Westside Gazette

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Black W orkers Workers Stuck In Pover ty W ages Poverty Wages PAGE 3

Crespo Can Do It PAGE 6

NHSA Healthy Start Fathers -Real Life, Real Dads PAGE 12

Broward County's Oldest and Largest African American Owned and Operated Newspaper A Pr oud PPaper aper ffor or a Pr oud PPeople...Sinc eople...Sinc Proud Proud eople...Sincee 1971 VOL. 43 NO. 19 THURSDA Y, JUNE 19 - WEDNESDA Y JUNE 25, 2014 THURSDAY WEDNESDAY 50¢

Thomas N. Todd: ‘You can’t download freedom’

By George E. Curry NNPA Columnist HOLLYWOOD, FL (NNPA) – Rapidly-expanding technology, social media and new smart phone apps are no substitute for the hard work needed to fight persistent racism in the United States, says Thomas N. Todd, a longtime Chicago activist and civil rights lawyer.

Speaking to the annual convention of 100 Black Men here last week, Todd proudly acknowledged that he doesn’t use email, does not own a computer and doesn’t have a Facebook or Twitter account.

“Let me tell you this,” he said after making that disclosure. “I don’t care how sophisticated your technology is, I don’t care how fast your computer is, I don’t care how smart your Smartphone is, you still can’t download freedom.”

Delegates erupted in wild applause. When the applause subsided, he continued: “There is no app for that. If you want to be free, you must work and work to be free.”

More than a century and a half after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, African Americans are still not free, said Todd, Northwestern University’s first Black law professor and former president of Jesse Jackson’s Operation PUSH, now Rainbow PUSH. “We are a people somewhere between slavery and freedom, somewhere between servitude and liberation, but we’re still not free,” he said. “We go around and around and around in what I call the evolution of a circle – confusing movement with progress. We are still not free, so we must continue to work.”

Thomas N. Todd – nicknamed “TNT” because of his explosive oratory – accused Blacks and the media of doing what Jesse Jackson calls majoring in the minor – focusing on small things instead of the big picture.

“One hundred and 51 years after the Emancipation Proclamation, we’re still not free,” Todd said. “I look at where we are and I listen to people talk about what I call media or celebrity racism, worrying about some basketball team owner, worry-

19 Now the people came up from the Jordan on the tenth of the first month and camped at Gilgal on the eastern edge of Jericho. 20 Those twelve stones which they had taken from the Jordan, Joshua set up at Gilgal. 21 He said to the sons of Israel, “When your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, ‘What are these stones?’

22 then you shall inform your children, saying, ‘Israel crossed this Jordan on dry ground.’ 23 For the Lord your God dried up the waters of the Jordan before you until you had crossed, just as the Lord your God had done to the Red Sea, which He dried up before us until we had crossed; 24 that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the Lord is mighty, so that you may [d]fear the Lord your God forever.”

Joshua 4:19-24 (NASB)

By Bobby R. Henry, Sr. Todd , Apps are no substitute for struggle. ing about some rancher in Nevada, worrying about duck-calling person in Louisiana and yet racism in education, and housing, and living and unemployment, all are ignored by this media. I’m sick and tired.

“What you must understand is that being Black in America has been devalued, discounted and marked down for clearance.”

Todd did not limit his criticism to the news media or those who oppress African Americans.

“A few years ago, Ceelo Green put out a CD that was so filthy that they made him change the name. And when he was asked about it, he said, ‘Well, those children like 4-letter words. And that‘s why we did that.’

(Cont'd on Page 3)

100 Black Men salute to youth: Valedictorian ‘Sharod McClendon’

By Starla Vaughns Cherin The first valedictorian of B.E.S.T Academy, Sharod McClendon, is the first male in his family to graduate high school and the first to attend college as a Gates Millennium Scholar, but his future didn’t always look so bright. McClen-don, born to a teen mother faced his grandmother on crack and at age 10 his uncle was 25 to life in prison and his father murdered.

Though always a good student, McClendon began to act out in school and his grades dropped but talking to the principal Alison Shelton helped. “It was hard. My family and my uncle were always hanging out and I wanted to hang out with them and not think about

McCLENDON

school. I didn’t understand my mom’s reasoning and judgment.

Then I started to see what she meant by getting into trouble you can’t get out of,” says McClendon.

“It was hard on her. My uncle and I were raised together. He is six years older than me.

Before she got custody of my uncle she took care of him and always tried to talk to him because he had an impact on us.

He hurt her but in a way she is glad because at least he’s alive.

He tells me how proud he is of me. That was hard losing him and then the following year my dad was murdered. I no longer had any one to look up to. I became the man of the household and had to grow up.”

He remembers Mom, Shanicka, reading to him in kin-

dergarten, helping with homework, stressing education accepting no less than an A, but by the time he entered high school he again began to get into trouble although he was rated 13th in his class. “As a freshman in public high school I start getting into trouble. It was the environment. I had to take myself out of it because a lot of my family members went to school with me and if they got into a fight I had to take up for them.”

He transferred to B.E.S.T Academy and in his senior year, the entire senior class received Emerging 100 Mentors from the 100 Black Men of Atlanta. McClendon received three, Kirk Brown, Kevin Gooch and Courtney Ward.

(Cont'd on Page 3)

100 Black Men, Broward Schools, and Nova Southeastern University unveil Mentoring Management System

By Charles Moseley The 100 Black Men of Greater Fort Lauderdale, Broward County Public Schools, and Nova Southeastern University have collaborated on an ambitious endeavor which will now allow every child attending public school with an opportunity to be mentored.

The historical announcement marked the first time that a mentoring tracking system will incorporate all mentoring programs affiliated with the Broward County Public School System. It came on the heels of the 24th Annual 100 Black Men of America’s National Conference, which was held June 1215, 2014, at the Westin Diplomat Hotel in Hollywood Beach.

The Mentoring Management System will bring mentoring

programs under one umbrella through the Broward Public Schools System and serve as a clearing house for information to equip educators, parents, and students along with mentors, with the tools to help students maximize their educational opportunities.

Several community leaders who play a major role in education here in Broward County have endorsed the project including; Broward Public Schools Superintendent Robert Runcie, District 5 School Board Member Dr. Rosalind Osgood, and Preston Jones, Dean of the Wayne Huizenga School of Business at Nova Southeastern University.

The mentoring tracking system was unveiled during a workshop entitled,” Mentoring Management System: Enabling

Pleading Our Own Cause

Will another historic Black celebration, Juneteenth be whitewashed out of our history?

Broward School Board Superintendent Robert Runcie outlines mentoring management system at recent 100 Black Men of Fort Lauderdale Community Empowerment Project.

(Photo by Norman's Photoland)

Every Student to have a Mentor.” The workshop presentation took place at the 100 Black Men of America’s recent Community Empowerment Project (CEP), which was held at Dillard High School on June 14.

Broward Public Schools Superintendent Robert Runcie personally acknowledged the role that mentoring had played in his life during the workshop presentation, recalling teachers and coaches who assisted him throughout his education. Runcie came to the United States from Jamaica along with his family at the age of six. He was the first in his family to graduate high school. He went on to attend an Ivy League institution, graduating from Harvard University, in Cambridge, Mass.

(Cont'd on Page 9)

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On June 19, 1865, Gordon Granger, a Union General rode into Galveston, Tex. to let folk know that the Civil War had ended two months earlier. Granger’s General Order Number 3 finally freed the last 250,000 slaves two and a half years after Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

June 19th—became known as “Juneteenth” amongst the peoples—and celebrated as the African-American National Independence Day, for, as Juneteenth celebrations remind us, that the Emancipation Proclamation was a forest concerning the liberation of African people in the United States, and the ideals of Independence Day pay no attention to the humiliating occurrence of slavery completely.

(Cont'd on Page 9)

Juneteenth Emancipation Anniversary doubles as call for reform of big government policies limiting liberty, pinching privacy Black activist suggest people assess extent of their freedom

SWIMP, PITTMAN and PARKER

By David Almasi WASHINGTON, D.C. — On “Juneteenth,” the oldest and most-recognized observance of the demise of slavery in the United States, members of the Project 21 Black leadership network are suggesting that Black Americans make a personal assessment of how much freedom they actually enjoy these days and how they may be able to expand upon that freedom in the future through limits on government expansion.

Juneteenth, an official holiday or observance in at least 40 states, is on June 19.

“For what began as a celebration of Black Americans’ release from chattel slavery, Juneteenth is important to remember today because all Americans forget at their peril that freedom doesn’t come for free,” said Project 21’s Stacy Swimp, a frequent speaker at and sponsor of past Juneteenth celebrations in Michigan. “More than 150 years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by Abraham Lincoln, slavery still exists in America today in the form of too many Americans who suffer from a social, moral, economic and spiritual

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bondage springing forth from expanding government and entitlements and offers of false salvation. This new slavery robs people of their God-given and constitutionally-protected freedoms, and Juneteenth should be a time to reflect on this crisis and begin to take that freedom back.”

Juneteenth commemorates the anniversary of the arrival of Union troops in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865. Those soldiers informed residents in the area that the Civil War was over and that President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation had already abolished slavery two-and-a-half years earlier.

Galveston’s former slave population began celebrating their freedom on the anniversary of this day in an event that became known as Juneteenth.

The commemoration became a stabilizing and motivating presence among Black Texans experiencing new uncertainties associated with their newfound freedom and their full integration into American society.

(Cont'd on Page 5) 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 • June 19 - June 25, 2014

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

Black workers stuck in poverty wages

By Freddie Allen NNPA Washington Correspondent WASHINGTON, D.C. (NNPA) – As fast food and retail workers continue to march for higher wages, a new study by the Economic Policy Institute revealed that Blacks are more likely to earn poverty wages than whites.

EPI released the “Raising America’s Pay” study in conjunction with the launch of a new research initiative focused on “broad-based wage growth as the central economic challenge of our time – essential to alleviating inequality, expanding the middle class, reducing poverty, generating shared prosperity, and sustaining economic growth.”

During a panel discussion about the new project, Valerie

Wilson, director of EPI’s program on race, ethnicity, and the economy, said that over the last 30 years, wage growth has been far below productivity growth, for a lot of workers, regardless of race, ethnicity or gender.

Although the number of Blacks andwhites working poverty-level wages has increased since 2000, nearly 36 percent of Black workers made those wages compared to less than 23 percent of whites.

“As we see a shrinking piece of the pie for workers to divide, Black and Hispanic workers have been left behind,” said Wilson.

Wilson said that the new project will examine occupational segregation in gender and race, observe the rise of mass incarceration and how it affects Black

male workers, and the surge in undocumented workers.

In a 2011, EPI researchers reported that Black males earned less than $15 working fulltime, compared to their White male peers who made more than $20, even with the same levels of education.

