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Hillar Hillaryy Clinton, The Right W oman Woman For America PAGE 6
Bethel AME Church Pompano TToo Host Four th Fourth Annual “Real TTalk: alk: Our Community And Law Enforcement” PAGE 9
After Nearly 50 YYears ears Local Businessman Rochell Franklin, Jr Jr.. , Is Still Giving Back To The Community PAGE 10
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Black Press called ‘essential’ to future progress The uncomfortability By George E. Curry NNPA Editor-in-Chief Photos by Tariq R. Cartwright A 19-year-old Bahamian sophomore student at the College of The Bahamas, Tariq R. Cartwright, is an aspiring freelance photographer and graphic designer/ artist. “Photography is one of my most favorite hobbies. When I was younger I would volunteer to be the cameraman whenever someone wants photos taken at school, church or at a family function. I got my first point and shoot camera at the age of 13. Having my own digital camera was the beginning of countless opportunities for me. Photography to me is much more than just capturing a moment of life. It is a way that I can share my view with the world through social media.” —- Tariq R. Cartwright NASSAU, BAHAMAS (NNPA) – A top Bahamas official praised the Black Press last week as essential to truthfully and creditably chronicling African American progress from one generation to the next.
Philip E. Davis, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Works and Urban Development, commended the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) for 75 years of excellence. “It goes without saying that your relevance, with time, is all the more important as the stories of struggle and sacrifice are passed on to each generation of Blacks,” he said in a speech at the NNPA mid-winter convention here. “This is essential so that our youth and future generations understand and appreciate the price of what they enjoy today.” NNPA publishers were also greeted by Minister of Tourism Obediah H. Wilchcombe. A former journalist, Wilchcombe pledged to advertise in NNPA newspapers to help attract tourists, especially African Americans, to the Bahamas. In his speech, Davis said, “No one has the authority to tell your story like you can so as to aptly illustrate in the words of an old African proverb: ‘Until the lions have their own historians, tales of the hunt shall always glorify the hunters.’”
of getting right 3 And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; 4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; 5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:3-5 (NASB) By Bobby R. Henry, Sr.
“It goes without saying that your relevance, with time, is all the more important as the stories of struggle and sacrifice are passed on to each generation of Blacks”. — Philip E. Davis, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Works and Urban Development. Davis urged publishers to continue providing robust coverage of their communities while embracing the technology favored by young people. “As you move to celebrate Black History Month beginning early next week, I encourage you to continue as responsible generational leaders, being the
critical voice that gives the perspective that others are simply not equipped to give,” he said. “I also entreat you to embrace the technology of youth. Arming yourselves in this way will allow you to exponentially contribute to nurturing hearts and enlightening minds throughout the world.” (Cont'd on Page 13)
Get it right Black people! As you read and listen to the stories of our Black History as told and recorded by the truth seekers and keepers, you will find woven throughout its presentation encouraging real life stories of people who faced trials and sufferings not common to any man/ woman that the world has ever known. It was and is through these struggles that the beauty of God is revealed. I’m reminded of the story about the butterfly whose birth and development was influenced by a manual cutting to God’s given birth canal, the cocoon. The story went like this: A young man walking through the woods came upon a cocoon hanging on a limb beneath the leaves of a tree. He saw the cocoon moving and looked closer to see the wing of a small butterfly trying to break free from his, what appeared to be, a torture chamber. The young man, in his eagerness to assist and free the captured object, took out his pocket knife and put small slits into the side of the cocoon. To keep an eye on his now project, the young man cut the branch from the tree and took it home and built a netted cage for it. (Cont'd on Page 11)
The Urban League of Broward celebrates 40th The Mizells: A medical history Anniversary at annual Business Leadership Breakfast “We can make the community better. One family at a time - One life at a time - One neighborhood at a time. We can do something about it. When we take a look at the programs that the Urban League has and the programs that exist around our community, we have so
Urban League of Broward President Dr. Germaine SmithBaugh announced the launch of its new “Breaking the Cycle” Awareness Campaign during the League’s Annual Business Leadership Breakfast. By Charles Moseley The work that began 40 years ago by the Urban League of Broward County (ULBC) to help improve the socio-economic plight among South Florida’s underserved minority community, is still going strong today under the leadership of its President/CEO, Dr. Germaine Smith-Baugh. Dr. Smith-Baugh unveiled a new anti-poverty awareness campaign entitled, “Breaking the Cycle,” on Jan. 30, 2015 during the League’s Annual Business Leadership Breakfast. In addition, she announced a new initiative that will continue to address unemployment in Broward County through a new $250,000 workforce development program, before hundreds of business leaders from the local community. She said that this new campaign would be the number one priority for the local civil rights organization this year. She also announced plans by the Urban League of Broward to host the National Ur-
ban League Conference in Fort Lauderdale on July 29 through Aug. 1, in 2015. The conference is expected to attract 10,000 participants nationwide and have an estimated $10 million economic impact on the local economy. According to Urban League officials, the new funding is part of an overall two million dollar approval from the State Le-islature to pilot a statewide program that provides jobs training, mentoring and other assistance to at-risk youth ages 16-24. State Rep. Chris Smith, Fort Lauderdale, and former Florida Speaker of the House: “Our entire community will benefit when we break the cycle of poverty. We still have a long way to go. If you drive around Broward County you’ll see that there’s still a lot of work left still to be done. Over 15 percent of our population is below the poverty line trying to make ends meet here in Broward County. I would say that that is unacceptable.”
Pleading Our Own Cause
many opportunities to make a difference. So I want you to visit the website, take the pledge to break the cycle of poverty in each and every most simple and complex way that you can,” added Smith-Baugh. (Cont'd on Page 14)
Howard University Middle School principal suspected of firing teachers for teaching Black History
BLACKMON By Desire Thompson Parents are furious after a Black middle school principal has fired teachers for teaching Black History in her school. Howard University Middle School is a school that I guess you wouldn’t expect this type of thing to happen. This is especially true given that the school has an African American principal.
Parents were asking questions regarding why there were so many teachers being fired or quitting in the middle of the school year. “As parents we just want to get some answers,” said Dorothy Lowery. “We deserve to know what’s going on.” In the past week, there have been three Social Studies teachers that handed in their two week notices. Parents say that the new principal, Angelique Blackmon, confronted the teachers a day prior with pink slips. According to parents, the pink slips were handed to the teachers right in front of the students. “While students are still present in the classroom? How unprofessional,” said parent Delrica Battle. “These children are crying. They said they couldn’t say goodbye. The teachers are upset, the students are upset.” Another parent, Michelle Payne said, “They were given to them in front of our children and I think that our children do not deserve to see that type of behavior.” (Cont'd on Page 14)
Deborah Mizell holds a picture of her father, Dr. Von D. Mizell, Broward County’s first Black surgeon. By Tom Swick, FLMag.com In 1910 Isadore and Minnie Mizell had come down from Jasper, Fla., to Dania Beach, where they farmed tomatoes and raised 14 children. The four oldest were sent off to St. Augustine to attend Florida Normal and Industrial Institute. “In South Florida at that time, Blacks couldn’t go to school full-time,” Mizell explains. “They had to work in the fields.”
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The oldest child, Von, went on to study at Morehouse College in Atlanta and then Meharry Medical College in Nashville, the first medical school in the South for African Americans. He returned to South Florida in 1937 and set up a medical practice in Fort Lauderdale, starting on Fifth Street and later moving to Sixth. (Cont'd on Page 14) MEMBER: National Newspaper Publishers Association ( NNPA), and Southeastern African-American Publishers Association (SAAPA) Florida Association of Black Owned Media (FABOM)
Page 2 • www.thewestsidegazette.com • February 5 - February 11, 2015
Broward County's Oldest and Largest African American Owned and Operated Newspaper
Every day is Ferguson By Darrell Allison We are all justifiably outraged at the events occurring in Ferguson, Mo. Headlines scream almost daily about a new incident of racial violence boiling over in a town that is struggling to overcome its troubled history. While prominent African American leaders shout their outrage from microphones and television studios and the rest of us express our sadness and anger in the barber shops, salons and churches; we fail to realize an essential hard truth. Incidents like Ferguson happen every day in classrooms across America. Although non-fatal as Ferguson, an academic assault occurs each school day as the needs of students – especially African American students – are neglected, ignored or buried at the bottom of another batch of standardized test score results. Consider the following statistics compiled by the Black Alliance for Educational Options: · 42 percent of Black students attend schools that are under-resourced. · Poorly performing Black males are three times more likely to be suspended or expelled from school than their white peers. · Black boys are 2.5 times less likely to be enrolled in gifted and talented programs, even though they have proven they can do the work.
What’s more alarming than these dismal student statistics is the ambivalence or numbness exhibited by us adults. Where’s the outrage? Where’s is the By Any Means Necessary mentality in this case as we are so quick to show in cases like Ferguson? Despite these sad statistics, there are pockets of transformational change happening across the United States where leaders of color are doing so by any means. Geoffrey Canada, the former president and CEO of the Harlem Children’s Zone (now serving as president of its board), created a ground-breaking, block-by-block approach to tackling academic and economic poverty in urban neighborhoods, including a network of Promise Academy Charter Schools.
ALLISON The Chicago-based Urban Prep Academies, founded in 1992 by Tim King, has boasted a 100-percent acceptance rate to four-year colleges and universities for all of its high school male seniors for four consecutive years. Dr. Steve Perry, the founder and principal of Capital Preparatory Magnet School in Hart-
ford, Connecticut, has achieved sending 100 percent of the school’s predominantly low-income, minority, first-generation high school graduates to fouryear colleges every year since 2006. These strong African American male education leaders are doing what is necessary to educate our children; however, the means by which they do this is parental school choice. As schools of choice, these leaders have the flexibility, leverage and authority to customize an education program that has the best chance of truly reaching every kid. At the end of the day, who cares about the politics of parental school choice, especially when it is our children who are suffering the most? If we don’t have honest discussions about what school choice means for our children and consider replicating the successful models offered by Canada, King and Perry, it will continue to be just another day in Ferguson in schools across America.
Chi Psi Omega Chapter partners for MLK Day of Service Impact
TEACHER MAKES HISTORY IN PARKLAND — On Dec. 29, 2014, something amazing happened; Mrs. Ida Gates became the first African-American lead teacher at a preschool in Parkland, Fla. She didn’t come to make history, but to only make a difference doing what she loves, which is to provide a nurturing environment for her children to socially and mentally develop in. In a previous preschool, a story was being read by Gates about animals, when a two-year-old clearly pronounced the word hippopotamus. She was amazed at how well he pronounced the word and how intelligent children can become. Being a graduate of Florida Memorial University with a degree in communications back in 2009, she took a switch in her career and attended Nova Southeastern University, where she is currently a candidate for a master’s degree in education. Her love of children grew stronger in the field of childcare. Gates also serves as an editor for the preschool website, is happily married and is also a dedicated member of the 15th Street Church of Christ in Pompano Beach, Fla.
“A Day On, Not A Day Off." Chi Psi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. defined “Service Impact Day”, Dr. King’s birthday celebration on Jan. 19, 2015, 150 plus participated, “A Day On, Not a Day Off”. The chapter received a $3,000 MLK Day of Service grant; through its charitable arm, A Plus Foundation, Inc., facilitated by Broward College, North Campus. Oriole Elementary School in Lauderdale Lakes was selected for a Peace Garden due to an interest for students. Home Depot-Oakland Park Store joined the teams to ensure the garden. A ribbon cutting ceremony began at 11:30 a.m. Mayor Barrington Russell, Vice-Mayor Beverly Williams, Commissioners Edwina S. Coleman and Patricia Williams of Lauderdale Lakes provided greetings. Sandra Davey, Educational Advisory Chairman, accompanied the commissioners. Dr. Avis Proctor, president, Broward College North Campus, participated, along with staff members. The college provided registered participants with a Tshirt, continental breakfast and a nutritious lunch. With advanced preparation from Nadine Rose, general manager, Home Depot Oakland Park Store; Supervisors Eula Davis, Phyllis Bryant, Timothy Brown, Jonathan Levitt, Samantha Cyril, and Letitia Platt, manager of Human Resources, the remainder of the day was according to specification. Michelle Moore, Muralist, also participated.
