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THURSDA THURSDAYY, DECEMBER 29, 2016 - WEDNESDA WEDNESDAYY, JANUAR JANUARYY 4, 2017

As Obama departs, We owe him our Thanks

“By so many measures, our country is stronger and more prosperous than it was when we started. And through every victory and every setback, I’ve insisted that change is never easy, and never quick; that we wouldn’t meet all of our challenges in one term, or one presidency, or even in one lifetime” -- President Barack Obama

By Reverend Jesse Jackson, Sr. (President and Founder/ Rainbow PUSH Coalition) The final days of the Obama presidency are upon us. His popularity is rising with the economy, and with the increasingly stark contrasts to his successor. It is worth being clear about the legacy that he leaves behind.

Obama came to office facing the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. The global financial system teetered on collapse; the auto industry faced bankruptcy; the economy was shedding 400,000 jobs a day. He also inherited the catastrophe George Bush had created with the debacle in Iraq and government misrule dramatized by the shame of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, La. Now, eight years later, the economy nears full employment, with more than 15 million jobs created and private sector job growth at a record 81 consecutive months and counting. Wages are beginning to rise, after long years of stagnation or worse. The auto industry has enjoyed some of its most prosperous years.

This isn’t an accident.

Obama helped rescue the economy by passing the largest stimulus in history, the most ambitious financial reform since the 1930s, and daring and direct intervention to save the auto industry. Economic growth helped lower the annual budget deficit to less than half the level he inherited.

Obama also passed the largest health care reforms in

Eta Nu Education Center Grand opening a tradition of selfless service

Pompano Beach Mayor Lamar Fisher and Eta Nu Founder James L. Jones perform ribbon cutting ceremony at grand opening.

By James Wimberly, Eta Nu- ETTOC The Eta Nu chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated held its long antici-

pated grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Omega Education Center in Pompano Beach, Fla. on Dec. 8, 2016. Eta Nu has dutifully served the Pompano Beach com-

Pleading Our Own Cause

munity since 1969. The dynamic and fruitful housing venture that culminated in this victorious celebration began in 1995, under the leadership of Eta Nu’s first housing chair, Brother Samuel Clear.

This grand opening observance is the fulfillment of a twenty plus year labor of love now being led by current housing chair Brother Harry Harrell Sr. This new state of the art facility will drastically enhance the chapter’s ability to serve the Pompano Beach community. Several Members of the Pompano Beach City Commission and the Pompano Beach Community Redevelopment Agency were in attendance to celebrate and support the new building, and Eta Nu’s lauded impact in the Pompano Beach community.

In addition to numerous public officials, there was an overflow crowd filled with friends, family members, community supporters, and other local dignitaries enjoying the delightful event.

Attendees were treated to educator and vocalist Brother Ken Howard and the chapter brothers singing Dear Eta Nu. Guests also enjoyed a guided tour of the new facility and refreshments. Legendary Eta Nu Founder Brother James L. Jones and Pompano Beach Mayor Lamar Fisher cut the ceremonial ribbon heralding the newest era in the continuing legacy of Eta Nu’s service to the Pompano Beach Community.

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six decades, providing health insurance for 20 million Americans. His reforms saved those with pre-existing conditions, provided the young with protection under their parents’ programs and, although most Americans don’t realize it, slowed the rise of health care costs dramatically.

Running for re-election in 2012, Obama recognized that income inequality had become “the defining issue of our time.”

With his progressive tax reforms both in his health care plan and in the partial repeal of the topend Bush tax cuts, and with expanded tax credits for lowincome workers and families with children, Obama made a significant beginning in addressing that inequality.

Abroad, Obama struggled against great opposition to reduce America’s exposure in the wars without end in the Middle East. His nuclear agreement with Iran, not only dismantled its nuclear weapons capable facilities, it also provided the most comprehensive and aggressive verification mechanisms in the history of arms control. In opening relations with Cuba, he helped reduce America’s isolation in our own hemisphere and made the historic turn from a policy of embargo that had failed for five decades.

(Cont'd on Page 3)

A New Year’s Resolution that we all can gain from “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.

-- Jeremiah 15:16 KJV

By Bobby R. Henry, Sr. What if our nation could agree on one resolution? This resolution is defined as a pronouncement to do something or to conduct one’s self in a particular positive behavior.

This act would have to come to fruition because of a great resolve from people who acted with selfishness in wanting to serve others some Soul Food. He made you go starve, and then he gave you manna, a type of foodstuff that you and your ancestors knew nothing about. It was a lesson from the Lord to show us that we need more than groceries to survive—we need the written and spoken Word of God. Soul Food is more than every seed-bearing plant and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. It’s about shelter when the storms of life rage. In those days Soul Food would keep you safe in His dwelling; it would cover you in the shelter of His protection and carry you through all hurt, harm and danger.

You will even be clothed in your right mind with the proper Soul Food. There won’t be any need to long for anybody’s belongings.

Even those who no one cares for: the outcast and broken hearted, the poor and unfortunate, and the sick and shut in can be restored to good health and wounds can be healed with just the right quantity of Soul Food.

Signs of a diet from the lack of Soul Food: enormous underground eruptions, food shortages and deadly diseases in an assortment of places, and terrifying events will be seen everywhere.

(Cont'd on Page 4)

Judge Mary Rudd-Robinson steps down from the bench after 27 years of dedicated service

By Charles Moseley Judge Mary Rudd-Robinson serves as a shining example of what can be accomplished in life when one works extremely hard to achieve their goals, is dedicated to serving others, and refuses to accept no as an answer to those who doubted her ability to succeed regarding her professional pursuits.

Judge Robinson’s career as a jurist in Broward County spanned over three decades, beginning in 1984 with her appointment as a general master for five years. Judge Robinson then made history as the first African American woman to serve on the bench in Broward County.

After 27 years on the bench Judge Robinson’s decision to step away from the bench, effective December 30, 2016, marked the end of an era, unparalleled in Broward County history.

Retired Judge Zebedee Wright presided on the bench prior to Judge Robinson’s arrival on Broward County’s judiciary being among an earlier generation of African American jurists locally. He made several observations upon learning of Judge Robinson’s impending retirement announcement.

“She served honorably, with integrity and with a devotion and deep commitment to her community. She has also displayed a great knowledge of the law and did an all-around great job,” reflected Judge Wright.

Judge Mary Rudd-Robinson’s career first began in 1984 as a general master before being appointed as the first African American woman in the judiciary in Broward County’s history.

Bernadette Norris-Weeks, a prominent South Florida trial attorney and the general counsel for the City of West Park, has known Judge Robinson, observing her throughout her career on the bench.

“Judge Mary Rudd Robinson has served the voters of Broward County with intellect, dignity and respect for many years. Her calm judicial temperament has been her trademark. She is a role model for all women in positions of leadership and has taken pride in always being prepared. Her

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fairness and keen ability to listen to all sides of an issue will be missed.”

There are currently seven African American judges here in Broward County from among a total of nearly 100 judges, making it all the more noteworthy to have two African American judges living under the same roof. Remarkably that is the case in the Robinson household, with the judicial tandem of husband Michael and wife Mary Robinson.

There could be no one better qualified professionally or closer personally to Judge Mary Rudd-Robinson than her husband and colleague on the bench- Judge Michael Robinson. He offered his sentiments as seen through the eyes of a husband, colleague, and community servant.

“Mary Rudd Robinson is the best judge I’ve known to have served on the County Court in Broward County. I have watched her for 35 years inside and outside of the courtroom and her magistrate chambers.

She matured and transformed into a brilliant jurist, who served the public with integrity, honesty, compassion, and a keen knowledge of the law.”

(Cont'd on Page 5) MEMBER: National Newspaper Publishers Association ( NNPA), and Southeastern African-American Publishers Association (SAAPA) Florida Association of Black Owned Media (FABOM)

PAGE 2 • DECEMBER 29, 2016 - JANUARY 4, 2017

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Westside Gazette

Why is President Obama getting no credit as he leaves office?

By Roger Caldwell In 24 days, Americans will be forced and some will be ready to drink President Trump’s Kool-Aid. There is a reverence for Trump, and 62 million Americans voted for his platform, even though they really have no idea what he stands for, not what he is going to implement.