“One possible explanation for this wage disparity is that Black men tend to be crowded into lower-paying occupations – even when they have similar educational attainment as white men,” stated the report.

“The result is an oversupply of workers in the crowded occupations, which has the effect of lowering wages further in those jobs.”

In 2013, the Center for Economic Policy Research, reported “that increases in education and work experience will increase workers’ productivity and translate into higher compensation.

But, the share of Black workers

in a ‘good job’ – one that pays at least $19 per hour (inflationadjusted 2011 dollars), has employer-provided health insurance, and an employer-sponsored retirement plan – has actually declined.”

Wilson said that higher levels of education have not translated into wage growth.

“If we look at those workers who are the highest earners, these are also the workers that tend to be the most highly educated,” said Wilson. “More education has helped minorities and women to get higher wages, but it hasn’t necessarily gotten them to equal wages, so that’s an additional step that needs to be taken to close the gap.”

Lawrence Mishel, president of EPI, agreed, adding that college education is important, but when it comes to inclusive income growth over the next 10 years, addressing education is not very high on that list.

Valerie Wilson says Black and Hispanic workers have been left behind.

(Photo by Freddie Allen/NNPA) Mishel said that when economists lean on technology and globalization as prime movers for an inevitable growth in the wage gap, they ignore “a huge realm of policy actions which have generated wage suppression and income inequality.”

Mishel pointed to a Clintonera tax break for performance pay that contributed to the ex-

WESTPOINT BOUND — Dillard High Scholar/Athlete, Arthur Rico Kennedy, Jr., son of Arthur and Yolanda Kennedy will be attending West Point Military Academy this fall on a football scholarship. Rico who excelled in both football and basketball was an All County defensive end for Dillard High School this year, Broward County Athletic Association Scholar Athlete, and ranked 49th in his Class. Rico is a member of The New Mount Olive Baptist Church and credits his strong faith in God for being able to succeed in the classroom as well as on the field. Go Army!!!!!

pansion of high wages in financial sector and the erosion of unionization to explain the growth in the wage gap.

Mishel said, “No deity created that. That was created by policymakers. It’s not driven by innovators, it’s not Steve Jobs.”

Elise Gould, director of health policy research for EPI, said that 70 percent of income comes from wages, wage-based equity or transfers related to work and that’s why wages have are critical in reducing poverty.

“We need to use all the levers we have at our disposal. We need to look at [Temporary Assistance For Needy Families], we need to look at food stamps, we need to look at unemployment insurance,” said Gould.

“We need to strengthen the social safety net and we have seen over the last 30 or 40 years that the social net has made progress in reducing poverty.”

Gould said that if we don’t try to close some of these gaps, we’re failing American society.

“If we don’t do anything to change where these rungs are in wage distribution, if we don’t change what this income distribution looks like, some people are always going to be at the bottom and we know those low rungs are not a great place to be,” said Gould.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

June 19 - June 25, 2014 • www.thewestsidegazette.com • Page 3

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

100 Black Men of America: Developing inherent possibilities of greatness in our Black youth

By Starla Vaughns Cherin I am who I say I am and I am living out my destiny, is what Dr. Thomas A. Parham Vice Chancellor University of California, Irvine and the Education Chair of the 100 Black Men of America. “Each of us is a divine seed of divinely inspired possibility if nurtured it can and will grow into the fullest of all we are supposed to become.

Everything you need is within you.”

Managing the Dynamics of Cultural Identity: Unlocking the Shackles of Mental Incarceration workshop, helped participants analyze the societal negative stereotypical thinking about African American men and steps to a positive definition of self to harness and use their potential.

Urging the group to let no one else define them, Dr. Parham asked the group to understand that mistakes do not define you and introduced the dimensions of the African character Ma’at Code of Conduct based on Truth, Justice, Righteousness, Harmony, Order, Balance and Propriety.

“Take the old CD out and break it in half, put a new CD in and burn some new information on it. You do not lose your divinity because you made a mistake, failed a test or com-

mitted a crime. You have the free will to make conscious choices to respond to my reality in ways that I choose. I am not a victim of following the crowd.

“No matter how dysfunctional or inappropriate a behavior seems, it has a functional purpose. It is not why people do things; it is what do they get out of it? Behavior is designed to meet a need at some level” Parham says.

The lure of gangs according to Parham is they make the individual feel validation and love.

“That is why they are so successful. We are raising kids with low frustration tolerance and it’s our fault because we want to give them everything. (We say more give them more than what we had but it has insulated them from the process of struggle. [I don’t understand this]) “My daughter asked me to buy her a car and said Daddy you can afford it. I said yes, I can but you can’t afford it. I will help you after you have a down payment, money for insurance and the first six months of car payments.”

Developing tasks that explore and build fundamental emotional and cognitive needs are inherent in the 100 Black Men’s African American History Challenge and the Dollars and $ense Challenge. Annually

chapters compete within their districts for scholarship dollars by participating in the challenge. The winning two teams in each challenge come to the national conference to compete for the ultimate team win.

This year the 100 Black Men of Philadelphia won both the junior and senior divisions of the African American History Challenge and the 100 Black Men of Baton Rouge won the Dollars and $ense Challenge.

“They compete at the district level and the winning two teams of each chapter come to national to compete for the championship. For the history challenge we use books selected by national to enhance the study of African American legacy and culture,” says Dennis Wright, president of the conference host chapter The 100 Black Men of Greater Fort Lauderdale. “In the Dollars and $ense Challenge participants are given a financial scenario and they have to determine what is the best approach based on the financial challenge given.”

Merle Watson a coach for the Omaha Nebraska 100 Black Men has been working with kids competing in the challenges for seven years. In her county in Omaha the 100 Black Men’s programs are implemented district wide in their 12 High Schools. Within the district

On June 16, 2014, some members of the Girls’ Choir of Miami were featured on NBC’s ‘6 in the Mix'. which features an interview from Ms. Kerry, Girl Power’s Program Manager, and Ms. J, the coordinator for the Girls’ Choir of Miami. Girl Power’s singing sensations performed ‘Move’ and ‘Cadillac Car’ from the musical Dreamgirls. You and your family are invited this Sunday, June 22, to the Church of the Open Door for Girl Power’s second annual Gospel Brunch Explosion, 6001 N.W. Eighth Ave. 1 to 4 p.m. Brunch will be provided. The Girls’ Choir of Miami will be singing songs from Dreamgirls, as well as Top 40 Pop and Gospel music. To purchase your ticket visit girlpowermiami.eventbrite.com

Valedictorian‘Sharod McClendon’ (Cont'd from FP) This summer he’s interning with the Alston and Bird Law Firm, an internship his mentor Gooch helped him attain.

This is just one of many success stories exhibited and nurtured at the 100 Black Men of America’s 28th Annual Conference at the Westin Diplomat in Hollywood, Fla. on Father’s Day weekend. With specified events and workshops for adults, women, collegiate and youth from the Wells Fargo Pathways to Success, to the Salute to Youth Luncheon, the Education Issues Summits, Women of Influence: Leveraging Social and Political Clout to Change Public Education, Collegiate 100: Successfully Negotiating Peer Acceptance While Achieving Academic Excellence to the Teen Summit: Young and Black in American: Learning to See the Invisible and Hear the Voiceless.

Dennis Wright, president of host chapter 100 Black Men of Greater Fort Lauderdale says the national conferences focus is two-fold. “Part one is to show what we’re doing at a national level to help youth in our community and number two the host city benefits by the increase of awareness of the 100 Black Men organization as well as being able to empower the community, leveraging local and national resources.”

McClendon was one of the college bound youth and mentors saluted at The Salute to Youth Luncheon where keynote speaker Dr. Dennis Kimbro, nationally acclaimed author of “The Wealth Choice: Success Secrets of Black Millionaires”, faculty School of Business Clark Atlanta University and head of Clark’s CEO Academy; recalled shadowing Maynard Jackson, Atlanta’s first African American mayor. “I was struggling with my first book and asked for an interview. He said no but allowed me to shadow me. I saw him increase minority representation at the airport and make 14 Black millionaires.”

Awards for Mentor of the Year went to Michael Carlisle of 100 Black Men of Western Pennsylvania. Mr. Mike as they call him has given 28 years to the 100 Black Men mentoring more than 600 youth in Pittsburgh and over the years brought more than 100 youth to annual conferences. “We are asked to be true in word and deed,” Carlisle said. “Giving liberates the giver.

Mentee of the Year, Jaylen Lewis of 100 Black Men of Baton Rouge maintains a 3.5 GPA while delivering 50 hours of community service and perfect attendance with the youth department at his church. “I am a living witness it takes a village, my church, 100 Black Men and my mom who is truly an inspiration.”

Collegiate 100 of the Year went to Collegiate 100 University of North Carolina Charlotte and the Youth Leadership in Education Award to Grace Bush, Florida Atlantic University. She earned her bachelor’s in criminal justice from FAU and seven days later graduated

from high school. She’s 17 and started college with dual enrollment at 13. She wants to be a Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.

Home schooled by their mom Gisla Bush, Esq., who says it was her husband’s Bobby suggestion she home school the children. “No, it was not on my radar and the furthest thing from my mind but it made sense.

Our oldest daughter was on her way to private school and two others were soon to follow.

That is three in at one time and it wasn’t feasible.

“I was thinking, I’m not trained as an educator and now I have my children’s life and future at stake. In the beginning I was still trying to find my footing so that am I giving my children the best but I realized the parent has more wherewithal than they think.

The one thing they have is this is their child and they want the best for their child. Teachers have 30 children and their time is divided among them and they hope for the best. But I’ve found that the one on one interaction is the best and as well as the dedication of the parent.”

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

Todd: ‘You can’t download freedom’ (Cont'd from FP) “Well, Mr. Green, I got some four-letter words,” Todd said, with his voice rising. “Here are my 4-letter words. Read is a 4letter word. Word is a 4-letter word. Book is a 4-letter word.

Work is a 4-letter word. Pray is a 4-letter word. And love is a 4letter word. There’s nothing wrong with 4-letter words. You just need to know which 4-letter words to deal with.”

Todd urged members of 100 Black Men and the youth they mentor – many of whom attended the convention – not to accept negative labels others try to place on them..

“Don’t let them label circumstances and say, ‘You can’t learn because you’re poor,’” Todd said. “That’s not true.” He recounted, “I had finished high

school, I had finished college, I had taken a 21 ½ hour bar exam in Louisiana and passed it the first time before I knew I was disadvantaged.”

Saying that we’re in a war for our children’s minds, Todd said education is the most effective weapon to win that war.

“Education doesn’t open all doors, but it opens more doors that any other,” he said. “Long after Beyoncé has lost her wiggle, long after Snoop Dog – Snoop Lion, whatever his name is – has become an old dog or an old lion, long after Little Wayne has lost his tattoos, long after Chris Brown stays out of jail and when 50 cents become a nickel, education will always be there.”