Vicki B. Flournoy, school principal, accepted the partnerships for facilitation of the garden. Dr. Ingrid Osgood, assistant principal, welcomed and thanked participants. Many thanks, to the volunteers and students for making this event successful. Students placed their hands in bright paints for prints in the sidewalk. Forty-five chapter members participated and wrote their names in the hand prints: Veronica E. Phillips, president; Luwando Wright-Hines, Yulanda C. Ellis, Alana DaSent, Olivia Hilton, Cassandra L. Evans, Venetta McCullough, Andrea Bailey-Dowling, Miriam Cato, LaKeitha Baugh, Juline Blanfort, Ernestine H. Bobb, Kassandra L. Burton, Patricia Ciceron, Sherita Change, Trivel Cooper-McKire, Chantal Coutain, Gracia Curlee-Gordon, Ashante Davis, Patricia DavisTwitty, Kimberly L. Dupont, Paula Edwards, Tahnese Flournoy, Tamara Freeman-Battle, Sophonie Gaspard, Miriam U. Gayle, Michelle P. Green, Adrea C. Hightower, Karena Ivey, Candace M. Kennedy, Joel D. McCray, Tscharner MillerStrapp, Carla Navarro, Josetta Patterson, Tiffanie A. PaulineRoseau, Manassa Petithomme Kelly, Avis Proctor, Nina Rickett-McWhorter, Lisa Smith, Barbara J. Thomas, Dione Trawick, Kimberly Williams, Malikh Franklin Williams, Cheriane Zephy. Two participating visiting sorority members were Antoinette “Toni” Pauline and Faya Forbe. Through collaboration, Broward College North Campus, Home Depot of Oakland Park, Chi Psi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and Oriole Elementary School, teachers may take their classes to a garden equipped with Mobile Library/Reading Cart, mural surrounded by peace quotes from famous persons, peace pole in eight languages (“May Peace Prevail on Earth“), new seating area, wind chimes, decorative walk-way and a commemorative monument. Presentations of plaques for appreciation were given to Home Depot, Broward College North Campus and Chi Psi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., by Dr. Ingrid Osgood. Presentations were also given to Broward College North Campus and Home Depot-Oakland Park by the Chi Psi Omega Chapter, President Phillips. Three hundred plus service hours were logged by participants and evaluations’ results evidenced the collaboration defined “service impact day”.
February 5 - February 11, 2015 • www.thewestsidegazette.com • Page 3
Broward County's Oldest and Largest African American Owned and Operated Newspaper
Hastings’ statement in recognition of African American History Month FORT LAUDERDALE, FL - Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) made the following statement in recognition of African American History Month: “On February 1, 2015, our nation will again observe African American History Month. Since 1976, February has been designated as the month to cele-
brate the achievements and contributions that have been made by African Americans to our nation and the world. The rich history of the African American Diaspora and undeniable involvement of the Black American in all facets of our nation’s growth are uniquely integral when determining the cultural and infrastructural value that
has been laid as a foundation by the generations that predate us. February is the month that has been set aside to recognize the central role African Americans hold in the rich tapestry of U.S. history. “This year’s theme for Black History Month is “A Century of Black Life, History, and Culture.” Across our district and
the nation, we will be recognizing 100 years of contributions African Americans have made to making the United States what it is today. We will be celebrating civil rights leaders, inventors, public servants, athletes, actors, diplomats, artists, writers, and musicians. To that effect, this February, I will reintroduce legislation to award
Rape and the myth of ‘the strong Black woman’
Bill Cosby controversy forced Sharita J. Lee to revisit her rape 20 years ago. (Photo courtesy of Sharita J. Lee) By Jazelle Hunt, NNPA Washington Correspondent (First in a Series) A woman gets raped every two minutes in the United States. According to the U.S. Justice Department, nearly one of every five Black women – 19 percent – are raped each year. Many experts suspect those figures severely understate the problem. For example, research by the Black Women’s Blueprint, Inc., a New York Citybased civil and human rights organization of women and men, reports that 60 percent of Black women have been sexually assaulted by the time they
are 18 years old. Whatever the actual number, too often, the victims – including a surprising number of males and young girls – suffer alone. Efforts to discuss the abuse are usually met with disbelief or a feeling that such behavior should be quietly swept under the rug, as though ignoring the problem will magically make it disappear. As a matter of policy, news organizations generally withhold the names of rape victims. But Black women in particular are beginning to break this silence, bravely coming out of the shadows to publicly reveal their names and faces and share their painful stories in hopes of exposing and ending this alltoo-common violence. This series by NNPA Washington Correspondent Jazelle Hunt examines rape in the Black community and the long path toward healing. WASHINGTON, D.C. (NNPA) – For 20 years, Sharita J. Lee was numb. She did not cry. She did not love the men she dated. The only emotion she could muster was rage. But that changed recently when she caught wind of the storm of sexual assault allegations involving Bill Cosby, America’s favorite TV dad. One by one, more than 30 women lodged charges against the comedian, some dating back 45 years. And one by one, their revelations were met with skep-
ticism, personal attacks on the accusers, and even outright scorn. “Until then, I had thought about [my assault], but I didn’t have any emotion about it,” Lee recalled. “I wouldn’t have felt anything until I read that article,” Lee said. After reading the article about comedian Hannibal Buress’ jab at Bill Cosby, Lee scrolled to the comments section. She couldn’t believe how many people questioned why these women were coming forward decades later. Appalled, she opened her laptop, and penned all the gory details of her rape and its aftermath for the world to see. Her account was published on a blog just before Christmas. The topic of rape has not only been revived by the controversy surrounding Bill Cosby but also by misbehavior in other segments of society. For example, dozens of high-ranking military officers have been fired for rape or having inappropriate sexual affairs with women within and outside their command. Rape on college campuses has received wider coverage following a series of high-profile campus rapes, including one at the United States Military Academy at West Point. The Department of Education announced last May that it is investigating 55 colleges for mishandling complaints of sexual violence, a figure that has since risen to 90.
Rape protester. Last week, two Vanderbilt University football players were found guilty of raping an unconscious fellow co-ed and two more former football players are awaiting trial and Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston, a former Heisman Trophy winner, has been dogged for more than a year amid allegations that he raped a FSU student in December 2012; an attorney for the student announced plans to sue the university. Most Americans do not know as much about rape as they think. According to the Department of Justice: Somewhere in America, a woman is raped every two minutes; 22 percent of victims were younger than age 12 when they were first raped, and 32 percent were between the ages of 12 and 17; Twenty-five percent of girls
the Congressional Gold Medal posthumously to one such trailblazer and image of excellence, Lena Horne, for her contributions to music, film, and the Civil Rights Movement. “We must continue to reflect on the work that has been done, noting how much there is still left to do. In our quest for a more equitable nation, we must and 17 percent of boys are sexually abused before the age of 18; Seventy percent of rape and sexual assault victims know their attacker prior to the assault and Of college women questioned, about 90 percent of rape and sexual assault victims knew their attacker prior to the assault. It took Sharita Lee close to two decades to truly break her silence. Two decades ago, she was a 20-year-old New Orleans native serving her country as a member of the U.S. Navy. She had joined the military to distance herself from home, where her stepfather physically abused her mother, who was battling alcoholism. But she returned to New Orleans immediately when she learned her grandfather was on his deathbed. During her visit, she ran into a childhood friend at her uncle’s house, and the two caught up. A few hours passed as they laughed and reminisced on the couch. Then, Lee got the call that her grandfather had died. Abruptly, in the middle of condolences and small talk, he lunged at her. In a fluid flurry, he grabbed her legs and pulled her toward him. He pinned her knees to her chest. She shoved him. Unmoved, he yanked the back of her pants up to her thighs. He was a foot taller and outweighed her by 100 pounds. She was stunned. Next week: Rape’s other victims (Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)
CONGRERSSMAN HASTINGS acknowledge the gaps that still exist, and be mindful of the potential that all of our children have in making their dreams realized—for in this fruition lies the best to come. “African American museums have been erected across the country due to the efforts of individuals like Margaret Boroughs, giving visitors the opportunity to celebrate African American culture year round. Additionally, I am proud to say that the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture is scheduled to be opened to the public later this year. It will occupy the last available space on the National Mall to pay homage to many of the individuals who have paved the way for us to traverse into the next century. “As we approach February 1st, I urge you to take a moment and participate in one of the many activities that will take place in your local community. African American history is America’s history.” Congressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation.
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Broward County's Oldest and Largest African American Owned and Operated Newspaper
Broward County's Oldest and Largest African American Owned and Operated Newspaper
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Community Digest
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Event
A free Black History Fair/ Exhibit will be held at the E. Pat. Larkins Center, 520 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Pompano Beach, Fla. on Feb. 5 through 8, 2015, open to the public and designed for the community to celebrate AfricanAmerican contributions to the American experience. The following events have been scheduled for public enjoyment: Thursday, Feb. 5 from 69 p.m., opening Reception/ Black History Exhibits; Friday, Feb. 6, 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. - Black History Exhibits, students are welcome; Saturday, Feb. 7, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. - Black History Exhibits, health screenings by Broward Health North Dental Education by Managed Care of North America, there will be live entertainment - Omega 3 DJS and HBCUs college information. Sunday, Feb. 8 1-5 p.m. - Black History Exhibits, live jazz entertainment by RC Music Group and a Classic there's a fee for the Car Show. STAYCONNECTED -www.thewestsidegazette.com LIKE US ON FACEBOOK
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Event
Rev. Moise Greek Unity Day, annually held on the third Sunday in February as a major component of Mt. Hermon AME Church’s month long Black History observance, will convene on Sunday, Feb.15, 2015, at the 10:30 am service. Mt. Hermon, under the astute, dynamic leadership of Reverend Henry E. Green, Jr., at 401 N.W. Seventh Terr., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The featured organization for Greek Unity Day 2015 is the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Reverend Eddie Moise, pastor of Bethel AME Church in Pompano Beach, Florida and a member of the Eta Nu Chapter, will deliver the sermon, celebrating the 21st Greek Unity Day anniversary. Greek Unity Day 2015, which began at Mt. Hermon under the stewardship of Reverend Michael A. Cousins, could potentially break all previous attendance records.
The City of Fort Lauderdale Black History Events
The City of Fort Lauderdale invites the community to celebrate Black History Month with the following events: · Remembering Our Roots, Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015 at 3 p.m., at Riverland Park, 950 S.W. 27 Ave., Fort Lauderdale, Fl. For more info call (954) 828-5320. · Kijiji Moja, Saturday, Feb. 21, from 1 to 4 p.m., at Carter Park, 1450 W. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. For more info call (954) 828-5411. · Sistrunk Parade & Festival, Saturday, Feb. 28 – Parade starts from 9-11 a.m., on Sistrunk Blvd., from N.W. Ninth to N.W. 22 Ave., the Festival starts at noon to 9 p.m., at Mills Ponds Park, 2201 N.W. Ninth Ave., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. For more info call (954) 687-3477 or www.sistrunkfestival.org · The City of Fort Lauderdale Drop Off Household Hazards Waste for Free!, Saturday, Feb. 7, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at City of Coral Springs Public Works Complex (Westside), 4148 N.W. 121 Ave., Coral Springs, Fla. For more info visit www.fortlauderdale.gov/hhw. · Fort Lauderdale neighbors hosting a night just for you! Neighbor Support Night, Thursday, Feb. 12, from 6 to 8:30 p.m., at the City Hall. For additional info call Junia Robinson at (954) 828-5289. · Relax at Friday Night Tunes, enjoy a Free concert with a broad range of musical varieties featuring a different live performance each month. Friday Night Tunes takes place on the third Friday of each of month from 7 to 10 p.m., at Joseph C. Carter Park, 1450 Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Randy Corinathian kicks off Friday Night Tunes, Friday, Feb. 20. Bring your chairs and blankets and snacks to relax under the stars. For more info call (954) 828-5363
Event
The NAACP Miami-Dade Branch Health Committee presents Get Covered, Saturday, Feb. 8, 2015 from 1 to 5 p.m., at the Jessie Trice Corporate Community Health Complex, 5607 N.W. 27 Ave., Miami, Fla. To learn more about this event, contact Eboni Peoples, health chair, at (786) 246-7748.
