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E 202LECT 0 I ION SS UE
South Florida 2020 ELECTION
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This election year could be the most important on all levels in over a century.
PERSPECTIVE
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Who should presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden select as his vice president? The answer may be right in Florida’s backyard.
VOTERS
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Could Black women voters hold the keys to the 2020 Election? South Florida women speak out.
TECHNOLOGY
24
In the wake of COVID-19, educators should prepare for even more online instruction.
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“AROUND THE COUNTRY, THE POLICE ARE LOSING THE COMMUNITY’S TRUST.
Here in Broward County, we’re working to change that.”
–Sheriff Gregory Tony
Sheriff Gregory Tony has taken on the
toughest challenges, cracking down on excessive force and working to rebuild trust with the community.
Cracked down on police brutality and fired deputies guilty of using excessive force Upgraded deputy training to deal with crises, including active shootings Invested in new tools, like real-time video monitoring, and bleed kits to make schools, churches, and other public places safer Appointed the most diverse command staff in the 105-year history of the office
PAID ELECTIONEERING COMMUNICATION PAID FOR BY BROWARD FIRST, 10850 WILES ROAD, CORAL SPRINGS, FL 33076
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EDITOR’S NOTE
sentenced, and executed all in the same day. So, yes, I’m disturbed. So disturbed 4 ON THE COVER that I have only glanced at the viral Artist Charly Palmer’s Historical image of Floyd lying helplessly on the Image Remains Relevant More Than Ever Today hard Minneapolis pavement with former By Christopher Norwood officer Derek Chauvin’s knee squarely pressed against his neck for nearly nine IMPORTANT 2020 ELECTION DATES minutes. 6 CANDIDATES FOR BROWARD COUNTY 1 minute. CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT 2 minutes. CANDIDATES FOR BROWARD COUNTY 3 minutes. SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS 4 minutes. 8 CANDIDATES FOR BROWARD COUNTY 5 minutes. STATE ATTORNEY CIRCUIT 17 George Floyd, an unarmed Black man 6 minutes. 10 CANDIDATES FOR STATE SENATE handcuffed and gasping for air in the 7 minutes. DISTRICT 33 custody of a white cop, could have been 8 minutes. CANDIDATES FOR STATE HOUSE me. That’s not a dramatic exaggeration. 46 seconds. OF REPRESENTATIVES DISTRICT 95 It’s a painful yet honest observation that, I am not ok with this, and neither 12 THE BAUGHTOM LINE sadly, no one who looks like me can deny. should anyone else with an ounce of By Germaine Smith-Baugh It’s no coincidence that Black compassion for human life. I sincerely POLITICS men — not to mention Black women want to thank all of my white friends By Christopher Norwood — continue to be the target of merciless who’ve messaged me about how white law enforcement officers who 14 BLACK WOMEN VOTERS MAY concerned they’ve been about the latest HOLD KEYS TO 2020 ELECTION display no regard for human life; African- unrest in our country. You’re right. This By Marcus Bright American life. madness must stop. It’s also no coincidence that But here’s how you can help make 16 CANDIDATES FOR BROWARD COUNTY SHERIFF white suspects — many detained for it stop. Take your private messages to unthinkable violent crimes — somehow me and your other Black friends and 17 POLITICAL POINT OF VIEW survive their arrest and live to see another articulate them publicly — whether it’s By Dr. Olivia Jackson day, which at least gives them the on social media or at Sunday dinner. MEDIATION/ARBITRATION opportunity to seek a fair trial. Let your family, friends, and By Stanley Zamor Floyd, on the other hand, was coworkers know, in your own words, 18 BUSINESS REPORT essentially arrested, charged, convicted, that the killing of Floyd was wrong and By Beatrice Louissaint
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that those who participated in it must be brought to justice. Stand up to that person in your close circle who you know is racist. Let them know you’re not on their team. Let them know you deplore their racist beliefs. Just know, your silence is deafening. In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies but the silence of our friends.” Now here’s how all of us can help: Go to the polls on Aug. 18 for the Primary Election and Nov. 3 for the General Election. This special Political issue of Legacy highlights a sample of the races you may see on the ballot. For some of the races, we’ve asked the candidates to respond to our questionnaire. Because of limited space, this is not a comprehensive list of all races and candidates. However, we hope it encourages you to vote for the candidates who, among other things, vow to change laws and policies to hold police officers accountable. Then George Floyd would not have died in vain.
Russell Motley Legacy Editor-in-Chief rm@miamediagrp.com n
URBAN LEAGUE OF PALM BEACH COUNTY
By Soulan Johnson
20 CANDIDATES FOR BROWARD
COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER CIRCUIT 17 21 FINANCE
By Kevin Cadette
CAREER LEADERSHIP & DEVELOPMENT
By Mary Davids
23 24
DISTRICT 18 CANDIDATES FOR U.S. CONGRESS DISTRICT 20 CANDIDATES FOR FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES DISTRICT 88 CANDIDATES FOR SHERIFF OF PALM BEACH COUNTY CANDIDATES FOR PALM BEACH COUNTY SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS CANDIDATES FOR PALM BEACH COUNTY COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 7 BROWARD HEALTH
22 CANDIDATES FOR U.S. CONGRESS
By Joy Oglesby
TECHNOLOGY
MEDIA GROUP LLC
By Kevin V. Michael
26 LEGACY BRIEFS
Subscribe to and view the digital version of Legacy Magazine and view additional articles at http://bitly.com/legacymagazines Facebook: Facebook.com/TheMIAMagazine • Twitter and Instagram: @TheMIAMagazine Russell Motley Editor-in-Chief
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CREDO OF THE BLACK PRESS
“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.”
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ON THE COVER
Artist Charly Palmer’s Historical Image Remains Relevant More Than Ever Today BY CHRISTOPHER NORWOOD
In 1968, two Memphis sanitation workers, Echol Cole and Robert Walker, were crushed to death because of a garbage truck malfunction. Eleven days later, 1,300 black men from the Memphis Department of Public Works went on strike. They were led by garbagecollector-turned-union-organizer T.O. Jones, who demanded recognition of their union, better safety standards, and a decent wage. Their motto, “I Am A Man,” was used on posters to make a visual declaration of their civil rights and assert their manhood. The “I Am a Man” placard was more than just a lasting statement of truth. It’s a response to one of the greatest historical hypocrisies of American democracy: the deliberate and knowing exclusion of Black people from the full rights of
“I Am A Man, Brave”
American citizenship at our nation’s founding. For far too many years,
the use of the term “boy” was a racist insult, and “I Am A Man” was a direct response. Charly Palmer’s artwork “I Am A Man, Brave” steps back into that past and reminds Black men to claim their humanity. The painting shows a boy, who represents the future, leading the march of several men holding “I Am A Man” signs. Palmer’s style of art documents the journey of African Americans in the context of historical events, such as the civil rights movement. Palmer expresses his respect and love for history by chronicling part of American history and current social and political issues. He has a unique
style and technique where issues of civil rights, social justice and empowerment permeate his work. As we navigate the world in the aftermath of the George Floyd protests, Palmer’s artwork is needed. As he puts it: “This is a problem around the world. People are suffering from persecution, racism, economic inequality, and mis-education. The fragmented pieces or perhaps fractured images go beyond simply the people.” Note: Grammy award-winning crooner John Legend commissioned Palmer to paint the album cover artwork for his latest release entitled “Bigger Love.” For more information about Palmer’s original artwork and prints, go to www. CharlyPalmer.com. n
IMPORTANT 2020 ELECTION DATES BROWARD COUNTY
PRIMARY ELECTION: AUG. 18, 2020 LAST DAY TO REGISTER: JULY 20 EARLY VOTING: AUG. 8 – AUG. 16 GENERAL ELECTION: NOV. 3, 2020 LAST DAY TO REGISTER: OCT. 5 EARLY VOTING: TBA BrowardSOE.org
PALM BEACH COUNTY
PRIMARY ELECTION: AUG. 18, 2020 LAST DAY TO REGISTER: JULY 20 EARLY VOTING: AUG. 3 – AUG. 16 GENERAL ELECTION: NOV. 3, 2020 LAST DAY TO REGISTER: OCT. 5 EARLY VOTING : OCT. 19 – NOV. 1 PBCElections.org ALL VOTE-BY-MAIL BALLOTS MUST BE RECEIVED (NOT POSTMARKED) BY THE SUPERVISOR OF ELECTION’S OFFICE NO LATER THAN 7 P.M. ON ELECTION DAY.
