The Westside Gazette

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Rep. Frederica Wilson Hosts Green Impact Zone Initiative Workshop PAGE 2

I Was That Girl PAGE 6

Dillard High School Principal Casandra Robinson Named One Of Florida’ op Principals Florida’ss TTop PAGE 11

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Lawsuit seeks $40 million for victims of police abuse

By Dr. J.A. Salaam Special to the NNPA from The Final Call

LAWSUIT: Atty. Malik Shabazz of Black Lawyers for Justice announced a class action lawsuit on behalf of the “Ferguson Five,” city residents and others who the attorney said were abused by police during protests and a law enforcement crackdown in Ferguson, Mo.

ST. LOUIS (FinalCall.com) – Sweltering heat didn’t keep more than 50 people from gathering at the Eisenhower Federal Building for a press conference where Atty. Malik Shabazz of Black Lawyers for Justice announced a class action lawsuit on behalf of the “Ferguson Five,” city residents and others who the attorney said were abused by police during protests and a law enforcement crackdown in Ferguson, Mo., after the shooting death of teenager Michael Brown by a white police officer.

“We are here to deliver what we have promised. There have been many victims of rogue forces. There are people who have come forth and we call them the Ferguson Five. These are the first of many more that this case will represent,” Atty.

Shabazz said Aug 29.

Have you had your shower today?

He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, -- Titus 3:5(NASB)

By Bobby R. Henry, Sr. Some people sing in the shower and swear by all things that are holy that they can become America’s next Idol, sadly to say it will never happen for them.

The freedom that the water offers during the showering is transforming, invigorating and downright satisfying.

However the sanctity of the enclosed walls of your home shower can also create a false sense of security dripping with aggrandizement of one’s harmonizing abilities.

Several introverted aspects of one’s ability or the lack thereof are manifested through that shower experience.

(Cont'd on Page 3)

NAACP launches Diversity Matters

(Cont'd on Page 3)

The Legendary Rev. Dr. Mack King Carter's legacy lives on!

By Staff Writer Most of our communities are fragmented and at odds within themselves. Social services, education, health care, business and faith-based each sector lives within their own worlds. We are challenged to live with our aggregated existence.

Additionally, urban communities are dramatically impacted by social economic deprivation, thus, leaving the individual man or woman struggling to survive in the tension between heaven and earth. As a result, individuals longing for connection end up marginalized, with their gifts overlooked and their potential contributions lost.

Mount Olive Development Corporation (MODCO) is an instrument that God has chosen

The Legendary Rev. Dr. Mack King Carter.

to change the existing context of this community from one of deficiencies, deficits and depression to one of hospitality, healing, and hope. MODCO’s core competency is it’s ability to serve the least, the lost and often times left out. MODCO is God’s means of fulfilling the Isaiah 61 directive for community service.

After writing “A Quest For Freedom”, Dr. Mack King Carter’s Leadership gave birth to MODCO in 1994. MODCO is a faith based community development corporation multifaceted ministry of the New Mount Olive Baptist Church of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (Cont'd on Page 5)

Racial discrimination & resignation of Dr. Misee Harris – An Open practice where she has told that some of her Facebook Letter to media dental worked as a Pediatric Dentist posts about recent racial issues Open season—Facebook post that led to Dr. Misee Harris’s resignation (On Thursday, Sept. 4, 2014, Dr. Misee Harris, best known to the media as the “Black Bachelorette” hopeful, was forced to resign from her dental practice where she was beloved by both staff and patients. The reason for her resignation was over a clash of ethics involving her outspoken social media support of the late Michael Brown and the unrest in Ferguson, MO..

Here is Misee’s recollection of the disturbing events in her own words, as recorded by her partner, Emmy-winning producer, Chris Silber…)

On Thursday, Sept. 4, Dr. Misee Harris (the Black Bachelorette) was called into an unannounced meeting at the

and was recently offered a partnership in the practice. Dr. Harris, the sole African American dentist in the practice, has worked tirelessly with underprivileged young patients on Medicaid to ensure their smiles remain healthy, and the quality of Dr. Harris’s work has never been called into question.

Once in the meeting, Dr. Harris was ambushed and presented with screenshots from her private Facebook page.

Being that Misee had blocked work colleagues from accessing her account, it was explained to Misee that a doctor who is a partner at the office, and who led the meeting, had been having a friend spy on Misee’s Facebook page.

Screenshots were taken of Misee’s Facebook posts and were sent to the doctor who led the meeting. Misee was then

Pleading Our Own Cause

in America were “unprofessional.” The biggest bone of contention to the partners was a cartoon related to the recent police murders of several innocent African Americans across the nation. The partner held up the picture and asked Misee “Do you think we (meaning Misee’s white colleagues) are all like this?”

Dr. Misee Harris composed herself and asked the partner if she had any idea what was going on in Black America, namely regarding the murder of Michael Brown. The partner did not know the name Mike Brown, nor did she seem to understand Misee’s outrage at being attacked for her personal views. Dr. Harris’s racial discrimination concerns voiced on her personal and private Facebook page was meant solely for the eyes of her friends and fa-

By Starla Vaughns Cherin The Florida State Conference of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, (NAACP), launches Diversity Matters. A statewide survey of small and minority business spending, employment, advertising and marketing in private industry, school districts, city and county government. The survey sent earlier this month is due Saturday, Nov.1, 2014.

The survey asks about total dollars spent with small and minority businesses and what percentage is spent with African American, Hispanic American, Asian American, Native American, Veterans and Women for fiscal year 2013-2014. It also asks about employment diversity and the dollar amount and

percentages spent on advertising and marketing aimed at minorities, veterans and women.

Statewide the NAACP Diversity Matters survey went to four private corporations AutoNation, Ryder, Disney and the Seminole Tribe of Florida as well as 10 municipalities including City of Miami, nine county governments including Broward and eight school districts including Broward.

“We haven’t had a disparity study statewide since 1999. We hope to get a microcosm of diversity in the state of Florida. The questionnaire asks the specifics so when finished we will have the real deal on diversity,” said Adora Obi Nweze, president of NAACP Florida State Conference and Miami Dade NAACP. (Cont'd on Page 9)

DR. HARRIS mily whom Misee thought she could trust. Misee was then told flat out that she would have to choose between her “style of social media communication” and her job as a pediatric dentist in their practice.

The eight-year-old who speaks eight languages and plays eight instruments.

(Read story on Page 3)

(Cont'd on Page 3)

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“We haven’t had a disparity study statewide since 1999, said Adora Obi Nweze, president of NAACP Florida State Conference and Miami Dade NAACP.

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Rep. Frederica Wilson hosts green impact zone initiative workshop

By Derek Joy Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson, (Dem., District 24) convened a green zone initiative impact zone initiative workshop at the Double Tree Grand Hotel.

Wilson orchestrated the event to urge cities in District 24 to take advantage of the billions of federal dollars for community improvements and economic development.

“Since the elimination of earmarks in the federal budget process, cities are having a difficult time accessing federal dollars for community improvements and economic development,” said Wilson.

“There are billions of dollars in the federal budget that are left untapped annually because cities are not aware of the process for acquiring these funds.

It is vital that municipalities in

District 24 take advantage of the resources the federal government has to offer.

“It is also important that the public understands the role of their elected officials in ascertaining important assistance that taxpayers pay into,” added Wilson.

Hence the workshop was organized to address the process.

Representatives from the business community and com-

Blacks commit less crimes than whites think

By Freddie Allen NNPA Senior Washington Correspondent WASHINGTON D.C. (NNPA) – Whites often overestimate the amount of crime committed by Blacks and “associate Blacks and Latinos with criminality,” beliefs that are widespread and also held by whites who work in the criminal justice system, according to a new report on racial perceptions of crime by The Sentencing Project.

The report said, “White respondents in a 2010 survey overestimated the actual share of burglaries, illegal drug sales, and juvenile crime committed

by African Americans by 20-30 percent.”

Leila Veitch (Oct. 22, 1919 – Aug. 27, 2013) was married 43 years to the

Despite recent advances in sentencing policies and a reduction in the number of prisons nationwide, the report said late Sidney Veitch, one of the founding members of Jamaica’s People’s National Party. Known for her strong commitment to youth causes in South Florida, New York and her native Jamaica, Mrs. Veitch is deeply missed by her family, church members, and friends. There will be a memorial service honoring her life and legacy on Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014 at 9 a.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 3500 W. Okld.

Park Blvd., Lauderdale Lakes, Fla.

that racial perceptions of crime continue to endure as “a driving force of criminal justice outcomes.”

According to The Sentencing Project, Black men are six times more likely to be locked up behind bars than white men, and 1 in every 10 Black men in their 30s is in prison or jail on any given day, trends often driven by, “criminal justice policies and practices, and not just crime rates,” the report said.

Media depictions that often portray whites as victims and Blacks as criminals fail to challenge deep-rooted racial bias held by white audiences, missing a valuable opportunity to foster positive dialogue between the races. Homicide is most often an intra-racial crime, but journalists at a major newspaper in Columbus, Ohio, for example, were more inclined to cover cases in which white women

munity activists joined officials of cities in District 24, including Miami Dade County, Miami, El Portal North Miami, North Miami Beach and Opa Locka.

“This is the time for us to take advantage of all the opportunities the federal government has available,” said Miami Commissioner Keon Hardemon, who welcomed the attendees and guests speakers. were the victims or Black men were offenders and avoided cases in which Blacks were murdered by whites and white women murdered white men, according to the study.

Police officers also pursued Blacks more aggressively on the reality TV shows “Cops” and “America’s Most Wanted.”

When whites perceive that Blacks commit more crime, they are also more likely to push for tougher crime laws such as mandatory minimum sentences and policies associated with the War on Drugs. Whites also outpace minorities when it comes to support for the death penalty.

Although the support for the death penalty peaked at 80 percent in 1994, a 2013 Pew Research Center study showed that 63 percent of whites still supported the death penalty for convicted murderers compared to 36 percent of Blacks who supported the death penalty.

A 2014 brief published by the National Academy of Sciences revealed that about 300 innocent defendants have been sentenced to death since 1973, and because Blacks are convicted of murder at higher rates than whites, researchers believe that innocent Blacks are also overrepresented on death row.

According to the report, “implicit racial bias has penetrated all corners of the criminal justice system,” and contributed to disparities in police stops, prosecutorial charging, and sentencing.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

Close to 100 city, county, state and a federal officials, from government to HUD, DOT, EPA, FLP, CRA’s, business owners, mayors, city managers and representatives attended the Green Zone Initiative workshop. Pictured,from r to l: Rep. Wilson, Congressman Cleaver and Anita Maltbia.

Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, the former mayor of Kansas City, Mo., was the featured speaker. Cleaver is credited with engineering nearly $200 million in green impact zone funds that revitalized Kansas City and created hundreds of jobs.

