The Westside Gazette

THE WESTSIDE GAZETTE POST OFFICE 5304 FORT LAUDERDALE, FL 33310

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PERMIT NO. 1179

Castle Hill Elementar Elementaryy Schools More All-Girls TTeam eam Segregated Now Than Nationally Ranked Three Decades Ago No. 2 In Chess PAGE 6 PAGE 3

The Green Goddess Of South Florida PAGE 13

Broward County's Oldest and Largest African American Owned and Operated Newspaper A Pr oud PPaper aper ffor or a Pr oud PPeople...Sinc eople...Sinc Proud Proud eople...Sincee 1971 VOL. 43 NO. 11 50¢ THURSDA Y, APRIL 24 - WEDNESDA Y APRIL 30, 2014 THURSDAY WEDNESDAY

Hear Our Cry!

By Marie Carrie Email: mcarrie305@gmail.com “What is it about the GAY that makes you treat us this way”- Jonathan Spikes, school board member Dr. Rosalind Osgood and City Commissioner (and State Representative hopeful) Bobby DuBose took a bold and courageous step by hosting the LGBTQ Hear Our Cry forum on April 14 at the African American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC).

This program was the first of its kind for the Black Fort Lauderdale community. Long known as a taboo subject, Osgood and DuBose decided it was time to break the silence on an issue that is plaguing our youth, schools, families, neighborhoods and yes even our churches!

“I apologize on behalf of the church for all of our judgmental ways and attitudes. That we don’t show you the support that you need,” Dr. Osgood stated in her closing prayer and plea to the participants. As an ordained minister, her words had a definite and heartfelt impact.

“Out of everything that was said and shared tonight, those

words at the end by Dr. Osgood touched me the most,” says Dr. Mark Strauss, School Performance and Accountability Director for Broward County Public Schools (BCPS).

As members of the audience (gay and straight alike) held hands, Dr. Osgood, speaking for her heterosexual peers, went on to say, “Every time that you reached out to us and we rejected you, I want to apologize to you tonight and I want to ask you to forgive us. Have patience with us. We want to love you, but we don’t necessarily know how.”

That’s what Monday’s program was about: Learning how to love a community and culture so different and yet so much like our own.

At the conclusion of introductory and welcome remarks by the event’s hosts, the audience was treated to special comments by several school board members and BCPS Superintendent Robert Runcie.

Immediately following, there was a twenty minute video segment produced by BCPS. The video illuminated the struggles Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning (LGBTQ) youth face in public schools.

Speak daily with your dollar$ and use your vote as your voice to make a difference!

Jonathan Spikes, author of the book I Know What I Am And I’m Not What You Call Me took the stage armed with a sword sharpened and ready for battle: his tongue!

Spikes captivated everyone’s attention as he shared his own journey out of the closet and into the light. “I was called a sissy, a fa**ot and a punk so much that when I looked into the mirror, a sissy, a faggot, and a punk was all that I saw.”

He went on to share how his own “sin-filled” relatives decided to hold an intervention when

he was a youth. “My absentout-of-my-life- alcoholic father and my drug-addicted mother and my pastor who was stealing money out of the church and my brother who was a gambler and my auntie who had two abortions and my sister who had five children from six different men (you do the math) and my uncle the womanizer who beat his wife, all gathered around me to pray the gay away.”

We can make a change in attitudes when we commit to supporting businesses and politicians that support our community!

Our tri-county family consists of over 150,000 Westside Gazette readers throughout Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties. These readers hold tremendous economic clout and registered voters, so great that it determines whether companies such as grocers, furniture, clothing, auto dealerships and other retailers are profitable and who our decision makes in office will be. We don’t have to take a lot of stuff! As customers with a national economic base of over $836 billion, we should speak daily with our dollar$ —let’s do business with those that respect rules of fair play!

From those whom we support, they should also support our Black owned media, which include readers, viewers and listeners.

We will not accept disrespect in the marketplace nor will we tolerate the lackadaisical treatment from our own leadership –we demand respect as consumers, along with our spending power of over $836 billion and a voice to determined who sits in office.

We will no longer continue to allow our legislators to take us for granted and assume we will accept things as status quo. We urge our clergy, our organizations and us-common folk to join together to deliver this message.

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(Cont'd on Page 10)

Joseph Littles Nguzo Saba Charter School shutting its doors after 16 years who co-founded the Joseph Littles Nguzo Saba Charter School, expounded on the District’s untenable conditions that he said made it impossible for him to comply.

Unbowed and determined to stay the course, Geuka stated

that he objected to the District’s ‘disingenuous claims’ that it had no choice but to take the shutdown action in lieu of the compliance issues and failing grades.

In Oakland, fighting police abuse alone is an uphill battle

cording to attorneys interviewed for this story, it has become increasingly difficult for individuals to represent themselves.

The allegations made in pro se lawsuits are no different than the hundreds of cases filed against the OPD by lawyers: excessive use of force, false arrest, resisting arrest, trumped up charges, witness intimidation and coercion.

A review of the most recent cases filed against OPD by Pro Se plaintiffs – most of whom we were unable to contact – illustrate the difficulties of filing one’s own case.

In several cases, the judge allowed plaintiffs to rewrite the initial court filing that lays out the accusations, also called a complaint. The OPD’s attorneys had tried to obtain a dismissal because of problems with the plaintiffs’ first filing. But for unknown reasons, the plaintiffs in those cases never filed the amended complaint and the lawsuits were thrown out.

A case contesting rape charges that both the alleged rapist and the alleged victim said were falsified by the police continued for two years with a judge eventually dismissing the case. The plaintiffs tried to file an appeal but that was dismissed as well when they failed to come up with the $455 filing fee.

(Cont'd on Page 5)

amount of $200,000 by June 30, 2015 and avoiding a second F grade this summer as conditions that must be met in order to obtain a renewal of its charter license.

In a recent interview, Board Chairman Amefika D. Geuka,

“You [PBC School District] have a mandate from the state to educate Black children; you’re given tons of money to do it. Who really has failed Black children – the PBC School District or Nguzo Saba School?”

— Amefika D. Geuka

By K. Chandler

By Laura McCamy From New America Media

After 16 years in operation, the Joseph Littles Nguzo Saba Charter School will be closing its doors for good when its contract with the Palm Beach County School District ends on June 30th.

The decision by the PBC School Board to close the Nguzo Saba Charter School followed a 4-2 vote on April 2. Earlier, the District had offered the beleaguered charter school the option of rectifying compliance issues, relocating to another site; paying back rent in the

In the last 20 years, few Oakland Police Department officers have been charged with criminal misconduct, even when unarmed citizens are shot and killed.

“Criminal charges in Oakland are a misnomer,” said John Burris, an Oakland attorney known for high-profile police accountability cases. “The [Alameda County District Attorney] is never going to prosecute. The system is designed to protect the police.”

Pleading Our Own Cause

That leaves alleged victims in search of justice or compensation few options: find a lawyer or represent themselves.

In a review of civil rights-related lawsuits filed against the OPD going back to 1990, Oakland Police Beat found approximately 30 cases filed by individuals without an attorney (called Pro Se or In Pro Per plaintiffs). In about half the cases reviewed, the plaintiffs won -– an unusual outcome for citizens representing themselves. But most of those wins occurred in the 1990s. Within the last decade the success rate has dropped significantly. Ac-

Love Equals and Empty Tomb a breathe taken Easter story

(Cont'd on Page 9)

“It will always remind me of the power that God has had in my life. Because I wasn’t sure I could do it”, stated Walker.

By Marie Carrie Email: mcarrie305@gmail.com The Easter story has NEVER been told quite like this! As Christal Walker took the stage at Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church in Hallendale Beach on April 18, everyone in the audience went with her on a breathtaking and inspiring 80 minute journey through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

A story that has been told for over hundreds of years felt like an eyewitness account. In addition to Christal’s amazing storytelling, a cast of 20 reenacted scenes, performed interpretative dance, and sang heartfelt songs, such as “Alabaster Box”.

This rendition was so touching that audience members rose to their feet and sang along as each person connected to the woman who humbly used the expensive oil from her alabaster box to wash the feet of Christ in preparation for his death.

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This scene and song choice, as well as the entire production, were the vision of Christal Walker. The master storyteller wrote, directed and produced, the breathtaking show. “I didn’t know what this was going to be. When it came into my mind I thought I would just say a little something. But the very first year I put it on, it just moved,” says Walker.

She goes on to say “It will always remind me of the power that God has had in my life.

Because I wasn’t sure I could do it.” That was five years ago and each year the show has grown and expanded as Christal’s vision has grown and expanded.

Christal’s gift for oratory began long before this moment however. In fact it can be said the spelling of her name alone was indication of the special gift she would share with the world.

(Cont'd on Page 3) MEMBER: National Newspaper Publishers Association ( NNPA), and Southeastern African-American Publishers Association (SAAPA) Florida Association of Black Owned Media (FABOM),

Page 2 • www.thewestsidegazette.com • April 24 - April 30, 2014

Broward County's Oldest and Largest African American Owned and Operated Newspaper

Broward County's Oldest and Largest African American Owned and Operated Newspaper

April 24 - April 30, 2014 • www.thewestsidegazette.com • Page 3

Megacommunities bridge minority STEM Gap

By Freddie Allen NNPA Washington Correspondent

Reginald Van Lee (left), a senior vice president at Booz Allen Hamilton’s Washington, D.C. branch, talks about megacommunities at a recent health care symposium at Howard University in Washington, D.C. (Photos by Freddie Allen/NNPA)

WASHINGTON, DC (NNPA) – In an effort to address persistent, racial disparities in science and engineering careers, educators and community stakeholders have embraced the “megacommunity” model of cooperation.

The megacommunity model is characterized by its tri-sector approach to solving hard, real world problems through active collaborations involving nonprofit groups, government agencies and businesses. From battling the HIV/AIDS epidemic in India, to preserving rain forests in South America, to revitalizing neighborhoods in Harlem through economic development, leaders around the

globe have utilized the megacommunity model.

“You have to have collaboration across the private sector, the public sector and nonprofits working together to solve these problems if you want the solution to be sustainable,” said Reginald Van Lee, a senior vice president at Booz Allen Hamilton in Washington D.C. “We discovered if one of those sectors is left out of fixing the problem, eventually that will sabotage the solution and it won’t be sustainable.”

Van Lee, who co-wrote a book on megacommunities, shared his thoughts on the unique problem-solving approach at a recent health care symposium at Howard University in Washington, D.C. Van Lee said that effective megacommunities

BCPS Castle Hill Elementary all-girls team nationally ranked No. 2 in chess

By Nadine Drew A three-girl chess team representing Broward County Public Schools Castle Hill Elementary School in Lauderhill placed second nationally at the 11th Annual Kasparov Chess Foundation All-Girls National Championship in Chicago last week.

The Lauderhill school trio of McKhaila McKenzie, Erykah Shaw and Shyan Braswell brought home a national second-place ranking for teams under 12 after defeating fierce competitors from public and private schools across the country.

Many of the other girls competing were supported by wellfunded chess programs and had either master-level chess coaches for personal or frequent group lessons.

Castle Hill girls’ secret wea-

Castle Hill Elementary School three-girl chess team representing Broward County Public Schools. pon was their dedicated teacher and coach, Robert McKenzie, who taught them the game. Mc-

Kenzie is a veteran teacher who has served at Castle Hill Elementary for 18 years.