(See full video on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

Young men listens to speaker.

Burke and Central high schools are always running neck and neck in the competitions.

She began coaching in June for the December district wide competition and says her group gets really charged by the competition. “I really believe in what the 100 is doing,” Watson says. “They are getting past obstacles, especially those in the poverty stricken areas where we live. Interaction with the 100 shows them something different. It shows them that every-one doesn’t live like this.

“It gives them a different perspective; a positive way that is very empowering that culti-

vates fearlessness that anything is possible. Especially when they win and get an all expense paid trip to the national conference. Over the years, the more I come, the more I am inspired.”

In Watson’s group the younger ones will come in up to a year ahead and help the senior group prepare for the next year’s annual challenge competition. “Sometimes it is so close, Watson added. “Last year it was one or two questions between the loser and the winner.

They win scholarship money, and their picture in the paper.

When Javon Nathaniel, Jellani Barber, Jordan Eley and D’Andre Allgood from Charlotte, NC passed by Watson asked who won the challenge?

“Baton Rouge said, “Nathaniel, who turned himself and up and coming freshmen. “It’s great being here. You get to meet new people hear what they are doing. I like the overall interaction with different people; it helps you get a different mindset.”

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

POWERFUL WOMEN WANTING CHANGES IN EDUCATION: During the recent National Convention of the 100 Black Men of America held in Hollywood Beach, Fla., women were not excluded, but included. Among the many workshops, panel discussions and shopping excursions for women was a powerful discussion on educating women, our families and our communities. Pictured here are the participants; Gail Dotson, US Dept. of Housing and Urban Development; Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, President of Florida Memorial University; Darnita Knight, of the Atlanta Women’s Foundation; Melanie Campbell, of the Black Women’s Roundtable; Donna Richardson, health and fitness guru; Charmaine Ward, of Georgia Pacific and First Lady of the 100, Jennifer Dossman (c). The lively panel spoke on the topics: Women of Influence: Leveraging Social and Political Clout to Change Public Education; the panel ended with an impromptu fitness exercise led by Richardson. Curley Dossman is the current chairman. For more information on the 100 Black Men of America, Inc, visit them online at 100blackmen.org.

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

Page 4 • www.thewestsidegazette.com • June 19 - June 25, 2014

Community Digest

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

Forum

J’Mari & Friends Foundation/S.W.I.M. presents A Community Forum, Friday, June 20, 2014 from 6 to 8 p.m., at The Little Green Library, 1033 N.W. Sixth St., Suite #102 Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Topic: “Empowering Kids Through Water”.

For more info contact Pastor Shirley Harold at (754) 7796961.

Dinner The Rotary Club of MiramarPines has scheduled its Annual Installation and Benefit Dinner, Thursday, June 19, 2014 at 6 p.m., at Mazza Mediterranean Cuisine, 15749 Blvd., Pembroke Pines, Fla. For cost and additional info call (954) 907-7294. The Rotary Club of Miramar-Pines meets every Thursday from 12 to 1:30 p.m., those interested in the club’s activities or membership call (954) 907-7294.

Miramar Events

Revival

Bishop Moses Lewis the Chief Prelate of The Church of Christ Holiness Unto the Lord will be in revival on June 2427, 2014. Services begin nightly at 7:30 p.m. The services will be held Greater Faith Church of Christ Holiness Unto the Lord 2301 N.W. 22 St., Fort Lauderdale Fla.

∗ Thursday, June 19, 2014, a Caribbean Festival block party is planned at the MultiService Complex, 6700 Miramar Pkwy., from 6 to 9 p.m. ∗ Saturday, June 21, a concert at Shirley Branca Park, 6900 Miramar Pkwy.

Fundraiser

Happenings at African-American Research Library and Cultural Center

African-American Research Library Cultural Center, 2650 Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderale, Fla. Local author and dramatist Cynthia Diane Robinson-Bell returns with her colorful children’s book, A Wonderland Garden…The Journey of the Collard Green Boy!! Saturday, June 21, 2014 at 2 p.m. In her imaginative book, an adolescent vegetable named Collard Green Boy leaves the garden and learns a few of life’s lessons.

For more info call (954) 3576210.

Event

Re-elect Senator Oscar Braynon II Campaign Fish Fry Fundraiser, Saturday, June 21, 2014 at 1 p.m., at 1701 N.W. 191 St., Miami Gardens, Fla. Jazz by the Lake on Saturday, June 21, 2014 from 5 p.m. until, the home of Eddie Campbell, 2820 N.W. 18 Ct., (behind Ivory’s on 19th St.) Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Enjoy an evening of jazz, food, fun, cards, fishing and dancing, bring your lawn chair, fishing poles, BYOB, food will be sold. For cost and additional info call (954) 245-7086 or eddiesanders@bellsouth.net

Seminar

Alpha Kappa Alpha, Incorporated, Chi Psi Omega Chapter will host another seminar in its “For Girls Only” series, ages 11-17, on Saturday, June 28, 2014, from 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., at Pace Center for Girls, 2225 N. Andrews Ave., Wilton Manors, Fla. The topic is “Real Talk” and the featured guest speaker is Dr. Rosalind Osgood, School Board Member, District 5. Light refreshments will be served and community service hours provided. Reserve a seat by contacting info@chipsiomega.org.

Event

We have Free gifts for everybody who call into the show and share their opinion. Listen every Saturday at 4:00 O’clock to Spiritual Downloads with Anna Stephenson on WWNN Radio AM 1470. It’s a live Call in talk show that discuss everything from Spiritual Matters to what matters to you. The show can also be heard on the Internet at wwnnradio.com just click on the listen live button. Your voice is the most important part of the show. So call in and let us hear what you have to say. The toll free call in number is 1-888-565-1470. Also e-mail Anna Stephenson at annasmiami@aol.com with a subject you want to hear discussed on the show. The show also interview’s special guest Like Jessica Reedy from Sunday Best. Shelia Raye Charles, Melba Moore and different Preachers and gospel musical artist and Politicians.

Movements for Chance LLC, CMOC, Media LLC & FAB Production, LLC presents Exclusive nation-wide movie premiere of the anticipated documentary film, Hidden Colors, Thursday, June 26, 2014 at 5 p.m., at Betty Ferguson Park Theatre Room, 3000 N.W. 199 St., Miami Gardens, Fla. For cost and additional info contact Chauncey at (954) 8686244 or Fabienne at (786) 6953416.

Attention business owners, homeowners, community leaders and local organizations: Well Fargo Home Mortgage and the NAACP FortLauderdale/ Broward Branch presents a Homeownership Workshop, Saturday, June 28, 2014 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Mizell Center, 1409 N.W. Sixth St., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Join to receive information on down payment assistance programs and participate in one-on-one sessions with indus-try professionals. Register today at wellfargo.com/rsvp (access code: homeforum).

Event All Spice Flavors of the Caribbean , Friday, June 20, 2014 from 6 to 10 p.m., at The Borland Center, 4885 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. Featuring the smooth sounds of Jazz Saxoponist Randy Corinthian and Author and poet Dr. Sue performing pieces from her compilation, Ode to Miss Lou... David Muir's Pieces of Jamacia The Real Rock Edition artwork will be on display. For cost and additional info contact Sophia Nelson (561) 531-1876.

Reunion

Premier ATTENTION RADIO LISTENERS

Workshop

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

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

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

On Saturday, July 12, 2014 there will be a Voter’s Registration Campaign at Williams Memorial C.M.E. Church, 646 N.W. 13 Terr., Fort Lauderdale.

You may register or check your voter status from 10 a.m to 2 p.m. Staff from the Supervisor of Elections office will be on site along with staff from State Representative Perry Thurston’s office to answer any questions that you may have.

If you have moved recently, changed your name, or would like to change your party affiliation, be there.

The Poll worker applications will be available

Event The Crockett Foundation will host its 6th Annual Health Festival in Partnership with Zeta Rho Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2014 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Pompano Citi Centre 1955 N. Fed Hwy. Pompano Beach, Fla. (Vendors needed contact Henri Crockett at henri@Crockettfoundation.org

Happy Summer

The summer is almost upon us, school will be out next week and of course you have plans for your kids, or grandchildren?

No? Well, have no fear, there are plenty of options to choose from and the staff of the Broward Cultural Division has compiled a long list of arts camps for you!

Whether you live on the west side of Broward in Coral Springs, Weston, or Southwest Ranches; or on the east side near Fort Lauderdale or Pompano Beach, there are so many arts-related programs that will engage children. Let us know which program you try and what you liked about it.

You can email us at CulturalDiv@Broward.org. *Coconut Creek: Broward College Kids and Teens Summer College July 7 – July 18 * Coral Springs: Coral Springs Center for the Arts Next Stop Broadway June 9 – August 15 * Coral Springs Museum of Art: Summer Camp Artshops June 9 – August 15 * Davie: Broward College Kids and Teens Summer College June 16 – July 11 * University Center for the Performing Arts: Children’s Performing Arts Camp June 9 – August 15 * Vista View Park: Learning Goals Academic Camp June 16 – August 8 * Young At Art Museum: Summer Art Camp June 2 – August 22 FORT LAUDERDALE * Ashanti Cultural Arts: Summer Camp June 9 – August 8 * Fort Lauderdale Children’s Theatre: Theatre Camp June 9 – August 1 * JMJ Photographic Services: Photo FUN Summer Camp July 28 – August 1 * Makers Square: Summer Camp Sessions 1 + 2 June 10th – July 17th * NSU’s Museum of Art | Fort Lauderdale: AutoNation Academy of Art + Design June 9 – August 15 * South Florida Ballet Theatre: Gotta Dance Camp II August 5 – 16 HOLLYWOOD * Art and Culture Center of Hollywood: Summer Camps June 9 – August 15 * South Florida Ballet Theatre: Gotta Dance Camp I June 9 – 20 PEMBROKE PINES * Broward College: Kids and Teens Summer College June 16 – July 25 * City of Pembroke Pines: Summer Program June 9 – August 14 POMPANO BEACH * Bailey Contemporary Arts: Bailey Summer Explorers June 9 – August 1 SOUTHWEST RANCHES * Archbishop Edward A. McCarthy High School: Summer Institute June 9 – August 1 WESTON * Inside Out Theatre: Performing Arts Summer Conservatory 2014 June 9 – June 27.

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June 19 - June 25, 2014 • www.thewestsidegazette.com • Page 5

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

Black business leaders launch ‘The Black Dollar Project’ initiative to bridge gap between Black consumers and Black businesses

Monica Martin, Adrean Brooks and Brianna Vallier.

Special to the NNPA from the Houston ForwardTimes There was a strong spirit of unity on Thursday, June 5, 2014, when business owners, clergy, media outlets and community leaders gathered at Texas Southern University’s Jesse H. Jones School of Business Auditorium for the historic launch of ‘The Black Dollar Project’ and to find out more about this powerful new economic movement, originating from Houston, Texas.

