Legacy South Florida Black History Month 2021

AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY M•I•A MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO THE SUN SENTINEL

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2020

South Florida

Broward County Public Defender Gordon Weekes

Broward County Supervisor of Elections Joe Scott

Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony

Broward County State Attorney Harold Pryor

West Palm Beach Administrator Faye Johnson

2021 BLACK HISTORY MONTH ISSUE COVID-19 : 7 BLACK HISTORY : 16

Legacy’s Coronavirus expert Dr. William Alexis was recently vaccinated. Find out if he experienced any symptoms or side effects following his first shot.

In its heyday, Carver High School drew Black students from Deerfield Beach to Lake Worth. Now there’s a push to preserve what’s left of the last segregated school in Delray Beach.

COVER STORY POLITICS

: 12 : 20

What do Broward’s newly-elected sheriff, state attorney, and public defender have in common with the new city administrator in West Palm Beach? They’re all making history as the first African Americans to hold these positions in their respective counties. These public officials explain why making history is an honor they don’t take for granted.

The deadly insurrection at the U.S. Capitol unfolded right before our eyes on live TV. How did all this happen? Political analyst Christopher Norwood weighs in on how this counterrevolution is important to Black history.

2BB

AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY M•I•A MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO THE SUN SENTINEL

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2021

JOIN OUR TEAM! “As Broward County’s first black sheriff, I understand firsthand the critical role diversity, inclusion and unity play in public safety. To best serve the community, we must look like the community and embrace the qualities that make us different. We must ensure that the deputies, firefighters and civilian employees protecting Broward’s neighborhoods are also protecting their own neighborhood. Join the BSO family and make a difference!”

As part of the BSO team, you’ll enjoy excellent benefits and a competitive starting salary.

Contact our recruiters at RecruitmentUnit@sheriff.org and find out what it’s like to be part of our team.

sh sheriff.org h

STAY CONNECTED!

No Experience Required!

SHOP TALK with the Sheriff

APPLY ONLINE TODAY AT jobs.sheriff.org sheriff.org

BSO is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on age, citizenship status, color, disability, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. Veterans’ preference per Florida law.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2021

3BB

AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY M•I•A MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO THE SUN SENTINEL

EDITOR’S NOTE 4 THE BAUGHTOM LINE

By Dr. Germaine Smith-Baugh

BROWARD BLACK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

By Shaheewa Jarrett Gelin

6 COVID-19 REPORT

By Dr. William Alexis

UM ALZHEIMER’S RESEARCH

By Dr. Dorothy Fields

8 PALM BEACH COUNTY

COMMISSIONER’S REPORT

By Mack Bernard

URBAN LEAGUE OF PALM BEACH COUNTY

By Patrick Franklin

10 SOCIAL MEDIA

By Dr. Tracy Timberlake

CAREER LEADERSHIP & DEVELOPMENT

By Mary V. Davids

11 Miami-Dade Economic Advocacy

Trust: Three Gears of Progress Toward Black Empowerment

By Traci Pollack

12 COVER STORY

Breaking Barriers in South Florida: Black Public Officials in Broward and Palm Beach Counties Are Making History and Shaping the Future

As an 8th grader, I recall taking a history course that was anything but diverse.

On Fridays, my teacher, a middle-aged white man, routinely threaded the 16 mm projector with a large reel of film, then pressed play. What he required us to regularly digest was baffling, in my opinion.

For the entire class period, we’d watch black-and-white images of Adolf Hitler, the reviled leader of the Nazi Party. In this film series, dating back to the 1930s, he was praised by his German constituents — their right arms stretched out long and high with a straightened hand to salute him. From what I gathered, Hitler was rebuilding the German military. The films showed impressive

formations of his uniformed army — all armed and ready for battle.

To be clear, yes, we were learning history in history class. However, looking back, I’m was confused about the historical context of which these images were taught, week after week. It was almost as if my classmates and I were being brainwashed. The Hitler we studied was depicted in a positive light. Again, context is important, especially for young impressionable students.

Now imagine if my teacher had paid that much attention and time to Black history? What if he had loaded the film projector with black-and-white images of fearless civil rights advocates from the 1960s being hosed down on the street or viciously attacked by police dogs? What if he had bothered to show brave AfricanAmerican college students staging a sit-in at an all-white lunch counter? And what if my teacher had spent weeks explaining the transatlantic slave trade dating back to the 16th century?

This missed opportunity is the very reason why “Negro History Week” — now known as Black History Month — was established. It offered an opportunity for the teachings of Black history to be introduced in public schools and beyond.

This is why this issue of Legacy magazine is so special. On the heels of a

historic presidential inauguration, African Americans are celebrating historical political firsts right here in South Florida.

In Miami-Dade, there are now five Black county commissioners, the most ever. In Broward, voters elected a string of officials who are the first Blacks in their position including sheriff, state attorney, and public defender. And in Palm Beach County, the first Black city administrator was appointed by the mayor in West Palm Beach.

This trend of recently-installed Black leaders doesn’t end there. The newlyhired executive editors of The Miami Herald and The Palm Beach Post are both the first Black Americans to hold their respective positions.

As we celebrate past milestones of prominent African Americans who broke glass ceilings and knocked down doors, this issue highlights some of the influential local men and women who are making history right now.

And remember, they’re not just making Black history. They’re making American history.

Russell Motley

Legacy Editor-in-Chief rm@miamediagrp.com n

By Russell Motley

15 Florida Memorial University

Embraces Long History of Advocacy; Establishes Social Justice Research Institute

MEDIA GROUP LLC

By Dr. Tameka Hobbs

16 Delray Beach’s Carver High

School Seeks Restoration of Pride and Glory

By Paula Newman Rocker

18 BROWARD HEALTH

By Joy Oglesby

LIFESTYLE

By Stanley Zamor

19 MILLENNIAL

By David Cannady

20 POLITICS

By Chris Norwood

TECHNOLOGY

By Kevin V. Michael

22 LEGACY BRIEFS

LU X U RY

•

E N T E RTA I N M E N T

Subscribe to and view the digital version of Legacy Magazine and view additional articles at http://bitly.com/legacymagazines Facebook.com/TheMIAMagazine • Twitter and Instagram: @TheMIAMagazine

MEDIATION/ARBITRATION

•

#BeInformed #BeInfluential #BlackHistoryMonth Russell Motley Editor-in-Chief Yanela G. McLeod Managing Editor Jordan Polite Director of Operations Sabrina Moss-Solomon Graphic Designer

Aaliyah Sherie Bryant Social Media Specialist Joe Wesley Cover Photographer Alyssa Mark Intern

Dexter A. Bridgeman CEO & Founder

CREDO OF THE BLACK PRESS

Member of the Black Owned Media Alliance (BOMA)

“The Black Press believes that America can best lead the world away from racial and national antagonisms when it accords to every one regardless of race, color or creed, full human and legal rights. Hating no person, fearing no person, the Black Press strives to help every person in the firm belief that all hurt as long as anyone is held back.”

4BB

AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY M•I•A MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO THE SUN SENTINEL

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2021

THE BAUGHTOM LINE

2021 Must Include Radical Solutions to Meet Needs of Black Community

BY DR. GERMAINE SMITH-BAUGH

2020 was a year of reckoning.

The Black community faced the triple pandemic of the Coronavirus health crisis, the economic challenges of shutdowns and a nation forced to confront the history of racial injustice.