Broward College Celebrates Black History Month
Throughout February, Broward College will celebrate Black History Month with several events on its campuses. · African History and Heritage Month Exhibition: African Americans in South Florida (1850’s to 1950’s), Monday, Feb. 9, 2015 from 12: 30 to 2 p.m., at Broward College N. Campus, 1000 Coconut Creek Blvd., Coconut Creek, Building 46, room 152. For more info call Oluyinka Tella at (954) 2012033 · Mis-Education of the Negro and the ‘N’ Word, Thursday, Feb. 12, at 12:30 p.m., at Judson A. Samuels S. Campus. 7200 Pines Blvd., Pembroke Pines, Performing Cultural Arts Theater (PCAT), Bldg. 68b. For more info call Rudy Jean-Bart at (954) 201-8947. · Evolution of Black Women: From the Slave House to the White House, Monday, Feb. 16, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at A. Hugh Adams Central Campus, 3501 Davie Rd., Davie, Bldg. 1008, room 105-108. For more info Jose Lopez at (954) 2016236. · Maya Angelou Tribute Festival, Wednesday, Feb. 18, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at A. Hugh Adams Central Campus, 3501 Davie Rd., Davie, Bldg. 19, Patio. For more info call Jose Lopex at (954) 201-6236. 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 1888-565-1470. Also e-mail Anna Stephenson at annasmiami@aol.com with a subject you want to hear dis-cussed on the show. The show al-so interviews special guests Like Jessica Reedy from Sunday Best. Shelia Raye Charles, Melba Moore and different preachers and gospel musical artists and politicians.
Happenings at African-American Research Library and Cultural Center
Clinic Free Boca Raton Sand Volleyball Clinic, Sand Turtles Volleyball training for adults and kids ages 8+, Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2015 from 6:45 to 8 p.m., at Meadows Park, Boca Raton, Fla. Twelve lesson training session starts Thursday, Feb. 19, 2015. For additional info call (954) 345-0550.
Classes African-American Research Library and Cultural Center, 2650 Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderale, Fla. · Thursday, Feb. 5 – from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., Basic computer literacy I · The Jamaica Tourist Board is providing a complimentary stay at a Jamaican hotel/resort as a grand prize for the Destination Friday, Friday, Feb. 6, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., Celebrate Bob Marley’s 70th birthday. For cost and additional info call (954) 357-6282. · The four Saturdays in February 2015 will each feature a Black History Month film discussion Saturday, Feb. 7 – from 2 to 5 p.m., Participants will discuss a short documentary, The 44daze of the Murder of Treyvon Martin with its producer as well as the classic film To Kill a Mockingbird which is Broward County’s 2015 Big Read book that is being promoted at every library. · Thursday, Feb. 12 – from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., Basic computer literacy II · Saturday, Feb. 14 – from, 2 to 5 p.m., Participants will discuss Hidden Colors 1, a documentary about race relations, in the context of To Kill a Mockingbird. · Saturday, Feb. 14-21 – at 1 p.m., a Book Signing, Holocaust · Wednesday, Feb. 18 – at 4 p.m., First Annual Black Empowerment Summit, featuring Dr. Umar Johnson a blood relative of Fredrick Douglas. There is a charge tickets on sale now and will be sold at the door. Call for additional info (954) 242-4778. · Thursday, Feb. 19 – from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., Resume writing · Saturday, Feb. 21 – from 2 to 5 p.m., Participants will discuss Hidden Colors 2 in the context of To Kill a Mockingbird. · Saturday, Feb. 21 – from 2 to 4 p.m., A Spoken Word Explosion/Poetry Slam. Poetry Workshop and performance for teens. Pre-registration required, call (954) 3576209 or inquire in the Youth Service section on the 2nd floor. · Thursday, Feb. 26- from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., Job Resources · Saturday, Feb. 28 – from 2 to 5 p.m., participants will discuss Hidden Color 3 · Free Homework Help: After school help with homework for grades K-12, from 3 to 5 p.m. For more info call (954) 357-657. (Only homework and educational games are allowed on Children’s and Teen computers during homework help hours. For additional info for Free classes being offered at the other library locations call (954) 3576236.
Free SAT & ACT Prep at Regional Libraries program schedule 2015 All Sessions mandatory attendance · Session 1: SAT/ACT Grammar and Reading Techniques and Strategies · Session 2: SAT/ACT Grammar and Reading Practice · Session 3: SAT/ACT Math Techniques and Strategies · Session 4: SAT/ACT Math Practice and Science Techniques and Strategies · Session 5: SAT/ACT Science Practice and Essay Techniques and Strategies North Regional Library – (954) 201-2600 · Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2015 – Session 1: from 5 to 7 p.m. · Saturday, Feb. 14 Session 2: from 12 to 2:30 p.m. · Tuesday, Feb. 17 – Session 3: from 5 to 7 p.m. · Saturday, Feb. 21 – Session 4: from 12 to 2:30 p.m. · Tuesday, Feb. 24 – Session 5: from 5 to 7:30 p.m.
Program
Loving, Caring Foster Parents Wanted!!!! Ordinary people in our community do extraordinary things. Your family, friends and neighbors have made a huge difference in the lives of children, opening thier hearts and homes to children who have been abused, abandoned or neglected. They have taken on the toughest job they'll ever love --- they have become foster parents. * Foster parents may be a working parents, married or single. homeowners or renters, have children or have been a parent. * They must be able to provide a safe, loving home. * They will receive formal training, support from professional staff and other foster parents, access to free medical, dental and child care services. * It's the opportunity of a lifetime to serve your community by helping our most vulnerable children. All Children Deserve A Loving Family. Lets Make A Difference and put a smile on a child's face. For more info contact Dr. Angela Deal at (954) 968-6777/
EDUCATION MATTERS Every Child Deserves a Chance to Succeed.
NEW IMPROVED ELKS LODGE - 652 Special Treat For The Ladies on FRIDAYS
VALENTINE'S BALL Saturday, Feb. 14, 2015 We Invite the Community to Come and Support Your Community Lodge 712 N.W. 2 St., Ft. Laud., FL 33311 (954) 463-7474
Broward County's Oldest and Largest African American Owned and Operated Newspaper
Page 6 • www.thewestsidegazette.com • February 5 - February 11, 2015
Opinion
The Westside Gazette, under the Management of BI-ADs, Inc., reserves the right to publish Views and Opinions by Contributing Writers may not necessarily reflect those of the Staff and Management of The Westside Gazette Newspaper and are solely the product of the responsible individual(s) who submit comments published in this newspaper. strengthen American alliances, while her compassion and drive to promote equality for all has ushered in a more inclusive world vision. In this regard, her legacy lives on in the State Department’s comprehensive human rights agenda, which directs the department to use its full range of diplomatic and development tools to work to eliminate violence and discrimination against LGBT individuals across the globe. But her devotion to improving the lives of others is not limited to her extensive work abroad. Throughout her career, Hillary has fought to improve the lives of hardworking Americans. In the Senate, she repeatedly supported leislation aimed at raising the minimum wage and implementing middle-class tax cuts, including tax credits for student loan recipients. She has also worked tirelessly, often collaborating with leaders across the aisle, to increase unemployment benefits for out of work Americans. While we have undoubtedly seen a great restoration of our national economy over the past year, the effects of this restoration have not been equally distributed to those most in need. Hillary’s history of, and devotion to, promoting the economic security of working families make her not only qualified for the job of President, but make her the right choice. Our next President must be one with not only a strong vision, but also a strong record of getting results. Hillary is that candidate. I was proud to endorse her in 2008 and will do all I can to support her candidacy should she run for President in 2016. Congressman Alcee L. Hastings represents Florida’s 20th Congressional district and serves as Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation.
Hillary Clinton, the right woman for America By Representative Alcee L. Hastings In recent weeks much speculation and anticipation has surrounded former first lady, U.S. Senator from New York, and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s possible presidential run. While Clinton and those close to her have remained mum on her bid for the presidency, if she runs in 2016, I will support her. In November of 2013, I wrote to Hillary to express how proud I was to be one of the first members from Florida to support her presidential campaign in 2008. Over a year later, I feel even more strongly that Hillary is the right woman for America. She has the experience and leadership necessary to be our next President, and the wisdom and vision to move our country in the right direction. I have known Hillary for decades, dating back to her time with the Children’s Hillary Clinton Defense Fund. In this capacity, I came to know her as a smart and driven advocate, whose thoughtfulness and deliberation helped to advance justice and the rule of law in a time when African Americans and women struggled daily to attain the freedom and equality enshrined in our constitution. Hillary’s commitment to these principles has never wavered, and I can say unequivocally that she is the right choice for this nation. Hillary’s steadfast dedication to supporting the civil rights of all individuals and her commitment to providing a voice to the disenfranchised is both admirable and inspiring. The consummate diplomat, Hillary has traveled nearly a million miles, attending hundreds of meetings with foreign leaders in 112 countries. Her poise and competence has served to
Scott proposes $77 billion budget with no expansion on Medicaid By Roger Caldwell Back in 2010, Governor Rick Scott proposed a budget that was signed with a total CALDWELL price tag of $69.1 billion. In 2014, our governor signed the largest budget in the history of the
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state at $77 billion, and in 2015, he is proposing another $77 billion budget. When our governor tells the residents of the state that he believes in small government, I wonder if that statement is true. To begin with, state budgets are extremely complicated, and there are always losers and winners. The governor’s plan is merely a guide for the Legislature to approve a balanced budget by the end of the 60-day session. Many political experts argue that the time is too short to evaluate all the bills, and the legislators do not understand what they are voting on. Nevertheless, everything is squeezed into this short period of time, and the lobbyists are spending millions of dollars to get their bills passed. This year the governor’s proposals include record funding for K-12 education, $673 million in tax cuts, money to clean up waterways and springs, and nearly $500 million for transportation projects in Northeast Florida. His spending plan also includes $100 million in new performance funding for state universities, and $23.5 million to allow students awarded Bright Fu-
tures scholarships to take classes over the summer. Even though the state has a one billion dollar surplus, the governor wants cuts in an ever-shrinking workforce. Florida’s government has been operating at its lowest staffing levels in nearly two decades. The state’s population has grown since 1998 by four million, and there are less than 10,000 positions in the workforce since 2000. Cutting the state workforce makes no sense, and the service gets worse, because there are not enough employees to do the work. In 2014 in the Florida Department of Corrections, there were more than 340 recorded deaths in the system. This was the deadliest year on record for Florida prison intimates, and the head of the Florida Department of Corrections blamed job cuts as the reason for many of the deaths. The prison chief is requesting 654 new positions, and the governor is only willing to provide her with 300 positions.
Historical essence reflects the politics of cultural legacies
While talking to Harry Upshaw, the subject of high schools came up. Pritchett graduated from Miami Jackson. Upshaw and I are Miami Northwestern alumnae. So, the rivalry began. No. I didn’t attack the church, or which school has produced the most ministers. I simply went another way, telling her the ’West has more elected officials than the Generals.
By Derek Joy One very important social aspect of life is history. Some say “His Story.” JOY Hence, a journey back in time takes me to an interview of the late Rev. Dr. Mack King Carter, then pastor of Mount Olive Baptist Church in Fort Lauderdale. His answer to one of my pointed questions was succinct. “The church mirrors society,” said Carter. Sure enough, since then, a number of other pastors have given the same response to my pointed question. Thus, the evolution of life in America for people of color hit a milestone in 1787. St. George’s Methodist Church in Philadelphia, Pa., as was the custom, allowed Black Americans to attend worship services in the balcony. A segregated congregation when the Bible doesn’t address pigmentation or other physical characteristics in God’s realm. So, Richard Allen led a revolt, walked out with the intent that came to fruition as the founding of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. Today finds people of color virtually every Christian denomination, Judaism and Islam. That social mirror reflects blatant visions of racism and discrimination then and now. Countless pastors have given the same response to the question, “Why are Black Americans so obsessed with church?” The answer is almost always, “Because the church is all they (Anglo majority in America) let us have.” Not too far from the truth, even today. No. I didn’t run that by Florida State Representative Sharon Pritchett (Dem., Dist. 102) as we enjoyed the Miami Gardens Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday at the Betty T. Ferguson Complex.
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.