Representative Barbara Watson opposes Educational Choice Bill for its failing grade TALLAHASSEE, FL – On April 11, 2014, Representative Barbara Watson voted against the Educational Choice, HB 7167, a measure to expand vouchers.

“This measure erodes the provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Educational Act (IDEA),” said Barbara Watson.

“It eliminates a set of rights for Exceptional Student Education (ESE) students and limits their access to an appropriate learning environment.”

Public school ESE students will lose a set of rights when they use a voucher to transfer to a private institution including the: * Right to a free and appropriate public education; * Right to being educated in a general classroom setting with students who are not disabled, and * Right to accessible infrastructure in the private school they choose to attend.

Additionally, school districts could lose federal supplemental

education funds under IDEA to evaluate children for this voucher program and provide other services because the funds would be cut off when students enroll in for-profit private schools.

“If we eliminate their rights, then who will set the standards and who will grade the services of private institutions to ensure students with disabilities are protected and have access.”

Watson also noted in her opposition to the bill that the measure authorizes a transfer of school district ESE funds to private institutions through the Personal Learning Account Transfer Program, which funds all services for children with disabilities.

“There is a continuous shift of public education dollars to fund private institutions without requiring the minimum standards,” added Watson.

“Banks don’t give loans without some stipulations. The Leg-

REP. WATSON islature should not fund a voucher program without some protections for children with disabilities.“ The House passed HB 7167 by a margin of 73 to 43.

“The Florida House just flunked the standardized test, and our most vulnerable citizens will be penalized.”

Love Equals an Empty Tomb a breath taken Easter story

(Cont'd from FP) According to her mother Betty White Walker, “That was my first child and I always wanted her to have Christ first in her life so I spelled her name Christal.” Reflecting on her childhood, Ms. Walker states, “She has always had this gift and talent. She had such a love for God and the Bible and she could just memorize long verses.”

Christal’s talent goes far beyond just memorizing though.

She has the ability to bring the word to life! “It is amazing. It is a gift from God that only she has,” observes Barbara Smith, stage manager for the Empty Tomb production. Smith shares how Christal was not only char-

ged with writing and memorizing 17 pages of script but flawlessly executing each word as well.

Judging from the standing ovation she received when she was called back to the stage for her final bow, Ms. Walker not only met, but exceeded the challenge.

On Easter Sunday, Christal and the cast performed the play again at the Adrienne Arsht Theater in Miami. Despite the accolades it has received, Marketing Director Julia Brown has a vision that far exceeds the production’s local success.

“My vision is that the same as people who were going up to Lake-and to see The Passion, this will be our passion. I predict people will be coming into Miami

and Fort Lauderdale to see this performance.”

In fact Christal may be enjoying even more immediate success if her storytelling is chosen to be a part of the Free Gospel Sunday Concert Series at the Adrienne Arsht Center.

According to her marketing director, her name is already on the short list of possible talent for the event.

Clearly, there are amazing things in store for Ms. Walker and the talented individuals at Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church.

Unfortunately, if you missed this year’s performance, you will have to mark your calendar and wait till 2015. And you can guarantee it will be bigger and better than ever.

“This was one of the most astounding performances of rising to an occasion of intense pressure I ever witnessed,” McKenzie said. “Their secondplace finish at a national tournament is a testament to the hope that our children can accomplish anything they desire if they listen humbly, work hard and do their best.”

“Research shows that chess increases analytical thinking,” said Dr. Mark Strauss, director of School Performance and Accountability, who has been working on a plan to bring chess to district elementary schools.

“We are thrilled that the Castle Hill all-girls team represented us nationally and showcased the phenomenal outcomes that chess produces.”

“I applaud the accomplishment of the students at Castle Hill Elementary,” said city of Lauderhill Commissioner Kenneth Thurston. “The teaching of chess expands the mind and increases the capacity to learn.”

The Kasparov National Championship is the most prestigious chess event for female players under the age of 18.

Freeman A. Hrabowski, III, president of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, who also published research focused on science and math education and minority participation and performance, speaks during a health care summit at Howard University in Washington, D.C. must be inclusive, adaptable, tech savvy, feature tri-sector engagement, foster talent and focus on long-term solutions.

Getting more minorities into STEM careers will become increasingly important as the workforce becomes more diverse and job growth in STEM-related fields continues to outpace the job growth in other sectors.

According to a recent study on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education by the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, “From the post-World War II era through 2009, the S&E (science and engineering) workforce has grown from 182,000 in 1950 to 5.4 million.”

Over the past decade, job growth in the technology sector has outpaced growth in other sectors, according to the Joint Center study.

“This trend is expected to continue, as it is in all fields most dependent on STEM-prepared workers,” stated the study. “Through 2018, job growth in these sectors is expected to outpace job growth in fields less dependent on STEMprepared workers.”

The report continued: “While the latter set of jobs is expected to grow at a rate of 9.8 percent through the next five years,

the jobs most dependent on STEM workers are expected to grow at a rate of 17 percent during the same period.”

The Joint Center reported that “17 percent of employed African Americans over the age of 25 have a college degree in a STEM-related field” compared to 22 percent of Whites in the same age group that hold similar degrees.

Yet, Blacks hold less than 4 percent of all science and engineering jobs, and whites occupy nearly 72 percent of all science and engineering jobs.

And while Black unemployment rate is 12.4 percent, according to the most recent jobs report by the Labor Department, the jobless rate in computer and math jobs is 3.3 percent, less than half of the national unemployment rate of 6.7 percent.

In November 2013, Van Lee and other stakeholders challenged a mixed group of health care providers to develop megacommunities to address racial disparities in STEM careers and health care and to raise awareness about the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, also known as “Obamacare”.

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Broward County's Oldest and Largest African American Owned and Operated Newspaper

Page 4 • www.thewestsidegazette.com • April 24 - April 30, 2014

Community Digest

Publix is Proud to Support Community News WHERE SHOPPING IS A PLEASURE

Fundraiser

Event

Help benefit Broward House on Thursday, April 24, 2014.

You can help fight HIV/AIDS just by going out to eat! Restaurants throughout South Florida will pledge a percentage of their daily receipts to help in the fight of HIV/AIDS. You don’t need to do anything more but visit one of the participating restaurants on this day and have a fabulous meal! Find a participating South Florida restaurant online right now at: DiningOutForLife.com/ SouthFlorida.

The Eta Nu Chapter of The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. is partying with a purpose and the Brothers are seeking support! The chapter will be hosting a scholarship fundraiser - Happy Hour on Thursday, April 24, 2014 from 6 to 9 p.m., at the Tropic Cay Hotel, 529 Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd. All proceeds from this event will be used for scholarships and will support the chapter’s commitment towards educating the youth of South Florida. There is admission fee.

For further info you may contact either Brother Sylvester “Nunnie” Robinson at (954) 444-7994 or Brother Reggie Carter at (336) 225-2075.

Conference

Breakfast

Special Ministry to Men Conference 2014 is coming to Judah Worship Word Ministries, International, Friday, April 25, 2014 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, April 27, at 8:15 a.m., 4441 W. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Dr. W.L. Mitchell, senior pastor. Elder Howard Daniel, pastor of Upper Room Christian Center, East Hartford, CT, guest speaker.

For more info call (954) 7912999.

Event

NW Federated Women’s Club of Broward County presents an Evening Jazz, R&B, Blues on April 25, 2014 from Jazz Set - 7 to 10 p.m. and Blues and R&B - 10 p.m. to 1 p.m. Music by Gary Palmer, Fred Allen, Ulysses Jackson, Jamal Wilcox and other special guest, there is an admission and a Cash Bar. Food will be available for a cost. NW Federated Women’s Club of Broward County is A 501c 3 nonprofit organization, supporting the Senior Center - Alzheimer’s Day Care Center. All donations and event sponsors are welcome. Contact Fred Allen for additional info at (954) 8014917 or by e-mail at: alle2856@bellsouth.net. The women’s club is located at 2161 N.W. 19 St., Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Event Kiwanis of Central Broward Fish & Grits Breakfast, Saturday, April 26, 2014 from 8 to 10 a.m., at West Len Lark Park, 1321 N.W. 33 Ave., Lauderhill, Fla. There is a donation fee. For more info call (954) 735-0619.

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Workshop

Miami-Dade County Public Schools Prequalification Workshop & Coffee with the Community: A Conversation with the OEO Director, Friday, April 25, 2014 8:30 to 9 a.m., at School Board Administration Building Auditorium, 1450 N.E. Second Ave., Miami, Fla. RSVP by April 23 by emailing to oeo@dadeschools.net or call (305) 995-1307.

Celebration Rev. Carol Nash-Lester, the officers and members of Bethel Apostolic Temple, celebrate 58 years in Ministry, Anniversary Dinner, Saturday, April 26, 2014 at 5 p.m., at Bethel Apostolic Temple – Imani Hall, Worship Service, Sunday, April 27, at 11 a.m., at Bethel Apostolic Temple – Main Sanctuary, 1855 N.W. 119 St., Miami, Fla. For more info call the church at (305) 688-1612.

Voter Registration Dade County (FL) Chapter of The Links, Inc., presents The Flip Side”, Saturday, April 26, 2014 at 6:30 p.m., at Florida Memorial University Lou Rawls Center for the Performing Arts, 15800 N.W. 42 Ave., Miami, Fla. For additional info Tammy Reed at (305) 336-7175.

Fair

Wingate Oaks Center will host its annual Community Resource Fair offering support and resources to parents and families of students with disabilities, Tuesday, April 29, 2014 from 6 to 9 p.m., at Wingate Oaks Center Cafeteria, 1211 N.W. 33 Terr., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. For additional info contact David Riddle, Exception Student Education specialist, at (754) 321-6850.

Concerts The Town of Davie will be hosting its Concerts on the Corner, Thursday, April 24, 2014 and Thursday, May 8 & 22, from 6 to 9 p.m., at The Corner of Davie Rd. and Orange Dr., Davie, Fla. For additional info, call Matthew Mlodzinski at (954) 797-1163.

The ladies of Chi Psi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated will be hosting a voter registration drive at the 51th anniversary celebration of the City of North Lauderdale during its annual North Lauderdale Days, Saturday, April 26, 2014 at 12 Noon, City of North Lauderdale, 701 N.W. 71st Ave., North Lau-derdale, Fla. For additional info, contact us at www.chipsiomega@info.org on Face Book or at (954) 410-6673.

Event

Chi Psi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. will host its Seventh Annual Relay for Life event Friday Night 6 p.m. until Saturday Morning 10 a.m., May 16 and 17, 2014, at Joseph Carter Park, 1450 W. Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The event is in partnership with the American Cancer Society. Participants will celebrate survivorship, remember those lost and fight against cancer. The public is invited to attend. Learn more by visiting Chi Psi Omega webpage. http:// main.acsevents.org/site/TR/ ?team_id=1584782&pg=team&fr_id=56862 or visit us at www.chipsiomega.org.

Open Mic

Open Mic is held every 1st Friday at First Baptist Church Piney Grove, 4699 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Lauderdale Lakes, Fla. Dr. Rev Derrick J. Hughes is the senior pastor. Hosted by the young adults, Open Mic features inspirational spoken word, singing and gospel rap.