Many of Trumps supporters believe that the country does not belong to them because White people no longer are in control locally, nationally and internationally. For the last eight years, a Black man has been in control and made decisions that supported people of color. As a result of Obama’s genius and intelligence, White America’s only goal was to make him look bad and stop his progress.

President Obama will leave the economy far stronger than

what he started with and inherited. Unemployment is 4.6%, a nine-year low; the stock market is breaking all kind of records, and an additional 20 million Americans are with health insurance coverage. The country is no longer just dependent on oil, shifting the nation on cleaner energy sources; natural gas, wind and solar.

During the president’s tenure, he can boast about creating 15 million new jobs, and 74 months of consecutive job growth. More minorities have been appointed to management positions in the history of the federal government. The first Hispanic woman has been appointed to the Supreme Court, and the first Black man and Black woman have been appointed to the position of Attorney General in America.

As the president gets ready to leave office, his approval rat-

ing remains the highest it has been since the spring of 2009.

But there has been a major backlash to his administration.

During the president’s eight years in office, the Democrats have lost over 1,000 political seats in state legislatures, governors' mansions and Congress.

The defeats have destroyed a generation of young Democrats, leaving the party with limited power in statehouses and a thin bench to challenge Republicans on the federal level.

It is easy to place the blame on President Obama, but the entire Democrat leadership team must also share in the blame. For the last six years, it appears that the Republican Party is quicker to the draw, and they appear to work harder.

When President Obama won the election in 2008, he tried to reach across the aisle, and work with the Republicans. But the

Obama’s Top 50 Accomplishments

1. Passed Health Care Reform: After five presidents over a century failed to create universal health insurance, signed the Affordable Care Act (2010). It will cover 32 million uninsured Americans beginning in 2014 and mandates a suite of experimental measures to cut health care cost growth, the number one cause of America’s long-term fiscal problems.

By Paul Glastris, Ryan Cooper, and Siyu Hu

2. Passed the Stimulus: Signed $787 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act in 2009 to spur economic growth amid greatest recession since the Great Depression. Weeks after stimulus went into effect, unemployment claims began to subside. Twelve months later, the private sector began producing more jobs than it was losing, and it has continued to do so for twentythree straight months, creating a total of nearly 3.7 million new private-sector jobs.

7. Turned Around U.S. Auto Industry: In 2009, injected $62 billion in federal money (on top of $13.4 billion in loans from the Bush administration) into ailing GM and Chrysler in return for equity stakes and agreements for massive restructuring. Since bottoming out in 2009, the auto industry has added more than 100,000 jobs. In 2011, the Big Three automakers all gained market share for the first time in two decades. The government expects to lose $16 billion of its investment, less if the price of the GM stock it still owns increases.

8.

Recapitalized Banks: In the midst of financial crisis, approved controversial Treasury Department plan to lure private capital into the country’s largest banks via “stress tests” of their balance sheets and a public-private

3. Passed Wall Street Reform: Signed the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (2010) to re-regulate the financial sector after its practices caused the Great Recession. The new law tightens capital requirements on large banks and other financial institutions, requires derivatives to be sold on clearinghouses and exchanges, mandates that large banks provide “living wills” to avoid chaotic bankruptcies, limits their ability to trade with customers’ money for their own profit, and creates the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (now headed by Richard Cordray) to crack down on abusive lending products and companies.

Republican leadership was working from a different playbook, and their plan was to suppress and obstruct every policy the president tried to implement.

The mid-term election of 2010 is where the Republicans began to take control of the federal government, state legislatures, and governorships.

“The refusal by many Democrats to accept help from Obama in 2010 and 2014 midterms was also a strategic mistake. Some Democrats blame Obama for an executive agenda that highlighted social issues such as transgender rights and access to birth control over the economic anxiety still felt by many voters,” says Lisa Lerer, AP reporter.

Even though President Obama won the presidential campaign in 2012, the Democrats were still losing political seats, and in 2014 the Republicans controlled both Houses on the federal level. President Obama’s administration did not

develop a job strategy for the middle states in America, and the citizens felt they were no longer living in the country they grew up in.

The final reason that President Obama is not getting any credit as he leaves office is the problem of the color line. America is changing, because there are more people of color with positions of responsibility, influence and power. Systemic racism still exists and it is difficult to give a Black man credit

for a job well done.

President-Elect Trump and the Republicans can blame President Obama for not accomplishing anything, and it is easy to criticize when you are on the sidelines. But, January 20, 2017 starts a new administration, and President-Elect Trump says he is ready to go.

Happy New Year From the Westside Gazette Newspaper Staff

4. Ended the War in Iraq: Ordered all U.S. military forces out of the country. Last troops left on Dec 18, 2011. fund to buy their “toxic” assets.

Got banks back on their feet at essentially zero cost to the government.

9. Repealed “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”: Ended 1990s-era restriction and formalized new policy allowing gays and lesbians to serve openly in the military for the first time.

10. Toppled Moammar Gaddafi: In March 2011, joined a coalition of European and Arab governments in military action, including air power and naval blockade, against Gaddafi regime to defend Libyan civilians and support rebel troops. Gaddafi’s forty-twoyear rule ended when the dictator was overthrown and killed by rebels on October 20, 2011.

No American lives were lost.

11. Told Mubarak to Go: On Feb. 1, 2011, publicly called on Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to accept reform or step down, thus weakening the dictator’s position and putting America on the right side of the Arab Spring. Mubarak ended 30-year rule when overthrown on Feb. 11.

12. Reversed Bush Torture Policies: Two days after taking office, nullified Bushera rulings that had allowed detainees in U.S. custody to undergo certain “enhanced” interrogation techniques considered inhumane under the Geneva Conventions. Also released the secret Bush legal rulings supporting the use of these techniques.

13. Improved America’s Image Abroad: With new policies, diplomacy, and rhetoric, reversed a sharp decline in world opinion toward the U.S. (and the corresponding loss of “soft power”) during the Bush years. From 2008 to 2011, favorable opinion toward the United States rose in ten of fifteen countries surveyed by the Pew Global Attitudes Project, with an average increase of 26 percent.

14. Kicked Banks Out of Federal Student Loan Program, Expanded Pell Grant Spending: As part of the 2010 health care reform bill, signed measure ending the wasteful decades-old practice of subsidizing banks to provide college loans. Starting July 2010 all

students began getting their federal student loans directly from the federal government.

Treasury will save $67 billion over ten years, $36 billion of which will go to expanding Pell Grants to lower-income students.

15. Created Race to the Top: With funds from stimulus, started $4.35 billion program of competitive grants to encourage and reward states for education reform.

16. Boosted Fuel Efficiency Standards: Released new fuel efficiency standards in 2011 that will nearly double the fuel economy for cars and trucks by 2025.

17. Coordinated International Response to Financial Crisis: To keep world economy out of recession in 2009 and 2010, helped secure from G-20 nations more than $500 billion for the IMF to provide lines of credit and other support to emerging market countries, which kept them liquid and avoided crises with their currencies.

18. Passed Mini Stimuli: To help families hurt by the recession and spur the economy as stimulus spending declined, signed series of measures (July 22, 2010; December 17, 2010; December 23, 2011) to extend unemployment insurance and cut payroll taxes.

19. Began Asia “Pivot”: In 2011, reoriented American military and diplomatic priorities and focus from the Middle East and Europe to the Asian-Pacific region. Executed multipronged strategy of positively engaging China while reasserting U.S. leadership in the region by increasing American military presence and crafting new commercial, diplomatic, and military alliances with neighboring countries made uncomfortable by recent Chinese behavior.

20. Increased Support for Veterans: With so many soldiers coming home from Iraq and Iran with serious physical and mental health problems, yet facing long waits for services, increased 2010 Department of Veterans Affairs budget by 16 percent and 2011 budget by 10 percent. Also signed new GI bill offering $78 billion in tui-

tion assistance over a decade, and provided multiple tax credits to encourage businesses to hire veterans.