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The Legacy of Carter G. Woodson By Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. NNPA Columnist The best way to cel- CHAVIS ebrate Black History Month is to make more Black history. Black History Month is now celebrated around the world. We are grateful for the visionary leadership of noted historian and scholar Carter G. Woodson for being the founder of what was known as Negro History Week in 1926 that 44 years later evolved into Black History Month. It is also important to note that this year marks the centennial celebration of Woodson’s founding of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). The mission of ASALH is to “promote, research, preserve, interpret and disseminate information about Black life, history and culture to the global community.” Established in 1915, the association has no peer in the preservation of our rich history. ASALH continues to extend the legacy Carter G. Woodson “speaking a fundamental truth to the world – that Africans and peoples of African descent are makers of history and coworkers in what W. E. B. Du Bois called, The Kingdom of Culture.” Yes, it is clearly of the greatest necessity for all of us to support and spread knowledge about the accomplishments of Woodson, which included his landmark, The Mis-Education of the Negro. Written in 1933, the book is as timely today as it was 82 years ago. We must not allow anyone or anything to diminish or to dismiss the uninterrupted relevance and importance of Black American history, culture and intellectual genius. The “fundamental truth” about the glorious and triumphant history of peoples of African descent needs to be retold and appreciated by all people throughout the world. (Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)
How Dick Gregory got his Hollywood Star By George E. Curry NNPA Columnist Activist/ SiriusXm satellite radio host Joe Madison was helping on a campaign to get the CURRY Four Tops a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame when he noticed another serious omission from the world-famous tribute to entertainers. “You go to Hollywood and Gene Autry had five (one in each category). Big Bird had a star. When we did our campaign to get the Four Tops a star, I said, ‘My God, Dick Gregory doesn’t have a star.” In 1997, seven years after getting inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Four Tops, – whose 1960s hits included such songs as “Baby I Need Your Loving,” “Ask the Lonely,” “I Can’t Help Myself” and “It’s the Same Old Song” – finally were awarded a star. But Madison couldn’t get over the fact that Dick Gregory, the first Black comedian to earn more than $1 million a year yet gave up his career to actively support Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), hadn’t been recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. “You can walk down there and not see Dick Gregory, but you’ll see Eddie Murphy, Richard Pryor and Whoppi Goldberg,” Madison said. “I don’t know of any entertainer from the era who sacrificed more than Dick Gregory.” (Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)
A blueprint for middle-class economics
Why African-Americans are in desperate need of mortgage help By Marcia Griffin
By President Barack Obama
Buying a house or a piece of property to call your own is part of the American Dream. But, if you’re African A- GRIFFIN merican, that dream is becoming further and further out of reach. Whether you’re a renter trying to buy your first home or a homeowner looking for a modification to avoid foreclosure, it has become more difficult than ever to get approved for a loan and just as challenging to understand the nuances of what lenders are looking for. For African Americans, the mortgage landscape is particularly harrowing. According to sociologists from Rice and Cornell Universities, African Americans are 45 percent more likely than whites to go from owning their homes to renting them. There are many factors contributing to this startling statistic. Among them: * African Americans are more likely to lose their homes to foreclosure. * African Americans have been more targeted by predatory lenders. * African Americans have less wealth to put toward homeownership in the first place. During the Great Recession, between 2007 and 2010, wealth for Blacks dropped by an average of 31 percent, home equity dropped by 28 percent and retirement savings dropped by 35 percent.
America’s resurgence is real. With a growing economy, shrinking deficits, bustling industry, and booming energy production, we have risen from recession freer to write our own future than any other nation on Earth. Now we have to choose what we want that future to look like. Will we accept an economy where only a few of us do spectacularly well? Or will we commit ourselves to an economy that generates rising incomes and rising chances for everyone who makes the effort? In my State of the Union Address last week, I focused on making sure middle-class economics helps more Americans get ahead in the new economy. As a country, we need to do more to make working families’ paychecks go farther, give Americans of every age the chance to upgrade their skills so they earn higher wages, and build the world’s most competitive economy for our businesses. On Monday, I will present Congress with my budget, a plan for bringing middle-class economics into the 21st Century. First, I’m proposing we make the kinds of investments we need to continue to grow our economy and enhance our national security. We would establish new advanced manufacturing hubs, rebuild crumbling infrastructure, combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and lead a new age of precision medicine that uses cutting-edge science to find new treatments for diseases like diabetes and cancer. (Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)
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Counselors build the bridge to college By First Lady Michelle Obama Growing up on the South Side of Chicago, it wasn’t exactly a foregone conclusion that I would go to college. Neither of my parents and hardly anyone in my neighborhood had gone beyond high school, and while my folks were determined to see me and my brother Craig get a good education, they OBAMA weren’t exactly sure how to make that happen. I worked hard and got good grades, but I didn’t have much in the way of college counseling in high school. Fortunately, Craig was a couple of years ahead of me, and he had managed to get himself into Princeton University. So in addition to applying to one school because I liked the pictures in the brochure and to another because it was close to home, I also applied to Princeton, and my brother helped guide me through the process. Many young people in this country aren’t so lucky, because when it comes to college counseling in our nation’s schools, there are really two worlds. There’s the world of high schools where the question isn’t whether students are going to college, but where. From the first day of freshman year, students at these schools are shepherded through the process, often by school counselors who ensure they enroll in the right classes; prepare for the SAT and ACT; meet their application deadlines; and choose a school that best meets their needs and get the financial aid they need to pay for it. That’s one world. Then there’s the world of the schools that most of our kids attend where school counselors are too often under-valued and overstretched, and they simply don’t have what they need to do their jobs. (Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)
Broward County's Oldest and Largest African American Owned and Operated Newspaper
AF amily T hat Prays T ogether, Stays T ogether Family That Together, Together
Church Directory
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
February 5 - February 11, 2015 • www.thewestsidegazette.com • Page 7
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”
St. Ruth Missionary Baptist Church
PASTOR
145 NW 5th Avenue Dania Beach, FL 33004 Office: (954) 922-2529
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"
Bishop Victor T. Curry Senior Pastor/Teacher WORSHIP SERVICES
Faith United Church of Christ 6201 NW 57 Street Tamarac, FL 33319 954-721-1232 uccfaith@bellsouth.net faithbroward.org
Bible Study (Wednesday Night) ...................................................... 6:45 p.m. Sunday School .............................................................................. 8:45 a.m. Sunday Morning Service ............................................................. 10:00 a.m.
Obituaries
"Historically the First Church in the City of Tamarac!”
Rev. Dr. Ileana Bosenbark, Senior Pastor WEEKLY SERVICES & EVENTS SUNDAY Worship Service (Communion 1st & 3rd Sunday) ........................................................... 10 a.m. F.A.I.T.H. Academy for Children (Spiritual Formation) K-12 ................................ 10 a.m.
TUESDAY F.A.I.T.H. Academy for Adults (Spiritual Formation) - Office Complex ...... 10:30 a.m.
WEDNESDAY Worship & Arts Ministry Rehearsals (Open Auditions) - Sanctuary .............................. 7 p.m.
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!
A FAMIL Y THA T AMILY THAT PRA YS PRAY TOGETHER ST AYS STA TOGETHER
James C. Boyd Funeral Home BOSTIC Funeral services for the late Mother Mary Ann Bostic - 91 were held Jan. 31 at Mount Bethel Ministries with Bishop C.E. Glover officiating. Interment: Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens (Central). MACK Funeral services for the late Samuel Leon Mack – 49 were held Jan. 31 at James C. Boyd’s Memorial Chapel with Elder Mark Frazier officiating. Interment: Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens (Central).
McWhite's Funeral Home HENRY Funeral services for the late Arbuary Jones Henry 94 were held Feb. 2 at New Mount Olive Baptist Church with Dr. Rosalind Osgood officiating. JACKSON Funeral services for the late Julia Jackson – 83 were held Jan. 31 at McWhite’s Funeral Home Chapel with Sister Johnnie Mae Graham officiating. JEAN Funeral services for the late Mary Jean – 65 were held Jan. 31 at McWhite’s Funeral Home Chapel.
Roy Mizell & Kurtz Funeral Home DARIUS Funeral services for the late Julien Darius - 91 were held Feb. 1 at Mt. Olivet Seventh Day Adventist Church with Pastor Luscious Hall officiating. GARY Funeral services for the late Deacon Roosevelt Gary - 85 were held Jan. 31 at The Pure Church of Righteousness with Bishop Carlton Brown. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.
JONES Funeral services for the late Jessie Stanley Jones - 77 were held Jan. 31 at New Birth House of Prayer with Bishop Queen E. McCormick officiating. Interment: Lauderdale Memorial Park. MILLER Funeral services for the late Devon A. Miller – 42 were held Jan. 31 at Roy Mizell & Kurtz Worship Center with Bishop E. McDonald officiating. Interment: Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens (Central). THOMAS Funeral services for the late Barbara Ann Thomas – 75 were held Jan. 31 at Mount Bethel Baptist Church with Apostle Jimmie L. Butler officiating. Interment: Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens-Central. THOMAS Funeral services for the late Valden Charles Thomas –57 were held Jan. 31 at Roy Mizell & Kurtz Worship Center with Bishop DeAngelo Missick officiating. Interment: Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens-Central.
Pay Tribute Keep Their Memory Alive wgazette@thewestsidegazette.com (954) 525-1489
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!”
Thomas Raines Lodge No. 484 has lost another Brother From GIG Emmett Kater, 33° Public Relations Brother Arthur Tab Brown was Past Worshipful Master of Thomas Raines Lodge No. 484 PHA, Past Potentate of SABA Temple No.186 AEAONM Shrine PHA, and Sublime Prince of The Royal Secrets, of St. Joseph Consistory #275, Valley of Hollywood Florida PHA. GIG Arthur “Tab” Brown, was elevated to the 33° in the David L. Wright Class of 2007of The United Supreme Council ASSR PHA. GIG Brown has served actively in the Military and this Fraternity for several years. He will be sincerely missed. Last Rites, Friday, Feb. 6, 2015 at 6:30 p.m., at Roy Mizell & Kurtz Funeral Home, 1305 N.W. Sixth St., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Homegoing Service, Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015, at 1 p.m., at New Jerusalem Missionary
BROWN Baptist, 1107 N.W. 29 Ave., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Repast from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m., at Oswald Park, 2220 N.W. 21 Ave., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Interment, Monday, Feb. 9, 2014, South Florida National Cemetery, 6501 S. State Rd. 7, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Kendall Covin, 32° Worshipful Master
KIDS TALK ABOUT GOD What does it mean to be born again? By Cary Kinsolving and Friends “You’re born not in your mommy’s tummy, but in heaven,” says Sarah, 7. Your explanation is more accurate than you probably realize, Sarah. Jesus told the inquiring Nicodemus, “Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). The literal translation of “born again” is “born from above.” The population explosions in China and India are relatively small compared to what’s happening in heaven. The beautiful part is that there’s plenty of room to accommodate people from every nation who trust the Lord Jesus as their savior. “God wants us to be born again so we can live longer,” says Jacob, 7. How about forever? Is that long enough? Jesus pro-mised eternal life to all who enter his kingdom. It’s an eternal kingdom more spectacular than the most incredible kingdom ever described in any fairy tale. “If you have not been born again, it is fun,” says Adrienne, 8. “When I got saved, we stood up and people came around and hugged us. You also get to sit in the front seat.” Adrienne, I’m so glad you had a lot of affirmation from Christians when you entered God’s kingdom and that you confessed Christ in public. (Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)
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We were recently caught off guard when Dr. Todd Robinson, a FUNdraising Good Times! reader, shared with us that he raises over $75,000 using information from this column. We had to learn more so we could share his story with you and inspire you to achieve your fundraising goals. We asked Robinson a few questions and with this two part series we share ROBINSON his story with you. But first, a little background. Dr. Robinson is the son of Earnestine Rodgers Robinson, the renowned, barrier-breaking, classical composer. She has created her third oratorio “Exodus” which will have its world premier at Carnegie Hall in New York City on February 16th. An oratorio, is a large-scale musical work for orchestra and voices, usually based on scripture such as Handel’s Messiah. The Exodus premier will include 200 choir members from across the country. And so the fundraising question arose: how will the choir members afford the travel and accommodations that accompany this great honor? We asked Dr. Robinson to share his fundraising needs and goals. “This started out as a “one-time” project. We needed to raise funds to underwrite the costs of bringing together a 200-member adult and children chorus from around the country for a performance at Carnegie Hall. The members of the choir were being recruited from schools, churches and community choirs. Since the recruitment was primarily “grassroots” in nature (and not some established symphonic choir), all those participating would be responsible for covering all of their costs without the benefit of corporate sponsorship. This meant that each individual would pay a required fee to the Carnegie Hall production company, plus airline travel and the expensive cost of living charges of Manhattan (taxis, food, hotel, etc). Of course, there were other costs outside of the chorus that we needed to cover.”Next week: More about Dr. Robinson and how he raised $75,000+ without starting a nonprofit. Visit www.earnestinerobinson.com for more information about the life and work of Earnestine Rodgers Robinson. Copyright 2015– Mel and Pearl Shaw Mel and Pearl Shaw position nonprofits, colleges and universities for fundraising success. For help with your fundraising visit www.saadandshaw.com or call (901) 522-8727.
