The Westside Gazette

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The State Of Black America PAGE 2

A Needless Fear PAGE 6

John Hopkins Hospital Accused Of Infecting Hundreds With STDS Without Their Consent PAGE 11

Broward County's Oldest and Largest African American Owned and Operated Newspaper oud PPaper aper ffor or a Pr oud PPeople...Sinc eople...Sinc Proud Proud eople...Sincee 1971 VOL. 44 NO. 9 50¢ A Pr THURSDA THURSDAYY,APRIL 9 - WEDNESDA WEDNESDAYY, APRIL 15 15,, 2015

Advocates hope Obama’s clemencies will pave way for other releases

Prisoners’ advocate groups hope President Barack Obama’s decision to grant clemency to nearly two dozen, non-violent drug offenders

By Freddie Allen, NNPA Senior Washington Correspondent WASHINGTON, D.C. (NNPA) – Prisoners’ advocate groups hope President Barack Obama’s decision to grant clemency to nearly two dozen, non-violent drug offenders is just the beginning of a wave of future commutations that

would disproportionately impact African Americans held in federal prisons.

“For some years we have needed reform in our criminal justice system,” said Cynthia Roseberry, project manager for the Clemency Project 2014, a network of lawyers and prisoners’ advocates that assist federal prisoners seeking sen-

tence reductions. “This move by the President is one way to fix some of these draconian sentences that were handed down and not corrected through retroactive application of new law and new guidelines.”

In 2014, the Department of Justice announced a new clemency initiative designed to improve the perception of the criminal justice system and promote parity in sentencing. The Justice Department will use six criteria as they prioritize which clemency applications to review.

Applicants have to meet the following requirements: They are currently serving a federal sentence in prison and, by operation of law, likely would have received a substantially lower sentence if convicted of the same offense(s) today; · They are non-violent, low-level offenders without significant ties to large scale criminal organizations, gangs or cartels; · They have served at least 10 years of their prison sentence; · They do not have a significant criminal history;

• They have demonstrated good conduct in prison; and • They have no history of violence prior to or during their current term of imprisonment.

According to The Sentencing Project, a research group that advocates for criminal justice reform, nearly half of the inmates in federal prisons were convicted of drug crimes.

In an issue brief on the drivers of growth in the prison population, researchers with the Urban Institute, an independent research and policy think tank, reported that, “The biggest driver of growth in the prison population is in federally sentenced drug offenders, almost all of whom were convicted of drug trafficking.”

The report continued: “Incarceration for drug offenses disproportionately affects nonwhite offenders: in FY 2013, over 75 percent of all drug offenders in federal prison were Black or Hispanic.”

Dirty underwear can keep you honest But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV)

By Bobby R. Henry, Sr. Have you ever noticed a toddler, when he or she has begun to be potty-trained and when they have had an accident they become extremely withdrawn and evasive?

I do believe that this learned behavior is done so they won’t be “called out” and to have their ‘sweet little innocent’ broken and their unwanted predicament brought out into the open.

Sometimes dirty underwear will keep you honest.

(Cont'd on Page 9)

On my way to dancing in the stars Dancing has not been a hobby, it has been a choice, a lifestyle for a young girl whose dream is on stage and theaters

(Cont'd on Page 9)

Black fraternity, police officer face million-dollar lawsuit “When one of our officers is accused of wrongdoing, we take those allegations seriously,” Magaw said in a statement.

“The Prince George’s County Police Department holds our of-

DRAUGHN

By Khari Arnold, Special to NNPA from Howard University News Service WASHINGTON, D.C. – Kappa Alpha Psi, one of the nation’s largest and most prestigious Black fraternities, is facing multi-million dollar law-suits for hazing, the latest by a 45year-old Washington man who claims he was paddled and beaten with a cane by members, including a Prince George’s County police officer.

Harry Draughn Jr., filed a $2 million lawsuit on March 31 against Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and its member, police officer Jesse Stewart Jr., after allegedly being hazed during a spring 2015 pledge of the Hyattsville/Landover Alumni Chapter of the fraternity, according to court documents.

Kappa Alpha Psi is already facing a four million dollar lawsuit filed against its Baltimore alumni chapter and several members in January for allegedly hazing another man.

As a result of the new lawsuit, Stewart, 49, who served as the dean of the intake process for the Hyattsville/Landover alumni chapter, has been charged with a misdemeanor and suspended pending an investigation, Prince George’s County Police Chief Mark Magaw said.

ficers to high standards, whether they are on or off duty.”

Stewart, a 21-year member of the police department, faces up to five years in prison on misdemeanor reckless endan-

Fort Lauderdale cop who slapped homeless man has charges filed against him Formal charges of two counts of misdemeanor battery and falsifying police report filed by State Attorney announced

By Bobby R. Henry, Sr. FORT LAUDERDALE, FL— Police Chief Frank Adderley has been a constant force in trying to maintain the integrity of his department after recent incidents of police misconduct.

One of the most recent was the three police officers who were fired and a fourth resigned over the exchange of a “racially biased” video and messages, according to officials.

Just recently, administrative action included the termination of Chris Sousa, James Wells and Jason Holding, as well as the resignation of Alex Alvarez.

“I just hope that the people in the public realize that we’re not going to tolerate it, and that anyone that’s engaged in this behavior, it’s going to be addressed immediately,” Adderley said.

An internal affairs investigation that lasted over fivemonth found the officers had exchanged text messages using ethnically attacking terms in

Pleading Our Own Cause

germent charges.

Court documents state the hazing began in February when Draughn and his line brothers were brought to Stewart’s garage to be smacked, hit, caned and paddled.

Pledges were also brought inside Stewart’s home, where they rubbed lotion on the offduty officer as he sat in a kitchen chair, according to the complaint. Draughn also claims he was required to do tasks around Stewart’s home in his underwear.

(Cont'd on Page 9)

Venard Gilmore is an active choreographer for the Ailey Dancers Resource Fund. (Photos by Luctricia Welters, Dance Instructor)

By Maria C. Montanez

OneUnited Bank welcomes Senior Banking CRA Specialist Marcia Barry-Smith, introduces the unity home loan OneUnited Bank sponsors fifth annual essay contest to promote financial literacy for urban youth

ADDERLY reference to African-American citizens that they face in their line of duty.

Investigators also included a mock video trailer called “The Hoods,” which featured images of a Ku Klux Klan hood and President Barack Obama with large gold teeth created by Alvarez.

Now, the latest incident concerns Victor Ramirez, 34, a police officer who slapped a homeless man.

The Broward State Attorney’s Office has filed three misdemeanor charges against Ramirez who was caught on cellphone video slapping the homeless man in his face.

(Cont'd on Page 5)

OneUnited Bank is proud to welcome senior banking consultant Marcia Barry-Smith who has over 30 years of high level banking experience in South Florida. Barry-Smith will be responsible for rolling out OneUnited’s UNITY Home Loan Program, an exclusive loan program to accommodate first time homebuyers of low to moderate income and/or for property in low to moderate income census tracts in Miami-Dade County.

OneUnited Bank’s engagement with Barry-Smith is expected to elevate the Bank’s CRA focus and results, while offering a successful specialty home loan program through its Miami branch. With her three decades of experience in banking, Barry-Smith is fluent in branch acquisitions, loan servicing, loan origination, and community reinvestment. It is these credentials paired with her keen knowledge of South Florida’s

BARRY-SMITH multi-cultural communities and passion for public and motivational speaking, that makes OneUnited Bank President Teri Williams confident in her decision to add Barry-Smith to the OneUnited Bank team.

(Cont'd on Page 5)

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At the tender young age of 14, Noesha Noel, who attends Dillard High School in Fort Lauderdale, had the opportunity to share her talents and learn from members of the recognized and prestigious school of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.

All the way from New York City, Alvin Ailey dancers performed at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts from Feb. 19-22, 2015.

Dillard High School of the Preforming Arts opened their doors to members of the Alvin Ailey Academy, allowed students like Noesha the privilege and honor of being instructed by masters of the contemporary dance art, like Venard J. Gilmore.

Gilmore is an active choreographer for the Ailey Dancers Resource Fund and has choreographed for Fire Island Dance Festival and Jazz Foundation of America Gala; he also produced the Dance of Light Project in January 2010. Gilmore is a certified Zena Rommett FloorBarre® instructor. He continues to teach workshops and master classes around the world. Mr. Gilmore joined the Company in 1997.

(Cont'd on Page 9) MEMBER: National Newspaper Publishers Association ( NNPA), and Southeastern African-American Publishers Association (SAAPA) Florida Association of Black Owned Media (FABOM)

Page 2 • www.thewestsidegazette.com • April 9 - April 15, 2015

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

In Ferguson, some voters hope city council election brings change

To Be Equal

The State of Black America

After months of turmoil in Ferguson, Mo., the city's residents are taking to the polls. Three council seats are up for election.

“The hardest work in the world is being out of work.”

such as the first ward, where there are four candidates, all four of them said that they're in it because of what was going on - the protests. Now, at least one of the candidates is pro-police and is there to kind of defend what he feels is a disparaging of how city government had been run.

– Whitney M. Young, National Urban League President 1961-1971

By Marc H. Morial NNPA Columnist (Part II) One of the advantages of my position as the president and CEO of the National Urban League is that I have both the opportunity and platform to speak to so many of our nation’s young people. I was presented with another opportunity last MORIAL week as a featured speaker of the Medgar Evers College Global Lecture Series. As I addressed that crowd of future lawyers, IT professionals and perhaps even a pre-sident of the National Urban League, it struck me that for a number of these students—our future workforce— they may en-counter an America, and a job market, that is hostile to the principles of economic mobility on which our country was founded.

Five years after the widely-accepted end of the global economic downturn commonly known as the Great Recession, America’s economy inches ever closer to full recovery. In fact, the start of 2015 saw the most sustained period of job creation this century.

But the dark cloud inside this silver lining is that too many people are still being left behind – particularly in our communities of color, where unemployment remains at a crisis level, even as our economy continues to rebound.

For Blacks and Latinos in America, the economic devastation of the Great Recession is as real today as it was when it began in 2007 and what we’ve found in our newly released 2015 State of Black America® report – Save our Cities: Education, Jobs + Justice is a mixed economics bag that reflects a stark tale of two Americas.

The U.S. economy added 295,000 jobs in February of this year.

For the first time since 1997, we have seen 12 straight months of private-sector job growth above 200,000 and unemployment is down to 5.5 percent – its lowest rate since May 2008. But despite this encouraging news, the Black unemployment is twice that of white unemployment, wages are stagnant and many working people are not earning enough to make ends meet.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

Still making music at 100

CORNISH AUDIE CORNISH, HOST: In any other year, local elections in Missouri might be considered a sleepy affair, especially in the spring.

But in Ferguson, with the shooting death of 18-yearold Michael Brown last August and the riots, protest and international attention that followed, that's not the case this year. Currently, one member of the city council is African-American.

Three other seats on the council are up for grabs, all held by incumbents who are white. They are not seeking re-election. This holds promise for those who want to see more African-Americans in city leadership. Earlier, I spoke with Jo Mannies of St. Louis Public Radio about what's at stake.

JO MANNIES, BYLINE: There are three wards that will be up. In one of the wards, both the candidates

are African-American. In one of the wards, it's one white, one Black. In one of the wards, there are four candidates, two whites and two Blacks. So whatever happens on Tuesday, the council is guaranteed to get at least one more AfricanAmerican than what it has now.

CORNISH: Can you gives us a sense of a candidate who maybe has grown directly out of the protest, someone who's platform and even interest in joining the council comes directly from that time?

MANNIES: The second ward race features a former broadcaster, who is white, by the way.

His name is Bob Hudgins, and he's been very prominent in the protest movement. He is running in part because of all the involvement that he had during the months right after the Michael Brown shooting. And in many of the other ward races,

CORNISH: All of this focus has been on the racial makeup of the leadership of Ferguson. How much has that been part of the conversation of this election?

MANNIES: Well, I think many of the activists, many of the groups and the members of Congress who've been in town they do want to see more African-Americans elected to office.

