The Westside Gazette

THE WESTSIDE GAZETTE POST OFFICE 5304 FORT LAUDERDALE, FL 33310

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID FT. LAUDERDALE, FL 33310

PERMIT NO. 1179

Mt. Hermon AME Honors Dillard High School Graduates At 'Feet 2 UR Faith' Event PAGE 2

It Never Seems To Change PAGE 6

‘Aunt Jemima’ Family Files $2 Billion Dollar Lawsuit Against Quaker Oats and Pepsi PAGE 11

Broward County's Oldest and Largest African American Owned and Operated Newspaper oud PPaper aper ffor or a Pr oud PPeople...Sinc eople...Sinc Proud Proud eople...Sincee 1971 VOL. 43 NO. 27 THURSDA THURSDAYY, AUGUST 14 - WEDNESDA WEDNESDAYY AUGUST 20, 2014 50¢ A Pr

HIV does discriminate: The worldwide fight against stigma and discrimination AIDS 2014 is that HIV does discriminate. In the first of this three-part series, writer Linda Villarosa lays out the populations most at risk and spotlights sex workers’ fight for their rights. Next week, in “HIV Does Discriminate: The Worldwide Fight Against Stigma and Discrimination, Part 2,” learn about the issues facing sex workers.

In the words of Michel Sidibé, the executive director of UNAIDS, “There will be no ending AIDS without putting people first, without ensuring that people living with and affected by the epidemic are part of a new movement.”

By Linda Villarosa Part 1 In a reversal of a longstanding public health mantra, one of the key messages from

The first time I attended an International HIV/AIDS Conference, 12 years ago, a media trainer advised our group of journalists reporting on the event not to interview activists.

“Stick to the scientists and focus on the serious stuff,” she said.

I didn’t listen and later became a trainer myself. But that tension still exists: Scientists and policymakers deliver important presentations at frontand-center plenaries and press conferences, while activists are shuttled away to the Global

Village, the conference sideshow and host to edgy performances and community networking zones.

But over the years, activists have shoved and screamed their way onto the podiums and into the forefront. At this summer’s AIDS 2014 event in Melbourne, Australia, they didn’t need to push so hard. For the first time, conference organizers married science and activism into every part of the proceedings. In other words, they acknowledged that the world will never reach the new 90-90-90 targets (by 2020, 90 percent of all PLWHA would know their status; 90 percent of those who know their status would be on treatment; and 90 percent of those on treatment would be virally suppressed) or ever get to zero new infections without the active engagement of the most affected communities and a collective fight against stigma and discrimination.

A lack of progress on the scientific front accounted for some of the shift in focus at this

Stolen land; stolen legacy

Pictured l to r: Minnie Lee Irving, Butler Abney, Robert “Buster” Irving, Sallie Mae Irving Morgan, Andrew Irving, Thelma Joyce Irving Taylor and Alphonzo Irving.

By Starla Vaughns Cherin African American David Irving purchased 110 acres of property in Saluda, South Carolina in 1917. A beautiful parcel of land bordered on the north by Clouds Creek. On the map it’s near Prosperity Highway and a remembrance of the American Revolution, the Clouds Creek Massacre of American patriots in 1781.

Irving paid $2,750 on Nov. 28, 1917 in a deed that includes his heirs, 13 children, six boys and seven girls and their heirs.

When Daddy Irving died in the 60’s his sons took over the land and began working it.

When the last son died in 2001, Thelma Joyce Irving, Daddy’s baby girl, last surviving daughter began paying the land taxes.

In 2003, Daughter Irving, now living in Chicago, received a phone call from her nephew in Saluda, saying Attorney Billy Coleman and the Irving’s

House built by David and first wife Sallie Mae (Williams) Irving 1917. neighbor, Richard Clark, are offering $5,000 to purchase land interest from Irving heirs.

Pleading Our Own Cause

Coleman had been a family friend and once helped when one of the sons was in trouble,

year’s conference. Although researchers in Melbourne did their best to put a positive spin on progress toward a cure, in reality, they didn’t have much to report. Unlike in 2008 in Vienna, when the results of the CAPRISA trial of a microbicide gel brought new hope for stemming HIV transmission in women; or in 2010 in Washington, D.C., when treatment as prevention became a public health priority, few promising results surfaced this time around.

In fact, the most buzzedabout finding was the not-sogood news that the so-called Mississippi baby, thought to have been cured of HIV, had rebounded with detectable levels of the virus in her blood.

Quick as a heartbeat, cure was downgraded to remission.

Though her case may eventually lead to a way forward, and this little Black girl could prove to be a scientific hero someday, that day hasn’t arrived yet.

(Cont'd on Page 5) but Daughter Irving didn’t think he would do this. She called him and said “Leave my family alone!”

Someone please help!

Twelve years later, at age 86, Daughter Irving is still fighting for the life of her family’s land and her father’s legacy. She employed an attorney who fought back two attempts at purchasing the property but has now decided to leave the case. She needs help.

Daughter Irving is in need of a bull dog lawyer to stand up for her rights in Saluda County. She’s been issued a check for $14,000, supposedly her portion of interest in the land but she has not cashed it.

She is contesting the sale of her father’s 110 acres.

She has until the end of August when the check expires.

She’s holding it hoping someone will come to her family rescue and represent them in this land grab case.

“In 1935 after the Depression, a lot of Black people sold their land and moved north.

My oldest brother was already living in Chicago making $15 a week but my daddy kept his land. He wanted it owned by the family until at least the sixth generation. This is the fifth generation,” says Thelma Joyce Irving.

“My father was a smart Black man and a hard worker.

Even the insides of his hands were Black. He was a very aggressive man and knew what he wanted. He didn’t like anyone who wouldn’t work or wasn’t smart. His family came out of slavery and he worked to purchase a horse and buggy and 110 acres on the east side surrounded by whites. We got along alright because my daddy had everything we needed on the farm.

“I’m here to carry out what my daddy wanted. Did anyone ever call me and ask to purchase the property? No, they didn’t. My brother signed everything over to his wife when he died. I don’t know

WWW. thewestsidegazette.com Westside Gazette Newspaper

What to expect...Apostasy equals retribution and renunciation “You have plowed wickedness, you have reaped injustice, You have eaten the fruit of lies. Because you have trusted in your way, in your numerous warriors,” Hosea 10:13 (NASB)

By Bobby R. Henry, Sr. For the past few weeks, we have seen the killing of innocent people all around the world from America to Pakistan.

Each life taken from what many people feel to be a “senseless” loss has come at the hands of authorities.

These murders-either military related, governmental appointed, or hate directed by racism - from sources of police departments across the United States of America are immediate indications of a Godless people.

Displays of asinine behaviors have flourished because of the seeds sewn from a lack of respect and a total disregard to God’s greatest commandment: And He said to him, “you shall love the lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” Matthew 22:37 (NASB) How then can we continue along the paths of destruction with our political pandering, our one-sided school house teachings, racist police department policing and stuck-in-themud governmental governance, if we had just a mustard seed size of faith?

Let’s be truthful. When we look at the deaths and beatings of Black people that have taken place over the past three years at the hands of the police departments across this country, what comes to your mind?

(Cont'd on Page 12) how these in-laws get into it. I can see if a husband and wife work together on the land or for the land but how can a husband give away our father’s house?"

Divide and conquer Son Robert Irving (Uncle Buster) was the last son acting as executor over the land. He had six children; three of his sons farmed the land and did the upkeep throughout the

years. When Uncle Buster died his will left his portion of the land interest to his wife. According to this will the land would revert to the children upon their mom’s death.

Three years after Uncle Buster’s death, His daughter Patsy received power of attorney from her mother who was declared incompetent.

(Cont'd on Page 3)

AIR FORCE OFFICER WINS MISS BLACK USA 2014 TITLE -- Miss Black Colorado Jasmine Alexander is named Miss Black USA. (Photo credit: Rob Roberts/Afro American Newspaper) (Read full story on Page 9)

@_Westsidebiads Instagram -Thewestsidegazettenewspaper

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 • August 14 - August 20, 2014

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

Mt. Hermon AMEC honors Dillard High School graduates at 'Feet 2 UR Faith' event

By Elaine Stevens

Annie T. Reed (Mother Reed), the housekeeper for Frank Stranahan, convinced her employer to donate the land to build a school for “Colored” children.

Conditions for black students were deplorable in 1923 in Ft. Lauderdale. One woman of faith decided to take action and trust God. One ordinary woman, Annie T. Reed (Mother Reed), the housekeeper for Frank Stranahan, the founder of the City of Fort Lauderdale, convinced her employer to donate the land to build a school for “Colored” children. The school came to be named Dillard High School. The first senior class graduated at Mt. Hermon AME Church in 1938.

Annie T. Reed was one of the founding members of Mt. Hermon AME Church, the second oldest Black Church in Fort Lauderdale formed in 1906, 108 years ago. All living graduates of Dillard High School from 1938-2014 are invited to Mt. Hermon AME

Church’s Homecoming 2014.

The theme this year is “Feet 2 UR Faith” epitomized by the bold action of a humble woman of Color who believed in Hebrews 11:1.

The Homecoming activities will include a VIP reception at Old Dillard Museum, www.broward schools.com/ olddillardmuseum on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2014, 6 to 8 p.m., a Saturday breakfast honoring Dillard High School alumni from 1938-1952 at Mt. Hermon Family Life Center and a Sunday morning Celebration Service in the sanctuary at 401 N.W. Seventh Terr., Fort Lauderdale at 10:30 a.m. with dinner being served following morning worship.

The Keynote Speaker will be the distinguished educator Dr. Edison Jackson, president of Bethune Cookman University, the renowned Historically Black

College located in Daytona Beach, Florida. Alumni chapters of Bethune Cookman in Dade, Broward and Palm Beach are invited to be present to support Dr. Jackson as he electrifies the congregation with truth to power. Dr. Jackson is a member of Phi Beta Sigma fraternity and Mt. Hermon’s doors are open to all Greek organizations including tri-county members of Zeta Phi Beta.

Dillard High School’s 76 alumni classes have the opportunity to pay tribute to a favorite teacher, coach, administrator or classmate by taking a page in the Commemorative Program Book by Sunday, Aug. 31, 2014. Mt. Hermon members are demonstrating their personal commitment to “Feet 2 UR Faith” by each member giving or raising 10x their shoe size with the member that raises the most being crowned Mt.

Thurston looks to make history as first Black Attorney General For Perry Thurston, the Aug. 26th primary may be his first step on the way to history. If elected this year, Thurston would be the first Black Attorney General and the first elected Black cabinet officer since Reconstruction.

“I believe that with success comes an obligation to serve,” said Thurston. “I am blessed to have had opportunities in my life and I want to use those opportunities to improve the lives of others. Pam Bondi and Rick Scott have wrecked our state and I want to be part of repairing the damage.”

Thurston graduated from Morehouse College in 1982 with honors in finance. He worked at a bank for two years but left after witnessing injustice in the workplace. As a result, he went to law school and graduated in 1987. He served in the Broward County Public Defenders’ office before entering private practice in criminal defense and public finance.

“I made a promise when I became a defense attorney – I would always do my best and

respect my clients’ wishes,” said Thurston. “I had seen too many people rolled over by a system that did not care about them. I think everyone deserves someone that will fight for them.”

In 2006, Thurston was elected as a State Representative for Fort Lauderdale and Broward. He focused on voting rights, protecting education and raising the minimum wage.

Thurston has been at the forefront of the battle in the Florida legislature. He has sponsored legislation to make voter registration easier and require the Courts to rule on the constitutionality of any changes to voting requirements. He also regularly sponsored workshops from 2007-2010 to help ex-offenders get their rights reinstated.

He was forced to stop when, as their first act in office, Governor Rick Scott and Attorney General Pam Bondi ended the restoration of rights process.

The decision drew widespread condemnation from civil rights groups. Voting rights have become a political football in recent

years as Republican state legislatures across the country have attempted to reduce early voting, the number of voting sites and require identification at the polls. Meanwhile, the Republican dominated Supreme Court drastically reduced the Justice Department’s power to enforce the Voting Rights Act. “Voting is our most basic right,” said Thurston. “And it took the sacrifices of millions from the American Revolution to the Civil Rights generation to guarantee voters’ rights. The Attorney General should be protecting those rights, not attacking them. “It’s a disgrace,” said Thurston. “One quarter of all disenfranchised ex-offenders live here in Florida. Rick Scott and Pam Bondi changed the rules to make it easier for them to win elections even while increasing recidivism rates. As Attorney General, I will work towards a process for automatic restoration of rights.”

