator Award for her efforts on behalf of Florida’s families throughout the legislative session. Also in 2013, she received The National Black Police Association’s Lifetime Membership Award. Representative Stafford is a native Miamian, born and raised in Liberty City. She earned a BA in Communication Arts from St. Thomas University and a Juris Doctor from St. Thomas University School of Law. Representative Stafford is a member of the Florida Bar and licensed to practice in the State of Florida.
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Florida State Representative Dwayne Taylor District 26
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tate Representative Dwayne Taylor is a native Floridian who was educated in the local public schools of Volusia County. He is a graduate of Mainland High School and has earned five college degrees, including a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Central Florida. He also studied the Fundamentals of Money Management at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business. He is married to Ekecia Grayson Taylor, Esq. and the proud father of four. Representative Taylor first held elected office as a City Commissioner for the City of Daytona Beach in 2003. He was re-elected in 2005 to a four year term. He has previously held many positions including: Vice Mayor of the City of Daytona Beach, Chairman of the East Volusia Regional Water Authority, Vice Chairman of the Volusia/Flagler Metropolitan Planning Organization, and was the first Vice President of the Florida Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials. He is a former member of the National League of Cities, Florida League of Cities, Advocacy
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Committee, Legislative Committee, Fiscal Stewardship, and a Trustee of Daytona Beach Police and Fire Pension Fund. He has over 18 years of pension experience and is currently utilizing his expertise on the State Affairs Committee. Representative Taylor was elected to the Florida House of Representatives on November 4, 2008 and subsequently re-elected thereafter, and is currently serving on the: State Affairs Committee, Education Appropriations Subcommittee, Government Operation Appropriations, Insurance and Banking Subcommittee, Joint Select Committee on Collective Bargaining, and Government Operations Subcommittee. Representative Taylor is a recipient of the Jefferson Award for Public Service and the NAACP Community Service Award, American Cancer Society Legislative Award, Founding Member of the Florida Fire Service Caucus, Florida Police Benevolent Association Representative of the Year, along with numerous others. Representative Taylor is a writer and producer and has authored a murder mystery entitled “Forced to Defend”.
Florida State Representative Barbara Watson District 107
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rior to becoming a Member of the Florida Legislature, Florida State Representative Barbara Watson demonstrated the tenacity to lead while serving in her community as President of the Andover Civic Association. She is the founder of Watson Antique and Classic Cars, the largest black owned Limousine business serving Florida’s southeast coast. She also founded the Clover Leaf Royals Senior Group. Answering the call to service Representative Watson ran for public office and was elected to the Miami Gardens City Council, serving from 2003-2010. She held the position of Vice Mayor from 2007-2009. In 2011, an unexpected vacancy in House District 103 prompted a State legislative special election. Representative Watson entered the race and won, thus becoming State Representative of House District 103. She was sworn into office on the first day
of the 2011 Regular Legislative Session and has been subsequently re-elected. After Redistricting, the district was redrawn and became House District 107. During her tenure, Representative Watson has sponsored numerous bills in the Legislature that sought to protect the interests of her constituents. In her effort to protect the public at large from gun violence, Representative Watson consulted with numerous state and government agencies. After intense meetings with the Florida Supreme Court Mental Health Task Force, the National Rifle Association and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Watson garnered their support in sponsoring HB 1355, closing the gap in the Baker Act process. The bill proposed to allow the state to place a prohibition on mentally ill persons that are an imminent danger to themselves and others, prohibiting them from purchasing a firearm. HB 1355 passed unanimously in
both the House and Senate and was signed by the Governor. After years of fighting to include Firefighters among the list of officials that are prohibited from being falsely personated, Representative Watson filed HB 117 / SB 1010. This legislation prohibiting false personation of a Firefighter successfully passed all committees of reference and was signed by the Governor. Representative Watson also co-sponsored legislation that supports our veterans, children, and cancer treatment. Representative Watson remains a consistent advocate for the citizens of the State of Florida and is honored to represent House District 107, which includes portions of the Cities of Miami Gardens, North Miami Beach, North Miami and parts of unincorporated Miami-Dade County. Representative Watson resides in the beautiful City of Miami Gardens with her husband Alvin.