Exposed were the wounds of racial inequities that have long existed in the U.S. that we often sweep under the rug, from police brutality and lack

of accountability to disparate health outcomes due to socioeconomic and environmental factors that negatively impact the Black community; to the pervasive economic issues of access to capital and opportunity for blackowned businesses. We saw first-hand the economic hardship of a family whose breadwinner fell ill or had to selfquarantine without pay.

In 2021, we are called to move beyond mere symbolic gestures of compassion and understanding and implement radical solutions to meet the needs of Black families and businesses.

At the Urban League, every service we provide to the community is based upon six steadfast pillars: education, entrepreneurship, health, housing, jobs, and justice. As a new federal administration and Congress come into power, our task as a community is to promote measures that will improve the health and safety of Black communities, including a vaccine campaign that acknowledges centuries of medical history that have caused pain,

distrust and apprehension in the Black community.

We must also focus on jobs and entrepreneurship. With an economy that exhibits Black unemployment at rates two to three times that of White counterparts, we must innovate to assist unemployed and underemployed individuals to (re)enter the workforce.

The Urban League will work closely with both job seekers and employers to fill available jobs and help families get back on their feet. Until the economy fully recovers, we will also need to ensure that policies are in place to support families having a place to live.

Rental assistance is critical for families at risk of eviction simply because they have lost their job.

In 2020, the Central County CDC, operated by the Urban League, became the only Community Development Financial Institution headquartered in Broward, a testament to our existing Entrepreneurship Center’s strength.

We will continue to do what we have always done with this new designation:

proactively provide access to capital and other resource opportunities to minorityowned and women-owned businesses in various business stages, from start-up to expanded growth.

Finally, towards the end of 2020, Broward County Commission created the Racial Equity Task Force to identify systemic racial inequities. 2021 will serve as an opportunity to challenge our current political, corporate, and safety net systems and seek out ways to eliminate racial bias.

Black History Month has always been a month of remembrance and celebration. I am calling us to allocate our time, talents, and treasure to 3-B organizations, Black-led, Black-focused and Black-serving, that are meeting the needs of families where they are.

The Baughtom Line is this: 2021 will be a year of accountability and, prayerfully, recovery as we strive to ensure Broward’s Black families’ health and financial resiliency and stability. n

BROWARD BLACK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

2021 Presents Opportunity to Solve Systemic Problems

BY SHAHEEWA JARRETT GELIN

2020 was difficult emotionally and economically. The pandemic spurred an unforeseeable health and financial crisis that ripped through the country and disproportionately devastated Black businesses in the process.

According to one study, 41 percent of Black businesses were wiped out by mid-April and nearly half of Black business owners said that without

federal support, they would only be able to remain in business for another six months.

While grappling with the difficulties the pandemic presented, George Floyd was mercilessly murdered in broad daylight as he and other bystanders pleaded for his life to be spared.

This event, along with others such as the hunting and murder of Ahmaud Arbery, set off a wave of protests and calls for justice, respect for Black lives, and equity in every aspect of American life.

The country was on fire with action and former nonbelievers, if they were honest, had to admit that there was a need to fix the criminal justice system, educational institutions, and economic system that consistently resulted in the marginalization and mistreatment of Black citizens.

Protests in the streets caused major companies to issue statements, make pledges, and create Diversity & Inclusion positions.

Beyond these temporary responses,

it was good to see some local governments and companies engaging in real dialog, seeking to listen and understand first, and then taking the time to get to the work of co-creating solutions.

Solutions that will allow capital to flow into the hands of Black business owners so that they can expand, grow, and build wealth for their families and neighborhoods. Solutions that allow for the revitalization of forgotten areas and schools where Black culture, heritage, and history are celebrated and taught.

Solutions that enable us to live after encounters with the police.

Let’s embrace the lessons of 2020 so we emerge stronger as a nation.

We learned that raising our voice is good because our perspective matters.

Our experience matters. Continue to speak and act for change. For others who are trying to understand, keep listening.

We learned that institutional racism and discrimination has cost this nation approximately $16 trillion over the last

20 years, according to the Citi study.

The entire country hurts when you keep one group from realizing its full potential.

We learned that we are “in it together” no matter how separate our living or working environments.

The Coronavirus roamed free and intermingled with everyone. So too is the nature of our existence. What affects one of us will eventually touch us all.

The Racial Equity Task Force proposed by County Commissioner Dale Holness and passed by the Commission in December will bring together various groups and constituencies in this community that have never sat down together before.

The future of our greatness requires that we all lean into these tough issues, make new connections, meet people different from ourselves, and create lasting solutions.

Let the legacy of 2020 be that we do things differently so that we yield different results. n

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2021

AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY M•I•A MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO THE SUN SENTINEL

This shouldn’t be how we say hello...or goodbye.

It’s our reality right now. But it won’t be if we do what it takes to beat COVID-19. Vaccines are coming, but until enough of us are vaccinated, we all still need to wear our masks, stay at least six feet from others, and avoid indoor social gatherings. The more we slow the spread, the faster we’ll return to normal hellos … and fewer goodbyes.

Learn more about vaccines and slowing the spread at cdc.gov/coronavirus Brought to you by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

5BB

6BB

AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY M•I•A MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO THE SUN SENTINEL

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2021

COVID-19 REPORT

Vaccinations Against COVID-19 Underway Across United States

BY DR. WILLIAM ALEXIS

December 2020 saw the United States Food and Drug Administration grant emergency-use authorization for two vaccines developed to prevent COVID-19, the deadly disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 (Coronavirus) pandemic. While approval for emergency use was relatively rapid, it was by no means rushed. The development of these vaccines was the

result of unprecedented efficient and cooperative work between government and scientists that built upon decades of scientific research and innovation.

Nearly 80,000 participants were studied in the Phase 3 trials of both vaccines prior to Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna receiving emergency use authorizations that would result in vaccines finally becoming available to the public.

The group responsible for development of these vaccines was racially diverse and comprised some of the world’s most respected scientists including one of the lead scientists at the National Institutes of Health, Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, an AfricanAmerican woman.

The study participants were also a racially diverse group that was up to 10 percent African-American in order to as closely as possible have the studies reflect the percent of the U.S. population that is African-American. At one point, enrollment in the Moderna trial was slowed in order to ensure adequate

representation of African Americans so it could be proved that the vaccine also protected them.

The two vaccines, which work by preventing the Coronavirus from entering the body’s cells where they cause severe disease, were found to be safe and nearly 95 percent effective across all groups in preventing COVID-19. Further, the vaccines were nearly 100 percent effective in preventing severe disease.

The Coronavirus pandemic is responsible for more than 15 million infections and 300,000 deaths in the United States and the AfricanAmerican community has suffered disproportionately from this health crisis.

Despite this, research shows that only 42 to 55 percent of African Americans would be likely to receive the vaccine, primarily due to mistrust.

Epidemiologists estimate that in order to achieve the herd immunity necessary to end the pandemic, 75 to 80 percent of the population must become immune to the virus. The safest and

most effective route to immunity is vaccination. African Americans must use their platforms to lead by example.

For this reason, when I received my first dose of the vaccine, I posted pictures on social media and shared my experience with patients, friends and family. Except for soreness at the arm injection site that lasted one day, I had no other symptoms.

The tallest hurdle the medical community must clear in order to ensure high vaccination rates among African Americans is restoring trust. “Trust, especially when it has been stripped from people, has to be rebuilt in a brickby-brick fashion.” Dr. Corbett said.