At the time, Bondi argued that the changes would be “fair and restore a proper respect for

The first senior class graduated at Mt. Hermon AME Church in 1938.

Hermon AME Church 2014 Homecoming King and Queen on Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014.

All Dillard High School Alumni Class leaders are encouraged to rally your classmates to participate in this historic event celebrating 76 years of educational excellence. Participate in this powerful story of

Connection, Caring and Courage that changed the course of history for all of Ft. Lauderdale.

For more information call Mt. Hermon AME Church @ (954)463-6309 or Elaine Stevens, Chairperson Mt. Hermon AME Church Homecoming 2014 @ (954)579-6951.

Missouri shooting victim’s father calls for peace after riots

“The Attorney General should be protecting those rights, not attacking them. It’s a disgrace,” sais Thurston. the rights of law-abiding citizens.” However, a study by the Florida Parole Commission appeared to show the success of the restoration of rights process.

The Commission examined 31,000 released prisoners from 2009 to 2010, and found around 11 percent of those who regained their civil rights was reincarcerated. In contrast, the recidivism rate for ex-offenders who did not have their civil rights restored was about 33 percent.

Progress Florida named him a “Middle-Class Champion” based on his voting record. In 2012, his colleagues elected him Democratic Leader.

Thurston has achieved notoriety for his aggressive style.

Last year, the Sunshine State News editorialized that he “never hesitated in taking the fight to Republicans.” During the 2013 session, he masterminded a “read the bills” strategy that brought the House to stand still until the body acted on Medicaid expansion. In 2014, he forced a vote on repealing Stand Your Ground Laws despite pundits declaring the issue dead.

“Perry is a fighter,” said Chris Smith, the Democratic Leader in the State Senate. “He has stood up to Rick Scott, Pam Bondi, and the entire Republican leadership in Tallahassee.

For sure he doesn’t just go along to get along.”

Polls have consistently shown Thurston statistically tied with his Republican opponent Pam Bondi. But strategists say turnout will be critical.

“We need high African-American turnout,” said Jon Nixon, Thurston’s field coordinator. “Not just on Nov. 4, but in the Democratic primary on Aug. 26. We can’t miss this opportunity to make history.”

First, Thurston has to win the August 26 Democratic primary. Prognosticators are expecting a close race and Black turnout to play a crucial role.

Early voting begins this week.

Lesley McSpadden (r) the mother of 18-year-old Michael Brown, watches as Brown’s father, Michael Brown, Sr., holds up a family picture of himself, his son, top left in photo, and a young child during a news conference Monday, Aug. 11, 2014, in Ferguson, Mo. Michael Brown, 18, was shot and killed in a confrontation with police in the St. Louis suburb of Ferguson, Mo, on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2014. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson - See more at: http:// www.blackpressusa.com/2014/08/another-protest-set-inmissouri-after-riots-over-teens-)'

By Carey Gillam (REUTERS) - The father of an unarmed Black teenager who was shot to death by police over the weekend in a St. Louis suburb made another plea on Tuesday for an end to the violence that has followed the incident, while activists demanded authorities release the name of the officer involved.

Standing with supporters, including the Rev. Al Sharpton, the father of 18-year-old Michael Brown said he wanted justice for his son but wanted it “the right way.”

“I need all of us to come together and do this right, the right way,” said Michael Brown Sr., who wore a T-shirt showing his son’s baby picture. “No violence.”

Activists speaking to reporters in downtown St. Louis also called for federal authorities to take over the investigation.

Police in Ferguson, Missouri, had initially said they would release the officer’s name on Tuesday, but changed the plan, citing fears of retaliation, according to media reports.

Sharpton, a New York-based civil rights leader, also called for peaceful protest in the wake of looting and more than 50 arrests since the shooting.

Sharpton’s National Action Network will pay for Brown’s funeral.

“To become violent in Michael Brown’s name is to betray the gentle giant that he was,” Sharpton said of the 6-foot, 4inch (198-cm) Brown, who had planned to start college this week. A demonstration is planned at a Ferguson-area church on Tuesday evening.

Brown was shot to death in the back of a police car on Saturday, police said. The race of the officer, a six-year veteran who is now on administrative leave, has not been revealed.

The FBI has opened a civil rights investigation into the racially charged case and St. Louis County also is investigating.

Police said Brown was shot in a struggle with a gun in the police car but have not said why Brown was in the car. At least one shot was fired during the struggle and then the of-

ficer fired more shots before leaving the car, police said.

But a witness to the shooting interviewed on local media has said that Brown had been putting his hands up to surrender when he was killed.

“There were many, many witnesses who have talked to family members and they paint a very different picture than police witnesses,” said Benjamin Crump, an attorney for the Brown family. Crump also represented the family of Trayvon Martin, an unarmed Black teen killed in Florida by a neighborhood watch volunteer in 2012.

The “hands up” gesture has been frequently seen at protests over the shooting. More than 100 protesters in front of the St. Louis County Courthouse in nearby Clayton on Tuesday morning chanted “hands up, don’t shoot.”

Residents in the low-income, mostly Black neighborhood where Brown was killed say they are often harassed by police. Ferguson Police Chief Tom Jackson said the neighborhood had a lot of crime but there were no race problems.

Demonstrations on Sunday night turned violent, with looting and property damage. Violence broke out again on Monday night as police officers in riot gear, armed with rifles and accompanied by dogs tried to secure the area.

The area has seen a stark demographic shift in recent decades, going from all white to mostly Black. About two-thirds of Ferguson’s 21,000-strong population are Black, while out of a police force of 53, three officers are Black.

The race of officers should not matter as long as their work is fair and professional, said Dave Klinger, a former police officer and criminal justice professor at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

“If the officer behaved inappropriately, we’ve got to sanction the officer and figure out what it is that led him to do what he did,” Klinger said. “Was he poorly trained? Was there a pattern in this agency?”

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

August 14 - August 20, 2014 • www.thewestsidegazette.com • Page 3

Award-winning Broward educator files suit with EEOC against Lee County School District to defend her civil rights and protect her health

By K. Chandler (Part II of III) Dr. Hicks accused of being drunk On Aug. 10, 2011, scarcely two weeks after her arrival in Lee County, Dr. Deedara Hicks became ill while attending a superintendent’s cabinet meeting. She experienced dumping and asked Pam Bull, her secretary, to bring her coffee, hoping to settle her stomach.

After the meeting adjourned, Dr. Hicks returned to her office.

Still plagued with severe stomach cramps, dizziness and head pain, she prayed for relief.

Then she asked her new colleague, district equity director, Ranice Monroe, to take her home that afternoon to rest.

The next day she thanked everyone for their assistance, speaking freely about her gastric bypass, ‘dumping,’ and how

to assist her. She continued her duties, facilitating a high school principal meeting for the rest of the day, never once giving a thought to the previous day.

Little did she know how profoundly impactful the events of Aug. 10, 2011 would prove to be to her career and health.

In November 2011, Dr. Hicks was honored by her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. (Fort Myers Chapter), for her contributions to education and the community. During her acceptance speech she thanked Monroe, a fellow sorority sister and work colleague, for nominating and supporting her since she came to the district.

Reflecting back, Dr. Hicks stated that she had no idea that this same district administrator, Ranice Monroe – who helped her in August 2011 and honored her in November 2011, would be the very same Black woman who’d use her health to stalk and bully her in December 2011.

Events begin spiraling out of control Dr. Hicks is convinced that much of the original rancor stemmed from the way Lee County School administrators handled disciplinary cases involving educators.

“Somehow, Monroe considered herself the judge and jury of the educators’ fate in Lee County Schools,” stated Dr. Hicks, adding that the district administrator would “freely open cases” without providing due process to employees.

“Monroe’s supervisor, Human Resource Chief, Greg Adkins stated that they did not hold meetings to discuss cases, instead [they] usually just determined the actions themselves and forwarded their recommendations to the superintendent.”

Dr. Hicks said that she began to read cases in the district, immediately picking up on the glaring lack of consistent pro-

Jesse Jackson calls Michael Brown shooting ‘Crime of Injustice’

Michael Brown vigil: Protesters gather in response to the killing of unarmed teen Michael Brown Sunday morning in Ferguson. Brown, 18, was shot to death by a Ferguson Police officer on Saturday afternoon. (Photo by Wiley Price/ St. Louis American)

By Chris King The St. Louis American ST. LOUIS, MO. — Jesse Jackson told The American he hopes that the U.S. Department of Justice sees the Ferguson Police shooting of Michael Brown on Saturday and resulting community violence as “systematic of a national crisis.”

Jackson said, “It was a crime of injustice.” Jackson said.

The injustice, he said, was two-fold: a police shooting of an unarmed Black teen followed by Black youth from high-unemployment neighborhoods erupting in rage.

“Black men should not be the objects of target practice,” Jackson said of the shooting.

Stolen land; stolen legacy

Funeral of David Irving (in casket); L-r: Debrah Taylor Greene, George Taylor (husband of Thelma Joyce Irving Taylor) and Thelma Joyce Irving Taylor.

(Cont'd from FP) On Dec. 15, 2003, Patsy signed over her and her sibling’s interest to Coleman for $5,000. The other five children had no idea.

One of the sons was dead but his interest should have gone down to his children - Uncle Buster’s grandchildren.

Debrah Irving, daughter of Thelma Joyce, says she doesn’t believe the will was real. “I don’t believe that will because my Uncle Buster would not have left his sons, who worked the land, out of his will until his wife died.

They were the ones taking care of the land and he wouldn’t have left them with nothing. It wasn’t like him to write something like that.”

Need an attorney

“My Granddaddy’s deed to the property specifically states to his heirs the language is so clear. We know Uncle Buster would have honored that. All of us feel this deed is a point of pride in our family signifying what our grandfather did,” Irving says.

It reads: “Together with all and singular Rights, Members, Hereditaments, Appurtenances, to the said Premises belonging or in appertaining TO HAVE AND TO HOLD, All and singular, the said Premises before mentioned to David Irving and His Heirs and I Eva Lou Mitchell do hereby bind myself and my heirs Executor and administrators to warrant and forever defend all and singular the said Premises unto the said David Irving and his Heirs. Purchased, Nov. 28, 1917 for $2750 a plot of land 110 acres lying on Clouds Creek to the north in the county of Saluda, South Carolina.”

For 10 years we have been working with Attorney Willie B. Heyward, giving him money for

“It’s not a unique situation. It’s a prototypical American situation. Police departments do not reflect the population. It’s awful, but it’s not unique.”

The resulting community violence on Sunday, following a non-violent candlelight vigil to commemorate Brown, should be seen in the context of a chronic urban crisis, he said.

“Poverty is a weapon of mass destruction,” Jackson said. “Poverty is in the community, guns are in, drugs are in, jobs are out.

Banks are bailed out without meaningful community reinvestment. Too many people have no stake in the culture.”

Jackson said that chronic urban problems remain to be addressed after the shooting of Michael Brown and the community’s outrage are resolved.

“These kids need educations, skills, job training, jobs, scholarships to college,” Jackson said.

“We need a national forum on urban policy, justice and repression. This is a national crisis that has manifested in Ferguson.”

Asked for advice to organizers on the ground, Jackson said, “That’s tough. I saw a sign that said we need quietness. Quietness is not the answer. Quietness is the absence of noise. We need the presence of justice.”

title searches and to go to Saluda and Charleston to file motions and appear at hearings. He fought back two attempts - one in 2006 and another in 2008.

Now he has stopped talking to us,” Irving says.

David Irving’s daughter Thelma Joyce wonders if she’ll be able to recover her father’s legacy. “I’m sorry they all say because of law. Or our office doesn’t handle that call the U.S. Attorney. We have. The South Carolina Bar Association gave two names but both told me the heir’s property cases are too complicated. They have all the money to pay for lawyers and false documents and we can’t find a lawyer. I’m afraid waiting for the check to get outdated.

Their lawyers say if we don’t cash the check or the dead people’s heirs don’t show up, the money goes to the state.