Now, a couple key things about demographics - although about two-thirds of the population of Ferguson is African-American, the voter population is actually closer to 50/50 because many of the white residents that are in Ferguson are older, and most of them are registered. So that is something that has affected the results, as well.

CORNISH: In all of your candidate interviews, did anyone say anything that surprised you?

MANNIES: Well, one of the things that was particularly interesting is Wesley Bell, who's a lawyer and a professor. He's also an African-American. He said, I don't want to look back two or three years from now and say, hey, this was a missed opportunity. I want to look back

MANNIES and say, we set an example.

They've all really thought about it, but I think that he put it in a very insightful way.

CORNISH: That's Jo Mannies of St. Louis Public Radio.

Thank you so much for speaking with us.

MANNIES: Well, thank you for asking me.

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impactGiRls Third Annual Spring Gala brings fashion to the Signature Grand FORT LAUDERDALE, FL — impactGiRls of Fort Lauderdale announces its highly-anticipated Spring Gala and Awards Dinner event of the year.

The Third annual impactGiRls, inc. Spring Gala and Awards Dinner will be held Friday, April 24 at 6 p.m., at the Signature Grand, 6900 State Road 84, Davie, Fla. This fashion-themed evening will feature a pink carpet fashion show with the creative fashion wear ideas and designs of girls ages six to nine.

The gala includes Signature

Ms. Clinton-Simpson and daughter Hurbertte Florence Clinton – Simpson was born April 8, 1915 in Raleigh, N.C. Her grandfather was Doc Adams a freed slave.

Her God mother is the granddaughter of Frederick Douglas', Aunt Louise.

Her mother instilled in Florence the importance of an education. After learning how to play the piano from the White people she worked for, she taught Florence how to play the piano at the age of six.

After teaching Florence all she knew, she had her take piano lessons from a teacher that taught her for 50 cent a lesson.

Florence then taught her sister, Lydia.

Around 1926, the family migrated north, as many African-Americans did in search of a better life.

It was in the New Jersey and New York areas that Florence graduated from high school, and got her first job playing the piano at church, where she met her husband to be. Florence worked with Adam Clayton Powell as a secretary under the National Youth Administration.

Florence married and moved to Washington, D.C.. She has three children as with her mother she was a strict displinarian and they all have college degrees. They lived about five blocks from the White House. Little did she know that in her lifetime the

first Black President would be living in the White House.

When the family moved to Baltimore Maryland, Florence was employed as a secretary in the Personnel Office at Morgan State University. While she took classes and received a BS degree in Gerotology at the age of 68.

Florence worked setting up Senior Programs in centers while playing for a church with her daughter. She moved to West Palm, Fla. and later to Lauderdale Lakes, Fla. She is an active church member and pianist at the Salvation Army for their weekly senior meetings.

Florence is still learning new things. Her hobbies include reading, playing the Psaltery (a harp like David in the Bible played), playing the piano, writing a book about her life, collecting lighthouses and health articles.

She enjoys spending time with her three grandchildren and four great-grand children whenever she can.

At 100, she is mentally alert and she accepts her aging mobility. Everyday she tries to spend time sitting in the sun, "It's GOD's medicine," she says.

She takes vitamins, a few prescriptions, eat right(bowl of oatmeal everyday) and her daughter, now her mother (smile) is always near and keeps her busy with a daily schedule.

Happy Birthday Ms. Florence from the The Westside Gazette Family!

Grand dinner entrées and a pre-dinner light show, a dance and sign language medley performance by the impactGiRls, and a Butterfly sashing ceremony. For the second year, the cast of the award winning and un-defeated Dillard Elementary Drumline and the D Phi E Steppers, will render high pace performances in honor of the occasion. The Divine Silence Mime Ministry will also captivate ballroom guests. Women of Influence in South Florida will also adorn the podium at

the Signature Grand as they receive the prestigious 2015 impact Award.

“William McCormick, CEO of 4KUS Consulting Group Inc. and Medivance Billing Service, Inc. will serve as our guest speaker. We are thrilled to have the former NAACP President, local businessman and devoted father as our speaker,” says Angela Dix, director of impactGiRls. Veronica Jackson of Simply Speaking/Elite Events Management, Inc. will perform as the electrifying Mis-

Guest Speaker William McCormick tress of Ceremonies for this year’s gala. All proceeds from this event shall support activities for impactGiRls. “Impact Girls has set for itself no small mission. It works to provide girls with a level of self-esteem that will change their destinies. Indeed, the strong women of tomorrow must be inspired to be strong and engaged girls today.” U.S. Congressman Alcee Hastings, FL 20th District.

The impactGiRls gala is sponsored by donations and in-kind services from the Galleon Foundation, Order of Excellence Academy of the Arts, Lindell Douglas and Associates, Yeboah Law Group, P.A., Cheryl Levy Designs.Com, The Embassy, Elite Events Management, and B-Junction.com. impactGiRls, inc. was founded in 2012, with an AfterschoolNot-Afterstreets initiative that provides gender-based programs and mentoring for young girls, navigating girls’ interests in science, math, literacy, finance, the arts, communication, health, fostering selfesteem, mastering challenges, igniting personal achievement, academic excellence, leadership and resisting negative gender stereotypes.

All proceeds support impactGiRls, inc. to aid in fulfilling its mission and provide more comprehensive programs for young girls. Tickets: $50 per person, children 12 and under $25. Tables of 10 cost $500. To purchase or for more information call Dee Harden at (954) 937-3514. Formal fashionable attire is encouraged at this fashion statement gala.

April 9 - April 15, 2015 • www.thewestsidegazette.com • Page 3

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

Despite hearing impairment DJ Hear No Evil keeps reaching for the stars

By Charles Moseley It’s not unusual in today’s society to hear young people talking about being the next big superstar, whether it be LeBron James, Nicki Minaj, Chris Brown, or Kanye West. Quite frankly, there are as many aspiring Hip Hop artists, as there is sand on the beach. What makes one young man’s quest for stardom in the entertainment so unique is that he is able to compete in a world that he can barely hear.

There are literally thousands upon thousands of DJ’s who share the same dream as Anton Abraham aka DJ Hear No Evil, who since the age of three, has essentially been unable to hear in one ear and barely able to hear in the other. He attributes his hearing impairment to being exposed to loud music as a young child.

Abraham grew up in Mount Vernon, N.Y. He says it was quite difficult adjusting to a hearing family and friends. He is able to read lips and has a speech impediment but has come far toward accomplishing his goals in life.

“Yes I am hard of hearing, but I can in fact feel, and play music like the rest of them...like the BEST of them. At a very young age, I had to learn how to acclimate to the hearing world and I’m still learning today,” said 27-year-old Abraham aka DJ Hear No Evil.

“To no surprise, music is one of my instructors. I am drawing closer and closer to my dream of becoming one of the greatest DJs to have ever lived,” added Abraham.

Abraham has embarked on this journey since the age of 13; however, some of the steps he has taken in pursuit of his goals in life include obtaining a Bachelor of Science Degree in Media Marketing and Master’s Certifications in DJ and Production.

After the death of his biggest supporters, his dad Antonio Leo Abraham aka DJ LA, and his best friend, Christopher Alexander Rucker-Ridley who was a Mount Vernon police officer, he was inspired to become a DJ. Both Ridley and Abraham became interested in music because of their fathers.

“I am left to achieve this dream for all of us. Music is my life, and currently my wife...so you can sense my determination. I am fully aware of my impediment, yet I am determined to succeed in becoming one of the greatest. The reason why I’m doing this is because I am unique and can actually spin like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Kid Capri, DJ Sussone and few others.”

I have DJ’ed in several battles. I obtained second place in Manhattan, and came close to making it in the final round in Queens recently. In my case, I realize that I have to work 100 times harder and I have a long way to go but I’m putting in the work,” added Abraham.

Several weeks ago Abraham performed a showcase at the SXSW Concert in Texas, considered one of the most influential outdoor concert events in the U.S. Most recently Abraham came to South Florida to compete at the Miami Winter Music Conference, in its prestigious,”DJ Battle/Competition.”

This achievement will position him in the industry as a relevant up and coming DJ/artist.

He also will be featured in a documentary of his quest toward stardom.

DJ Hear No Evil recently visited South Florida and agreed to share his experiences with the Westside Gazette.

Westside Gazette(WG):What brings you here to South Florida?

DJ. Hear No Evil: Winter Music Conference (WMC) in-

LEGAL NOTICE

Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Economic and Property Damages Settlement The Deadline to file a Claim is June 8, 2015 June 8, 2015 has been established as the deadline to submit a claim in the Economic and Property Damages (“E&PD”) Settlement with BP Exploration & Production Inc. and BP America Production Company (“BP”) related to the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. So if you are eligible to file a claim, you must act soon.

WHO

DJ Hear No Evil recently was in South Florida to perform during Miami’s “Winter Music Conference” in their prestigious” DJ Battle/Competition.” vited me to come to Miami so I can participate in WMC DJ Scratching Battle so I want to show off my skills on my set and I was told that I placed somewhere in fourth. I also participated in Freestyle Scratch Submit Battle and I didn’t win.

However, I’m not trying to sound cocky but I inspired them and other people because of what I can actually do on those wheels just like other turntables DJs regardless of my hearing. I got great feedback to keep working on my set and coming back for that battle next year even bigger as they want me to.

Ever since I came to South Florida, I learned a lot as far as how to be a better DJ and push myself more as I’m really hungry to move up to the next level. My cousin Mike who lives out here in Florida had a long conversation with me and showed me the ropse about the business and music world. He understood how much work I put in and why I am different than other Djs. WG: How did you get started as a DJ and trace your most difficult moments in your journey to becoming a professional DJ and also share your proudest moment so far in your career?

DJ. Hear No Evil: As a youngster I went downstairs to the dining room where my Pops left his turntable, Technic 1200, on the table. It was already hooked up. I think he went out to DJ for an event, and my mom was upstairs watching TV. I played the music and TRIED to scratch but it sounded horrible. That’s when my mom came downstairs to turn it off without a hesitation. I tried to give her a reputable reason why I did this but she wasn’t hearing what I had to say. I started to pay attention more to understand the Hip-Hop culture when I touched on those wheels (Turntables) at the age of 13.

My father taught me to understand the importance of becoming a Disc Jockey (DJ) and be one of the greatest. My Pops taught me something about being a DJ but I lost focus for a while, then I actually got back into it, a few years later.

WG: How has HIP HOP/ music changed since you first began listening to this art form, and do you feel it has become too commercial over the years?

DJ Hear No Evil: Nowa-

days, hip-hop has become more about hot beats and who can make the most money. The days when hip-hop and rap was about representing the community where it came from are fading but some rappers are trying to bring it back. The way I look at it, is nobody really cares about quality or real life issues anymore. Some of the old heads are still in the game trying to teach the youngin’s how to stay in the game and not screw up Hip-Hop. There are still good rappers out there, such as Lupe Fiasco, J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, and Drake. I still like some good hip-hop songs and I respect every artist’s hustle but I want them to bring Hip Hop back to real life.

As Nas said, “Everybody sounds the same, commercialize the game, Reminiscin’ when it wasn’t all business. It forgot where it started.So we all gather here for the dearly departed.”

This defies why true Hip Hop is dead.

WG: What advice would you give to aspiring DJ’s ?

DJ. Hear No Evil: My advice to all DJs is to stay on the grind if you’re really hungry to get to where you want to be. And understand the importance of Real DJs using Technic 1200 turntables. The most important thing is to study and create your own craft as a DJ. There are a lot of things you can do as a DJ, such as battling, making beats, deejay with MCs, etc.

WG: What does the future hold for you and where do you go from here?

DJ. Hear No Evil: God has a plan for my future. I already told Him what I want; which I’m going to get by faith. Right now as a DJ, I’m going to back to New York City, to try to get in the clubs, on radio stations, deejay battles and so forth. So I can continue to build my brand so everyone remembers who DJ Hear No Evil is.

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IS INCLUDED?

The E&PD Settlement Class includes people, businesses, other entities, and properties in the states of Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi, and certain counties in Texas and Florida, that were harmed by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill that occurred on April 20, 2010. The website DeepwaterHorizonSettlements.com has detailed descriptions and maps of the included geographic locations to help you determine whether you are a part of the E&PD Settlement Class.