“When our nation’s descent into economic chaos occurred, there $791 billion available to stimulate the economy. Most of it was in tax cuts. African Americans and Latinos missed out on the industrial revolution because of discrimination, legal and otherwise.

“The next generation will be greening. We’ll probably use some new forms of energy and some that are not on the table yet. Our goal is to make our cities attractive, liveable where people want to move here.”

According to Cleaver, who enlisted the support of Anita Maltbia as executive director of the Missouri Green Impact Zone of Kansas City, the plan was to attack a 150 area where 1,000 structures had been lost. The area also had the highest homicide rate in Missouri.

Beginning in 2009, the area first received a $50 million grant, then $100 million and $27 million, all which helped revitalize Kansas City, including bus rapid transit lines.

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“We were able to get these neighborhoods to come together and work together. I’m a member of Congress. We don’t run programs in Congress. We try to get people to run programs and work together,” said Cleaver.

The key to securing green impact zone initiative funding, according to Maltbia, is that area must be environmentally, economically and socially sustainable.

“There are three inter-related principles,” said Maltbia. “Doing things upscale, people and places, along with people in the community as well as people who control resources need to be informed.”

HUD Administrator Steven Shepherd noted how the city Opa Locka has excelled through the efforts of the Opa Locka CDC, while citing the feasibility study in Liberty City was recently funded by Citi Bank.

“The idea with the green impact zone initiative is like that of the Challenge Grants that were created in 2010,” said Shepherd. “The idea is to align federal investments in the environment for sustainability.”

Added Wilson: “We want to improve our cities and the quality of life for the people we represent. It’s important for our elected officials to understand.”

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The root of the violence

By Nate Jackson (Part II of Two Parts) One of the most unfortunate outcomes of the lack of guidance is our children dropping out of school at early ages. This is obviously one of the most serious handicaps because without some form of education, the likelihood of obtaining a quality job is extremely low. Therefore, the cycle of poverty is shifted to the next generation, and these obstacles make both males and females more susceptible to commit crimes in order to survive. High pregnancy rates and increased promiscuity among young people, coupled with higher numbers among Blacks with STD’s and AIDS cripples the community. Add to the stewpot, the sensationalizing of the sale and use of illegal drugs and our children’s futures are destroyed before it begins. In fact, drugs are one of the top reasons that our Black males are killing and being killed.

Entertainment, such as rap music, can be a fantastic method to communicate positively to the

Racial discrimination & resignation of Dr. Misee Harris (Cont'd from FP Misee felt unable to continue working under such conditions and decided to quit the dental practice on the spot, much to the dismay of her bosses. They assumed Misee would simply promise to stop voicing her opinions on social media about racial injustice. In a nutshell, Dr. Misee Harris feels she has been discriminated against as the sole African-American member of her now former dental practice.

Dr. Harris believes she has been pushed out of her job for simply being a Black woman in America.

“It is as though the partners at my former dental practice believe that a black person who has made it to success in a whitedominated field like dentistry is expected to show gratitude and humility, and to ‘act white,’” expresses a devastated Dr. Harris.

Case in point: Right before the last presidential election, in 2012 Dr. Misee Harris was invited to a dinner with President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, as part of her involvement on an Obama campaign team. At that time, her employer advised her not to go because, “We’re all Republicans here,” and that “President Obama was the one responsible for the financial ruin of his office.”

I was expressly told at the time, “People who wanted to work for him should not be siding with Obama.”

When Misee, already working at the office, gathered media popularity with her Black Bachelorette campaign and as an advocate of Black female empowerment, her colleagues began to “monitor” her social media accounts and bring up things they disliked about her public statements on several occasions. As Dr. Harris explains, “I made it very clear that what I did in my private life was none of their business, but to keep the peace, I became very ‘robotic’ and vanilla about my views for quite some time.”

Misee was the one dentist in her practice to bring back Medicaid patients back into the office and give out extras (free lunches, presents, even vacations) to assistants and front desk staff who get paid minimum wage, while the main doctors make high six figure incomes. Misee’s code of ethics was to never turn a child down who needed dental care. Hundreds of less fortunate families in the Nashville, Tennessee suburb where Dr. Harris practiced had no one else to turn to for their children’s dental work.

Dr. Misee Harris wants to go public with this unfortunate story of racial discrimination in the workplace because it has been her mission to empower Black women, many of whom, when subjected to this kind of discrimination do not have the financial freedom to leave with dignity the way Dr. Harris chose to.

Dr. Misee Harris wants to continue to inspire others to speak their mind and to end racial discrimination and related abuse.

new generation. But, so often when negative behaviors are promoted through destructive material that conveys abuse, violence, neglect, and disrespect, it can be fatal. Tupac Shakur is an excellent example of a young brilliant artist whose life was cut short too soon. “Thug life” has a magnet attraction and our boys and girls are being drawn to this life style with an almost certain destruction. For example, the illusion that thugs wear their pants below the waist exposing the underwear or revealing the naked butt is considered “cool”. Black males (and females) don’t realize how this displays a lack of respect for themselves. Instead of exhibiting confidence through their appearance, it shows a form of ignorance. The origin of this fad was launched from the penal system. Homosexual males in prison would wear their pants in this style so they could be identified as available to other men. Such behavior has an appeal that young Black men view as exciting, free, and fun, not realizing its consequences.

I have mentioned only a few concerns about the destructive path laid out in our community.

But, the bigger more important issue is; how can this problem be rectified or remedied? This problem did not instantaneously develop and it will take time to resolve. I am from the “old school”, where the term “It takes a village to raise a child” was in full effect, and it played an important role in the mentoring of children. The very first form of guidance commences in the home with mom and dad and then everyone else looks out for and pitches in to help. I firmly believe this includes our faith-based institutions. They play a significant role in building strong communities. One of the problems is “the village” is a thing of the past. We must stop being so quick to fight, yet slow to assist.

As stated, education is also a key. Education is the component that cannot be extracted from an individual, but is one of the keys to success.

Our children should be reading more and watching television less. Our communities must

Lawsuit seeks $40 million for victims of police abuse (Cont'd from FP) Tracey White, Dwayne Matthews, Damon Coleman, Theophilus Green and Kerry White are like others who were handled with brute force by Ferguson and St. Louis police during heated protests, said the lawyer. “We are here because the police are out of control and have used excessive force. We just want to say to Chief Thomas Jackson, justice will not sleep,” said Atty. Shabazz.

The civil case is seeking $40 million in damages from Ferguson Police Chief Thomas Jackson, St. Louis Chief of Police Jon Belmar and a host of officers from Ferguson and the St. Louis police departments.

The press conference began at approximately 1:40 p.m. as the crowd patiently awaited arrival of the hard copies of the filing documents.

Attorney Shabazz came out the court building wearing dark

shades, a nicely pressed gray suit and a red tie completely different look from the Black militant look he is known for, when he marched on the front lines with demonstrators outraged by the Aug. 9 killing of the Black teenager.

The crowd began to chant, “No justice! No peace!” “Hands up! Don’t shoot” as he stepped in front of the cameras. Federal police formed a straight line across on the upper steps of the court building about 60 feet behind the lawyer and the crowd.

“People of the jury, if you feel that the police of Ferguson and St. Louis County are unjust and have treated the people wrong, please raise your hands,” he said.

With no hesitation all present raised their hands in agreement.

“The $40 million in damages sought could go higher; we intend on teaching them a painful economic lesson,” he said.

Have you had your shower today?

(Cont'd from FP) Self realization is something to be reckoned with. The majority of the time when it is realized it is due to several reality checks that have been evaluated during periods of exploratory solitary confinement.

In those places where you are the most vulnerable and without ANY type of garment; I do believe that being naked in the shower constitutes such a moment in time.

Now I’m sure that there are those who would beg to differ and would arguably defend their moments of relieving as a natural body function, could be another point of contention for self realization during exploratory solitary confinement.

As I was preparing for my day after praying then reading the Word, I headed to the shower.

The Word was from 1 Samuel 28 and it dealt with Saul’s turning his back on the Lord being so fearful of the Philistine Army that he fell full length on the ground with fear.

The accompanying story equated Saul’s behavior like that of an opossum.

If you did not know the real reactions of the opossum you would probably believe that he plays dead to evade his capturers. That is not true.

The opossum becomes so fearful of what is happening around him that it faints. Their body freezes with fear to the point of them not being able to move. I do believe that that is what happened to Saul.

So, that brings me to my showering experience.

How many times have we been so frightened by our own behaviors, situations and the attitudes and actions of another that we become like the stink opossums; immoveable out of fear?

As I stood in the shower, seeing the water going down the drain, I thought how magnificent I felt becoming clean. All I was thinking was, “I wish it was this easy to rid one’s self of the opossum syndrome of fainting in the face of struggles.”

Then I was reminded that as a child of God I am entitled to all of His riches.

“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies; who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Just as it is written, “For Your sake we are being put to death all day long; We were considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:31-39 THE LORD IS MY LIGHT AND MY SALVATION; WHOM SHALL I FEAR? THE LORD IS THE DEFENSE OF MY LIFE; WHOM SHALL I DREAD?

September 11 - September 17, 2014 • www.thewestsidegazette.com • Page 3 come together to form more school support systems that promote positivity. This includes the development of better parent-teachers- community relations, all working as one and with one aim. Children must be guided and disciplined (not always punished) within and without the school. And those adults who have not finished

their education should be compelled by their community leaders to reinstate themselves in order to provide a better life for themselves and their children.

Many years ago I mentored a young Black man who was atrisk. I visited his high school each week and spent time with him. His desire was to attend an alternate school because he

didn’t fit in at the regular high school. I had our son (who was a freshman in college and close to his age) talk with him, but with no success. After a while, I visited the school on several occasion and called his home, but I could not find him.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

The eight-year-old who speaks eight languages and plays eight instruments

By Naturally Moi If being adorable were a crime, then eight-year-old Mabou Loiseau would be an outlaw. But being a cute and sweet child hasn’t stopped her from being one of the most extraordinary and capable minds on the entire planet.

Mabou, a product of great genes and excellent parenting, now speaks eight languages: French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, Mandarian, and Creole.

She also knows sign language to top it off. She recently hit the national spotlight after being featured on the Katie Couric show, looking as beautiful as ever.

When Katie asked her where she got her talent from; Mabou said, “I was born smart, duh!”

Esther, Mabou’s mother, says that when the child was just one year old, she was able to say words in French that she’d never been taught by her mom. This was the first indicator that the child was something special. She says that she even knew the definition of the words, which her mother found to be amazing.

The child isn’t done learning languages and wants to now learn Japanese.

“It’s not that tough because I have Mandarin,” she says.

Mabou is taking Algebra at the college level. She plays eight instruments in addition to her extensive portfolio of languages: The piano, the flute, the violin, the clarinet, the drums, the harp, the guitar and the congas.

“Many people make that mistake, thinking I am pushing her. She is pushing me. Believe me,” her mother says.