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BRIAN C. JOHNSON VICE MAYOR - CITY OF WEST PARK
In these uncertain times, it is more important than ever before that people in our community help each other; and the leaders in our community focus on creating essential supports to assist the people in our communities to get through this crisis together. Over the past 2 months, Vice Mayor Brian C. Johnson has been focusing on specific needs in our community and partnering with allies throughout the County to help address them. Vice Mayor Johnson converted his campaign team into a community outreach movement that has been making phone calls to seniors -- to check in on them and see if that they have any concerns that we might be able to assist them with. As of this writing, we have reached out to more than1,000 of a list of 4,500 seniors in our community. To address the needs of the seniors who requested assistance, Vice Mayor Johnson is partnering with the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Broward, the United Way of Broward County, 211 Broward and his own organization Minority Builders Coalition, Inc. to provide the food, health services, and home repairs that have been requested. Vice Mayor Johnson, along with his colleague CBCI Executive Director Mikelange Olbel, has also been addressing the needs of children and families who come to one of his organizations, Community Based Connections, Inc. with issues related to child abuse, neglect, academic underperformance and other difficult circumstances. Now, with the added stress of this crisis, daily living has become an even greater challenge and we want to help. To help the 300 children and families who expressed needs for emergency support, Vice
Mayor Johnson launched the CBCI Child/Family Resiliency Fund to solicit public support for our efforts to provide emergency supplies needed to help them through this crisis. In partnership with the Community Foundation of Broward County, the Jim Moran Foundation, Children Services Council of Broward, United Way of Broward, ChildNet of Broward, the Ft. Lauderdale Chapter of the Links, Inc. and through the generous contributions of everyday citizens, Vice Mayor Johnson and Community Based Connections have raised more than $65,000 to give the first 260 priority families identified with financial support of up to $250 towards food, rent/ utilities, childcare, transportation and/or other prioritized needs they presented. Finally, Vice Mayor Johnson has been working intently to help the small, minority and women owned businesses (S/ MWBEs) who are being devastated by this healthcare related economic crisis. With Representatives from Broward County Black Chamber of Commerce, Haitian American Chamber of Commerce, Lauderhill Chamber of Commerce, and his organization the Minority Builders Coalition, Inc., Vice Mayor Johnson and his colleagues have united to develop resources S/MWBEs need to get them through this difficult time. Vice Mayor Johnson often says that, “no matter what the problem, the solution must start with our unity�. He believes that our community will survive this current crisis and we will bounce back after it. He further believes that we must survive and bounce back together. He continues to be actively working to do his part to make sure we are working together for our collective well being.
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2020 ELECTION CANDIDATES BROWARD COUNTY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT CANDIDATES
PAUL L. BACKMAN (DEM)
BRENDA D. FORMAN (DEM)
HOWARD C. FORMAN (DEM)
CHRISTOPHER C. HUGLEY (DEM)
ANTHONY L. ROBBINS (IND)
BROWARD COUNTY SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS CANDIDATES Q: How will you work to ensure that every vote is counted?
RUTH CARTER-LYNCH (DEM)
TIMOTHY LONERGAN (DEM) I am confident Broward County can provide a voting process managed with integrity, honesty, and transparency under my leadership. A strategic workflow process and properly trained staff can ensure every vote is counted. As a 30+-year corporate administrative veteran including 15 years of Human Resources experience plus Six Sigma Certification, I bring a wealth of leadership experience and proven success in managing people, processes and procedures, which makes me an excellent candidate for this position.
CATHERINE SEEI MCBREEN (REP )
MITCHELL “MITCH” CEASAR (DEM)
DID NOT RESPOND BY PRESS TIME
CHAD KILTZMAN (DEM)
Extensive public service and business operations and managerial experience allows me to enhance policies, procedures and process instructions helping to restore the public trust and confidence in the office. Vote-by-mail and ballot drop-off locations will be expanded. The highest level of system security will be maintained and all machines dispatched and operational. A post-audit process will be established, which exceeds current requirements. Transparency with the public will be assured throughout the entire process.
Uniformity in process. Having clearly established procedures and manuals in place for a process as fundamental as the counting of votes will enable us to maintain quality controls and will give the public a means by which the office can be held accountable. I also intend to stream canvassing board meetings so that the public can be assured that every vote is being counted fairly and accurately.
My past expertise in auditing operational procedures at financial institutions and reviewing data to ensure that systems and processes are working efficiently and are in compliance makes me the most qualified candidate for SOE. This position is not about politics but about having the ability to make sure every vote counts and is counted. No more embarrassing moments for Broward voters. I will review every process and procedure to protect all voters.
BAMON JOEVAHN SCOTT (DEM)
Every election, we hear about technology failures and hackers threatening our system. Broward needs a SOE with technology and leadership experience, to put the right systems in place. Joe is a West Point Graduate who studied Computer Science and Cyber Security. He works for a Global 500 technology company where he consults state and local government agencies as they integrate new systems to improve cyber security, efficiency and sustainability. Visit ElectJoeScott.com to learn more.
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BROWARD COUNTY STATE ATTORNEY CIRCUIT 17 CANDIDATES
Q: In this era of heightened racial issues, how do you see your position helping to address serious concerns that continue to plague the Black community?
DAVID CANNADY (DEM)
TERESA FANNING-WILLIAMS (DEM)
History shows evidence of systematic racial discrimination which plagues the black community. There is injustice in the criminal justice system. When I take office, I will carefully examine which cases are prosecuted. As the chief law enforcement officer, I maintain a level of oversight over all law enforcement agencies. I will review all agency body camera programs, insist on implicit bias training, and review excessive use of force documents.
DID NOT RESPOND BY PRESS TIME
JOE KIMOK (DEM)
JAMES “JIMMY” STEWART LEWIS (DEM)
JUSTIN MCCORMACK (DEM)
The criminal legal system is not accidentally racist — it was designed that way. From slavery to lynchings to Jim Crow to the war on drugs, the system was created for the oppression of black people. As state attorney, I’ll eliminate cash bail, end the war on drugs, end stop-and-frisk, and finally prosecute police brutality. Together, we can dismantle mass incarceration and enact a 21st century justice system that keeps ALL our communities safe.