Next week, Irving Uncles planted timber 20 years ago, cut and sold by Billy Coleman’s law firm while the land still under litigation. How much interests was sold and why was family not informed of hearings about the property.

House built by David and Sallie Mae (Williams) Irving in 1917 for their family.

Dr. Deedara Hicks was interviewed as one of the supervisors of schools in Lee County on Lee Pitts Live, a local TV show that only airs in Southwest Florida. She was the first Black to directly supervise schools. cedures in each case, including how due process was, or was not, implemented. It was clear to Dr. Hicks and other inves-

tigators that vague internal policies allowed subjectivity to seep into cases. There was nothing in policy to outline pro-

cedures and consequences for employees, leaving room for any action to take place. This aligned with the comments she often received from school staff persons and comments made at school board meetings.

As a former principal and supervisor of principals, Dr. Hicks stated that “leadership 101 and Florida School law, requires notice and due process to employees when an investigation takes place. However, the lack of due process in the School District of Lee County (SDLC) appeared to be the norm and no one questioned this. It was a part of that culture of fear and lack of trust to ensure that employees remained quiet and do not speak up and exert their rights.”

Dr. Hicks now believes that her actions and great relationship with principals agitated school district staff attorney Rob Dodig, along with Monroe and Adkins, to the point that they attacked her, using her health as a motive.

According to Dr. Hicks, “the district did not, and has never formally notified” her of an “incident or concern” taking place Aug. 10, 2011. Imagine her surprise then when she found herself facing accusations in December of 2011 of being intoxicated back on Aug. 10, 2011.

(Story continbed on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

Pregnant protester alleges she was maced and like 'can I please get thrown to the ground by police some“I was air’ because I started con-

Pregnant Wickerson of Ferguson, Mo. said the officers dressed in riot gear were unapologetic as they threw her to the ground.

A pregnant woman who protested the killing of Michael Brown says police pulled a gun on her, then maced and threw her to the ground.

Mikiesha Wickerson of Ferguson, Mo. said the officers dressed in riot gear were unapologetic as they threw her to the ground. Cell phone video shows

officers running to her vehicle and pulling the passengers out.

“They was just like 'if y’all don’t shut up, we’re gonna mace y’all and take y’all to jail',” Wickerson, who’s six months pregnant, told local affiliate KMOV. She said although no one in the car had weapons, those inside did yell at the police before they rushed the car.

tracting and I was sweating and had the mace running through my eyes,” Wickerson said. She says officers also broke out her back window and she can’t understand why her property was destroyed and she and the others were taken to jail for just talking.

Wickerson went to the hospital where she was told that both she and her unborn child were fine.

Riots broke out in Ferguson after an unarmed teen was gunned down by police.

As BreakingBrown reported, eyewitnesses claimed the officer fired multiple shots into 18-year-old Michael Brown.

“He (the officer) shot again and once my friend felt that shot, he turned around and put his hands in the air,” said Dorian Johnson, a friend of Brown’s. “He started to get down and the officer still approached with his weapon drawn and fired several more shots.”

A CNN report also claims that officers called protesters “animals”, saying “Bring it, all you f*cking animals! Bring it!”

The FBI has launched its own investigation into the shooting, and “will continue to monitor the investigation that is being carried out by the St. Louis County Police Department,” reports the Washington Post.

The North Carolina NAACP disagrees with the court’s decision to refuse to stop harsh voter restrictions from being enforced issue. during November Election “North Carolina was the first DURHAM, N.C. - Recently (Aug. 8, 2014) a federal judge denied attempts by North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory and his administration to have the NC NAACP’s legal challenge to the massive voter suppression law dismissed. Instead, he ruled that the case will be set for a full trial in 2015.

Judge Thomas Schroeder also declined to issue a preliminary injunction that would have stopped the many restrictions on voting to go into effect this November. He said he did not think it would cause irreparable harm to allow the law to be enforced this year.

Many voters will almost certainly be disenfranchised this fall, because of the cuts to early voting, the elimination of sameday registration, straight ticket voting and cutbacks of provisional ballots for people who mistakenly turn up at the wrong polling site.

In response to Judge Schroeder’s ruling, Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, II, president of the North Carolina NAACP, issued the following statement: “If one elderly or young person, Black, white or Latino decides she won’t vote because of the shorter early voting weeks, the elimination of same-day vot-

ing, the confusing ballots w i t h o u t straight party voting and other sections of this voter suppression law that are still standing because of today’s court decision, that is indeed an irreparable harm. The harm is irreparable to the voter...and to our democracy.

“The N.C. NAACP understood when we moved for a preli-minary injunction, that the bar we had to jump over was quite high. We knew we had to per-suade the Court the harm this cruel law would do to African Americans and other minorities would be irreparable if it were allowed to be enforced during the 2014 November election. The Court found that allowing election officials and others to ask voters whether they had a photo ID even though such ID’s are not required for two more yearswould not cause ir-reparable harm.

“The franchise is not a partisan issue. It is a fundamental issue of our rights as guaranteed to us by the 14 th and 15th amendments to the U.S. Constitution and by the 1868 Reconstruction Constitution here in North Carolina. It is a moral

state to pass a discriminatory voting law since the Supreme Court’s Shelby Co. v. Holder decision on the Voting Rights Act, which stopped the enforcement of Section 5 last June and reduced critical protections for voters of color. This case proved that Section 4 must be fixed so that the Voting Rights Act can guarantee Southern states are covered by preclearance. This case exposes the level to which extremist groups will go to suppress the vote. It shows the danger and risks we face when cases go through the courts instead of being pre-cleared on the front end by the Justice Department.

“This voter suppression law’s passage was aided by a political climate in which our Supreme Court-the highest judicial authority in the land-was saying publicly that civil rights had been achieved and we could legitimately eliminate crucial voter protections for minorities.

“We will not falter in our efforts to mobilize until this extreme law is completely repealed. Our movement against this voter suppression law is built on the legacy of those who have testified before us, with their feet and blood, to fight for equal rights in North Carolina and the nation.”

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

Page 4 • www.thewestsidegazette.com • August 14 - August 20, 2014

Community Digest

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

Fair

Broward Health Cora E. Braynon Family Health Center will host summer immunization fairs to provide children access to immunizations and school physicals for this upcoming school year. Our professional medical staff is able to accommodate diverse families at Cora E. Braynon Family Health Center, Friday, August 15, 2014 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 200 N.W. Seventh Ave., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Immunization will safeguard children against diseases such as pertussis (whooping cough), measles, rubella, influenza and other diseases adversely influencing the healthcare status of young children in the community. For more info or to book an appointment, contact (954) 759-6600.

Event

The newly formed Carlton B. Moore Freedom Foundation is sponsoring two Inaugural events in Fort Lauderdale. On Friday, Aug. 22, 2014 a reception at the Fort Lauderdale Woman’s Club and Saturday, Aug. 23, a Bid Whist Tournament at the Elks Lounge. For tickets or more information go to: FaceBook Carlton B Moore Foundation or EventBrite.com/ CarltonBMooreFreedomFoundation.

Event

Event

The Eta Nu The Eta Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Pompano Beach, Florida will initiate a Voter Awareness Campaign leading up to the Primary and MidTerm Elections beginning Saturday Aug. 2 – Nov. 1, 2014 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., at the following major thoroughfares in Pompano Beach: Dixie Hwy. & Atlantic Blvd.; Atlantic Blvd. & Powerline Rd.; and MLK Blvd. & Powerline Rd. Primary & Mid-Term Elections Matter Please Vote!!!

Fair

Program

The 100 Black Men of Greater Fort Lauderdale has partnered with Nova Southeastern Huizenga School of Business.

As part of the new partnership, Nova will host the Leadership Academy, Saturday, Aug. 23, 2014 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., on their Davie Campus in the Carl DeSantis Building, 3301 College Ave., Davie, Fl. There is a fee for the 12 week session which covers materials, snacks, etc. For additional info call (954) 5190002 or email 100bmogfl@100blackmengfl.org

Workshop

Youth Explosion

Children and Youth Explosion, “Taking Out the Trash”, Aug. 12-14 through, from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m., and a “Blow Out Musical Concert”, Friday, Aug. 15, 2014 at 7 p.m., at First Baptist Church Piney Grove, 4699 W. Okld. Pk. Blvd., Lauderdale Lakes, Fla. Rev. Dr. Derrick J. Hughes.

Back To School Extravaganza sponsored by “Do You Have The Time Foundation”, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2014 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at 4699 W. Okld. Pk. Blvd., Lauderdale Lakes, Fla. Free school supplies (limited supplies), boys haircuts, girls hair style (Hair must be washed and or relaxed prior to attending). For more info call Dawn Collie at (954) 691-7041 or Aletha Collie at (945) 8021611.

Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) Students Services Department and community members, Educational ReEngagement Fair, Saturday, Aug. 23, 2014 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Broward College – Central Campus, Building 19, 3501 S.W. Davie Rd., Davie, Fla. For more info call Shirley Baker, at (754) 321-1562

Meeting

Democratic Women’s Club of Northeast Broward monthly meeting, Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2014 at 7 p.m., at Emma Lou Olson Civic Center, 1801 N.E. Sixth St., Pompano Beach, Fla. Celebrating Women’s Equality Day, Aug. 26. 1920, when women won the right to vote.

Refreshments will be served.

For further info contact Maggie Davidson at (954) 942-8711.

PICK UP YOUR COPY OF THE WESTSIDE GAZETTE TODAY! IT'S YOUR VOICE IN YOUR COMMUNITY

A free monthly workshop series presented by the Office of Economic and Small Business Development in partnership with the Purchasing Division, Thursday, Aug. 21, 2014 from 1 to 4 p.m., at South Regional/ Broward College Library, 7300 Pines Blvd., Pembroke Pines, Fla. Featured topic: Broward County Certified Agency Buyers (CAB) Reverse Trade Show.

Showcase your company’s products and services directly to Broward County buyers.

Program

YOUNG GIRLS WANTED!!! God’s Gift, Inc. still has spaces avaiable for their Mentoring Program. This mentoring program focuses on selfesteem, etiquette, college/career prep, and leadership skills for African American girls 7-17.

For more info and/or to recieve a registration packet, email info@godsgiftinc.org or call (954) 907-9101.

Event

Mt Hermon African Methodist Episcopal Church Ecumenical Outreach Ministry will sponsor their annual Community Bazaar and Fellowship Day, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2014 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the church 404 N.W. Seventh Terr.

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Rev. Henry E. Green, Sr. pastor.

For more infor call (954) 4636309, Anne Naves (954) 4863148 or Rev. Dr. Pat L.C. Jackson (727) 271-4334.

Events Events at Mitchell Moore Park Recreation Center, 901 N.W. Tenth St., Pompano Beach, Fla. For additional info contact Laverne Troutman. * Chicago Style Stepping classes every second and fourth Friday, from 7 to 10 p.m., learn how to do Urban Ballroom Chicago Style Step Dancing now through Sept. 26, 2014. * Brunch-Bingo and Boards free fun and games and refreshments for adults every first and third Saturday morning, from 10 a.m. to noon. * Teen Scene Chat & Chew, free event for teenagers ages 14-17 every Wednesday, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. * Parents Night Out, every fourth Friday, from 6 to 10 p.m., children will be supervised by Creative staff members. You must pick up your children by 10 p.m.

Event

Speaking Hands presents Camp Hands 2013 registration has began, for ages 8-16, location 127 N. State Rd. 7 Plantation, Fla. For more additional info call (954) 792-7273 office or (305) 970-0054 cell.

ATTENTION!!

If you are Voting by absentee ballot please do not give it to anyone turn them in yourself or put it in the mail yourself.

Changes in the absentee ballot laws prohibits a person from touching your absentee ballot if they are being paid money make your voice and vote count.

Contact the Broward County Supervisor Of Elections and see if your absentee ballot was turned in and if not ask for a new absentee ballot to be mailed to you so you can Vote. Just tell them no it is your right, so Vote August 15 thru August 26.

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

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

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

Back To School School is about to Start, and I hope you kids are Smart.

If so you will go, you have nothing to loose and everything to gain.

Use your Brains instead of Drugs.

Because Jail and Streets are your defeat.

By Gus L. GOD is LOVE 1 John 4:8 Class of 1954 DHS

It's Not Your Choice To Vote!