Open Mic is for ages 18-35 (kids are welcome.) This is a time to fellowship and enjoy God given talent. This is a free invite doors open at 7 p.m., show starts at 7:30 p.m. Refreshments are served.

Event

Event

SAVE THE DATE Friday, Friday, May 16 and Saturday, May 17, 2014 Relay For Life of Carter Park, Lauderhill, Lauderdale Lakes, North Lauderhill 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., at Joseph C. Carter Park 1450 W. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. This is an organized, over-night community fundraising event.

For more info contact Ms. Pam Beasley-Pittman, Chair (954) 445-0244 or Ms. Audrey Campbell (954) 564-0880 ext.

7533 audrey,campbell@cancer.org

Spring into Savings, eliminate debt, build wealth and give, Dave Ramsey’s FPU Financial Peace, Every Thursday beginning Thursday, April 10 – Thursday, June 5, 2014 from 7 to 9 p.m., at New Mount Olive Baptist Church, 400 N.W. Ninth Ave., Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Dr. Marcus Davidson, pastor. For more info contact FPU Coordinators, Brenda Charles or Nichola Madry at bcharles4fpu@gmail.com or (954) 463-5126 x1027

Reunion

Calling All Singing Panthers & Friends! The Dillard High School Chorus Alumni will be having our very first Chorus Reunion June 20-22, 2014!

There will be a concert featuring the Dillard Reunion Choir, the Rhoda Glasco Collins Snead Alumni Singers, DHS Chorus, and many more! Saturday, June 21, 2014 at 6 p.m. For cost and more info, email DillardChorusAlumni@gmail.com.

Reunion registration for all chorus alumni begins Feb. 24, 2014 at www.DillardChorusReunion.eventbrite.com.

Event The Alexander Institute of Biblical Studies, students has the option of attending selected courses and will receive a certificate per course or they may attend two consecutive sessions and receive a diploma in Christian Counseling. We are currently in the pre-accreditation process through Green Apple Association of Christian Schools (GAACS). Online classes are now available and registration can be done online at www.taibs.org, if you are interested in registering email info@taibs.org.

Happenings at African-American Research Library and Cultural Center

African-American Research Library Cultural Center, 2650 Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderale, Fla. ·Educator Joyce H. Clark will be holding six class sessions for families, adults and young people. The sessions cover the following topics: · Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday – Free Homework Help available for students grades K thur 12, from 3 to 5:30 p.m.

Call (954) 357-6157. ·Saturday, April 26 - Discovering my Sexuality at 3 p.m. ·Saturday, April 26 - Senior Centers Can Enhance the Quality og Life for Older Adults at 1 p.m. For more info call (954) 357-6210. · Saturday, April 26, at 2 and at 6 p.m., AARLCC to Feature Original Play about a Henpecked Man Based on the story of Hosea and Gomer.

Tickets can be purchased by call (954) 228-5536 or visiting www.Tracie Bonnick.com Youth Services · Monday, April 28 - from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.Teen Volunteer Orientation: Need service hours toward graduation?

Youth Service can help! Sign up to be a teen volunteer and come to this brief orientation session. Meet other teens and suggest program ideas for the upcoming summer too. For more info call (954) 357-6209.

Free Computer Classes Schedule - Pre-registration is required for all classes. Call (954) 357-6236 Due to limited seating, registration begins six days prior to each scheduled class. Preregistered students are asked to arrive 15 minutes before class to check in. **Please bring a storage device if you wish to save your work** The following classes are funded by the Broward Public Library Foundation (Unless otherwise noted) · Thursday, April 24 - Job Resources, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

For additional info for Free classes being offered at other library locations, call (954) 3576236 or inquire at the Computer of Reference Information Desk.

STAYCONNECTED -www.thewestsidegazette.com LIKE US ON FACEBOOK FOLLOW US ON TWITTER and IG ATTENTION RADIO LISTENERS We have Free gifts for everybody who call into the show and share their opinion.

Listen every Saturday at 4:00 O’clock to Spiritual Downloads with Anna Stephenson on WWNN Radio AM 1470.

It’s a live Call in talk show that discuss everything from Spiritual Matters to what matters to you. The show can also be heard on the Internet at wwnnradio.com just click on the listen live button. Your voice is the most important part of the show. So call in and let us hear what you have to say.

The toll free call in number is 1-888-565-1470. Also email Anna Stephenson at annasmiami@aol.com with a subject you want to hear discussed on the show. The show also interview’s special guest Like Jessica Reedy from Sunday Best. Shelia Raye Charles, Melba Moore and different Preachers and gospel musical artist and Politicians.

Broward County's Oldest and Largest African American Owned and Operated Newspaper

Page 6 • www.thewestsidegazette.com • April 24 - April 30, 2014

Opinion

The Westside Gazette, under the Management of BI-ADs, Inc., reserves the right to publish Views and Opinions by Contributing Writers may not necessarily reflect those of the Staff and Management of The Westside Gazette Newspaper and are solely the product of the responsible individual(s) who submit comments published in this newspaper.

The Gantt Report

The modern day bully

By Lucius Gantt No matter where you live in the world or where you are, someone is attempting to order you around! You can live in a big city, a small town or a little village, if you were born, you’ve experienced a bully that only wants you to do what the bully says do.

When you were a child mama and daddy told you what to do, in grade school perhaps a classmate desired to order you around and as an adult rogue cops are often bullies saying give me your license, hands behind your head or get on the ground!

But bullies aren’t so big and bad.

Most “bullies” can talk a good fight but when you put up your dukes, the average bully will turn into the coward he is.

Starting today, don’t let the bullies in your GANTT life tell you what to do, what to say or what to write.

Do what you want to as long as your action is legal, honorable, equitable, moral and otherwise righteous. Say what you want to as long as your words are honest, truthful, sensitive, compassionate, caring and so forth.

I’m a writer and people oftentimes tell me what they think I should or shouldn’t write. Devilish, modern day bullies are always telling me if I don’t write about what they tell me to. If I don’t, they say they will ruin my career, they say they will damage my reputation or they say they cause me severe economic hardship.

I tell my bullies the same thing the brave child tells the play ground bully.

Economic discrimination fuels the politics of political apathy

By Derek Joy The Florida State Legislature is nearing the end of its 2014 session.

Less than two weeks remain. Budget battles rage on. Legislators hagJOY gle over how to put the finishing touches on carving up the economic

Westside Gazette Florida Association of Black Owned Media (FABOM) Bobby R. Henry, Sr. - PUBLISHER Pamela D. Henry - SENIOR EDITOR Sonia M. Henry Robinson COMPTROLLER Elizabeth D. Henry CIRCULATION MANAGER Carma L. Henry - DATA ENTRY Charles Moseley MARKETING DIRECTOR Tarrence Crawford & Ron Lyons PHOTOGRAPHER Levi Henry Jr. - CHAIRMAN Yvonne F. Henry EDITOR (Emeritus)

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pie.

No. People of color don’t have to wait until the end of the session to know who will get shortchanged. It happens the same every time.

Yes. Black Americans served in the Florida State legislature. Voters have elected 26 legislators - 25 Democrats and one Republican. A mere 26 in a legislature that numbers 160 - 40 Senators and 120 Representatives.

And, yes, there are a few haunting questions begging to be answered. One glaring question is this: Where are the results?

Republican Gov. Rick Scott can claim a measure of results in publicity back on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. The Legislative Black Caucus scheduled a meeting with Scott for that day that was cancelled at the 11th hour.

“Why should we let him use us for photo ops on King’s birthday when he doesn’t support or show any interest in issues that are important to us?” asked Sen. Oscar Braynon, Dem., Miami Gardens.

Braynon was miffed at Scott for a number of reasons, including redlining an $800,000 appropriation to fund water and sewer improvements in Miami Gardens.

That brings another haunting question to the front burner. Are Republicans blatantly employing political discrimination to achieve economic discrimination as people of color?

That’s politics is an answer that just won’t wash. Politics would see politicians working for the benefit of the masses and not just special and selfish interest.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

What is the element content of the bottom of the Indian Ocean?

By P. L. Wright Ph.D.

Missing Flight 370 has caused much controversy in the search to find it at the bottom WRIGHT of the Indian Ocean.

However, since the bottom of that ocean has never been seen by human eyes, we do not know what is there, or its composition content of the floor.

Hypothetically could it be that the bottom is much like quick sand and the plane has slowly been sucked completely into the bottom, showing no sign of any of the plane or its wreckage?

There has not ever been a discovery of that ocean. It is one of my thoughts. More mysterious, since around the world UFOs have allegedly been sighted many places including emerging out of the ocean, is that a possibility that there has been UFO interference in missing Flight 370? I pray we do find out what ever happened to Flight 370 and all of the persons missing aboard. gspinc2006@att.net

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR GUIDELINES The Westside Gazette welcomes your letters. Letters must be signed with name clearly legible along with a phone number and complete address. No unsigned or anonymous letters will be considered for publication. The Westside Gazette reserves the right to edit letters. The letters should be 500 words or less.

When the bully says “Step across that line I drew in the sand” or “Knock this chip off that I put on my shoulder” The kid that’s not afraid of the bully says, “You make me cross or you make me knock the chip off”!

I tell folk if you don’t like me to write about politics or religion or romance or whatever, do something to stop me. If you think I’m writing lies, sue me for slander. If you think my words are arbitrary or malicious, write a letter to the newspaper editors and call me out.

I ask all of the literary bullies that want to control reporters and columnists where would we be if our forefathers and ancestors were afraid to do the right thing because a bully asked them to. Where would we be if Nat Turner, Denmark Vesey, Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass didn’t stand up and speak out about the overseers and other slavery day bullies. Where would we be if Marcus Garvey didn’t say Race First, if Malcolm X didn’t say By Any Means Necessary, if Rosa Parks didn’t say I’m not moving to the back of the bus or if Rev.Martin Luther King, Jr. didn’t preach about ending civil rights abuses and unjust wars like the Vietnam conflict?

We have to teach our children to be men and women and not puppets and boot-licking lackeys!

Don’t ever be scared to do the right thing, say the right thing or write the right words because God is on your side. Your bully can be apparently powerful and as big as a tree but when your bully is a big tree, so to speak, the truth can be a small axe!

Goliath was a Biblical bully but Goliath was slain by little old David who discarded all of the armor and weapons of war given to him but his supporters and only used a small sling shot!

The truth and the right will bring any bully to their knees. Don’t let the modern day devil bully you around.

Hank Aaron and the real ‘acting white’ syndrome

By Lee A. Daniels NNPA Columnist Hank Aaron, the major leaguer who 40 years ago broke Babe Ruth’s titanic homerun record, recently DANIELS spoke the truth about the source of some of the opposition to President Obama the politician and the man – and in doing so, illuminated a blazing truth about American society as a whole.

That is that some Americans are still motivated by the ‘acting white’ syndrome. No, I’m not referring to that tricked-up version of the “culture-of poverty” theory that assigns the myriad difficulties many poor Black children encounter in the segregated public schools they attend to a “flaw” within Black culture itself that denigrates traditional scholastic achievement.

I’m talking about the old actingWhite syndrome that held sway among most Whites in this country until the civil rights victories of the mid-1960s.