Dr. Anthony Fauci commented, “So, the first thing you might want to say to my African-American brothers and sisters is that the vaccine that you’re going to be taking was developed by an African-American woman, and that is just a fact.”

Dr. William Alexis is chief of Internal Medicine and Cardiology at Memorial Hospital West. n

UM ALZHEIMER’S RESEARCH

Memory Loss is not a Normal Part of Aging

BY DOROTHY JENKINS FIELDS

Where are my keys? Don’t panic. This common question can be answered quickly if you planned ahead by attaching a key finder, location app or other gadget to your keychain. Or as my grandmother would say, “retrace your tracks,” meaning, think about the last place you left the keys. Forgetting happens.

Misplacing keys, forgetting to

lock the door, sometimes making bad decisions or forgetting which word to use next happens to all of us.

According to the National Institute for Aging, losing things from time to time is normal. However, misplacing things often and being unable to find them, having trouble holding a conversation, having problems taking care of monthly bills, losing track of the date or time of year, or getting lost in familiar places may signal time to seek professional advice.

If you, a family member or friend is presently experiencing one or more of these symptoms the time to seek help is now. Determining whether memory and other cognitive problems are normal and what may be causing them is an important first step. You may also wish to talk with a health adviser about opportunities to participate in research on cognitive health and aging.

Help is just a phone call away at the John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of

Miami Miller School of Medicine.

Immediate help is available to those who are 65 years old and older, undiagnosed, experiencing noticeable memory loss or already diagnosed with Alzheimer Disease.

HIHG team member Faina Lacroix, MPH, senior research associate, is the community liaison.

Lacroix, a clinical research coordinator, manages outreach efforts, participant ascertainment and participation in the Research in African American Alzheimer Diseases Initiative. She earned a master’s in public health with a concentration in epidemiology from the University of North Florida and a bachelor’s degree in biology from Florida Atlantic University.

Involved in clinical research since 2017, Lacroix has worked on initiatives varying from childhood psychiatry opioid prevention, maternal and child health, and now Alzheimer’s Disease. Born and raised in Haiti she is passionate about raising awareness

with regards to health disparities, particularly in the Haitian community in addition to her work at the HIHG.

Evaluations are conducted by phone and video conference in English, French and Haitian Creole. You can schedule an appointment for a memory evaluation by calling (305) 243-1981 or email questions to: AD-HIHG@ miami.edu. Schedule your memory evaluation today!

Dorothy Jenkins Fields, Ph.D. is a consultant to the John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. A certified archivist and public historian, Fields helps organize virtual and in-person family and class reunions; and provides resources for downsizing, relocating and aging in place. Visit WHY WE CAN’T WAIT | SSR (societysocialsandreunions.com) for more information. n

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2021

AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY M•I•A MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO THE SUN SENTINEL

FORGETTING IMPORTANT DATES OR EVENTS DIFFICULTY FOLLOWING A FAMILIAR RECIPE TROUBLE DRIVING TO A FAMILIAR LOCATION ASKING THE SAME QUESTIONS OVER AND OVER DECLINE IN ABILITY TO KEEP TRACK OF MONTHLY BILLS FORGETTING RECENTLY LEARNED INFORMATION MISPLACING OBJECTS

We are looking to evaluate people from the Black community to keep you safe and informed.

Evaluations to be conducted by phone and video conference.

Faina Lacroix, MPH Sr. Research Associate Ph: (305) 243-1981 Email: AD-HIHG@miami.edu Language(s): English, French and Haitian Creole

7BB

8BB

AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY M•I•A MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO THE SUN SENTINEL

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2021

PALM BEACH COUNTY COMMISSIONER’S REPORT

Black History Month Represents Progress, But Work Continues

BY MACK BERNARD

In 1926, Dr. Carter Woodson, a historian, realized a dearth of Black people in American History, and he decided to launch a one-week celebration of African-American achievements. He chose the second week of February for the week long activities because it coincides with the

birthdays of two prominent figures in the struggle of African Americans for their freedom — Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.

Later, in the 1960s, in the fervor of the Civil Rights Movement, colleges and universities began to claim the entire month of February as Black History Month, and in 1976, President Gerald Ford declared the month of February Black History Month.

On February 11, 1986, Congress passed a joint resolution designating February as National Black History Month. The stated purpose of the observance of Black History Month is to provide opportunities to the American people to get a better appreciation of the contributions of African Americans to our country and to the world.

In 2006, Congress passed a

concurrent resolution that expanded the observance of Black History Month to include the recognition of the achievements and contributions of Afro-descendants in all of the Americas.

In a little less than 50 years since President Ford’s declaration, the observance of Black History Month has become truly national with programs organized on colleges and universities campuses throughout the country. Black History Month has become part of the curriculum of the public schools.

Black History Month has been a tremendous success. The country as a whole has made a lot of progress in terms of race relations. We have seen the emergence of black elected officials both locally and nationally.

For instance, in 1990, Maude Ford Lee became the first Black county

commissioner in Palm Beach County, and in 2008, we elected our first Black president, Barack H. Obama.

However, despite these successes, we still have a long way to go as a country. Indeed, while we are highlighting the contributions of Afrodescendants to this country, we cannot forget the disproportionate impact that the COVID-19 pandemic is having on Black communities throughout the country and the senseless killings of Black people.

We have to work even harder to make our country more just, a place where everyone’s contribution is recognized and valued and American history is truly inclusive of all the people that compose this great tapestry that is our country.

Mack Bernard is a Palm Beach County Commissioner representing District 7. n

URBAN LEAGUE OF PALM BEACH COUNTY

ULPBC Serves Black Community Through COVID-19, Voter Registration

BY PATRICK FRANKLIN

What a year 2020 has been! Our lives changed forever. We mourn the loss of our loved ones and comfort those suffering from the COVID -19 virus.

We implore all to wear your mask in public and wash your hands while socially distancing at all times.

The Urban League of Palm Beach County is engaged and providing help to residents across all of the neighborhoods throughout the county.

Earlier this spring, we saw the need to bring Coronavirus testing to our low-income, minority communities based upon the lack of transportation and access for many people, which resulted in pop-up testing locations in neighborhoods.

Now we seek to help in the race to get elderly communities vaccinated.

Food insecurity grew as many adults lost their jobs in record numbers and families became vulnerable to the basic subsidy of

putting food on the table.

The ULPBC is meeting the challenge by conducting five major food drives to feed our families during 2020. Each food drive touched 1,000 plus families providing essential food for a week.

We engaged the 2020 voting process by registering people to vote, educating voters about the candidates through Zoom virtual town hall meetings. During the early voting and Election Day, the ULPBC provided free rides to the polls for any citizen

requesting a ride.

As the needs of our community evolved during 2020, the ULPBC has been there to meet and deliver programs and services in a virtual, remote setting on a regular basis.

Your continued support and belief in our mission to assist African Americans and other minorities achieve social and economic equality is greatly appreciated.

Please consider the Urban League of Palm Branch County when giving your time and treasure is appropriate.

When we work together to make a difference, change can happen.

The Urban League of Palm Beach County looks forward to serving the community in collaboration with our corporate partners in 2021 as we seek a new beginning post-COVID. Patrick Franklin is president and CEO of the Urban League of Palm Beach County. n

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2021

AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY M•I•A MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO THE SUN SENTINEL

Florida’s energy future is on the horizon. And we will never stop moving toward it. We simply envision continuing to deliver energy that’s not just the most reliable, or the cleanest, but also the most affordable. That’s America’s best energy value working for you and for Florida.