‘The Black Dollar Project’ is a one-of-a-kind, business initiative created to activate ‘economic empowerment’ between businesses and consumers within the African American community in order to promote financial security, wealth building and positive growth.

The initiative was the brainchild of Karen Carter Richards (Houston Forward Times), Kehlin Farooq (Farooq Holdings, LLC) and Jeffrey L. Boney (Texas Business Alliance), who joined forces on this unique and dynamic new business initiative that has been in the works since 2008.

“When African Americans become informed and economically empowered then we can build within our community and start negotiating from a position of strength,” said Richards. “‘The Black Dollar Project’ is important because it will challenge any current mindsets that go against everything we need to become stronger.”

At the historic launch, ‘The Black Dollar Project’ founders discussed the rich history of early twentieth century Black Wall Street and shared how the spirit of those innovative leaders were the driving force behind their overall vision to see the Black community return to the same position of economic strength and unity they dis-

played in the midst of tumultuous times.

“Black Wall Street businesses and consumers gave African Americans a successful blueprint that can be followed today,” said Boney. “Although we are living in a different time, we can recreate that culture by connecting Black businesses with Black consumers one dollar at a time.”

The founders emphasized that Black consumers must rid themselves of the “one-chance” and “only-chance” mentality when it comes to supporting Black businesses and encou-rag attendees to sign up and get engaged.

“If the perception of the Black dollar has no value, then our purchases will have no benefit,” said Farooq. “‘The Black Dollar Project’ addresses the immediate need for us to change the way we view the Black dollar and the way we spend it.”

Attendees were blessed to have civil rights activist Dr. Virgil Wood in the audience. Dr. Wood, who worked closely with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., has committed much of his life’s work to the struggle for economic and spiritual development among the nation’s disadvantaged.

“Five weeks before Dr. King was assassinated, we had a conversation about creating a more solid movement focused on economic development amongst the African American community,” said Dr. Wood. “I am pleased tonight to know that nearly 50 years after his assassination, ‘The Black Dollar Project’ is being launched and this is the type of initiative we have needed to truly fulfill the dream that Martin shared with us. I am signing up to be a part tonight.”

Pastor Manson B. Johnson, Holman Street Baptist Church delivered the invocation and several key business and community leaders delivered re-

marks, including guest speaker Irvin Ashford, Jr., Comerica Bank, Senior Vice President, who encouraged attendees to support the initiative, while sharing a powerful story about the lessons he learned from his grandmother and how they apply to an initiative such as this.

“My grandmother taught me to be smart, be wise, be sensible and use the tools that are available to me,” said Ashford. “She also taught me to go after the low hanging fruit because it was often the best. Black businesses oftentimes get overlooked but are the best, and being a part of an initiative like this will help identify those good businesses that are prepared and ready to grow.”

Ashford, a Comerica executive since 2000, emphasized that financial institutions like his are looking to do business with quality African American businesses and that being a part of an initiative like ‘The Black Dollar Project’ helps them identify more of them to do business with.

The keynote speaker for the launch event was Cheryl Pearson-McNeil, Senior Vice President, U.S. Strategic community Alliances and Consumer Engagement at Nielsen. Through the leadership of Pearson-McNeil, Nielsen created a report called, “The African American Consumer Report,” which shows the spending habits of the African American consumer.

Most importantly, the report revealed and calculated the annual buying and spending power of African Americans in the U.S. and revealed that Black buying power is slated to reach a forecasted $1.3 trillion by 2017, with African Americans making up approximately 13.7 percent of the U.S. population.

“How many of you would give $100 to a complete stranger,” asked Pearson-McNeil.

“None of you raised your hands, but every day we are giving our money to complete strangers when we shop and pay bills, without having a relationship with them at all. Until we realize the power we possess with our forecasted $1.3 trillion by 2017, we will not gain the respect we deserve.”

Seven the Poet delivered a soul-stirring, original piece about the importance of supporting Black businesses and the power of the Black dollar that brought the audience to their feet.

The primary goal of ‘The Black Dollar Project’ is to assist in creating meaningful and beneficial economic empowerment in the African American community that leads

Juneteenth Emancipation Anniversary doubles as call for reform (Cont'd from FP) The observance of Juneteenth and the event’s emphasis on self-improvement and advancement soon spread from Texas to be recognized in communities across the United States.

While Juneteenth is often celebrated with festive event such as cookouts and parades, there is still an emphasis on self-improvement and education that is considered an integral part of the observance.

“As a child growing up in Fulshear, Tex., Juneteenth was always a festive day to remember the good news received in nearby Galveston in 1865. It was the opportunity to make good on the dreams of freedom envisioned by newly-freed slaves. I was always told to remember the sacrifices of those who came before me,” said Project 21’s Carl Pittman. “It is unfortunate, however, that many Blacks simply moved from one plantation to another over 149 years. An entitlement mentality has removed the sense of pride that was once so dominant in the Black community. Government expands to keep up with the growing demand for entitlements, essentially becoming a new slavemaster by providing free health care, food, cell

phones, housing and more. Too many Blacks over the generations have become so dependent they cannot leave this new plantation, and thus they will continue to support an ideology that will eventually and undoubtedly fail them.”

At a time when there is widespread concern over the size and scope of government and its intrusion into daily life and peoples’ privacy, members of Project 21 suggest that this year’s observance include extra attention to how freedom may be at risk and what people can do, by themselves or working with others, to reform government policies that limit their freedom.

“At a time when there is widespread concern over the size and scope of government and its intrusion into our daily lives, I suggest this year’s observance include extra attention to how we as a people are truly free,” said Project 21’s Gregory Parker, a former county commissioner in Comal County, Texas.

In 2014, Project 21 members have been interviewed or cited by the media over 800 times — including TVOne, the Philadelphia Inquirer, Fox News Channel, Westwood One, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, SiriusXM satellite radio and 50,000-watt talk radio stations such as WBZ-

Boston and KDKA-Pittsburgh — on issues that include civil rights, entitlement programs, the economy, race preferences, education and corporate social responsibility. Project 21 has participated in cases before the U.S. Supreme Court regarding race preferences and voting rights and defended voter ID laws at the United Nations. Its volunteer membership comes from all walks of life and are not salaried political professionals.

Project 21, a leading voice of Black conservatives for over two decades, is sponsored by the National Center for Public Policy Research (http:// www.nationalcenter.org).

Cheryl Pearson McNeil, Karen Carter Richards, Linda Brown and Durce Muhammed. to exceptional growth and sustainability. Because many African American businesses have no dedicated advertising and marketing budgets, ‘The Black Dollar Project’ allows Black businesses participating in this branded network to do

so at an incredibly reasonable amount.

Black businesses participating in this initiative can join in the network at the cost of only $1 per week ($52 per year) and will have a business listing for one full calendar year. Being

a part of this branded network gives Black businesses the ability to advertise and selectively target Black consumers in the same way major Fortune 500 companies and other businesses do.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

Board member earns ‘Mildred Hastings Tenacity Award’ Dr. Debra Robinson lauded by Congressman Alcee Hastings WEST PALM BEACH, FL — U.S. Congressman Alcee Hastings hosted a luncheon at the Westin Diplomat in Fort Lauderdale on May 18. The Congressman used the event to present the 2014 Mildred Hastings Tenacity Award, named in memory of his mother, the late Mildred Hastings, to Palm Beach County School District Board veteran Dr. Debra Robinson.

Board member Mrs. Marcia Andrews also attended the brunch and said it wasn’t hard to figure out why her colleague was presented the award. “I’ve known Dr. Robinson for decades and it’s no coincidence that she has been recognized by Congressman Hastings for some of the same qualities his mother exhibited: advocacy, community service, tenacity—and a commitment to the underserv-

From left, Alcee Hastings, Jr., Dr. Debra Robinson and Congressman Alcee Hastings. ed. I fashion my own service to constituents following that example,” she stated.

Dr. Robinson said she was honored and humbled to receive the award. “Anyone that knows me knows I don’t do the

work I do for awards,” she stated. “Still it touches me to think that someone like Congressman Hastings who’s always fighting for the good of the people, would see a comparison between me and Mrs. Hastings.”

Ready set! go! BrightStar Credit Union holds blowout Repo Used Car Sale for the public SUNRISE, FL – BrightStar Credit Union will hold a Repo Used Car Sale at Volunteer Park, 12050 West Sunrise Blvd. in Plantation on Saturday, June 21, 2014 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. For additional information, call (954) 486-2728 or visit www.bscu.org.

“This is a great way to help our members and others in our community find quality cars at affordable prices and competitive interest rates while making the car buying experience quick and easy,” said Sam Chesser, Vice President of Marketing at BrightStar Credit Union.

Trade-ins are welcome and buyers who get pre-approved for an auto loan before the sale or at the sale can take advantage of interest rates as low as 1.8 percent. For BrightStar members, there will be no loan payments for the first 90 days.

BrightStar Credit Union will bring more between 60 and 70 repossessed used cars as well as auction cars. The Car Sale fea-

tures cars, SUVs and trucks such as a 2013 Nissan Sentra SR, 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer, 2011 Cadillac Escalade and 2010 Chevy Malibu. Cars are priced at auction prices.

BrightStar Credit Union’s auto loans are available for used cars at affordable rates with varying terms and for up to 100 percent financing. Buyers can apply online for an auto loan or in person at one of BrightStar Credit Union location in Broward County.

BrightStar Credit Union is a full-service, not-for-profit, mem-

ber-owned cooperative and one of the largest credit unions in South Florida with more than 54,000 members. With a total of seven branch locations in Broward County, BrightStar offers a variety of financial services including checking and savings accounts, personal, home equity, mortgage and auto loans plus investments and insurance.

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

Page 6 • www.thewestsidegazette.com • June 19 - June 25, 2014

Opinion

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

The Gantt Report

Crespo can do it

By Lucius Gantt I’ve thought this for quite some time but now I can finally say, “Yorubas make good babies!”

The late Silo Crespo was my religious leader and the man that motivated and inspired me to practice the African religion of our ancestors.

When visiting Temple Unity in Miami to get my Yoruba prayer on, I would see this young guy running around that grew up to be very active in politics.

Today, I am proud of GANTT that young man. Silo’s son, Henry Crespo worked his way from being active in the Dade County Democratic Party to become the President of The Democratic Black Caucus of Florida!

You know, when you’re right, you’re right and when you’re wrong, you’re wrong and The Gantt Report will call you out and write the truth about you regardless of your race, your creed, your color or your political affiliation.

Did the UNCF make a deal with the devil?

By Julianne Malveaux NNPA Columnist When the Koch Foundation gave the United Negro College Fund $25 million, it set off a maelstrom of comments in cyberspace and real time.