That notion declared that any Black American who thought they had a right, for example, to pursue any job they were qualified for, or sit anywhere they chose on any mode of public transportation, or buy a home in any neighborhood they could afford were violating the code of White Supremacy. In other words, those “uppity” Blacks were trying, to “act white.”

Hank Aaron knows that actingWhite syndrome well, and not just because he grew up in the 1930s and 1940s Mobile, Ala. (Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

NRA’s reach in Florida’s legislature is frightening and alarming

By Roger Caldwell In Florida, there is an obsession with guns, and there are over one million concealed weapons in the CALDWELL state. The popularity of active concealed weapons permits has surged in Florida in the past 10 years. In 2002, there were only 250,000 gun permits, and in 2012 there were over one million. For the NRA and the Florida Legislature this is an achievement, but for gun control supporters this is insane.

During the 2014 legislature session, the Florida House has approved HB209, which would legalize unlicensed firearm possession during mandatory evacuations during governordeclared states of emergency. This bill makes no sense because it encourages criminal behavior and black market gun transactions. But in a state where an individual can be gunned down and killed for walking to a store, any bill with a gun is possible.

The gun supporters and advocates in the state think this is a great bill, because in an emergency they believe the local and county police are not able to control the criminals. Even though, the Florida’s Sheriff Association has come out against the bill in committee hearings, the pro-gun folks still do not trust them to do their jobs. They would prefer a Wild West scenario, where everyone shoots first, and asks questions later.

The first question that law-abiding citizens should ask is how can a Floridian have an unlicensed firearm? Are the NRA and United Sportsmen of Florida (USF) proposing that Floridians should own licensed and unlicensed firearms? The law is absolutely ridiculous but most gun supporters and owners argue that citizens of the United States have the right to keep and bear arms. The government does not have the right to know what kind and how many guns citizens own.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

It was 20 years ago this month that the monstrous Rwandan genocide unfolded. In less than 90 days, close to FLETCHER one million Rwandan Tutsis and their Hutu allies were murdered by rightwing Hutu extremists, instigated by the government of Rwanda. The scale and speed of the genocide defied imagination. Dramatized in the film Hotel Rwanda, the events of 1994 were linked to both the externally imposed economic policies that Rwanda was forced to accept, as well as historic tensions that were rooted in colonialism.

There is much that can and should be said about the events that unfolded, not the least of which being the

By Richard B. Muhammad, NNPA Guest Columnist The news cycle April 14 was filled with re- MUHAMMAD ports of the murders of three people in Overland Park, Kan. That these killings occurred during a time of religious observation, the Jewish celebration of Passover, and the killer may have targeted victims for their religious faith or presumed faith makes the loss of life even more reprehensible.

That a grandfather and his grandson could be shot down in the streets says something about the sickness of this society, the prevalence and continued cancer of hatred and an unhealthy and deadly obsession with guns and solving problems or disputes with violence.

Such activity is woven into the history of this nation and America cannot deny that her history is bathed in blood and oppression from the slaughter of the Native peoples to the April 13 killing of Dr. William Lewis Corporon and his 14-year-old grandson, Reat Griffin Underwood.

In the midst of this horrible reality, the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), some Jewish leaders and organizations were speaking the name Louis Farrakhan alongside false charges of hate speech and trying to link the Nation of Islam minister to a climate or in the same philosophical universe as a man whose history is apparently tied to hate groups.

Their attempts to malign the Minister are beyond insulting and outside the bounds of any commitment to truth and any respect for the truth. Minister Farrakhan’s name must never be mentioned in the same breath as wicked murderers who exist among Caucasian people or accused killers like Frazier Glenn Cross, of Aurora, Mo., charged with first-degree murder after attacks at a Jewish community center and a Jewish retirement complex. His name must never be mentioned alongside anyone who takes life unjustly and anyone who foments violence and death.

Minister Farrakhan has never been arrested for spitting on a sidewalk, let alone physically assaulting anyone.

He is far above such cheap charges and such vicious, malicious and vociferous lies.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

Schools more segregated now Mental illness is our dirty little secret than three decades ago

By George E. Curry NNPA Columnist

By Julianne Malveaux NNPA Columnist

As we approach May 17 and the 60th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s Brown v.

Board of Education landCURRY mark decision outlawing “separate but equal” schools, several studies show that our schools are more segregated now than they were three decades ago. And there are no indications that things are likely to change for the better in the foreseeable future.

A report by the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) titled, Brown v. Board at 60, concluded, “Today, things are getting worse. The typical Black student now attends a school where only 29 percent of his or her fellow students are white, down from 36 percent in 1980.”

Actually there were two Brown decisions. The first, in 1954, outlawed racially segregated public schools, which had been defended as “separate but equal.” Faced with foot-dragging by intransigent school officials in the Deep South, the Supreme Court issued a second ruling in 1955, sometimes called Brown II, declaring that the schools had to be desegregated “with all deliberate speed.”

I’m tired, my sisterfriend says. I don’t know how much longer MALVEAUX I can hold on. As I hear her I have a couple of choices. One is to tell her to get with her pastor and pray; the other is to tell her to get real with her illness. Running her to her pastor takes her to a familiar place.

Pushing her to help takes her out of her comfort zone. When my beloved brothers and sisters share that they are stymied in the way they live their lives, I don’t mind praying and encouraging spiritual counsel, but I do mind ignoring the medicinal help that could assist my sisterfriend.

So my sister is sighing her pain, and I am wondering what to do. There are few that will hear a Black woman in a Black community, strumming her pain, questioning her faith. According to the National Associations of Mental Health (NAMH) more than 4 percent of African Americans have considered suicide. Most of them are African American women.

Mental health is our nation’s dirty little secret, and if it is whispered in the nation at large, it is a silent scream in the African American community.

We are afraid, ashamed, frightened to own up to it, using our own lingo (s’kerd, shamed) to wrap ourselves around the fear that goes with “coming out” on mental illness.

So we are silent, even when we lose a warrior. Karyn Washington was a 22-year-old Morgan State University sister who committed suicide, last week.

This young and brilliant one turned her pain into power when she created a website, “for brown girls” (forrowngirls.com) that lifted up and affirmed our brown skin girls.

Karyn was a colored girl whose mental issues were apparently so severe that she chose to take her own life while affirming those of others. From all accounts Karyn experienced depression. How many feel it and don’t say it? How many nod and just don’t mean it? How many exhale, inhale and really reach out to a brother or a sister to listen, have a cup of tea, take a walk, or just reach out and touch?

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

Black America was silent during Rwandan genocide

By Bill Fletcher, Jr. NNPA Columnist

Minister Farrakhan is no terrorist

Clinton Administration’s obstruction of the United Nations’ efforts to prevent the genocide. Yet there is one thing that we, in Black America, rarely discuss: our own relative silence on the genocide.

It was striking at the time. With the notable exception of the founding president of TransAfrica–Randall Robinson, the Black political establishment was largely quiet. There was little outrage expressed with the Clinton Administration for its obstruction. There were no mass demonstrations against the genocide and calls for an international military intervention to stop it.

More than anything else there appeared to be something that can only be described as embarrassment within Black America.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

Broward County's Oldest and Largest African American Owned and Operated Newspaper

AF amily T hat Prays T ogether, Stays T ogether Family That Together, Together

Church Directory

April 24 - April 30, 2014 • www.thewestsidegazette.com • Page 7

St. Ruth Missionary Baptist Church 145 NW 5th Avenue Dania Beach, FL 33004 Office: (954) 922-2529

Bishop Victor T. Curry Senior Pastor/Teacher

Worship T his and Every Sunday at the Church of Your Choice This

Bethel Missionary Baptist Church 2211 N.W. 7th Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33061 Church: (954) 583-9368 Email: bethelmbchurchfl@att.net

Reverend Jimmy L. English PASTOR WORSHIP SERVICES Sunday Worship ............................................................. 8 a.m. & 11 a.m.

Sunday School ........................................................................... 9:30 a.m.

Wednesday (Prayer Service & Bible Study) ............................... 7:30 a.m.

Saturday (Women Bible Study) ............................................................ 8 a.m.

"Baptized Believers working together to do the will of God"

First Baptist Church Piney Grove, Inc. 4699 West Oakland Park Blvd.

Lauderdale Lakes, FL 33313 Office: (954) 735-1500 Fax: (954) 735-1939 fbcpg@bellsouth.net

Rev. Dr. Derrick J. Hughes, Pastor SUNDAY SERVICES Worship Services .......................................................... 7:30 & 10:45 a.m.

Children's Church ........................................................ 7:30 & 10:45 a.m.

Communion (First Sunday) ......................................... 7:30 & 10:45 a.m.

New Members' Class .................................................................... 9:30 a.m.

Church School .............................................................................. 9:30 a.m.

Baptist Training Union (BTU) .................................................... 1:00 p.m.

Wednesday (Bible Study) ...................................... 11:15 a.m.. & 7:00 p.m.

Harris Chapel United Methodist Church Rev. Juana Jordan, M.Div

WORSHIP SERVICES Bible Study (Wednesday Night) ...................................................... 6:45 p.m.

Sunday School .............................................................................. 8:45 a.m.

Sunday Morning Service ............................................................. 10:00 a.m.

Williams Memorial CME “PRAYER IS THE ANSWER” 644-646 NW 13th Terrace Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33311 (954) 462-5711(Ministry Office Line) (954) 462-8222(Pastor’s Direct Line) Email: wm_cme@bellsouth.net (Church} pastorCal50@yahoo.com (Pastor)

Rev. Cal Hopkins.

M.Div) Senior Pastor/Teacher

The WITNESS of “The WILL” Sunday Worship Experiences ................................................................ 7:45 and 11:00 a.m.

Sunday School ................................................................................................................. 9:30 a.m.

Tuesday Night Triumph {Prayer, Praise and Power} Prayer Meeting ................................................................................................................ 7:00 p.m.

Bible Study ........................................................................................................................ 7:30 p.m.

We STRIVE to PROVIDE Ministries that matter TODAY to Whole Body of Christ, not only the Believers, but also for those stranded on the “Jericho Road”!

“Celebrating over 85 Years of FAITH and FAVOR! Come to the WILL ... We’ll show You the WAY: Jesus the Christ!”

Obituaries Elijah Bell's Funeral Services

Roy Mizell & Kurtz Funeral Home

JUDSON Funeral services for the late Andre Judson.

CHISOLM Funeral services for the late Renea Deneice Chisolm - 45 were held April 19 at Golden Heights Church of Christ with Dr. W.F. Washington officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

MANGHAM Funeral services for the late Ruben Mangham.

E-MAIL:juana.jordan@flumc.org 2351 N.W. 26th Street Oakland Park, Florida 33311 Church Telephone: (954) 731-0520 Church Fax: (954) 731-6290

SERVICES Sunday Worship ................................................. 7:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.

Sunday School .............................................................................. 9:00 a.m.

Wednesday (Bible Study) ........................................... 11a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Mount Calvary Baptist Church

800 N.W. 8th Avenue Pompano Beach, Florida 33060 Church Telephone: (954) 943-2422 Church Fax: (954) 943-2186 E-mail Address: Mtcalvarypompano@bellsouth.net

Reverend Anthony Burrell, Pastor SCHEDULE OF SERVICES SUNDAY

New Member Orientation ........................... 9:30 a.m.