21. Tightened Sanctions on Iran: In effort to deter Iran’s nuclear program, signed Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act (2010) to punish firms and individuals who aid Iran’s petroleum sector. In late 2011 and early 2012, coordinated with other major Western powers to impose sanctions aimed at Iran’s banks and with Japan, South Korea, and China to shift their oil purchases away from Iran.

22. Created Conditions to Begin Closing Dirtiest Power Plants: New EPA restrictions on mercury and toxic pollution, issued in December 2011, likely to lead to the closing of between sixty-eight and 231 of the nation’s oldest and dirtiest coal-fired power plants. Estimated cost to utilities: at least $11 billion by 2016. Estimated health benefits: $59 billion to $140 billion. Will also significantly reduce carbon emissions and, with other regulations, comprises what’s been called Obama’s “stealth climate policy.”

23. Passed Credit Card Reforms: Signed the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility, and Disclosure Act (2009), which prohibits credit card companies from raising rates without advance notification, mandates a grace period on interest rate increases, and strictly limits overdraft and other fees.

24. Eliminated Catch-22 in Pay Equality Laws: Signed Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act in 2009, giving women who are paid less than men for the same work the right to sue their employers after they find out about the discrimination, even if that discrimination happened years ago. Under previous law, as interpreted by the Supreme Court in Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., the statute of limitations on such suits ran out 180 days after the alleged discrimination occurred, even if the victims never knew about it.

(Cont'd on Page 3)

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Obama’s Top 50 Accomplishments

(Cont'd from Page 2) 25. Protected Two Liberal Seats on the U.S. Supreme Court: Nominated and obtained confirmation for Sonia Sotomayor, the first Hispanic and third woman to serve, in 2009; and Elena Kagan, the fourth woman to serve, in 2010. They replaced David Souter and John Paul Stevens, respectively.

26. Improved Food Safety System: In 2011, signed FDA Food Safety Modernization Act, which boosts the Food and Drug Administration’s budget by $1.4 billion and expands its regulatory responsibilities to include increasing number of food inspections, issuing direct food recalls, and reviewing the current food safety practices of countries importing products into America.

27. Achieved New START Treaty: Signed with Russia (2010) and won ratification in Congress (2011) of treaty that limits each country to 1,550 strategic warheads (down from 2,200) and 700 launchers (down from more than 1,400), and reestablished and strengthened a monitoring and transparency program that had lapsed in 2009, through which each country can monitor the other.

28. Expanded National Service: Signed Serve America Act in 2009, which authorized a tripling of the size of AmeriCorps.

Program grew 13 percent to 85,000 members across the country by 2012, when new House GOP majority refused to appropriate more funds for further expansion.

29. Expanded Wilderness and Watershed Protection: Signed Omnibus Public Lands Management Act (2009), which designated more than 2 million acres as wilderness, created thousands of miles of recreational and historic trails, and protected more than 1,000 miles of rivers.

30. Gave the FDA Power to Regulate Tobacco: Signed the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (2009).

Nine years in the making and long resisted by the tobacco industry, the law mandates that tobacco manufacturers disclose all ingredients, obtain FDA approval for new tobacco products, and expand the size and prominence of cigarette warning labels, and bans the sale of misleadingly labeled “light” cigarette brands and tobacco sponsorship of entertainment events.

31. Pushed Federal Agencies to Be Green Leaders: Issued executive order in 2009 requiring all federal agencies to make plans to soften their environmental impacts by 2020. Goals include 30 percent reduction in fleet gasoline use, 26 percent boost in water efficiency, and sustainability requirements for 95 percent of all federal contracts. Because federal government is the country’s single biggest purchaser of goods and services, likely to have ripple effects throughout the economy for years to come.

32. Passed Fair Sentencing Act: Signed 2010 legislation that reduces sentencing disparity between crack versus powder cocaine possession from 100 to1 to 18 to1.

33. Trimmed and Reoriented Missile Defense: Cut the Reaganera “Star Wars” missile defense budget, saving $1.4 billion in 2010, and canceled plans to station antiballistic missile systems in Poland and the Czech Republic in favor of sea-based

As Obama departs, We owe him our Thanks (Cont'd from FP) His most historic contribution was to understand the clear and present danger of catastrophic climate change. The agreement with China and subsequent Paris Accord cemented a global consensus on the need for bolder action on global warming. On his watch, America began to reduce its reliance on coal and its greenhouse gas emissions.

Obama won a majority of the votes in both his election and reelection, something neither his predecessor nor successor achieved.

He governed with grace and dignity, despite grotesque and too often racist provocations. His family provided a model for all Americans, with Michelle winning hearts across the country. He and his administration were remarkably free of scandal. His administration demonstrated once more that competence could be valued in Washington.

He did all of this while facing unprecedented, unrelenting partisan obstruction, with the Republican leader of the Senate opposing him at every turn, intent on making him a one-term president. In part because of that opposition, much remained undone. The stimulus would have been larger and the recovery stronger except for Republican opposition. The national minimum wage would have been raised. A national infrastructure project to rebuild America would have been launched. Progress on making America the leader of the green revolution, the next global industrial revolution, would have been greater. Guantanamo, the shameful prison in Cuba, would have been closed. The Voting Rights Act would have been revived, and much more.

For most Americans, the recovery was slow; for many it was invisible. Donald Trump won election promising working people a better deal. He appealed to our weariness with war, suggesting a less interventionist policy. He played upon divisions, rousing fears about immigrants and Muslims. He pledged to “Make America Great Again,” in part by undoing everything Obama.

So it is worth marking what Trump will inherit, as we head into what is already a rocky and tempestuous presidency. Unemployment under 5 percent. Eighty-one months of jobs growth and counting. Average wages rising at 2.4 percent over the last year. Growth at 3.5 percent over the last full quarter. Inflation at 2 percent. 20 million more Americans with health insurance. America, one of the global leaders in the green industrial revolution.

A president respected at home and abroad, known for his thoughtfulness and his great eloquence. Let us hope that Trump can build on that legacy, and not lead us into a far deeper hole.

Westside Gazette defense plan focused on Iran and North Korea.

34. Began Post-Post-9/11 Military Builddown: After winning agreement from congressional Republicans and Democrats in summer 2011 budget deal to reduce projected defense spending by $450 billion, proposed new DoD budget this year with cuts of that size and a new national defense strategy that would shrink ground forces from 570,000 to 490,000 over the next ten years while increasing programs in intelligence gathering and cyber-warfare.

35. Let Space Shuttle Die and Killed Planned Moon Mission: Allowed the expensive ($1 billion per launch), badly designed, dangerous shuttle program to make its final launch on July 8, 2011. Cut off funding for even more bloated and problem-plagued Bush-era Constellation program to build moon base in favor of support for private-sector low-earth orbit ventures, research on new rocket technologies for long-distance manned flight missions, and unmanned space exploration, including the largest interplanetary rover ever launched, which will investigate Mars’s potential to support life.

36. Invested Heavily in Renewable Technology: As part of the 2009 stimulus, invested $90 billion, more than any previous administration, in research on smart grids, energy efficiency, electric cars, renewable electricity generation, cleaner coal, and biofuels.

37. Crafting Next-Generation School Tests: Devoted $330 million in stimulus money to pay two consortia of states and universities to create competing versions of new K12 student performance tests based on latest psychometric research. New tests could transform the learning environment in vast majority of public school classrooms beginning in 2014.

38. Cracked Down on Bad For-Profit Colleges: In effort to fight predatory practices of some for-profit colleges, Department of Education issued “gainful employment” regulations in 2011 cutting off commercially focused schools from federal student aid funding if more than 35 percent of former students aren’t paying off their loans and/or if the average former student spends more than 12 percent of his or her total earnings servicing student loans.

39. Improved School Nutrition: In coordination with Michelle Obama, signed Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act in 2010 mandating $4.5 billion spending boost and higher nutritional and health standards for school lunches. New rules based on the law, released in January, double the amount of fruits and vegetables and require only whole grains in food served to students.

40. Expanded Hate Crimes Protections: Signed Hate Crimes Prevention Act (2009), which expands existing hate crime protections to include crimes based on a victim’s sexual orientation, gender, or disability, in addition to race, color, religion, or national origin.

41. Avoided Scandal: As of November 2011, served longer than any president in decades without a scandal, as measured by the appearance of the word “scandal” (or lack thereof) on the front page of the Washington Post.