How dare the UNCF take money from the Koch brothers, some asked. They ought to send it back, said others. One woman told me she would never give to UNCF again because of the Koch donation. Another says the Koch donation changes her perception of UNCF. The donation will provide $18.5 million in scholarships, money that is badly needed to get some of our young

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

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people out of school, especially with the cuts so many experienced because of reduced access to the Parent Plus loan.

Another $4 million will go to the 37 UNCF schools for general support, again to make up some of the MALVEAUX losses that came from reduced enrollment due to Parent Plus. The remainder goes to UNCF for their general support.

What’s wrong with this picture?

Koch scholarships will be awarded to students with good grades, financial needs, and an interest in studying how “entrepreneurship, economics and innovation contribute to well-being for individuals, communities, and society.” Sounds like conservative free markets to me. More than that, it sounds like granting scholarships to further the Koch government-reducing, free market focus. Koch protects its interest by having two seats on the five member scholarship committee, with the other three from the UNCF. While non-Koch interests are the majority, it will be interesting to see if a donor can sway a committee.

What else? The Koch brothers are making the most of this gift in the media. Rarely have I seen so many headlines generated by a gift of that size. $100 million, maybe. $250 million, surely. But while $25 million will mean a lot to the UNCF, schools such as Harvard would likely consider it nothing more than a modest behest.

The Koch brothers must think they’ll get some positive publicity from their gift, and they obviously have the PR team to pitch it.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

Perception lends perspective to the politics of progress

By Derek Joy The San Antonio Spurs set the sporting world abuzz with their impressive dismantling of the Miami Heat in five games.

JOY It was their fifth title in 17 years under Coach Greg Popovich. Redemption of sorts for the disheartening loss in last year’s finals that gave the Heat its second consecutive NBA Championship.

Now, fans and pundits ponder and speculate on what went wrong, what the Heat should do with its roster and so on.

Sure. The Spurs are talented. Always have been. And yes, their perimeter shots fell like pennies from heaven. Happened that way for the Heat as they made four consecutive trips to the NBA Finals.

While the Spurs soundly whipped the Heat to win its fifth championship, they have yet to reach the NBA Finals four consecutive years. Not many franchises have achieved that feat.

Still, the Spurs deserve the fruits of their labors and all the accolades that go with being a champion again. They did it their way. Left a few valuable coaching lessons along the way.

Meanwhile, there are the raging political wars at every level of government.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

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.

It is with great pleasure to announce that the Florida Democratic Party finally has someone that most Black citizens and most Black voters can follow, can support and can trust will stand up and speak out about political issues of interest to African Americans Regular readers of The Gantt Report know I am slow and somewhat reluctant to endorse or hang my hat on Democratic, Republican or any political candidates, political officials or political activities because politics and politicians are subject to change sometimes at the drop of a hat.

But Henry Crespo seems to be willing to ride or die with the millions of Black Democrats that he represents.

Crespo recently put together a very successful conference in Central Florida to allow Black Democrats to meet and to discuss the political issues of 2014.

“We had a great turnout and realize that the Democratic Black Caucus of Florida represents 1.1 million Black voters in the Sunshine State, said

DBCF President Henry Crespo. “We have a lot of work to do to get Democratic candidates that support issues important to Blacks elected in this year’s elections.”

The conference’s theme was “All in to Win 2014: The Year of Action” featured a women’s empowerment breakfast, a founder’s luncheon, a Black media meeting, various breakout sessions and a gala because a Black meeting wouldn’t be a meeting without a party!

Attorney Ben Crump attended along with some parents of murdered children to discuss “Stand Your Ground” and other Florida laws that concern Black Voters. Several local, state and federal candidates and political incumbents spoke about political issues.

A prominent Black newspaper publisher explained to the crowd that, “The plight for Blacks in any one place is the same for Blacks everywhere.”

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

Did you know thatWorkforce Florida has changed to career source?

By Roger Caldwell “It’s as if we’re all McDonald’s franchise holders. We all have the same look, the same menu. Are the brand police going to come CALDWELL after me,” says Rusty Skinner, CEO of workforce in Citrus, Levy, and Marion Counties.

In February 2014, there was a major name change with Workforce Florida, with 24 regional workforce boards, and 100 career centers. The new name becomes CareerSource Florida, and each regional board will use the new brand with regional identifiers, such as CareerSource Palm Beach County, and CareerSource Broward.

“This is not just a name change,” said Alvin West, CareerSource South Florida Chairman and CEO & Senior Vice President of Administration, Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau.

“We are changing our culture and the way we do business. Our new name reflects the strength of our partnership with Florida’s nationally recognized workforce system.”

After 15 months of research and development and paying a marketing

company close to $500,000, the big announcement was the changing of the name. There is still an investigation into Workforce Central Florida, where there was $5.3 million which was misspent over five years, but the organizational chart is still the same.

If there was an audit done on all 24 regional boards, there would be millions of dollars being spent without credible accountability. Last year the Tampa Bay Workforce Alliance was criticized by 8 On Your Side investigations, which revealed that the director spent taxpayer money on expensive meals. The Tampa Bay Workforce Alliance also spent tens of thousands of dollars on award banquets with lavish meals.

There is something fundamentally wrong with the system, and a name change does not address the core problems within the system. When the commissioners on the boards meet only once or twice in a year to conduct business, there is something wrong. When certain boards have not met in a year or two, it is obvious that the commissioners don’t care.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

More relief for those with student loans

By Charlene Crowell NNPA Columnist With outstanding student loans totaling more than $1trillion and still counting, the White House and Congress have proposed measures to ease the financial burden now borne by 25 million borrowers.

At the White House on June 9, President Obama endorsed Senate and House bills that would allow student loan borrowers to refinance their loans into lower interest rates. He also directed the Department of Education to begin a public rulemaking procedure to expand the most generous incomebased repayment options to an estimated 5 million more borrowers.

The new “Pay as You Earn Program “ limits monthly loan payments to no more than 10 percent of income and forgives any remaining money owed after 20 years of payments. It is also expected to save the average student loan borrower $2,000 over the life of the loans.

President Obama said, “I’m only here because this country gave me a chance at higher education with help in the form of loans, grants and scholarships. This is why I feel so strongly about this.”

The President also directed the secretaries of Education and Treasury to find new and innovative ways to best serve students and taxpayers, while ensuring that dis- CROWELL tressed borrowers learn about repayment options available to them. Treasury and education will also work together to educate students, families, financial aid administrators and tax preparers to ensure that all consumers better understand and receive the education tax benefits for which they are eligible. The two departments will also create a pilot program to investigate improved loan counseling.

A new report, co-authored by the White House Domestic Policy Council and the Council of Economic Advisers, underscored why loan refinance is urgently needed. The report states, “Over the past three decades, the average tuition at a public and four-year college has more than tripled, while a typical family’s income has barely budged. More students than ever are relying on loans to pay for college.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

Republicans should learn from Cantor’s mistake

By Raynard Jackson NNPA Columnist Last week’s defeat of House Republican Majority Leader Eric Cantor sent shock waves throughout D.C. like I have never seen before. But, in Cantor’s defeat, I see great opportunity for the Republican Party to make inroads into the Black community.

Cantor represents Virginia’s 7th Congressional District, which is a suburb of Richmond. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, it has a population of 757,917 (74.3 percent white, 17.1 percent Black), median income of $64,751. In other words, it is the definition of a middle-class district. The district is rated as a solid Republican (R+10).

Before we can understand how Republicans can learn from this, we must understand why Cantor lost. It was a total repudiation of the lack of leadership and vision within the Republican congressional leadership.

How could Cantor justify supporting amnesty for illegals when there

are 50 million Americans out of work? How could he justify giving in-state tuition to illegals when American-born Americans can barely afford college?

How could Cantor justify illegal children getting accommodations at a 5-star JACKSON military base when American children are being moved from homeless shelter to homeless shelter?

Cantor’s constituents (Black and White) were asking him some very simple questions: Who is looking out for me and my interests? My husband has been laid off and has been seeking employment for two years, so we can’t afford to send our child to college.

Why are our tax dollars going to pay for the education of those in the country illegally? Where is the help for those of us who were born here?

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

The NAACP is vibrant and strong As a member of the National Board of Directors, President of the Florida State Conference and President of the Miami-Dade Branch, I can attest the NAACP is alive and getting stronger each day! Our Youth and College Division and branches throughout the state, continue to fight for justice and equality for all Americans. Our President and National Board announced a focus on several “Game Changers” and we have made those a priority in Florida.

Civic Engagement – Our branches continue to raise awareness of state and local issues, supporting election reform and fighting against photo ID legislation. We recently held a statewide summit in Orlando with advocates from across the state discussing voter outreach and engagement. Our state was recognized for registering more than 140,000 new voters and we continue to add to these efforts.

Criminal Justice – We have been at the forefront of criminal and juvenile justice issues from highlighting injustice for Trayvon Martin to emphasizing the issues with the Dozier School for Boys in north Florida. Many of our branches including Jacksonville and Pensacola held successful forums on repealing and reforming the Stand Your Ground Law. Our State Conference also continues to encourage county commissions and municipalities to handle juvenile justice matters at the local level.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

Republicans: Hypocritical to demagogic to deranged

By Lee A. Daniels NNPA Columnist June’s three most striking domestic political events thus far all have in common the same force that has uniformly characterized DANIELS the conservative movement’s opposition to the Obama administration: fomenting frenzy as a political tactic.

The former’s painting the federal government as lawless and tyrannical – which has reached a frenzy since President Obama took office – was a root cause of the murderous spree unleashed on Las Vegas by two narcissistic ne’er-do-wells, Jared and Amanda Miller.

The political frenzy the Republican Party leadership helped stoke among conservatives over the last six years boomeranged last week to send Virginia Republican Eric Cantor, the House Majority Leader, to a stunning, historic primary defeat by a littleknown Tea Party ideologue. Voters in Cantor’s overwhelmingly White, overwhelmingly conservative congressional district thought his willingness to even discuss immigration reform proved he wasn’t conservative enough to represent them.

And the controversy that’s erupted over the Obama administration’s deal with the Taliban to secure the release of U.S. Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl exemplifies – again – the stance the GOP and the larger conservative movement (Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

Hollywood gets a low diversity rating

By George E. Curry NNPA Columnist The first detailed study of the relationship be- CURRY tween diversity and the bottom line in the Hollywood entertainment industry has found that although diversity pays – literally –people of color and women are still woefully under-represented throughout film and television.

The study titled, “2014 Hollywood Diversity Report: Making Sense of the Disconnect,” was conducted by the Ralph J. Bunch Center for African-American Studies at UCLA. It looked at 172 theatrical films released in 2011 and 1,061 television shows that aired during the 2011-12 season. It looked at race and gender and key production roles, including cast diversity, the show’s creator, the writer, the director, awards and domestic and international box office.