Sunday School ................................................ 9:30 a.m.

Worship Service ........................................ 11:00 a.m.

WEDNESDAY Prayer Meeting ............................................... 6:00 p.m.

Bible Study ..................................................... 7:00 p.m.

"Doing God's Business God's Way, With a Spirit of Excellence"

New Birth Baptist Church The Cathedral of Faith International Bishop Victor T. Curry, M.Min., D.Div. Senior Pastor/Teacher 2300 N.W. 135th Street Miami, Florida 33167

ORDER OF SERVICES Sunday Worship ........................................................ 7:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m.

Sunday School ....................................................................................................... 9:30 a.m.

Tuesday (Bible Study) ......................................................................................... 6:45 p.m.

Wednesday (Bible Study) ............................................................................... 10:45 a.m.

1-800-254-NBBC * (305) 685-3700 (o) *(305) 685-0705 (f) www.newbirthbaptistmiami.org

New Mount Olive Baptist Church 400 N.W. 9th Ave., Ft. Lauderdale 33311 (954) 463-5126 ● Fax: (954) 525-9454 CHURCH OFFICE HOURS Monday - Friday 8:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Dr. Marcus D. Davidson, Senior Pastor WORSHIP SERVICES & BIBLE STUDY Sunday .................................................... 7:15 a.m. 9:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.

Sunday School ............................................................................ 10:00 a.m.

Wednesday Noonday Service .................................. 12:00-12:30 p.m.

Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting ............................................ 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday Night Bible Study ................................................... 7:00 p.m.

Where the kingdom of God is increased through Fellowship.

Leadership, Ownership and Worship F.L.O.W. To Greatness!

Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church 1161 NW 29th Terr., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. 33311 (954) 581-0455 ● Fax: (954) 581-4350 www.mtzionmissionarybapt.com

Rev. Dr. James B. Darling, Senior Pastor WORSHIP SERVICES Sunday Worship Service .............................................................................. 8:00 & 11:00 a.m.

Sunday School ............................................................................................................... 10:00 a.m.

Communion Service (1st Sunday) ......................................................................... 11:00 a.m.

Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting ........................................................................... 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday Night Bible Study ................................................................................... 7:00 p.m.

Saturday (2nd & 4th) Growth & Orientation ........................................................... 9 a.m.

But be doers of the Word - James 1:22 nkjv - “A Safe Haven, and you can get to Heaven from here”

Immortalized by Denzel on screen, Rubin “Hurricane” Carter dies at the age of 76

MCFADDEN Funeral services for the late James Junior McFadden.

THOMAS Funeral services for the late Dassell Thomas.

THURSTON Funeral service for the late Sharon L. Deniels-Thurston.

James C. Boyd Funeral Home LOIACONO Funeral services for the late Julio S. Loiacono – 86.

ONLEY Funeral services for the late Leatrice Williams Onley–88 were held April 19 at Mount Hermon AME Church with Rev. Henry E. Green, Jr officiating. Interment: Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens (Central).

POOLE Funeral services for the late Bishop David Clifford Poole –75 were held April 19 at Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Willie J. Lawson, Sr officiating.

Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

KELLY Funeral services for the late Jeanette Evans Kelly - 71 were held April 19 at St. John United Methodist Church with Rev. Simon Osunlana officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

SMITH Funeral services for the late Eula Mae Smith–81 were held April 20 at Lighthouse Worship Center Church Of God In Christ with Rev. Victor Robertson officiating.

Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

McWhite's Funeral Home AUSTIN Funeral services for the late Standford Austin - 90 were held April 17 at McWhite’s Funeral Home Chapel with Mrs. Amanda McFarlane officiating.

A Family That Prays Together Stays Together

Rubin “Hurricane” Carter and Denzel Washington.

By Brandon Simmons Former boxing champion, Rubin “Hurricane” Carter has passed away at the age of 76 from complications of prostate cancer. Carter was a famous boxer in the 70’s but is more known for being wrongfully convicted of murder. The conviction occurred at the tail end of his career in 1966 but eventually the charges were dismissed. Win Wahrer reminisces on how he was obsessed over the wrongdoing that happened to him.

“I always remember spending hours and hours with Rubin talking about the wrongful convictions,” Wahrer told CNN. Wahrer is the director of client FINLEY Funeral services for the late Elizabeth Marie Finley - 60 were held April 19 at McWhite’s Funeral Home Chapel with Bishop Allen Dennard officiating.

REYNOLDS Funeral services for the late Terence Llewellyn Reynolds - 70 were held April 19 at Coral Ridge Presbyerian Church with Rev. Paul Hurst officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

services for the Association in Defence of the Wrongly Convicted and adds that he had no regrets about his life. “He was a great mentor and teacher. I felt very fortunate to have those times with him. … He lived a very full life.”

Carter had a wonderful boxing career for the short time he was active. In 1963, Ring Magazine named him one of the top middleweight fighters after he knocked out 11 of his 15 opponents. It was 1964 where his career took a fall. According to CNN, Carter lost seven of his final 15 matches.

But in 1966, he was fingered for a triple homicide and sentenced to three life terms.

The charges were dismissed, but Carter got convicted again in 1976 and saw that conviction drop as well. After being released in 1985, Carter’s case began gaining a lot of attention and also led to a movie in 1999 called, (“Hurricane”), in which he was portrayed on screen by Denzel Washington.

Washington released a statement regarding the passing of the boxing legend.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

Janet Feagans Launcelott, 78, civil rights activist dies

SPANN Funeral services for the late Baby Darri 'el Eugene Spam – One day old.

THORNTON Funeral services for the late Annie Adella Thornton - 58 were held April 19 at McWhite’s Funeral Home Chapel with Minister Taylor officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

WILSON Funeral services for the late Tilmer Wilson, Jr.- 61 were held April 18 at McWhite’s Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Glover officiating.

LAUNCELOTT

By Dedrick D. Henry, Sr. Janet Launcelott died on March 28 at age 78 after being hit by a senior community bus in the East Ridge of Cultler Bay senior living community where she was a resident.

Launcelott was raised as an orphan throughout New York and New Jersey for over ten years. She dedicated her life to helping others and the civil rights movement. The Rev. Harry D. Robinson, a Methodist preacher, accepted Janet in his home, where he raised her and they later attended the March On Washington in 1963. Janet received her PhD in political science from Howard University. She was once a flight attendant for Eastern Airlines; she has worked at both the University of New York and the University of Pittsburg.

In 1972, Janet became the affirmative action director at Florida International University and at Miami-Dade she was also the director of affirmative action in 1973. Launcelott was always active in the fight for equality; once her apartment was raided by Georgia State Police for a multiracial meeting in which all participants were arrested and falsely accused of disorderly conduct and being drunk.

Janet was the director of the Miami- Dade Fair Housing and Employment Appeals Board for 12 years starting in 1975.

She won a seat on the South Miami City Commission in 1988 through to 1992. She was given the key to the city by South Miami in 2013.Tthis was one of the many honors she received in her lifetime for her active community involvement. The Miami Friends Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends held a memorial service for Launcelott on Saturday. Janet dedicated most of her life to helping others and fighting for equal and gender rights. Her powerful presence will be greatly missed and forever cherished.

Broward County's Oldest and Largest African American Owned and Operated Newspaper

Page 8 • www.thewestsidegazette.com • April 24 - April 30, 2014

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Student loans vary in type, terms and costs

By Charlene Crowell, NNPA Columnist As graduation day nears for high school seniors, students and their families are also weighing choices for college and financial aid. With college costs rising faster than most family incomes, schools are often CROWELL compared to the level of financial aid each offers. How much assistance and how long it is available can be the final deciding factor for families.

Already, the nation’s student loan borrowers owe more than $1.2 trillion dollars. So before adding to that enormous debt, it’s best to know how to reduce the need for loans and equally important, the different loan options including their cost and repayment terms.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

DANIA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

Paltry number of SBA Loans to Black businesses

(DEDC)

By Ron Busby, Sr. NNPA Columnist A recent Wall Street Journal (WSJ) story detailed the inability of Black-owned businesses to be approved for SBAbacked loans made through America’s most prolific small business lenders. And while it was satisfying – in a weird kind of way – to have confirmed what Black business owners have known for years, it was something of a gut punch to learn just how bad the situation has become.

HOUSING OPPORTUNITY FOR SENIORS AND VETERANS Call Mr ter Mr.. Jer Jerrr y Car Carter at (954) 921-7050

Freeman - R.L. Macon Funeral Home "AN INSTITUTION WITH A SOUL"

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RICHARD L. MACON LICENSED FUNERAL DIRECTOR NOTARY OWNER 738 DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. BLVD. POMPANO BEACH, FL 33060 (954) 946-5525

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FRANKIN BAIL BONDS 771 N.W. 22nd Road Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33311

ROSCHELL J. FRANKLIN, Jr.

“Black borrowers received 1.7 percent of the $23.09 billion in total SBA loans. The percentage is down sharply from 8.2 percent of overall SBA loan volume in fiscal BUSBY 2008. By number of loans, Black-owned small businesses got 2.3 percent of the federal agency’s roughly 54,000 loans last year, down from 11 percent in 2008,” the newspaper reported.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

rjfl@aol.com

CALL AND HAVE YOUR AD PLACED ON THIS PAGE FOR A DISCOUNTED PRICE, FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES IN THE COMMUNITY CALL -- (954) 525-1489

Pearl and Mel Shaw We have seen nonprofit executive directors and college presidents pull their hair out over their relationship – or lack of a relationship – with their development staff. There are magic words development professionals say that pour gasoline on a slow smoldering fire.

Here are a few.

“I don’t have enough staff.”

While this may be true, it is not a conversation starter. You must effectively deploy current staff before requesting more.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

April 24 - April 30, 2014 • www.thewestsidegazette.com • Page 9

Broward County's Oldest and Largest African American Owned and Operated Newspaper

ABLE Act could help disabled to save

By Jazelle Hunt NNPA Washington Correspondent WASHINGTON, D.C. (NNPA) – As of 2006, more than 2.4 million African Americans receiving Social Security benefits are disabled, or are the spouses or children of disabled, retired, or deceased workers. A new piece of legislation is poised to help address the rising cost of disability,

without jeopardizing existing social service benefits.

If enacted, the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2013 will allow disabled Americans and their caregivers to set up secure, tax-free savings accounts for their disability-related expenses. Currently, Social Security Dis-ability Insurance recipients cannot have more than $2,000 in assets, or they will lose their

benefits. But savings up to $100,000 in an ABLE account will not be counted as income and assets against the disabled beneficiary, and therefore will not damage eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid, and other assistance.

The ABLE Act was first introduced but did not pass in 2009. Rep. Crenshaw Ander Crenshaw (R-Fla.), author and co-sponsor of the bill, re-

Joseph Littles Nguzo Saba Charter School shutting its doors (Cont'd from FP) He noted that the law stipulates – with respect to a school that gets two F’s in a row, that the District can, but is not obligated to shut them down.

“They took the position they were obligated,” stated Geuka.

“At that point we hadn’t gotten two F’s. The FCAT results won’t be out until July. They took the position that the statutes mandate that they notify us 90days in advance to not renew the charter, which is like putting the cart before the horse.”