42. Brokered Agreement for Speedy Compensation to Victims of Gulf Oil Spill: Though lacking statutory power to compel British Petroleum to act, used moral authority of his office to convince oil company to agree in 2010 to a $20 billion fund to compensate victims of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico; $6.5 billion already paid out without lawsuits. By comparison, it took nearly two decades for plaintiffs in the Exxon Valdez Alaska oil spill case to receive $1.3 billion.

DECEMBER 29, 2016 - JANUARY 4, 2107 • PAGE 3

5.Began Drawdown of War in Afghanistan: From a peak of 101,000 troops in June 2011, U.S. forces are now down to 91,000, with 23,000 slated to leave by the end of summer 2012. According to Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, the combat mission there will be over by next year.

43.

Created Recovery.gov: Web site run by independent board of inspectors general looking for fraud and abuse in stimulus spending, provides public with detailed information on every contract funded by $787 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Thanks partly to this transparency, board has uncovered very little fraud, and Web site has become national model: “The stimulus has done more to promote transparency at almost all levels of government than any piece of legislation in recent memory,” reports Governing magazine.

44. Pushed Broadband Coverage: Proposed and obtained in 2011 Federal Communications Commission approval for a shift of $8 billion in subsidies away from landlines and toward broadband Internet for lower-income rural families.

45. Expanded Health Coverage for Children: Signed 2009 Children’s Health Insurance Authorization Act, which allows the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to cover health care for four million more children, paid for by a tax increase on tobacco products.

46. Recognized the Dangers of Carbon Dioxide: In 2009, EPA declared carbon dioxide a pollutant, allowing the agency to regulate its produc-

tion.

47. Expanded Stem Cell Research: In 2009, eliminated the Bush-era restrictions on embryonic stem cell research, which shows promise in treating spinal injuries, among many other areas.

48. Provided Payment to Wronged Minority Farmers: In 2009, signed Claims Resolution Act, which provided $4.6 billion in funding for a legal settlement with Black and Native American farmers who the government cheated out of loans and natural resource

royalties in years past.

49. Helped South Sudan Declare Indepen dence: Helped South Sudan Declare Independence: Appointed two envoys to Sudan and personally attended a special UN meeting on the area. Through U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Ambassador Susan Rice, helped negotiate a peaceful split in 2011.

50. Killed the F-22: In 2009, ended further purchases of Lockheed Martin single-seat, twin-engine, fighter aircraft, which cost $358 million apiece.

Though the military had 187 built, the plane has never flown a single combat mission.

Eliminating it saved $4 billion.

From The Westside Gazette Staff & Management

6. Eliminated Osama bin laden: In 2011, ordered special forces raid of secret compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, in which the terrorist leader was killed and a trove of al-Qaeda documents was discovered.

PAGE 4 • DECEMBER 29, 2016 - JANUARY 4, 2017

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Westside Gazette

Keathan Frink appointment to Broward County bench provides a step in right direction according to T.J. Reddick Bar Association officials

By Charles Moseley When it comes to one of the recent Broward County judicial appointments, Attorney Keathan B. Frink certainly brings a lot to the table. Frink has distinguished himself throughout his career as a highly qualified member of the local legal community, exemplifying true professionalism and a commitment o public service.

Frink is a partner in the Fort Lauderdale office of Kelley Kronenberg, P.A…, as well as a graduate of Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science degree. In addition he earned his Juris Doctorate degree from the University Of Florida Levin College Of Law where he was a member of the Trial Team.

Prior to entering into private practice, Frink honed his skills

as an Assistant Public Defender here in Broward County. He also served as assistant regional counsel for the Office of Criminal Conflict and Civil Regional Counsel, Fourth District.

Since his admission to the Florida Bar in 2000, Frink quickly ascended the legal ladder, gaining admittance to practice in the District of Columbia, the U.S. Southern District of Florida, the U.S. Middle District of Florida and the United States Supreme Court. His legal background includes specializing in the areas of product liability, construction defect, negligent security, wrongful death, among others.

In addition, Frink is a member of the American Bar Association and T.J. Reddick Bar Association respectively.

Judge Michael Robinson placed things into perspective

Fathers we support you!!!

given the current state of diversity within Broward County’s judiciary, specifically referencing the dearth of African Americans on the bench.

He alluded to the Frink appointment as a step in the right direction.

There are presently seven African American judges among closely 100 judges here in Broward.

“The appointment of Keathan Frink to the bench is important in so many ways. Given the demographics and great diversity of Broward County, his appointment serves as another positive footprint for others to emulate and follow.

He is well qualified and prepared to be one of the best jurists in South Florida. He will have

all of our support,” commented Judge Michael Robinson.

President George Odom, representing the T.J. Reddick Bar Association, released the following official statement regarding the appointments of Keathan Frink and Florence Taylor Barner.

“The Executive Board congratulates Judge Keathan B. Frink on being appointed by Governor Rick Scott. Judge Frink will be only one of 7 African American judges in Broward County that consists of over 90 judges. We also thank all of those that helped make it possible. We are confident Judge Frink, a former partner at Kelley Kronenberg, UF graduate and former assistant public defender, will exhibit

The Gantt Report

New Year and a new life

By Lucius Gantt

Pictured l to r: Solomon, Zwerling, and Philogene their full names are in the article.

By Dr. Hyacynthia M. Leonce Many times, when a woman is pregnant, we hear the mother being congratulated and not the fathers. There is much focus on expectant moms but not so much for expectant dads. When the baby shower is planned, many times the center of attention is the mom and the baby, with the dad in the background somewhere.

Well there are fathers in our community that want us to know that they matter. Fathers have a voice when it comes to fatherhood, and they want their voices to be heard. Holly Zwerling and the Fatherhood Task Force of South Florida encourage fathers to speak up, be present and stay committed.

Fathers, we support you!

Please attend the First Paternal Health Care & Education Conference presented by the Fatherhood Task Force of South Florida, (Holly Zwerling, CEO and President) sponsored by Carlos Albizu University, United Way, The Westside Gazette and several others. The conference will be held on Jan. 14, 2017 at Carlos Albizu University 2173 N.W. 99 Ave., Doral, Fla., from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Malcom Solomon, a 28-yearold expectant father and soon to be husband, a participant of the Fatherhood Taskforce and conference attendee said, “I’m hoping to get some key or something to help me once I get married. Men tell you how much freedom will be taken away once you become a father, but they don’t tell you the joys of fatherhood.”

Another participant of the program, Emmanuel Philogene, who was a single father for a 16 years, conveyed, “I want to be an advocate for other fathers. I want to help them avoid what I went through.”

When pressed for details about his experience, Emmanuel described a history of having to fight for his paternal rights.

He explained how as a father he did not have the law on his side. He stated that he did not know where to turn to get help.

He said that his girlfriend seemed to have help from the law, but the system appeared to be pushing him away from his son. As Emmanuel continued to summarize his plight in fighting for his son you can hear the passion is his voice.

Finally, Emmanuel relayed how he came to the point of learning about the law when it comes to his rights as a father and how he can best be in his child’s life.

He expressed how he was enlightened by a friend who encouraged him to educate himself about his rights as opposed to fighting the mother and losing in the end. He went on to say, “a father’s role is most important in a child’s life.”

Emmanuel’s son is currently 16 years old and living with his mother with his father’s approval. He describes how those early years was instrumental to their father-son relationship and now that bond cannot be easily broken.

Zwerling says, “the goal of the First Paternal Health & Education Conference is to increase the number of fathers healthy and informed in preparation for parenthood for the benefit of their children.” Also, it “encourages legislation that addresses and provides appropriations for paternal health care screenings and follow-up which will close the gap in services for new and expectant dads.”

PRLog states that the conference highlights “the importance of fathers’ health, parenting knowledge, skills and involvement in planning, preparing and adapting to fatherhood.

This groundbreaking Conference will focus on men’s health, well-being and how their preparation for parenthood affects pregnancy, birth outcomes and their growing child’s well-being. The Conference brings together new, expectant and future fathers and families with medical and clinical professionals, local leaders, and community partners. Attendance free of charge.