Frequent moviegoers represent just 10 percent of the population, but purchase half of all movie tickets, the report stated.

“It is important to note here that minorities are overrepresented among the ranks of frequent moviegoers, those who contribute most to overall box office.” it said. “In 2011, minorities accounted for 44.1 percent of frequent moviegoers, a figure that exceeded their 36.3 percent share of the overall U.S. population.”

But you wouldn’t know it by the roles people of color play in the industry.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

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

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

Church Directory

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mount Calvary Baptist Church

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

Reverend Anthony Burrell, Pastor SCHEDULE OF SERVICES SUNDAY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where the kingdom of God is increased through Fellowship.

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

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”

Obituaries Elijah Bell's Funeral Services CORNUT Funeral services for the late Richie Cornut.

TAYLOR Funeral services for the late Arthur Taylor.

James C. Boyd Funeral Home CHUNG Funeral services for the late Arpet Esket Chung –78 were held June 14 at James C. Boyd’s Memorial Chapel with Pastor Grace Bennett officiating. Interment: Lauderdale Memorial Park.

GAINES Funeral services for the late M o t - h e r Jeanette L. Gaines– 70 were held June 14 at Holy temple Holiness Church with Pastor Curtis C. Miller officiating.

Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

LUMPKIN Funeral services for the late Lula Mae Lumpkin – 83 were held June 11 at James C. Boyd’s Memorial Chapel with Rev. David E. Deal, Jr. officiating.

SMITH Funeral services for the late Mother Beatrice Smith – 84 were held June 14 at Church of

McWhite's Funeral Home ALLEN Funeral services for the late Gloria Jean Allen - 48 were held June 14 at McWhite’s Funeral Home.

JEFFERSON Funeral services for the late B a r b a r a H u m i l t a Jefferson were held June 12 at McWhite’s Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Timothy Jackson officiating.

June 19 - June 25, 2014 • www.thewestsidegazette.com • Page 7 held June 14 at McWhite’s F u n e r a l H o m e Chapel. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

THOMAS Funeral services for the late Junor Thomas - 45 were held June 14 at New Mount Olive Baptist Church with Bishop Major Callahan officiating. Interment: Bailey Memorial Gardens.

WAKELYN Funeral services for the late Robert Henry Wakelyn, Sr. – 74 were held June 12 at Hollywood Bible Chapel. Interment: South Florida National Cemetery, Lake Worth, Fl. WEEMS Funeral services for the late Lenoid Darnell Weems-48 were held June 14 at McWhite’s Funeral Home with Rev. Copeland officiating.

Roy Mizell & Kurtz Funeral Home JACKSON Funeral services for the late Oliver Jackson, Jr. -78 were held June 14 at First Baptist Church Piney Grove, Inc., with Rev. Dr. Derrick J. Hughes officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

PONDER Funeral services for the late Barbara Ponder74 were held June 14 at New Hope B a p t i s t Church with Rev. Ricky Scott officiating. Interment: Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

TILLMAN Funeral services for the late Solomon Tillman –64 were held June 14 at Roy Mizell & Kurtz Worship Center with Rev. James Ray officiating.

MACKEY Funeral services for the late Clyde Mackey -73 were held June 14 at Mt. Bethel Baptist Church with Rev. Elder LaFavor officiating.

WALTERS Funeral services for the late Hayward Walters, Jr. - 77 were held June 14 at St. John United Met-hodist Church with Rev. Simon Osulana officiating. Interment: Fo-rest Lawn Memorial Gardens. (Central).

PORTER Funeral services for the late John Henry Porter - 71 were

A FAMILY THAT PRAYS TOGETHER STAYS TOGETHER

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

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

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

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

Rev. Cal Hopkins.

M.Div) Senior Pastor/Teacher

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

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

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

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

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

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

Casey Myers Funeral Services BENSTON Funeral services for the late Cleveland Benston - 37 were held June 21 at Overcoming Church of Jesus with Pastor Zedrick Young. Interment: Forest Lawn Central.

HOLLOMAN Funeral services for the late Marvin Eugene Holloman – 71 were held June 7 at Overcoming Church of Jesus with Brother Darryl Beas-ley offi-

ciating.

JOHNSON Funeral services for the late Charisse Johnson.

MURRAY Funeral services for the late Dallas Murray.

SALVATIERRA Funeral services for the late Andres Salvatierra.

SEWARD Funeral services for the late Latonya Seward.

SMITH Funeral services for the late Moses Smith.

WILLIAMS Funeral services for the late Tom Williams.

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

Page 8 • www.thewestsidegazette.com • June 19 - June 25, 2014

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Creating a nonprofit/private/public partnership Part One of a Three-Part Series on private/public partnerships

Private/public partnerships are promoted as a collaborative way to bring people and resources together across sectors.

A recent example is the development of senior housing in San Francisco’s Bayview Hunters Point community. We are proud to be affiliated with this project and have witnessed the many twists and turns it has taken over the years. We asked Cathy Davis, executive director of the Bayview Hunters Point Multipurpose Senior Services, Inc. (BHPMSS) in San Francisco, CA to share the specifics of her partnership so you imagine

what a partnership could look like for your organization or institution. Her story is specific to her community: your story will be specific to yours.

We started our interview asking DAVIS Davis to share the importance of the senior housing being built. “The new senior housing will make it possible for seniors to age in a secure and familiar place — their own community — close by to friends and family.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

June 19 - June 25, 2014 • www.thewestsidegazette.com • Page 9

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

Black women are taking care of business

By Freddie Allen NNPA Washington Correspondent WASHINGTON,D.C. (NNPA) – Instead of breaking the glass ceiling, Black women

have increasingly started making their own. According to the Center for American Progress, an independent, nonpartisan progressive institute, Black women are the fastest-growing

Will another historic Blackcelebration, Juneteenth be whitewashed out of our history?

group of entrepreneurs in the country.

“Today, women of color are the majority owners of close to one-third of all women-owned firms in the nation,” stated the report. “Increased access to business capital – including microenterprises, venture capitalfunded firms, and crowd funding – has helped the number of women entrepreneurs grow substantially.”

Traditional careers often come with cultural and structural roadblocks that devalue the work of women, especially Black women.

Black women made 64 cents and White women made 78 cents for every dollar that White males made. Black women brought home about $600 a week compared to White women who earned a median of $722.

“From 1997 to 2013, the number of female-owned firms in the United States grew by 59 percent – one-and-a-half times the national average,” stated the report.

The number of businesses owned by Black women sky-

rocketed by 258 percent over that time period. In 2013, more than 1.1 million Black women owned businesses. At 13 percent, Black women also hold the largest share of businesses owned by minority women.

According to the CAP report, “African American women are starting businesses at a rate six times the national average, and their 2.7 million firms are currently generating $226.8 billion in annual revenue and employing almost 1.4 million people.”

As the country grows more diverse, the success of businesses owned by minorities, specifically women of color, will take on a greater role in American economy.

“A 2009 Center for Women’s Business Research study found that the 8 million U.S. businesses that are majority owned by women had an economic impact of $3 trillion annually that translated into the creation and/ or maintenance of more than 23 million jobs, a total that made up 16 percent of all U.S. jobs,” stated the report. “Given the rates of growth among women

of color businesses, these positive impacts to the nation’s economy stand to grow even further.”

That doesn’t mean it’s easier for minority women to start and own businesses. They often encounter the same hurdles in

entrepreneurship that they face climbing the corporate ladder, including “limited access to mentors and “exclusion from elite networks.”

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

Move A foot to protect women around the world against violence

(Cont'd from FP) Although initially associated with Texas and other Southern states, the Civil Rights period and the Poor People’s March to Washington in 1968 lend a hand to broaden the practice beyond the borders of Texas and to raise the conscious of people all over.

Juneteenth was made an official holiday on Jan. 1, 1980 in the state of Texas, with government recognition. Texas is the only state granting full state holiday status to Juneteenth, a commemoration of African American freedom, a day when government employees have the day off.

Selective celebrations of Juneteenth have had exceptional beginnings or characteristics. In the state capital Juneteenth was first celebrated in 1867 under the direction of the Freedmen’s Bureau and became part of the calendar of public events by 1872.

The first broader celebrations of Juneteenth were used as political rallies and to teach freed African American about their voting rights.

Juneteenth declined in popularity in the early 1960s, when the civil-rights movement, with its push for integration, diminished interest in the event.

“Dear God please don’t allow us to let our children forget our history from our being brought to the shores of America in slave ships to one of the highest positions of citizenship.

Let us constantly be reminded during worship that we are all connected through kinship.”—Bobby R. Henry, Sr. LET US CELEBRATE GOD FROM WHERE HE HAS BROUGHT US TO WHERE HE WILL TAKE US

Women at the ASAZA center in Mazabuka, Zambia, which supports survivors of gender-based violence.

(Photo by Emily Travis/DFID)

By Jazelle Hunt Washington Correspondent WASHINGTON, D.C. (NNPA) –Last year, the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 was amended and reauthorized. This past month, a group of senators began setting their sights on broadening pro-

100 Black Men, Broward Schools, and Nova Southeastern University unveil Mentoring Management System (Cont'd from FP) “We have a great partnership with the 100 Black Men of Greater Fort Lauderdale. It’s an organization that we’re partnering with involving the Mentoring Management System to be able to coordinate all our activities ultimately improving student achievement, addressing a lot of issues around student achievement gaps and help Black male students continue in getting better and to have success. I think that everyone in our community needs to be a mentor. We can all have an impact on a child and it’s really about spending the time in the community. As they say, ‘It takes a village to raise a child,’ and that’s what we’re trying to promote here today.”

Under her tenure Dillard High School Principal Casandra Robinson guided the school to achieve an A School rating. She expressed how significant it was to have Dillard be chosen to stage the 100 CEP. “We are so excited. It was actually mutual. They selected us and we selected them because we wanted to do this. We just wanted to be a part of this major event to help bring this to the Dillard community, the surrounding communities, to help make a difference in the lives of those we serve every day.”

Dennis Wright, president of the 100 Black Men of Greater Fort Lauderdale, spearheaded this initiative providing the driving force to bring the Broward County Public School System and Nova Southeastern University on board to help facilitate the process. This will allow the respective parties to pool their resources in a comprehensive effort designed to maximize mentoring opportunities

for students county-wide.

Wright pin-pointed several key components of the Mentoring Management System during his presentation outlining the following: * To assist the District’s ability to meet the mentoring needs of students by identifying community based mentoring programs * To assist community – based mentoring programs in marketing their services by listing them on the MMS website and facilitating the process for parents to select an appropriate program for their children. * To better align our mentoring programs to meet the needs of our children * To ensure that all mentoring programs meet best practice criteria for recruitment, training and security background checks of mentors and that mentor programing is aligned with best practices.