According to Geuka, Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Joe Lee did attempt to broker a peaceful agreement on the FCAT results, suggesting that the District hold back on its non-renewal position until mid-July when the FCAT grades would be in.

Negotiations break down Out of that came a 1 year extension “to allow us to continue beyond June 30th in order to wait for the FCAT scores. If there was another F grade all deals were off. A D grade or better would warrant negotiating terms and conditions under which a renewal would take place,” Geuka pointed out.

Negotiations soon broke down after conditions were added into the agreement document at the last minute, including acknowledgement of “being guilty as charged,” with respect to the compliance issues and owing an outstanding $200,000 debt to a former landlord, which had in fact been written off as a $200K charitable donation back in 2009, Geuka stated.

“Had the board members and I signed that agreement document, which we were given 24-hour notice on, we would have been personally liable.

After June 30th Nguzo Saba Charter School would technically be out of existence, so no assets; however we’d have acknowledged liability for the $200K in back rent, which would have resulted in an added windfall for the landlord.”

In her response to the District Charter School Office’s MID YEAR & RENEWAL REVIEW (upon which the compliance issues were based), Dr. Helen R. Byrd, Ed.D, Principal of Nguzo Saba Charter School said she was confused about what “constitutes compliance in targeted areas.” “. . . We have a detailed list of corrections that we did address and responded to with information being provided that should have satisfied the areas of concern, but there has been no further additional targeted support.”

Dr. Byrd further noted that in many cases, the negative ratings were derived from “nonspecific” findings that are not supported with authentic evidence.

“The Review process has been utilized as a weapon against the charter school to look for or create any conditions that could be focused on as negatives as it relates to the school,” she stated.

Also expressing concern over the closing of Nguzo Saba, school board member Dr. Debra Robinson said she initially planned to withhold her support for Nguzo Saba based on the “procedural problems.”

“But then I saw the District’s Percentage Yearly Growth (PYG data), which reflected gains of 20 percent more than District elementary school students in reading, on average,” stated Robinson, adding, “The procedural problems could have been dealt with.”

Joining Robinson in the 4-2 dissenting vote, school board member Marcia Andrews lamented the fact that the only school offering African-centered education in the entire state would soon be shutting its

doors. “This will be a loss to the community, and I wonder what will happen to the children…”

Underscoring the two board members' concerns, Geuka questioned why the Palm Beach County School District would “ignore the counsel of the only two Black board members who stressed the importance of this school to our community, and in lieu of questions as to whether conclusions drawn by the District were necessarily reflected by the data.”

If anyone’s expecting Amefika Geuka to simply fold up his tent and walk away, they’ve got another guess coming, however.

The privatization of education “We might have lost the battle, but we’re going to win the war,” he predicted confidently, referring to the seeming inexorable march toward privatizing education in this country.

“The whole charter school movement emanated out of vouchers which were ‘couched’ in the terminology of ‘free choice,’ meaning parents have the right to choose whatever school, for their children’s education. The public money allocated was essentially the child’s money and came to be used through the instrument of a voucher.

Since 1999 the School District of Palm Beach County has had just under $40 billion to educate children in Palm Beach County. When you divide 16 years into $40 billion that total comes out to be $2.5 billion per year. Then you divide the number of children enrolled over the 16 year period (average number of students per year = 149,000). Dividing the $2.5 billion by 149,000 you come up with $16,750 per student or that student’s pro rata share of local education money. In other words, a full voucher would be worth approximately $16,750 per child.

As we speak, Geuka noted, lobbyists, parents and other interested parties were angling to get measures through the 2014 Florida Legislature that will enable parents to leverage their child’s pro rata share of education money so that they might obtain the best possible education for their child. Within 2-5 years, Geuka said he expected to see a full-voucher system in place. And these will more than likely be corporatebacked charter schools.

Getting in on the ground level Rather than be alarmed, Geuka urged the Black Community to get onboard.

“This is what’s coming, folks.

Instead of sitting back and allowing the train to leave the station without us, let’s get some of these charters. Let’s get back in the business of educating Black children,” he stated, “with adequate funding this time.”

Geuka’s booming assessment of the coming explosion in corporate-backed charter schools is not unfounded. Not only are charter schools as a

whole fast becoming the new ‘darlings of Wall Street,’ wealthy investors from China, Russia, Australia and Nigeria are getting in on the act, investing millions into local charter schools in the U.S., funding libraries, science and math labs, media centers and football fields.

Currently, there are said to be some 6,000 charter schools operating in the U.S. with 2.3 million children enrolled. All across the country states are rushing to expand their voucher programs and charter school operations.

In Florida alone there are 575 charter schools with new ones constantly coming down the pike, thanks to Florida House legislation that would eliminate some of the barriers faced by out-of-state corporate charter operators along with incentives to pave the way for out-of-state charter companies to expand their base of operations into Florida.

Potential downsides to corporate-backed charter schools If there is a potential downside or danger associated with these corporate-backed charters, it is the likely impact that they will have on children of color, many feel.

A number of critics question whether charter schools, particularly corporate-backed charter schools, will increase racial and economic polarization over time, leading to a two-tiered education system for the ‘haves and have-nots.’ Other critics view the accelerated push for corporate-backed charter schools as ‘education policy on the fly,’ unproven and minus data to show how charter schools have outperformed traditional public schools, which was one of the main reasons charters came into existence in the first place.

Critics also decry the topdown, management approach of corporate-backed charters fearing its relentless focus on profits will override its concern for children. Many fear minority children will ultimately wind up becoming a footnote in the charters relentless drive to expand market share.

“It’s also important to note,” cautioned Geuka, “private prison operators like the GEO Group want to run jails, but also want to be assured of full occupancy. How do you achieve this? There must be a pipeline.

For the last 10 years at least, they have been using the failures of FCAT reading scores of third graders as an indicator of how many prisons and jails they’re going to need 10 years down the road.

“Tracking students into school systems where they’re set up to fail is what’s in store for the vast majority of these children unless we as a community get involved on the ground floor level,” concluded Geuka.

introduced it in February 2013.

Today the bill has received bipartisan support from 358 representatives across all 50 states, including both the Senate party leaders. However, it still faces one hurdle: a financial assessment from the Congressional Budget Office to determine how the bill will affect the federal budget.

These state-based ABLE accounts are patterned after (and built as an extension of) 529 college savings plans, state- and school-based tax-advantaged savings plans that allow people to make investments that will mature and be put toward tuition and/or room and board.

The funds accrued in these ABLE accounts can be put toward schooling for the beneficiary, housing expenses, transit expenses, financial services, and more.

“Other Americans enjoy financial-planning tools that allow them to save for college and

retirement, yet our tax code does not provide people with disabilities with the same option,” said Congressman Crenshaw.

“Enormous financial struggles that most of us cannot imagine face this population, and they deserve a level playing field when it comes to planning for education, housing, retirement, and more.”

African Americans make up 19 percent of all disabled-worker beneficiaries, according to the National Academy of Social Insurance, a nonpartisan nonprofit. According to 2009 data from the Social Security Agency, 31 percent of African Americans receiving Social Security checks are receiving disability insurance.

The disability rate is highest among African Americans who tend to become disabled as a result of health issues, or lifelong work in labor-intensive jobs – 24.3 percent as of 2009, according to the Disability Funders Network.

Chronic illness also precludes many Black Americans from the workforce. Until the Affordable Care Act, people with pre-existing and/or chro-

nic conditions were usually denied insurance and were thus forced to pay for care out-ofpocket. Now largely insured, they too are dealing with significant healthcare debt.

In addition to having high disability rates, African Americans tend to have the least financial flexibility. African Americans, particularly women, also tend to work in low-wage jobs that do not offer benefits such as paid sick leave. Working-and middle-class Black families also tend to lack significant savings and wealth. So, when health emergencies strike and result in disability, it is easy for Black Americans to drown in the tide of related care, medical bills, and lost wages. This results in significant healthcare debt.

Those eligible for Medicaid may have less of a debt burden, but also live on modest incomes (by Affordable Care Act standards, that’s a little more than $26,000 per year for a family of three). African Americans make up 20 percent of all nonelderly Medicaid recipients as of 2012, according to the (Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

Collaborative that keeps students in school and out of court receives district award

From Sandra Bernard-Bastien LAUDERHILL, FL – In 2011, more students were arrested on Broward County school campuses than in any other Florida school district, many for misdemeanors like possessing marijuana or spraying graffiti. In response, Broward County Public Schools partnered with local organizations and agencies like the Fort Lauderdale NAACP and the Children’s Services Council of Broward County (CSC), as well as law enforcement, the 17th Judicial Circuit Court and others to establish the Elimination of the Schoolhouse to Jailhouse Pipeline Collaborative.

At the recent Community Involvement Awards hosted by Broward Schools, the Collaborative received the District Level Outstanding Partnership of the Year, recognizing successes such as the Collaborative Agreement on School Discipline and development of the PROMISE (Preventing Recidivism through Opportunities, Mentoring, Interventions, Sup-

port and Education) Program.

More than 300 people attended the ceremony that highlighted participation from community volunteers, mentors, parents and business partners.

“One of my top priorities has been to find an effective way to keep our youth, especially our Black males, out of the Schoolhouse to Jailhouse Pipeline,” said Robin Bartleman, School Board member and Chair of the CSC. “Through the efforts of many child advocates, community leaders and committed professionals, we have changed the trajectory of our students’ lives.”

The work of the Collaborative is aimed at limiting the number of students who are funneled out of the school system into the court system for non-violent misdemeanors. By giving students a second chance through counseling, mentoring, and other support, these efforts are showing positive re-sults: • A 58 percent reduction in overall arrests during the first semester this school year

compared to the first semester of the 2012-13 school year.

• Of more than 1,300 students who have participated in PROMISE, only 100 have repeated the program.

The Children’s Services Council of Broward is an independent taxing authority which was established by a public referendum on Sept. 5, 2000, which, through Public Act, Chapter 2000-461 of the laws of Florida, authorized the Council to levy up to 0.5 mills of property taxes. The role of the Council is to provide the leadership, advocacy and resources necessary to enhance children’s lives and empower them to become responsible, productive adults through collaborative planning and funding of a continuum of quality care.

Follow us on Twitter at @CSCBroward and on Facebook.

For more information about the Children’s Services Council of Broward County, visit www.cscbroward.org

The community organization ‘Pride of Parkway’ held an Easter Egg Hunt for the Pre-K and Kindergarten Classes of Broward Estates Elementary. One of the organizers , Lawrence Martin stated, “We have more positive events planned for our neighborhood and we want to challenge other areas to get moving! "

Page 10 • www.thewestsidegazette.com • April 24 - April 30, 2014

Broward County's Oldest and Largest African American Owned and Operated Newspaper

Millennials are more diverse – in many ways

Wynton Guess, 20 years old, is multiracial but identifies as African American.

By Jazelle Hunt NNPA Washington Correspondent WASHINGTON, D.C. (NNPA) – Millennials are easy to spot. They’re the ones welded to their handheld devices, touting peculiar professional titles and ambitions. Born between 1980 and the early 2000s, Millennials, or Generation Y, are entitled, lazy, self-centered, and callow, according to popular perception.

It’s true, this generation is different – but not for those oftrepeated gloomy reasons.