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Florida State Representative Clovis Watson, Jr. District 20
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tate Representative Clovis Watson, Jr., earned a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts Degree, two Master’s degrees; one in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Public Administration and the second in Business Administration (MBA). He is a PhD doctoral candidate in Business Administration, and is also a graduate of Harvard University John F. Kennedy Graduate School of Government Executive Education Leadership for the 21st Century program. He also serves as an adjunct professor, and is a member of the Alpha Lambda Delta Honorary Society, the Pinnacle Honor Society and Delta Mu Delta International Honor Society. In the spring of 2015, he was inducted into the prestigious Florida Blue Key. He was the first African American Sergeant, Deputy Chief for the Alachua Police Department, and later the first African American City Manager for the City of Alachua. He hired the first African American Chief of Police for the Alachua Police Department, and was the first to hire two women Assistant City Managers, both of
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whom are now respected City Managers themselves. He is a former member of the Board of Directors for the American Red Cross North Central Florida Chapter. He sat on the Board of Directors for the Alachua County United Way, Juvenile Justice Council, Police Executive Council, Alachua County Task Force of Administrators and the Police Executive Training Committee. Representative Watson served on the steering committee for the Alachua County Child Advocacy Center in its infancy, and is a former member of the Florida City and County Managers’ Association and the International City Managers’ Association. He was awarded the Governor’s Peace at Home Award by the late Governor Lawton Chiles for his efforts to curb and educate others about domestic violence. In 2006, he received the Public Servant of the Year award by the Florida Democratic Black Caucus. The Gainesville Lodge of Fraternal Order of Police presented him with the Administrator of the Year award in 2008, and in 2009 the Alachua Chamber of Commerce presented him with the Life-
time Achievement Award. He was recognized with awards by Kappa Alpha Psi on several occasions for Community Service, Achievement and Outstanding Leadership and Service. The Department of Veteran Affairs of North Florida/Southern Georgia presented him with a Certificate of Appreciation for volunteerism for our veterans and was awarded the Rev. Dr. T. A. Wright Award from the NAACP. Representative Watson was presented an Outstanding Leadership Award by the Gainesville African American & Cultural Society. The University of Alabama recognized him with the Alice Parker Award for Outstanding Work in the Humanities. In 2012, he received the Democrat of the Year award from the Alachua County Democratic Black Caucus. Representative Watson was elected in November 2012 to the office of State Representative for District 20. He is currently serving on the State Affairs committee and the Agriculture and Natural Resources Appropriations, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Economic Development and Tourism and Health Quality subcommittees.
Florida State Representative Alan B. Williams District 8
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tate Representative Alan Williams is recognized as one of the nation’s rising political leaders and consistently uses that platform to be a voice for the voiceless. Representative Williams has been successful in striking a balance for fighting for civil rights and a proponent for job creation and economic development. Alan B. Williams is a fifth generation Floridian, an unabashed servant of the people, a proud family man, small business owner and a trailblazer in his own right. He has been featured in publications such as the Washington Post, The New York Times, USA Today, Huffington Post, Politico and Ebony Magazine. In February 2003, he was featured in Ebony Magazine as a Young Leader of the Future. He has appeared on CNN, MSNBC, FOX and other Florida news outlets speaking on varies political issues impacting the State of Florida and the nation as a whole. In 2013, Representative Williams was invited to the White House by President Barack Obama to meet with him and other civil rights leaders and elected officials to discuss the reautho-
rization of the voting rights act. He has served on several statewide and national policy panel sessions on education, voting rights, stand your ground laws, and affordable healthcare. Never forgetting the monumental impact that service and leadership made on the lives of those around him, Alan ran for the Florida House of Representatives to represent District 8 (Leon and Gadsden counties) and was elected in November 2008. He has a record of championing legislation relating to green jobs, economic development, ethics and elections. A leader amongst his colleagues, Representative Williams also served as Democratic Whip (2012-2014), and Chairman of the Florida Legislative Black Caucus (2014-2015). His tireless efforts have resulted in Alan successfully passing legislation creating the Florida Civil Rights Hall of Fame that recognizes and honor those persons who have made significant contributions to the ever expanding struggle for civil rights in the State of Florida. Over the years, Representative Williams has been recognized for his legislative con-
tributions. He serves on the Florida Public Service Commission Nominating Council, the Florida Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys, the National Conference of Black State Legislators Executive Board, the Board of Directors for Second Harvest of the Big Bend, Gadsden Arts Center and Guardian Ad Litem. Representative Williams is a third generation FAMUAN and is the youngest in a family of three children. He is a recipient of both a B.S. and M.B.A. from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, prestigious School of Business and Industry. Just as family was a great influence in the beginning of his life, it continues to impact him now with his own family. Representative Williams is married to Attorney Opal McKinney-Williams and they work together to instill those same characteristics in their two children, Adrianna and Alan-Louis. He is committed to the people he serves and his life affirms Dr. Martin Luther King’s powerful conviction that, “Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.”
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