It's Your Right ATTENTION RADIO LISTENERS We have free gifts for everybody who calls into the show and shares their opinion. Listen every Saturday at 4 p.m. to Spiritual Downloads with Anna Stephenson on WWNN Radio AM 1470. It’s a live Call in talk show that discusses everything from Spiritual Matters to what matters to you.

The show can also be heard on the Internet at wwnnradio.com; just click on the listen live button. Your voice is the most important part of the show. So call in and let us hear what you have to say. The toll free call in number is 1-888-565-1470. Also e-mail Anna Stephenson at annasmiami@aol.com with a subject you want to hear discussed on the show. The show also interviews special guests Like Jessica Reedy from Sunday Best. Shelia Raye Charles, Melba Moore and different preachers and gospel musical artists and politicians.

BROWARD MEGA REUNION CLASS OF 73' THRU 77' Piper Alumni is hosting a Broward Mega Reunion Class of 73" thru 77" Schools, Dillard, Boyd Anderson, Plantation, South Plantation, Ely, Fort Lauderdale, Stranahan, Nova, and Piper on Friday Night Friday, October 17, 2014: Meet and Greet cost $20; Saturday Night, October 18: Formal Banquet cost $60 and Sunday, October 19: Church Service First Baptist Church Piney Grove, 4699 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Lauderdale Lakes Fla., DEADLINE FOR MONEY - FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2014. Other classes are welcome to participate.To receive Registration Forms you can email me at Browardmegareunion75.76.77@gmail.com or send a Self Address Stamped Envelope to c/o Cecelia Armstrong Edwards- P.O. Box 120242 Lauderhill Fl., 33312.

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

August 14 - August 20, 2014 • www.thewestsidegazette.com • Page 5

Celebrating the Life of a Man who made life a celebration: Personal reflections to commemorate the birthday of the late John L. Broome

Broome Bethune CookmanCollege first Drum Major.

By Yvette M. Giles, Ed.D. Individuals of a certain age who have attended public and social functions in Broward County have likely had the pleasure of hearing the beautiful baritone voice of the late John L. Broome. Broome would have turned 86 on Aug. 18 of this year.

We remember him as a living legend, a local icon who shared his exceptional vocal gifts with passion and joy, delighting au-

diences both locally and worldwide.

Perpetually thoughtful and forever kind, Broome, a South Florida resident, touched countless lives in the community and in the classroom, as an upstanding teacher who loved his students. And Broome made a lasting impact as a gifted classically trained singer at a plethora of social events.

He performed as a soloist with the Fort Lauderdale Symphony Chorus and reveled in group performances with the Nova Singers. Broome also recorded several musical compilations. All who had the pleasure of knowing him as a colleague, instructor, devoted friend or “special member of their family” surely miss him.

Broome began his singing career at Indiana University, where he earned a master’s degree in education and music and performed leading roles with the university’s Opera Theater. During the 1940s, Broome and my mother, Ruth Taylor Giles, attended Bethune-Cookman College (now Bethune-Cookman University) and were bestowed bachelor’s degrees in elementary education in the presence of the founder and president emeritus, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune.

As fellow teachers, Broome and my mother carpooled to work at Braithwaite and Deer-

David Nuby inducted into Jazz annual event was open to Hall of Fame this the public and free to all who

NUBY South Florida Jazz Hall of Fame, co-sponsored by the Sunshine Jazz organization held its 5th Annual Induction Ceremony & Concert. The event was held at the Miami Shores Golf & Country Club on July 27,

attended.

One of South Florida’s own legends from Dania Beach, Fla, Mr. David Nuby was awarded this honor for his contributions to jazz as a drummer with finesse and natural talent. His career spans from “Jamming” at the Sir John Lounge in the 50’s until he joined the Charlie Austin Band where they were the first Black Jazz group to play on Fort Lauderdale Beach at the Boca Key Hotel. Under the direction of Charlie Austin, Dave Nuby is well remembered as the house drummer at the famed Hampton House in Miami. Nuby has played and enjoyed touring with some of the greatest jazz musicians in the world.

Congratulations to all the Jazz Hall of Fame Inductees for 2013: Pete Minger - Trumpet/Flugelhorn, Nestor TorresFlute, Jimmy Crawford –Piano/ Vocals, Panama Francis – Drums, Paquito D’Rivera – Alto Saxophone and Dave Nuby – Drummer.

field Park Elementary schools for several years, along with the late Vera P. Mitchell and a few other instructors. When Mitchell became ill and was confined to a nursing home, the dedicated Broome, who usually carried a camera, visited her each week and sometimes took pictures of Mitchell to share with my mother, who was unable to make regular visits.

I was a little girl when I first heard “Mr. Broome” sing at a local social function. When I asked the Reverend Alvin Jones of Mt. Hermon A.M.E. how many times he may have heard Broome sing throughout his lifetime, Jones pondered the question and replied, “probably too many times to count.” Such is the case with so many of us who witnessed Broome’s inspiring and powerful performances at numerous area celebrations, from festive holiday gatherings to heart-rending home goings.

Broome, who sang with great fervor, strengthened our connection to Black culture by introducing us to a broad spectrum of Negro spirituals and African American folk songs. I will cherish my personal favorites, such as the inspiriting Ride on King Jesus (“No man can-a hinder me!”) and Broome’s masterly version of the classic, Witness. Broome’s cousin, Elaine, an Ocala resident, says she cannot remember a time during Broome’s life when he was not exercising his singing talents.

Throughout the late ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s, Broome joined the Giles family for our annual “Christmas Morning Family Breakfast.” Some years, he would favor our often 50 or more guests in attendance with a song. Family and friends would gather in our backyard along the North Fork of New River, congregating around and on a patio covered by a permanently mounted tent canopy.

There, we would feast on a cornucopia of Ruth Giles’ delicious cuisine. Although performances were not required at these gala events, the benevolent Broome never declined a request to sing in celebration of the holiday.

Broome honored my mother in 1994 with a compelling rendition of Witness at her retirement celebration banquet, held at the Sheraton Hotel in Pompano Beach. After singing the words of the refrain, “Ain’t that a witness for my Lord; ain’t that a witness for my Lord,” Broome stunned the audience by boldly pointing to my mother,

HIV does discriminate: The worldwide fight against stigma and discrimination (Cont'd from FP) Instead, Melbourne featured a shift away from focusing on generalized epidemics— defined as when more than 1 percent of the population in a geographic area or demographic group is living with HIV—to a more pronounced emphasis on drilling down to what are called “key affected populations.”

Why? Around the world, there is positive news: Although 35 million people are living with HIV, UNAIDS is reporting the lowest levels of new HIV infections this century. AIDS-related deaths are at their lowest since the peak in 2005, having declined by 35 percent. And even in hard-hit sub-Saharan Africa, 90 percent of people who know their HIV status are receiving lifesaving treatment.

Despite this flurry of good news about the epidemic, HIV has grabbed hold and taken root in several key groups. To put it simply, although the idea that HIV doesn’t discriminate has long been a public health mantra, it actually does.

Globally, HIV prevalence is: · * 12 times higher among sex workers than among the rest of the adult population.

· * 19 times higher among gay men and other MSM. In the U.S., African American gay, bisexual and other MSM represent 72 percent of new infections among all African American men, and more new HIV infections occur among young Black gay and bisexual men than among any other subgroup of gay and bisexual men. · * 28 times higher among people who inject drugs. · * 49 times higher among transgender women than among the rest of the adult population. In the U.S., Black transgender women have the highest percentage of new HIV-positive test results among all transgender people. In New York City, approximately 90 percent of transgender women newly diagnosed with HIV are African American or Latino.

And these are the groups that are most often ignored, shamed and discriminated against, even by the laws and authorities that are supposed to protect them. In the words of Michel Sidibé, the executive director of UNAIDS, “There will be no ending AIDS without putting people first, without ensuring that people living with and affected by the epidemic are part of a new movement.”

And the signage at the conference—”No Barriers,” “No Exceptions,” “Nobody Left Behind”—offered an explicit acknowledgment of the emphasis on key affected populations.

I came to understand the issues of three of the groups— sex workers, MSM and trans women—by ignoring what I was taught 12 years ago and talking and listening to real people. (Injection drug users and their advocates were not as widespread in Melbourne, partially because the tragedy of the plane shot down over Ukraine right before the conference kept many representatives from Eastern Europe at home. Injecting drugs drives the epidemic in that region, particularly in Russia and Ukraine.) It wasn’t difficult: MSM, transgender women and sex workers were front and center and eager to be heard.

Linda Villarosa has covered HIV/AIDS since the early days of the epidemic and has attended the International AIDS Conference six times. She traveled to Melbourne as a volunteer reporter for Black AIDS Daily with her daughter, Kali.

the guest of honor, and emphatically proclaimed at the end of the song, “There’s another witness! There’s another witness! There’s another witness for my Lord!” He held that last forceful note in vibrato for a considerable length of time and received a thunderous ovation for his memorable virtuoso performance. I knew at that moment I would be a fond admirer of the dynamic Broome for the rest of my life.

Most recently, Broome joined my parents, Al and Ruth Giles, and me on a brief journey to hear and see the Reverend Joel Osteen speak at the Miami Marlins Arena. Unforeseeable mobility challenges upon our entering the facility led to the arena’s management graciously transporting us to the comfortable “VIP” seating area, which gave us the rare oportunity to meet and greet Pastor Osteen away from the crowd after his sermon.

Upon meeting the pastor, the always congenial Broome warmly grasped the pastor’s hand with both of his hands and told the Reverend Osteen how very much he enjoyed the pastor’s popular television sermons each Sunday.

Those who knew Broome best were most assuredly blessed by his kindness, patience and sensitivity. On our brief road trips to various events, Broome rode in the back seat, sitting next to my mother, his dear longtime friend. Mom’s dementia will often cause her to ask the same question several times in a row.

But dear Mr. Broome consistently demonstrated the highest level of sensitivity and patience by answering her inquiries as if he were hearing each question for the first time.

I will always appreciate Broome for treating my mother with unparalleled kindness and respect. He would cheerfully reminisce with Mom about the fun they had carpooling to work in Deerfield each day, which was usually faster than the speed limit when it was her turn to drive.

I also appreciated Broome’s genuine thoughtfulness. When I earned my doctorate degree, he took my parents and me to Lone Star Steakhouse in Hollywood to celebrate. At the end of our scrumptious meal, Broome excused himself from the table.

To our surprise, he returned a short time later with an exquisite arrangement of fresh flowers. He told me, “Yvette, you are now a doctor, and your accomplishment should be celebrated!” We later learned that Broome had taken the flowers to the restaurant several hours earlier that day and had asked the staff to hide them until he would retrieve the arrangement later that evening.

Broome had a fondness for sending fresh flowers to his family and close friends and had built a special relationship through the years with the Pink Pussycat Flower Shop in Plantation. We surmised that Broom’s illness was likely the reason my mother did not receive her customary Mother’s Day floral arrangement from him earlier this year.

The employees of Pink Pussycat were deeply saddened to hear of Broome’s passing, remarking that his presence brightened the room each time he entered and adding that he would be profoundly missed.

The shop’s owner and manager, Linda, who could not attend Broome’s wake or funeral, asked

The late John L. Broome would have turned 86 on Aug. 18 of this year. me to gently touch his lapel at the viewing and say the words, “Linda loves you.”

John L. Broome made life a celebration by honoring his friends, family, church, community and the world with his gift of song, cheerful spirit, thoughtful nature, selfless deeds and compassionate heart. His passing has left an unfillable void in the lives of those who loved him. My parents, Al and Ruth Giles, and I are grateful to have known this kind, gracious, humble man, who joyfully honed and shared his extra-ordinary vocal talents with the world. We honor the memory of our dear friend, John L. Broome.

We commemorate his birthday and celebrate his life!

YOU HAVE READ THE REST, NOW READ THE BEST. CALL AND SUSCRIBE TO YOUR VOICE IN YOUR COMMUNITY THE WESTSIDE GAZETTE (954) 525-1489

Page 6 • www.thewestsidegazette.com • August 14 - August 20, 2014

Opinion

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

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.

“What thou done? The voice of thy brother’s blood crieth unto Me from the ground.”

(Genesis 4:10) Some of us were thinking that justice may finally have been served. We were thinking such because of the guilty verdict that came down in the trial of Theodore Wafer who was charged with murder in the shooting of Renisha McBride.