As a new report from the Pew Center titled, “Millennials in Adulthood: Detached from Institutions, Networked with Friends,” demonstrates – most of the members of the Millennial generation were born into an American landscape that is vastly different from that of Generation X, Baby Boomers, and the Silent Generation.

For starters, this is the most racially diverse generation of Americans to date. Among adult Millennials, 43 percent are nonwhite; among their children, the first of a yet- unnamed generation, close to half are of color.

The Census estimates that the country will be majority nonwhite by 2043.

However, this diversity doesn’t mean that Millennials have escaped the pain of racism.

Date 4/30/14 9a 4/30/14 10a

Wynton Guess, a 20 yearold senior music composition major at the Boston Conservancy, spent his formative years in Jersey City, N.J., one of the nation’s most diverse cities. Since then, he has lived in Louisville and Pittsburgh, has visited other countries, and is finishing college in Boston.

Throughout his childhood, he recalls friends from all over the world and the familiarity of knowing the subtle differences between cultures and nationalities. But not all of his peers share this multicultural perspective.

“Overt racism really isn’t that much of a problem. More of a problem now is ‘hipster racism,’ when people say something ironically but they really mean it, or they say insensitive things because they think it’s funny to be racist,” says Guess, who is multiracial but identifies primarily as Black.

He recalls stories from his mother regarding the racial powder keg that was school integration and bussing, and stories from his biracial father about being disowned by racist family members.

“It’s a lot more subtle,” Guess said. “When I went to college I met a lot of people who had never been out of their small hometowns, and they will be offensive without even knowing it. It’s a matter of living in your own world, and being really segregated. Like in Louisville, I notice a lot of ‘us versus them’ mentality.”

Keith Jones, who, at 33 years old, was born in the gray area between Gen X and Gen Y, also believes racism has changed.

“I’d say it’s worse for me [than my parents] in the sense that… back with Brown v. Board of Ed and those laws, people were forced to be together. The difference today is that things are still segregated, but now it’s by choice,” he said. “Racism is still there. A lot of racist people still exist and many are young.”

A racial rift also emerges on the subject of government and politics.

Fully half of all Millennials identify as political independents. However, a curious shift

occurs among those who have chosen sides. Among white Millennials, 24 percent say they’re Democrats and another 19 percent are Republicans; among Millennials of color, 37 percent identify as Democrats and 9 percent as Republicans.

A little more than half (52 percent) of white Millennials favor big government while a majority of Millennials of color (71 percent) favor larger government that provides more services.

Additionally, about one-third of whites across four generations approve of President Obama’s job performance, compared to two-thirds of nonwhites across three generations (too few people of color in the Silent Generation were included in the survey).

The report explains that white Millennials are more liberal than their older counterparts, but less liberal than their non-white peers. And on the subject of President Obama, their views are not much different than those of older white Americans.

Outside the sticky subjects of race and politics, Millennials represent a significant break from older generations, particularly with the trappings of adulthood and success (namely, education, marriage, and economic stability).

While Millennials took their parents’ and grandparents’ advice and became the most educated generation the country has ever seen, the advice might not have served them well.

According to the report, they’re the first generation in

Masons scholarship recipients

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Audit Committee

KCW Bldg., Board Room rd 600 SE 3 Avenue, Ft. Laud.

Diversity Committee - School KCW Bldg., Board Room rd Site Visitation 600 SE 3 Avenue, Ft. Laud.

Diversity Committee - Indicators KCW Bldg., Board Room rd Rev. Sub-Comm.

600 SE 3 Avenue, Ft. Laud.

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ESOL Steering Committee ESOL Department nd 201 W. 172 Ave., Pemb.Pines Diversity Committee KCW Bldg., Board Room rd -General Meeting 600 SE 3 Avenue, Ft. Laud.

Diversity Committee - Indicators Lauderdale Manors Lrng. Cntr. th Rev. /School Site Visitation 1400 NW 14 Court, Ft. Laud. th Policy 6000.1 Committee KCW Bldg., 13 Fl. Conf. Rm rd 600 SE 3 Avenue, Ft. Laud.

ESE - Autism Committee of ESE ARC rd Advisory (ACE) 10250 NW 53 St., Sunrise th Wellness Policy Committee KCW Bldg., 14 Fl. Conf. Rm rd 600 SE 3 Avenue, Ft. Laud.

ESE Adv. Exec. Board Mtg. West Regional Library 8601 W. Broward Blvd, Plantation Diversity Committee - Chair, Lauderdale Manors Lrng. Cntr. th Vice-Chair & Staff Mbr Mtg 1400 NW 14 Court, Ft. Laud.

Diversity Committee - School Lauderdale Manors Lrng. Cntr. th Site Visitation Sub-Committee 1400 NW 14 Court, Ft. Laud.

Technology Advisory BECON - MGM Room Committee (TAC) 6600 SW Nova Drive, Davie QSEC Review of Contractors TSSC - Rm. #323 Pre-Qualification/ReCert.

7720 W. Oklnd Pk Blvd., Sunrise Superintendent's Ins. Advisory TSSC (Lobby) Committee (SIAC) (Purpose: To 7770 W. Oaklnd Pk Blvd., Sunrise review renewals for 2015 and any other important matters.)

5/14/14 District Adv. Council (DAC) KCW Bldg., Board Room rd 6:30-9p -General Meeting 600 SE 3 Avenue, Ft. Laud.

5/15/14 Central District Schools Adv. TSSC 9a -Steering Committee 7770 W. Oklnd Pk Blvd., Sunrise 5/15/14 North Dist. Schools Advisory Ramblewood Middle 6p / 7p -Steering Committee / Gen. Mtg 8505 W. Atlantic Blvd, CSprings 5/19/14 Central District Schools Adv. Boyd Anderson High st 9a -General Meeting 3050 NW 41 St., Laud. Lakes th 5/19/14 District Adv. Council (DAC) KCW Bldg., 10 Fl. Conf. Rm rd 9:30-11:30a -Steering Meeting 600 SE 3 Avenue, Ft. Laud.

5/19/14 Diversity Committee - Indicators Lauderdale Manors Lrng. Cntr. th 1-4p Rev./School Site Visitation 1400 NW 14 Court, Ft. Laud. th 5/20/14 Policy 6000.1 Committee KCW Bldg., 13 Fl. Conf. Rm rd 8-10a 600 SE 3 Avenue, Ft. Laud.

5/21/14 South Dist. Schools Advisory McArthur High 8:30a -General/Steering Meetings 6501 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood 5/21/14 ESOL Leadership Council KCW Bldg. rd 6:30-8:30p -General Meeting 600 SE 3 Avenue, Ft. Laud.

5/21/14 Gifted Advisory Millennium Middle th 7p 5803 NW 94 Ave., Tamarac 5/27/14 ESE - Down Syndrome Task ARC rd 10a-2p Force Committee 10250 NW 53 St., Sunrise 5/28/14 QSEC Review of Contractors TSSC - Rm. #323 9a Pre-Qualification/ReCert.

7720 W. Oklnd Pk Blvd., Sunrise 5/28/14 ESE Adv. Exec. Board Mtg. Piper High School, Small Aud. 4:30-6p 8000 SW 44 Street, Sunrise 5/28/14 ESE Advisory Council Meeting Piper High School, Sm.Aud. 6-9p 8000 SW 44 Street, Sunrise 5/30/14 ESE - ACE Board Meeting Dunkin Donuts 10a-12p 9740 Griffin Rd., Cooper City The School Board of Broward County, Florida, prohibits any policy or procedure, which results in discrimination on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, marital status, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.

Individuals who wish to file a discrimination and/or harassment complaint may call the Executive Director, Benefits & EEO Compliance, at 754-321-2150 or Teletype Machine (TTY) 754-321-2158.

Individuals with disabilities requesting accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA), may call Equal Educational Opportunities (EEO) at 754-321-2150 or Teletype Machine (TTY) 754-321-2158.

Notice is hereby given that two or more Board Members of The School Board of Broward County, Florida, may be participating.

the accumulation of debt I was putting on myself. When you graduate you are working poor – I was making about $32,000 out of college, and I had more student debt than that. Then I had the nerve to go back and get a master’s. [Student debt] is a great hindrance on allowing the American workforce to attain the American Dream.”

Some speculate that this overwhelming debt is resulting in delayed adulthood. In 2012, 36 percent of Millennials were still living in their parents’ home, a historic high. Just 26 percent are married; by this age, 36 percent of Generation X, 48 percent of Baby Boomers, and 65 percent of the Silent Generation had tied the knot.

And according to Census data, the birth rate among women in their 20s between continued to decline to an all-time low in 2011 and 2012. Birth rates among the youngest Millennials (today’s teenagers) are also falling steadily.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

Speak daily with your dollar$ and use your vote as your voice to make a difference!

(Cont'd from FP)

Pictured are l-r: HPGM Charles T. Maxwell, 33° Chairman on Education, Stranhan High School graduate, Kristen McFadden of Fort Lauderdale, scholarship recipient, Beverly Green-McFadden mother, HPGM Emmett Kater, 33° grandfather.

THE SCHOOL BOARD OF BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA MEETINGS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR CANCELLATION Meeting Place QSEC Review of Contractors TSSC - Rm. #323 Pre-Qualification/ReCert.

7720 W. Oklnd Pk Blvd., Sunrise Superintendent's Ins. Advisory TSSC (Lobby) Committee (SIAC) (Purpose: To 7770 W. Oaklnd Pk Blvd., Sunrise review draft RFP 15-005P Voluntary Supplement Insurance for School Board employees and any other important matters.)

the modern era to have higher levels of student loan debt, poverty and unemployment, and lower levels of wealth and personal income than their two immediate predecessor generations had at the same age.

With the convergence of the Great Recession, globalization, and a rapidly changing job market, the financial risk Millennials took in pursuing increasingly expensive educations is not paying off as quickly, if at all.

“From a Black perspective, most of us went to college on Pell Grants, or student loans.

Some of us got scholarships, but mostly they weren’t full scholarships,” says Jones, adding that knowing how to matriculate with minimal debt and in the least time is harder for first-generation college students.

Jones holds two degrees, and works for the Detroit city government. Though he feels comfortable with his life circumstances now, he has felt the crunch. “I never thought about

Pictured are l-r: HPGM Charles T. Maxwell, 33° Chairman on Education, GHP Parker, 33° Holy Royal Arch Masons, Parkland High School graduate, Tyler Paula of Parkland, scholarship recipient, Mrs. and Mr. Paula the parents.

Broward County had two students to receive a four year scholarship at the 2014 Annual Grand Session of the Most Worshipful Union Grand Lodge of Florida, Belize Central America and St. Johns US Virgin

Islands PHA. The scholarships were awarded at the April 13, 2014 144th Grand Session. MW Anthony T. Stafford, 33° Active, KYCH, Grand Master , and HPGM Charles T. Maxwell, 33° Chairman on Education.

THE SCHOOL BOARD OF BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA NOTICE OF MEETINGS 5/6/14 KCW Bldg., 600 SE 3rd Ave., Ft. Laud.

10:00 a.m.

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February 4, 2014 Minutes and a Resolution authorizing execution

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5/27/14 10:00 a.m.

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Regular School Board Meeting ± Public speakers listed on the agenda will be heard at 12 p.m. or as close to that time as possible.