Through participatory sessions, men will gain insightful information on health, effective parenting and receive free health screenings by Doral Pro Health.”

I hope the readers and supporters of The Gantt Report had a pleasant, peaceful and joyous holiday season.

Don’t get caught up in the end of year parties and celebrations so much that the festive activities cloud your minds about what the future will be like for you, your families and your communities.

America and the world’s other imperialist empires are not great again; they are greedy again, oppressive again, nationalistic again and, in many ways, colonial again and racist again.

But don’t worry and don’t weep about changes in government or the changes in racial attitudes.

Your New Year’s resolutions won’t bring back glory days.

Hope won’t help you and I don’t care if that’s what the Obamas want you to focus on.

If you want to change your life, you will have to change your mindset, change your behavior, change your perspectives, change your work ethic and change your feelings about yourself, your loved ones, your career and even your faith!

The one true God helps those that help themselves!

We have to unite in 2017.

We have to work together in 2017. We have to put aside our petty differences in skin color, hair styles, body sizes, home towns, schools attended, fraternal memberships and everything else that has been encouraged and used against us to divide and conquer us!

We have to educate our children and each other. We have to defend and protect each other. We have to respect each other, cooperate with each other and love each other to progress and survive any terrible times ahead of us.

There will be a strong push by politicians and political operatives to get us to repeat the mistakes we made in our recent past. They will suggest that political parties and elected officials will take care of us if we would just listen to them and obey them.

Even if we subscribe to that dated and ineffective philosophy, when we support the political status quo we can only get involved in politics the way that the political powers that be tell us to support them.

We will not be allowed to participate in political purchasing transactions, we will not be hired to provide professional political services for parties or candidates and we will not be able to earmark our political campaign contributions so that our political money will be spent with media we own, businesses

Appointed by Florida Governor Rick Scott, Attorney Keathan B. Frink brings a wealth of experience to the bench as its most recent appointee to Broward County’s judiciary.

we operate or for purposes that we determine!

If you don’t see it now, you have eyes but can’t see.

Again, in a capitalist society or nation, money is the primary motivating factor.

Political appointments will be made based on money, political policy will be based on money, tax structures and tax cuts will be based on who has money and government assistance programs will be based on who has or doesn’t have money!

In the near future, the world’s military industrial complexes will see a surge in revenue and profits, banks and financial institutions find unregulated ways to take more money from customers, depositors and shareholders, corporations will ignore “trickle down” explanations and pocket more money than ever before and the whole world will be up for sale to the highest bidders!

We must change! If we keep living the lives we are living and expect a change in life styles, we will be fooling ourselves!

Don’t hope for a better year, fight for what’s right for a better life! (Buy Gantt’s latest book, “Beast Too: Dead Man Writing” onAmazon.com and from bookstores everywhere.

Contact Lucius at www.allworldconsultants.net.

And, if you want to, “Like” The Gantt Report page on Facebook.)

From Our Family, To Your Family Have A Very Happy, Prosperous and Safe New Year

above par moral courage and judicial standards required by the Florida Bar.” “The Executive Board congratulates Judge Florence Taylor Barner on becoming the first female Haitian descendant on winning her election and becoming a county court judge.

We are confident Judge Barner, a former associate at Weitz & Schwartz, UF grad)uate and former assistant state attorney will exhibit the diversified qualities much needed on the bench.”

Westside Gazette-What made you decide to pursue a career in law?

“I developed an interest in law and justice at an early age in life. My father was a very active member of the community who consistently provided a voice to those who were often not heard. I learned that lawyers can serve the community in the same way by serving as advocates to those in need of assistance.”

Attorney Frink recently provided the Westside Gazette Newspaper an overview of his experiences throughout his career W.G.: What have been the most challenging aspects you’ve encountered during your career?

“The most challenging aspect in the legal profession for lawyers is time commitment required to be successful. In order to become proficient and knowledgeable in the practice of law, one must dedicate a significant amount of time preparing and constantly studying.

In addition to the time required to practice law, time is also required of lawyers in the community. In my opinion, lawyers are servants of the community so it is important for those in the legal profession to volunteer and be active members of the

community. Managing one’s time is a challenge but one that must be met by those in the legal profession.”

W.G.: What do you feel most proud of professionally and personally in your lifetime?

“There are many aspects of my life both professionally and personally that I am extremely proud of. Personally is my family. I was raised by wonderful parents who were hard working people that instilled discipline and a good work ethic. I am have a beautiful wife and two fantastic children that are a joy. Professionally, I am most proud of the respect I have gained from my colleagues in the legal community. I believe my work and my professionalism I tried to exhibit have gained me the respect of lawyers and judges whom I have worked with and allowed me to be in the position I am in today.”

W.G.: Who has had the greatest impact on you professionally and personally?

“Personally, my parents, wife and children have inspired and motivated me throughout my life. Professionally, the African American pioneers and trailblazers who helped create the opportunities I have today.”

W.G.: What advice would you give a young person of color who is considering practicing law as a career?

“As a young person of color, you will encounter many obstacles in life. Please learn to face those obstacles. Even if you fail in overcoming them, you will gain knowledge and experience that will help you when you face the next challenge in life. Do not give up, because you will eventually overcome those obstacles.”

A New Year’s Resolution that we all can gain from (Cont'd from FP) When Soul Food is shared, new leadership abounds so that people respect all around the world. People will eagerly comfort others because they have known comfort themselves.

It is true that “man does not live by bread alone.” Jesus answered, “The Scriptures say: `No one can live only on food.

People need every word that God has spoken.’ “ Our New Year’s Resolution is that we share some Soul Food, not just collard greens and corn bread or chitterlings and rice. Not even a brisket surrounded with carrots and potatoes in a pot lined with thickly sliced onions broken up into rings. It’s not that kind of Soul Food I’m talking about; it’s Soul Food from heaven.

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” - 2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV

www.thewestsidegazette.com

Westside Gazette

DECEMBER 29, 2016 - JANUARY 4, 2017 • PAGE 5

Nominees announced for 48th NAACP Image Awards ‘Enter tainer of the Year’ v oting no w open ‘Entertainer voting now

LEBRON JAMES

LOS ANGELES, CALIF. – The nominees for the 48 th NAACP Image Awards were announced recently with ABC and HBO leading the nominations in the television categories with 23 nominations and 14 nominations, respectively.

In the recording category, Columbia Records leads with 16 nominations, followed by RCA Records with 10 nominations and Atlantic Records with four nominations. Walt Disney Studios leads with nine nominations, followed by Focus Features with seven nominations, while A24 and Fox Searchlight Pictures both received six nominations in the motion picture categories.

LeBron James to receive NAACP Jackie Robinson Sports Award.

Beyoncé leads the pack with seven nominations, followed by her sister Solange Knowles with five nominations. Additionally, Chance the Rapper and Kendrick Lamar received four nominations, while Donald Glover and Nate Parker both received nominations for three awards.

The NAACP Image Awards celebrates the accomplishments of people of color in the fields of television, music, literature and film and also honors individuals or groups who promote social justice through creative endeavors. Winners will be announced during the two-hour

NATE PARKER, BEYONCE KNOWLES and DONALD GLOVER

star-studded event hosted by Anthony Anderson, which will broadcast LIVE on TV ONE on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017 at 9 p.m. as a two-hour special. A 90-minute pre-show will air live from the red carpet at 7:30 p.m.

“The NAACP is delighted to have a great collaboration with TV One and we look forward to working with them again to create a memorable evening of entertainment celebrating the hard work, perseverance, and achievements of those in our community,” said Roslyn M. Brock, Chairman of the NAACP National Board of Directors.

“The Image Awards is the premier showcase for art and advocacy reflecting the depth and diversity of the AfricanAmerican experience. It is an American prism through which we see a breadth of culture and color reflected in film, television, music and literature in ways that reveal our shared humanity. At a moment when America is so divided, the Image Awards represents an hour that brings us together,” stated Cornell William Brooks, President and CEO, NAACP. The 48th NAACP Image Awards production team will be returning including Executive Producers Reginald Hudlin and Phil Gurin, Director Tony McCuin, Co-Executive Producers Kimmie H. Kim and Byron Phillips, and Talent Producer Robin Reinhardt.