Finance professor Dr. Boyce Watkins says that children like Mabou may come off as extreme oddities, but there are 10s of 1000s of Black youth who pos-

sess similar capability.

“What’s special about this child is not just that she is brilliant, but the fact that the energy behind her brilliance has been channeled in such a positive way,” says Dr. Watkins, author of the book, Occupy Your Children: The Parents’ Guide to Greatness.

“Every time you see a child memorizing songs from the radio, learning the latest dances by the age of 3, or picking up slang before kindergarten, that is typically a sign of unfocused brilliance. Instead, children like this should be pushed to reach their educational potential very

early, which will set the trend for the rest of their lives.”

The child, at this stage, says that she wants to be a brain surgeon, singer and lawyer when she grows up.

“I defend myself pretty well, so many I can defend other people. I want to understand the brain. It’s very fascinating.

I want to be a singer because when I’m singing….”

This young superstar seems to be on her way to the top.

Notice that this all comes from good parenting, which is the key to greatness. Make sure you nurture your children to be extraordinary.

HISTORIC SWEARING IN -- Joyce Williams Bryan(l) is the first African American elected to the Margate City Commission. Standing with County Commissioner candidate Carmen Jones. Bryan was sworn in Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2014 at 6:45 p.m. at Margate City Hall.

Page 4 • www.thewestsidegazette.com • September 11 - September 17, 2014

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Community Digest

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Events

Event

Exhibition

Community Church of God Marriage & Relationship Conference, All is fair in -When the Game is Played Tight, Friday, Sept. 12 – 14, 2014, Featuring Author & Facilitator Dr. David Stevens, pastor of Christ Center Church of God Philadelphia, Pa. Praise Beyond The Veil Victorious Fire, Dance Explosion, Saturday, Sept. 20, at 7 p.m. at 1300 N.W. 19 Ct., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. For cost and additional info call (954) 527-4551.

Parents Night, My Future Is Now: A special event for parents of middle school students attending Dillard High School six-12, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2014 from 6 to 8 p.m., at Dillard High School, 2501 N.W. 11 St., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. James T of HOT105 guest speaker.

Refreshments will be served and gift card drawings. For additional info call (954) 6803916 or (786) 877-0334.

Celebrate the Arts in the City of Sunrise, Opening reception, Friday, Sept. 19, 2104 at 6:30 p.m., at Sunrise Civic Center Gallery, 10610 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Sunrise, Fla. Exhibition dates: Sept. 19 through Nov. 1, 2014, admission is free.

The Gallery is open Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Wednesday and Thursday from 12 noon to 7 p.m. For additional info call (954) 747-4641.

Fair

Homecoming

Worship

Mount Olivet Seventh-Day Adventist Church, presents The Annual Community Health Fair, Sunday, Sept. 14, 2014 from 11 a.m., 649 N.W. 15 Way, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. For more info call Patricia Rigby at (954) 245-1875 or Rosalyn Murray at (954) 791-5708.

Mt. Hermon AME Church Homecoming 2014 Thursday, Sept. 18-21, 2014 Honoring Dillard High School 1938-2014.

For cost, time and additional info call Mt. Hermon AME Church at (954) 463-6309 or Elaine Stevens, at (954) 5796951. The President Bethune Cookman College, Rev. Dr. Edison Jackson, guest speaker for Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014.

Workshop Tribute

Old Dillard Museum presents Not Forgotten, Cannonball Birthday Tribute, Saturday, Sept. 13, 2014 at 7 p.m., at 1009 N.W. Fourth St., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. For tickets and additional info call (754) 3228828.

Girl-Jitsu’s all women selfdefense and Jiu Jitsu Workshop, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2014 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Rollyson Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, 4443 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, Fla. For more info contact us at info@girl-jitsu.som and follow @GirlJitsu101 on Twitter.

Voter Registration Drive

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Chi Psi Omega Chapter’s Connection Committee will sponsor a voter registration drive Saturday, Sept.

20, 2014, 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., Wal-Mart Super Center, 3001 N. St. Rd. 7, Lauderdale Lakes, Fla. For additional information, contact the Connection Committee at (954) 410-6673 or visit the chapter’s website, Chipsiomega@info.org or on Face Book.

Event

The community is cordially invited to share in a time of Awesome Praise, Worship and the Awesome Word of God, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014 at 8:15 a.m., at Judah Worship Word Ministries, International, 4441 W. Sunrise Blvd., Plantation, Fla. Dr. W.L. Mitchell, senior pastor.

For more info call (954) 7912999.

An Afternoon of Elegance Hat & Glove Vintage Style Tea presented by Occasions Unlimited, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2014 from 2 to 5 p.m., at Roosevelt Gardens Park, 2841 N.W. 11 St., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Ticket deadline Sept. 20, 2014. For cost and additional info call Iverta Johnson at (954) 4651253.

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Happenings at African-American Research Library and Cultural Center

The African-American Research Library and Cultural Center is located at 2650 Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Call the Welcome Desk at (954) 357-6210.

For more information about Broward County Libraries, visit www.broward.org/ librarConceive, connect and create” is the theme for “A Day with the Authors” workshop, hosted by Toastmasters International at the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center on Saturday, Sept.

13, 2014 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. registering online at www.adaywiththeauthors.eventbrite.com.

The payment includes a mouthwatering lunch provided by caterers Love at First Bite.

AARLCC to host Chalk4Peace event to help promote Global Peace, Wednesday, Sept.

17, 2014 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

For more info on Choose Peace/ Stop Violence and a complete listing of Choose Peace Week events, visit www.chooseoeacestopviolence.org for more info on CHALK4PEACE visit www.chalk4peace.org.

MuHannad Mosque No. 82 presents Khalilah CamachoAli, enjoy a memorable afternoon with Khaliliah CamachoAli and a chance to get an autographed photograph and a copy of the new documentary, Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014 at 1 p.m.

Seating is limited. For cost and additional info call (954) 9189240.

Meeting

Thaddeus Hamilton’s Grassroots Campaign to raise $100,000 On behalf of the Thaddeus Thad Hamilton C.A.R.E. Campaign throughout the State of Florida, we would like to welcome all Floridians to our New Vision, Transparency, and Accountability. As your unopposed Democratic nominee on the November 4, 2014 election ballot for the Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services, it is with great pride that I ask the People of the State of Florida for your VOTE and help us raise $100,000.

As the first African American to run for this state office, our campaign journey has been intensive and very rewarding.

We are honored to serve all of the residents in the 67 counties, and our mission is to continue teaching, and reaching out and explaining the significance of this governor’s cabinet seat. As I look into your faces, and travel around the state, our goal is to restore Hope and a high quality of Life and Living.

In the Florida Constitution there are four elected officials who sit on the Florida’s Cabinet, which consists of the: Governor, the Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services, State Attorney General, and the Chief Financial Officer. These Four elected cabinet members make up the Executive Branch of the Florida Government.

Everyone must be informed and educated to why this cabinet seat is the “Best Kept Secret” in the State of Florida.

The state needs more Democrats in positions of power, and Thad Hamilton is the man for the job. Therefore, we are asking if you would assist in our Grassroots Campaign in raising $100,000.

The general election is underway and our campaign is ready to launch in full gear. Help us start the general election with a bang, and please consider giving $5, $10, $25 or more. The maximum amount is $3,000.00 and contributions can be donated by Pay Pal by visiting our website: http://www.Voteforthad2014.com

Dear Members Notice of September, October Meetings and November, please note the following General Membership meetings of the NAACP Fort Lauderdale/ Broward Branch, for the purpose of election of officers and at-large members of the executive committee.

1. On Sept. 18, 2014 at the Mizell Cultural Center at7 p.m., there will be an election of the Nominating Committee. All members whose memberships are current as of 30 days prior to the meeting date may be elected to the Nominating Committee.

2. On Oct. 23, 2014, at the Mizell Cultural Center at7 p.m., there will be a reporting of the Nominating Committee, receipt of Nominations by Petition, and Election of the Supervisory Committee All members whose memberships are current as of April 1st may be nominated for office or as an at-large member of the Executive Committee. In order to sign a nominating petition, or be elected to the Election Supervisory Committee, a member must be current as of 30 days prior to the October meeting.

3. On Nov. 13, 2014 at the Mizell Cultural Center at7 p.m., the election of officers and atlarge members of the Executive Committee will take place Polls will open from 5 to 8 p.m. In order to vote in a Branch election, one must be a member in good standing of the Branch 30 days prior to the election. A form of identification is required.

Should a run-off election be necessary then election shall occur on the following date at time certain (at least 1 hour) at this location, Run-off elections shall be conducted not less than ten days after the original election.

Celebration Pat Casterlow and Friends present A Celebration of Life ‘5’ with a fashion show celebrating life of cancer survivors on Oct. 18, 2104 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Northwest Federated Women’s Club (NFWC), 2161 N. W. 19 St., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Proceeds to benefit the NFWC, The ministry of Missionary Janice Lewis and Lakeisha Daniels Hamilton Scholarship Fund. For more info call (954) 760-7519 or (954) 730-3442.

United Way of Broward is looking for volunteers: We are looking for volunteers that can dedicate one hour per week, for 25 weeks to read to first grade students for the 2014-2015 school year -- No experience is necessary; just a love for children. Volunteers must complete and pass a background check.

ReadingPals takes place during school hours.ReadingPals runs from September 2014 to June 2015.

Through the ReadingPals initiative volunteers read with children at 14 public schools and 6 childcare centers throughout Broward County. For more information about volunteering, training dates and volunteer requirements for the ReadingPals initiative please contact Lola Jordan at (954) 453-3738.

The 20th Annual Search Under Way for Nation’s Top Youth Volunteers, Awards Program Honors Students in Grades five12 for Outstanding Volunteer Service. The search begins to identify thousands more who have made meaningful contributions to their communities over the past 12 months, as the awards program kicks off its 20th year.

These awards, sponsored by Prudential Financial, Inc. in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), honor outstanding community service by students in grades five through 12 at the local, state and national level. Young volunteers can apply online at http:// spirit.prudential.com or at www.nassp.org/spirit.

Applications must be completed

by Nov. 4, 2014, and then submitted to a middle or high school principal, Girl Scout council, county 4-H agent, American Red Cross chapter, YMCA or HandsOn Network affiliate. Paper versions of the application form are available by calling (877) 525-8491.

ATTENTION RADIO LISTENERS We have free gifts for everybody who calls into the show and shares their opinion. Listen every Saturday at 4 p.m. to Spiritual Downloads with Anna Stephenson on WWNN Radio AM 1470. It’s a live Call in talk show that discusses 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 1-888-5651470. Also e-mail Anna Stephenson at annasmiami@aol.com with a subject you want to hear discussed on the show. The show also interviews special guests Like Jessica Reedy from Sunday Best. Shelia Raye Charles, Melba Moore and different preachers and gospel musical artists and politicians.