Wright also said that Nova Southeastern University’s Huizenga School of Business would interface with the Broward Public School System utilizing the skills and expertise of NSU students, as part of the project.

“Nova Southeastern has some of best and brightest students in the United States.

Those students are going to be loaned over to this program to help us analyze the data to give us meaningful information for us and meaningful information for them, so that we can make the mentoring program work and be effective, so that students benefit from it. That is the purpose of the partnership between Nova Southeastern University, the Broward County Public School System, and the 100 Black Men of Greater Fort Lauderdale, “Wright added.

District 5 School Board Member Dr. Rosalind Osgood also addressed the Mentoring Management System Workshop, pledging her full support behind the effort.

“This Mentoring Management System will provide a phenomenal data base to allow us to track our mentoring and measure our mentoring. This system and the work that the 100 Black Men is doing are allowing us to engage the community on a whole other level. I am a grassroots community oriented person and a member number of various groups. This

tection to women around the world.

With S.2307, also known as the International Violence Against Women Act (I-VAWA), preventing and responding to violence against women abroad would become a top priority of American foreign policy. When he was in the Senate, Secretary system will allow us to coordinate our efforts, bring us together as community based organizations, and engage the community, whether it’s the church group or volunteers at the schools tutoring our kids in reading, whether its Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority or Delta Sigma Theta, it will allow all the various groups to come together through this Mentoring Management System.”

Local businessman Anthony Wright attended the mentoring workshop on behalf of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Zeta Chi Chapter. The fraternity has a mentoring program called the Lamplighters.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

of State John Kerry first proposed the bill in 2010. It has failed a few times with several other sponsors since then.

This time, sponsors are hoping for a different outcome.

“Violence against women and girls impedes progress in meeting many United States global development goals,” the bill reads. “It is the policy of the United States to take effective action to prevent and respond to violence against women and girls around the world, as a matter of basic human rights as well as to promote gender equality, economic growth, and improved public health.”

While many applaud the measure – including 300 humanitarian groups such as Amnesty International – there are important questions to consider.

With the United States’ track record on the subject within its own borders, and its litany of controversial international interventions, is it reasonable to attempt such a global endeavor?

“Once [the bill] develops more teeth, we’ll see how it interacts with [communities abroad],” says Caroline Kouassiaman, program officer for subSaharan Africa for the Global Fund for Women. The advocacy and grantmaking organization collects private funding and redistributes it as grants to independent, community-based women’s organizations abroad.

“The United States is a large player in international assistance, and that plays a role in sub-Saharan Africa in the way funding is allocated for resources,” says Kouassiaman, citing Uganda as an example.

There, 40 percent of the national budget is funded through aid from the U.S. and other nations. As a result, the American policies attached to aid guide how Uganda allocates those funds to the community organizations and government agencies that need it.

The bill offers an extensive, but slightly vague outline for implementation. First, it makes the (existing) State Department Office of Global Women’s Issues a legally required entity, and charges the (also existing) ambassador with orchestrating all women-related efforts.

The ambassador would also continue to be responsible for creating the United States Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence Globally (devised in 2012 via executive order). As part of this strategy, five to 20 developing nations with “significant levels” of gender-based violence would have individualized response plans.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

Page 10 • www.thewestsidegazette.com • Junel 19 - June 25, 2014

Blackonomics How much are you worth?

By James Clingman NNPA Columnist In a 2010 report titled, “Lifting as we Climb: Women of Color, Wealth, and America’s Future,” posted by Insight – Center for community and Eco- CLINGMAN nomic Development, a startling and unbelievable statistic was cited. Written by Mariko Chang, with the help of Meizhu Lui, Director of the Closing the Racial Wealth Gap Initiative, the report stated the median wealth for Black females from “36-49 years of age is $5.00.”

If you studied statistics, you may remember that the “median” is the number in the middle of a given set of numbers. That being true, this statistic also means that an equal number of Black women in that age group have even less wealth, while the other half is higher. To be exact, the report used the term “women of color,” which includes Hispanic as well as Black women.

So what are we to make of yet another indicator of Black economic disparity – or should I say economic despair? Do we just shake our heads and continue down the path of apathy, giving into the notion that there’s nothing we can do about it? Do we view it as a microcosm of our overall economic condition? Or, do we address this issue head-on with our “leaders” and demand economic, political, educational, and social change?

For perspective, the report also states: “White women in the prime working years of ages 36-49 have a median wealth of $42,600. Prior to age 50, women of color have virtually no wealth.

Moreover, in comparison to their same-sex white counterparts, women of color in the two youngest age groups, have less than 1 percent of the wealth of white women…” The report also noted the same relative statistics for Black men.

Compared to White people, Blacks are so far behind that it’s almost meaningless to even discuss the “gaps” in income and wealth. In addition, compared to Asians and so-called “East Indians,” who even exceed Whites in some categories, we have moved to fourth place on the economic scale, only barely ahead of Hispanics.

That notwithstanding, John Sibley Butler’s “Economic Detour” that Black people had to take to create wealth in this country, the discrimination against us in credit and land ownership, the lack of government assistance as opposed to the subsidies White companies received, we have come quite a distance in spite of having to run from behind with weights tied to our feet. But how much consolation can and should we take from that?

We are still in very poor economic shape as a whole, which the $5 of wealth Black women 36-49 years of age hold graphically indicates. Our families are still at the bottom in median net worth; our businesses are at the bottom in receipts and number of employees; and our children are still at the bottom in education and employment, but at the top in incarceration.

Doesn’t this suggest to you that we have to change our economic behavior? Doesn’t it indicate a dire need to develop multiple streams of income for our people? Doesn’t our position in this country, much of its wealth having been built on the backs of our enslaved ancestors, point out that business as usual is a prescription for failure? How many more reports do we need? The one I cited was written four years ago in 2010, but there are so many others that were written over 100 years ago. What are we waiting for, the next crisis?

Some of our women are worth less now than they were on the auction block, and we are sitting around waiting for President Barack Obama to make things right. We are ensconced in discussions about politics and politicians who are doing absolutely nothing to help us. We are spending our time on voting rights instead of economic rights, not understanding that our voting rights only lead to economic rights for the politicians and their hacks.

We are not asleep; we are in a coma!

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

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.

June 5, 12, 19, 26, 2014

For twenty-one years I have been sounding the alarm via this column, first locally in Cincinnati, Ohio, and then nationally via the National Newspapers Publishers Association (NNPA), and others have done much the same thing for even longer. It is beyond frustration, disappointment, discouragement, and disillusion that I submit another wake-up call to my people in hope and prayer that we will work together to change our economic situation in this country. Even though a segment of our women are only worth $5, we have the collective wherewithal to raise that value exponentially. We have the economic capability to determine our own worth. Do we have the will?

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Mobile Pet/CT Services REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

INTERFACE ENGINE IMPLEMENTATION FOR HEALTH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

EMPI REMEDIATION FOR HEALTH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL Broward Health is seeking sealed Formal RFPs from persons or entities who wish to provide EMPI Remediation and clean-up services in support of the EMPI migration from EAD to Cerner’s EMPI/Patient management solution across the Broward Health network.

Broward Health is seeking sealed Formal RFPs from persons or entities who wish to provide Mobile Positron Emission Tomography/Computerized Tomography (“PET/CT”) Services for both Broward Health Coral Springs (“BHCS”) and Broward Health North (“BHN”) medical facilities. Broward Health mobile PET/CT service is intended to be an outpatient service to be located on the property of both BHCS and BHN.

SPECIFICATIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM WWW.BROWARDHEALTH.ORG (click on: “Quick Links-Business Opportunities”) AFTER 11:00 A.M. ON THURSDAY JUNE 19, 2014.

SPECIFICATIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM WWW.BROWARDHEALTH.ORG (click on: “Quick Links-Business Opportunities”) AFTER 11:00 A.M. ON THURSDAY JUNE 19, 2014.

“BROWARD HEALTH IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND PROCURER OF GOODS AND SERVICES.”

“BROWARD HEALTH IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND PROCURER OF GOODS AND SERVICES.”

BROWARD HEALTH/CORPORATE RESOURCES & MATERIALS MANAGEMENT June 19, 2014

BROWARD HEALTH/CORPORATE RESOURCES & MATERIALS MANAGEMENT June 19, 2014

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Broward Health is seeking sealed Formal RFPs from persons or entities who wish to provide EMPI Remediation and clean-up services in support of the EMPI migration from EAD to Cerner’s EMPI/Patient management solution across the Broward Health network.

SPECIFICATIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM WWW.BROWARDHEALTH.ORG (click on: “Quick Links-Business Opportunities”) AFTER 11:00 A.M. ON THURSDAY JUNE 19, 2014.

“BROWARD HEALTH IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND PROCURER OF GOODS AND SERVICES.” BROWARD HEALTH/CORPORATE RESOURCES & MATERIALS MANAGEMENT June 19, 2014

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT SEALED PROPOSALS SUBMITTED IN RESPONSE TO THE FORMAL RFP MUST BE SUBMITTED BY 3:00 PM, WEDNESDAY JULY 09, 2014 FOR THE BELOW LISTED CATEGORY. A PUBLIC OPENING OF THE PROPOSALS SUBMITTED IN RESPONSE TO THE FORMAL RFP WILL BE HELD AT 11:00 A.M. ON THURSDAY, JULY 10, 2014.

BH GOLD COAST HOSPICE PHARMACEUTICAL HOME DELIVERY SERVICES REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL Broward Health is seeking sealed Formal RFPs from persons or entities who wish to Pharmaceutical home delivery services to hospice patients throughout Broward County, Florida providing complete professional, courteous and timely in home delivery of pharmaceutical products and services. Contractors must provide verifiable documentation supporting previous successful installation/implementation of every component required for this formal RFP. SPECIFICATIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM WWW.BROWARDHEALTH.ORG (click on: “Quick Links-Business Opportunities”) AFTER 11:00 A.M. ON THURSDAY JUNE 19, 2014.

“BROWARD HEALTH IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND PROCURER OF GOODS AND SERVICES.” BROWARD HEALTH/CORPORATE RESOURCES & MATERIALS MANAGEMENT June 19, 2014

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

June 19 - June 25, 2014 • www.thewestsidegazette.com • Page 11

The Fort Lauderdale Police Department held its first Community Police Forum Graduation Class 2014 The Community Police Forum, formerly known as the Citizens’ Police Academy, was designed to foster an active partnership between the community and the Police Department.

Well-informed residents enhance our level of service and are crucial to the success of our community partnership.

The program was very well received by the show of the number of participants, who gave up several nights of personal sacrifice to attend the classes.

Robert McKinzie, resident of Dorsey-Riverbend Neighborhood said it was a show of the outstanding job that the police

were doing. “Job well done by the Fort Lauderdale Police Department. The forum gives you a true perspective of the community side of policing and I highly recommend the forum to every Fort Lauderdale resident.”