Ms. McBride was shot by Mr. Wafer after getting into a car accident, becoming disoriented because of the acci-

dent and no doubt because of the drugs and alcohol in her system, then stepping onto the porch of the Wafer house, pounding on the door looking for help.

Mr. Wafer opened his front door and shot her with a shotgun. He was found guilty of murder, manslaughter and a felony weapons charge. The guilty verdict of murder ended the refusal by juries to find white men guilty of murdering young Black people no matter how clear the circumstances of the homicide were. And while the verdict could never erase what happened to Trayvon Martin and Jordan Russell and Eric Garner, I had hoped that the

courts might be serving a warning to those who believe killing Black people is a prerogative not a crime.

It’s proving to be a baseless hope.

Michael Brown, 18-years-old, is now added to the too long list of young Black males killed just because. This time it was once more the police who did the shooting. A policeman from Ferguson, MO, a suburb of St. Louis, shot and killed Michael Brown reportedly while Brown had his hands in the air. Shot him several times. As usual, there are reports of a long standing antagonism between the Black community and the local police depart-

Charlie Crist going after the Black vote in Florida Governor’s race

By Roger Caldwell The Black vote will start determining the winner in many statewide races around the country. In the 2012 election the Black women vote was the larg- CALDWELL est voting segment in the country.

When Black men realize their voting power and partnering with Black women, they will create a block that will determine the outcomes in many major races.

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

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

A PROUD PAPER FOR A PROUD PEOPLE SERVING BROWARD, DADE & PALM BEACH COUNTIES 545 N.W. 7th Terrace, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box 5304, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33310

PROUD MEMBER OF THE: NATIONAL NEWSPAPER PUBLISHER’S ASSOCIATION (NNPA) FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF BLACK OWNED MEDIA (FABOM) AND

SOUTHEASTERN AFRICAN AMERICAN PUBLISHER’S ASSOCIATION (SAAPA)

HOW TO REACH US: (954) 525-1489 ● Fax: (954) 525-1861 The WESTSIDE GAZETTE is published WEEKLY by Bi-Ads, Inc./dba WESTSIDE GAZETTE at 545 N.W. 7th Terrace, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33311. Subscription price: $40.00 annually or .50¢ per copy.

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

E-MAIL ADDRESSES: MAIN wgazette@thewestsidegazette.com PUBLISHER westside-gazette@att.net EDITOR pamlewis@thewestsidegazette.com WEBSITE: www.thewestsidegazette.com

Like Us & Find Us On FACEBOOK Westside Gazette Newspaper and Follow Us On TWITTER @_westsidebiads TWITTER@_westsidebiads

Governor Scott has dismissed the Black vote as if it does not exist, and Charlie Crist has taken the opposite strategy and approach. Charlie Crist is opening campaign headquarters in Black communities, and this will make a difference in getting the Black vote out during a mid-term election. Historically, the Black vote has been more effective during a presidential election cycle, but all the experts are watching this mid-term election very closely.

Last week, Charlie Crist drew a crowd of 200 supporters to the opening of his campaign office on Sistrunk Boulevard. This is the main street in the Black community, in northwest Fort Lauderdale, and two other Black candidates have offices in the building. Thaddeus Hamilton, who is running for Florida Commissioner of Agriculture, and incumbent Alcee Hastings, running for U.S. House of Representatives, both have offices in the building.

In order to become Florida’s governor as a Democrat, Crist must convince Blacks and minorities that he will allow them to sit at the table and be involved in his campaign. Many

Half-rule mentality

By Kay Lee I have pegged a new term for a devastating issue in the Black community, “HALF-RULE MENTALITY”.

We rather figuratively throw away money than dare help another Black person if they’re not offering us at least half off. We don’t support each other’s business, rather help corporate America advance (and add wealth to their families) than each other. We only encourage or uplift each other when it’s convenient, comfortable or will be publicly recognized. I wonder if we would change our mentality if we were aware that of all races the least

Sensible Sue

Prove me wrong Another young Black male gunned down in the street but y’all ain’t gonna do nothing about it....

Okay, so here we are once again, back in what has become a common place in this land that we live in called America. Another young, Black male, with the entire world ahead of him has been gunned down, and once again people are outraged and taking to the streets. Michael Brown, and his friend never expected in a million years, that one of them would die at the hands of a police officer because of a simple stroll down the street.

The protest since Michael’s death have been rampant, and people are outraged as they should be, but the reality of it, as angry as you people claim to be, and as much as you pour out onto the streets and chant “No justice, no peace”, and “Don’t shoot me.”, we all know that nothing more can be expected of you.

Black and minority youth are gunned down in the streets of the United States every single day, and those that are systematically snuffing us out, are doing so with the knowledge that y’all Negroes ain’t going to do a

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.

Follow the leader

By Lucius Gantt

“It never seems to change”

By Pastor Rasheed Z Baaith

The Gantt Report

believe that Alex Sink lost the race for governor in 2010, because she did not have a strategy for Blacks and Hispanics.

Anthony Man, a Sun Sentinel political reporter says, “A central element of Crist’s strategy against Republican Gov. Rick Scott in November is trying to boost turnout among Black voters, which tends to dip in midyear elections between presidential contests.” It will be very important that Crist has other campaign headquarters in Black neighborhoods around the state.

At this point in the campaign, many Blacks are concerned and hesitant about Crist’s change from Republican to Democrat. When Crist opens Black neighborhood campaign headquarters, he must spend money with Black outreach volunteers and put Blacks in leadership positions. Blacks are tired of seeing young white political activists getting paid, making decisions, and trying to build partnerships in Black communities.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com) amount of money stays in the Black community. I wish this “half-rule mentality” was limited to formally uneducated Blacks...but IT'S NOT... many, many “EDUCATED” Blacks are plagued with this same mentality.

What will it take for us to see the potential we have? Why do we think society works soooo hard to institutionally oppress us? And we just allow it. I honestly think my missing desire to bare children is less about my confidence in my nurturing capabilities and more about wanting to spare another Black child from being subjected to the oppressed, slave, crabs in a bucket mentality all these “free” Blacks walk around here with. I’ll pray for y'all and your children to. #LOVEMORE #THROWSHADELESS damn thing about it, because the mechanism that they use to murder us with is one that you people absolutely refuse to engage yourselves in, or educate yourselves about, and that is the United States political system.

There are far too many minorities running around this land who still don’t understand that the callous, malicious, and deliberate things that keep on happening to us is because of us, and the one thing that we don’t do, and that is vote. Now before any of you decide that want to send me some hate mail or a hate tweet, here is something for you to consider. Yes, some of you folks did well, and actually got up off of your behinds to elect Barack Obama to the presidency two times, but let’s face it you have been sitting on your dead, lazy, ignorant behinds ever since.

The modern day minority and his ignorance and complacency in regards to politics is a Republican’s muse, a tea party member’s amusement, a self appointed cops mechanism, and a bigot’s dream. I could really care less if y’all get upset because I dare to pull out a piece of paper and a pen and write down the truth about US, but it really is past time for a hard dose of reality.

The reason that the NRA (National Rifle Association) has such a strong hold in our government, and the reason that people like Grover Norquist , a person that has never been elected to any public office, controls the actions of congress is because of the fact that you people chose to stay home during off year elections, and that is why we have a do nothing congress that is made up of right winged nuts, and home grown terrorist, whose only desire and goal in this life is to destroy and irradiate any human that does not look and act like them.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

ment and as usual there are promises of a “thorough investigation” that will be conducted by an outside agency.

Yet the question for us is when do we as a BAAITH people finally realize that America’s perspective on the value of young, Black life is the same today as it was in the ante bellum south. It sees our young people as having little or no value unless they can run, jump, or entertain on command. They do not mind seeing them murdered for whatever reason is offered by their killers.

The victims are judged to be worthy of their execution no matter the circumstances of their death.

And apparently we don’t care like we should either. Outside of a few folk, we are not angry or hurt or tired enough to do all we can to protect our children. It’s not enough we allow them to be mis-educated or warehoused in prison, now we are watching as they are killed almost daily by the authorities, by racists who shoot them because they feel their radio is too loud or feel threatened because they have Skittles in one hand and ice tea in the other and of course by each other. Because young Black folk like almost everybody else don’t value Black life either.

There are those of course who will feel I’m over reacting. I don’t think so.

We were in a position where we had to worry about our sons but the murder of Renisha McBride shows that now we have to worry about our daughters as well. It is apparent that anyone young and Black, regardless of gender is thought of as a legitimate target of murderous opportunity. And it won’t stop until we stop it.

China dominated USAfrica Summit

By George E. Curry NNPA Columnist Although the continent of Africa has 54 CURRY countries, the nation that received the most attention at last week’s US-Africa Summit in Washington, D.C. was China. That’s because the U.S. is trying to catch up with and surpass the Asian superpower.

Africa has six of the top 10 fastestgrowing economies: Angola, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Chad, Mozambique, and Rwanda. From 2011-2015, Africa is expected to hold seven of the top 10 spots: Ethiopia, Mozambique, Tanzania, Congo, Ghana, Zambia and Nigeria.

Suddenly, instead of being viewed through the outdated prism of stereotypes – war, famine, disease, corruption – Africa is an attractive place to do business. That was evident when President Obama announced $33 billion in government and private sector investment in Africa – $12 billion in new commitments.

In a speech to nearly 50 African heads of state and top officials at the U.S.-Africa Summit, President Obama said: “As president, I’ve made it clear that the United States is determined to be a partner in Africa’s success – a good partner, an equal partner, and a partner for the long term.”

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

Every day now it seems like some Black man or some Black woman is being falsely accused, overcharged, beaten, choked or shot down in broad day GANTT light!

After almost every incident somebody rushes to Facebook or Twitter to post what Black community members should do in response to neighborhood atrocities.

We are told not to protest, don’t fight, don’t burn, don’t loot, don’t riot, don’t participate in civil disturbances, don’t get involved in mayhem and don’t treat perpetrators the way perpetrators treat Black victims!

We are, however, told to follow our leaders!

Well, all of the “leaders” that I know were either self appointed or given their leadership titles by enemies of the Black community like the imperialist press, better known as majority media outlets!

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

Blacks missing from U.S.Africa Business forum

By Raynard Jackson NNPA Columnist President Obama hosted the first ever U.S.-Africa Business forum last week here JACKSON in Washington, D.C. Leading up to the conference, the U.S. Commerce Department announced:, “On August 5, 2014, Bloomberg Philanthropies and the U.S. Department of Commerce will co-host the first-ever U.S.-Africa Business Forum, a day focused on trade and investment opportunities on the continent. The U.S.Africa Business Forum will be part of President Obama’s U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, the first summit of its kind, and the largest event that any U.S. President has ever convened with African heads of state or government.”

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

Child Watch Migrant children: Innocent victims of the U.S. war on drugs

By Marian Wright Edelman NNPA Columnist Bishop Minerva Carcaño, the Los Angeles Area Resident Bishop of the United Methodist Church, is acting with WRIGHT urgency. Along with more than 100 other religious leaders and activists, she was arrested for civil disobedience at the White House for protesting the deportation of the unaccompanied children crossing our border after fleeing from the brutal violence and poverty of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras.

A few days earlier, she visited Port Hueneme Naval Base in Oxnard, California for the second time and met some of the hundreds of migrant children temporarily housed there. Joining her this time were Bishop J. Jon Bruno of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, Robert Ross of the California Endowment, and Fred Ali of the Weingart Foundation.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

Low Black employment To Be Equal in Hi Tech Silicon Valley 50 years after the Civil

By Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. NNPA Columnist The nation’s digital technology and social media companies are helping to transform how people throughout the world communicate and CHAVIS do business. In the process, Silicon Valley has become more than a geographical headquarter for digital and social media companies. It’s where cutting edge technological research is being conducted.

There are, however, some glaring contradictions and serious disparity issues involving some of the most financially profitable social media companies in the world. They are the issues of economic inequality and inequity. The companies lead the world in technology but ranks at the bottom when it comes to workforce inclusiveness and overall economic fairness toward Black Americans and Latino Americans.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

Rights Act of 1964

By Marc H. Morial NNPA Columnist “The purpose of the law is simple…those who are equal before God shall MORIAL now also be equal in the polling booths, in the classrooms, in the factories, and in hotels, restaurants, movie theaters, and other places that provide service to the public.”