FPL.com/Value This advertising is paid for by FPL shareholders, not our customers.

9BB

10BB

AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY M•I•A MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO THE SUN SENTINEL

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2021

SOCIAL MEDIA

New ‘Clubhouse’ App Makes Industry Networking More Accessible

BY DR. TRACY TIMBERLAKE

Let’s talk about Clubhouse, a new app (available only for iOS at the time of this writing) that is the hottest ticket in town!

In a mid-pandemic world, where people are desperate for connection, Clubhouse arrived right on time. It’s touted as a drop-in audio app, where anyone with a profile can listen in to

conversations.

A second aspect that makes Clubhouse unique is its exclusivity.

Everyone can’t just hop on to the app. You need to be invited. And invites are rare because Clubhouse only allots a certain amount of invites per user.

Imagine five or six of your favorite powerhouse players in the fields of music, marketing, medicine, politics, real estate, you name it... they are there, and they got together for dinner. They sit down, they start eating, and they start discussing various topics that make sense for their industry.

They are dropping nuggets, tips and tricks left and right and YOU get to listen in on this conversation!

Not only that, but you can raise your hand, be brought up to the “stage” and join in (if room moderators allow). This is Clubhouse.

Why it works so well is because it imitates real life. For most of 2020, we have all been a little deprived of regular life interactions.

All networking events have been cancelled. We can’t go to parties, we can barely even go to restaurants!

But now we have Clubhouse. It’s solving many of the problems we’re experiencing.

Here is how to use it to your advantage: 1. Use it to network with likeminded individuals in your industry. Virtual networking is what we have. Clubhouse is organic in that way.

2. Use it to learn and you can learn almost anything! There are rooms for everything under the sun and moderators are steadily delivering valuable content 24/7.

3. Use it to promote. If you have a

business, Clubhouse may be a great space for you to make your business known in front of new people.

Recognize the opportunity and seize it. New social media is bound to pop up and early signals indicate whether it will take off.

In 2019/2020 it was Tiktok. Today it’s Clubhouse. And the good thing is Clubhouse is still new and significantly underrated because the majority of the public either doesn’t know about it or hasn’t gotten access to it yet.

So, this is your time to be one of the early adopters. And when you do get on, follow me @tracytimberlake for more tips and tricks like this!

Dr. Tracy Timberlake is an awardwinning business coach. n

CAREER LEADERSHIP & DEVELOPMENT

Filling Employment Gaps on Resume Makes You More Competitive After Pandemic

BY MARY V. DAVIDS

There has been a total of 22 million jobs lost as a result of the pandemic.

The pandemic has hit the workforce hard, but its impact on women has been four times the number of men.

According to the U.S. Employment figures, in December 2020, the economy lost a net of 140,000 jobs, 100 percent of which were held by women. Many women have had to

leave the workforce to take care of their children, which has eliminated any progress made to reduce the gender wage gap, which has been especially hard for black women.

While the job loss recovery is said to take at least four years, many employers will forgive gaps on your résumé due to the pandemic. Here are three ways to fill the gaps on your résumé, help decrease the wage gap, and set yourself apart from other candidates looking to re-enter the workforce this year.

Volunteer/Contract Work – Employers are looking for continuous skill building and productive behavior when considering job seekers for employment opportunities. Continuous activity such as volunteerism is a great way to show you remained actively working within your community or within your industry. Doing work voluntarily shows your commitment to add value regardless of the paycheck and it sets you apart from other

jobseekers having no continuous work to display on their résumés. You can also reach out to past employers for project-based opportunities as a way to stay active during unemployment.

Get a certification or take a course – Many educational institutions have offered free courses during the pandemic and many have opened access to courses virtually to students that were exclusively held on-campus. I encourage you to take advantage of these opportunities to enhance your knowledge and add more value to your career profile. An additional certification can add between $10k-$14k to your salary for those within the tech industry, and anywhere from 20 percent to 45 percent for administrative and healthcare professionals.

Learn another language – Studies show professionals who are bilingual or multilingual tend to earn higher wages, earning between 5 percent-25 percent more than non-multi

or bilingual professionals. Bilingualism is greatly valued by many organizations because it helps to increase revenue by bridging cultural gaps that may be present between businesses and their customers. Virtual opportunities are creating increased market reach for many organizations to consider global expansion. Employing professionals with capabilities to reach global customers will be essential to the sustainability for many organizations.

Learning another language will be a great investment in your career development and it will also increase your marketability far beyond the pandemic recovery.

Mary V. Davids is an executive career and leadership development coach and owner of D&M Consulting Services, LLC. For more career tips and advice visit www.slaytheworkplace.com or follow @MVDavids on Instagram and Twitter. n

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2021

AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY M•I•A MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO THE SUN SENTINEL

MEDIA GROUP LLC

“The Home of Black Intellectual Capital and Providers of News and Information to South Florida’s Black Affluencers and Influencers!”

PUBLISHERS OF LEGACY MIAMI, LEGACY SOUTH FLORIDA AND MIA MAGAZINES

CREATORS OF DIGITAL PRODUCTS

SUCCESS PROFILES

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

ABOUT TOWN

11BB

12BB

AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY M•I•A MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO THE SUN SENTINEL

COVER STORY

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2021

Breaking Barriers in South Florida

Black Public Officials in Broward and Palm Beach Counties Are Making History and Shaping the Future

BY RUSSELL MOTLEY Harold Pryor is not only the first African American to be elected state attorney in Broward County, he’s also the first Black male in Florida to hold this position.

For Pryor, it’s a victory he shares with his supporters, particularly those who struggled for justice and equality in the Civil Rights Movement.

“It was gratifying that I could see their faces. I could see the pride in their faces,” said Pryor, 34, who takes over for Mike Satz, who held the office for more than four decades. “The many Broward County residents who experienced Jim Crow, who experienced racial inequalities both socially, economically, and in the criminal justice system. It engendered a sense of pride in me but also a greater sense of responsibility, a greater sense of duty to ensure I get this right. Don’t mess up, as they say.”

Pryor joins a junior class of AfricanAmerican elected or appointed officials in Broward and Palm Beach counties who — yes, even in 2021 — are the first Blacks to hold their seats.

Democrat Joe Scott is Broward County’s first Black male to become supervisor of elections. He admits that during his campaign his advisers suggested he focus less on race. Instead, Scott says he focused on the issues, primarily reassuring citizens of how he’d lead the elections office and shake its checkered past.

“To me, more than 20 years ago, we had the first Black person get elected to this position and I definitely wouldn’t take anything away from her,” said Scott, 38, whose priorities are to improve technology and communication with the public. “Just following in the footsteps of the two Black women who came before me. I know they made it possible for me to be here.”

Broward County Public Defender Gordon Weekes is hitting the ground running. Formerly chief deputy to Howard Finkelstein, he’s no stranger to this office. However, for Weekes, the enormity of his new position is still sinking in.