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How many times, especially during or just after a tragedy like the killing of Eric Garner, have you heard one of our “leaders” angrily say, “Enough is enough”? They say it as if their angry rhetoric will scare the perpetrators and make them stop mistreating us. More importantly, I believe, they use these words to stir up Black folks to the point of CLINGMAN being willing to follow them and do whatever they tell us to do. To that I say, “Enough is enough!” The way we have digressed over the past few decades make it pretty clear that our toothless tiger leaders, our “big dog” organizations, and the shallow and often meaningless gestures by our celebrities and athletes have not taken us very far. We have failed to move beyond threatening rhetoric, empty promises, and nowin compromises; and we are being sold out by those who would have us believe they are leading us to victory. They stand behind the microphones on stages, at press conferences, in pulpits, under the rubric of “Black Leader” or “Black Spokesperson,” shouting and getting the troops “fired up and ready to go” with no roadmap, no plan, no end game, and no real strategy to accomplish our end. Then, they disappear until the next crisis comes along, and we jump on their wheelless bandwagon once again. They shout, “Enough is enough!” and we say “Yeah!” “That’s right!” and “You tell ‘em!” It’s time we hold ourselves accountable for the declaration, “Enough is enough.” Do we need to be slapped just a little bit harder upside our heads for us to act more appropriately in response to our mistreatment and the myriad complaints we have lodged? Do we need one more person killed, even before we have resolved Eric Garner’s homicide? Do we need just one more march on Washington, in New York City, and now in Cleveland, before we truly mean “enough is enough”? Just to shout out some tired phrases and walk away as if we accomplished something pragmatic is insulting and, quite frankly, cowardly. Bombastic rhetoric not followed by appropriate action is nothing but hot air and a waste of time and resources. Maybe that’s why many young people are so turned off by what they see and hear from “leaders.” How are we going to make a real difference in the way we are treated if we don’t first change the way we respond to it? When we change our behavior, the perpetrators’ behavior will change. (Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)
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Broward County's Oldest and Largest African American Owned and Operated Newspaper
AME church leaders cite Black Economic Empowerment as 2015 goal By Hazel Trice Edney (TriceEdneyWire.com) When Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, he and other protestors had won passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Therefore, his agenda had turned toward the next major issue - economic empowerment for Black people. Therefore, on April 3, 1968, planning a march on behalf of oppressed sanitation workers, Dr. King told preachers at the Mason Temple in Memphis, Tenn., “It’s all right to talk about long white robes over yonder, in all of its symbolism.
But ultimately people want some suits and dresses and shoes to wear down here! “It’s all right to talk about streets flowing with milk and honey, but God has commanded us to be concerned about the slums down here, and his children who can’t eat three square meals a day. “It’s all right to talk about the new Jerusalem, but one day, God’s preacher must talk about the new New York, the new Atlanta, the new Philadelphia, the new Los Angeles, the new Memphis, Tennessee. This is what we have to do.” The next day, Dr. King was assassinated.
Nearly 47 years later, as America last month celebrated the King birthday holiday and is now celebrating Black History Month, a group of church leaders appears to be carrying out this Black economic empowerment goal in earnest. Invited to speak to a recent gathering of pastors and leaders of the African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church, National Bankers Association President Michael Grant cited the words of human rights champion Paul Robeson: ‘“We realize that our future lies chiefly in our own hands,’” Grant quoted. “‘We know that neither institution nor friends can make a race stand unless it has strength in its own foun-
National Bankers Association President Michael Grant, U.S. Black Chambers Inc. President Ron Busby, and A.M.E. board member Rev. Jonathan Weaver discuss a new plan for economic development through the Black Church.
dation; that races like individuals must stand or fall by their own merit; that to fully succeed they must practice the virtues of self-reliance, self-respect, industry, perseverance, and economy.’” Grant continued in his own words: “We played a major role in growing America from a small colonial outpost to the greatest industrial giant the world has ever known. We don’t have to argue about our ability to grow wealth. We have made everyone else rich, some filthy rich. Isn’t it time that we finally make our efforts productive for ourselves?” Grant was keynote speaker during a special session on “Economic Development through the Black Church” during the A.M.E. Church’s 2nd District Mid-year Opening Plenary Session in Raleigh, N.C. late last year. (Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)
Bethel AME Church-Pompano to host fourth annual “Real Talk: Our Community and Law Enforcement” Children’s Services Council announces funding By Staff Writer Day Chairperson Johnny L. in Broward public housing opportunities for Special Needs Service Providers communities, churches, Motivated by a desire to address any local tension between police and the public that might flow out of reaction to the wellpublicized police killings in Ferguson, Mo., and New York, the Men’s Day Leadership Team at Bethel AME Church-Pompano, under the dynamic pastorate of Reverend Eddy Moise Jr., has organized a community forum as part of its annual Men’s Day Celebration. Set for 1 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, 2015 at the church, 405 N.W. Third Avenue (a/k/a Esther Rolle Avenue), the forum, headlined “Real Talk: Our Community and Law Enforcement,” is designed to promote an open dialogue on law enforcement practices; the Michael Brown and Eric Garner decisions; North Miami Beach Police Department’s use of suspects’ mug shots for target practice; the process for reviewing police shootings/and other alleged misconduct for criminal charges; community disconnect, according to Men’s
McCray Jr., Esquire. In part, Attorney McCray says, the forum, which is open to the public, will explore “what we expect from law enforcement and what they expect from us.” Those who attend the forum will have the opportunity to take part in discussions with the panel. “No matter if you’re Black or white, it seems like everybody is on high alert” on the issue of police and community relations, McCray said, adding that the goal of next Saturday’s forum is that “hopefully, we won’t have that tension here.” Part of Saturday’s forum will provide some practical lessons in relationships between police and community members, teaching citizens how to act in a number of scenarios — from traffic stops to residential calls — that might find them interacting with police, Thornton said. The forum has been well publicized, according to McCray, with flyers distributed
schools, Greek-letter organizations, and on Facebook. Guiding the discussion Saturday will be moderator Charles Cherry, Jr., Esquire, owner and publisher of the Florida Courier newspaper. Also the forum will consist of four impressive confirmed panelists; namely, Attorney Benjamin L. Crump (lawyer for Trayvon Martin and Michael Brown); Broward Sheriff Scott Israel; Broward State Attorney Michael Satz; Broward Public Defender Howard Finkelstein (a/k/a Channel 7’s Help Me Howard); and Broward NAACP President Marsha Ellison. Those who attend the forum will have the opportunity to take part in the conversation with the panelists. The culminating Men’s Day Worship service is Sunday, Feb. 22, 2015, 11 a.m. Guest Messenger will be Broward County native Rev. Frederick Davis, pastor of First Cavalry Baptist Church, Durham, N.C.
LAUDERHILL, FL – The Children’s Services Council of Broward County (CSC) announces a Request for Proposals with two funding opportunities: Supported Training & Employment Programs (STEP); and a Request for Letters of Qualification (RLQ) for YouthWork Incentive Coordinator (YWIC). Since 2007, CSC has funded STEP, which provides a youth development afterschool program and paid summer employment to youth with physical and developmental disabilities. Approximately $1.8 million is budgeted annually to ensure county-wide access to these programs. Additionally, CSC has budgeted approximately $75,000 to provide a Youth-Work Incentive Coordinator (Y-WIC) to educate STEP participants and their families about disability benefits and employment, including the impact of employment on disability benefits and
a need for benefits planning for youth and their families. The Council is soliciting applications from non-profit organizations, governmental entities, or for-profit organizations incorporated or qualified to do business in the State of Florida. The RFP is available electronically at the CSC website, www.cscbroward.org. Copies are also available at the Children’s Services Council office at 6600 W. Comm Blvd., Lauderhill, FL. A Pre-Bid Conference will be held at the CSC on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2015, at 9:30 a.m. It is the only opportunity to receive verbal instructions regarding the services to be procured, the client populations to be served, contractual expectations, and other critical service delivery requirements. Completed applications are due on or before Monday, March 16, by 12 p.m. Approved projects will result in contracts effective the beginning of the 2015-16
school year. Any questions should be directed to Colleen Carpenter, Sr. Program Procurement Specialist, at (954) 377-1000 or via email at ccarpenter@cscbroward.org. The Children’s Services Council of Broward is an independent taxing authority which was established by a public referendum on Sept. 5, 2000, which, through Public Act, Chapter 2000-461 of the laws of Florida, authorized the Council to levy up to 0.5 mills of property taxes. The role of the Council is to provide the leadership, advocacy and resources necessary to enhance children’s lives and empower them to become responsible, productive adults through collaborative planning and funding of a continuum of quality care. Follow us on Twitter at @CSCBroward and on Facebook. For more information about the Children’s Services Council of Broward County call (954) 377-1000 or visit www.cscbroward.org.