The new state attorney must make bold changes to eliminate racial injustice in Broward Courts. This would include the state attorney hiring a compliance attorney to monitor racial statics having to do with case filing decisions, plea negotiations, and final outcomes of criminal cases. I would also inform the Broward police chiefs and the sheriff that complaints of police brutality will no longer be swept under the rug. I will prosecute these cases aggressively.
I am an assistant state attorney and I prosecute police brutality. As state attorney, I will make holding police accountable a top priority. When police break the law, they break the trust of the community. To repair that trust and prevent similar unlawful activity, prosecutors must hold those officers accountable. I will continue to work toward preventing and addressing police brutality, and I will bring charges against those in authority whenever justice demands it.
SARAHNELL MURPHY (DEM)
HAROLD FERNANDEZ PRYOR (DEM)
GREGG ROSSMAN (REP) Unopposed
Let’s make meaningful change together as a community. I am a mother of two little girls. No parent should have to tell a child to be afraid of those charged with protecting us all. Transparency and accessibility will help to rebuild the public trust. Juvenile justice reforms are critical. I have served our community as an assistant state attorney for 24 years. I have the experience and compassion our community needs.
Broward is an increasingly diverse community, and the criminal justice system has always had a disproportionate impact on our communities. I understand the criminal justice system from the perspective of not only a lawyer, but as a Black man. We will change the system by ending racial sentencing disparities; ending mass incarceration of people of color; and eradicating the school-to-prison pipeline. To meet these challenges, I have built a coalition that looks like our community.
I will listen. As a homicide prosecutor I learned that victim’s next of kin didn’t differentiate offenders by race. They mourned their loss and looked to the criminal justice system, through me, the prosecutor — to seek justice for their loved ones. I witnessed the grace of such families too often and learned to listen to them. I will ensure the system recognizes the humanity of everyone — victims, witnesses and defendants.
JOSHUA RYDELL (DEM)
DID NOT RESPOND BY PRESS TIME
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STATE SENATOR DISTRICT 33
TERRY ANN WILLIAMS EDDEN (DEM)
STEVEN MEZA (DEM)
STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES DISTRICT 94
SHELTON POOLER (DEM)
PERRY THURSTON (DEM) INCUMBENT
STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES DISTRICT 95
BOBBY B. DUBOSE (DEM) *INCUMBENT
ANIKA TENE OMPHROY (DEM) *INCUMBENT
ELIJAH MANLEY (DEM)
JASMEN ROGERS-SHAW (DEM)
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THE BAUGHTOM LINE
2020 Election Year May Be Most Important in Over a Century
BY GERMAINE SMITH-BAUGH
COVID-19 has eclipsed our thoughts over the past several months. Our hearts and minds are on the health and financial well-being of our families and friends. But we mustn’t forget the most important role that we will have this year to change our circumstances — our role as an active and informed voter.
As we wage an unpredictable war against an invisible enemy, we continue a battle against voter apathy and fear. Both are reasons people stay home, but this year fear or apathy could lead to low voter turnout on an unprecedented scale. Those who do not care and those who fear for their health and safety will not visit the polls, which could suppress the will and voice of the American people. This is the moment we are called to fight against those emotions. The 2020 election year may be the most important in over a century. I do not say this lightly. As part of our civic engagement efforts, the Urban League’s staff, volunteers, and Young Professionals Network have participated in events and conversations with local, state, and national partners around increasing voter engagement and turnout. Our work is centered around the knowledge that Black
people are a powerful voting bloc. Our communities can change the outcomes of any election when we participate. Black Americans played a pivotal role in the 2008 and 2012 presidential elections, yet Black voter turnout declined in the 2016 elections. Black voter turnout was not only lower in key swing states like Florida, but at 59.6 percent, the 2016 elections marked the lowest Black voter turnout rate since 2000. Like any election year, 2020 is our opportunity to impact our community. We will vote on local, state and national representation, including the president of the United States. While we are not in every single decision room, we must ensure that we elect officials who care about minority small businesses, the education of our children, the resiliency of our economy, criminal justice reform, affordable housing options, and access
to affordable healthcare. COVID-19 has shown us that all these issues are intertwined and impactful strategies are required. Your next opportunities to make your voice heard are the primary election on August 18, 2020 and the general election on November 3, 2020. Here’s what you can do now: Check your voter status, update your registration, request a vote-by mail ballot, and learn about the candidates and the issues that will be on the ballot. If you are not yet registered, need to update your registration, or request a vote-by-mail-ballot, it is easy to do so online. With social distancing rapidly becoming the new normal, mail-in ballots may be the best way to protect our health and safety while also protecting our Democracy. n
POLITICS
Biden Should Choose Rep. Demings as Vice Presidential Candidate
BY CHRISTOPHER M. NORWOOD, J.D.
“Enter the Dragon” is the greatest martial arts film ever made and the first film to combine martial arts action (Bruce Lee) with the emerging “so-called” Blaxploitation genre (Jim Kelly). That’s the genius of its success, the coalition of culture. The same holds true in American politics.
Today, we are at a critical juncture in presidential electoral politics. Presidential nominees’ first real decision in the spotlight is the selection of a running mate. But in my opinion, one stands out from the rest and. Valdez Venita Demings of Florida. She has everything former Vice President Joe Biden needs in a running mate and can help get him elected in ways that others simply can’t. Every four years potential Democratic presidential candidates make their proverbial visits to the Hamburg Inn No. 2 (restaurant) in Iowa City, Iowa and Red Arrow Diner in Manchester, New Hampshire to grab some fried French toast and pie shakes. All the while, I’m thinking why is the success of campaigns determined by their performance in these early states where demographically they look nothing like the rest of America or the Democratic Party? Not to mention, why would you eat fried French toast
or pie shakes. So, when Biden lost in these states, I didn’t think much of it. South Carolina was the “safety valve” where the “other America” would emerge/ AfricanAmerican voters comprise up to 60 percent of South Carolina’s Democratic electorate. Biden made his move. He declared he would name an AfricanAmerican woman to the U.S. Supreme Court. It didn’t resonate with most of America, but I saw clearly his political skill resurfacing from his old Senate days. It was a landslide for him in South Carolina and Super Tuesday. Biden re-affirmed his declaration to appoint an African-American woman to the U.S. Supreme Court on March 15 at the CNN debate, but audiences understandably seized on his new declaration to choose a woman as his vice president. So back to Demings. Three states matter in 2020 that Trump barely won in 2016: Florida, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, totaling 55 electoral
votes. Trump won Florida by 1.2 percent, where African-Americans make up 13 percent of the vote. Trump won Michigan by 0.3 percent in a state where 13 percent of the voters are AfricanAmerican. Pennsylvania by 0.7 percent, where 11 percent of the voters are African American. African-Americans tip the scale in all of these races for Democrats, especially when nine out of 10 vote Democrat. Biden’s vice presidential selection is easy to me. All roads lead to Congresswoman Val Demings of Central Florida — the swing region of a swing state, the former police chief of Orlando who is married to the mayor of Orange County. She has the authority to arrest any Black man seen not voting on election day (I wish). But seriously, her credentials as an impeachment manager in President Trump’s impeachment trial just seals it for me. n
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BLACK WOMEN VOTERS MAY HOLD KEYS TO 2020 ELECTION
BY MARCUS BRIGHT
African Americans are reminded every day about the importance of the upcoming 2020 elections as protests continue to erupt across the country demanding justice and a more equitable nation. One of the most pivotal and deciding voting blocs will undoubtedly be Black women. Their potential reach is also very potent as they are often not alone at the polls. “Black women also bring their families along when they are voting,” said Jasmen Rogers-Shaw, a political strategist and candidate for Florida State House District 95. “They are voting for the interests of hundreds of people.” Criminal justice and policing reform, affordable healthcare, racism, and equal rights — they’re all at the top of the list of issues facing AfricanAmerican women voters, according to the “Power of the Sister Vote” survey published by Essence magazine. Experts say this demographic could be a secret weapon at the polls. “One way to address current challenges is to vote,” said Dr. Valerie Patterson, a public administration professor at Florida International University. “You want to vote for the candidate, but you also want to send a message about the importance of inclusion and the importance of representation. I vote in the spirit of Fannie Lou Hamer and Shirley Chisholm.” The level at which Black women will turnout is still very much in question. Dr. Olivia Jackson, a political science professor at Florida Memorial University, points to the decline in the voter turnout among Black women between the 2012 and 2016 Presidential elections as a big game changer in those tight races. The turnout for Black women dropped from 70.7 percent in 2012 to 64.1 percent while the turnout for White women stayed about the same from 65.6 percent in 2012 to 66.8 percent in 2016.