Additionally, you can call 1-866-992-6174 or e-mail questions@DeepwaterHorizonEconomicSettlement.com to find out if a geographic location is included.

WHAT

ARE THE PAYMENT CATEGORIES?

The settlement provides payments if you had economic loss or property damage because of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. By submitting a claim, you can request a payment in one or more of the following seven categories: Economic

Damage Loss of Subsistence Vessel Physical Damage Real Property Sales Damage Vessels of Opportunity Charter Payment Coastal Real Property Damage Wetlands Real Property Damage

Economic Damage payments are available for Individuals and Entities that lost profits or earnings as a result of the Deepwater Horizon Incident. Coastal Real Property payments are available for property that was physically damaged in connection with the Deepwater Horizon Incident. Detailed descriptions of all seven categories are available at the website.

There is no limit on the total dollar amount of the E&PD Settlement. All qualified and timely claims will be paid in full once they are approved. The Settlement also allowed for Seafood Compensation claims, but the deadline for those claims has passed.

HOW

DO I REQUEST A PAYMENT?

You must submit a Claim Form to request a payment.

You can get a copy of the various Claim Forms by visiting the website or by calling 1-866-992-6174. Claims can be submitted online or by mail. If you have questions about how to file your claim, you should call the toll-free number for assistance. The claims process can be complex, so if you are eligible to file a claim, you should act now so you may complete your claim before the June 8, 2015 deadline.

DeepwaterHorizonSettlements.com 1-866-992-6174

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

Page 4 • www.thewestsidegazette.com • April 9 - April 15, 2015

Community Digest

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

Program

Broward, Miami Dade, West Palm Beach, residents and participants of any of the HUD Housing Programs. Public Housing, Section 8 Vouchers, Multi-Family (Tax Credit, Project Based, Other) join current & former residents, Saturday, April 11, 2015 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the African-American Research Library 2650 Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. RSVP at (786) 5190544 (space is limited) as part of the Saving Our Homes and Taking Back Our Communities Tour. By Residents and Housing Advocates.

Symposium Florida Diversity Council presents the 4th Annual Women Leadership Symposium for High School girls, Saturday, April 11, 2015 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Florida International University Biscayne Bay Campus, 3000 N.E. 151 N. Miami, Fla. Theme: Know Your Worth: Be-You-Tiful!

Event Join your neighbors, friends and local businesses for the Community Flea Market Social!, Saturday, April 11, 2015 at Riviera Beach Housing Authority, Congress Ave., between Blue Heron and MLK Blvd., on the grounds of the old IvyGreen housing complex. To Benefit Healthy Food, Healthy Living The only Full-time Food Bank in Riviera Beach! For more info visit tysMedia.net/ HFHL.html or call Marian Dozier at (561) 628-5835.

Fish Fry

Dillard High School class of 1971 to host a Fish Fry - a Scholarship Fundraiser, Saturday, April 11, 2015 at 10 a.m. at the Black Firefighters Hall, 1621 N.W. Sixth St., Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. For additional info contact Pamela Ferguson Dinkins at (954) 4398242.

Celebration

Conference The 411 on Parent Engagement Conference, Saturday, April 11, 2015 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Piper High School, 8000 N.W. 44 St., Sunrise, Fla. For free registration and additional info contact (754) 3211599.

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Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Zeta Rho Omega Chapter Celebrates 60 years of service and Salutes its 2015 Women of Distinction, Sunday, April 26, 2015 at 12 noon at the Marriott Harbor Beach, 3030 Holiday Dr., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Celebrity Emcee Brois Kodjoe.

For cost and additional email www.zetarhoomega.org

Yard Sale

Program

Flea Market

Broward Cultural Division has collaborated with Art Hive magazine to schedule and facilities a series of application workshop for a South Florida Call to Writers for the Division’s Art Journalism Program. Free info and application session will be held on Tuesday, April 14, 2015 at 1 p.m., at Florida Atlantic University (FAU), Boca Raton Campus, Room 231, Culture and Society Blvd., 777 Glades Rd., Boca Raton, Fla., and Thursday, April 23, 2015 at 7 p.m., at Bailey Contemporary Arts (BaCA), 41 N.E. First St., Pompano Beach, Fla. RSVP required.

Cotillion

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and Zeta D.O.V.E. Foundation invites you to attend its 61st Debutante Cotillion and Masters Ball on Saturday, April 11, 2015, at the Westin Cypress Creek Hotel, 400 Corporate Dr., Fort Lauderdale, Fla., 33324.

Seating is at 6:30 p.m., Dinner at 7 p.m., followed by Sub Debutante Presentation, Crowning Miss Blue Revue, and Debutantes and Masters “Presentation to Society.” For more info cll (954) 873-0922.

Church & Community Yard Sale, April 18, 2015 from 8 a.m.

– 2 p.m. Proceeds to benefit Mt. Zion MBC Church’s 51st Anniversary. Reserve your space by calling Bridgette Grant at (754) 423-0760. The event will be held at the church located at 1161 N.W. 29 Terr., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Dr. James B. Darling, Jr./Senior Pastor

Expo

Southern Florida Minority Supplier Development Council 30th Annual Business Expo, Tuesday and Wednesday, April 14-15, 2015 at Broward County Convention Center, 1950 Eisenhower Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Tuesday, April 14, Big Data Workshop from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Investor Pitch Challenge from 3 to 5 p.m., Wednesday, April 15, Hard Hat Row from 1:30 to 5 p.m.

Networking luncheon keynote speaker Mile Fernandez, chairman MBF Healthcare Partners. For additional info call (305) 762-6151.

Voter Registration Drive

Event Outstanding middle and high school performers from Broward County Public Schools take center stage for the 16th annual Stars on Parade extravaganza, Wednesday, April 15, 2015 at 7:30 p.m., in the Amaturo Theater at the Broward County for the Performing Arts, 201 S.W. Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. EDUCATION MATTERS Every Child Deserves a Chance to Succeed.

The ladies of Chi Psi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated will be hosting a Voter Registration Drive at the 52nd Anniversary Celebration of the City of North Lauderdale during its annual North Lauderdale Days, Saturday, 12 noon, April 18, 2015, City of North Lauderdale, 701 S.W. 71 Ave., North Lauderdale, Fla. For additional information, contact us at www.chipsiomega@info.org on Face Book or at (954) 410-6673.

Community Flea Market & Social support Healthy Food, Healthy Living food bank, Saturday, April 11, 2015 at 8 a.m., on the 15-acre grounds of the Riviera Beach Housing Authority, located on Congress Ave. between Blue Heron and MLK Blvd. For space and additional info call (561) 628-5835 or visit www.tysMedia.net/ HFHL.html.

Yard Sale Sell your goods and keep your profits, Saturday, May 2, 2015 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Northwest Federated Woman’s Club 2161 N.W. 19th S., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. To reserve your space contact (954) 730-3442 or Email nwwomansclub@bellsouth.net

Classes

Free SAT & ACT Prep at Regional Libraries program schedule 2015 All Sessions mandatory attendance · Session 1: SAT/ACT Grammar and Reading Techniques and Strategies · Session 2: SAT/ACT Grammar and Reading Practice · Session 3: SAT/ACT Math Techniques and Strategies · Session 4: SAT/ACT Math Practice and Science Techniques and Strategies · Session 5: SAT/ACT Science Practice and Essay Techniques and Strategies West Regional – (954) 7651560 (Pre-registration begins 31415 · Tuesday, April 14 – Session 3: from 5 to 7:30 p.m. · Tuesday, April 21 – Session 4: from 5 to 7:30 p.m. · Tuesday, April 28 – Session 4: from 5 to 7:30 p.m.

West Regional Library (954) 357-7990 -SAT/ACT program series: · re-registration begins on 3/18/15 · Wednesday, April 8 – Session 2: from 5 to 7:30 p.m. · Wednesday, April 15 – Session 3: from 5 to 7:30 p.m. · Tuesday, April 22 – Session 4: from 5 to 7:30 p.m. · Tuesday, April 29 – Session 5: from 5 to 7:30 p.m.

Groundbreaking Ceremony for NW 15 Street Paving Project!

Saturday, April 11, 2015 at 10 a.m.

NW 15 Street and NW Fifth Avenue Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 Join the City of Fort Lauderdale and the South Middle River Civic Association for a Groundbreaking Ceremony to celebrate the NW 15th Street Paving Project. The ceremony will include remarks from elected officials, neighborhood representatives, and photo opportunities.

Highlights of the project will include upgrades to the storm drain system, removal of excess pavement, resurfacing the road, installation of solar lighting, sidewalks, landscaping, and new signage.

The project helps fulfill Fort Lauderdale’s community-wide Vision of strengthening connectivity as we create a safe, convenient, and accessible transportation network.

Happenings at African-American Research Library and Cultural Center

African-American Research Library and Cultural Center, 2650 Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderale, Fla. Prearranged Group Tours – available during library hours.

For more info call (954) 3575950.

On Display – Welcome to the Kingdoms and Empires of Haiti The Negro Baseball Leagues.

Monday and Wednesday (April 8 will be the last day) Free IRS Income Tax Assistance at 6 p.m. · Wednesday, April 8, at 6 p.m. - African Holistic Health and Wellness Seminar, depression to Vitality which will focus on exercise, movement, counseling, positive psychology, regular exposure to sunlight and proper levels of omega 3. · Friday, April 10, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., Destination Friday, Trinidad and Tobago. For tickets info go to Eventbrite or by paying cash or credit card at the door. (This is an after-hours event for ages 21 and over.) · Monday, April 13, at 5:30 p.m. – AARLCC Film Society presents: starting the baseball season with a home run… stories of perseverance and pride from the Negro Baseball, light refreshments. · Tuesday, April 14, at 10:30 a.m. – Preschool Story Time Fun. · Monday, April 20, at 6 p.m. - Creating the Ultimate Business Plan: workshop/seminar. For more info call (954) 357-6270. · Wednesday, April 22, at 6 p.m. –Rebuilding Your Credit: workshop/seminar. For more info (954) 357-6170. · Wednesday, April 22, from 3-5 p.m. – Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, free Homework Help: After school help with homework for grades K12. For more info call (954) 3576157. (Only homework and educational games are allowed on Children’s and Teen’ computers during homework help hours.)

Free computer classes schedule – pre-registration is required for all classes, call (954) 357-6236, due to limited seating, registration begins 6 day prior to each scheduled class.

Re-registered students are asked to arrive 15 minutes before class to check in. **Please bring a storage device (such as thumb drive) if you wish to save your work ** The following classes are funded by the Broward Public Library Foun-dation. · Tuesday, April 7 – Microsoft PowerPoint I, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. · Tuesday, April 14 – Microsoft Computer Literacy, I, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. · Tuesday, April 21 – Basic Computer Literacy, I, from 10:30 a.m. to12 p.m. · Tuesday, April 28 – Basic Computer Literacy, II, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

For additional info for Free classes being offered at other library locations call (954) 357-6236 or inquires at the Computer or reference info Desk. Need Free help with resume writing? Inquire at the Computer or Reference Information Desk.

Event

Mount Olivet Seventh-day Adventist Church present "Moms Are Amazing" with special features "2015 Mother of the Year and Spotligh on Moms on Saturday, May 9, 2015 at 4 p.m. at 649 N.W. 15 Way, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Contact Mira Massey at (954) 629-1150, Leticia Murray at (954) 4962993 or Sarah Shaw at (954) 789-9658 for more information.

April 9 - April 15, 2015 • www.thewestsidegazette.com • Page 5

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

Dillard High School takes home first place at the Georgia FIRST2015 Peachtree Regional Robotic Competition Broward History: The Florida Seminoles

Boyd Anderson High School History Across Broward Students interviewing Larry Mike Osceola in January 2015.

(Photo by Roberto Fernandez, III)

By Simone Loftman On Jan. 29, 2015, a group of students from Boyd H. Anderson High School interviewed a member of the Seminole tribe, Mike Osceola. The students are all a part of an organization called the History Across Broward Initiative. Mr. Osceola covered many topics such as Sam Jones and the Battle of Pine Island, which occurred in March 1838. He also spoke about the Seminole perspective on Abiaka who we know as Sam Jones. He first covered the events leading up to the battle of Pine Island.