Workshops ± Public speakers will be permitted three minutes each to address a topic at the conclusion of Board Members' discussion on the topic. The times for items on the agenda are only estimates.

The actual start times for these topics may vary up to an hour or more depending on the nature of the items and the length of the Board discussions and public comments.

The School Board of Broward County, Florida, prohibits any policy or procedure, which results in discrimination on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, marital status, race, religion, or sexual orientation. Individuals who wish to file a discrimination and/or harassment complaint may call the Executive Director, Benefits & EEO Compliance at 754-321-2150 or Teletype Machine (TTY) 754-321-2158.

Individuals with disabilities requesting accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA), may call Equal Educational Opportunities (EEO) at 754-321-2150 or Teletype Machine (TTY) 754-321-2158.

Telephone conferencing or other telecommunications technology may be used in conducting this public meeting to permit absent Board Members to participate in discussions, to be heard by other School Board Members and the public, and to hear discussions taking place during the meeting.

This ugly situation must end!

Use Black owned media’s advertisers as a guide to know who welcomes and appreciates your patronage and which legislators will champion your causes.

SPEAK DAILY WITH YOUR DOLLAR$ AND USE YOUR VOTE AS YOUR VOICE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Bobby R. Henry, Sr., Publisher The Westside Gazette Newspaper along with hundreds of other Black owned newspapers are distributed weekly throughout the United States with many out of state subscribers receiving our publication by way of the U.S Postal Service. The Westside Gazette Newspaper is a member of the National Newspaper Publishers’ Association (NNPA Black Press of America), which consists of hundreds of African American owned and operated newspapers.

The NNPA newspapers also have internet accessibility for our advertisers, readers and subscribers, if for some reason our publication does not reach its destination. Please follow us on Facebook: Westside Gazette Newspaper; Twitter: @_westsidebiads; instagram: thewestsidegazettenewspaper; Website: www.thewestsidegazette.com Please join us as we unite with our different media outlets to present a unified voice proclaiming the same message: “We will not accept disrespect in the marketplace nor will we tolerate the lackadaisical treatment from our own leadership.”

Hear Our Cry! (Cont'd from FP) (Clearly unsuccessful, Spikes went on to struggle with his relationship with God. “Do you know how it feels to be the one that your family hates? Imagine what it’s like to go to a place of refuge, where they say God is love and we all fall short and that we all are sinners. Only to find out that every sin and spirit is loved and accepted and forgiven accept yours.”

Never being one to give up, Spikes continued to draw closer to God and to scripture until finally he reached this profound understanding, “God said, before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. Before you were born, I set you apart. I appointed you as a prophet to the nations. So if God knew me before I was born. If he felt there was anything lacking or wrong with me, he had every opportunity to change it. And since he didn’t….I am GAY and I am proud!”

Despite the electrifying words of Jonathan Spikes and the informative nature of the BCPS video, it was the personal testimonies of the LGBTQ panel members that touched the heart of every audience member.

Christina Emmanual, employee with SunServe (a social service and mental health agency serving the LGBTQ community in South Florida) shared how she wore a mask throughout high school. She was an overachiever who appeared to have everything together. It wasn’t until her junior year that she realized

who she was and the secret she would have to keep.

Finally after almost flunking out of college she acknowledged, “This weight of living a lie is so, so, so tough on my heart.” She ultimately survived a severe depression and found the strength to come out to her family because of her relationship with God." “Even though I felt like if I came out everything would be considered wrong by my family and by my friends, I never honestly felt that way with how God would see it.”

Another employee of SunServe, Richard Forbes, also struggled with his decision to ultimately live in his truth. As the product of a strong WestIndian family, homosexuality was severely looked down upon in his culture.

Forbes shared his battles with suicide as a solution to the turmoil that plagued him throughout adolescence and early adulthood. “I’ve thought about suicide, have you?” This simple question pierced the soul of everyone in attendance.

Dr. Osgood and Commissioner DuBose should be commended for bringing a relevant and timely issue to the forefront of the Black community. Up and coming hip hop artist Nicky Monroe said it best. “I feel like this was something that was well needed for the younger community.”

Regardless of what side of the issue you fall on, you can’t deny that this is an important issue facing our community.

None of us wants to witness the senseless death or suicide of another Black youth… regardless of the circumstances.

Broward County's Oldest and Largest African American Owned and Operated Newspaper

April 24 - April 30, 2014 • www.thewestsidegazette.com • Page 11

Jason Taylor Foundation to crown Broward’s top youth poet District-Wide Poetry Slam DAVIE, FL – The Jason Taylor Foundation will host its Second Annual District-Wide Poetry Slam at Nova Southeastern University’s Rose & Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center on Friday, April 25. The slam will showcase 16 poets, representing 16 different Broward County Public High Schools, performing self-authored spoken word poetry as they compete for the title of “Broward’s Top Poet.” The slam culminates the second year of the football legend’s Omari Hardwick bluapple Poetry Network, which currently features more than 40 participating schools across the district.

The bluapple Poetry Slam is an elimination style competition consisting of three rounds of poetry, moving from 16 poets to

eight and then to five for the final round before the top three poets are named. The poets will be judged by a diverse panel featuring prominent South Florida personalities including Dr. Desmond K. Blackburn (Chief School Performance and Accountability Officer for Broward County Public Schools), Katrina Campins (business woman & television personality), Vivian Gonzalez (WSVN Morning Meteorologist), Dr. Christine Jackson (Nova Southeastern University Professor) and O.J. McDuffie (former Miami Dolphins wide receiver & two-time team MVP).

Also highlighting the evening will be an exclusive appearance by rising R&B star, George Tandy, Jr., who will perform his hit single, “March”

which currently rounds out the top three songs on the Billboard Adult R&B Chart behind Pharrell Williams’ “Happy” and John Legend’s “All of Me.” In addition, the night will feature a performance by Weston based youth dance crew, Heroes of Hip Hop, and a live painting exhibition by Urban Pop Artist, Surge.

Established prior to the 2012-13 school year by the Jason Taylor Foundation with actor and poet, Omari Hardwick (Being Mary Jane, Verses & Flow, Middle of Nowhere, For Colored Girls) in partnership with the School Board of Broward County’s Department of Diversity, Cultural Outreach and Prevention, the bluapple Poetry Network was created to build a community of young

people across the county who will develop and utilize critical literary skills and self expression, both written and through performance, as a vehicle for prevention, social activism and change, ultimately empowering youth, the schools they attend and the communities in which they live.

Participating schools organized poetry clubs on campus and met a minimum of once a week throughout the school year, frequently interacting with their peers across the district through “virtual showcases” moderated by bluapple Poetry Network Director, Darius Daughtry, with the assistance of BECON’s Distance Learning Technology. Sixteen schools elected to hold poetry slams on campus, with the win-

Hip Hop Union countdown to ‘The Greatest Mix’ The National Newspaper Publishers Association – The Black Press of America – and the Hip Hop Union countdown to ‘The Greatest Mix’ celebrating the Core DJ’s 10th Anniversary Conference on Saturday, May 3, 2014 at the Holiday Inn Miami Beach, Fla. From LaTanya O’Kelly, Hip Hop Union The NNPA, a federation of approximately 200 Black newspapers, the Hip Hop Union, a governing body of businesses and entrepreneurs and the largest DJ coalition in the world join forces to eliminate the communication barriers that have plagued Black America for years. ‘The Greatest Mix’ Luncheon will bring together generations that have often stood on separate sides of the table when it comes to Hip Hop. For the first time in history, all parties have agreed to level the playing field and work together for the betterment of Black America.

‘The Greatest Mix’ Luncheon moderated by George Curry, Editor-in-Cheif of NNPA News Service, seeks to capture the essence of how the power of Hip Hop and the power of the Black

Press can improve circumstances in the areas of politics, economics and positive images in the media.

“Hip Hop often carries a stereotypical stigma of misogyny, violence and ignorance, which unfortunately sometimes is true. What gets lost is in translation is why people continue to gravitate and support the culture despite the downsides. This collaboration with the NNPA will connect the dots to the places that Hip Hop does not explore because we do not have the guidance,” said Jineea Butler, President of the Hip Hop Union, whose Hip Hop column is syndicated by the NNPA. “This is an opportunity for us to learn from each other and build on our strengths and eliminate our weaknesses as a collective unit. We have represented the Black voice in America for over 187 years and

we want to continue to magnify our mission and work more closely with the Hip Hop Community by featuring more articles and ads that speak directly to Hip Hop Citizens,” says NNPA Chairman Cloves Campbell.

“Joining forces is monumental on so many levels, as DJs our platform influences what the masses hear, as the Black Press they influence what the masses think. What better combination of forces to help move and influence the NEXT generation of not only consumers but future leaders. I’m proud to be part of the template of this historic venture,” states Manny ‘Maddog’ Ayala, an original Core DJ. “The Road to the Core” Song Submission Contest is one way in which the NNPA has begun to connect with the Hip Hop Community. “Knowing that so many young aspiring artists are seeking an outlet for their music

and often can’t find one, we want to provide an arena where we are helping uplift the culture and expanding the opportunities,” said Chairman Campbell.

Hip Hop and R&B Artists can still submit their music for the Road to the Core Song Submission Contest to be listened to and voted on by top Core DJ’s during the 10th Anniversary Conference May 2-5, 2014.

New submissions winers will be announced after the conference and winners will be chosen to perform at the next Core DJ Conference in August 2014.

Log on to www.hiphopunion.org for contest rules, prizes and details.

To register for the Core DJs Worldwide 10th Anniversary Conference, go to www.coredjsworldwide.com.

To find the local NNPA newspaper in your community, go to this link: http:// nnpa.org/about-us/nnpamember-papers/

ners of their respective slams advancing to this District-Wide competition.

Poets competing in this year’s slam include Tirza BenEzzer (Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School), Caleb Brown (Charles W. Flanagan High School), Dana Daley (Ft. Lauderdale High School), TC Dykes (Boyd Anderson High School), Noah Gallagher (Stranahan High School), Shazia Gonzalez (Deerfield Beach High School), Douglas Goodridge (Dillard High School), Tylor Hill (J.P. Taravella High School), Marissa Houston (McArthur High School), Peter Lange (Northeast High School), Brian McClain (West Broward High School), Choya Randolph (Blanche Ely High School), Marie Rattigan (Coral Glades High School), Clive Roch (Everglades High School), Marnino Toussaint (Miramar High School) and Zoharian Williams (Piper High School).

In addition to the School Board of Broward County’s

Diversity, Cultural Outreach andPrevention Department and Nova Southeastern University, the Omari Hardwick bluapple Poetry Network is also supported by UPS, Steven Douglas Associates, American Heritage School’s Pre-Law Society, BECON, Heroes of Hip Hop, Gerlinde & Michael Photography, Redline Media Group, RedStar Entertainment, 99 JAMZ, County Line Chiropractic Medical & Rehab Centers, BB&T Center, Florida Panthers, City of Sunrise, Wizard Creations, Ediveo, Pandora at Seminole Paradise and ProMotion Sports & Entertainment.

Doors open for the Omari Hardwick bluapple Poetry District-Wide Slam at the Rose & Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 25. Limited FREE tickets still remain and may be obtained by calling the Jason Taylor Foundation offices at (954) 424-0799.