“It’s an incredible responsibility,”

Standing at Huizenga Park along Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale are Broward Public Defender Gordon Weekes, Broward State Attorney Harold Pryor, West Palm Beach City Administrator Faye Johnson, Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony, and Broward Elections Supervisor Joe Scott.

said Weekes, 49, who earn a bachelor of science degree in air traffic control from Florida Memorial University before earning a law degree at Nova Southeastern University. “But it’s also incredibly rewarding to see all of the

start as Broward County’s appointed sheriff, voters ultimately decided to elect him as the first African American to oversee the largest sheriff’s department in Florida. Even in a county where Tony says more than half of the population are people of color, Tony suggests support for his candidacy, as “It’s a wonderful thing to make well as the other Black elected history, but if we’re going to make officials, were largely based on merit. history it’s important that we “In order for that type of change the future. So we can’t be response to happen, the people complacent.” Broward County Sheriff have to have the will to say that we’re going to elect people Gregory Tony based on their competence, based on their ability to do those jobs,” Tony said. “And if they support, the warmth and the welcome happen to be people of color then so be it. from everyone acknowledging and And that’s happened.” recognizing the important of having a

In Palm Beach County, Faye Black public defender, someone that’s Johnson was appointed West Palm homegrown, someone that understands Beach’s first Black city administrator the issues that are plaguing our criminal last year. She says this wave of Black justice system with respect to disparities leadership in South Florida is welcomed; that exist and how Black people have however, expectations are high. been historically treated in our criminal

“When you are the first (Black justice system.” person) appointed or elected, you

Although Gregory Tony had a head certainly want to do a well enough job

where you are not the last,” said Johnson who oversees 1,700 city employees. “So, hopefully, after my tenure, there will be another Black who will be considered and we can get past having to have the first African American or first Black to serve in a position because it will become commonplace.”

According to Weekes, his historymaking election will be

“Years to come, I hope we look back and recognize that there are many folks that followed in our footsteps,” Weekes said. “I am standing on the shoulders of so many that came before us that allowed for us to be able to do this… that broke down barriers… that had the will to fight for the opportunity for me to be the first.”

And while these public servants are fully aware of the significance of their roles, they say they’re eager to get to work and make a difference as they promised under oath.

“It’s a wonderful thing to make history, but if we’re going to make history it’s important that we change the future. So we can’t be complacent,” Tony said. n

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2021

AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY M•I•A MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO THE SUN SENTINEL

Throughout Black History Month and beyond, we celebrate Black Joy. Its beauty. Its brilliance. Its variety. Its tenacity. Its resilience.

Its ability to thrive despite everything.

The power of Black Joy truly knows no bounds... it’s a Joy Supreme.

Celebrate a Joy Supreme with us at aarp.org/blackcommunity

13BB

14BB

AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY M•I•A MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO THE SUN SENTINEL

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2021

Trust your heart to Baptist Health.

The true leader in cardiovascular care.

At Baptist Health, we love your heart as much as you do. That’s why we combine the quality care you need with the personal touch you deserve to deliver the cardiovascular treatment that’s most beneficial for you. Everything from prevention to diagnostics to minimally invasive heart surgery is delivered here by collaborative teams of doctors utilizing the latest technology to enable the best outcomes for our patients.

Our goal is to help our patients live healthier lives so they can be there for what matters most. When it comes to cardiovascular care, you can count on Baptist Health.

Bethesda Heart Hospital | Boynton Beach Lynn Heart & Vascular Institute | Boca Raton Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute | Coral Gables, Doral, Homestead, Kendall, Marathon, Miami Beach, Plantation, South Miami, Tavernier, West Kendall

BaptistHealth.net

A not-for-profit organization supported by philanthropy and committed to our faith-based charitable mission of medical excellence.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2021

AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY M•I•A MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO THE SUN SENTINEL

15BB

Florida Memorial University Embraces Long History of Advocacy; Establishes Social Justice Research Institute

BY DR. TAMEKA HOBBS

On July 16, 2020, Florida Memorial University president, Dr. Jaffus Hardrick — in reaction to the months of unrest following the murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd — announced the founding of the FMU Social Justice Institute. Our intention is to create a research institute and solutions-focused think-tank examining racial inequality and injustice in Miami-Dade County and the state of Florida. The goal of the FMU Social Justice Institute is to serve as a resource for creating and facilitating tangible reforms in order to achieve a more just and fair society.

The greater vision, however, is to create in South Florida a society bereft of social injustice and racial disparities.

As the only Historically Black University in South Florida, and with its 142-year track record of educating servant-leaders, FMU is well-positioned to explicitly advocate for uplifting racial justice for the communities

the past several years — as evidenced by both the continued murder of unarmed men and women of color, and the violent murder of Heather Heyer in the aftermath of the White supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia in 2017 — are proof that our nation’s previous efforts toward addressing this long history of inequality Florida Memorial College at its Live Oak campus near the turn are incomplete. of the century. Founded in 1879, the Historically Black College, In more recent years, now located in Miami Gardens, has facilitated social mobility and Florida Memorial has educational equity for generations. also had a front row seat that it has served since its founding in to the tragedy and ongoing movement 1879 — Live Oak, Jacksonville, St. born by the tragic murder of Trayvon Augustine, and now Miami Gardens Martin. In 2012, our campus mobilized and Opa-locka. Unfortunately, the to support Sybrina Fulton, who is an scourge of anti-Black racial violence alumna of FMU. After the marches that threatened FMU’s existence in and the trial, we extended an invitation both Live Oak and St. Augustine still to the Trayvon Martin Foundation to exist, manifesting in new and vicious establish their offices on our campus. ways. The increase in overtly racist Since that time, we’ve watched the speech and actions in the nation over powerful advocacy and healing work of

Tracy Martin, Sybrina, and their family, and the ways that they have embraced and inspired our students.

It makes perfect sense, for both historical and contemporary reasons, that FMU would embrace social justice as a core part of its agenda to serve the South Florida community, with hopes to bring real energy and solutions to address the reality of systemic racism and racial injustice. The questions are complicated but the answers are within our reach if we are willing to do the work. FMU is mobilizing the resources of our campus, both capital and human, along with the support of the South Florida community, to address the thorny issues of the day and to produce future change-agents to build a brighter and better society with true opportunity for all. FMU’s Social Justice Institute will be the genesis of that work.

Dr. Tameka Hobbs is the associate provost for Academic Affairs at Florida Memorial University. n

16BB

AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY M•I•A MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO THE SUN SENTINEL

Delray Beach’s Carver High School Seeks Restoration of Pride and Glory rights leader. Pompey fought for equal salaries between white and Black

The sage of the historic Carver teachers, protested Delray Beach’s High School of Delray Beach began whites-only beach, and pushed for the under the name School #4 Delray first organized recreation program for Colored, which was located on the the city’s Black children. A bust of northwest side of town. Today it is Pompey sits in the Delray Beach City known as the Delray Full Service Hall.

Center, now located on the southwest

Thurgood Marshall was sent to side of town.

Delray Beach by the nascent NAACP to argue a class action suit for Black teachers who were paid $25 per month less than white teachers. Marshall won that suit and many others.

He went on to become the first Black Justice on the U.S. Supreme Court. On January 20, Vice President of the United States Kamala Harris was sworn in on a Bible that belonged to Marshall.

In its heyday, Carver High drew students from Deerfield This 1960s yearbook picture shows Carver High School a few years after opening.

Beach to Lake Worth and Courtesy: Spady Cultural Heritage Museum became the cultural, academic and athletic hub of the city’s northwest and southwest

The school’s once crowded neighborhoods.

On the campus, where hallways are now nearly abandoned. the two original buildings still stand, The cheers from the games of the is the first Black high school in Palm mighty Carver High athletic teams Beach County and the last segregated of the 1950s and 1960s are but faint, school in Delray Beach. distant echoes. The bricks and mortar

Desegregation led to Carver’s of this cherished institution are closing in 1969; however, the site was crumbling. still utilized as Delray Full Service

Carver’s rich history has been Center.