In November 1837, American forces captured King Phillip, a Seminole tribe leader, and several other Seminoles. They were imprisoned at Fort Marion, St Augustine. On Oct. 27, 1837, Osceola and Coa Hadjo were captured under the white flag of truce and were sent to St. Augustine. These were events that led up to the Battle of Pine Island. As Seminole leadership declined and the death of Mike Osceola at Fort Marion occurred, a U.S. general gave the command to his troops to seize fire due to the inactivity of the Seminole tribe. The U.S. military received a tip about Sam Jones’ whereabouts from a Seminole who was planning to surrender and emigrate. Sam Jones was at his Pine Island settlement in the Everglades near New River. The Everglades had never been breached by the US up to this point.

The Seminole perspective on Jones was very admirable. He was very relentless and his perseverance was prominent.

“He lived and died in a country he loved and never surrendered. That’s our perspective, Seminoles about Sam Jones, Abiaka or the Devil or the Rascal,” Osceola said. The physical characteristic of Jones was considered to be older even when he was young. His elusive behavior was a fact. He always evaded the soldiers, which, according to Osceola, frustrated the American soldiers, and likely caused them to exclaim, “That old devil, that old devil escaped again,” Osceola said.

His ability to escape the Americans must have caused an-

noyance and anger amongst the U.S. Military. Osceola stated that the Americans never knew the image of Sam Jones, which opened up many opportunities for the Seminole leader to attack. There were some stories that Sam Jones himself walked right into some of the American forts to sell fish to the soldiers and he analyze each fort’s weak spots, their weapons’ locations and would attack later on that night. Sam Jones was friendly to the soldiers, which made it very easy for him to blend in.

Even though the American soldiers never knew what Sam Jones looked like, Osceola stated that the soldiers knew the Devil was in his garden.

Eight clans of the Seminole people followed Sam Jones to escape the soldiers, these eight were: Bird, Wind, Panther, Snake, Bear, Big Town, Deer and Otter. As determined as Sam Jones was, the Seminole tribe resistance movement never lost control. Under the strategy, guidance and leadership of Jones, the Seminole survived not only through the Second Seminole War but also through the Third Seminole War, which occurred from 18551858. Jones was never captured; he died peacefully in the Big Cypress in the 1860s in his 80s. “It is he that is responsible for saving the population of Florida Indians,” Mike Osceola said. Sam Jones was evidently the hero to the Seminole tribe of Florida. Osceola stated that he was not the prominent face of the war like Chief Osceola but he was the strategist, the planner in the background, which is one of the basic reasons why he was never captured or surrendered.

“There is an old Seminole saying that you do not repeat the name of the deceased, maybe, in the third person term.

Sam Jones was a victim of that tradition.” Mike Osceola said.

This could have been the reason why he was never mentioned in Mike Osceola’s tribe. As of today that specific tradition is declining as the younger generations are starting to teach their children about Sam Jones, shedding light on the man and his contributions for the tribe.

Dillard High School Sigmac@t robotic team.

Congratulations to the Dillard High School Sigmac@t robotic team on their second

The three misdemeanor charges against Ramirez were: two counts of minor battery and one count of falsifying records.

Ramirez was placed on administrative leave with pay when the video surfaced. He has been with the Fort Lauderdale Police Department for nine years and has no disciplinary past. Of the three prior discourtesy complaints lodged against him, none were sustained.

“We haven’t receive the formal documents yet, but, once received Ramirez status will be changed from suspended with pay to suspended without pay”, stated Chief Adderley.

A bystander, who witnessed the Feb. 22 incident at the downtown bus terminal, recorded it and posted it to YouTube. An immediate news conference follow, with the city manager calling the incident “disturbing” situation. Chief Adderley in maintaining his credibility with the community promised a thorough investigation.

The video shows Officer Ramirez hovering over Bruce Laclair, 58, sitting on the ground and slapping the Laclair across his face.

“I’ll push you down to the ground, and I’ll beat you up if you f——— try to fight me.

That’s what’s going to happen,” Ramirez can be heard threatening to beat the man up.

In his report about the encounter, Ramirez wrote that he struck Laclair, 58, after he fell

nology (FIRST) 2015 Peachtree Regional Robotic Competition, held in Atlanta, Ga.

About FIRST Its mission is to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders, by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering and technology skills, that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership. FIRST participation is proven to encourage students to pursue education and careers in STEM-related fields, inspire them to become leaders and innovators, and enhance their 21st century worklife skills. Read more on the main usfirst.org site.

Over $35,000 available for Florida students pursuing careers in building and construction ST. PETERSBURG, FL — The Future Builders of America (FBA) is offering over $35,000 in scholarships to FL students pursuing careers in the building and construction industry.

Applications can be found at h t t p : / / futurebuildersofamerica.org/ careers/student-scholarships/ and are due to the FBA office

by April 20, 2015.

The FBA created the scholarship fund to assist in addressing the pressing need for a better educated and trained construction industry workforce. Despite the incredible growth of Florida’s population and economy, the construction industry is facing a skilled workforce shortage.

A recent survey by the National Association of Home Builders found 46 percent of builders reported a worker shortage last year. That’s the highest across the nine trades surveyed since 2000, and even slightly higher than the peak of the housing boom in 2005 when housing starts were running at the pace of about 2 million a year, or about twice the current rate.

FBA President, Alan Anderson said, “The scholarship program and FBA overall is critical to the future of our industry in Florida. The building and construction industry is growing and the opportunity for qualified workers in coming years in substantial.”

Since the inception of the scholarship program, the FBA has awarded over $100,000 in scholarship funds to students interested in careers in the construction industry.

Fort Lauderdale cop who slapped homeless man has charges filed against him (Cont'd from FP)

consecutive first place win at the For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Tech-

The team placed first after defeating 64 teams from around the country.

“We’re so incredibly proud of the Sigmac@t’s for their competitive spirt and hard work.

This a big win for our school, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for this team,” said Principal Casandra Robinson, Dillard High School.

Dillard High, along with and its corporate sponsors Motorola Solutions, and Florida Power & Light, are pleased to announce that the Sigmac@t’s will be competing at the FIRST World Robotic’s Championship Competition event in St. Louis, Missouri, April 22-25, 2015.

to “distract [him] and keep him from grabbing me. “Ramirez said that when he awoke Laclair and asked him to leave, Laclair swore at him. While escorting Laclair out of the terminal, Laclair “pulled away from [me] in a violent manner. I reacted by pushing Laclair away from me to keep him from attacking me,” Ramirez wrote.

Laclair was arrested and charged with trespassing.

Chief Adderley continue, “This is a clear indication that our process is design to be transparent. we have an outside investigation lead by the state attorney’s office that is making a decision whether to prosecute or not to insure the public trust.”

“We typically set aside 10 percent of the operating budget to be awarded annually through the scholarship program,” continued Anderson.”

“To help promote the construction industry as a great career opportunity to Florida’s future employees, visionary industry leaders created the Future Builders of America. The mission is to engage in construction educational activities and help youth understand and pursue rewarding careers in construction,” said Executive Director, Cheryl Harris.

The FBA helps students gain real world experience by linking them with the local building community. Students also have the opportunity to hear Guest speakers and participate in field trips to building sites.

Along with opportunities for summer and post-graduation employment, the FBA club

meetings also provide for camaraderie and an opportunity for students to improve their leadership and teamwork skills.

About the Future Builders of America (FBA) The Future Builders of America (FBA), is a not-forpro-fit 501(c)(3) and is committed to Learning Today…

Building Tomorrow!” The FBA is dedicated to help engage students in construction-related educational activities, including

assisting them in understanding and pursuing rewarding careers in construction and related trades. The FBA is dedicated to promoting employment opportunities in the construction industry in Florida and the United States via a network of local student chapters, scholarships, a student leadership development program and other targeted initiatives. For more information v i s i t FutureBuildersOfAmerica.org.

OneUnited Bank welcomes CRA Specialist Marcia Barry-Smith (Cont'd from FP) “We are excited to add Marcia Barry-Smith’s expertise to better serve the needs of the MiamiDade County,” says Teri Williams, president and chief operating officer. “She has already had an impact with the introduction of the UNITY Home Loan Program.”

Barry-Smith’s first order of business will be to launch the UNITY Home Loan, a 30 year, fixed-rate loan in Miami-Dade County. In order to quality for this loan product, which has a minimum loan amount of$ 40,000, buyers must provide a 3 percent down payment, with at least 1 percent from their own funds. Grant money or a gift from a relative may be added to buyers’ own funds to meet the 3 percent requirement. If grant funds are involved, subsidy maximum purchase price guidelines will apply. Qualifying properties for the loan program are owner-occupied, single family residences and condominiums in Miami-Dade County.

Interested borrowers may meet Barry-Smith and hear more about the UNITY Home Loan program at the free H2H Miami Homebuyer’s Club on April 28, 2015 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Belafonte TACOLCY Center (6161 NW 9th Avenue, Miami, FL 33127) during which professionals will show consumers how a security

deposit, first and last month’s rent over an extended period of time is equivalent to the down payment on a home. It is Williams’ hope that through these monthly events and the UNITY Home Loan Program, OneUnited can increase MiamiDade residents’ awareness in the possibility of becoming a homeowner.

Nationwide, OneUnited Bank is announcing its Fifth Annual I Got Bank! Essay Contest to promote financial literacy for youth. Middle school students from across the country between the ages of eight and 12 are encouraged to read I Got Bank!, or a similar financial book of their choosing, and write a 250-word essay about how they would apply what they learned from the book to their lives. Submissions must be emailed or postmarked by June 15, 2015. The bank will choose three winners and award them a $1,000 OneUnited Bank savings account by August 31, 2015. For more information, please visit: www.oneunited.com/book.

Teri Williams, OneUnited Bank, president and author of I Got Bank! wrote the book when she found that there weren’t any books geared toward educating urban youth about finances. “I am very excited that there is more focus on financial literacy today than five years ago when we launched our essay contest,” said Wil-

liams. “Many organizations – including other banks – are offering financial literacy workshops for adults and kids.” Williams has held numerous financial workshops at schools and community organizations throughout the country.

OneUnited Bank (www.oneunited.com), a Minority Depository Institution (MDI) and a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), has received the Bank Enterprise Award from the U.S. Department of Treasury for ten years due to its community development lending. Its mission is to be the premier bank serving urban communities by promoting financial literacy and offering affordable financial services.

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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.

A needless fear

By Pastor Rasheed Z Baaith “For God hath not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7) While those enacting the Religious Freedom Laws may not have meant them to be, the laws are indicators of a quiet but growing fear within the Body of Christ.

That fear is that the growing acceptance of homosexual marriage and other sinful behaviors will force Christians to participate in events we believe are opposed to the basic tenants of our faith in both our religious, business and social lives. I think it a needless fear.

I think too many in the Church do not understand Biblical scriptures. The world’s acceptance of the homosexual lifestyle, the growing violence among

us, the dissolution of traditional families, the wars and rumors of wars are phenomena BAAITH we have been taught to expect will happen. No legislation no matter how well intended can stop Biblical prophecy from being fulfilled. We should understand that clearly.

Our role as the Church is not to wring our hands in desperation or react with vitriol and hatred to those things we don’t approve of or know God does not sanction in His Word.

Our job is to stand firm in our faith.

That means refusing to obey laws that contradict the Laws of God. No matter what that stand may cost us on this side of Heaven.

And therein may lay the problem for many of us. It’s that old thing about wanting to go to Heaven but not wanting to die.

Walking away from bad customer service

By George E. Curry, NNPA Columnist After 19 years, most of them as a satisfied customer, I am closing my personal checking account this week at Citibank. I am closing my account not because I was lured away with an incredibly attractive offer from one of

its competitors. Rather, I am walking away from Citi because of bad customer service. When a business loses customers who want to stay, it’s a CURRY sure sign of trouble.

My issue was a simple one.

Throughout 2014, whenever I made a deposit to my personal Citi account from my business account at a rival national bank, the full amount was immediately made available upon deposit in the ATM. Beginning this year, however, the full amount was no longer being honored and no one would tell me why.