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

September 11 - September 17, 2014 • www.thewestsidegazette.com • Page 5

Fort Lauderdale Pioneers Al and Ruth Giles celebrate 65th wedding anniversary with a stroll students that Tallahassee cessible by car. So Al’s boating down historical memory lane the was not like Fort Lauderdale. club, Fort Lauderdale’s “Jolly

Al and Ruth Giles celebrated their 65th Anniversary on Wednesday, Sept. 10.

By Yvette M. Giles, Ed.D. (Part two, continued from Sept. 4 Issue) Alphonso “Al” Giles was among a small group of individuals from Fort Lauderdale who made history as the first Black students to attend Florida State College (FSC, now Florida State University).

Al and his colleagues were selected by the Broward County School Board to study graduate-level math and science at FSC through a National Science Foundation grant. Fellow students included his frater-

nity brothers, Ellis Miller, Jr.; former Fort Lauderdale commissioner, Andrew DeGraffenreidt, the Reverend Dr. Allen E. Orr; and John T. Saunders.

Other students included Robert Gaddy and Leonelda Fullins, as well as Cody Swan and Alfred Thurston, both from Pompano Beach.

Al and his colleagues integrated the college in 1962, during the height of racial unrest in the South. Prior to departing for Tallahassee to attend FSC, the group met with Wilbur Marshall, Director of Secondary Education for Broward County Schools. Marshall cautioned

He described the State of Florida’s capital in 1962 as more like cities in the racially charged states of Alabama and Mississippi. Out of concern for their safety, Marshall asked if the students would feel more comfortable residing in a dormitory on the all-Black FAMC’s campus, rather than at FSC. “Mr. Marshall,” Al said to address this issue, “we know you have our best interests at heart. But we are going to Tallahassee to pursue an education.”

Al continued saying, “If other people don’t bother us, we won’t bother them.”

“That’s the spirit!” Marshall replied. “We knew you were the right caliber of students, and that’s why you were selected for this program.”

Shortly after the students arrived at FSC, the city’s main newspaper, the Tallahassee Democrat, featured an article about this history making event titled, “Education, Not Agitation,” describing the reasons for the students’ presence at the college. Al and his fellow students remained in the program for three summers, leaving the college in 1965.

An avid boater, Al was the first African American member of the Broward County Marine Advisory Board during the 1960s. During the early sixties, as construction began on Galt Ocean Mile, Black beachgoers lost access to the segregated Black beach on the mainland.

And Blacks were prohibited from using Fort Lauderdale’s beach. So the City of Fort Lauderdale began to ferry Broward County’s Black citizens by boat from Port Everglades to the second Black beach, an island in Dania Beach, now known as John U. Lloyd State Park. At that time, the island was inac-

The Legendary Rev. Dr. Mack King Carter, legacy lives on!

(Cont'd from FP) MODCO’s mission “from the pulpit to the pavement”, is to revitalize urban communities by providing strategic programs that promote economic development, create jobs and focus on strengthening families through Human Services, Affordable Housing, and Entrepreneurial Ventures.

MODCO has been established as a leading agency in South Florida confronting various socio-spiritual challenges.

The vision that God gave Dr. Mack King Carter to create MODCO as the vehicle for transforming urban communities has been fruitful.. Since its inception, MODCO has served over 85,243 families and has been very involved in HIV/ AIDS and substance abuse prevention training initiatives in South Florida for the past 15 years.

“We feel that stopping the spread of HIV/AIDS, reducing recidivism and creating jobs is paramount to the sustainability of our communities,” said Sharon Bryant.

Some of MODCO’s services to low-income families has included; Pre and Post Release Mentoring, Housing, Job Placement and Training, HOPWA Case Management, summer camps, after school programs and various other support services.

Additionally, MODCO has; built one single family house in partnership with Habitat for Humanity, rehabilitated two, two story apartment dwellings totaling 17 units, work through a strategic partnership with Bank Atlantic to build a homebuyers club of over a 175 members and has provided homeownership opportunities to over 65 families since 2005.

MODCO has provided summer employment to over 85 youth since 2005, through the Student Education through Arts Training (SEAT) camp designed to educate students in the core subjects of math, reading writing, science, technology and history through various arts disciplines to include: Improvisational Vocal Study, Mu-

sic Production, Commercial Production, Drama and Dance. In 2008 this program was expanded to a year round after school program which included a partnership with the youth ministry of the New Mount Olive Baptist Church to provide Entrepreneurial training and development to over 112 youth through a Youth Entrepreneurial Program/T-Shirt Design Business (YEP). MODCO has provided sexual assault, HIV/AIDS and substance abuse prevention, through educational seminars to over 20,123 individuals since 1999.

In 2007,MODCO in conjunction with the New Mount Olive Baptist Church Prison Ministry began an ex-offender mentoring program that has provided mentoring to over 427 ex-offenders.

On Aug. 30 MODCO hosted “A Noble Fete”, MODCO’s 20 Year Anniversary Celebration and Tribute to the Life and Legacy of Dr. Mack King Carter.

The evening was filled with food, fun and fellowship. It was graced with the presence of Mrs. Patricia Carter and the Carter Family. It was a true night of community.

Over 405 individuals participated in this historical moment. This evening was dedicated to Dr. Mack King Carter.

Our guest speaker, Dr. Carter’s good friend, Dr. Frederick Hayes, III, senior pastor of the Friendship-West Baptist Church Dallas, Tex. said it best, “MODCO is a place where God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things.”

All of MODCO’s work was accomplished through strategic local partnerships with the New Mount Olive Baptist Church, The City of Fort Lauderdale, Broward County Government, City of Fort Lauderdale Police Department, Broward Health, The House of Hope, Sam & Helen Williams, Eugene & Shelia Pettis, S. Davis & Associates, JM Family Enterprises, NSU, AIDS Health Care Foundation, Norman Taylor & Associates, Zeta Rho Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc, Senator Chris Smith, Broward College, Housing of America Foun-

dation, VITAS, Nelson & Associates, State Representative Bobby Dubose, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc, Omega Psi Phi, Inc, Mr. Damon Davis, Mrs. Nicole Scott, One Hundred Black Men Fort Lauderdale, the Wayne Barton Foundation, the Westside Gazette and many others.

“Personally, I believe that MODCO is a means of serving God by helping others. It is a very spiritual, challenging, and rewarding work. It is with much honor and joy that I serve as the President/CEO of MODCO for the past 13 years. I serve each day with the assistance of a professional staff whose gifts and talents are recognizably amazing. I am grateful that God blessed me with Dr. Mack King Carter.

He was a profound prophetic and pulpiteer. He was an extraordinary, exegetical giant from Ocala, Fla. God used him to make me a better person and to give me opportunities that were previously unimaginable to me. I miss him, his words, and his kindness dearly. I also want to thank Dr. Marcus Davidson and the Saints of New Mount Olive Baptist Church for allowing me to continue leading our community efforts.

“Our accomplishments are many, but we are not resting on yesterday’s achievements when the present is so pregnant with profound possibilities. Our future includes: The Signage of the Enrichment Center, land requisition, a construction project, new partnerships, and an Entrepreneurial Venture”.— Reverend Dr. Rosalind Osgood.

In 2009 MODCO’s CEO, Reverend Dr. Rosalind Osgood, received the 2009 J.M. Family African American Achievers Award for MODCO’s work in urban communities.

In the words of the late Reverend Dr. Mack King Carter, “The multifaceted ministry of the Mount Olive Development Corporation is a gift and a blessing from God to the community”.

Get involved with MODCO today by calling (954) 2614398.

Anglers,” had the city build a dock at this beach for the use of Blacks who would visit the beach by boat.

One of the highlights of Al’s life was taking sea navigation courses that enabled him to successfully pilot his larger cabin cruiser, “Sea Hunter,” to Bimini in the Bahamas and back in 1970 for the July Fourth weekend. Al’s fraternity brother, Ellis Miller, Sr., and his son, Ellis, Jr., travelled with Al on his boat. Lannie Meeks and fellow boating club member Fred Sands cruised along with Al in Lannie’s smaller, open boat.

Other boating club members who flew to Bimini for this special occasion included Al’s fraternity brother, Leonard Foster, as well as Nathaniel Hunter and Frederick Leon Storr.

In later years, Al served as wagon master for the Broward Kounty Kampers Klub and became active in the Keenagers, Trailblazers, Retired Rollers (bowling league) and the Broward County Retired Educators Association. Al served as a trustee and member of the men’s choir while attending Harris Chapel United Methodist Church, but rejoined Mt. Hermon AME in recent years to serve the church with Ruth.

During Ruth’s early years of teaching in the late 1940’s, she became increasingly distressed that students at Braithewaite Elementary and Junior High School in Deerfield were experiencing difficulties in the classroom. Ruth attributed the agitation, inattentiveness and lethargy exhibited by many students to a lack of proper nutrition during the day.

She observed most of her students eating candy and cookies from a neighborhood store for lunch each day because the school had no formal lunch program. Ruth took her concerns to her principal, Mae Brown Golden, who said, “Well, Mrs.

Al with his cabin cruiser, “Sea Hunter,” (early 1960s) at the dock the City of Fort Lauderdale built for Black boaters at the “Black beach” in Dania Beach, now John U. Lloyd State Park.

Giles, what are you going to do about it?”

With permission from Golden, Ruth organized and supervised the school’s first lunch program. She became a pioneer advocate for good nutrition, rallying other teachers and housekeeping staff and telling them “you cannot teach a hungry child.” As a labor of love, she and other school employees brought food items from home to toss into large pots to make soup for the children.

They worked as a team, arriving at the school one hour early each day and leaving an hour later without additional compensation. In addition, Ruth petitioned a local dairy to donate cartons of milk for the students to purchase for mere pennies per pint. Ruth’s efforts continued for several years until the school established an official lunch program.

Ruth also devoted her energies through the years in service to Mt. Hermon AME, her beloved family church. She served on several boards and established the first Sunday breakfast program at the church during the early 1980s.

Ruth became active in the Northwest Federated Women’s Club, Friends of the African American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC) and Washington Park Civic Asso-

ciation. She also tapped into her family’s farming roots by becoming a master gardener, regularly sharing her bountiful harvests of vegetables with neighborhood friends.

Ruth was honored as “Teacher of the Year” on three occasions during her tenure at Deerfield Park Elementary. And when she retired in 1994, the Broward County School Board named the new intermediate wing of Deerfield Park Elementary in her honor.

In 2008, the School Board and Deerfield Park Elementary sponsored an official naming ceremony for the “Ruth T. Giles Media Center” at the school, recognizing Ruth as “an exemplary lifelong educator.” Ruth was also honored by the Friends of AARLCC with a lifetime achievement award in 2009, in recognition of her community activism.

Al and Ruth will celebrated their 65th (blue sapphire) anniversary on Wednesday, Sept.

10.