– President Lyndon B. Johnson, July 2, 1964 July 2 marked the 50th anniversary of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s signing of the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964 that outlawed discrimination and segregation based on race, color, religion, sex or national origin.

First introduced by President John F. Kennedy shortly before his 1963 assassination, the Civil Rights Act also offered greater protections for the right to vote and paved the way for another historic achievement one year later – the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

August 14 - August 20, 2014 • www.thewestsidegazette.com • Page 7

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

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

Bishop Victor T. Curry Senior Pastor/Teacher

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

WORSHIP SERVICES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Harris Chapel United Methodist Church Rev. Juana Jordan, M.Div E-MAIL:juana.jordan@flumc.org 2351 N.W. 26th Street Oakland Park, Florida 33311 Church Telephone: (954) 731-0520 Church Fax: (954) 731-6290

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

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

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

Mount Calvary Baptist Church

800 N.W. 8th Avenue Pompano Beach, Florida 33060 Church Telephone: (954) 943-2422 Church Fax: (954) 943-2186

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

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

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

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

Rev. Cal Hopkins.

M.Div) Senior Pastor/Teacher

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

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

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

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

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

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

Obituaries Elijah Bell's Funeral Services EVANS Funeral services for the late Ricky Evans.

JOSEPH Funeral services for the late Dylan Joseph.

MCKENZIE Funeral services for the late Gladstone McKenzie.

ROSALVA Funeral services for the late Ruth Rosalva.

James C. Boyd Funeral Home ANJON Funeral services for the late Pablo Anjon – 65 were held Aug. 1.1 Interment: Our Lady of Mercy.

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.

ANJON Funeral services for the late Venus Anjon – 65 were held Aug. 11. Interment: Our Lady of Mercy.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where the kingdom of God is increased through Fellowship.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BLAKE Funeral services for the late Everton Lloyd Blake – 64 were held Aug. 9 at James C. New Bethel Primitive Baptist Church is prayerfully searching for a Minister of Music to lead and develop our music ministry. Our music ministry currently consists of two adult choirs, one young adult choir, one youth choir, and one male chorus. We currently have two worship services (7:45 AM and 11:30 AM), and the Minister of Music will work on average 12-15 hours weekly.

You can find more information about New Bethel Church, the qualifications, and responsibilities of this opportunity at our website www.newbethelpbchurch.org If you are interested in applying you may mail your resume to 1100 NW 29th Terrace Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 or you may email your resume to newbethelpbchurch@gmail.com For specific questions you may call our church office at (954)792-2440 and leave a message if no one is available.

Local inspirational teacher, Brenton Owen Wan, dies at 60

By Dedrick D. Henry, Sr. The South Plantation English teacher of eight years was described by his students and peers as a quiet, strong and very inspirational individual.

On July 25, Wan died of cancer, a day after his 60th birthday. Wan earned his degree in theology from West Indies College in Jamaica and his master’s in communications at Florida International University in 1997. Having documented his childhood and adolescent years due to his love for photography along with his Jamaican culture and American traditions tied to knowledge and his love for others were over-exceeding.

Having lived next to the love of his life and dated her for four years while growing in

Boyd’s Memorial Chapel Bishop Jeffrey Webb officiating.

Henry Fuller Goodwin officiating.

Interment: Forest Lawn Central.

MCKENZIE Funeral services for the late Peter McKenzie – 70 were held Aug. 9 at Greater Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church with Pastor Chedrly Culpepper officiating. Interment: Hollywood Memorial Gardens North.

HOOKS Funeral services for the late Johnnie Lee Hooks, Sr.- 83 were held Aug. 6 at McWhite’s Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Ricky Scott officiating.

PEW Funeral services for the late Deacon Homer Pew, Sr. – 82 were held Aug. 9 at Mount Hermon AME Church with Rev. Homer Pew, Jr. officiating. Interment: Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens (Central).

REYNOLDS Funeral services for the late Johnny Ren Reynolds – 72 were held Aug. 9 at Carthedral Church of God with Elmore Reynolds officiating. Interment: Pineview Cemetery.

SCOTT Funeral services the late Mr. Douglas Scott – 82.

SMITH Funeral services for the late Baby Boy Chance Daniel Smith.

McWhite's Funeral Home ARTHUR Funeral services for the late Dominick Arthur- 24 were held Aug. 9 at Fire Baptist and Truth with Elder

JAMERSON Funeral services for the late Sam Jamerson – 89 were held Aug. 9 at McWhite’s Funeral Home Chapel with Prophet Curtis L. Bradford officiating. Interment: South Florida National Cemetery.

SLAUGHTER Funeral services for the late Leroy Slaughter – 63 were held Aug. 9 at McWhite’s Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Joseph Wells officiating. Interment: Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens Central.

WALKER Funeral services for the late Harvey Lee Walker, Jr. – 67 were held Aug. 9 at McWhite’s Funeral Home Chapel Pastor Melvin Copeland officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Roy Mizell & Kurtz Funeral Home GIPSON Funeral services for the late Susan Smith Gipson - 57 were held Aug. 8 at National Church of God with Pastor Billy Langley officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Montego Bay, Jamaica, Wan chose to marry, Yvonne June Dalley, in 1979. And in this union they had two sons, Kearey and Andrew. The two grew in every aspect of a true and sincere relationship from friends to life partners having endured each other for 35 years of true love. They moved to South Florida and raised their children in Miramar, Fla. During his fight with cancer Wan made an emotional and motivational speech to Keary, his son, and his gratefulness of being there to be apart of the wedding.

Wan was greatly adored at South Plantation and will truly be missed, his inspiration was truly his best characteristic, he motivated and inspired. Wan is survived by his wife, sons and in-laws, his mother, Lasil Hyacinth Wan, and brothers Cornell, Frederick and Orville.

JOHNSON Funeral services for the late Pinkey Lee Johnson - 88 were held Aug. 9 at New Mount Olive Baptist Church with Dr. Marcus D. Davidson officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Casey Myers Funeral Services ALTMAN Funeral services for the late Michael Altman.

CIRONE Funeral services for the late James Cirone.

FUTCH Funeral services for the late Abbie Futch.

MYERS Funeral services for the late Freddie Myers.

WALKER Funeral services for the late Thomas Walker.

YOUNG Funeral services for the late Kevin Young.

A Family That Prays Together, Stays Together

Page 8 • www.thewestsidegazette.com • August 14 - August 20, 2014

BUSINESS

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

UNITY IN THE COMMUNITY DIRECTORY

24 Hour Good Neighbor Service

Se habla espanol

Johnnie Smith, Jr Jr..

Enrolled Agent Tax Professional F ranchise T ax P rofessional *T ax P reparation *Accounting *P ayroll *Tax Preparation *Payroll 3007 W W.. Commercial Blvd., Suite 204 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 Tel. (954) 730-2226 - Fax: (954) 730-2036 Cell (954) 303-5779 johnnie.smith@hrblock.com .hrblock.com www www.hrblock.com

STS TAX SERVICES INC. in association with

Eric L. Wilson Owner

4631 West Hallandale Beach Blvd Hollywood, FL 33023 (954) 391-8731 wilsonmortuary@yahoo.com

FUNdraising Good Times

The First 72 – don’t kill your fundraising

By Pearl and Mel Shaw

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

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

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

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

ROSCHELL J. FRANKLIN, Jr.

rjfl@aol.com

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

IT PAYS TO ADVERTISE IN THE WESTSIDE GAZETTE CALL -- (954) 525-1489 FOR MORE INFO

Asking for a donation to your nonprofit is one component of fundraising. How that gift is processed once it is received is another. Both are important.

Your actions can strengthen a donor relationship, or contribute to its demise. “The First 48” is a TV crime show that stresses the importance of the first 48 hours to the overall criminal investigation. Create guidelines

Pearl and Mel Shaw for “The First 72” to keep fundraising on track. Letting gifts “pile up” and processing them once every week or two may appear efficient, but this process may require investigation!

Here are questions to answer when creating your First 72.

Is this a new donor or returning donor? If a new donor, ensure all contact information is entered or imported into database. If you know who solicited or referred the donor, record that information. If a returning donor, ensure contact information is up to date, name is spelled correctly, and you are not inadvertently creating duplicate donors. (Don’t laugh...

Andrea Johnson, Andrea Tammy Johnson and Tammy Johnson may all be the same person!)

Who should thank the donor? Is an email enough? When should you send a letter? Who should sign it? Should a telephone call be made? By whom?

Figure these things out in advance, and be consistent.

Copyright 2014 – Mel and Pearl Shaw Mel and Pearl Shaw position nonprofits, colleges and universities for fundraising success. For help with your campaign visit www.saadandshaw.com or call (901) 522-8727.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

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

August 14 - August 20, 2014 • www.thewestsidegazette.com • Page 9

Judicial candidates embrace controversy, questions and answers at forum

Members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Dade County Alumni Chapter.

By Derek Joy They assembled at New Birth Faith of Cathedral where the signs above the pulpit held some reverent words.

“Walking in the favor of God - Luke 4:19,” read the words on the sign above with

the words “The Year of Divine Favor.”

Thus began the forum hosted by the Gwen S. Cherry Black Women Lawyers Association (GSCBWLA), the Dade County Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority, Inc., and the National Action Network (NAN), South

Florida Chapter.

“It’s raining, it’s ugly outside and you’re here, that’s a testament to how incredibly important it is to be aware of the issues,” said Cynthia Henry Duvall, president of GSCBWLA. Thomas A. Cobitz and Ste-

Education expert says Black kids really need to be home-schooled

phen T. Millan in Group 16; Circuit Judge Rodney “Rod” Smith and Christian Carrazana in Group 26; Mary C. Gomez and Alberto Milian in Group 27; Oscar Rodriguez Fonts and Martin Zilber in Group 58; Judge Fleur Lobree and Mavel Ruiz in Group 67; Veronica Diaz in Group 70; County Judge Nuria Saenz and Victoria Ferrer in Group 36; Judge Jacqueline Schwartz and Rachel G. Dooley in Group 19 appeared for the question and answer session.

Karen Wiggins, president of the Dade County Alumni Chapter of Delta Sigma Sorority, Inc. and Kisha’sha Sharp of the South Florida Chapter of NAN, welcomed the candidates, gave a bio-sketch of their respective organizations while highlighting their roles in organizing and hosting the forum.

Kadisha Phelps, a Board Member of GSCBWLA, was the moderator. She asked some piercing questions for the candidate’s field. One such question was what life example experience under stress prepared you with the temperament to be a judge?

“Raising children every day,” said Zilber, while noting he has

raised two children into adulthood.

The question of the day was "Do you think it’s important for a judge to be a team player?" brought opposing responses from the Group 36 participants.

Judge Saenz answered, “Yes,” while Ferrer said, “A judge cannot be a team player. The focus should be the rule of law.

It must be about justice.”

The drama waxed thicker when Smith and Carrazana responded to questions from Phelps. They were asked, "How will electing you improve the administration of justice?"

“I’m qualified,” said Smith, adding “The Cuban American Bar Association rated me as 98 percent qualified and rated my opponent (Carrazana) 91 percent unqualified. You can’t substitute experience for the experiment.”

Carrazana heatedly responded, “The only reason I’m running against Judge Smith is because of his decisions in insurance cases during the past two years. Many say I’m running against him because of race. It’s not. It’s because of his decisions.”

Carrazano encouraged the audience to further look into

Circuit Judge Rodney “Rod” Smith. why Smith has accepted “$150,000 in campaign contributions from insurance companies.”

Such was the testy nature of opponents in all but the Group 58 candidates - RodriguezFonts and Zilber.

When asked how the court deals with race and gender bias, Rodriguez Fonts said, “I’m sure it exists. It’s never been blatant.

If I saw it I would definitely call out the person.”

Zilber, said, “A lot of it has to do with the individual. We’ve come a long way but we need to improve.”

Air Force Officer wins Miss Black USA 2014 Title Miss Black Colorado Jasmine Alexander is named Miss Black USA

By Krystle Crossman Home-schooling can be beneficial to all children, but more so minority children than white children. Racism abounds at public schools and the students suffer because of it. Writer Antonio Buehler says that these are some standout reasons that Black children should be homeschooled: 1. Black students are more segregated to lower performing schools than other races. There are 27,000 high schools in the country. 1,700 of those schools are deemed as the worst-performing schools in the country.