As the school fell into disrepair, impacted by many influential leaders. efforts to preserve the original These leaders who taught, mentored buildings began five years ago after and fought for equal rights at Carver the Palm Beach County School Board High are unsung heroes. unveiled plans to demolish the campus.

In 1922, Solomon David Spady The plans for demolition of the campus arrived to what was then Delray led to much community debate.

County Training School. His mentor,

In June 2019, the Florida George Washington Carver, the Preservation Trust named Carver renowned Black agricultural chemist, High one of the ten most threatened urged him to go and help restructure historic sites in Florida.

School Board the academic program. Spady became officials soon agreed not to demolish the third principal of the school. At that it.

The School District and the City are time, the school had 100 students in currently in negotiations. grades 1-8. By 1934, there were 336

To find out how you can assist, students in grades 1-10. The Spady log on to https://preservingourstories.

Cultural Heritage Museum is named in home.blog/ his honor.

C. Spencer Pompey arrived at Paula Newman-Rocker is with the Carver in the late 1950s and served Carver High School Historical as a coach and social studies teacher.

Preservation Society. n In addition, he became a noted civil

BY PAULA NEWMAN-ROCKER

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2021

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2021

AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY M•I•A MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO THE SUN SENTINEL

17BB

18BB

AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY M•I•A MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO THE SUN SENTINEL

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2021

BROWARD HEALTH

Broward Health Successfully Uses Robotic Surgery to Treat Prostate Cancer

BY JOY OGLESBY

According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the second most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death among men in the United States. One in nine men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime.

However, according to a voluntary health organization, with early detection and medical care the five-year survival rate is nearly 100 percent. Curtis Miller of Coconut Creek can count himself on the positive side of that statistic.

“Mr. Miller was diagnosed with early stage prostate cancer initially,” said Mehmet Hepgur, M.D., a hematologist oncologist with the Broward Health Physician Group. “As with most cancers, screenings and early detection allow for improved outcomes and more treatment options for prostate cancer.”

This was the case for Miller, a 60-year-old pastor, “who responded well to chemotherapy and is in remission,” Hepgur said.

Curtis Miller

Prostate cancer is typically found during a routine screening that measures the level of a prostate specific antigen, or PSA, in the blood. Once diagnosed, surgery may be part of the treatment plan for prostate cancer, and robotic-assisted surgery can enhance the procedure.

With robotic-assisted surgery, a surgeon can extract cancerous cells through a series of small incisions.

The surgeon controls the robotics system, which offers enhanced vision and delicate precision. Minimally invasive robotic surgery is designed to offer patients a number of benefits,

including less blood loss, a lower complication rate and reduced risk of wound infection.

“Patients may find they recover better from robotic surgery and that they spend less time in the hospital,” Hepgur said.

“Our goal is to return you to the lifestyle you enjoy as quickly as possible.”

In terms of risk, age is the most common factor for prostate cancer. While prostate cancer is rare in men younger than 40, the chance of prostate cancer rises rapidly after age 50.

On average, six in 10 cases of prostate cancer are found in men older than 65.

Race and ethnicity are also factors for prostate cancer. There is a higher risk of being diagnosed or dying from prostate cancer for a man who is Black or who has a family history of prostate cancer.

Since being under Hepgur’s care, Miller said, “My health has been better, and my PSA levels have been managed.”

Hepgur added, “The importance of routine screenings and tests, even during

a pandemic, cannot be over emphasized.

Early detection improves the chances for a positive outcome.”

To learn more about Broward Health’s robotic assisted prostate procedure, visit BrowardHealth.org/ Robotics.

Broward Health, providing service for more than 80 years, is a nationally recognized system in South Florida that offers world-class healthcare to all.

The Broward Health system includes the statutory teaching hospital Broward Health Medical Center, Broward Health North, Broward Health Imperial Point, Broward Health Coral Springs, Salah Foundation Children’s Hospital, Broward Health Weston, Broward Health Community Health Services, Broward Health Physician Group, Broward Health Urgent Care, Broward Health International, and Broward Health Foundation. For more information, visit BrowardHealth.org. n

MEDIATION/ARBITRATION

Kaizen-Mediation Technique Can Improve Mediation Process

BY STANLEY ZAMOR As the plaintiff’s attorney announced that they executed and emailed back the mediated agreement, he smiled, shook his head and said, “I told my client that we would not be settling the case since the previous denial was considered final, and that he should expect the trial to be set for some time in beginning of 2022.”

I said, “Why would you say and think that?” He replied, “Well honestly, I know the adjuster and I have never had

a positive experience with the defense firm. So, it was more of the same games that the insurance side plays, and I am not interested.”

I responded, “Hmmm! Well maybe that is why this time mediation worked.

Remember in my orientation/opening statement, I stated that unlike court, mediation is better when it is approached as if it is your first time. Doing so allows for a more flexible process, with fresher ideas and expanding what perspectives can be. And my role is to explore options not typically considered. And I commend you for reducing your initial adversarial tone and allowing this to be different. This changed and ‘continually improved’ how the negotiations progressed, which led to a mutually beneficial solution…”.

tone they bring to the mediation process.

Mediation is an opportunity to negotiate differently than before. It is an opportunity to explore , create, and learn more. But when participants are not open to “more,” they stall themselves by being resistant to growth – and not open to other possibilities (improvements).

The role of a neutral mediator is to create and promote a balanced process encouraging dialogue, exploring possibilities and growth beyond participants norms.

Kaizen is a Japanese term that means continuous improvement. I often introduce elements of the Kaizen philosophy into the mediation negotiations. Parties do not notice this and find themselves creating alternative solutions that work!

a cultural transformation because it requires everyone to think about improvement every day, everywhere.

At its core, Kaizen Teian actively involves all participants within a culture (business or interpersonal) to improve within the culture and continuously for the benefit of the culture.

Stanley Zamor is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit/Family/County Mediator & Primary Trainer and Qualified Arbitrator. Mr. Zamor serves on several federal and state mediation/ arbitration rosters and mediates with the ATD (Agree2Disagree) Mediation & Arbitration, PA throughout Florida. As an ADR consultant he regularly lectures on a variety of topics from ethics, crosscultural issues, diversity, bullying, and Family/Business relationships.

Kaizen Mediation

Often when I mediate, I notice how attorneys and their clients approach negotiations with a less than positive attitude. Even when meditating through an online platform like Zoom, I can sense the tension and the adversarial-

Kaizen Teian: Bottom-Up Improvement

Kaizen Teian is one of four methodologies and describes a form of improvement where people participate to improve their own processes. This bottom-up type of Kaizen drives

szamor@effectivemediationconsultants. com; www.effectivemediation consultants.com; www.LinkedIn.com/in/ stanleyzamoradr (954) 261-8600 n

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2021

AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY M•I•A MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO THE SUN SENTINEL

19BB

MILLENNIAL

Millennials Must Keep America Moving Forward

I often wonder what makes America a great nation. Is it how our country was founded; is it our constitution and the ever evolving rights that we are afforded; or is it the uniqueness of the American Dream? I don’t believe these things make our nation great, rather, these ideals only last if each generation builds on the promises and progress of the previous generation. ​ However, as Millennials, since

LUCIDO GLOBAL KELLER WILLIAMS PARTNERS REALTY

let’s talk REAL ESTATE.