When asked about being married for nearly a lifetime, Al replied with a twinkle in his eye, “I wouldn’t trade her for all the tea in China.” Ruth looked lovingly at Al and said, “He’s still the handsomest and smartest man I’ve ever known. God has blessed us!”

(Read full story on thewestsidegazette.com)

Page 6 • www.thewestsidegazette.com • September 11 - September 17, 2014

Opinion Sensible Sue Rhetoric

I was that girl She sits alone thinking about what happened the night before. She can’t seem to wrap her head around what makes him so angry. She knows that she should have left him a long time ago, but she feels obligated to stay because in her mind he does work hard to take care of their home, and she believes that he loves her, because he always apologizes, buys her roses, and tells her that he would do anything for her, even if it meant that he had to give up his own life.

I know this story well because I was that girl. I married someone that I thought that I would be with forever.

He was everything that I thought that I wanted and needed at the time; he was good looking, charming, and knew exactly what to say, and when to say it. Our courtship was everything that little girls dream of, and on the day of our wedding I felt like I was the luckiest girl in the world. I had no idea that the man that I had just married would begin beating me after only four months of marriage, or that I would allow it to continue for three and a half years.

Why am I choosing to talk about this at this particular time? I realize that as a columnist, I do have a platform that I absolutely have to stand on if that means that I can help save a life, or more specifically help to end the cycle of abuse. It is important that

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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I let my readers know that if they are in an abusive relationship it is okay for them to step out of the shadows.

The Ray Rice situation and the way that the NFL has chosen to deal with it is deplorable at best, and at this point I really don’t care if, or even when, they saw the full footage of Rice dragging his then fiancé’s limp and motionless body out of an elevator like she was some sort of a rag doll. The bottom line is that the organization sent the much distorted message that they care more about whether or not their players light up a blunt than they do about those who beat the literal crap out of their spouses and girlfriends for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

No matter how you look at it the league just looks bad, and the extraordinary level of ineptitude that runs rampant throughout the organization is absolutely astounding, and if you happen to be a true lover of the game like I am, maddening. No man has any business putting his hands on a woman EVER, but in the case of Rice, this is a man that punched the mother of his child in the face so hard that he knocked her out cold, and the incident is handled as though it was some sort of a publicity blunder that they, the NFL, needed to handle.

To the powers that be in the NFL, let me be the first one to school you on a few things-when one of your players makes the choice to engage in an act as wretched and violent as the one that Rice did, the situation has gone far beyond the level of a simple public

relations blunder. What Rice did is criminal, and in many states in this country the extent that he released his rage could be classified as a felony.

I understand that people get upset and angry, and people tend to make mistakes when they let anger get the best of them, but after looking at the tape of Rice dragging his now wife out of that elevator, I can’t help but wonder how long he has been beating her.

There is nothing on that tape that leads me to believe that this was Rice’s first time beating, or perhaps even knocking his wife out.

Rice acted as though it was no big deal, there was no show of care or concern on his part as evidenced by the way that he handled her. Even more disgusting than the callous lack of regard for a fellow human being, Rice did not even have the decency to cover his wife’s exposed body, which further displays his extreme level of disrespect for her. Anyone that can display such an elevated level of callousness, and disregard for another human being is in need of some serious psychological evaluation and help because if he is capable of committing an act as vile as the one caught on that elevator camera, we all need to be asking ourselves just how far he will go if his but-tons get pushed again. How would the NFL have handled this situation if Mrs. Rice had died as a result of Rice's actions?

The thing is, no one can, predict what might set off an abusers violent rampage, contrary to the thinking of many, and the abused does not neces-

Nov. 4th : A day of reckoning

To Be Equal

By Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. NNPA Columnist

Lessons of Ferguson, Part II: Criminal justice system on trial

Black Americans and others who want to contribute to the future progressive transformation of our nation and world have an upcoming strategic opportunity to make the critical difference. In less than 60 CHAVIS days, the November elections will be held. Once again, the United States is at a pivotal political moment in history.

The outcome of the 2014 national elections will not only set the stage for the 2016 presidential campaign, it will also determine how the last two years of the Obama administration will play out. Yet, for the majority of 45 million Black Americans who want improvement in our overall quality of life, we must reassert our interests in record numbers at the ballot box.

No doubt there is a reality and spirit of discontentment in the Black community about the many socioeconomic disparities, incidents of fatal racial attacks, increasing disproportionate mass incarceration, and the systematic efforts of right wing groups to suppress the Black vote. But this is not the time to become so frustrated with the politics of racial division and oppression that that we feel alienated and cynical. This is not a time for hopelessness.

Rather, it time for sober analysis and political action. I believe that we should be using the next weeks leading up to the November elections to significantly increase voter registration and to plan for the largest voter turnout possible.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

By Marc H. Morial NNPA Columnist “I am sick and tired of being sick and tired.”

Fannie Lou Hamer, legendary civil rights activist and co-founder of the 1964 Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party The funeral is over. MORIAL The protests have died down. The lax and listless wheels of justice in Ferguson, Mo. are beginning to turn. Last week, a St. Louis County grand jury convened to consider whether to bring charges against Officer Darren Wilson for the August 9 shooting death of 18-year-old, unarmed Michael Brown. As I have said before, I have never witnessed a situation more poorly handled than this one. While we are pleased that the grand jury has begun its work, questions of fairness in the St. Louis County criminal justice system and in the culture of policing in Ferguson continue to demand answers.

The latest slap in the face of community occurred last week when Missouri State Senator Jamilah Nasheed, after initially being threatened with arrest, was finally able to deliver a petition with 70,000 signatures to the office of St. Louis County Prosecutor Robert McCulloch. The petition calls for McCulloch to recues himself from the Michael Brown case because of his close ties to the police and previous questions of impartiality. McCulloch’s father, brother, uncle and a cousin were all police officers.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

The sporting world reflects the politics of political competition

By Derek Joy As the Miami Marlins wind down their season in a battle for the final Wild Card Playoff spot, football has generated a different sporting optimism.

From optimists, to high school, to college, to the National Football League, football season is in full swing.

First, Booker T. Washington, the reigning mythical high school national champions, Central and Norland journeyed to Atlanta, Ga., for out of state competition. All returned victorious, as did Northwestern on a trip to Jacksonville.

Then the University of Miami and Florida International University knocked off much weaker foes.

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.

sarily have to say or do anything to engage his or her abuser. One of the worst beatings that I ever got was because I stopped off at Winn Dixie to pick up some meat to cook for dinner after work and I arrived home at dusk.

I was not allowed to be outside of my home once the street lights came on under any circumstances. That is the level of control that my husband had over me.

People need to know and fully understand that the abuser engages in violent acts against other people or animals because they have demons of their own that they need to deal with.

People also need to understand the correlation between fear and rage, because once that relationship is understood between the two, it becomes clear to see how someone like Rice could engage in such cowardly behavior.

Domestic violence is a complex problem, and a subject that is much too deep for me to even begin to tackle in this piece, but I am committed to sitting down with Natasha Dowdy Gordon, and giving her an exclusive interview. My hope is that by me coming out and sharing my story, that it will encourage more women to come out of the shadows, and I pray that I can play some small role in helping abused women all over this country regain a sense of control, and take their lives back.

In the meantime, I would love to hear from any of my readers who may be dealing with domestic violence themselves, or who may know of someone who is. You can contact me at my home paper The Westside Gazette, or you may email me directly at sensiblesuesrhetoric@gmail.com. For even more Sensible Sue’s Rhetoric you can also follow By blog. Until next time, take care of you, and let’s all work on being good to each other.

And wouldn’t you just know? The Miami Dolphins jumped on the bandwagon with an impressive season opening win over the New England Patriots. This really gave fans reason for an optimistic outlook JOY on the season.

Isn't it interesting how sports competition decides the winner by which team scores the most points. Pure athletic competition combined with the mental ability and composure decides it all - at least on the surface.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

Driving while Black – and poor

By George E. Curry NNPA Columnist St. Louis County has 90 municipalities – ranging in population from 13 to nearly 52,000 – and most of them sustain themselves by targeting, fining and jailing poor Missouri resiCURRY dents, many of them Black, who are unable to pay traffic tickets.

A “white paper” by ArchCity Defenders, a group that defends the poor in the St. Louis area for free, carefully details how Ferguson and other small villages and municipalities in the state have perfected the art of exploiting those who drive while Black – and poor.

According to the report, three municipal courts in Missouri – Ferguson, Bel-Ridge and Florissant – “were chronic offenders and serve as prime examples of how these practices violate fundamental rights of the poor, undermine public confidence in the judicial system, and create inefficiencies.”

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

U.S. can’t be world policeman

By Bill Fletcher, Jr. NNPA Columnist I was struck by how quickly various pundits jumped upon President Obama’s comment regarding ISIS (the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant) in which he stated that “…we do not have a strategy yet…” FLETCHER Why the surprise? Why any outrage? The statement was brutally honest.

There is a famous saying, in effect, if you do not know where you are going, any road will get you there.

This is the point that many right-wing and liberal commentators seem to be missing. In the age of instantaneous news, there seems to be the expectation of instantaneous decision-making. Real life does not lend itself to such an option.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

Is Governor Scott following the law with the Sunshine Laws?

By Roger Caldwell Everyone in the country knows that things get lost in Florida.

We are not saying that all our Republican leaders are corrupt, but some are in jail now, and others had to resign from their jobs quickly. Everyone remembers when Ex-Governor Jeb Bush lost three counties of ballots, so his brother could win the presidential election, but it was a mistake.

CALDWELL Mistakes happen in Florida, and Governor Scott has never liked the Sunshine Laws and regulations. Everyone knows that Scott has always had issues with laws, and his company was involved in a $1.7 billion Medicare fraud settlement, but he was never charged with breaking any laws.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

The Gantt Report America is a political Candy Land

By Lucius Gantt Have you seen the Jamie Foxx movie “Django Unchained”?

If you haven’t, take a look at it because the GANTT film mirrors the 2014 political landscape relative to the African American voters and citizens.

In “Django Unchained” the movie depicts a notorious plantation and slave master that used and abused Black slaves to gain riches and wealth.

The plantation was called “Candy Land” and politically speaking, African Americans are living in a political “Candy Land” right this very moment.

In slavery days, everything Blacks did was done to enrich devilish slave maters.

Today, everything done by African Americans in a political context is done to benefit non-Black politicians.

We vote for them and their neocolonialist Negro political puppets, we contribute to their political campaigns, we endorse them, we volunteer for them, we praise them and we honor them.

And, what do we get for all of our political efforts? We get absolutely nothing.

To the Black man and Black woman, the American political system is permeated with modern day carpet baggers and slave patrols!

I don’t care where you live in the United States the politicians there will all claim to be the “jobs politicians” or the “jobs candidate”. However, a rudimentary glance at a politicians campaign reports will reveal most people hired by politicians are not residents in the district, the city or the state where the politicians boasts about bringing jobs to.