For all information and latest news, please visit the official NAACP Image Awards website at www.naacpimageawards.net.

FB: /naacpimageaward | Twitter: @naacpimageaward | Social: #ImageAwards The complete list of categories and nominees for the 48th NAACP Image Awards: ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR: Beyoncé, Viola Davis, Regina King, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Chance the Rapper.

TELEVISION Outstanding Comedy Series: “Atlanta” (FX); “black-ish” (ABC); “Insecure” (HBO); “Survivor’s Remorse” (Starz) and”The Carmichael Show” (NBC) Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series: Anthony Anderson “black-ish” (ABC); Don Cheadle - “House of Lies” (Showtime); Donald Glover - “Atlanta” (FX); Dwayne Johnson - “Ballers” (HBO) and Kevin Hart - “Real Husbands of Hollywood” (BET)

Judge Mary Rudd-Robinson steps down from the bench after 27 years of dedicated service (Cont'd from FP) “As great a jurist as she is, she is a better companion, wife, mother of three, and community servant. Mary spent much of her time away from the bench feeding the homeless, donating clothes and durable items to charitable organizations as well as mentoring young lawyers and high school students who aspire to attend college. She has taught judges at the National Judicial College in Reno, Nevada and volunteered for years at the New Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where she founded the Care Package Ministry. When she’s at home, she enjoys playing the piano and singing.”

“As a community servant, she remains an active member with the Links of Fort Lauderdale, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Zeta Rho Omega Chapter, Charmettes, Inc., and Jack n’ Jill of America, Inc. She volunteers whenever called— serving other organizations in South Florida. She is a frequent guest lecturer, who has served on various boards, such as Young at Art and Big Brothers & Sisters of Broward. She’s volunteered at Boys and Girls Clubs- Nan Knox Unit, and various colleges and universities, while assisting students with college applications,” added Judge Robinson.

Judge Mary Rudd-Robinson recently shared her thoughts with the Westside Gazette Newspaper regarding her career.

Westside. Gazette: Why did you choose to pursue a career in law?

“My answer is simple: I believe the preservation of our civil liberties and human rights to be both fundamental and important. If we were ever to allow these liberties and rights to be destroyed, then it would amount to the erosion of a civilized society. This belief formed my basis and desire to

Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series; Issa Rae “Insecure” (HBO); Keesha Sharp - “Lethal Weapon” (FOX); Niecy Nash - “The Soul Man” (TV Land) Tracee Ellis Ross - “black-ish” (ABC) and Uzo Aduba - “Orange is the New Black” (Netflix) Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series: David Alan Grier - “The Carmichael Show” (NBC); Deon Cole “black-ish” (ABC) Laurence Fishburne - “black-ish” (ABC); Miles Brown - “black-ish” (ABC); Tituss Burgess - “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” (Netflix) Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series: Erica Ash - “Survivor’s Remorse” (Starz); Laverne Cox - “Orange Is The New Black” (Netflix); Marsai Martin “black-ish” (ABC); Tichina Arnold - “Survivor’s Remorse” (Starz) and Yvonne Orji “Insecure” (HBO) Outstanding Drama Series: “Empire” (FOX); “Power” (Starz); “Queen Sugar” (OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network); “This Is Us” (NBC) and “Underground” (WGN America) Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series: Kofi Siriboe “Queen Sugar” (OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network); Mike Colter - “Marvel’s Luke Cage” (Netflix); Omari Hardwick “Power” (Starz); Sterling K. Brown - “This Is Us” (NBC) and Terrence Howard - “Empire” (FOX) Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series: Jurnee SmollettBell - “Underground” (WGN America); Kerry Washington “Scandal” (ABC); Rutina Wesley - “Queen Sugar” (OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network); Taraji P. Henson - “Empire” (FOX) and Viola Davis - “How to Get Away with Murder” (ABC) Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: Alfred Enoch - “How To Get Away With Murder” (ABC); Jesse Williams - “Greys Anatomy” (ABC); Joe Morton - “Scandal” (ABC); Jussie Smollett “Empire” (FOX) and Trai Byers - “Empire” (FOX) Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series: Amirah Vann - “Underground” (WGN America); CCH Pounder - “NCIS: New Orleans” (CBS); Cicely Tyson - “How To Get Away with Murder” (ABC); Lynn Whitfield - “Greenleaf” (OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network) and Naturi Naughton - “Power” (Starz) Outstanding Television Movie, Limited-Series or Dramatic Special: “American

SOLANGE KNOWLES

CHANCE THE RAPPER

Crime” (ABC); “Confirmation” (HBO); “Roots” (History); “The Night Of” (HBO) and “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story” (FX) Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, LimitedSeries or Dramatic Special: Courtney B. Vance - “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story” (FX); Cuba Gooding Jr. - “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story” (FX); Jeffrey Wright - “Confirmation” (HBO); Malachi Kirby - “Roots” (History;); and Sterling K. Brown - “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story” (FX) Outstanding Actress in a Television Movie, LimitedSeries or Dramatic Special: Anika Noni Rose - “Roots” (History); Audra McDonald “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill” (HBO); Emayatzy Corinealdi - “Roots” (History); Kerry Washington “Confirmation” (HBO) and Regina King - “American Crime” (ABC) Outstanding News / Information - (Series or Special):”AM Joy with Joy Reid” (MSNBC/NBC News); “BET Love and Happiness White House Special” (BET); “StarTalk with Neil deGrasse Tyson” (National Geographic Channel); “Stay Woke” (BET) and “Unsung: Sugarhill Gang” (TV One) Outstanding Talk Series: “Steve Harvey” (Syndicated); “SuperSoul Sunday” (OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network); “The Real” (Syndicated); “The Talk” (CBS) and “The View” (ABC) Outstanding Reality Program/Reality Competition Series: “Iyanla: Fix My Life” (OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network); “Little Big Shots” (NBC); “Mary Mary” (WE tv); “The Voice” (NBC) and “United Shades of America” (CNN)

Judges Mary Rudd-Robinson and Michael Robinson. “As my companion, she has been my best friend, confidant and supporter for almost 37 years. She’s the love of my life, my air- the perfect note in my song.” enter law school. And in addition to that, I really wanted to help people with their problems through proper legal means.”

W.G.: What was your greatest challenge during your professional career?

“My greatest challenge was gaining the respect of members of the bar who were convinced that a black female could not possibly perform her judicial and quasi-judicial duties of maintaining the proper decorum, controlling her hearing or courtroom, controlling her dockets and ruling timely on matters before her.”

W.G.: What do you consider to be your proudest moments professionally?

“My proudest moments were becoming the first Black General Master in Broward County and then being sworn in as Broward’s first Black female judge by the honorable George Tedder, Jr... Beyond that, my proudest moments were anytime I could help and helped

somebody.”

W.G.: How important is diversity in the judiciary?

“Judges must reflect the community’s diversity because diversity lends to the public’s perception of fairness, equity and justice. People need to see judges who look like them when they seek legal redress through the courts or come to courts for criminal matters because it gives the public the perception that there is an understanding and recognition of cultural and historical and similarities of litigants.”

W.G.: What advice would you give to those considering a career in the field of law?

“My advice to aspiring jurists is that you do this because you truly want to serve your community that you know the law,and that you deal with the facts of each case. Realize that you will in essence be the face of justice. You are what the public sees.”