One-third of the Black high school student population attends these schools. These 1,700 schools produce 50 percent of the dropouts out of all 27,000 schools. The current dropout rate for Black students in 51 percent and it is no wonder when taking into account the schools that so many of them attend.

2. Private schools are not often an option. There are programs where students from lower income families can get scholarships and vouchers for the tuition at a private school, but the second that they enter the school they are one of very few poor children in a sea of rich kids and that can also be damaging for that child.

3. Public schools do not hold Black students to high standards. Many of them feel that

READ THE WESTSIDE GAZETTE IT'S YOUR VOICE IN YOUR COMMUNITY!

they are going to do poorly anyway and so they do not expect much from the minority students. This is very damaging in several ways. The student will think that they are never going to be successful or even smart.

They may think that they shouldn’t even bother trying since no one thinks that they can accomplish anything anyway. They may even carry that feeling on after school into the real world and underachieve.

They are so often made to feel that they have no potential in the academic world that they don’t even want to try and don’t realize how successful they can be.

4. Home-schooling is just a better option and will drive more success than public schooling.

When they learn about history they can learn Black history which is all too often left out in public schools. They don’t have to deal with racism. They do not have to be made out as the underachiever that will never do anything with their lives. They can realize their full potential and go on to do great things.

The Miss Black USA Pageant and Scholarship Foundation recently announced Miss Black Colorado Jasmine Alexander as the new Miss Black USA 2014.

On Sunday night at the University of the District of Columbia Performing Arts Center in Washington, D.C., a distinguished panel of judges chose Alexander for top honors out of 25 contestants from across the nation. Alexander is a 26-yearold Air Force Intelligence Officer stationed at Peterson Air Force Base.

In 2013, Alexander was deployed to Afghanistan on a special mission to provide pertinent information to the troops to secure their safety. Immediately after being crowned, Alexander said, “As a member of the Armed Forces and now as Miss Black USA, I can’t think of a better way to serve my country.”

The newly crowned beauty queen will use her reign to promote the Heart Truth campaign to raise awareness of heart disease. “One in every four women die of heart disease and we really need to push fitness, healthy living, and a healthy lifestyle so that will be one of the first endeavors I undertake as Miss Black USA,” explains Alexander.

Alexander’s Miss Black USA prize package included a $5,000 scholarship and a trip to Africa.

She holds a B.A. in Mass Communications and a Master’s degree in Human Services and

Executive Leadership from Liberty University. Alexander is also a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. The 2014 Miss Black USA pageant was sponsored by Arik International Airways, K. Khristian Michael, and the NYS Collection. Please contact Carita Parks at carita@parks-pr.com or (571) 403-1596 for interview requests.

Winner: Miss Black Colorado, Jasmin Alexander; First

Runner up: Miss Black Tennessee Gabrielle Lewis; Second Runner up: Miss Black California, Jasmine Johnson; Third Runner up: Miss Black Ohio, Terra Strong; Fourth Runner up: Miss Black Washington, Alexandra Morton; Founder’s Award: Miss Black Kentucky, LaPrecious Brewer; Community Service Award: Miss Black Maryland, DeJanee Fennell; Miss Congeniality: Miss

Black Alabama, Jessica Alexander and Miss Talented Teen 2014: Miss Black California, Kylee Johnson.

The Miss Black USA Pageant and Scholarship Foundation, Inc. is a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to provide educational opportunities to outstanding young women of color. The Miss Black USA Pageant was founded by Karen Arrington in 1986.

10 • www.thewestsidegazette.com • August 14 - August 20, 2013

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

Miami Dolphins host Media day at Sun Life Stadium

By Dedrick D. Henry, Sr. Several high school football players from surrounding Dade and Broward County high schools enjoyed their Saturday at Sun Life Stadium in Miami, Florida where the Miami Dolphins hosted a high school media day. Players from Dillard, Stranahan, St. Thomas Aquinas, Plantation, Deerfield Beach, Flanagan, Miramar, Monarch, Blanche Ely, and Cardinal Gibbons High Schools just to name a few all enjoyed this awesome experience. Each high school in atten-

dance had at least five players to participate in the event and even some coaches chose to participate like Monarch coach Calvin Davis and Nova’s new coach Frank Helper.

The players engaged in interviews, photo shoots and even had the opportunity to visit the Dolphin’s locker room for a live press conference at the podium.

Players were questioned about this season’s expectations, college commitments and experiences as high school football players. Players taunted one another about this coming season and

Hip Hop Corner

LL hasn’t lost his street cred

By Jineea Butler NNPA Columnist I had the honor of sitting in on LL Cool Jay’s private listening session in New York City.

He was previewing excerpts from his upcoming release of the G.O.A.T II. When super producer Alize Jones from Beatbrokerz Ent. invited me to the session, I was thinking, what’s he trying to do with the hood? You would think that he would have lost some of his street cred being in Hollywood but he represented the evolution of Hip Hop. His demeanor was well versed and professional but his swag was hood. Everybody in the studio was Hip Hop, the vibe was Hip Hop, the love was Hip Hop, LL is Hip Hop. It was the ultimate atmosphere of what Hip Hop is supposed to look like. It was opportunity in the air. Young producers playing their best tracks for The Greatest of All Time?

LL checking for the tastemakers to whip their head back and forth? Where they do that at? I was waiting for Ashton Kutcher to pop out and say ‘You just got Punked.’

It wasn’t until he spoke about what he was trying to accomplish with the project did I understand that he is the Greatest of All Time. LL said that he realized New York’s voice was missing on the Hip Hop scene and he wanted to use his celebrity status to reach back to those who didn’t get an opportunity to step in while the South manhandled the airwaves. Only a real MC can understand that no matter where you at in life, if the place that birthed you is not all right, then you are not all right. His sincerity was written all over his face, he knew

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

August 7, 14, 21, 28, 2014

that it was his duty to revive something that was the cornerstone of his BUTLER heart. New York Hip Hop. Being the GOAT is about more than just making music.

I remember LL from as far back as the movie, “Krush Groove.” The infamous scene where he bust into the audition with Jam Master Jay, Rick Rubin, Jekyll and Hyde and they told him no more artists.

LL motioned to signal, “I’m not trying to hear what you saying.” and turned to his hype man, I believe it was B, holding the Boom Box and yelled ‘BOX.’ He was so intense that Jam Master Jay reached for his gun.

But LL kept rocking and won them over in a matter of seconds because he spit Hip Hop. That’s the true essence of Hip Hop, digging deep and producing something that you love.

LL’s kick in the door mentality is what many have forgotten in Hip Hop. (Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

FOR RENT APARTMENT FOR RENT 2425 N.W. 8th Place -- 2 Bedrooms/1 Bath -- $850/month.

Section 8 Welcome. (954) 9149166.

APARTMENT FOR RENT 2425 N.W. 8th Place -- 3 Bedrooms/1 Bath -- $950/month.

Section 8 Welcome. (954) 9149166.

MISCELLANOUS C.N.A. HANDS ON TRAINING For $299 (Plus a free uniform) Tremendous medical opportunity certified training classes in: CNA, PHLEBOTOMY, EKG, PCT (PATIENT CARE TECHNICIAN) *** Elite Instructors*** Please call now for our special discounted rates…..

Your satisfaction and job placement guaranteed!!!!!!!!

Call now (954) 306-6488 Aug. 14, 2014

IN THE COUNTY COURT OF THE 17TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO: FMCE 14008372 DIVISION: 42-91 STANEITA HOLMES, Petitioner, and RONALD D. HOLMES, Respondent,

NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (NO CHILD OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT) TO: RONALD D. HOLMES (Respondent’s Last Known Address) 3517 S.W. 16 Court Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312 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 STANEITA HOLMES, whose address is 5321 S. W. Sixth Street, Plantation, Florida 33317 on or before September 8, 2014, and file the original with the Clerk of this Court at 201 Southeast Sixth Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301 Room 230 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 Dated July 24, 2014

By Randi B. Fischer, Deputy Clerk July 30, Aug. 7, 14, 28, 2014

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

Dillard footplayers clowning around in Miami Dolphins lockerroom.

last season’s triumphs and downfalls.

The excitement in the air was so thick that American Heritage QB Torrance Gibson attempted a front flip that looked more like a disfigured cart wheel that had the players in an uproar of laughter, and even Gibson could only laugh himself. Players took pictures of all they could grasp even engaging in photos with rival players and opposing opponents. And

of course, there were selfies being taken throughout the entire event. The boys really enjoyed the experience of actually being in the spotlight.

This year the high school football season will open on August 29, highlighting the season’s opening will be nationally ranked St. Thomas Aquinas ( No. 3) who will face off against ( No. 11) American Heritage at Sun Life Stadium.

ST AY CONNECTED STA www .thewestsidegazette.com www.thewestsidegazette.com LIKE US ON FFACEBOOK ACEBOOK FOLLOW US ON TWITTER and IG

August 14 - August 20, 2014 • www.thewestsidegazette.com • Page 11

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

‘Aunt Jemima’ family files two billion dollar lawsuit against Quaker Oats and Pepsi

By Naturally Moi The grandson of Aunt Jemima–Anna Short Harrington– has filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of himself and all of her great grandchildren.

DW Hunter has filed a two billion dollar lawsuit against

Quaker Oats, PepsiCo, Pinnacle Foods Group and The Hillshire Brands Company for using his great grandmother’s image without “equitable fair share of royalties.”

After Harrington took on the role of the Aunt Jemima character in 1935, her likeness was

used by the companies and a trademark was registered for it.

The lawsuit alleges that even though Harrington’s image was used for Aunt Jemima, the companies denied that she was ever an employee and exploited her image and recipes for profit.

Hunter also alleges that the

company lied when claiming it could not find an employment history for Harrington or images of her, since they trademarked her image.

According to The Wrap, the company also exploited the image of Harrington’s daughter as well: Harrington took on the role of the pre-existing character of Aunt Jemima in 1935. In 1937, the company first registered the trademark for the brand. She was allegedly selected because

By Krystle Crossman Dr. James L. Moore III and Dr. Chance W. Lewis collaborated together on a book that has gained national attention.

The book is titled African American Male Students in PreK-12 Schools. It is all about the struggles that Black students go through and how they are challenged every day while they are trying to learn. Along with explaining the challenges that

gestions to help reduce the number of Black male students who drop out of school and help them to get a better education and better mindset about themselves and the amazing things that they can accomplish. This is one of the biggest challenges as many schools tell these students that they will not go very far because statistics show that they can’t. This does not give these young men much hope for their futures and they end up feeling like they shouldn’t even try to succeed because they don’t believe that they can.

The book was published right after President Barack Obama released a White House initiative that is aimed at helping students of color to achieve whatever goals they wish to achieve and to help them realize that they can do this no matter what anyone else says. Lewis and other scholars will be speaking about these topics at a conference in Jamaica in November.

from Harrington.”

The lawsuit claims that the companies exploited Harrington’s lack of education by discouraging her from using an attorney during negotiations.

The suit claims that the companies not only used Harrington’s image, but also licensed it out to other companies for profit.

Harrington’s family learned in 2013 that Harrington’s image had been trademarked and are now seeking royalties.

Delores McKinley honored as a Prominent Black Professional in Business

Black scholars get 'aggressive' about speaking on challenges Black males have Black students face, they also have a few suggestions as to how educators can change this and provide a better learning experience for young Black male students.

David J. Johns who is the executive director for the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans, wrote the foreword in the book. He states that there are so many different challenges that face Black students in public schools today and there needs to be more of a focus on being college-bound. He says that the college-bound mindset should be spoken about as early as middle school. This is because many Black male students think that they will never go to college and will never be successful because of the statistics and biases that are always thrown at them.

The entire book is made up of statements and ideas from scholars all over the country.

They all bring forth new sug-

of her own pancake recipe, which the company recreated for the mass market.

According to the suit, Quaker Oats sought out Harrington’s youngest daughter Olivia Hunter in 1989, ultimately using her likeness to update the look of Aunt Jemima. It is this image that is used today on Aunt Jemima-branded products.