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Page 10 • www.thewestsidegazette.com • February 5 - February 11, 2015
Broward County's Oldest and Largest African American Owned and Operated Newspaper
After nearly 50 years local businessman Roschell Franklin Jr., is still giving back to the community Exports in Franklin’s office building. He offered his impressions of Franklin, having known him for 35 years. “I take Mr. Franklin as a brother and one of the reasons why we’ve become so close is because of his attitude towards customers. For the years that I’ve shared the office with him
I’ve yet to meet one person who has not had good things to say about him. I’ve seen him give people jobs and trained them and turned them into very good citizens. He’s been a role model for this community.” Betsy Pearson joined fellow members of the Broward Ebony
Income inequality rises in all 50 states By Freddie Allen NNPA Senior Washington Correspondent
Commissioner Robert Mckenzie (r), joins Roschell Franklin, Jr., during the Community Fun Appreciation Day at Franklin’s Bail Bonds. The fun filled event featured food, music, and a health fair. By Charles Moseley There aren’t very many businesses located in Fort Lauderdale’s predominantly African American community that can say they have been in business for almost 50 years; so that places local business owner Roschell Franklin Jr., among a special group of Black entrepreneurs locally. Franklin Bail Bonds has been in operation since in 1966. Franklin Bail Bonds sponsored a Community Fun Appreciation Day on Jan. 30, 2015 at his office parking lot location at 771 N.W. 22 Rd., Fort Lauderdale. The Community Fun Appreciation Day featured music, food, and a minihealth fair. “I spoke with other business owners and people from the community and we decided that having the event to help people who were having health problems would be a good thing to do,” said Franklin. "So we reached out to the Florida Department of Health in Broward County Florida,
who provided health screening for sexually transmitted diseases including HIV testing and Hepatitis B screening. CVS Pharmacy was also on hand to help reach out to those in the area with helpful information in addition to providing health screenings as well. It was a way of doing my thing to show appreciation,” Franklin added. Rodney Baltimore of WHQT/ HOT 105’s The Tom Joyner Morning Show stopped by to support the effort and has also helped promote many community efforts over the years during his local broadcast. Baltimore applauded Franklin for his community service efforts. “Obviously he’s not just a person who has a business here. He lives here and he thinks about the well being of the people who live here. Having a health fair helps people who don’t necessarily go to the doctor. They can get something done right here in their neighborhood and get a variety of healthcare services and they're free.” Herbie Pitters owns and operates Over Seas Auto Parts
WASHINGTON, D.C. (NNPA) – Income inequality is rising and it affects workers in every state, according to a new report by the Economic Policy Institute (EPI). Researchers from EPI, a nonpartisan think tank focused on low- and middle-income workers, analyzed Internal Revenue Service data for all 50 states and found that not only was the income gap between the top 1 percent of earners and everyone else getting wider, but that the disparities were not just confined to financial centers in the east or technology centers on the west coast. All workers took a hit during the Great Recession, but top earners have recovered faster than low- and middle-income earners. According to the report, the top 1 percent of earners captured all of the income gains (100 percent) in 17 states following the Great Recession. And Blacks live disproportionately in states that experienced the greatest income inequality. In seven of those states where the top 1 percent captured 100 percent of the income growth since the Great Recession, the share of the population that is Black is higher than the national average. Those states include Delaware (22.1 percent), Florida (16.7 percent), South Carolina (27.9 percent), North Carolina (22 percent), Louisiana (32.4 percent),
Virginia (19.7 percent) and New York (17.5 percent). With the exception of Texas, where Blacks account for 12.4 percent of the population, the Black population is higher than the national average in states where the top 1 percent collected at least 80 percent of the income growth including Illinois, Arkansas, Michigan, New Jersey, and Maryland. Mark Price, an economist at the Keystone Research Center in Harrisburg, Penn., said in a statement that state leaders and policymakers need to realize that inequality is a problem everywhere. “If states are not passing progressive taxes and raising revenue from top earners, they are missing out on a large and growing source of income,” said Price. Researchers found the greatest disparities between the top 1 percent and the rest of workers in New York and Connecticut where the top 1 percent earned 48 times more than the bottom 99 percent. (Read full story on www.thewestsisdegazette)
Pictured with Roschell Franklin, far right, are community members who came out to party with a purpose during a Community Fun Appreciation Day at Franklin Bail Bonds. Golf Association, which Franklin is also a member of, on hand to support the effort. Pearson, a member of the golf club since 2005, helped coordinate the event. “Today Broward Ebony Golf Association served hot dogs and refreshments donated by Tony’s Market located right here in the neighborhood, for the participants who participated today. This was really Roschell Franklin’s idea because he wanted to do something for the community. So this was really his baby. It’s just that everybody else stepped in to help him fulfill a dream that he had.” Ebony Golf Association President Dexter Guillett and an account executive with Southern Wine & Spirits pitched in to give a hand and share his thoughts on the day’s event. “We're here today to throw our support behind Mr. Roschell Franklin’s effort to help people in the community. I think what he’s doing is very positive. He’s a man that’s been in this community all his life and well
known in his community. For him to still believe in helping Blacks and all people to have the opportunity to come out to be tested and gain some knowledge about their health is a good thing.” Giving back to the community is nothing new to Franklin who has been active in this community for many years serving in leadership roles in several community based organizations including; the Fort Lauderdale Pride of the Elk’s Lodge 652, Florida A & M University Broward County Alumni Chapter, and local Broward Kiwanis. Franklin and his wife of 53 years are longtime residents of Broward County. They have a daughter ,Trachell and two sons, Ellery and Elbert, who's deceased. “This was done for the people over the years who’ve supported me. In this society it’s about people who give and take. This was my way of just saying Thank you. To all of you, I couldn’t have made it without you patronizing my services.”
About a champion: Shoutout Saturday to Wesley Frater By Dr. Steve Gallon III While everyone was gearing up for Super Bowl Sunday and the “talking heads” and prognosticators were staking their claims on who would be victorious—who would be the crowned champions of the NFL (Iwas riding with Seattle, Roland Smith—IJS), my shoutout goes to Wesley Frater. Wesley, where you at? As an advocate for children and education, real recognizes real! I see you and respect and admire your longevity in this work. A champion is not relegated to those who only compete on the field of competition. A cham-
pion may be an evangelist, a visionary advocate who clears the field for the triumph of an idea—who advances a mission or cause. For decades, Frater has brought vision, leadership, and genuine advocacy to the area of high school sports in South Florida and across the nation. It’s been nearly two decades since I came in contact with this brother while serving as principal of Miami Northwestern. Before, during, and since that time, the name Wesley Frater has remained synonymous with excellence in high school athletics and in providing a platform for both performance and prepaFRATER ration for our student athletes to prepare for school and life after “the glitz and glamour” of local high school sports. To prepare for the “real world.” To prepare for life. The MLK Basketball Tournament—Wesley Frater. The Dade/Broward All Star Football Game, as well as the North vs South—Wesley Frater. His Tournament of Champions also provides seminars for student athletes on preparing for college, recruiting, leadership, and character development—giving them insight into avoiding exploitation and the pitfalls that too often malign young student, as well as college and professional athletes from the urban core. Frater is not a coach or holds no official position in any local government bureaucracy. Yet, he has stood and continues to “stand in the paint” for our youth as he has for decades—just because! I’ve never seen him in or seek the spotlight for himself— he puts and keeps the lights shining on the kids. Shout out to Frater, a proven marathon runner for young people aspiring to leverage athletics as a pathway to their dreams and life’s work. And thanks, Wesley for helping the dreams of countless youth over the years come true.
Broward County's Oldest and Largest African American Owned and Operated Newspaper
February 5 - February 11, 2015 • www.thewestsidegazette.com • Page 11
Non-medical HIV worker flunk test on knowledge of virus By Freddie Allen, NNPA Senior Washington Correspondent WASHINGTON, D.C. (NNPA) – Most non-medical HIV health care workers earned a “D” when surveyed on the
science and treatment of the virus, according to a new report released this week by the Black AIDS Institute. While 70 percent of the HIV workers scored below 70 percent or the equivalent of an aca-
Local Alpha Kappa Alpha Chapter celebrates 75 years
Seated l to r: Gwendolyn Welters, Dorothy Edwards, Grace Albert, Ida Ratcliffe and Clayton Lowe; Second row, l to r: Joycelyn Burroughs, Ophelia Wilson, Anna B. Ward, Unidentified Member, Jeanette Gill, Ruby Mizell, Inez Haley and Louise Davis; Third row, l to r: Rose Stewart, Hazel Davis, Mary Ford, Madeleine Portier, Susie Francis, Dolores Bethel, Sara Stewart, Sara Bellinger, Thena Crowder and Eddie Wilson. From Blogging Black Miami Preparations are underway for the celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the chartering of Miami’s Gamma Zeta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. The Chapter’s itinerary of commemorative festivities will include concurrent wreath-laying ceremonies for deceased Chapter presidents; a community service project; and a historic luncheon featuring
the organization’s international president, Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson. Gamma Zeta Omega is the oldest chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha in Florida. Alpha Kappa Alpha - Gamma Zeta Omega Chapter members pose for a group photo at the springtime Cotton Dress Dance in the 1940s at the Rockland Palace at 829 N.W. Second Ave., Overtown. The dance was held as a fundraiser for scholarships and chapter programs.
demic “D” grade, just 4 percent earned an “A,” the report said that “The average score on treatment-related questions was 56 percent, or an ‘F.’” The Black AIDS Institute (BAI), a national HIV/AIDS think tank focused solely on Black people, surveyed more than 3,600 non-medical health care workers from AIDS service organizations, community-based groups and state and local health departments, “making it the largest ever knowledge assessment of the HIV/AIDS workforce and the first time that anyone looked at the level of science and treatment knowledge in the workforce,” said Phill Wilson, the president and CEO of the Institute. More than 70 percent of the workers polled said that their organization offered prevention services, 62 percent provided treatment and prevention education, while nearly 50 percent offered treatment and care. “Black-serving organizations represented the majority (56 percent) of organizations represented in the survey, with nearly one in three organizations serving people living with HIV (35 percent) and men who have sex with men (32 percent),” stated the report. “Seventy-five percent of participants were employees, 12 percent were consultants, and 13 percent were volunteers.” Respondents from Ohio, Pennsylvania and Missouri recorded the highest average scores and North Carolina, Georgia and Florida recorded the lowest scores. “HIV has evolved over time and today some of the main tools that we use to fight HIV are biomedical tools,” said Wilson. “In order to use those tools you have to have a competency in science and treatment.” Although better tools exist today, health care professionals who work in the HIV/AIDS field worry that they may not have the labor force skilled enough to properly use those tools. With a new infection rate that is eight times the new infection rate for whites, Blacks
The uncomfortability of getting right (Cont'd from FP)
Phill Wilson wants better training for non-medical HIV workers. account for 44 percent of all new infections in adolescents and adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Hispanics account for 21 percent of new infections. Despite increased exposure to the effects of the AIDS epidemic, Black and Hispanic HIV health care workers tested lower than their white peers on the survey. “This is true even after controlling for education, region of residence, time working in the AIDS field, or any other variable taken into account in the survey,” stated the report. Wilson said that despite the disproportionate rate of HIV infections among Blacks and Latinos, HIV/AIDS awareness has historically been lower and the stigma associated with the disease has been higher in both communities. “African Americans and Hispanic respondents may be entering the HIV field with a lower knowledge base concerning HIV/AIDS which increases the need for having training when bringing new staff on board,” said Wilson. (Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)
After a few days, the butterfly emerged from the cocoon with one beautiful wing and the other one was crippled. After doing some research, the young man discovered that his assistance of what he had hoped to be helpful to the struggling butterfly, proved to be catastrophic. Not realizing that by excreting great efforts over an unknown time period to us, the cocoon secreted the necessary fluids needed to grow its wings and to help the butterfly escape his perceived incubator of death. It is God’s purpose for His creations to be engaged and a part of the necessary struggle. Our justification is that we also find the splendor in sufferings not so much in the present, understanding however, their ultimate end results. The predisposed juxtaposition of one’s purpose to enjoy the struggle is one of the utmost enchanting absurdities of faith; how can Joy coexist with the suffering? Accept this as the rational for such, the contrary of joy is wrongdoing, not suffering. Check this out: a side-effect of suffering is that it manufactures determination or commitment. I doubt that we could develop perseverance if lives were void of struggling situations. It has been duly noted that Perseverance develops personality. As God observes us enduring gracefully through our examinations and depending on Him to work out His purpose through them, He awards us His ‘satisfaction guaranteed’ approval or get your wrecked life back. In our struggles we are being tested and approved. And this progression of His approval fills us with hope. We realize He is working in our lives, enlarging our spirit. Our confidence increases, that He, having begun a good work in us, He will complete it. Faith does not disappoint! As we step into the first week of the celebration to the cornerstones of history, laid upon the accomplishments and cemented with the blood, sweat, and tears of a people dragged in fetters across oceans born of tears of a proud people, we cannot allow our worth to be summed up in “I can’t breathe” chants and choked out by a heartless people. I don’t believe that God brought us this far to leave us nor did He make us to struggle to leave Him. Our strength and refuge is in Him who made all struggles. WHEN GOD CREATED THE STRUGGLES HE ALSO CREATED THE OUTCOMES!
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Broward County's Oldest and Largest African American Owned and Operated Newspaper
Fort Lauderdale’sAssistant Fire Marshal receives top honors Assistant Fire Marshal, Battalion Chief Jo-Ann Lorber received the honor of becoming Florida’s Executive Fire Officer of the Year for 2014. Chief Lorber’s career and professional activities are the definition of the criteria for Executive Fire Officer of the Year, in that she has made significant and valuable contributions to fire
Assistant Fire Marshal Battalion Chief Jo-Ann Lorber received the honor of becoming Florida’s Executive Fire Officer of the Year for 2014.