The graduation ceremony was held on June 12 at the Fort

Pittman’s Initiative for Nina’s Kidney (PINK) As parents, we are often faced with many challenges as we raise our children. My husband and I like so many other parents pray daily for God’s grace and mercy upon the live of our children. We have been blessed with three beautiful children: two daughters Nina and Jalina, and one son Amore Bute’. We give thanks to our Lord and Savior Jesus for allowing us to be their parents.

The summer of 2001, our first born Nina was diagnosed with SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) LUPUS, at the age of 13. Nina is now 22-yearsold, challenges, disappointment, victories, and miracles are the foundation of her living testimony.

It is Nina's desire to become a pediatric Neonatal Surgeon; highlighted with working deligently to achieve the title Surgeon General of the United States. The challenges of living with LUPUS have delayed her mission of securing her BA degree in order to move on to medical school. However, she has not abandoned her dreams and goals.

Today, the challenge that Nina faces is the need for a new

NINA kidney -- a Kidney Transplant.

Since 2011, Nina has been on the waiting list of the National Kidney Donor Registry, unfortunately, Nina’s need for a new kidney has upgraded to a URGENT status. Our family members and friends, who have been willing to donate their kidney, unfortunately were not medically cleared to do so.

“Yet ye have not, because ye ask not”, are the words that I hear more and more as I pray about the situation she is facing.

Traditional parental roles are changing

By Jazelle Hunt Washington Correspondent WASHINGTON D.C. (NNPA) – A cache of new research from the Pew Center paints a picture of the modern American family—a picture in which the historically rigid roles and responsibilities of moms and dads are meeting in the middle.

But that picture has always been a bit different for Black moms and dads, and the ways this cultural shift is unfolding reflects those differences.

“As such roles change, African Americans are included too,” says George Garrow, Jr., executive director of Concerned Black Men. The nonprofit seeks to uplift children and families by building Black male role models.

“I would point out there’s an uncounted group of fathers who are staying at home with their children, or they have custody,” Garrow continues. “We focus so much on fathers who are not with their children—and admittedly, Black fathers are disproportionately not in the home—but that group of fathers with primary care is not an insignificant number.”

In fact, those dads are now being counted.

According to Pew research, Black fathers account for 16 percent of stay-at-home dads, and 9 percent of fathers who both work and live with all their children. The number of stayat-home dads has nearly doubled since 1989, with 2 million fathers comprising 16 percent of stay-at-home parents, up from 10 percent in 1989.

Now, 50 percent of working fathers—more than ever before—report the same “work-

life balance” challenges that working moms have decried for so long. The challenge is stemming from changing attitudes around the meaning of fatherhood.

“Our fatherhood program tries to teach that their role as a father does not hinge completely on the financial contributions. Your child needs emotional, psychological support as well,” Garrow says. “Those we are helping to reconnect [with their children], we help them appreciate that…the [lack of] ability to provide is no reason to step away from your family.”

Being a family that embraces the bible verse Ephesians 3:20, Now unto him {God] is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us. And furthermore, who trusts and believes God has aligned that one special individual who is willing to answer to the call of this mission.

It is in the name of Jesus, that we reach out to you our neighbors, making our plea that each of you to search your heart and soul, to determine if God has called you to be the one who is has been predestined to be Nina’s donor. We the Pittman Family thank you for reading our appeal. And we pray that everyone who reads this will be in good health and that you will always have the favor of God upon your life.

For more information, please contact Jackson Memorial Transplant Unit Referrals(305) 355-5168. When you call you must state you would like to donate to Nina Nicole Pittman. Also, you may contact the Pittman Family at 954-4450244 or via email at pbeasleypittman@yahoo.

Garrow touches upon a gloomy Pew finding: While fathers are beginning to redefine fatherhood beyond bringing home the bacon, there are also fewer fathers (of all races) coming home at all.

One paper reports that 27 percent of all fathers live apart from at least one of their children. For Black men, that figure is 44 percent. Further, 55 percent of Black children were living in a single-parent home, according to 2011 Census data.

At the same time, Black fathers who live apart from their children are the most likely to see their child at least monthly (67 percent do), and most likely to talk to their child several times a week about their day (49 percent).

Garrow says that the reasons behind absentee fathers in the Black community are often overlooked.

“Rarely do you see…fathers who just feel like, ‘I don’t want to be a father, I don’t have desire to be in my kids life,’” he explains. “There are a number of reasons they step away, and a big one is they don’t want to be there if they can’t provide economic support. Sometimes [their child’s mother] may feel this way, too.”

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

From l to r first row: Sophie Riggs, Rev. Paul Schweinler, Carlos Labastilla, Lilleth Bennett, Linda Fadroski, Rivel Dumaine, Torren Pool, Cidoine Dahuramac, Spencer Douglas Jarvis Robinson. From l to r second row: Sgt. Ivory Nelson, Albert McWhite, Robert McKinzie, Sonya Burrows, Ronald Mesia, Stephen Gilbertson, Jason Nurse, Chief Frank Adderley, Commissioner Bobby Dubois, Stephen Stahl, Seth Perlstern, Valentino McFarland, Sheamell Balcazar, LaRhonda Ware and Capt. Reggie Gillis.

Lauderdale Police Department Sistrunk Substation located at 1291 Sistrunk Blvd. in the City of Fort Lauderdale.

“Kudos to these fine men and women!!! Great program.

More community members should take the program. It will give them a better appreciation for our police department. Also equips individuals to be ambassadors for the Police Department which helps strengthen community relations,” said Sonya Burrows, owner-Burrows Electric Company and resident of Dorsey-Riverbend Neighborhood.

Topics included in the program were: Patrol Operations, Crime Prevention, Internet Investigations, Criminal Investigations, Special Operations and much more.

In addition to these subject matters, attendees could participate in an eight-hour ride along with a member o f the Patrol Division, exposing them to real-life experiences.

“The program was very good. I wish that I could get more people to come out,” stated Torren Poole, resident of DorseyRiverbend Neighborhood.

Fort Lauderdale resident and real estate developer Jason Robertson, emphasized the need for residents to understand the roll of the police department, “Excellent outreach pro-

gram! Worthwhile program that allows the community to understand the role that our police department plays in our city.”

“What stood out most, is what the department is doing for and on behalf of the citi-

zens, workers and visitors of Fort Lauderdale.

They (FLPD men and women) all should be personally thanked,” said Rev. Msgr. Paul J. Schweinler, Pastor of Christ Lutheran Church.

OVER A HALF CENTURY OF LOVE AND STILL GROWING -- Mr. & Mrs. Robert L. and Ollie Brown will be celebrating their 53rd Wedding Anniversary on June 19, 2014. We wish them many, many, more years of marital bliss. With all our love your children: Sylvester, Morris, Garrett and Tamecia along with your grandchildren and great-grand children.

Page 12 • www.thewestsidegazette.com • June 19 - June 25, 2014

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

NHSA Healthy start fathers – Real life, real dads The National Healthy Start Association (NHSA) is committed to changing that dynamic and to giving men the tools and support they need to become the fathers they truly want to be—and their children need them to be. We know from our research that men don’t access services in the same way as women do, and that men and fathers experience great challenges in navigating systems that weren’t designed for them, systems, which traditionally have ignored them.

Recognizing the need to help fathers overcome those obstacles, NHSA developed the Core Adaptive Model© (CAM©) to reach fathers across urban, ru-

ral, border, and tribal communities. Building on lessons we’ve learned after 20 years of implementing the federal Maternal Child Health (MCH) program, the goal of our fatherhood programs is to ensure the creation of father-friendly environments that respect the diverse needs (cultural, financial, emotional, and otherwise) of the men and fathers we serve.

One of the most important elements of NHSA Fatherhood programs is training providers and staff about how to approach, engage, and serve men and fathers. Putting a few sports or car magazines in the

First Perfect Attendance Awards and Best in Class Attendance Award ceremonies

being honored were also recognized with a certificate honoring their support of excellent school attendance. One parent was twice recognized with two children – one in elementary school and one in middle school – qualifying for the award.

In addition to the Perfect Attendance Award by school levels, a Best in Class Attendance Award was presented for the best cumulative attendance from kindergarten through 12th grade, while continuously enrolled in BCPS. Stoneman Douglas High School student, Jessica Goldberg, with only one absence, received the 2014 Best in Class Attendance Award. Recognition gifts included a Broward Education Foundation $1000 scholarship, sponsored

by Dr. Abraham S. Fischler and Raymond Monteleone, and gift packs from the Miami Marlins, the “Miami HEAT and BrightStar Credit Union.

Jessica recently graduated in the top 10 percent of her class with a 4.93 GPA (grade point average) and more than 500 hours of community service. She will attend Florida State University (FSU) in the fall.

By Kenn Harris, National Healthy Start Association Dads Matter Initiative Armin Brott, Mr. Dad We all know (or at least we should know) how important fathers are in their children’s lives. Children with involved fathers get better grades and are more likely to graduate high school. They’re less likely to abuse drugs or alcohol or to get involved in criminal activity.

They’re more independent, manage their emotions better, are less violent, and have higher levels of empathy than kids whose dads aren’t involved.

Boys with involved dads learn how to treat the women in their

lives, and girls with involved dads learn what they should expect from the men in their lives.

But none of this happens if Dad isn’t around—a scenario that’s especially common in lowincome communities where families tend to be younger, unmarried, less educated, and resource deprived. Most of the services available to these families (prenatal care, new parent classes, and so on) are actually targeted at mothers and for the most part, completely exclude fathers. Dads get the message that they have no role in their children’s lives.

Too many take that message to heart and simply back away.

Students and parents celebrate Perfect Attendance and Best in Class Attendance Awards.

The inaugural Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) Perfect Attendance Awards ceremony was one of several ends of the school year celebrations recognizing students for their outstanding achievements. The Perfect Attendance Awards, sponsored by the Stu-

dent Services Department, honored students with cumulative perfect attendance in elementary (grades K-5), middle (grades 6-8) and high school (grades 9-12).

Nearly 200 students qualified for this recognition, including 19 elementary school

students, 148 middle school students, and 22 high school students. Students were presented with a custom medallion and a congratulatory gift bag provided by event sponsors, including Children Services Council, Winn Dixie and Dave & Buster’s. Parents of students

office waiting room helps but isn’t nearly enough.

NHSA Fatherhood programs are race- and culturally responsive and are designed to promote impactful engagement and focus on inclusion, involvement, investment, and integration. Most importantly, our programs view each father as a unique and valued member of a family, and emphasize his

roles and responsibilities across the life-course (before, during, after, and beyond pregnancy).

One of our interventions, “Dads and Diamonds are Forever,” is an 11-week curriculum that aims to restore a man’s sense of value to himself, his child(ren), the mother of his child(ren), and his community.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)