It’s not only about the images since the lawsuit accuses the companies of stealing “64 original formulas and 22 menus

McKINLEY Written by Earlene Striggles Horne Delores Y. McKinley, 201014 international treasurer of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority

Inc., was named one of Broward County’s 25 Most Influential and Prominent Black Women in Business and Leadership for 2014 by Legacy magazine. She is a member of the Zeta Rho Omega Chapter of the Sorority in Fort Lauderdale.

A certified public accountant, McKinley has worked in the profession for more than 37 years. She recently retired as manager of Internal Funds for the Office of the Chief Auditor for the Broward County School Board and previously worked as an auditor for the City of Miami and the U.S. Government Accounting Office.

McKinley has published articles about finances and accounting, and she has presented financial courses to AKA and other community organizations. Showcasing her finan-

cial acumen in a broader arena, McKinley was featured in Black Enterprise Magazine, and she appeared as an expert financial analyst on the televised Black Enterprise Business Report Program in June 2007.

McKinley is a member of two investment clubs, including the $I$ters Investing Seriously Investment Club and the Female Investment Group. A member of the Links, Inc., North Broward chapter and she is on the Inaugural Board of Directors for the Carlton B. Moore Freedom Foundation, Inc. In her spare time, she enjoys membership in the Red Hat Society.

McKinley will be featured in Legacy magazine’s women’s issue, which will be published on Aug. 22, 2014 and included in the Sun Sentinel.

A Plus Foundation’s first Emerald Awards Luncheon is a success

Blacks in the South and Midwest hurt most by jobless cuts

By Freddie Allen NNPA Washington Correspondent WASHINGTON, D.C. (NNPA) – When cash-strapped states in the South and Midwest slashed unemployment benefits after the Great Recession, claiming it was an effort to save money and boost the economy, they only succeeded in disproportionately hurting Black families already struggling to make ends meet.

In a recent analysis of the impact of state cuts to jobless benefits, the Economic Policy Institute reported that Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina and South Carolina decreased the total number of weeks that the unemployed could receive benefits to below 26 weeks, even though no other state had dipped below that mark in more than decade.

When Congress approved the Emergency Unemployment Compensation program in 2008, the overall employment rate was 5.6 percent and the long-term unemployment rate was one percent. But when Congress let the program expire in 2013, the jobless rate and the long-term unemployment rate were much higher; 6.7 percent and 2.5 percent, respectively.

The unemployment rate for Blacks was nearly 12 percent (11.9 percent) in December

2013, nearly twice the national average.

The eight states, primarily in the South and Midwest, moved ahead of Congress and cut the number of weeks that people could receive unemployment benefits citing the need to “shore up insolvent state accounts in the federal Unemployment Trust Fund (UTF),” according to the report.

Not only were UTFs in 27 other states also insolvent, the states that made the cuts experienced little to no benefits in their economy or labor force rates.

“The fact that you don’t see any significant effects of the cuts, positive or negative, was surprising to me,” said Valerie Wilson, an economist and director of the Economic Policy Institute’s Program on Race, Ethnicity, and the Economy (PREE) at the Economic Policy Institute.

Wilson said that states that made the cuts didn’t gain any labor market improvement, aside from what was already happening, and on the budget side, they didn’t save a lot of money either.

“The justification for doing it was really weak,” said Wilson.

“It makes a point that those decisions were made not necessarily for economic reasons, as much as they were politically driven.”

Wilson said that, on the other hand, the loss of income from

the jobless benefits was disproportionately borne by African American workers, because in those states where those benefit cuts were made, African Americans are a larger share of the workforce than their overall population.

In Georgia, Blacks accounted for roughly 31 percent of the labor force and 58.3 percent of the long-term unemployed, compared to whites who accounted for about 56 percent of the workforce and 35 percent of the longterm unemployed.

Even Missouri, where Blacks were only 10 percent of the labor force, they were 18.3 percent of the long-term unemployed, compared to whites who made up more than 83 percent of the labor force and about 73 percent of the long-term unemployed.

In a July 2013 report, the Urban Institute said that Blacks represented 10.5 percent of workers that held jobs and 22.6 percent of the long-term unemployed, nationwide.

Some state lawmakers have argued that extending unemployment insurance (UI) creates a class of citizens who would rather depend on the government than search for gainful employment.

The EPI report offered empirical evidence that proved otherwise, including 2011 research by Jesse Rothstein at the Goldman School of Public Policy and Department of Economics University of California that showed that “most of the effect of UI extensions on unemployment stems not from any barrier to job-finding introduced by these extensions, but from the inducement to workers to remain in active job-search, which means that they will be classified as unemployed rather than out of the labor force. UI extensions that keep workers engaged in active job-search not only do not harm job-finding rates, they may actually increase them by boosting workers’ job search intensity.”

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

A Plus Foundation Incorporated a 501 (C) 3 and charitable arm of Chi Psi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and first Emerald Awards Luncheon honoring church musicians for their service was a success. More than 300 were in attendance for this inaugural event held at Signature Grand.

Minister Vicki Flournoy of Mount Bethel Baptist Church served as the mistress of ceremonies. JAVEN, of Worship in the Now Ministries, was the featured guest speaker. He left the audience mesmerized and spellbound. His challenge is for all South Florida musicians to get together under one roof and have a South Florida sound, uniquely their own, recognizably when heard.

Honored church musicians included: Kyle Woodard of Ascension Peace Presbyterian, Eddie Butler of St. John United Methodist, Ministers Mark and Bonita McCarty of Redeeming Word Christian Center International, Shirley Miller of Macedonia Missionary Baptist, Anthony Carter of St. Christopher Episcopal, Minister Craig Walden of Mt. Bethel Baptist, Minister Carol Davis of St. Ruth Missionary Baptist, Shaun Williams of New Hope Missionary Baptist, Minister Eddie Robinson of New Mt. Olive Baptist, Eddie John of Mt. Hermon AME and Lauderhill SDA, Dr. Gloria Allen of Mt. Hermon AME, Emma Kern Black of First Baptist Church Piney Grove

and Royetta Townsel Tunnage of First Baptist Church Piney Grove.

Participants received a “keepsake” memorable DVD that included all the ads, patrons, personal acknowledgements and program agenda.

More than forty chapter members were in attendance for this auspicious occasion. Sorority members were in attendance from other chapters as well.

A special “thank you” is given to our sponsors, Gold: Pearson Always Learning, Title I Migrant Education and Special

Programs, Curriculum and Associates; Silver:Catapult Learning and Bronze: Broward College North Campus.

Proceeds from this event benefit the chapter’s scholarships as more than $12,000 is given annually to deserving Broward County High School graduating seniors. Moreover, the foundation and the chapter work in tandem to provide program services to the community.

Please plan to join us June 20, 2015 for our next Emerald Awards Luncheon.

Page 12 • www.thewestsidegazette.com • August 14 - August 20, 2014

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

Young Black political leaders emerge as triple threat

By Juliana Norwood Special to the NNPA from Our Weekly LOS ANGELES, CALIF. – Throughout the country, young, energetic, and passionate African American men and women are embracing opportunities for public service in politics. Voters have increasingly shown support for younger candidates – evidenced by the success of those persons elected to office locally while still in their 20s and 30s – and they are trusting these political newcomers to represent their interests at the state and local levels.

Youth, however, isn’t what is attractive about this new age of leadership. Instead, it is their

unwavering dedication to bring all of the best of what “Generation Y” has to offer to the forefront of the political spectrum. From their tech-savvy and keen ability to think outside of the box, to their unprecedented level of tolerance and mounds of ambition, these new leaders are committed to exhibiting that in the age Facebook and Twitter, smartphones and iPads, multiple degrees and mountains of debt; they know how to implement real change.

Jacque Robinson, councilmember and vice mayor of Pasadena, Calif., can attest to this. In 2007, at age 27, she became the youngest person elected to office in the city and is currently serving her second term.

Credited with spearheading the

What to expect... Apostasy equals retribution and renunciation (Cont'd from FP)

ROBINSON Pasadena-Altadena 20/20 Initiative—a grass-roots coalition of individuals and organizations working to stop gang and community violence— Robinson’s supporters, including the Los Angeles African American Women’s Public Policy Institute (LAAAWPPI) of which she is a graduate, have seen her work tirelessly for the residents of her district. She plans to run for a third term in 2015 and has entered her name in the race for state Senate in 2016.

“Being a younger candidate can be a challenge, but it’s up to the candidate to make the case to the voters why they should be elected,” said Robinson. “Age alone is not an automatic qualifier or disqualifier. However, it is one of a myriad of factors contributing to the voter’s ultimate decision. Experience comes in different packages and life experiences and in order to be successful, you cannot rely on your age, or gender, or experience in isolation. The voters ultimately want to know who you are, why you are the best candidate, and what you’re going to do to make their lives better as their representative.”

Sebastian-Ridley Thomas, 26, who was recently elected to represent the 54th District in the State Assembly, shared similar sentiments.

“The new set of young Black leaders is a unique group. In the community, we don’t have

THOMAS a large enough collection of leaders to carry the mantle of leadership to future generations. In essence, we are the first wave in 15 to 20 years who represent a generational shift in leadership,” said Ridley-Thomas. “In the past, we’ve continued to rely on a certain type of candidate to get the job done, but now it is time to look to those with a wider set of skills.

It’s not just about experience; it’s energy, it’s vision, it’s vigor and the ability to build strategic partnerships.”

The examples go on. Mayor Chris Brown of Hawthorne, 34, last year became the first African American and youngest to serve in that office. Compton Mayor Aja Brown, 32, also broke barriers last year as she became the youngest to hold the position. She has had a stellar first year in office tackling her innovative 12-point plan for advancement in the city.

“The next generation of leadership is here and ready to serve our communities. Alex is among the very best and brightest we have and is ready to apply himself and lead, not based on accomplishments thirty years ago, but on today’s realities and commitments. Our schools have waited long enough. It time for change. Alex Johnson is that change,” said Mayor Brown.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

Don’t make the mistake and bundle the deaths of Black on Black with that of “Justified homicide” by police people that have sworn to “protect and serve”.

It appears that the motto of protecting and serving only applies to protecting the way of antiquated policing, which meant that the only good Nword was a dead Nword.

This is only reinforced more when the heads of our political parties stand in firm agreement while sitting in the company of Tea Partiers agreeing and cheering them on as they cut, slice and dice our president into small pieces of dehumanized status.

How many times can we turn the other cheek?

How do we escape such retribution?

What makes us-Black folk, the brunt of sickening jokes from stupid white racists and the hard cold bodies that filled the morgues by death at early ages from the God awful dirty hands of warped minded cops?

What is it that makes elected politicians write laws that would prevent Black folk from becoming FULL CLASS CITIZENS in this country? Perhaps they never read with all their supposed education, David Walker’s Appeal, [Walker further claimed that due to the labor of slaves], “America is more our country than it is the whites—we have enriched it with our blood, sweat and tears.”

We all need to revisit Mr. Walker’s account. Below is an excerpt from David Walker’s Appeal, in four articles; together with a preamble, to the coloured citizens of the world, but in particular, and very expressly, to those of the United States of America.

I aver, that when I look over these United States of America, and the world, and see the ignorant deceptions and consequent wretchedness of my brethren, I am brought oftimes solemnly to a stand, and in the midst of my reflections I exclaim to my God, “Lord didst thou make us to be slaves to our brethren, the whites?” But when I reflect that God is just, and that millions of my wretched brethren would meet death with glory—yea, more, would plunge into the very mouths of cannons and be torn into particles as minute as the atoms which compose the elements of the earth, in preference to a mean submission to the lash of tyrants, I am with streaming eyes, compelled to shrink back into nothingness before my Maker, and exclaim again, they will be done, O Lord God Almighty.

I remember the turmoil, destruction and devastation left by the riots that tore America apart. I also remember the solidarity that was formed from the tormented souls of this experience.

“Why am I as I am? To understand that of any person, his whole life, from Birth must be reviewed. All of our experiences fuse into our personality. Everything that ever happened to us is an ingredient.” Malcolm X, The Autobiography Of Malcolm X What will America answer with, after the pain and suffering of so many people?

AND HE HAS GIVEN US THIS COMMAND: ANYONE WHO LOVES GOD MUST ALSO LOVE THEIR BROTHER AND SISTER. 1 JOHN 4:21

Weekly ad in hand. Coupons in pocket.

BOGO-vision on. It’s time to save. publix.com/save