Most of the Black elected officials and politicians in America wouldn’t even go to sleep and dream about hiring a Black political consultant, a Black media consultant, a Black printer, pollster, caterer or other political professional!

So what do politicians do? They talk about jobs for you but they give all the jobs they can to carpetbaggers!

A carpetbagger is a person from the northern states who goes to the South or other parts of the United States to profit from political activities or, in other words, is a person perceived as an unscrupulous opportunist.

No matter how many degrees you earn at your state colleges and universities and no matter how much political experience you have you will never be qualified to manage or represent or work as a political professional in a major political campaign or political effort!

Don’t take my word for it. Ask your favorite candidate if his campaign workers come from his state, his city, and in the case of Black politicians, from that Black politician’s community.

So how does the politician control the Black voters? The politician uses modern day political slave patrols!

Slave patrols (called patrollers, patty rollers or paddy rollers by the slaves) in the days of slavery were organized groups of three to six white men who enforced discipline upon Black slaves in the antebellum U.S. southern states. They policed the slaves on plantations and hunted down fugitive slaves. Patrols used summary punishment against escapees, maiming or killing them. Slave patrols were first established in South Carolina in 1704, and the idea spread throughout the southern states.

Today, the political slave patrols are composed of Negroes from faraway places that show up in Black communities only at election time to persuade and convince every Black voter that no matter how wicked, how beastly, how exploitative, how insensitive, how uncaring, how disrespectful or how evil politicians are that pale politician is “all right”!

The US political party that should love Black people the most shows their appreciation for all of the Black votes they get by spending money with every race of people but Black people.

In political purchasing transactions, Hispanics get more money than Blacks, women get more money than Blacks and even gays get more opportunities in political purchasing transactions that Black people do.

As long as United States politicians believe more political money should be spent on the pursuit of non-Black votes than spent on getting votes from people of color, the more America’s political landscape will remain the same.

There is one exception, so to speak.

In slavery days Black people were considered to be only one fifth, or 20 percent, as valuable as a non-Black.

Today, in politics, Black political professionals are only worth only about 2 percent of the worth of white political professionals!

And, the slave patrols will tell you we are better off! (Buy Gantt’s book “Beast Too” Dead Man Writing” online or anywhere fine books are sold. Contact Lucius at www.allworldconsultants.net)

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

September 11 - September 17, 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 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!

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 BROWN Funeral services for the late Deanna Brown.

GOWIE Funeral services for the late Valduke Gowie.

FRANCIS Funeral services for the late Rollin Francis.

GROSVENOR Funeral services for the late Carlson Grosvenor.

HAYNES Funeral services for the late Samuel Haynes.

LACY Funeral services for the late Bernard Lacy.

JAMES Funeral services for the late Roosevelt James.

MEYER Funeral services for the late Gail Meyer.

PEARSON Funeral services for the late Elena Pearson.

PRESCOTT Funeral services for the late Shariff Prescott.

ROBINSON Funeral services for the late Henry Robinson.

McWhite's Funeral Home BATES Funeral services for the late Mattie Bates were held Sept.

5 at McWhite’s Funeral Home Chapel. Interment: Forest Lawn Cemetery (Central).

MCCLAIN Funeral services for the late Veda McClain 61 were held Sept. 6 at New Mount Olive Baptist Church with Rev. James Melton officiating. Interment:

Huntsville Cemetery, Lake City, Fla. ROBERTS Funeral services for the late Solomon Lee Roberts - 62 were held Sept.

6 at McWhite’s Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Deborah McGoggle officiating.

SNEED Funeral services for the late Anna Sneed 79 were held Sept. 6 at New Life Ministries with Pastor Curtis Miller officiating.

Louise 'Mudear' Gadson succumbs at age 94 Louise ‘Mudear’ Gadson was born July 9, 1920 in Lake City, Fla., to the late Collie and Emily Williams. The family moved to Fort Lauderdale, Fla. in 1924.

She transitioned from this life on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2014.

Louise was educated in the Broward County School system. She was a member of the Dillard Panthers Class of 1938.

After high school, she met and married the love of her life the late Jason ‘Son Jason’ Gadson on June 24, 1939. They were married 62 years, before God called him home. God blessed their union with 10 children. All were proud Dillard High Panthers, too.

Louise ‘Mudear’ accepted Christ at an early age at the Mount Olive Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. C. H.Williams. She was an active member of the Midget Choir (under the Direction of Mr. Tilman), the BYPU, Red Circle; Adult Choir #2 and Circle #8.

Louise ‘Mudear’ Gadson became a member of the Mighty Panthers Staff on November, 1959 until May 1979. She worked as a vegetablecook and cashier and during her long and productive life; Louise earned the respect, admiration and love of all with whom she came in contact with for 20 years.

Proceeding her in death were: sisters: Flora Williams; Revia Williams La Favor; Ernestine Williams; Wilson.

Brother: Louis ‘LJ’ Williams. sons: Larry Gadson; Vincent

FERGUSON Funeral services for the late Todd Wyndell Ferguson – 44 were held Sept.

6 at New Mount Olive Baptist Church with Rev. Alaric Hunter,Sr., officiating.

WORSHIP THIS AND EVERY SUNDAY AT THE CHURCH OF YOUR CHOICE

‘Bay’ Gadson. Daughters: Beverly ‘Gadson’ Taylor; Linda ‘Gadson’ Terrell.

Mudear’s kind, gentle, and Ioving spirit and personality will be sorely missed. She was loving and loved by all who knew her. Louise ‘Mudear’ leaves to cherish her memories her loving daughters: Shirley Gadson-Wimberly (John), Fort Lauderdale; Rita Gadson-Johnson (Ransom), Port St. Lucie; Sons: Melvin Harris. Fort Lauderdale Jason ‘Bat’ Gadson (Deborah), Deerfield Beach; Curtis Gadson (Shani),Calif.; Bruce Gadson Fort Lauderdale.

A host of grands-(31), greatgrands (53), great great grands (16).2 brothers: Andrew ‘Chick’ Williams; Samuel’Chuck’ Williams (Dorothy) Fort Lauderdale; Neices, nephews, cousins and friends. A special cousin-Elease Mc Cray.

A special adopted sister; lda Mae James.

Master Violinist John Blake, Jr. dies at 67

WILLIAMS Funeral services for the late J.D. Williams 55 were held Sept. 6 at McWhite’s Funeral Home Chapel with Timothy Jackson officiating.

Roy Mizell & Kurtz Funeral Home

GADSON

BLAKE

By Ron Scott From the New York Amsterdam News John Blake, Jr., who continued the early tradition of bringing the violin into the jazz arena and making its voice heard with the music of Africa to avant-garde, R&B, blues and spirituals, died Aug. 15 in Philadelphia.

The cause of death was complications related to multiple myeloma, said Charlotte Blake Alston, his sister.

Blake wasn’t a media magnet, but among his many fans and established and young musicians he inspired throughout the United States, Europe, Japan and South America, he is considered a master violinist and genius of the music. Those fortunate enough to have witnessed Blake in concert understand the concept of his genius and significant contribution to the world of jazz and beyond.

John Edward Blake, Jr. was born in Philadelphia July 3, 1947, and began studying vio-

lin at age 9. Classically trained, he graduated from West Virginia University and continued postgraduate work at the Institute for Advanced Studies in Montreux, Switzerland, where he received a grant to study East Indian music. He later studied the music of West Africa.

Blake is considered a jazz violinist, but his collaborations illustrate a musician who seamlessly took to the mountainous terrain of world music before it became a popular cliche. He collaborated with his sister, the master storyteller Charlotte Blake Alston, for the program “Tell It on the Down Beat,” which featured storytelling infused with a jazz band. He was also significant in “Fiddlin’ Stories,” which focused on the role of string instruments in African and African American cultures.

Blake gained recognition in the early 1970s with the avantgarde saxophonist Archie Shepp performing on his album “Attica Blues.” For three years, his reputation extended worldwide as a member of Grover Washington Jr.’s band, which double-Dutched between R&B and jazz.

With his reputation as a daring violinist in the tradition of Eddie South and Stuff Smith, he became a member of pianist McCoy Tyner’s various groups over a five-year period.

Regardless of the band, Blake brought an undeniable sound and intensity to the mix. As a musical explorer, he disregarded categories, looking to bring new experiences to his fans and students.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

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”

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

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

Page 8 • www.thewestsidegazette.com • September 11 - September 17, 2014

BUSINESS

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FUNdraising Good Times Five things to consider before you accept a fundraising position

By Pearl and Mel Shaw

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

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

Phone: (954) 581-2915 Fax: (954) 581-2390 Cell: (954) 224-9866

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

ROSCHELL J. FRANKLIN, Jr.

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

The possibility of a new position as a fund development or fundraising professional brings excitement and anticipation. A new position could mean the opportunity to “finally” put one’s professional skills to use. Maybe with a new position there will be greater opportunities to implement best practices and to meet – or even exceed – goals.

Maybe, and maybe not.

There are so many variables that impact a professional’s ability to work his or her craft, most of which are beyond their control. If you are considering a new position don’t let the allure of “greener pastures” keep you from researching your potential employer. Here are five things to consider before accepting a fundraising position.

1. Organization’s or institution’s mission, vision, value, goals. Do you know what these are? Are they consistently communicated by all parties during your interviews?

Do you agree with these? Will they motivate you day-afterday?

2. Job description, turnover in the position, budget and resources you will have to work with. During your interviews ask questions about the job description: what percentage of your time will be allocated to the different responsibilities? How much time will be spent on “other duties as assigned?” What budget and resources will you have? Will you control their use or will you need the approval of others? What has been the tenure of other individuals in the position over the past 10 years?

What were the reasons for their departure?

3. Leadership stability and local/national recognition. Is the president or CEO

Pearl and Mel Shaw recognized as a leader in his/ her field? How long has he/she held the position? The previous executive? What role does the board play in fundraising? How much do they give and raise collectively each year?

4. Planning tools, their use and track record/results. Does the organization actively engage in planning and then work from those plans?

Are the following in place: financial plan, business plan (including sustainability and growth projections), strategic plan, fundraising plan? What is its financial status? Is fundraising proactive and volunteer driven or is there a history of “emergency fund-raising?”

5. Public perception.

How is organization perceived by local/regional/national leaders, decision makers and funders? What do the people served think of the organization?

When you do a Google search, what do you find? What do your neighbors say?

Next week: Five things to consider when hiring a fundraising professional Copyright 2014 – Mel and Pearl Shaw Mel and Pearl Shaw position nonprofits, colleges and universities for fundraising success. For help with your campaign visit www.saadandshaw.com or call (901) 522-872 (Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

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

September 11 - September 17, 2014 • www.thewestsidegazette.com • Page 9

Former St. Louis police officer Edward Kendrick shares his story of trials and tribulation

The 1950’s were challenging times for Black folk in America and Edward Kendrick knows firsthand what things were like as a Black police officer charged with protecting his community amidst a time of racial segregation and discrimination.