LEGAL NOTICES PUBLICATION OF BID SOLICITATIONS
Fort Lauderdale firefighters credit early bystander CPR for saving man’s life
Broward County Board of County Commissioners is soliciting bids for a variety of goods and services, construction and professional services. Interested vendors can view and download the solicitation documents via the Broward County Purchasing website at: www.broward.org/purchasing. current solicitations and results. Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26, 2015 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 17TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO: FMCE 14-013703 DIVISION: 37 KEVIN WINT, Petitioner and VIOLETTE WILLIAMS, Respondent
NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (NO CHILD OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT) TO: VIOLETTE WILLIAMS {Respondent’s last known address} Address/Residence Unknown YOU ARE NOTIFIED that a action for dissolution of marriage has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defense, if any, to it on KEVIN WINT, c/o DEBORAH PINO ESQ, whose address is 2701 West Oakland Park Boulevard, Suite 410-15, Oakland Park, Florida 33311 on or before February 2, 2015, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 201 Southeast Sixth Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301 before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition. Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request. You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address: (You may file Notice of Current Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed to the address on record at the clerk’s office. WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings. Dated December 17, 2014 HOWARD C. FORMAN, Clerk of the Circuit Court Jasmine Shivers, Deputy Clerk Jan. 15, 22, 29, Feb. 2, 2015
Corporate Resource & Materials Management 1608 S.E. 3rd Avenue Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. 33316 (954) 847-4200
INVITATION TO RESPOND FORMAL REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT SEALED PROPOSALS SUBMITTED IN RESPONSE TO THE FORMAL RFP MUST BE SUBMITTED BY 3:00 P.M., WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2015 FOR THE BELOW LISTED CATEGORY. A PUBLIC OPENING OF THE PROPOSALS SUBMITTED IN RESPONSE TO THE FORMAL RFP WILL BE HELD AT 10:00 A.M. ON THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015.
PROGRAM MANAGEMETN SERVICES FOR THE BROWARD HEALTH CORAL SPRINGS SOUTH TOWER BED EXPANISION PROJECT REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL Broward Health is seeking sealed Formal RFPs from persons or entities who wish to provide coding and health information management support to the Broward Health network environment. SPECIFICATIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM WWW.BROWARDHEALTH.ORG (click on: “Quick Links-Business Opportunities”) AFTER February 5, 2015. “BROWARD HEALTH IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND PROCURER OF GOODS AND SERVICES.”
BROWARD HEALTH/CORPORATE RESOURCES & MATERIALS MANAGEMENT Feb. 5, 2015
Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue crews visited with a man at the hospital just days after transsporting him as a cardiac arrest patient. The patient, Mr. Howard, was awake and greeted the crews with a smile. Just two days before that, firefighter paramedics from Firehouse 49 responded to a cardiac arrest on the 20th floor of the Hyatt Regency Pier 66. Upon arrival, firefighters found the man unconscious in his room with his girlfriend performing what they called “excellent” CPR. Paramedics used their defibrillator to shock the patient several times and shortly after that, he regained a pulse in the rescue truck on the way to the hospital. EMS Chief Dan Oatmeyer stressed how important it is to learn CPR. “Rarely do we regain a pulse on a patient that is in cardiac arrest if there is not CPR in progress. Mr. Howard’s friend’s knowledge of CPR saved his life. Everyone should take the time to learn CPR.” Currently, Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue conducts training for City employees and high school students. The class, “Hands only CPR,” takes about a half an hour to teach the basics of the lifesaving technique. Anyone interested in scheduling a class can contact Freddy Zelaya at (954) 8286702.
MISCELLANEOUS Mt. Pisgah MB Church of Pompano, Inc. at 891 NW 27th Ave, Pompano Beach, FL 33069 is now receiving resumes for the position of PASTOR.. Those interested must be called by God, meet the criteria of 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and should meet the following criteria: 1. Must be a Baptist ordained member in good standings 2. Must serve in a Baptist church that will give letter of recommendation 3. Position will be bi-vocational 4. 5 years of church leadership experience 5. High school graduate or higher Must submit to background check and home visit. Resumes are accepted between July 27 – Aug 24. Please send resume, video or links to : Mt. Pisgah c/o Nathaniel Lowe - 2613 NW 8th Street, Pompano Beach, FL. 33069 or email to mtpisgahpompano@att.net
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officer development, and has demonstrated ongoing leadership and commitment to the fire service. She recently assumed her current position as Assistant Fire Marshal for the City of Fort Lauderdale. Previously, she was selected as the City of Fort Lauderdale’s Emergency Manager and quickly profes-
sionalized that office. Jo-Ann has distinguished herself as an Executive Fire Officer, and in doing so has personified one of the primary goals of the Executive Fire Officer program: transforming fire and emergency services organizations from being reactive to proactive; with an emphasis on leadership development, pre-
vention, and risk-reduction. Battalion Chief Lorber holds advanced degrees including a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Management, and Associates degrees in Fire Science and Liberal Arts. She also has her Chief Fire Officer and Certified Emergency Manager’s designations.
"We
Are Not Makers Of History. We Are Made By History." --Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Broward County's Oldest and Largest African American Owned and Operated Newspaper
est.” He made a pitch for middle class values to the Indian audience, urging them to work to alleviate poverty, while acknowledging that India has come a long way already in expanding middle class to more than 300 million people. He spoke about India’s human capital – younger population, religious and cultural diversity, skills and entrepreneurship – in shaping this century. He described how the US is ready to partner with India
Obama for India By Dinesh Sharma On a three day historic visit, President Obama hit a homerun for India. Anyone watching these events in person would be considered lucky enough to witness rare history in the making. In addition to the symbolism of the moment – India’s 65th anniversary of the founding of the constitutional republic – Obama as the representative of the oldest constitutional democracy spoke to the enduring concerns of the Indian polity. He connected India with the US in a seamless manner, creating linkages between caste and race, gender equality with democracy, poverty and economic opportunity, and India’s diversity with its ability to shape the 21st century in concert with the US. President Obama seemed by far the most globally connected
By Georgia Foster We are a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization. We dress men and women for job interviews free of charge. Some of the men have never worn a suit and do not know how to tie a tie. When they are shown what a difference it makes to dress appropriately, you should see the expression on their faces. Many times they are honest enough to say, “I have never worn a suit” or “Can you help me tie this tie?”
on a whole host of projects. Agreements were reached here on civil nuclear deal, climate debate, infrastructure, smart cities, defense, educational exchange, and greater business investment. All this discussion of democratic ideals and values generated nervous reactions among the Chinese, whose state media declared that the Republic Day events with Obama were a mere charade. The Chinese media recalled that the US had banned Mr. Modi for 10
years. Leading up to the events, the Indian media ran stories about how Pakistan would try to disrupt the events out of sheer rivalry. Nothing of the sort materialized, but the security surrounding the events was very tight and almost overwhelming. Even journalists were disallowed from carrying pens or pencils to the parade ground for security reasons. (Read full story on www.thewetssidegazette.com)
Broward County approves the construction of 18 single-family homes in the Franklin Park Neighborhood nance Authority (HFA) of Bro- along with funds received from ward County for the purpose of the Florida Department of EcoPresident Obama and Prime Minister Modi at the CEO Summit, New Delhi, India, Jan 27, 2015. (Photo credit Dinesh Sharma)
Executive director at Positive Images Enterprises, Inc. Many of these men are ve-
FOSTER
February 5 - February 11, 2015 • www.thewestsidegazette.com • Page 13
terans. In 2014, we donated approximately 600 suits to veterans at the Miami VA Medical Center and during the 2014 Homeless Veterans Stand Down. They go on to land the job because they are educated that regardless of what the job is, when they come “Dressed to Impress”, they outshine their competitors who have the same qualifications. Unfortunately, we have a limited amount of large sizes for them (as well as women). Our goal is to reduce the existing smaller sizes to purchase more appropriate larger sizes. You can help by either coming to our Reduction of Inventory Event, sending someone who is in need of a men’s suit or pass it forward by making a donation that can be used to purchase larger sizes. Your donations are tax deductible. Georgia Foster, executive director, Positive Images Enterprises, Inc. 2700 W. Okld. Pk .Blvd., Second Floor, Suite 21, Okld. Pk., Fla. (954) 484-1824 www.positiveimagesflorida.com www.pifacesofvalor.org
president the US has elected in many years. We weren’t around when Washington, Jefferson or Franklin walked the earth, but in listening to Obama one could hear the ’old voice’ of the founders, who believed that in the founding of the constitutional democracy they were shaping the future of the humankind for time immemorial. The experiment began in Philadelphia in 1789, part of the original 13 colonies, carries on in many of the former British colonies today throughout Asia and Africa. Obama spoke of his Kenyan grandfather who was a cook for the British, while linking Gandhi’s struggles with Martin Luther King Jr. and the American civil rights movement. He said where a Dalit caste, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, could write the constitution of India anything is possible. He recounted his joy at watching so many women soldiers and cadets marching in the national parade. He said he wanted to bring his daughters to India for a visit someday. One of the magnificent floats at the parade displayed “Women Warriors Conquering the Ever-
Black Press called ‘essential’ to future progress
Minister of Tourism Obediah H. Wilchcombe welcomes the NNPA. (Cont'd from FP)
Photographer Tariq Cartwright and NNPA President Ben Chavis at the Chairman's Reception.
Publisher Bobby R. Henry, Sr. and Deputy Prime Minister, Philip E. Davis.
Davis drew a direct link between the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s and recent unrest across the nation when unarmed African Americans were killed by police officers who were never prosecuted. “Today, history screams as loudly in Ferguson [Mo.] as it did in Mississippi during the 1960s,” he said. “We must, though, be careful that the ideologies which led to our bonded and disenfranchised forebears to unrest and uprising are not used to rationalize the actions of those who resist the necessary casings of law and order. “As journalists, your role as peacekeepers, therefore, can never be overstated. You must do all that you can to continue to be forthright and objective truth-tellers, calming the waters, while providing an accessible resource for young emerging leaders.” Like African Americans, Davis said, the Bahamas has had its own struggles with racial tension. He said that history is “painfully punctuated with accounts of bloodshed and death, poverty and provocative policemen, incited cities and solemn cemeteries.” He explained, “Much as that history derives from the abominable Jim Crow that survives today dressed in the fabled emperor’s new clothes.”
BROWARD COUNTY FL – On Jan. 27, 2015 the Broward County Board of County Commissioners authorized the conveyance of 17 County-owned vacant lots located in the Franklin Park neighborhood of the Broward Municipal Services District (BMSD), to the Housing Fi-
constructing 17 new singlefamily homes. The HFA will also construct an additional home on another HFA-owned parcel in the Franklin Park neighborhood. The County acquired the lots along the south side of West Sunrise Boulevard east of Northwest 27th Avenue over several years with the goal to build attractive, quality homes that would enhance the singlefamily residential character of the neighborhood. Now that the real estate market has begun to rebound, the HFA agreed to finance the housing project
nomic Opportunity to build 18 energy-efficient three-bedroom, two-bath homes with a two-car garage. The Housing Finance and Community Development Division’s Purchase Assistance Program will be available to assist income-eligible homebuyers. This project is consistent with and furthers the Central County Community Redevelopment Plan, approved by the Board on Oct. 23, 2012, and the Central County Targeted Planning and Economic Development Strategy for Northwest 27th Avenue.
Hastings receives 100 percent score from Humane Society annual Scorecard in 113th Congress WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) released the following statement after the Humane Society Legislative Fund awarded him a 100 percent rating on their 2014 Annual Scorecard: “I am delighted to receive this recognition from the Humane Society Legislative Fund. Since I came to Congress, and even before, animal welfare has remained an issue of great importance to me. As we move into our 114th Congress, I will continue to work to ensure that all animals are treated humanely. “I believe that animal abuse is unequivocally wrong, and will never waiver in my support for animal rights.” Hastings co-sponsored multiple pieces of legislation in the 113th Congress that will protect
animal welfare as well as consumers, including H.R. 1518, the Preventing All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act, H.R. 1731, the Egg Products Inspection Act Amendments, H.R. 366, the Animal Fighting Spectator Prohibition Act, and H.R. 1094, the Safeguard American Food Exports (SAFE) Act. Every year, the Humane Society Legislative Fund rates U.S. Senators and Representatives on their leadership and advocacy for animal rights. The scorecard tracks key votes, sponsorship, and co-sponsorship of important pro-animal legislation. To view the entire scorecard, please visit: (http:// www.hslf.org/assets/pdfs/ humane-scorecard/humanescorecard-2014.pdf) Congressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Senior Member
HASTINGS of the House Rules Commi-ttee, Ranking Democratic Mem-ber of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation.