I started with the Customer Service Department. Instead of being responsive to my complaint, five different representatives – Sabrina Padron, Rene Torres, Christine Flanders, Priscilla Chaires and Christine Naranjo – felt the need to send me form letters essentially stating Citibank’s policy of spreading funds availability above a certain amount over five business days.

Despite assurance in an email to me from Padron, dated March 4, that “Citi is committed to providing our client’s [SIC] with world class service that is efficient, responsive and dependable,” the service was neither world class, efficient, nor responsive.

After sending five emails to the online services department and not getting a reply that was “responsive,” I decided to approach the branch manager near my home. He promised to look into the matter and to call me back within several days. He kept his word and when he called, he said he could find no reason why the change had been made.

Finally, I emailed a letter to CEO Michael Corbat on April 2. At press time, I had not received a reply, which is not surprising given the volume of correspondence he probably receives.

In the meantime, I have opened a personal account at the bank where I do my business checking and ignored the last email I received from Christine Naranjo asserting that “… Citi is committed to providing our client’s [SIC] with world class service that is efficient, responsive and dependable.” (Surely, someone at a bank that purports to provide “world class service” should know that “clients” is not spelled with an apostrophe.)

Less than six months ago, I had to walk away from a Merchant’s shop that not only misdiagnosed the problem, but incorrectly installed the wrong part on a vehicle. I had been using the business for more than a decade, but no more.

When service is bad, I have decided to not simply walk away in silence.

Instead, when I leave now, I let them know why I am leaving. If they are serious about customer service, they will fix the problem that prompted me to leave. If not, they continue to ignore those problems; they might not be in business long, anyway.

By the same token, I believe in rewarding good service in word and deed.

(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.

Many of us don’t want to pay the price for being faithful to being called a true Christian and by “true Christian” I mean those who are unconcerned with what is the popular thought of the day, or think that somehow what God said needs reinterpretation to make it line up with what people say it means. God’s Word doesn’t need to be made contemporary; it just needs to be obeyed.

If there is one lesson the Cross teaches us, it’s that sacrifice is necessary to establish truth. Christians need to prepare themselves to sacrifice. In other words, we need to know standing up for the faith as revealed by Christ Jesus and the Apostles may mean losing businesses, ministries, jobs and reputations. How can it not in today’s atmosphere?

With all the talk about accepting other people and their beliefs, that consideration is not being extended to the Christian community. Surely if we disagree with something, we’re allowed to say we do without being labeled intolerant or extremist. No one’s opinion is of more value than someone else’s.

Truth matters and if I’m called to pay a cost for truth, I for one am prepared to do so.

The Christian Church of today has two choices. It can continue to react to the winds blowing against us and build walls of isolation or we can walk in what we know to be faith and pay the price for doing so. Either we believe all of what the Bible says or we do not.

On that note, if we have been studying our Bible as God has encouraged us to do, then we knew this day was coming. 2 Timothy 3:1 – 5 teaches “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such turn away.”

These are indeed perilous days because all of what we are reading here will be on this evening’s news. Yet the greater peril for the Church is not living in these days of prophetic fulfillment but our refusal to follow Jesus all the way to the Cross. Unlike Christ we don’t want the glory if it will cause us pain. But we cannot have one without the other. Is it a difficult thing to do?

Yes. But we have this assurance from God, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to hem who are the called according to His purpose.” Be unafraid.

Think about it.

Jailing educators for ‘cheating to the test’

By Julianne Malveaux, NNPA Columnist Eleven Atlanta teachers have been convicted of altering student test scores on standardized tests. They are charged with racketee- MALVEAUX ring and conspiracy. The much-celebrated Superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools Beverly L. Hall was among the indicted but was too ill to stand trial. She died March 2.

Another group of teachers, principals and administrators took plea bargains. A total of 178 people were accused of taking part in the cheating “scam” and in 2011 Hall reminded observers that “we have over 3,000 teachers in Atlanta,” and just a few were part of the cheating scandal. She also denied having any knowledge of the cheating.

Until her illness, she insisted that she wanted to stand trial and clear her name.

In what was described as the largest cheating scandal in the nation’s history, District Attorney Paul L. Howard Jr. prosecuted the educators under a law originally designed to snare organized crime figures. Of the 12 defendants, 11 were convicted of racketeering, a felony punishable up to 20 years. One defendant, Dessa Curb, a former elementary school teacher, was acquitted.

Those 11 convicted were taken straight from the courtroom to jail.

Sentencing should take place this week. On top of the 20 years maximum sentence for racketeering, they could be convicted on other charges including making false statements. It is interesting to note that most of these teachers are African American.

You can serve as few as 15 years for second-degree murder in Georgia, and as little as a year for involuntary manslaughter. Further, most convicted offenders get a day or even months to go home and straighten out their affairs before reporting to prison.

But not this group of educators.

These Atlanta teachers aren’t the only teachers involved in similar cheating scams. A year ago, 130 Philadelphia educators were accused of cheating. In September, several were ordered to stand trial.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

Time to end mass incarceration

Child Watch Hunger doesn’t get a summer vacation

By Marian Wright Edelman, NNPA Columnist Many children and families eagerly look forward to the end of the school year and the careEDELMAN free days of summer, playing outside in the warm sun, splashing and swimming in pools and at beaches, and gathering with family and friends for backyard barbeques.

But for more than 17 million children, the end of school can be the end of certainty about where and when their next meal will come.

While 21.7 million children received free or reduced price lunches during the 2013-2014 school year, only 2.6 million children – 12.2 percent – participated in the Summer Food Service Program. This huge participation gap suggests that nearly nine out of 10 of the children who benefit from free or reduced price lunches during the school year may not be receiving the nourishment necessary for proper physical, cognitive, and social development during the long summer months. Hunger has no vacation.

The good news is that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service operates the Summer Food Service Program that is administered by state agencies to serve these hungry children. Although the program is 100 percent federally financed and can create desperately needed summer jobs for cafeteria workers and others, there is still a severe shortage of school and community programs to serve all needy hungry children. And there are other barriers. Summer food programs sometimes tend to be available at odd hours and for short periods of time and in inconvenient places making it challenging for children to get there, a problem exacerbated by lack of safe transportation to the sites.

Over the past few years, the USDA Food and Nutrition Service has been piloting innovative strategies in diverse communities across the country to help overcome many of these barriers. Some programs have had success using mobile vans to provide meals, especially helpful in rural communities.

In other communities without sites, it has allowed the use of electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards – like those used for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) – to transfer money to families so they can purchase extra food for their children in the summer.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

The root causes of unhealthy communities

By Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. NNPA Columnist

Obama makes a deal and Iran gets relief from sanctions

By Keon L. Gilbert and Keith Elder

By Roger Caldwell

Sixty-two percent of Americans say they are very concerned about their health. It’s unsurprising that those who express the most concern GILBERT are most vulnerable, underserved, and lacking economic means and educational gains.

By contrast, a national poll conducted by Robert Wood Johnson Foundation in partnership with Harvard School of Public Health and National Public Radio surfaced another predictable finding: Those who rank their health high and are economically stable are likely to have more control over their health. The more control, the more effort people put into improving their health.

Health is a matter of individual, community, and national priority. The factors that contribute to our health remain a part of daily conversations at home, work, school, and where we worship. A healthy life begins in childhood, and factors such as child abuse or neglect, lack of high-quality medical care, personal behavior, viruses/ bacteria, stress, and environmental pollution increase the risk of illness and premature death.

But additional threats identified by underserved Americans include living in segregated neighborhoods, where there is often less access to health care facilities, quality education, full-service grocery stores, and recreational outlets.

Many studies describe the influences of community structures on the chronic stress that many racial, ethnic, and lower socioeconomic groups experience. Witness the recent devastation of communities lacking equitable social, economic, and policy structures.

Mass incarceration in the United States is counterproductive and CHAVIS disproportionately causes a long-term injury to Black Americans and others who remain trapped in poverty and disillusionment. How is it that the richest nation on earth and the most technologically advanced society now has the largest prison population in the world?

Michelle Alexander’s brilliant bestselling book, The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness, provides a classic analysis of the twin problems of race and injustice. Alexander revealed how the so-called criminal justice system reinforces racial discrimination and bigotry aimed particularly against Black Americans and other people of color. Whether it is an “old” or “new” Jim Crow, the impact of decades of massive unjust imprisonment on the Black American community continues to be devastating.

The “war on drugs” launched by the Reagan administration in the 1980s devolved into a “war on Black America” where the courts and prisons became institutions to expand the racial oppression of more than one million Black Americans. Incarceration rates in the U.S. quadrupled over this period.

According to Alexander, mass incarceration in America targeted Black Americans and maintained by a “racial caste” system of laws, policies and institutions. Alexander explained, “The term mass incarceration refers not only to the criminal justice system, but also to a larger web of laws, rules, policies and customs that control those labeled criminals both in and out of prison.

Once released, former prisoners enter a hidden underworld of legalized discrimination and permanent social exclusion. They are members of America’s new undercaste.”

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

“Today, after many months of tough, principled diplomacy, we have achieved the framework for that deal. And it is a good deal. It will make our CALDWELL country, our allies, and our world safer” says President Obama on April second in the Rose Garden. This is a historic agreement that is still being ironed out by P5+1 powers. The P5+1 consist of the United States, Russia, China, United Kingdom, France, and Germany.

President Obama’s statement came after negotiations in Switzerland announced that they had reached a framework for a deal. It is obvious that at any moment any member in the group can decide to break off the agreement and refuse to sign the deal. The goal is to have the agreement finalized by June 2015, which is not far off.

At the Rose Garden, the President discussed some of the details of the framework, and also outlined in a fact sheet the deal that was distributed by the White House. There are many critics on both sides of the agreement, and some Republicans are saying that the President is making a deal with the devil. Israeli intelligence officials released a statement shortly after the framework was announced that the United States was “disconnected from reality.”

It is too early for anyone to have a position on the agreement without reading and studying the deal in detail. Iran is a major power in the Middle East, and it is better to work with diplomacy, than fighting a war with this country. War is expensive, people die, and no one really wins.

President Obama addressed some of Netanyahu’s concerns in the Rose Garden by saying, “It’s no secret that the Israeli prime minister and I disagree.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

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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

April 9 - April 15, 2015 • www.thewestsidegazette.com • Page 7

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

Faith United Church of Christ 6201 NW 57 Street Tamarac, FL 33319 954-721-1232 uccfaith@bellsouth.net faithbroward.org "Historically the First Church in the City of Tamarac!”

Rev. Dr. Ileana Bosenbark, Senior Pastor WEEKLY SERVICES & EVENTS SUNDAY Worship Service (Communion 1st & 3rd Sunday) ........................................................... 10 a.m.

F.A.I.T.H. Academy for Children (Spiritual Formation) K-12 ................................ 10 a.m.

TUESDAY F.A.I.T.H. Academy for Adults (Spiritual Formation) - Office Complex ...... 10:30 a.m.

WEDNESDAY Worship & Arts Ministry Rehearsals (Open Auditions) - Sanctuary .............................. 7 p.m.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mount Calvary Baptist Church

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

Reverend Anthony Burrell, Pastor SCHEDULE OF SERVICES SUNDAY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where the kingdom of God is increased through Fellowship.

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

WORSHIP THIS AND EVERY SUNDAY AT THE CHURCH OF YOUR CHOICE

“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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WORSHIP SERVICES Sunday Worship ............................................................. 8 a.m. & 11 a.m.

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

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

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

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

Williams Memorial CME

WORSHIP SERVICES Wednesday (NOON DAY PRAYER) ............................................. 12 -1 p.m.

Wednesday (PRAYER MEETING & BIBLE STUDY) .................... 645 p.m.

Sunday Worship Service ................................................................. 10 a.m.

Fifth Sunday Worhip Service ............................................................ 8 a.m.

Obituaries James C. Boyd Funeral Home COLDEN Funeral services for the late Edith Von Parker Colden - 93 were held April 2 at First Baptist Church Piney Grove Rev. Dr. Derrick Hughes officiating. Interment: Lauderdale Memorial Park

ELIJAH BELL'S Funeral Services DOUGLAS Funeral services for the late Angela Douglas.