Generations of Black women voters Generational differences are a factor in the motivation of why Black women will vote. Different generations have dealt with varying sets of challenges. Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security are more pressing for older voters. Meanwhile, younger generations are facing burdens that older generations didn’t face at nearly the same level. For example, student loan debt. Younger college-educated Black women are faced with an enormous amount of student
loan debt. They’re potentially faced with a lifelong financially-crippling economic albatross if student-loan debt cancellation is not voted a legislative reality. Unfortunately, this is one of the primary reasons why some highly-educated Black
women from younger generations are in a worse financial position than their grandmothers were under the oppressive Jim Crow laws. According to the 2017 study “Women, Race, and Wealth,” Black women show negative median wealth at different ages regardless of marital status. Single black women in their 20s without a degree have zero wealth. The study also showed that the typical single black women with a college degree is $11,000 in debt. Married, college-educated black women in their 30s are $20,000 in debt. Millennial Ann Marie Sorrell, president and CEO of the Mosaic Group, thinks there are not only generational differences, but differences based on people’s backgrounds and upbringings. “Some issues are going to speak to some of us more than other, she said. “For example, I am an immigrant that spent most of my life growing up in the small town of Pahokee, so I look at things through a different window than others.” Patterson, a member of the Baby Boomer generation, remembers learning freedom songs from the Civil Rights Movement as a student in a segregated school where voting was stressed. “The idea that we are shaped by the major historical events of our respective generations applies,” Patterson recalled. Florida State Rep. Anika Omphroy, D-Lauderdale Lakes, is a Xennial (born between 1977-1983). She believes the primary
concerns among three generations of Black women in her family are the same. “We work at it differently, but it motivates us the same to vote and be actively involved in our community,” Omphroy said. Anna Stewart, a senior at FIU, is a member of the Black Student Union on campus and has been encouraging her fellow students to vote in the upcoming election. She believes her generation prioritizes healthcare, among other issues. “I think Black women voters are looking to be seen entirely by our elected candidate,” Stewart said. “Not only as Black individuals. Not only as women. We are looking to be seen as Black women.” There are several different factors at play. One is whether presumptive Democratic Presidential nominee Joe Biden will choose a Black woman as his vice presidential running mate. Sorrell said that would be a game changer, especially with the current climate of Black Lives Matter at the forefront. “There are a lot of deep-rooted issues in our communities like gaps in wealth, homeownership, education, and health that a strong Black woman vice-presidential candidate would be able to bring to the forefront,” Sorrell said.
Black woman as next U.S. vice president? Patterson suggests that a Black woman vice-presidential candidate would galvanize people similar to the excitement and enthusiasm around Barack Obama’s presidency. So would a significant number of Black women stay home if Biden decides to select someone other than who he promised? “Do Black women want to see a Black woman on the ticket? Yes, but will they stay home if it is not a Black woman? I don’t think so,” Jackson said. Still, there is no doubt that the selection of a Black woman as the vice presidential nominee would create an enormous momentum and galvanize a large portion of the Democratic party’s base. It is clear, however, that Black women want much more than just a Black female figure in high political office. They want more than symbolism. They want substantive policy advancements that will create a better
way of life. “We must stop looking at personalities and start looking at people’s policies,” Omphroy said. Sybrina Fulton, a candidate for MiamiDade County Commission District 1, suggests that policing and gun reform legislation are among the issues that will motivate Black women to participate in the electoral process. “Black women will influence this year’s election cycle, not only locally but nationally as well,” Fulton said. “With the current climate of the country, local level voting will be instrumental as it relates to police and gun reform legislation.”
Black and white women voters There is a clear delineation between the voting patterns of Black women and white women. Dr. Marcia Parker, a recent doctoral graduate from the College of Education at Loyola Marymount University, hypothesized that the economic factor was the main one that separated the perspective of Black women and many white women. Parker wrote: “Much of the differences in interpretations of the movement (feminist) were due to economic conditions facing Black families that were different from those facing white families.” Most of the racial wealth gaps that exist are a result of the lack of intergenerational wealth transfers available for Black families. That’s based on an array of reasons ranging from Federal Housing Administration policy, slavery, Jim Crow laws, employment discrimination, and denial of access to capital, to name a few. Ultimately, the priorities of Black women are the priorities of the nation. “There are so many things that are pressing down on Black people that should be in the top of everyone’s priority list,” Rogers-Shaw said. “Everyone should be centering Black women in their policy conversations. If we can address these concerns, we can drastically improve conditions for our country, state, and everyone.” With so much at stake, there is a level of intensity entering the 2020 election. People need a tangible change to their day to day life, not just flowery rhetoric. Voting is just the first step, but it is a very pivotal and essential step for substantial and sustained change to occur. “We have to have a multi-layered plan,” Sorrell said. “There is a place for everyone.” Marcus Bright, Ph.D., is a scholar and educational administrator. n
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2020
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BROWARD COUNTY SHERIFF CANDIDATES
Q: As sheriff, how will you address public concern about excessive and unnecessary force used against the Black population?
H. WAYNE CLARK (REP)
JOSEPH M. GOLDNER (REP)
RAYMOND L. HICKS (REP)
SCOTT J. ISRAEL (DEM)
WILLIE JONES (DEM)
I believe this is a culture issue much more than a training issue, so I intend on addressing it from that perspective. We have to change the culture to one that officers believe in service, sacrifice and humility. Pick the right people, train them and address the culture issues with the agency.
I would have my deputies retrained in probable cause and proper arrest technique. I will also work in the communities with programs to improve relations in the community such as outreach programs and education. I would also bring in Chuck Norris and his farm program, plus other big names who love both the police and the community.
Excessive use of force will not be tolerated if I’m elected as Broward County sheriff. It’s a direct violation of the Fourth Amendment and title code USC 1983. The strategies I would implement to reduce police use of force within my department is to utilize deescalation tactics, verbalization, creating distance, time, space and tactical repositioning. Officers are legally justified to utilize force in situations to bring suspects to justice, protect others, and for personal defense.