BY DAVID CANNADY

the insurrection on our United States Capitol on January 6, 2021, I’m not sure if we are living up to our generational mandate. ​ After the death of George Floyd on May 25, 2020, American Millennials lit the match that sparked a worldwide protest against the injustices in the criminal justice system, which is this generation’s fight for civil rights.

By using the traditional tactics of the marginalized and oppressed, protesters in the summer of 2020 engaged in largely nonviolent protest. ​ At times property was damaged, businesses were harmed, and looters took advantage of opportunities to enrich themselves. However, efforts were always made to tamper emotions and focus on substantive change. ​ Some may say the minimal violence overshadowed the peaceful part of the protest, but even Dr. King had to fight these inaccurate characterizations in his time. However, during the insurrection, protests were

never peaceful and the participants wanted only one thing, to stop democracy by any means necessary. ​ Rather than following the example of historical nonviolent protests, these domestic terrorists swarmed the Capitol leaving only death and destruction in their path. It’s clear their actions were incited by President Trump’s attempt to prevent the lawful transfer of power to incoming President Biden. ​But these insidious acts were not led by a forgone generation wanting to see the good old days. Instead, it was led by Millennials who’d rather incite violence then pick up the mantle of progress and move our nation forward. ​ Most notably, some of the more egregious actors were Millennials from Florida like Adam Johnson, Matthew Council, Michael Curzio, Douglas Sweet, Henry “Enrique” Tarrio Jr., John Anderson, Eric Munchel, and Nicholes Lentz, all of who were arrested for their participation in the insurrection. This is important to know because it shows

that our younger generation is still influenced by the outdated morays of the Jim Crow south. ​ This likens back to a time where doctors, lawyers, and respected business owners put on a white hood and separated themselves from the larger society so as to hold onto the ways of the past. The past four years have shown us that progress can be halted at any time by anyone be it voting rights, civil rights, economic freedom, or political progress. ​ Now more than ever, we need to hold true to the promises of this nation.

As Millennials, if we don’t continue to move towards the bending arc of justice we may twist our nation into something unrecognizable for future generations.

David Cannady is a prosecutor with the Broward County State Attorney’s Office and business owner. n

20BB

AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY M•I•A MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO THE SUN SENTINEL

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2021

POLITICS

Siege of U.S. Capitol Equals Black History

BY CHRIS NORWOOD

White Supremacists and Holocaust denying neo-Nazis took over the U.S. Capitol on behalf of a sitting U.S.

President, their avowed standard bearer. The terror that these people invoked led to the deaths of at least five people, including two law enforcement officers (at the time of this writing).

Perhaps hundreds of arrests, after the fact, as well.

For the last four years, we have had an open revolt against the history of civil rights and racial equality. “Make America Great Again” was a declaration and call to action that radicalized communities of white America against their own government.

Far-right groups, from states far and wide, including the violent Proud Boys, were the pillars of the crowds that formed in D.C. to support Donald Trump as he demanded they protest Congress’ counting of Electoral College votes confirming the Biden-Harris victory.

Then these radicals, including leaders of QAnon, headed to the Capitol.

(Police were photographed stopping a man identified as a leading promoter of the QAnon conspiracy theory from storming the Senate floor).

How did all of this happen?

Well for one, We legitimized their political philosophy by accepting it as a Republican Party call to action, which it wasn’t. Although Republicans benefited from it.

The MAGA phenomenon was a counterrevolution to the advancement of civil rights that ultimately resulted in the election of America’s first Black President. White supremacists despised the evolution of America electing its first non-white president. ​ “Make America Great Again” was a reaction and marketing brand that propelled people to support a candidate that would sell them anything to get elected, including HATE.

The stain that was the last four years was based on xenophobia and racial intolerance. Yet, across America, good people and public intellectuals still deny the permeating existence of structural racial disparities in the American economy, health and education.

When good people are silent, they create the opportunity for the worst atrocities in world history.

Those folk that invaded the U.S. Capitol gave the world a public example of white privilege. Contrast the display of law enforcement with what we saw

over the course of the summer’s George Floyd protests. These MAGA folk with swastikas, confederate flags and tactical gear essentially walked in the U.S. Congress during the Electoral College and looted the place with no resistance.

On October 16, 1995, more than a million Black men gathered in Washington, D.C. to declare their right to justice, to atone for their failures and to accept responsibility to lead their communities.

Men traveled from all walks of life to attend, including a law professor from Chicago, Barack Obama. But not one of them stormed the Capitol, raided and looted its chambers, or sat in the Speaker’s chair. Not a single incident occurred, despite the historic injustices that have occurred within those walls against their humanity in the past.

Black History is not only the progress that African-Americans produce, it is also the counterrevolution it inspires in the HATERS of this nation. n

TECHNOLOGY

Ignoring Terms of Use Can Cost You Control of Social Media Accounts

BY KEVIN V. MICHAEL

In the wake of companies like Twitter and Facebook taking action to remove President Donald Trump from their platforms, there has been significant discussion about whether social media platforms should be arbiters of free speech.

While I certainly do not profess to be a constitutional scholar, I think it is commonly understood that rights

are not unrestricted, particularly if the exercise of such rights infringes upon the rights of others. Free speech is no exception and there are numerous ways that the individual right to free speech has been limited by courts throughout our history.

The technologist within me does, however, see this debate from an additional angle, that goes beyond the subject du jour. Instead it looks at the implication of using a private company’s software or platform to communicate to an audience, manage company operations, or store your data.

Most of us are familiar with Terms of Service or Terms of Use agreements because we agree to them whenever we sign up for online services like online banking, social media platforms, project management software or open an email account. By familiar, I mean most of us scroll to the bottom of the language presented to us onscreen and click ‘’Accept’. Why?

Because most do not have the time or energy to read paragraphs of dense legalese and we also assume that the benefit we expect to derive from signing up outweighs any potential downside or restriction that could be imposed by the owner of the service.

Either that, or you do not get to enjoy the benefits of the service.

While seemingly benign, the Terms of Service that you agree to is legally binding and governs your relationship with that company and its services. The agreements are often onesided in favor of the service provider, are non-negotiable and are subject to amendment at practically any time.

What rights the company reserves to access or use your data, where and how that data is stored, whether it can be shared with third parties, and whether they can restrict your access or use of the platform are all embedded in these agreements. The implication of your consent is that no matter who you

are, you are not in control.

There are a handful of reasons why the average person would get booted from an online service, but typically they are all related to an abuse of the platform in some way such as utilizing the service in a manner contrary to its intended purpose or to inflict harm on others.

My advice is to be wise, take a moment to review the TOS for the apps that your personal or business brand hinges on and do your best to abide.

Failure to do so, could cost you your online freedoms.

Kevin V. Michael, is the CEO and co-founder of Invizio, a leading South Florida Managed IT Services Provider that provides outsourced IT management to organizations and companies, helping them operate more efficiently and reduce costs.

n

Call for nominations

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2021

AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY M•I•A MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO THE SUN SENTINEL

LEGACY MAGAZINE IS ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS FOR THE

Most Powerful and Influential Black Business Leaders for 2021

Please submit your nomination by MARCH 1, 2021 miamediagrp.com/nominations RULES FOR NOMINATION: The person nominated must be of Black/African American descent and reside in Miami-Dade, Broward or Palm Beach Counties.

The nominee can only be recognized once in his or her lifetime.