HANKERSON Funeral services for the late Clarence Hankerson 73 were held April 4 at Roy Mizell & Kurtz Worship Center with Rev. James B. Darling officiating. Interment: South Florida VA National Cemetery.

WILSON Funeral services for the late Delores Sylvia Wilson – 55 were held April 3 at Golden Heights Church of Christ with Dr. W. F. Washington officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

DOUGLAS Funeral services for the late James Douglas.

SUTHERLAND Funeral services for the late George Sutherland.

BURTON Funeral services for the late Josie Mae Burton - 74 were held April 4 at Roy Mizell & Kurtz Worship Center with Rev. James B. Darling officiating.

Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

wgazette@thewestsidegazette.com (954) 525-1489

‘Religious freedom’ scams

By Lee A. Daniels, NNPA Columnist Pity the poor, put-upon anti-gay bigots.

Worried by the recent steady march of federal court decisions advancing the rights of gays and lesbians to marry, they tried to copy the Supreme Court majority’s flim-flam maneuver of last year Daniels in the Hobby Lobby case: By asserting a business is a “person,” they intended to enable business owners to discriminate against gay and lesbian prospective customers, and anyone else under the cover of “religious belief.”

The blowback from corporate giants, religious denominations, cities and states, associations and organizations, and prominent entertainment and literary figures produced a thunderous roar succinctly expressed by the headline of the March 31 front-page editorial of the Indianapolis Star newspaper. In huge letters, it blared: “Fix This Now” Suddenly, faced with the likelihood of devastating economic boycotts, the two states’ governors and state legislatures quickly complied. By week’s end last week they had amended those particular so-called religious freedom restoration laws to declare they couldn’t be used to discriminate against someone because of their sexual orientation and gender identity. (However, neither did either legislature enact specific statutes barring discrimination against, gays, lesbians and transgendered people.)

But no one on the right side of history should think this ends the anti-gay rights campaign. Nor should they forget this episode’s lessons.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

KIDS TALK ABOUT GOD How might God reward you for refusing to get even with someone who hurt you?

By Carey Kinsolving and Friends (Part 1 of 2) “It is far easier to forgive an enemy after you’ve got even with him,” wrote Olin Miller.

Of Eleanor Roosevelt, Ralph McGill wrote: “She got even in a way that was almost cruel. She forgave them.”

Thousands of years ago, a man named Solomon expressed similar sentiments. He said that if you want to heap hot coals on the heads of your enemies, be kind to them. He also said, “And the Lord will reward you” (Proverbs 25:21-22).

How would our personal worlds change if we heaped hot coals on our enemies’ heads by being kind to them? Jolt your enemy’s conscience into gear by returning kindness for cruelty.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

By Rev. Amos C. Brown, NNPA Guest Columnist

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Rev. Franklin Graham ignores racism

TAYLOR Funeral services for the late Ella Mae Taylor.

FOSTER Funeral services for the late Deacon Floyd Foster - 87 were held April 4 at The House of God Keith Dominion with Presiding Elder Tommy Phillips officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

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.

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Easter was last Sunday, but Rev. Franklin Graham is still wiping egg off his face.

In an unintentionally insensitive Facebook post on March 12, the hugely influential white evangelist ignored the existence of racial bias by law enforcement in the U.S. by suggesting the Rev. Brown easy solution to police shootings is to teach our children to obey authority.

“It’s as simple as that,” Graham wrote. “Even if you think the police officer is wrong – YOU OBEY. Parents, teach your children to respect and obey those in authority… The Bible says to submit to your leaders and those in authority ‘because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account.’”

The controversial comments are being criticized across the nation. What is most alarming, however, is that almost immediately after the ill-advised post had been published, more than 200,000 people took to the Facebook comment section in order to support Graham’s statements.

Since the post, I have personally spoken with Rev. Graham – reaching across cultural, racial and religious divides – and we both agreed that his comments were insensitive and not clothed in the right language to convey that he meant well and not ill.

Graham is not wrong that parents should teach their children to respect law enforcement. But his post failed to acknowledge that the relationship between institutions of authority and citizens is a two-way street.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

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Page 8 • www.thewestsidegazette.com • April 9 - April 15, 2015

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Butterfly effect – Be a butterfly This is what we’ve heard – when a butterfly flaps its wings it can start a hurricane on the other side of the world. The idea being that a tiny movement can initiate unanticipated activities. We hope you will join us in a burgeoning butterfly movement of unintended positive consequences.

Here’s the back story. We were watching the show CBS Sunday Morning when we saw a segment of Chris Rosati of Durham, N.C. He is living with ALS and chose – on a whim – to give two girls at a restaurant $50 each. He asked them to each do something kind for someone else. It was a nostrings gift to girls he might not ever see again. The girls gave the money to a village in Sierra Leone where they knew villagers were fighting ebola. And, they shared their experience with Rosati, who had never thought he would hear from them. He was so delighted he has announced plans to give out butterfly grants - $50 each – to kids who want to change the world.

Needless to say we were moved. We have vowed to be but-

Pearl and Mel Shaw terfly agents! That means giving people we know and love a gift that is equal to or greater than the amount we would have spent on a gift, and asking them to do something good for someone else. It will cut down on the challenges of trying to find the perfect gift. More seriously we want to be part of this new “butterfly movement.”

View the Chris Rosati video online at http://bit.ly/ ButterflyGift.

Copyright 2015– Mel and Pearl Shaw Mel and Pearl Shaw position nonprofits, colleges and universities for fundraising success.

For help with your fundraising visit www.saadandshaw.com or call (901) 522-8727 (Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

Blackonomics Reviving the spirit of the Million Man March

By James Clingman, NNPA Columnist

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Having seen how Black people are mistreated in country, not only historically but presently, I thought about that gloriously perfect day on which more than 1 million strong Black men stood on Washington’s Mall loving, trusting, and respecting one another. I thought about those I met that day, not having seen them since, and relished the notion Clingman of more than 1 million strong, Black men coming to the rescue of our children; I smiled at the thought of us subsequently standing up for Eric Garner and all the others; I beamed at the image of our brothers taking up the mantle of the legacy left us by the likes of Marcus, Malcolm, and Martin. Where are they now, I wondered.

In the nearly 20 years since “The” Million Man March (MMM), we have seen many events that continue to let us know our lives are less valued than the lives of others. We have seen murders, abuse, beat-downs, abandonment, injustice, and intimidation by the authorities and by regular citizens of this country against Black people.

We have been put on notice by the courts and the penal system that we count for nothing more than another occupant for an $80,000 prison cell and $30,000 annual upkeep. We have been given a reality check, and the point has been made, repeatedly and with emphasis, that we do not count. Even when we returned from the MMM, the media said we were only 425,000 strong.

Obviously, they were still counting each of us as three-fifths of a man.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

Beyond the Rhetoric Propelling African Development

By Harry C. Alford, NNPA Columnist

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We have spent a lot of time trying to figure out this enigma about African development. We traveled to Ghana, Kenya, Botswana, South Africa, Tanzania Alford and Ethiopia again and again. It was a blur but now it is starting to emerge as a solid vision. Africa, a continent of 53 nations, multiple religions; many languages and races and political incohesiveness is a very tough puzzle. On the positive side, it is a virtual basket of wealth and natural resources. No other continent on earth has the precious minerals, lakes, forests and 80 percent of earth’s arable land.

Like North America, the real wealth of Africa will not be realized until proper infrastructure is in place. The equivalent of the interstate highway system, Tennessee Valley Authority, East to West railway systems, Hoover Dam, etc. must be in place. Once established, great industries and economies will flourish. At long last it is beginning to take form. Africa is on the move and, unfortunately, America is a minor player.

There are 600 million citizens of Africa without the use of electricity. That’s 59 percent of the entire population. No major interstate transportation system and no major harnessing of potable water and irrigation exists. Fortunately, this is now being addressed.

Here are some of the major projects that will propel Africa into the 21stcentury.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

April 9 - April 15, 2015 • www.thewestsidegazette.com • Page 9

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

Black businesses help reduce Black youth crime

By Jazelle Hunt Washington Correspondent WASHINGTON, D.C. (NNPA) – One of the most powerful agents in curtailing Black youth crime in major cities is the presence of Black business owners, according to Karen Parker, professor of sociology and criminal justice at the University of Delaware.

“Not only have [criminologists] not looked at all the aspects of the urban economy by focusing on unemployment and poverty and joblessness, but then we also present this picture that African Americans are not invested, are detached, are not involved with the community.

This article suggests that they very much are,” says Parker,

author of the study, “The African American Entrepreneur – Crime Drop Relationship: Growing African American Business Ownership and Declining Youth Violence.”

She explained, “By looking at business ownership, we’re seeing [Black business owners’] presence in their neighborhoods…and how they are having a very positive impact on the violence there, specifically among youth.”

Her research appears in last month’s Urban Affairs Review and analyzes the growth in Black entrepreneurship compared to Black juvenile arrests in large cities, as well as a few independent variables such as deindustrialization and income inequality.

Dirty underwear can keep you honest (Cont'd from FP) Remember back in the days of junior high school at the onset of puberty, when we had to change and shower after PE (physical education)class? If you had on worn-out or what could be perceived as soiled underwear, you wouldn’t change for gym class that day for fear of the brutally honest assessment from ‘your boys’ of your current disposition to the unflattering position of your personal under garments.

It is most difficult for a sane person to offend another when they know that at the drop of a pair of pants or a dress blown over the head, you could be exposed to an even more disfiguring repercussion to one’s own self-esteem.

Something so simple and personal as a pair of ‘not-sopleasing’ under apparel could bring order to many chaotic reactional circumstances.

Can you imagine what would have happened when the gentleman from South Carolina, Rep. Joe Wilson stood up and shouted from the floor of the House, “you lie” and at that same exact moment his pants fell to the floor, exposing his recent visits to the porcelain throne that left skid marks, heresy stains or the actual deposits of his last visit?

Dirty little secrets kept in one’s personal briefs can keep you humble and honest.

My grandmother use to always tell us that we should at all times make sure we had on clean underwear, because “you never knew when you may have an accident and have to go to the hospital.”

I have grown to appreciate that this sage old information passed on to us by our grandmother. This treasured jewel, could be applied to a broader application than the mishap of a hospital visit.

I do realize that your inner core, that hidden part of your being that no one sees (like your underwear), has to forever be on display.

By behaving in such a manner you have nothing to hide, no fear of being exposed and no dirt in the garment which is so close to you and helps to protect you. …”So I went to the Euphrates and dug up the underwear and got it from the place where I had hidden it, but it was ruined-of no use at all.”… This is what the Lord says: Just like this I will ruin the great pride of both Judah and Jerusalem. These evil people, who refuse to listen to Me, who follow the stubbornness of their own hearts, and who have followed other gods to serve and worship-they will be like this underwear, of no use at all. Just as underwear clings to one’s waist, so I fastened the whole house of Israel and of Judah to Me”-this is the Lord’s declaration-”so that they might be My people for My fame, praise, and glory, but they would not obey.

Jeremiah 13:4-11 (HCSB) WHEN GOD CLOTH US, HE CLOTH US WITH CLEANLINESS INSIDE AND OUT

The data comes from the beginning of the 1990s and the beginning of the 2000s. Both periods saw specific job losses (manufacturing jobs in the ‘90s, professional jobs in the 2000s) and rises in Black entrepreneurship. According to the report, the number of Black-owned businesses increased by more than 32 percent between 1992 and 1997; Black-owned businesses that employed others increased 43 percent.

During the weak economic times following the September 11 attacks, the number of Black-owned businesses rose more than 60 percent – “more than triple the national rate of 18 percent for all U.S. businesses according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Survey of Business Owners,” Parker points out in the study.

At the same time, violent offenses involving Black youth dropped about 29 percent in large cities across the nation.

“The thing that was sur-prising – and it came from [criminologists’] view that look, maybe it’s not the African American owned businesses at all. Maybe it’s just that there are jobs now when jobs weren’t there before, and that’s what leading to the [drop in] crime rate,” Parker said. “But I actually tested for that. I tested for employment of African Americans in business and service and manufacturing, and that did not explain away the presence of the African American businesses specifically. It wasn’t the fact that they were simply there to employ, it was more than that.”