When I became sheriff, it was my top priority to build a culture of trust, transparency, cooperation and communication. First, I expanded crisis intervention training, which included de-escalation techniques for all deputies. Next, I brought body cameras to BSO, which were essential in providing transparency for all deputy interactions. Simultaneously, we held community meetings that allowed for real time communications with the public. Moving forward, I believe civilian oversight of questionable deputy actions is necessary.
As sheriff, I will enforce and maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards the use of excessive force. Immediately upon assuming office, my priority will be to change the culture of the organization by reviewing and revising all use of force policies. I will also implement a vigorous training program that will emphasize the use of minimum reasonable force necessary for an incident. I will also strongly advocate for the formation of an independent police oversight committee.
AL POLLOCK (DEM)
ANDREW MAURICE SMALLING (DEM)
EUGENE H. STEELE (REP)
GREGORY TONY (DEM)
SANTIAGO C. VAZQUEZ JR. (DEM)
CHARLES E. WHATLEY (NPA)
Accountability and culture change are key to addressing excessive force. Under my leadership, BSO has the most diverse command staff in the agency’s history, has increased minority recruitment, reformed the system of discipline, launched a use of force review board, improved the early warning system to track and address use of excessive force and dedicated $1 million for Racial Equity and Implicit Bias training for BSO and all law enforcement officers in Broward County.
To protect black communities from excessive police violence, I propose forming Community Awareness Response Team (CART), a non-police task force that visits questionable interactions involving police. CART will be made up of local representatives from third-party organizations including members of the community and civil rights advocate groups like the ACLU. CART can be summoned onscene by officers or members of the public and will also play a role in overseeing disciplinary actions after the incident.
Other candidates will state more training, accountability and oversite. These things are important, but what leaders fail to state is that cops deal with violence on a daily basis. Over time, this has an effect on cops being desensitized, lacking in compassion. I will require mandatory mental health treatment for all employees on a continuous basis in hope of maintaining an atmosphere of compassion in the minds and hearts of all employees, plus more training.
• Cultural sensitivity and diversity • Intervention by fellow officers to stop the use of excessive force • Decision making under highly charged conditions • Verbal control and communication, including conflict resolution • Provide patrol de-escalation and defusing techniques • Provide anger management programs that use self-assessment and self-management techniques • New screening methods to evaluate candidates to examine such areas as a candidate’s decision making and problem-solving abilities and quality of interaction with others.
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DID NOT RESPOND BY PRESS TIME
CASIMIRO NAVARRO (REP)
DID NOT RESPOND BY PRESS TIME
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2020
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POLITICAL POINT OF VIEW
Trump Administration’s ‘Weaponization’ of COVID-19
BY DR. OLIVIA A. JACKSON
By now we all have had to quickly adjust to the challenges resulting from COVID-19, a viral pandemic that has brought about health and economic crises of grave proportions, particularly impacting our elderly and Black and Brown lives. While doing so, unfortunately, President Donald Trump has managed to turn this viral threat into
a weapon of opportunity to push forth broader political agendas while dividing the nation along partisan lines. Take President Trump’s race-baiting rhetoric from the outset in January, referring to the virus as the “China Virus,” leading some of his supporters to viciously seek out and target people who appeared of Asian descent. Instead of focusing on preparedness, such senseless rhetoric simply reflects his ability to spur divisiveness. Remember, this is the same president who declared in early February that because only 15 reported cases of infections had been reported at that time, this virus was akin to just another flu-like virus. By late February he continued to minimize the impact of this virus, predicting that by April the number of cases would be near “zero” and would “miraculously” go away. Unfortunately, as the number of cases continued to climb, the obvious blowback from his delayed response began to emerge: the country was not prepared to deal with the exponential rise in cases and deaths, although the Obama administration actually provided the
Trump administration with a Pandemic game plan for addressing pandemics. So, Mr. Trump, you are wrong when you say Obama left you with “…empty shelves, empty cupboards” to address pandemics. Nevertheless, after two months of dismissing this virus, he eventually acquiesced to the public health officials’ insistence to issue a national stay-athome directive, despite several brave state and local leaders taking matters into their own hands by declaring “shelter-in” policies for their own residents. Let’s get real. Our president’s delay to issue this directive and now his rush to “re-open America” is driven by one motive—an opportunity to win a second term in office. From the outset he weaponized this pandemic to gin up his base by blaming this virus on the “liberal media,” “the radical left,” and of course, Obama. Given the subsequent economic decline, Trump immediately began to weaponize this same virus to push forward an economic stabilization policy in an effort of ensuring re-election with the hopes of people forgetting his failed response to
this pandemic. Unfortunately, because of our president’s petulant behavior and lack of leadership, the rise in infections, deaths, and economic fallout that could have been avoided actually occurred. By May 29, the number of reported infections skyrocketed from 15 in midFebruary to over 1.7 million, and 101,635 reported deaths. Indeed, reviving the economy and getting folks back to work is crucial for a nation to thrive, but as health experts insist, doing so without carefully balancing public health policy could lead to greater spikes in infections and deaths. So I implore you to remember that as we approach the November 2020 election, let this pandemic—and how it has exposed the failed leadership of our president—serve as a reminder to vote as if your life depends on it…because it does. Dr. Olivia A. Jackson is associate professor of Law and Government at Florida Memorial University. n
MEDIATION/ARBITRATION
The Basics of Online Negotiation/Mediation: Creating Value Through COVID-19 Good. Well mediation is a process and technology allows for more flexibility… I am a third party impartial neutral without the authority to impose a decision/ solution… All of the rules of confidentiality apply, and all named parties are present correct? … Now, there may come a time where I may need to meet with the parties and their attorneys privately, or the attorneys privately, or even in rare circumstances just both parties together… You are encouraged and empowered to create your own solution that best satisfies your needs today and craft a Mutual Acceptable Agreement… Are there any questions? Let’s begin.”
BY STANLEY ZAMOR
(Editor’s Note: The following is Part 2 of a three-part series) “Thank you for allowing me to be your mediator. If you can clearly see/ hear me, please give the thumbs up signal… Thank you. You are all not muted and I will do my best to make this feel comfortable and familiar. Thumbs up if you have participated in mediation and/ or negotiations using an online platform.
Creating Mutual Gains and Value Recently, I facilitated an online mediation where both attorneys expressed a frustration with the case and how the matter was being litigated during COVID-19. Everything was an issue, from document production requests/responses, to communicating with multiple revolving attorneys on the case. Nothing was consistent. The above are excerpts from my Mediator’s Orientation Statement (opening
statement) where I addressed the attorneys’ frustrations. It worked! During the process, I used the online platform functions to meet separately during various times with the attorneys alone and with their clients. I was able to create trust in the process between the attorneys/parties and build perspectives that led to shared mutual goals and a willingness to create a mutually satisfied agreement. Not enough value is placed on the opening statement (and using an online platform makes it more difficult). Depending on the case and participant specifics, negotiators need to be flexible in their approaches and be prepared to reserve the “harsh-tactics” for face-to-face interactions or court. So, as you negotiate through online platforms think about the following: 1. What do you want out of the process and how will you approach it differently than the usual face-to-face interactions? 2. How have you responded to conflict or the adverse opinions/positions of the other side?