Ignatius Sancho died from the effects of gout, and became the 1st African to be given an obituary in the British press. He was 51 years old. Ignatius Sancho was a composer and writer. He is the 1st known Black Briton to vote in a British election. He gained fame in his time as “the extraordinary Negro”, and to 18thcentury British abolitionists he became a symbol of the humanity of Africans and immorality of the slave trade. The Letters of the Late Ignatius Sancho, an African, edited and published two years after his death, is one of the earliest accounts of African slavery written in English by a former slave of Spanish and English families. Read about his legacy at: Daily Black History Facts

Outstanding Variety (Series or Special): “2016 Black Girls Rock” (BET); “Celebrity Family Feud” (ABC); “Lemonade” (HBO); “Lip Sync Battle” (Spike TV) and “The Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards 2016” (OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network) Outstanding Children’s Program: “All In With Cam Newton” (Nickelodeon); “An American Girl Story - Melody 1963: Love Has to Win” (Amazon); “Doc McStuffins” (Disney Junior); “K.C. Undercover” (Disney Channel) and “The Lion Guard” (Disney Junior) Outstanding Performance by a Youth (Series, Special, Television Movie or Limitedseries) Emyyri Crutchfield “Roots” (History); Hudson Yang - “Fresh Off The Boat” (ABC) ; Lonnie Chavis - “This Is Us” (NBC); Marsai Martin - “blackish” (ABC) and Miles Brown “black-ish” (ABC) Outstanding Host in a News, Talk, Reality, or Variety (Series or Special) – Individual or Ensemble: Anthony Anderson & Tracee Ellis Ross “2016 BET Awards” (BET); Joy Reid - “AM Joy with Joy Reid” (MSNBC) and Roland S. Martin - “NewsOne Now with Roland S. Martin” (TV One); Steve Harvey - “The Steve Harvey Show” (Syndicated) and W. Kamau Bell - “United Shades of America” (CNN) RECORDING Outstanding New Artist: Chance the Rapper (Chance the Rapper); Chloe X Halle (Columbia Records); MAJOR. (BOE/Empire); Ro James (RCA R e c o r d s / B y S t o r m Entertainment) and Serayah (Columbia Records) Outstanding Male Artist: Anthony Hamilton (RCA Records); Bruno Mars (Atlantic Records) ; Chance the Rapper (Chance the Rapper); Kendrick Lamar (Top Dawg Entertainment/ Aftermath/Interscope Records) and Maxwell (Columbia) (Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

PAGE 6 • DECEMBER 29, 2016 - JANUARY 4, 2017

BUSINESS

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Westside Gazette

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ORLANDO, FL – December 27, 2016 – On Friday January 6th, 2017 the Democratic Black Caucus of Florida (DBCF) Executive Campaign Committee will host a meeting with candidates (Stephen Bittel- Miami-Dade, Leah Carius- Osceola County, Alan Clendenin- Bradford County & Lisa King- Duval County) running for Chair of the Florida Democratic Party (FDP).

The DBCF Executive Campaign Committee, Chaired by Beverlye Neal, will conduct an interview and discussion with the candidates seeking to become Chair of the FDP. This meeting is designed to provide each candidate with a better understanding of the issues that are of concern to the (DBCF), and also to give us a better feel for how the candidate(s) will respond to our issues if elected. The DBCF will render a recommendation based on the interviews the for the next FDP Chair.

The Democratic Black Caucus of Florida meeting will take place at the Rosen Centre Hotel - 9840 International Drive, Orlando, FL on Friday, Jan. 6, 2017 from 1 to 4 p.m.

The DBCF has 19 chapters with over 300 members across the State of Florida, which includes an array of County and Municipal elected officials as well as County Party (DEC) Officers.

“This is a crucial transition for the FDP. The next Chair will need to lead with clarity and an intellectual boldness to implement a cross section state-

Crespo, Sr. wide organizing effort that speaks to the minds and souls of Florida Democrats. The DBCF is poised to mobilize at the local levels and we want to know that a new administration truly understands the value of that,” said President, Henry Crespo, Sr. *The FDP State Reorganizational and Chairs elections will be held on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2017 at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort in Orlando Florida.

The Westside Gazette Family Wishes Our Advertiers and Readers and Subscribers A Happy New Year

www.thewestsidegazette.com

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

Church Directory

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

“PRAYER IS THE ANSWER”

St Paul United Methodist Church 244 S.E. Second Avenue Deerfield Beach, Florida 33341 (954) 427-9407 EMAIL EMAIL:: Stpaulmeth@bellsouth.net WEBSITE WEBSITE:: saintpauldeerfield.com

SERVICES

Obituaries Rev. Stanley Melek, M.Div 2351 N.W. 26th Street Oakland Park, Florida 33311 Church Telephone: (954) 731-0520

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.

James C. Boyd Funeral Home GRIFFIN Funeral services for the late Curtis Eugene Griffin, Sr. - 61 were held Dec. 24 at New Hope Baptist Church with Pastor Ricky Scott officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

SPENCER Funeral services for the late Florence Louise Spencer – 71 were held Dec. 24 at James C. Boyd’s Memorial Chapel with Bishop L.L. Ward officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

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"

Mount Hermon A.M.E. Church Reverend Henry E. Green, Jr., Pastor 401 N.W. 7th Terrace, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 Phone: (954) 463-6309 FAX 954 522-4113 Office Hours: Tuesday - Friday 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Email infor@mthermonftl.com

SUNDAY CHURCH SERVICES Worship Service ..................................................................... 7:30 & 10:30 a.m.

Fifth Sunday ONLY .................................................................................... 10 a.m.

Church School ........................................................................................ 9:15 a.m.

BIBLE STUDY: Wednesday ....................................................................... 10 a.m.

Gems & Jewels Ministry Senior Wednesday Wednesday (Bible Study) .................................................... 12 Noon & 7 - 8 p.m.

Daily Prayer Line ...................................................................................... 6 a.m.

(712)432-1500 Access Code296233#

Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church 1161 NW 29th Terr., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. 33311 (954) 581-0455 ● Fax: (954) 581-4350 www.mtzionmbc1161.com

Dr. James B. Darling, Jr., Pastor/Teacher WORSHIP SERVICES Worship Service ............................................................................................................ 10:15 a.m.

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

Communion Service (1st Sunday) ........................................................................... 10:15 a.m.

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

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

Saturday (2nd & 4th) Christian Growth & Orientation ................................... 8:30 a.m.

WELLS Funeral services for the late Annie Bell Wells were held Dec. 23 at James C. Boyd’s Memorial Chapel.

WILLIAMS Funeral services for the late Pauline Williams – 78 were held Dec. 23 at James C. Boyd’s

Memorial Chapel with Bishop L.L. Ward officiating.

Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

McWhite's Funeral Home SCOTT Funeral services for the late Elizabeth Frederick Scott 79 were held Dec.22 at Mount Nebo Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. G. Bernard Pope officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens

MITCHELL Funeral services for the late Clarence L. Mitchell -77 were held Dec. 22 at Banner of Love Apostolic Church with Pastor Winsome Young officiating.

Interment: Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens – Central.

Harris Dr. Dre on some of their albums.

“Lost one of my dear friends today ¯ Ricky Harris,” Snoop Dogg said in a video posted to Instagram on Monday. “Lot of y’all may know him as the comedian, but he was a real dear friend of mine. “

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

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

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

Q & A: What does Reverend Deal say?

‘Study to show thyself Approved unto God’ Question: Must I attend seminary school before I can preach: Answer: I must say no. Obtaining permission from a seminary, from a church, or a man does not validate your personal relationship with God. You were called to proclaim the love and the redemption of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

For one to preach the word one must have received the high calling from God, personally. The word ‘Call’ is the Greek word klesis or calling’ meaning a member of the family of God. He or she has been summoned or called by God to preach. God told Jeremiah that’ before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee…..I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations’ (Jeremiah 1:5).

When one attends Bible College or Seminary, it enhances your call to preach. That is a good thing. It will further your knowledge in scripture, such as interpretation and the exegesis of a text. You will learn proper pulpit decorum and how to deliver an effective sermon. Remember what Paul says in scripture 'Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth’ (2 Timothy 2:15).

Reverend David Deal is the senior pastor of Every Christian Church Please write to Reverend David Deal in care of the spiritual editor, Westside Gazette, 545 Northwest Seventh Terrace, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. 33311 or email David.Deal55@gmail.com

July 27, 1947 – December 19, 2016 Willie J. (Tank) Herriott, son of the late John and Evana Stallings Herriott, was born in Winter Garden, Florida on July 27, 1947. At a very young age, the family moved to Miami, FlorIda where he received his primary and secondary education in the Miami-Dade County Public Schools system.

In 1965, he graduated from Miami Northwestern Senior High School and was then accepted at South Carolina State University where he studied Business Administration before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. While serving during the Vietnam War, he was awarded numerous medals of Honor before receiving an honorable discharge in 1970.