By Charles Moseley Since the shooting death of Michael Brown, in Ferguson the town is in the midst of experiencing its 15 minutes of fame, however it’s not the kind of notoriety that a town’s chamber of commerce would like to be known for.

It’s been slightly over a month since Michael Brown; an

NAACP launches Diversity Matters (Cont'd from FP) “It is not a do all be all and it depends on the results. I am not making any presumptions and we want to be fair. The ultimate goal is to improve business and job accessibility for the entire community as opposed to just a few. All the money should not go into one pocket.

In terms of contracts, employment and advertising what percentage of those contracts are falling to Black, Asian, Hispanic contractors?”

“The method we are hoping for is to follow up with the city, county, school district or private enterprise and that they will want to do better. Tax payer dollars are being used and we don’t have access to it on a working basis. Those who are not there poised to participate should have access to training to enable them to participate.

“If not, the community will have the information and facts to pressure them to do better.

Look guys you are not hiring us or doing business with us. We want enough of these jobs and business opportunities to build our communities and families,” says Nweze.

Diversity historically Reverse discrimination lawsuit won by the Associated General Contractors of America against Broward County in 2007 alleged discrimination against white males and violation of the U.S. Constitution’s equal protection guarantees and federal civil rights laws.

Cities and counties all over Florida began dismantling programs to ensure minorityowned contractors get a share of government contracts.

The construction industry won lawsuits against the State of Florida and Miami Dade County. Palm Beach County dropped its minority business program in 2003.

At the time many of the programs formed for minority business inclusion, employment and academic equal opportunity were called set asides and the dismantling carried through from the general assault gaining on the dirty words affirmative action. No longer would inclusion be based on race to remedy historical exclusion.

Studies 2001 in Broward County found gross disparities throughout the 1990s. A 2005 follow-up review by county equal opportunity officials found some progress but said contractors exaggerated how much work they subcontracted to minority- and women-owned firms. Although Port Everglades and Fort LauderdaleHollywood International Airport are home to some of the most lucrative contracts, they did the poorest at the time of ensuring diversity.

Florida Department of Management Services, Office of Supplier Diversity, (OSD) requires by statute state agencies and colleges provide an annual Minority Business Utilization Plans. “In fiscal year 2012-13,

18-year-old Black man was shot and killed by Ferguson Police Officer Darren Wilson. Aside from the fact that Brown was shot six times by officer Wilson, little more has been disclosed by law local law enforcement officials. However one thing remains clear and that is that Brown never will be able to tell his side of the story on what happened that fateful day of Saturday August 9th.

Since the shooting and subsequent civil unrest, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder has instructed the Department of Justice to launch a probe surrounding the Ferguson shooting along with the Ferguson Police Department. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has also begun its own investigation.

The shooting sparked a week of protests, civil unrest, along with a few nights of sporadic looting in the predominantly Black areas of Ferguson, Missouri, a suburban town located in St. Louis County Missouri.

Nationwide protests were heightened amid charges from local residents and the news media that police had used excessive force against peaceful protesters. National news reports and social media postings showed Missouri National Guardsmen shooting tear gas and firing rubber bullets at crowds of peaceful protesters.

Vivid scenes of a militarized law enforcement presence in Ferguson led to state and local elected officials calling for intervention from federal authorities. Civil rights organizations including the NAACP and National Action Network also called on federal authorities to intervene in Ferguson.

Ferguson’s Black residents comprise 67 percent of the town’s population yet only four Black police officers are on a police department comprised of 53 total officers on the town’s police force. Black residents have said that allegations of racial profiling and abuses of power have plagued the Ferguson Police Department for many years.

The racial divide that exists today in Ferguson is not without some historical precedent. In 1957 a young upstart preacher by the name of Dr.Martin Luther King Jr. called for an end to discriminatory practices in St. Louis at a national Baptist Convention in St. Louis. There were also civil rights protests which occurred in 1963 namely The Jefferson Bank Protest and the St. Louis Gateway Arch demonstration which called for an end to discrimination in the construction and local banking industry.

Kendrick along with his wife has lived in Lighthouse Point the last 10 years. The retired

the state’s total government expenditures for commodities, construction, contractual services, architects and engineers surpassed $73.2 billion. Of these amounts one percent was spent for architect and engineering related services, ten percent for construction related purchases, 12 percent for contract related services and 77 percent for commodities purchases.”

The OSD annual report gives numbers on the amount of minority business certifications and re-certifications. The total number of minority businesses certified in 2013-2014 is 5,742 encompassing 311 Service Disabled Veterans, 272 Asian American, 949 African American, 1,233 Hispanic American and 2,911 Caucasian Women Owned enterprises.

The problem in the report is although it reports aggregate dollars spent by each state agency there is no determination of the percentages or dollar amounts spent with each minority listed.

The NAACP Diversity Initiative Survey asks the questions what percentage and amount of dollars were spent in each minority category.

“The Diversity Matters Initiative questionnaire is very straight forward,” says Torey Alston, NAACP State Chair of Economic Development. “There are simple questions regarding small and minority business spending, advertising and employment. Of your total spend for media advertising, give me the minority portion. How much did you spend with each minority? Break it down by each category. Employment diversity, how many employed for the year? Of that total how many minorities employed. It’s public record. This information should be readily available to the general public and this is a friendly public information request.”

manages it with his youngest daughter Sonya. Despite its longevity, expertise and prime service commodity Sonya says her company has not bid on government contracts in the last 10 years.

“When you work as a subcontractor or prime contractor for government contracts you must be able to finance the job at least a 3rd of the way through.

Most small businesses do not have the cash flow to carry these jobs. They must pay for labor, materials and insurance before the government contract monies come through. Many are not able to pay out these amounts while keeping their businesses running at full capacity.

“When it comes to minority and small business they tend to think they are not credit worthy and do not meet the threshold and take the stance I’ll check back with you in another five years to see how you are doing.

They have not been in business long enough, not hiring enough, not enough money but when they incorporated we counted them in our minority business numbers in the beginning, then why can’t we help. They are not being funded which would help those business in creating new jobs.

“Dismissive. The powers that be would say you are not ready for the big league. You may be the best architect in the world but they will say you are not eligible to design a stadium because you never did it before.

Someone was given a chance to do it for the first time. When you are not ready you are wiping out the minority, systemically discriminating against minority business.”

New Trends Cheryl Seals Gonzalez, Chair of the Florida Advisory Council for Small and Minority Business Development, a policy recommending advisory group that assists small minority business by reviewing the state’s comprehensive plan, capital access issues and trends, who has access to the market place, contracts and procurement?

“Procurement is where the action is,” says, Gonzalez. “We are working towards a services and business inclusion paradigm.”

“Governor Rick Scott’s executive order states diversity including supply and diversity is important to the state. We see concerted efforts exist in some areas but not in others. There needs to be an established climate that no business is being left behind in terms of contracts.

We have instruments and laws passed but there is still work to be done.”

Small business owner George Burrows founded Burrows Electric in 1948 and now

Micro Loan March 2014 the Florida Senate passed the Florida Microfinance Act. The microfinance loan program and the microfinance guarantee program increase the availability of microloans by making the loans more attractive to originate, thus increasing the availability of loans to small businesses to grow their operations. Eligibility is limited to borrowers who are entrepreneurs or small businesses with 25 or fewer employees and revenue up to $1.5 million per year.

“Under the microfinance loan program, the Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) will competitively award funds to up to three lending institutions that in turn will make loans of $50,000 or less to Florida small businesses or entrepreneurs that generate annual gross revenues averaging no more than $1,500,000 per year for the last two years. At least one dollar of that lender’s funds must be at risk for every dollar of state funds committed.”

“The Micro Finance bill and Enterprise Florida’s newly established bonding program is a long way from zero,” Gonzalez says, “but when you look at requirements and what has to be done you ask is it really going to be helpful? We need to make it attractive to lenders and add more inclusion to help businesses that need it.”

couple moved to Broward County from St. Louis. Kendrick’s vividly recalls what it was like being a Black police officer in St. Louis back in the 1950’s.

The following is Part II of a three part interview Mr. Kendrick shared with the Westside Gazette Newspaper.

Westside Gazette (WG): What was is like being a Black policeman on the beat in St. Louis during the 1950’s?

Kendrick: “When I applied to become a police officer for the City of St. Louis Black men were not hired on the basis of their merit but they had to be recommended by politicians.

They had Black policemen there when I grew up and they were only allowed to patrol in Black neighborhoods. My father reached out to one of the political figures in St. Louis who was very influential and that’s how Negroes were hired by the St. Louis Police Department. At that time we lived in segregated areas so Black policemen were policing Black people but were not allowed to police whites. I went on the St. Louis Police Force in 1953 and left in 1955.

That experience was really hectic. Part of it was fun because it was a pride thing. In those days Black policeman if they weren’t hated by Black people they were loved by Black people.

I happen to be one of those who waswell thought of.”

W.G.: Was there any particular incident while you were a police officer that stands out in your mind?

Kendrick: “I had an experience on the police force where a Black man was reported having escaped people who caught him in the act of raping a white student nurse in the student nursing home. This was read to us at roll call. A few days later or a week later this same information was read to us again.

The same person was observed raping the same white girl in the same place. This was very humorous to the Black officers. The white officers were very angry. One night while I was walking the beat I saw the red light on the police call box.

I answered the call and I was told by the young dispatcher that they had cornered this ra-

pist at this particular nursing school home. I sped to the nursing home. The place was surrounded by police cars but there were no Black policemen present. I proceeded to the top of the roof. I could see in the shadows the body of a form of a man. I had a flash light and was the only one who saw that.

The other officers had guns and one of them said, “There he is, there that N---er is.” I said, “I got him” and jumped on the man. I grappled with him and he was dead weight as if he

were drunk or unconscious. As I pulled him down the stairs no one helped me with this man.

They had the cruiser backed up to the stairs and I pulled him into the cruiser and he was on the floor. I sat on one side of him and three officers sat on the other. I put my feet on the back of the man to keep him from getting stomped. We went to the city hospital and a Black doctor came out and said the man was drinking but not drunk.

(Cont'd on Page 11)

Page 10 • www.thewestsidegazette.com • September 11 - September 17, 2014

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

Dolphins open season with a big win over the Patriots 33-20

Patriots Alfonzo Dennard halted a Dolphin drive with an interception intendend for Wallace from Tannehill.

Tannehill finds Wallace for a 14-yard touchdown pass.

The Dolphins defense showed no mercy in their 33-20 victory over the Patriots at SunLife Stadium on Sunday, (Photos by Terrace Crawford) Sept. 7, 2014. yards down the field. Typical Tom Brady. The Dolphins took over possession but Lamar Mil-

Miami extended their 23-20 lead to 30-20 with a touchdown run from Moreno.