3. How will you participate differently when online?
4. Prepare a brief and concise opening statement that also captures your expectation with online negotiation, and your limitations. 5. Be honest about what you want and where you are willing to go. Save ego for court. Stanley Zamor is a Florida Supreme Court certified circuit/family/county mediator and primary trainer and qualified arbitrator. 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 about a variety of topics from ethics, cross-cultural issues, diversity, bullying, and family/business relationships. szamor@effectivemediationconsultants. com; www.effectivemediationconsultants. com; www.LinkedIn.com/in/ stanleyzamoradr (954) 261-8600 n
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BUSINESS REPORT
Black-Owned Businesses Need Extra Help to Recover
BY BEATRICE LOUISSAINT Since the COVID-19 pandemic began affecting the U.S. economy, the number of working black business owners in this country has fallen by more than 40 percent, according to the Washington Post. That is around 450,000 active black business owners who have either permanently shut down their companies or are currently not conducting business. Other minority groups have also seen drops: working Hispanic business
owners fell by 32 percent; working Asian business owners fell by around 25 percent and working immigrant business owners fell by 36 percent. African-Americans already have the lowest business-ownership rate of any U.S. racial group, which means fewer black families benefit from the long-term wealth that research shows is linked to owning a business. In addition, minorityowned companies can be a catalyst for economic growth throughout their communities – they consistently employ other minorities and make purchases from other community businesses. Falling numbers of black business owners mean there will be more families in precarious financial situations. Black-owned businesses are also less likely to recover from this pandemic disruption. A recent McKinsey & Company study shows that around 40 percent of black-owned companies’ revenues are in leisure, hospitality, transportation and retail. Only 25 percent of U.S. companies’ overall revenues are in these sectors, which are experiencing the worst effects of COVID-19
shutdowns and slowdowns. There are other reasons minorityowned businesses are more at risk of failing during this crisis. McKinsey found that, historically, those that continue operating during and after a recession are about 60 percent less likely than peer businesses to receive all of the financing they require. In addition, research shows that black business owners are less likely to seek advice from professionals. The Florida State Minority Supplier Development Council has initiated several new programs and expanded others to help minority-owned businesses through this crisis (fsmsdc.org/covid19). These include consulting and technical assistance to help businesses pivot to take advantage of opportunities related to COVID-19. We are also packaging loans for minority-owned businesses and helping them apply for grants. Minority-owned businesses can also sign up for video conference sessions with the FSMSDC team and free webinars. Our SBA 7(j) Management and Technical Assistance program gives minority-owned businesses access to
in-person and online training, one-on-one consulting, and meetings with federal agency representatives. Also, we launched a PPE Portal (fsmsdc.org/ppe) connecting Minority Business Enterprises that sell Personal Protective Equipment with corporations, health care organizations and individuals looking to purchase equipment. Our goal is to help as many companies as possible to not just survive but thrive during this crisis. Beatrice Louissaint is president and CEO of the Florida State Minority Supplier Development Council), one of 23 regional councils affiliated with the National Minority Supplier Development Council. The FSMSDC acts as a liaison between corporate America and government agencies and Minority Business Enterprises in Florida and operates U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency Business Centers serving southern and central Florida. Learn more about the FSMSDC’s programs and services at fsmsdc.org, or call (305) 762-6151. n
URBAN LEAGUE OF PALM BEACH COUNTY
Palm Beach County Schools Play Major Role in Supporting Families During Pandemic
BY SOULAN JOHNSON
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic spread across the world like a tornado, violently rotating a column of air that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground. Because wind is invisible, it is hard to see a tornado unless it forms a condensation funnel made up of water droplets, dust and debris. Likewise, COVID-19 is an invisible, deadly virus that can only be identified by people
exhibiting symptoms. The Trump Administration declared the Coronavirus a public health emergency on January 31. Schools across the country began closing as early as March 17. This move shifted the Palm Beach County School District into high gear preparing more than 194,292 students enrolled in 265 public schools for “Distance Learning.” With limited time to prepare, Superintendent Donald Fennoy, school board administrators, principals and teachers began creating lesson plans and distributing computers to as many students as possible. While keeping their children safe at home, some parents found “Distance Learning” overwhelming, particularly because not all students had been given a computer initially, or had access to computers or Internet at home. Eventually, the district made it work for all students. Schools provided healthy breakfast and lunches to thousands of low-income students who rely on these meals to get them through the day. With
massive lay-offs and lack of income, the school district has played a major role in supporting thousands of families during this pandemic. According to The Palm Beach Post, some students aren’t applying themselves as they would in the classroom. In some poorer communities, many students aren’t logging on at the same rate as wealthier children. None of this should be seen as a reflection on educators, nor parents who have struggled to make it work. Cyber-learning might be optimal for some students, but many others fare better academically, emotionally, and physically surrounded by their peers in a classroom with a teacher up front commanding their attention and orchestrating their efforts. Gov. Ron DeSantis said Florida parents will have the option of keeping their children in the same grade if they’re not ready to move on. Many parents are beginning to have those conversations, wondering how to
balance their children’s academic and social needs — how their sons and daughters might react if their friends move up but they don’t. COVID-19 will have a major impact for a long time because without a vaccine there is no resolution to this pandemic. It’s not just a disruption in education, but socially, mentally, physically and economically. This crisis has changed our way of living as we knew it. As a global community, we must work with the World Health Organization and scientists to find a vaccine. We must be on alert for future prevention, surveillance, and response capacities for viruses with pandemic potential because our children are the leaders of tomorrow and education is the key to unlock the door to a better and brighter future for all. Soulan Johnson is vice president of Development and Communications for the Urban League of Palm Beach County, Inc. n
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LUCIDO GLOBAL KELLER WILLIAMS PARTNERS REALTY
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let’s talk REAL ESTATE.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2020
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BROWARD COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER CIRCUIT 17 CANDIDATES Q: What key issue do you think needs to be reformed in order for a public defender to effectively represent the minority population he/she serves?
RUBY LENORA GREEN (DEM)
TOM LYNCH (DEM) Racial sensitivity training will impact the public defender role. Justice needs to be blind. Indigent people are automatically at a disadvantage. I’ve witnessed the system work against the poor, mentally ill, homeless and people of color for so long. Acts of violence against people of color continue to permeate this nation. I’ve seen people of color be run down, kneed, and shot in cold blood in their own homes because of inherent biases.
BRION ROSS (WRI)
People that can’t afford an attorney deserve great attorneys. Presently, many of the chief assistant public defenders and supervisors do not have a caseload and do not try cases. Public defenders are trial lawyers, and if I am successful in my campaign, all lawyers in the office will try cases, including myself. Equalized caseloads, and increased training will result in improved morale, all of which will benefit the clients.
GORDON WEEKES (DEM)
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I am running for public defender to ensure that Each Shall Stand Equal in the criminal justice system. I have worked as a voice of reason to counteract the criminalization of youthful misbehavior, people living with mental illness and those battling addiction. As public defender, I will ensure equality, fairness and justice. With your support, I will faithfully guide the Public Defender’s Office into the future with a steady hand.