By her analysis, the positive influence of visible Black business owners seems to flow in two ways.

“First, minority-owned businesses, through the lives of their owners, employees, and families, can serve an important function – as role models to urban youth in the community,” she writes. “Business growth also means an inflow of resources into the community, reducing the level of economic disadvantage that has been linked to urban violence.”

Culturally, the presence of Black business owners in a community, particularly if there is poverty or other socioeconomic disadvantage, often raises morale and staves off the cynicism that social scientists have tied to high crime among youth. The study also asserts that Black business owners tend to be involved in maintaining other positive areas of their communities, such as schools, churches, and recreation centers.

Although Parker’s study did not conclusively find that employing other Black people had an effect on youth crime, it did cite other research that Black business owners hire other people of color almost always, whether their business is situated in non-white communities. Black-owned businesses also offer culturally relevant services and products to their Black and brown neighbors, and recycle Black dollars within their communities longer.

The study summarizes, “Thus, their presence in the community is critically important, providing jobs, social networks, and increasing the e-

Black fraternity, police officer face million-dollar lawsuit (Cont'd from FP) Draughn’s suit claims he suffered emotional anguish and humiliation.

“I think it’s just degrading,” Draughn said in an interview.

“When we signed up for Kappa Alpha Psi, we signed documents saying there wouldn’t be any hazing.”

Draughn also said Stewart asked him inappropriate sexual questions.

In September of 2014, the fraternity placed a national moratorium on membership intake for its undergraduate and alumni chapters amid hazing issues. The moratorium was lifted in January for graduate chapters.

“When they lifted it, they did not change any policies or procedures,” said Draughn’s attorney, Jimmy Bell. “That is mind-boggling. You admit that you have a problem and you don’t correct it, and then the very next month my client’s getting hazed.”

Stewart, the Kappa Alpha Psi headquarters in Philadelphia, the Kappa Alpha Psi Grand Polemarch (National President) William “Randy” Bates Jr. did not return phones calls seeking comment.

Draughn alleges that Stewart first hazed him in February, but it was a March 23 incident that caused him to file suit.

“Since the beating on March 23, 2015, plaintiff has had to sit on a pillow while driving and is suffering from lower back pain, has not been able to sleep and has felt depressed,” the lawsuit claims.

After he’d had enough, Draughn said that he complained to the fraternity and asked that the $3,000 he paid to join the organization be refunded, but his request was denied.

“We never thought that we were paying $3,000 to join a gang,” he said. “That’s not what

we signed up for.”

Bell is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi and endured hazing when he joined nearly 30 years ago. Things, however are different today when it comes to beating pledges as part of the initiation process, he said.

“Here’s the difference between now and then: It is against the law,” he said. “I’m doing what’s right so hopefully they’ll still be around in the next 50 years. It’s better to take a (financial) hit and change your policies than to not exist anymore.”

Bell said he believes that until the better measures are put in place by leaders of fraternities and other organization, injuries, deaths, like the one at Florida A&M University, and subsequent lawsuits will continue to happen.

“It’s a social organization,” he said. “Nobody should get hurt pledging.”

conomic base, particularly during recent times of deindustrialization and elevating levels of Black concentrated disadvantage.”

Parker says, “Rarely in the work that I do as a criminologist looking at urban crime, is there a positive message. There’s something so positive about saying, look at the presence of these individuals and the positive [impact] they’re having and they’re contributing significantly to the crime rate.”

There were more than 1.9 million Black-owned businesses in the most recent census survey of business owners (2007), up from 1.1 million in the 2002 survey. This growth is despite poor access to financial services, weaker professional networks, and a host of other challenges that hinder Black Americans from using traditional routes to entrepreneurship.

“Given all the odds of lack of resources, lack of support, lack

Black business owner on Chicago’s South Side, 1970.

(John H. White/National Archives) of survivability – the impact on their own families in terms of having to use their own incomes, their own family money, their own personal credit cards – let’s acknowledge the role they’re serving,” Parker said.

“For a policymaker… let’s not just acknowledge them, let’s support them. Just in access to

capital, provide business loans to them, give them access to business credit and other things… and training programs to maintain their businesses.

Because empirically, they’re having an amazing impact on their communities and the youth there.”

Advocates hope Obama’s clemencies will pave way for other releases (Cont'd from FP) Julie Stewart, president and founder of Families Against Mandatory Minimums (FAMM), a nonprofit, nonpartisan group that advocates for reforms to sentencing laws that protect public safety, said that she was thrilled that President Obama was making good on his promise to provide relief for federal prisoners serving excessively long mandatory minimum sentences.

Donel Marcel Clark, a member of FAMM, who received clemency last week, had already served more than 20 years of a 30-year prison sentence, “for participating in a nonviolent drug conspiracy, his first and only offense, during a time when his family was facing financial hardship,” FAMM officials noted in a press release.

The release continued: “During his time in prison, Do-nel has maintained a perfect disciplinary record, earned outstanding work reviews, taken numerous classes, and worked

to maintain strong relationships with his children.”

In a letter to Terry Barnes, one of the prisoner’s granted clemency last week, President Obama wrote that the power to grant pardons and commutations embodies the basic belief in our democracy, that people deserve a second chance after having made a mistake in their lives that led to a conviction under our laws. The president also reminded Barnes that he had the capacity to make good choices, even in the face of selfdoubt and people that question whether or not he can change.

By making good choices, the President said, that Barnes would not only affect his life and those closest to him, but also the possibility that others in his circumstance could get the same second chance that Barnes’ received.

“We hope and expect to see more commutations granted through the end of his term,” said Stewart.

Neil Eggleston, the assistant and counsel to the president,

wrote in a blog post that President Obama was building on his commitment to address instances of unfairness in sentencing, Eggleston wrote that President Obama has granted 43 commutations, compared to President George W. Bush who only commuted 11 sentences during his two terms in the White House.

Roseberry said that if you look back at history, there haven’t been many other presidents to grant clemency in this way, noting that the president’s most recent order more than doubled the number of sentences that he had commuted earlier during his tenure as President.

“This is historic,” she added.

“By doing this the Ppresident has restored hope to so many people and their families who never thought that they would be able to sit down for a meal with each other again or to embrace each other again or to reenter society as a family again.

That hope is priceless.”

On my way to dancing in the stars

(Cont'd from FP) “It’s all about giving these young dancers, an opportunity to see something different, to be pushed past their boundaries, and to allow themselves to dream,” says Gilmore.

‘Giving back is very important, because that’s how we exist, that’s how we become a culture,” Gilmore says.

How does a student become being the best? By working at it, continuously.

“Being in the company, you’re constantly working to stay in the company,” Gilmore says.

“You’re only hired for a year contract. There’s not a time when you ever actually feel like you’ve arrived. You’re constantly working to achieve the perfection.”

“Noesha is one of the many dreamers this school has. As a freshman, she joined the dance group,” said instructor Luctricia Welters, who has been directing the group for this year.

At a short age, Noesha has already started building a path for her ultimate goal, to become a professional dancer.

It is a relief knowing there are still kids with huge aspirations and goals. Kids that despite the distractions, know what they want in life.

When I met Noesha for the first time, without knowing

anything about her, I must say I was impressed by her concentration and dedication for the art. During her dance class session, she was receptive and willing to learn every instruction her mentor would tell her to do.

“It is not luck, it is not destiny, it is a choice she made at the age of five”, her mother stated. Her mother, Madline Noel took her at a young age to experience the art of dancing when she started at Encore Dance Theater at Sunrise, Florida.

In such a short time period, Noesha has committed herself to a lifestyle where there was no time allowed to be wasted.

Noesha believes in herself and her capacities as a dancer and dreams of going around the world to perform with her most powerful tool, her body and her connection with the music.

Ms. Welters has become a mentor for Noesha. Ms. Lu as her students call her describes Noesha as a person of dedication. “This future passionate dancer is so sure of what she wants to become once she finishes high school. She is dedicated, respectful, a wonderful talent, she has a beautiful spirit and she is an extremely hardworking student.”

Noesha wants to go to The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) located in New York City and Los Angeles, Calif.

After having the opportunity to dance with one of the members of the prestigious and recognized dance group Alvin Ailey, Noesha assured her love for contemporary and Jazz technique. “My strength is contemporary dance,” said Noesha.

As a class session, not only Noesha but the entire class was able to learn some techniques taught by the Alvin Ailey academy.

Asked her about who inspires her, she responded without hesitation Ms. Lu is one truly motivation for her. Noesha and Ms. Lu have built an incredible connection. A mentor-disciple relationship that has grown throughout this year and in which Ms. Lu assures will continue growing as she sees Noesha’s well progress in her dance career. “Humble, receptive, and charm girl, Noesha is a great example of this young generation who wants to leave a mark in this world.”

Not only, she has succeed already on her dance career, but also at school, her grades are all As. This perfect combination will take Noesha Noel far.

The Westside Gazette wishes the best for this girl who just started living but that has already left so many marks on people.

Page 10 • www.thewestsidegazette.com • April 9 - April 15, 2015

Black Stuntman Honored by Mississippi Legislature

HARRIS

By Joshua D. Copeland Willie Harris was one of the first Black stuntmen in Hollywood. And recently, he has been honored by the Mississippi Legislature… for getting shot.

Harris was known best for his iconic stunt in the 1971 classic film “Dirty Harry,” when he got shot by the 44 magnum of Clint Eastwood.

Eastwood was in the middle of eating his hot dog for lunch when a bank robbery interrupted him. That’s when he shoots Harris with one blow before saying the iconic line: “You have to ask yourself one question — Do I feel lucky?

Well, do you, punk?”

According to Harris, many people still remember that scene to this day. “I haven’t found too many people who don’t remember that scene,” says Harris, 73, who grew up in the Holmes County (Mississippi) community of Howard. “When I tell them that was me falling down the steps, they wonder if I’m joking.”

Nope. The 6 foot 8 Alcorn State alumni was one of the first to open the door for many Black actors in Hollywood. Especially for stuntmen.

Back then, there were very few Black people in the industry, and Gordon Parks would become the pioneer for Black producers in Hollywood: “In the late 1960s, there was one Black movie producer that we knew of — Gordon Parks,” Harris says. “There were no Black people in wardrobe or makeup or operating cameras.

I don’t like for it to come off as bragging. Young people will just say, ‘Aw, you’re full of it.’

But we changed Hollywood. We busted down the doors for a lot of Black people in the movie industry.”

As president of the Black Stuntmen’s Association, Harry was honored by the Mississippi Legislature earlier this month at the Capital in Jackson. He is one of the 14 of the original 22 cast members that are still alive. Out of that 14, only 8 made the trip.

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CELEBRITIES NBC Brings A Timeless Classic To Broadway By patrice

The Movie cast the Wiz

By Naturally Triece So, there is another live musical from NBC. After the ratings were a success for The Sound of Music and there was great success with Peter Pan, NBC has announced that they have officially decided to go with The Wiz as their next live musical. The show, which will be an adaptation of the 1978 allBlack version of The Wizard of Oz which starred Michael Jackson and Diana Ross, will be

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.

April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 2015

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airing on December 3rd. Craig Zadan and Neil Meron will be returning to executive produce the show but this time there will be more than just an NBC broadcast. The network has teamed up with Cirque du Soleil to bring the show onto Broadway next year. The news is finally official! So exciting!

The characters will obviously be the same but the cast members have not yet been revealed.

We will be back once we receive this small bit of information.

It is so awesome to see another Black musical being brought to Broadway, especially one of this magnitude. The Wiz is a legendary musical that can bring all African Americans together and allow us to sing the songs that we grew up on.

Are you excited? I know I am.

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

April 9 - April 15, 2015 • www.thewestsidegazette.com • Page 11

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

Nominations sought for Broward Education Foundation Hall of Fame Distinguished Alumni Award FORT LAUDERDALE, FL — Nominations are now open for the distinguished Broward Education Foundation Hall of Fame Distinguished Alumni Awards that recognize alumni of Broward County Public Schools.