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Broward County's Oldest and Largest African American Owned and Operated Newspaper
'Cultivating Future Fathers' - Free youth leadership conference The Mizells: A medical history zens and positive future fathers. The conference will be held at the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., International Headquarters, 3951 Snapfinger Parkway Decatur, Ga. On Friday, Feb. 20, 5 to 9 p.m., students will attend the Business-Entrepreneur Showcase where high tech employment, technical educational opportunities and the arts of business success will be exhibited. Saturday, Feb. 21 (8am to 6pm) family advocate, legal and law subject matter experts will host
information sessions that empower both parents and students. Students and or parents can register online at www.pkk.org or www.phikappakappa.org. Also, contact S. Earl Wilson at undenied16@aol.com to receive a hard copy of the registration form. The registration must be completed by Feb. 10, 2015 and returned to 265 Misty Walk, Fairburn, Ga., 30213 or emailed to undenied16@aol.com. If you need more information on the conference call (404) 219-6624.
What: JM Family and the Urban League helps high school students prep for college “Cultivating Future Fathers” is the call to action at the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and Project Friendship Fatherhood & Mentoring Initiative Youth Leadership Conference held on Feb. 20-21, 2015. The
free two-day conference will educate male youth, eighth through 12th grades, and provide their noncustodial and single mother parents with life skills tools that will inspire young men to be productive citi-
‘BLACK LIVES MATTER’: ARTIST PROTEST-- “Strange Fruit” © created by Oakland, Calif., artist Lawrence Jones, and the original size is 76” x 76”, acrylic on canvas. This painting displays the lyrics to Strange Fruit, the song Billie Holiday made famous. Each lynching represents a tragic event or time of violence, murder and horrible atrocities in this country. The four little girls killed in the Birmingham, Ala. church bombing, the Mississippi, brutal killings of Emmett Til and James Chaney, the political assassinations of Martin Luther King, Medgar Evers; the mutilation of James Byrd; the disparity of justice of Trayvon Martin and Oscar Grant, the list goes on. The bodies burning and tied to the base of the trees represent the brutality of ignorance, and the social injustice, that NO people should have to endure. Billie Holiday is also depicted with tears of grief. She states that singing this song made her fearful of retaliation, because its imagery reminded her of her father; she continued to sing the piece making it a part of her live performances. In 1939 “Strange Fruit” sold a million copies, in time becoming Holiday’s biggest-selling record. Lawrence Jones Artist (916) 484-5809 or www.history200.com.
As competition in the workplace increases, so does the need for a higher education. These days, there’s an expectation that new hire prospects have at the very least a four-year degree. And while there’s a steady rise in high school students applying for college, the number of open spots is limited, resulting in a lower acceptance rate. This trend puts the pressure on students to jump off the pages of their college application. You may not know a school’s “secret sauce,” but you know a few things… consistent grades, killer test scores and a personal statement that will separate you from the pack. It’s also no secret that access to resources and knowledge of and guidance through the application process gives college hopefuls a competitive edge. That’s why each year, the Urban League of Broward County hosts “College Ready Day” workshops targeting low-income families and first-generation college students to help boost acceptance into a school of their choice.
The Urban League of Broward celebrates 40thAnniversary at annual breakfast
As long-time supporters of Urban League, this is the third year JM Family and its associates are partnering on this event. Volunteers will provide jump drives for each student and work in small groups crafting personal statements through coaching and proofreading. Presented by Broward College, this event features a series of workshops on topics like college affordability, college selection and career exploration, specifically, offering students and parents an opportunity to learn more about: • Researching and identifying prospective colleges and universities; • The college application process, including SAT scores, essays and interviews; • College affordability including cost of a four-year degree, financial aid packages and scholarship prospects; and • Strategies to maximize the college experience. We’d love to have you there, so let me know if you would like to attend or interview any of the students, parents or JM Family volunteers. The event is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Urban League of Broward County, 560 NW 27 Ave., Fort Lauderdale.
Howard University Middle School principal suspected of firing teachers for teaching Black History (Cont'd from FP)
Newly selected Urban League Board Chair Shaun Davis pins new Urban League of Broward Board Members-(l-r), Rob Babin, Cox Media Group, Leslie Lunak, BankUnited, Alphonso Jefferson Jr., Broward County Board of County Commissioners, Lisa Anderson, TD Bank, and Shaun Sackman, SunTrust Bank. (Photos by David Muir) (Cont'd from FP) The ULBC concentrates its efforts in four major areas including; Education, Jobs, Housing, and Health. It has served 20,000 youth over the past 10 years, 2,000 families through its Workforce Development Program since 2010. It also has helped 200 new home owners in the past five years, saving families some $4.5 million through its Loan Modi-fication and Foreclosure Prevention Services. In addition it has helped provide healthcare education and services to some 6,000 pregnant women since 2010. Shirell Wright, vice-president of Operations for the Young Professionals Network of the ULBC, which serves upwardly mobile individuals, ages 21-40:
“We support the efforts of the Urban League of Broward County such as the College Tour Program, help raise funds for college student scholarships, and work with them on a monthly basis to share our experiences about college and things of that sort,” said Wright. Several ULBC staff members were recognized for their years of service with the League. They included: Garry Bellfieur, Foreclosure Prevention counselor-five years; Alica Brown, Marketing & Events managerfive years; Lourdes Perez, Project TOTTS/Healthy Staff Care coordinator-five years; and Ketlene Pierre, executive assistant-10 years. The Urban League of Broward also announced its newest Board Members including: Rob Babin, Cox Media Group. Leslie
Lunak, BankUnited, Alphonso Jefferson, Jr., Broward County Board of County Commissioners, Lisa B. Anderson, TD Bank, and Shawn Sackman, SunTrust Bank Urban League of Broward Board Chairman Frederick Perry announced that he would be stepping down as Chair but not stepping away from the organization. Perry would be handing over the reins to the new Chairman Shaun M. Davis, Managing Partner of S. Davis and Associates, P.A. “This is a tremendous organization in the community. We give a hand up not a hand out in the community if people are willing to take the responsibility over their lives, come here to the Urban League we’ll help you get to your next step, whatever that might be,” said Perry.
This middle school is a public charter school on the campus of Howard University. Some parents described the new principal as an abrasive woman from Atlanta, Ga. Parents found it strange that the new principal would want the teachers to stop teaching African American History, given that they are on the campus of an HBCU. Many also stated that the students needed to know their culture, with the school being 90 percent African American. Blackmon has not responded to ABC 7 News’ request to give an interview or answer any questions, and parents who have met with Blackmon say that they were not satisfied by their meeting with her. This is strange in every way, I must admit. Why wouldn’t she want the students to know about Kwanzaa, Marion Barry, George Washington Carver, Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, Muhammad Ali, Madam C.J. Walker, Martin Luther King or Malcolm X? This woman has a lot of explaining to do, and she may end up losing her job. She could at least talk to the media about what happened, this press isn’t very good for her professional reputation. What are your thoughts?
Dr. Von D. Mizell, sitting in his medical office wearing his trademark bow tie. (Cont'd from FP) “My grandfather was a workaholic,” Deborah Mizell says, “an excellent provider for his family. He was a farmer, as well as a carpenter. He also,” she adds chuckling, “pulled people’s teeth.” That December a Black man who had been shot was turned away from both Broward General Hospital and Memorial Hospital. Dr. Mizell “pushed and pushed and they finally let him operate,” his daughter says of the staff at Memorial, “but they said that after the operation the patient would have to leave.” A few months later, Dr. Mizell and Dr. James Sistrunk opened Provident Hospital, the first hospital for Blacks in Broward County. There was symmetry in Dr. Mizell’s cofounding the facility as his father, Isadore, built the county’s first school for Blacks. Dr. Mizell continued his practice. “He was Broward’s first Black surgeon,” Mizell says, “but he did it all,” including house calls. “Often people would give him a plate of food, or a piece of cake, because they had no money.” After her mother’s death at the age of 27, Deborah Mizell was raised by an aunt in Richmond Heights. “He was not perfect,” she says of her father, “but he tried to do what was right.” He was one of the founders of the Fort Lauderdale chapter of the NAACP. “I would like him to be remembered as a campaigner not for himself, but for the underserved and undervalued.” With the advent of integration in the ’60s, Provident Hospital closed, and Dr. Mizell was granted privileges to work at Broward General. “That was a huge, ugly legal battle,” Mizell recalls. “They let him operate because his patients wanted him. But they didn’t like having a Black surgeon in the hospital. So to get rid of him they said that he was doing unnecessary surgeries. My father sued and won, and got his privileges back.” Life wasn’t easy for his children either. Mizell remem-bers a visit to her maternal grandmother, who owned Lewis Café on what is today Sistrunk Boulevard. Her aunt came running into the house, wrapped her in a blanket and swooped her up into her arms. The Ku Klux Klan was outside, saying they were coming to kill a Mizell. Getting spirited away, Deborah, like any curious child, pulled the blanket down from over her eyes so she could see and what she glimpsed was a burning cross. “I think of that,” she says, “every time I pass the site on Sistrunk.” In 1961, on the Fourth of July, Dr. Mizell, along with civil rights leader Eula Johnson, led a group of African Americans in a “wade in” at the “whites only” beach near Las Olas Boulevard. “They walked through a group of police officers and got into the water,” the daughter recalls. “They were in there for about 30 to 45 minutes before they were told to leave. My daddy said to me: ‘I had to prove to them that the water wasn’t going to turn Black.’” Whenever she visited Fort Lauderdale, her father had her work in the clinic. “He was determined to make me a doctor. So on Saturday when every-
Dr. Von D. Mizell (l) with his brother Ivory. (Photo by Donna Lee Peplin) body else was out playing, I was taking patients’ temperatures.” But in this, at least, the surgeon did not quite succeed. “I had a lot of his personality,” she says, smiling, “being stubborn.” She had seen how work consumed his life, and that seemed incompatible with her desires to raise a family. She studied nursing and became an RN. Today she has three children - Johnny C. Taylor Jr., Jacqueline Taylor and Dawna Taylor-Thornton and three grandchildren. Her father took his first vacation in 1971, traveling to Europe. Two years later, while performing an operation at Broward General, he passed out. He was flown to Boston, where efforts to save him were unsuccessful. “Daddy took care of everyone else,” Mizell says. “He did not take care of himself.” He was dead from cancer at age 63. His funeral was held at First Baptist Piney Grove Church, where his brother Ivory was assistant minister. “There were dignitaries from all over,” Mizell recalls. “It was literally a packed church.” Ivory was well-known in town as a photographer as well as a minister. He was also instrumental in starting the first library for Black children. Somewhat more spectacularly, he staged his own “prefuneral.” Mizell still has a picture of her uncle dressed in his white robe. “He looked very ghostly. He said that anybody who had anything to say about him should say it. He didn’t want it said after his death.” Her favorite uncle, Roy, owned Mizell Funeral Home and helped establish the Fort Lauderdale Negro Chamber of Commerce. Mizell still works; lately she has been educating African-American and Caribbean communities about hospice care. She has also been busy, along with her cousin Don, a prominent attorney, keeping the Mizell legacy alive. Two of their projects are trying to get the name of John U. Lloyd Beach State Park changed to Von D. Mizell State Park (or MizellJohnson State Park) and trying to get a historical marker placed on the old site of Provident Hospital. “That’s sacred ground,” she says of the land where the hospital stood, now occupied by the Von D. Mizell Community Center. “It hasn’t been given the justice – the honor – it deserves.”
Recognizing Our Glorious Black History All Year Long, Not Just in Febraury
Broward County's Oldest and Largest African American Owned and Operated Newspaper
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H I S T O RY – Starts Today – Ashley Hicks & Toni Carey Founders of Black Girls RUN! “We believe it is very important that current and future generations of African Americans stay active, so in 2009, we created Black Girls RUN! Our sole purpose was to encourage African American women to make fitness, healthy living, and proper nutrition a priority. In 5 years, we went from a handful of members to over 150,000 across the nation. We feel we’re making history by creating true change that will outlast us and probably outlast Black Girls RUN! We believe encouraging others to do something positive will be our legacy, and for that we are proud.” ”WE MAKE HISTORY, TODAY!”
Publix celebrates and honors those who are making history, today. Visit the Black History Month Tab on our Facebook page to find out more about Black Girls RUN!, view healthy recipes, and find fun activities for kids.
facebook.com/publix
©2015 Publix Asset Management Company
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Broward County's Oldest and Largest African American Owned and Operated Newspaper