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FINANCE
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Investment Diversity: We Are Leaving Money on The Table
BY KEVIN CADETTE
Even the wealthiest people in the Black community are leaving significant amounts of money on the table. Black Americans, as a group, continue to fall far behind our white counterparts on the measure of expanding our wealth and successfully transferring it to future generations. Amazingly, the biggest deterrence to our growth in this arena is
not a blatant barrier — rather, it is our collective lack of understanding and active use of the wealth creation tools that define capitalism. Angel Investing, for example, is one of several methods that can help us increase wealth across Black America. So what is Angel Investing? It is the act of investing money in early-stage businesses, in exchange for a share of the profits. Angel Investors typically invest in young companies that are not established enough to attract investments from venture capital firms and investors. Sometimes, they also lend their relationship and professional experience to the companies. Shark Tank is a good example of Angel Investing. Annually, Angel Investors provide more than $25 billion to 70,000 plus companies in the U.S. A Kauffman Foundation study showed that Angel Investor groups are generating roughly 2.6 times return on their investments in 3.5 years. Black investors amount to less than 1.5 percent of the Angel Investors in the U.S. Also, the absence
of Black Angels contributes to Blackled start-up companies receiving a negligible percentage of this financial and professional support. We are missing out on significant wealth creation opportunities by not being in the game. Black Angels Miami was launched in 2019 to solve this problem. BAM is an angel investment club with a core mission to increase angel investment knowledge and activity among the Black community. Our members get exposed to exciting companies that need investments and then we help them to make investment “magic” happen. BAM uses our broad and international network of relationships to identify attractive early-stage companies and high-quality sources of information. Our network includes fellow angel investment clubs, top-notch investment firms, incubators, accelerators, universities and commercialization programs. Through the power of BAM’s network, our members get better access to attractive companies seeking investments. Consider us an onramp for
Black investors seeking to get on the super highway that is Angel Investing. BAM believes diverse perspectives improve investment outcomes and strengthens capitalism as a whole. It is time to put more Black capital to work and to start closing the wealth gap. To learn more about Angel Investing, stay-tuned for our upcoming contributions to Legacy magazine that will continue to explain the what, how, and why of Angel Investing. Or check out #BlackAngelsU, a digital broadcast that introduces Angel Investing to a broader audience through interviews with top professional investors, business and thought leaders. Kevin Cadette is executive director of Black Angels Miami. Black Angels Miami: Changing the landscape of Angel Investing. Enabling investing for a higher reward. Website: www. blackangels.miami Twitter: @ blackangelsmia n
CAREER LEADERSHIP & DEVELOPMENT
Career Pivot: How to Make Your Next Big Move you’re thinking about changing your career, there are a few things you need to do before taking the leap.
Mary V. Davids, MS-HRM, career strategist
BY MARY V. DAVIDS
Are you not really feeling your current job or are you worried your current job is not feeling you? Selfemployed, but thinking of shifting gears into a new industry or going back into the workforce? Willfully or not, many people are taking a closer look at their career choices these days. If
1. Know what you don’t know. The best way to see what your chances are to get into a new industry or role is to find out what they need vs. what you have. You’ll need to compare the required skills to the skills you already possess. Knowing this can help you strategically prepare and possibly increase your knowledge base before applying for a new role or launching a new business. 2. What is working for you? I often tell my clients to use an “eat the meat and spit out the bone” method when struggling with big decisions. Consider what is really working for you such as your strengths, things you enjoy, or things you’ve always wanted to try, and discard the rest. It’s easy to point out what you don’t like, but if you don’t
take time to sort out the things you do like, you could find yourself in a different place facing the same problem from which you tried to get away. 3. Know your level of risk. Fear is the No. 1 reason many people end up spending their lives working in jobs they hate. While moving into something new is scary, it can also be an exciting new challenge. You’ll need to educate yourself on as much as you can about your next move to help increase your level of confidence and to see how far you’re willing to stretch yourself before making your next move. 4. Ditch the résumé; Go straight to the source. Don’t get too wrapped up in what to put on your résumé more than you are about being intentional, direct, and creative about getting the role you want. Because you are stepping into something you’ve never done, it will
require you to do something you’ve never done. Going the basic route of submitting your résumé online won’t work for pivoting. Try reaching out directly to a hiring manager, writing a letter, and mailing it directly instead of waiting for an applicant tracking system (not) to select your resume. LinkedIn is a great way to use your current network to help you connect with people you may not have access to directly. Tap into your online and offline network to see if they can aid you in reaching out to someone they know to make an introduction. 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
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U.S. CONGRESS DISTRICT 18
PAM KEITH (DEM)
BRIAN MAST (REP) Incumbent
K.W. MILLER (NPA)
OZ VAZQUEZ (DEM)
NICK VESSIO (REP)
U.S. CONGRESS DISTRICT 20
SHEILA CHERFILUSMCCORMICK (DEM)
VIC DEGRAMMONT (REP)
ALCEE HASTINGS (DEM) Incumbent
GREG MUSSELWHITE (REP)
FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES DISTRICT 88
OMARI HARDY (DEM)
AL JACQUET (DEM) *Incumbent
MATTHEW PETERS (GRE)
PHILLIPPE LOUIS “BOB” JEUNE (DEM
CEDRIC A. THOMAS (DEM)
DANIELLE MADSEN (REP)
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2020
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SHERIFF OF PALM BEACH COUNTY Q: As sheriff, how will you address public concern about excessive and ALEX D. FREEMAN
unnecessary force used against the Black population? LAURO E. DIAZ
It will be understood by all that no officer’s word can transcend a proper conduct review. The ability to distinguish between reasonable force and excessive force is a prerequisite for law enforcement service, and will be coached regularly. As Palm Beach County’s first AfricanAmerican sheriff, I will have the opportunity to bring together all communities, which comprise this diverse county, and I look forward to transforming the Sheriff’s Office Administration to reflect this diversity.
SAMUEL L. THOMPSON
Admitting to ourselves that prejudice (implicit or explicit) exists is the first step in the right direction. Providing training about bias, both implicit and explicit, on a regular basis as well as providing all officers with Body-Cams (audio/ video recordings), will assist in identifying those officers that need to be retrained or dismissed. All use of force policies as well as training will be reviewed. All officers will be held accountable.
RIC BRADSHAW
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PALM BEACH COUNTY SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS
Q: How will you work to ensure that every vote is counted? PAULETTE V. ARMSTEAD (DEM)
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PALM BEACH COUNTY COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 7
WENDY SARTORY LINK (DEM)
DID NOT RESPOND BY PRESS TIME
MACKENSON “MACK” BERNARD (DEM)
LEONARD SERRATORE (NPA) Declined to respond.
MICHELLE L. SYLVESTER (DEM) As SOE, I would ensure staffing levels and COVID-19 sanitation protocols are enhanced at early polling places and same-day voting to give voters confidence about voting in person. I would increase tabulation equipment to process the increases in vote-by-mail ballots already requested and anticipated increases of in-person voting, which is predicted. Staffing levels would be increased to process early and VBM prior to election day, and to handle election day processing.
CANESTE SUCCE (NPA)
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BROWARD HEALTH
Broward Health’s Nurse Connect Provides Vital Service for Community
Kedline Maxime, RN, helps guide patients with general health concerns as part of Broward Health’s free Nurse Connect service.
BY JOY OGLESBY
Most days, the calls come in nearly unending waves. Patients have concerns about symptoms they find troubling – ranging from minor to more urgent conditions. On the other end is a Broward Health registered nurse ready to make a swift and sound assessment and provide medical guidance. This is Broward Health’s free Nurse Connect service, which expanded in March to a 24/7 operation.