Nominations are accepted through Friday, May 1 for Outstanding Achievement Award, presented to alumnus who have made significant achievements in any field; Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to alumnus who have dedicated themselves to improving public education; and the Education Achievement Award, presented to alumnus who have dedicated their careers to public education. Nomination forms are available at www.browardedfoundation.org.

Presented by Bright Star Credit Union, the Hall of Fame Distinguished Alumni Awards were created in 2013 to highlight graduates of Broward County Public Schools who have made positive contributions to education, the community and have achieved success in their careers.

Previous winners have included John Aycock, former

principal and area superintendent for Broward School District; Edwin Moore, PhD, president of Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida; Eugene Pettis, JD, co-founder of Haliczer, Pettis & Schwamm law firm in Fort Lauderdale; Errict Rhett, former NFL player and president of the Errict Rhett Foundation; Desmond Blackburn, PhD, chief school performance and accountability officer for Broward Schools; Lynn Goldman, community liaison to the Broward Technical Schools; and Jennifer Hamilton, athletic director for Stranahan High School.

“We have some of the most distinguished graduates from our public schools who make a difference in our community every day,” said Thomas P. Severino, president/CEO of the Broward Education Foundation. “We look forward to recognizing another noteworthy group from this year’s nominations.”

Broward County schools, serving as the catalyst for educational excellence.

For more information, call (754) 321-2030, visit www.browardedfoundation.org, like our Facebook page at f a c e b o o k . c o m / browardeducationfoundation or follow us on twitter @BEF1.

Black women face challenges in building wealth

About the Broward Education Foundation: Established in 1983, the nonprofit Broward Education Foundation (BEF) aligns with

Special RMHC Tabs collection container at Westside Gazette

Under the dynamic leadership of Brother Melvin Davis with Brother Sam Clear serving as chairman, the Social Action program of the Eta Nu Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. has for approximately two years partnered with Ronald RMHC to assist families of children with debilitating, often life-threatening illnesses through its Pop Tabs Collection program, an annual fundraising event that uses tabs collected from soda pop and other aluminum can products to raise funds for Ronald McDonald House.

The PTC is an excellent way for

Broward County Public Schools by providing support for innovative teaching to advance Pre K-12 achievement; critically needed educational materials for Title I school teachers and students, and scholarships for qualified high school seniors.

Each year, the Foundation contributes more than $2 million to

civic organizations, schools and churches to assist needy families while teaching old and young people alike about philanthropy and the importance of recycling.

Thus Eta Nu’s involvement.

Notable facts: 1,267 tabs equal one pound and a million tabs provide a night’s lodging for four families. You can also start your own initiative or join Eta Nu and Brother Clear. A collection site has been established at the Westside Gazette, 545 Northwest Seventh Ave., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. For more information please contact Brother Sam Clear at (954) 445-5398 or Brother Nunnie Robinson at (954) 444-7994.

By Jazelle Hunt, NNPA Washington Correspondent WASHINGTON, D.C. (NNPA) – Black women are the only group that has not recovered the jobs they lost in the recession. Five years into national recovery, the unemployment rate for Black women has even risen a little since December, from 8.2 percent to 9.2 percent.

On the flip side, employment brings its own unique difficulties for Black women, too.

According to a new report commissioned

by Essence magazine, 80 percent of Black women surveyed believed that they could not advance in their careers without altering aspects of their identities. Additionally, 57 percent believed that they had to “look a certain way” to be promoted, compared to 39 percent of white women who thought similarly.

And while Black women are more optimistic, ambitious, and self-confident in their careers than their white counterparts, they are much more likely to say they are different at home than they are at work. “… [T]he additional hurdle of real or perceived stereotypes complicates the work experience. The conversation around work/life balance for Black women also impacted by the reality of pay inequities and higher levels of unemployment in our communities which may necessitate working multiple jobs to make ends meet,” says Essence editor-in-chief Vanessa K. De Luca.

“We know that African-American women are three times as likely to be head of household in comparison to the general population, therefore success at work is both a personal and an economic priority.”

One thing that holds true for Black is the challenge of building wealth.

The median wealth, or net worth, among single Black women is just $100; and if they are raising minors they have no wealth at all, according to a

recent analysis of data from the federal Survey of Consumer Finances. In fact, nearly half of all households headed by a single Black woman in 2007 had zero or negative wealth.

The median wealth among single white women is $41,500 and only climbs as they age.

Meanwhile, one in four Black women over the age of 65 who receives Social Security benefits rely on it as their only source of income.

“Wealth is something like a security package,” says William Darity, economics professor at Duke University, speaking on a panel sponsored by the African American Policy Foundation (AAPF). “For those who lack wealth, they find themselves in precarious, vulnerable situations…and those faced by Black women are perhaps more severe.”

Recession job losses hit Black women especially hard, since most of the downsizing took place in the service and public sectors where Black women are overrepresented. Additionally, wages have stagnated as the cost of living continues to rise, from housing to childcare to education.

Even if wages had been growing, the wage gap persists – and not even education can bridge the chasm. Consider: Black women with master’s degrees earn slightly less than Black men with bachelor’s, and White men, Asians, and Latinos with associates or post-secondary degrees, according to data from the 2013 Census Current Population Survey.

And even without the gap, wages alone are not enough to build wealth.

“The major way in which people acquire significant wealth in this country is through inheritances or gifts,” Darity says.

“When people say Black people

are somehow inferior, or are doing something wrong as to why they don’t have wealth, that is completely wrong.”

Alternatively, wealth can be generated through strategic investments, such as land ownership, stock, appreciating valuables (such as wines and collectibles), and even creating or backing successful start-ups.

Black people tend to have poor access to these avenues. Wage disparities do not leave much disposable income for these options, and traditional lenders are notoriously predatory and/ or discriminatory to Black people seeking funding.

A high net worth offers cushion from unexpected emergencies, and allows families to rely less on individual paychecks for financial stability.

Because of this, social safety net programs are often the only thing keeping middle- and lower-class Black families from sliding into destitution when living check-to-check fails.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

Correction In last week's Edition, April 2 through April 8, 2015 the headline in the AKA Sorority story should have read "AKA Sorority, Incorporated Zeta Rho Omega Chapter — 2015 Top Hat Women of Distinction"

ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY INC., ZETA RHO OMEGA CHAPTER, 60TH ANNIVERSARY, TOP HAT-2015 WOMEN OF DISTINCTION -- Islah Abdul-Aziz, Mikara Bell, Avis Boyd-Gaines, Kathleen Cannon, Beverly Crawford, Eunice J. Davis, Yvokia Davidson, Bobby Grace, Tamara Gant, Linda Green, Ramona Hall, Dr. Cheryl Holder, Susan Israel, Barbara Jones, Kaola Harris King, Roberta McWhite, Dr. Leslie Nixon, Dr. Rosalind Osgood, Dr. Avis Proctor, Dr. Arlene Richards, Felicia Robinson, Robin Simmons, Jocelyn Williams Reid.

Page 12 • www.thewestsidegazette.com • April 9 - April 15, 2015

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

John Hopkins Hospital accused of infecting hundreds with STDS without their consent

By April V. Taylor In what can only be described as a horrific medical scandal similar to the Tuskegee Study, more than 750 plaintiffs are suing the prestigious Johns Hopkins Hospital System Corp.

for $1 billion. The Guardian is reporting that the Hospital played a role in experiments that came to light in 2010 in which orphans, other children and mental patients were intentionally infected with Sexually Transmitted Diseases,

From the Chairman I am pleased to announce the 75th anniversary of the National Newspaper Publishers Association, which we will celebrate in our host city of Detroit and around the nation throughout 2015.

The 205 Black newspapers are thriving and we are also celebrating their pivotal role and contributions to America and Americans yesterday, today and tomorrow. We have been the Voice of the Black Community for 75 years, a tremendous responsibility as well as an enormous privilege. Readers of Black newspapers cross all generations and include people of diverse backgrounds, races and ethnicities who trust our reporting and value news from the Black perspective.

According to current U. S. Census Bureau estimates, there are 44 million African Americans living in the United States and 20 million of them read our newspapers every week. Given that 53 percent of African Americans are under age 35, the Black Press attracts a substantial segment of millennial news consumers. We anticipate this group of readers to continue growing.

I hope you share our excitement about our plans to continue the legacy of championing for people’s rights and telling stories that need to be told, while still being committed to the independence to speak our minds and represent the perspectives of the Black community.

The African-American Consumer Report 2014 conducted and published by Nielsen and Essence Communications revealed that 59 percent of African Americans agreed that advertisers in Black newspapers know how to connect with the African American audience. The 75th anniversary of the NNPA offers outstanding opportunities to advertisers to connect with this important consumer segment.

Please join us as a premiere advertiser in celebrating this milestone with the NNPA and recognizing the incomparable contributions of the Black Press.

Cloves C. Campbell, Jr. Chairman

without their consent between 1945 and 1956.

The experiments were allegedly led by the U.S. government and more than 1.000 Guatemalans were infected with syphilis and other STDs. According to Ron Jenkins, one of the lead attorneys for victims says that the U.S. federal government only provided the funding for the experiments and that, “The experiment itself was designed, promoted, organized, implemented, and assisted by these defendants.”

Susan Reverby, a college professor and medical historian, is responsible for uncovering information about the experiments after digging through archives at the University of Pittsburgh. One of the most sinister things about the experiments is that there were no findings published and none of the Guatemalans who participated were informed that they were infected or offered follow up medical care or education about how to prevent the spread of the STDs. More than 5,500 prisoners, sex workers, soldiers, children and psychiatric patients were involved in the experiment.

According to the U.S. De-

partment of Health and Human Services, researchers infected Guatemalan sex workers with gonorrhea or syphilis and then aimed to spread the diseases by allowing the infected sex workers to have sex with soldiers and prison inmates. The Rockefeller Foundation is names in the lawsuit along with Johns Hopkins and accuses both institutions of helping to “design, support, encourage and finance,” the experiments by specifically employing scientists and physicians who were using the tests to determine if penicillin was capable of preventing the STDs.

FUNDRAISER

FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015 FROM 3 to 8 P.M. AT THE WESTSIDE GAZETTE NEWSPAPER OFFICE 545 N.W Seventh Terr. Fort Lauderdale, FL (954) 525-1489 DONATIONS ARE ACCEPTED COME BY A SUPPORT THIS EFFORT

According to the lawsuit, predecessor companies to the now giant Bristol-Myers Squibb pharmaceutical company was responsible for supplying the penicillin that was used in the experiments. In addition, the company was aware of the fact that participants had not given their consent to be infected with the STDs and that the tests were secretive.

Paul Bekman, a Baltimorebased attorney representing the plaintiffs, says that 60 of the 774 claimants are direct survivors of the experiments, with many paricipants dying as a result of them being deliberately infected. Bekman points out that while, “The people who are responsible [for carrying out the research] now are long dead.

But the records are there, and we have detailed documentation that supports the allegations in our complaint.”

Some claimants passed the diseases on to their family members. Marta Orellana was a 9year-old orphan when she was forced to participate in the experiments. In a 2011 interview with the Guardian, Orellana recalls being forced to allow foreigners and a Guatemalan doctor to examine her. The details about how the infections were carried out are more than unnerving. Documents show that prostitutes were infected and then provided to other subjects to facilitate internal transmis-

sion of the disease. An emulsion preparation containing the syphilis or gonorrhea virus was spread under the foreskin of a the penis.

Despite a public acknowledgement and apology from then secretary of state Hillary Clinton in 2010 following a presidential bioethics commission investigation that ruled the experiments “involved unconscionable basic violations of ethics,” both the Rockefeller Foundation and John Hopkins University are vehemently denying that either organization had any involvement whatsoever in the experiments. Johns Hopkins School of Medicine released a statement through a spokeswoman stating, “Johns Hopkins did not initiate, pay for, direct of conduct the study in Guatemala. No nonprofit university or hospital has ever been held liable for a study conducted by the US government.”

A statement from the Rockefeller Foundation published online claims that the organization is simply having “misleading characterizations of relationships between the Foundation and individuals who were in some way associated with the experiments,” spread about it. The U.S government was responsible for compensating descendants from the Tuskegee experiments, but Guatemalan victims are struggling to receive the same.