Broward County High School Football Sept. 5, 2014 Dillard 25 *Deerfield 9 Boyd Anderson 6 *Cypress Bay 24 American Heritage 30 *Miramar 26 Everglades 7 Cardinal Gibbons 37 *Cooper City 28 Coral Reef 6 *Douglas 34 South Broward 19 *Flanagan 37 Fort Lauderdale 8 *Hallandale 43 Hollywood Hills 20 *Stranahan 34 McArthur 6 *Monarch 56 Nova 0 *Doral Academy 16 Pembroke Pine Charter 14 *Plantation 42 Taravella 7 *Ransom Everglades 41 Pompano Beach 30 *South Plantation 21 Western 20 *Archbishop McCarthy 40 Inlet Grove 0 *Chaminade-Madonna 28 Miami Pace 13 *Coral Springs Charter 45 Benjamin 0 *Palmer Trinity 26 Highlands Christian 21 *North Broward Prep 28 Jupiter Christian 15 *King’s Academy 21, Pine Crest 17 *Braden River 54, Somerset 6 *Key West 26 University School 8 *Westminster Academy 43 Florida Christian 7 *Community School of Naples 42, Zion Lutheran 2 *Lakeland Kathleen 20 Northeast 14 *American Heritage 30 Miramar 26 *Coconut Creek 69 West Broward 0 *************************

Westide Gazette Picks Week 2

Dolphins - Redskins -Titans Giants - Vikings Saints - Bengals Lions - Buccaneers Seahawks -Texans Packers - Broncos 49ers - Colts *************************

Week 2 NFL

Dolphins @ Bills Jaguars @ Redskins Cowboys @ Titans Cardinals @ Giants Patriots @ Vikings Saints @ Browns Falcons @ Bengals Lions @ Panthers Rams @ Buccaneers Seahawks @ Chargers Texans @ Raiders Jets @ Packers Chiefs @ Broncos Bears @ 49ers Eagles @ Colts

By Dedrick D. Henry, Sr. The Miami Dolphins defeated the New England Patriots dominating the second half for the 33-20 victory. The victory comes on a dominating performance in the second half, with 23 unanswered points.

The game opened perfectly for the Dolphins, Tom Brady and the Patriots’ offense were unable to do anything with the ball, and were forced into a three-and-out punt. Dolphin’s rookie linebacker Chris McCain made his first impact play of his career on a punt, by blocking it and setting up Miami with good field position.

Miami found the end zone with a six-yard pass from Tannehill to Lamar Miller. The Dolphins took an early 7-0 lead.

The Patriots would not trail long, orchestrating an 80-yard drive to tie the score. A 17-yard end-around by Julian Edelman, but most of the 13 plays were short passes and runs, riddling the Dolphins defense on their way to a 7-7 tie game.

Tannehill connected with Mike Wallace on a short crossing route, only to have Wallace drop the ball with New England recovering the fumble.

Miami’s first injury came late in the quarter as Dannell Ellerbe was forced from the game on the first play of the New England drive. New England was forced into a field goal with a 47-yard kick from Stephen Gostkowski taking a 10-7 lead.

Ryan Tannehill threw a poor pass toward an open Mike Wallace deep down the field only to be intercepted by Alfonzo Dennard.

Tom Brady would make Miami pay for their second straight turnover, driving from the Miami six-yard line in 11 plays, finding Rob Gronkowski for the touchdown. Brady dissected the Dolphins defense to move the ball 94-

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Sept. 11, 2014

LEGAL NOTICES PUBLICATION OF BID SOLICITATIONS Broward County Board of County Commissioners is soliciting bids for a variety of goods and services, construction and architectural/engineering services. Interested bidders are requested to view and download the notifications of bid documents via the Broward County Purchasing website at: www.broward.org/purchasing.

Sept. 4. 11, 18, 25, 2014

ler fumbled the ball and Patriot’s Darrelle Revis recovered.

Miami had three straight possessions end by turnovers by the mid-way point of the second quarter.

The Dolphins were able to put together their first drive moving the ball 55-yards on 11

plays, with some help from New England penalties, settling for a 38-yard field goal from Caleb Sturgis, closing the gap to 1710.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

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

September 11 - September 17, 2014 • www.thewestsidegazette.com • Page 11

Dillard High School Principal Casandra Robinson named one of Florida’s top principals by Florida TaxWatch and FSU’s Learning Systems Institute hievement gap by studying the identified principals and changing state policies to reflect their successful practices.

“These six principals are breaking down barriers to achievement for high-risk students by creating the best learning environment for their success,” said Robert Weissert, chief research officer for Florida TaxWatch. “By applying the characteristics that help these principals foster student ac-

ROBINSON Broward County Public Schools Dillard High School Principal Casandra Robinson has been named one of Florida’s top performing principals by Florida TaxWatch Center for Educational Performance & Accountability and the Learning Systems Institute at Florida State University. In all, six principals throughout the state were revealed recently as recipients of the Florida TaxWatch Principal Leadership Awards.

Recognition is based on analysis of student achievement gains in reading and mathematics in high-risk public schools.

“Great leadership is the cornerstone of a successful school,” said Education Commissioner Pam Stewart. “Congratulations to the great leaders honored with the Principal Leadership Award. I applaud the bold action each of them has taken to ensure their students have the best chance for success in college, career and life.”

We are very proud of Principal Robinson and the great leadership she provides to her students, teachers, staff and the community of Dillard High School,” said Broward Schools Superintendent Robert W. Runcie. “The students and staff continued accomplishments are evidence of her hard work and commitment to student achievement.”

The Principal Leadership Awards program is part of the Florida TaxWatch and Learning Systems Institute Principal Leadership Initiative. The goal of the initiative is to improve student achievement in highrisk schools and close the ac-

Former St. Louis police officer (Cont'd from Page 9) “We proceeded to the 10th District Police Station. When we got inside the station the desk sergeant struck the man with the sign in book and cursed him calling him all kinds of N--ers and said, “Get that N---er out of my sight or I will kill him.” I dropped the man and then I took umbrage to his statements. So I proceeded to curse along with this sergeant so we cursed each other. And I told him if he would come out from behind that counter I would kick his a--. The police corporal who was acting sergeant in my precinct said, ‘Kendrick we have a call in our precinct, would you come with us?” This was unprecedented because at that time whites and Blacks did not ride together on calls. This older corporal was trying to defuse the situation.

When I got into the car he said he was really surprised at the conduct of the desk sergeant.”

W.G.: During those days how were race relations between white police officers and Black residents?

Kendrick: “At that time I noticed no strain between Black and White police relations. Conditions were relatively good in St. Louis. We had Black sergeants and one or two Black lieutenants. I left the force because my captain called me in the day after my altercation with the sergeant. He told me to either get myself a transfer or he would get me out the district himself.

I took this to mean he was going to fire me, so I quit.”

hievement to all principals in all schools, Florida can ensure every student can be successful in the classroom, regardless of race, class, zip code, or school zone.”

While there are other awards programs for Florida principals, the Florida TaxWatch Principal Leadership Award is the only data-driven honor given to those who exceed expectations in learning gains for at-risk students in high-risk schools.

High-risk schools have high percentages of students with disabilities, students designated as English as a Second Language learners, and those eligible for Free and ReducedLunch.

“The Learning Systems Institute is proud to partner with Florida TaxWatch to recognize Florida’s remarkable principals, whose actions play a critical role in student performance,” said

Kristina Lavenia, researcher with LSI. “The Principal Leadership Awards program lays the foundation for a study that will allow Florida to understand which leadership and management practices are contributing most to positive learning gains.”

The principals will be recognized at a ceremony in Orlando on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2014, where they will receive a generous financial award sponsored by the Florida Lottery, Kyra Infotech, J.M. Rubin Foundation, State Farm, Wells Fargo and Brighthouse Networks. The principals will also be recognized at the State Board of Edu-

cation meeting in Orlando on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2014. To be eligible for the award, candidates must have been at their school for a minimum of three years to ensure their policies were impactful. No nominations were accepted for the awards; only DOE data were analyzed to determine the winning principals.

For more information about BCPS, visit browardschools.com, follow us on Twitter @Browardschools, like us on Facebook @ facebook.com/browardschools, and download the free Broward County Public Schools mobile app.

Page 12 • www.thewestsidegazette.com • September 11 - September 17, 2014

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

Black excellence in law enforcement The narrative for the relationship between Black people and law enforcement has always been one of brutality, injustice, and double standards.

Even now stories of unarmed Black men being shot by police dominate news headlines. So how do we change this narrative? Do we continue to protest?

Should we riot and destroy the very communities we live in?

Or do we sit idle and accept police brutality as an unchangeable force of society? I believe the answer to these questions can be found in our collective pursuit of excellence.

On Aug. 13, 2014, The City of Delray Beach Police Department promoted Sgt. Javaro Sims to the rank of Assistant Chief of Police. Asst. Chief Sims has served with the Delray Beach Police Department for the last 22 years. He is a member

of various organizations in and around the community, Boys to Men Mentoring and Omega Phi Psi Fraternity to name a few.

Recently, I was able to conduct a phone interview with Asst.

Chief Sims in regards to his latest promotion. During my interview, Asst. Chief Sims spoke candidly about his personal beliefs, his family, and his legacy as a Black man serving in Law Enforcement.

Westside Gazette: Why did you leave teaching for a career in Law Enforcement?

Asst. Chief Sims: Teaching lacked discipline… I didn’t feel I could retire as a teacher.

Westside Gazette: What motivates you?

Asst. Chief Sims: I’m selfmotivated…My parents taught me that I’m the author of my own book of life and what goes in that book is based on how I

Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, president/CEO of NNPA National Newspaper Publishers Association (r) with Stevie Larkin who has been contracted for the position of National Advertising Sales Representative with NNPA Media Services.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

choose to live my life.

Westside Gazette: How do you feel about the history of police brutality in the Black community?

Asst. Chief Sims: Any brutality in any community is unacceptable.

Westside Gazette: How can we improve the relationship between the Black community and Law Enforcement?

Asst. Chief Sims: One way is to have more participation on the (police) force. (This) gives us a voice inside and outside…

There’s always going to be a problem when the (police) force doesn’t reflect the community.

Westside Gazette: If you had to choose one word to describe yourself what would it be?

Asst. Chief Sims: Determined.

Westside Gazette: What are your hobbies?

Asst. Chief Sims: I don’t have any hobbies (Laughs)…I like working out and riding my motorcycle. I like reading and traveling too.

Westside Gazette: What are the most important things in your life?

Asst. Chief Sims: God, family, and community… In that order.

Westside Gazette: How do you want to be remembered?

Asst. Chief Sims: Personally, I want to be remembered as God fearing and as a person who loved his family… Professionally, fair and impartial…

Willing to do the right thing regardless of circumstances.

“If you ever want to make a difference in this world, it’s not what you do for yourself, it’s what you do for others…that’s legacy Asst.

Chief Javaro Sims