“When people call and are worried, I try to take the fear away,” said Shannon Heiss, RN, TCRN, lead nurse for Nurse Connect. “I take advantage of the time that I have on the phone with the patient to educate them.” Before the call is over, Heiss said, patients often share their appreciation. “They tell us all the time ‘you really made me feel better today.’” Nurses work in 12-hour shifts answering hundreds of health questions each day. Many of them have experience caring for patients in the fast-paced and unpredictable world of Emergency Departments. The core group of nurses receives invaluable support from Aldo Calvo, D.O., medical director of ambulatory care for Broward Health, and Gavin Malcolm, MSW, LCSW, population health director. The team is also supported by about 15 population health nurses who primarily care for patients in ambulatory settings. The nurses expertly “help manage patients’ anxiety, answer questions and triage,” Malcolm said. “It’s been awesome to see the population health nurses flourish in this expanded system.” Through Nurse Connect, patients can obtain guidance on whether to seek
immediate care. The registered nurses also share information about how to manage symptoms, help schedule appointments, connect patients with a primary care provider when needed, and educate about proper medication protocol. When Broward Health expanded its services to accommodate the needs associated with the pandemic, the Nurse Connect team morphed into an important conduit for patients who do not have doctors and suspect they have Coronavirus symptoms. “I’m particularly proud – but far from surprised – about how our nurses have delivered incredibly passionate care in these very challenging times,” Calvo said. Nurses also represent the community’s diversity, as some of the nurses are fluent in Spanish, French, Creole, and Portuguese. The healthcare system also has access to translation services for other languages. The team also makes hundreds of follow-up calls to patients, including sharing negative COVID-19 test results. The Nurse Connect program has been beneficial to the nurses, too. Additionally, it is a tremendous help
when patients share their complete medical history with the nurses, said Joe DiGiorgio, RN, who works overnight. Especially those patients who don’t have a primary care provider. “Number one, we can educate the patient when we have all the facts,” DiGiorgio said, “and number two, we can facilitate care on a diagnostic level assuming they meet criteria.” Broward Health has two mobile COVID-19 testing sites for the South Florida community. Patients can call Nurse Connect for an appointment and should have a written script from a physician. Nurse Connect steps in to fill the access-to-care gap for patients who don’t have a primary care provider. Patients are asked to bring a photo ID and the written COVID-19 testing prescription to the mobile testing sites in Lauderhill and Pompano Beach. To speak to a registered nurse at Nurse Connect, call (954) 320-5730. Nurses will not diagnose conditions, but are available to provide valuable information on a range of health-related topics. In an emergency, call 911. n
TECHNOLOGY
Educators Should Prepare for Even More Online Instruction
Kevin V. Michael, managing partner, Invizio
BY KEVIN V. MICHAEL
As we navigate our way through this pandemic, one of the many facets of life that has been upended has been our educational system. Almost overnight, students and teachers from Pre-K through higher education found themselves thrust into online learning environments in an attempt to maintain some semblance of normalcy and finish the school year.
Many school districts, administrators, and teachers were forced to quickly devise strategies to shift schools to virtual learning and oftentimes without the necessary planning or tools to overhaul the entire system of instruction and assessment. I will not even begin to comment on what the parents endured. As a technology consultant to private and charter K-12 schools, I have had an opportunity to observe firsthand some of the challenges faced by administrators, teachers and students since COVID-19 struck. For the upcoming school year, here are a few ideas that can help make things easier for educators:
school is to leverage them.
Have a Virtual Operations Plan Consider what the upcoming school year may look like if your school is forced to suspend classroom learning or be required to operate at less than full capacity. Define the objectives, goals and measures to provide effective learning outcomes for students and assess teacher effectiveness. Think about the technology platforms and tools that align with these goals and consider how prepared your
Expand Professional Development for Teachers Many teachers were forced to quickly build familiarity with a range of technology tools and applications needed to provide online instruction. Some were successful at climbing the learning curve, while others struggled with the new demands. Teachers should be offered additional learning opportunities to build competence with the technology tools they
Proactively Address Digital Divide Issues Disparities created by the digital divide were further laid bare because of the pandemic. Some districts experienced low student attendance rates to online education and inconsistent student engagement because of inequitable access to computers and Internet broadband in homes. Proactively identifying vulnerable students within your school community provides an opportunity to individually assess virtual learning readiness and remove obstacles that may prevent students from connecting to class.
are using and the best practices to succeed in online classrooms.
Prepare Students for Online Learning Online learning also requires a variety of competencies on the student side of the equation. Knowledge and understanding of the specific software applications that are to be used in the digital environment is a big factor in student success. Core skills such as typing, document creation, using email, or accessing and submitting homework assignments are all expected, but now students must also navigate video-conferencing and a variety of other online applications. Offering preparedness and training in these skills will help build student confidence and reduce the friction of the online learning experience. Kevin V. Michael is CEO and co-founder of Invizio, a leading South Florida Managed IT Services Provider that provides outsourced IT management services to companies and schools, helping them operate more efficiently and reduce costs. n
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LEGACY BRIEFS SOUTH FLORIDA NATIVE MAKES HISTORY AS MIT’S FIRST BLACK STUDENT BODY PRESIDENT Danielle Geathers of Miami has been elected the first black student body president at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Geathers just completed her sophomore year at Geathers MIT and is majoring in mechanical engineering. She served as the diversity officer last year. Geathers said she plans to use her platform to make MIT as inclusive as possible. “Although some people think it is just a figurehead role, figureheads can matter in terms of people seeing themselves in terms of representation,” she said. “Seeing yourself at a college is kind of an important part of the admissions process.” About 6 percent of undergraduates at MIT are black and 47 percent are women, according to MIT. MIT students left campus in March
due to COVID-19. Geathers campaigned online and through social media from her Miami home. Students elected her by voting online.
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY COMMISSIONER DENNIS MOSS ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR SCHOOL BOARD DISTRICT 9 Miami-Dade County Commissioner Dennis Moss announced his candidacy for MiamiDade School Board District 9. The seat will be vacated by Dr. Lawrence Feldman who announced last Moss July that he would not run for reelection. “My passion for District 9, its schools, students, and residents have led me to announce my candidacy,” Moss said. The residents of District 9 need a leader who can build upon the work of Dr. Feldman and continue to guide the district in this evolving educational environment.” Moss said as a school board member, he will work to ensue the physical safety of
schools, ensure that students are safe from the COVID-19 virus, save traditional and challenged neighborhood schools, refine online distance learning, and implement life preparation skills in school curricula such as employability, entrepreneurship and coding skills. Commissioner Moss is a lifelong resident of District 9 and has served MiamiDade County’s Commission since 1993.
GALLON TO SERVE SECOND TERM ON MIAMI-DADE SCHOOL BOARD Dr. Steve Gallon III has been re-elected to the Miami-Dade School Board District 1 without opposition. No other candidate entered the race in time for the June 12 qualifying deadline. Gallon’s district includes Miami Gallon Gardens, Opa-locka, and North Miami. He will now serve a second 4-year term on the board. Recently, Gallon was unanimously also re-elected as the vice-chair of the Council of Urban Boards of Education National Steering Committee at its virtual meeting held on
April 3. Gallon was re-elected by school board members representing regions from around the country.
YOUNG LEADS TOWER CLUB Dan Young has been named Chairman of the Board of the Tower Club Fort Lauderdale. Young will provide strategic leadership for the Board of Directors and Club to ensure the growth Young and long term prosperity of the organization. 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.
Protect Older Adults Now. Coronavirus has hit older Floridians hard, especially those in nursing homes. We’re pushing for widespread testing of residents and care staff, adequate protective gear and virtual visitation for families.
Join us in fighting for what’s right for all 50-plus Floridians. Learn more at aarp.org/fl
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