21BB

22BB

AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY M•I•A MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO THE SUN SENTINEL

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2021

LEGACY BRIEFS HIGHLY UNIQUE SOFLO RADIO PROMOTES ABEBE LEWIS AS MUSIC DIRECTOR

Abebe Lewis has partnered with Highly Unique Soflo Radio to serve as music director. In this new position, Lewis has creative control over the music that the station will archive. He is also responsible for connecting with local Abebe Lewis record labels, artists, and producers in South Florida in order to find new music for the station’s listeners.

Lewis also owns and operates Abebe Lewis Marketing and Branding, which discovers and promotes talent.

NEWS ANCHOR CONSTANCE JONES RETURNS TO SOUTH FLORIDA

Starting this month, Constance Jones will co-anchor the morning newscast at NBC-6.

Most recently she anchored the evening newscast for ABC-8 News in Richmond, Virginia, where she Constance Jones worked for 2 years.

The awardwinning journalist is a familiar face to South Florida; she was previously a news anchor at Local 10.

ATTORNEY JOLINDA HERRING ELECTED AS FIRM’S NEW CEO AND MANAGING SHAREHOLDER

Bryant Miller Olive P.A. (BMO) has announced that JoLinda Herring, Esq., a shareholder in the firm’s Miami office, was elected as BMO’s new chief executive officer and managing shareholder.

JoLinda Herring

Herring joined BMO as a law clerk in 1994, and upon admission to the Florida Bar in 1996, she began as a practicing attorney with the firm. Most recently, Herring served as co-chair of BMO’s Public Finance Group, as well as chair of the firm’s Board of Directors. In 2020, she was also appointed to the National Association of Bond Lawyers (NABL) Board of Directors.

Herring graduated from Florida State University College of Law in Tallahassee, Florida.

She received an MBA in finance with honors from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee.

JOY OGLESBY HIRED AS BROWARD HEALTH’S MARKETING MANAGER

Joy Oglesby moves to the position of marketing manager for Broward Health Imperial

Point. She formerly served as corporate communications public relations coordinator at Broward Health where she focused on keeping Broward Health in the public eye while maintaining Joy Oglesby a positive image. Now as marketing manager, Oglesby will be in charge of promoting the products Broward Health sells.

DR. MALOU HARRISON PROMOTED TO EXECUTIVE VP AT MDC

Dr. Malou Harrison has been promoted to Executive Vice President and Provost of Miami Dade College. Previously, she served as president of MDC’s North Campus. In that Malou Harrison position, Harrison was an advocate for over 50,000 students. She is known for her dedication and commitment to MDC and the Miami-Dade community.

MARLON A. HILL JOINS MIAMI LAW FIRM

Weiss Serota Helfman Cole & Bierman, P.L. welcomes Marlon A. Hill as Of Counsel to its Miami office. Hill is an experienced Marlon Hill and highly skilled government and corporate lawyer and has been deeply involved in community leadership roles with South Florida’s multicultural communities.

Hill represents local governments, businesses and entrepreneurs in business transactions, intellectual property and government matters concentrated in the hospitality, tourism, arts and entertainment and technology sectors. He works with growth-oriented businesses in South Florida and the Caribbean, helping them navigate the structuring, launch, and growth of their ventures and advocating for them before state and local government entities.

Hill was born in Kingston, Jamaica, and raised in Miami. He earned his undergraduate and law degrees from Florida State University.

CARRIE MEEK FOUNDATION WELCOMES MATTHEW BEATTY AS VP AND COO

Matthew Beatty has been hired as vice president and

Matthew Beatty

chief operating officer for the Carrie Meek Foundation. In his new position, the Miami native plans to help his community by finding out the origin of systemic issues in Black communities.

Beatty previously worked as Senior Director of Communications and Engagement for the Miami Foundation.

HEALTH FOUNDATION OF SOUTH FLORIDA WELCOMES MELIDA AKITI AS NEW BOARD CHAIR Health Foundation of South Florida has announced that Melida Akiti is now its Board Chair, the first Black Latina to hold this position.

Akiti was formerly vice president of Ambulatory Melida Akiti and Community Services at Memorial Healthcare System where she oversaw primary care practices and urgent care centers throughout the South Broward area.

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY CHAIRWOMAN SHARON JOHNSON ENDS TERM

Sharon K. Johnson has ended her two-year term in office as the Chair of the Miami-Dade County Commission for Women. The primary purpose of the commission is to advocate for women’s Sharon Johnson rights and needs in the community.

As chairwoman, Johnson oversaw meetings and operations that corresponded with the commission. She served as the second Black American chairwoman and the first Haitian American chairwoman on the Miami-Dade County Commission for Women.

Johnson is also the founder and president of the non-profit organization Pumps, Pearls, and Portfolios, which helps low-income women and their families.

ANN MARIE SORRELL ELECTED FIRST BLACK WOMAN TO PALM BEACH SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT

By a landslide, Ann Marie Sorrell was elected the first Black woman to the Palm Beach Soil and Water Conservation District, Seat 2.

“There are so many residents who are unfamiliar or unaware of our wetlands, how our water system works, and the economic impact that farming and agriculture has in our county and our state,” said Sorrell. “With that in mind, I will bring a fresh and diverse voice, new leadership, and the ability to communicate the importance of sustainability and conservation matters to all constituents in Palm Beach County.”

Sorrell is the founder, president and CEO of The Mosaic Group, an award-winning advertising, public relations, marketing, and government relations firm. She has served as an Ann Marie Sorrell adjunct professor at Palm Beach State College for 5 years teaching Introduction to Business, Entrepreneurship, and Human Relations.

Sorrell also recently founded Cannabiziac for the purpose of creating an inclusive global cannabis ecosystem that provides education and training, business and financial resources, networking opportunities, advocacy, and a community for cannabis companies.

HOLY CROSS HEALTH HIRES STONISH PIERCE AS COO

Holy Cross Health has named Stonish Pierce, FACHE as Chief Operating Officer.

Pierce is a boardcertified healthcare executive with diverse clinical and leadership experiences in acute and ambulatory operations spanning Stonish Pierce from not-for-profit, public, private, government, academic/teaching and faith-based hospitals to integrated delivery systems and for-profit physical therapy sectors.

Prior to joining Holy Cross Health, Pierce was System Vice President, Specialty Services for Beaumont Health, Michigan’s largest health system based on inpatient admissions and net patient revenue.

n

DID YOU RECENTLY GET A PROMOTION? ARE YOU A NEW HIRE AT A SOUTH FLORIDA COMPANY? DOES YOUR FIRM HAVE A MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT TO MAKE? Let us know by sharing your good news in Legacy Briefs.

Send a press release and your professional headshot to rm@miamediagrp.com.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2021

AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY M•I•A MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO THE SUN SENTINEL

At Broward Health, Your Heart’s Health is Our Passion.

We care for your heart so you can follow your passions. Our team of cardiovascular specialists is dedicated to improving your heart health through advanced clinical, surgical and rehabilitative care. We proudly offer highly specialized services, including the transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), WATCHMAN procedure and Mitral Clip.

Celebrate American Heart Month by loving your heart!

Register for FREE online cardiac lectures at BrowardHealth.org/Heart.

BrowardHealth.org • Follow us:

23BB

24BB

AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY M•I•A MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO THE SUN SENTINEL

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2021

The Florida Lottery proudly supports education by contributing over $37 billion to local

schools and awarding nearly 900,000 Bright Futures Scholarships. So Florida students can do more than just dream of a brighter future, they can create one.

Learn more at flalottery.com/education

©2020 Florida Lottery