During the Civil Rights Movement he was an active participant of the Royal Castle sit-ins in Miami. True to his character he would later become one of the first African Americans to receive a management position in this formerly segregated chain of Restaurants.

While serving in the military, he traveled the world as the Chef to a Four Star General. The culinary skills he acquired would remain to the delight of his family and friends for his entire life. An avid golfer, he followed the career of Tiger Woods and would attend The Masters Tournaments held in Augusta, GA setting the precedence for his landscaping prowess to include annual flag displays of golf tournaments when Tiger was featured.

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

M.Div) Senior Pastor/Teacher

Roy Mizell & Kurtz Funeral Home A Summary of Life

Ricky Harris, ‘Everybody Hates Chris’ actor, dead at 54 Actor and comedian Ricky Harris died on Monday, his manager, Cindy Ambers, confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter. Harris was 54.

A cause of death has yet to be released.

Harris was well-known for his role as Malvo in the Chris Rock series “Everybody Hates Chris,” as well as for his twoyear stint on “Moesha.” He most recently appeared on FX’s “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story.”

On the big screen, Harris scored a part in 1993’s “Poetic Justice” with Janet Jackson and Tupac Shakur, starred alongside Robert De Niro in 1995’s “Heat,” and recently appeared in 2015’s “Dope.”

Harris also collaborated with his childhood friend Snoop Dogg and rappers Ice Cube and

Rev. Cal Hopkins.

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.

Sunday School .................................................................................... 10 a.m.

Sunday Worship ................................................................................ 11 a.m.

Bible Study (Tuesday) ....................................................... 11 a.m. & 7.p.m.

E-MAIL:stanley.melek@flumc.org

Williams Memorial CME 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. Dr. Jimmie L. Brown Senior Pastor

Harris Chapel United Methodist Church

DECEMBER 29, 2016 - JANUARY 4, 2017 • PAGE 7

George Michael died on Christmas Day, Dec. 25, 2016 at the age of 53.

Carrie Fisher, actor of Star Wars ,died on Dec. 27, 2016 at age of 60.

Herriott In 1970, he returned to Miami where he actively pursued his childhood sweetheart and neighbor. On December 23, 1971, he united in holy matrimony with then Annie Turner.

Their union was blessed with one son, William. Willie loved his family and was always willing to lend his hand in support with a roof of love and protection. The consummate host, he loved golf, jazz and was affiliated with the Veterans of Foreign Wars Affairs, ‘Old Timers’, Northwestern’s Class of ’65 and Prince Hall Free Masons.

On December 19, 2016 at 1:50 p.m., Willie quietly exchanged time for eternity.

Left to celebrate his life, legacy and wonderful memories are his beloved wife Anne; devoted son William (Tessie) Herriott of Atlanta, GA.; granddaughters Iona Lynn, Jelena Faith; Yvonna Kei and LaRosa; brother Nathaniel; aunt Louise Sands; father-in-law Jonas Turner; four sisters-in law; six brothers-in-law; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

PAGE 8 • DECEMBER 29, 2016 - JANUARY 4, 2017

Miami Dolphins on there way to the Playoffs

(Internet Photos)

CLASSIFIED LEGAL NOTICES

NOW LEASING

PUBLICATION OF BID SOLICITATIONS

NOW LEASING BRAND NEW ONE BEDROOM APARTMENT HOMES

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.

December 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 2016

Come One, Come All Seniors 55 years of age and older. Northwest Gardens V is now accepting applications.

Beautiful designed unites with spacious floor plans and new appliances, which include a dishwasher and washer dryer hook-ups, You can be the first to move in to a brand new affordable place to call hom.e. `Hurry!! Come in to apply now and ring in the New Year in your new home.

THE LEASING OFFICE IS OPEN : 9: A.M, -- 6 P.M. 118 S.W. 18TH AVENUE FORT LAUDERDALE, FL 33312

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATION

BUSINESS

New Mount Olive Baptist Church is seeking Request for Qualifications from qualified Construction Managers to construct the approx.

31,200 SF New Sanctuary and associates site work. This will be a two step process. The RFQ is step 1.

RFQ packages will be available for pickup at the church on 12/19/16 located at 400 NW 9th Ave, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33311. If you have any questions please call at 954463 5126.

FREE Online Business Workshop In Miami Area: Learn a proven formula for building a lucrative online business from scratch! No experience, technical or sales skill required! Register for Your FREE Ticket. jennifergibat.com/Miami

Dec. 22, 29, 2016

Dec. 29, 2016

HAVE A SAFE AND PROSPEROUS HAPPY NEW YEAR

Westside Gazette

www.thewestsidegazette.com

www.thewestsidegazette.com

DECEMBER 29, 2016 - JANUARY 4, 2017 • PAGE 9 Westside Gazette United Way of Broward County and Broward County Public Schools bring ‘Rachel’s Challenge’ to Broward

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – The Choose Peace/Stop Violence initiative, a partership between United Way of Broward County, Broward County Public Schools and Children’s Services Council of Broward County, is joining forces with the Rachel’s Challenge Organization to bring the universal message of kindness and compassion to address bullying, student isolation, teen suicide, discrimination and school violence.

The events are taking place as follows: Jan. 11 at Glades Middle School, 6700 Bass Creek Rd., Miramar, Fla. from 9:45 a.m. – 12 p.m. and Jan. 12th at Piper High School, 8000 N.W. 44 St., Sunrise, Fla., from 9 a.m. -12 p.m.

“Rachel’s Challenge”, a bullying and violence abatement program, is based on the life and writing of Rachel Joy Scott who was the first victim of the Columbine school shootings in 1999. Rachel’s inspiring story provides a simple, yet powerful example to students of how

small acts of kindness and acceptance motivates us to consider our relationships with people we come in contact with every day. The event consists of powerful presentations, student trainings and professional development.

The Rachel’s Challenge events are a part of Choose Peace/Stop Violence initiative’s continuing effort to positively change the climate and culture in our schools and communities.

The collaborative currently sponsors school-based “Agents of Change Clubs” while the peer led clubs are formed under the leadership of students and supervised by facilitators. Club members raise awareness about violence and bullying at their schools, come together to identify challenging obstacles in making schools safer, and formulate ways to transform their community into a more peaceful place. They meet monthly during the school year and lead all school-wide activities following a curriculum of tolerance with

Homegoing for Sister Yvonne Harden Viewing and Memorial Service will be held at New Hope Baptist Church of Fort Lauderdale, Inc., 1321 N.W. Sixth St., from 5 to 7 p.m.

Memorial Service: Friday, December 30, 2016 - 7 to 8 p.m.

Homegoing Service: Mt. Bethel Baptist Church, 901 N.W. 11 Ave., Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Saturday, December 2016 at 11 a.m.

The family will receive visitors at the church on Friday, December 30, from 5-8:30 p.m.

activity toolkits. The clubs will implement what they learn in the Rachel’s Challenge training sessions.

About Choose Peace/Stop Violence Choose Peace/Stop Violence is a continuing partnership between United Way of Broward County, Broward County Schools’ Diversity, Prevention and Intervention Departments and Children’s Services Council of Broward County. The collaborative focuses on anti-bullying, youth violence prevention, and academic improvement through positive development promotion and sustainable tools to change the climate and culture of the schools.

The initiative has been successfully implemented for the past six years. Choose Peace/ Stop Violence is funded by United Way of Broward County, School Board of Broward County and Children’s Services Council of Broward County.

For more information on Choose Peace/Stop Violence visit www.choosepeacestopviolence.org or contact Anita Fraley at United Way of Broward County at (954) 453-3727.

6

My New Y ear ’s wish for 2017? Bring Michael Year ear’s Morgan home Pinellas County commissioner. During the meeting, he had to step out of his office for a minute. Somewhat bored, I looked at the items on his desk and saw a letter with blue text stamped on the envelope. Theblue text said that the letter came from a Florida State Prison.

When the commissioner returned, I said “I’ve never read a letter from an inmate; do you mind if I read it?”. He said “go right ahead.” It was polite letter, thanking the commissioner for visiting the inmate, who was incarcerated a 5 hour drive away. “Norm”, I asked, “what is this all about?” He gave me the rundown.

Thus began my unplanned involvement in the case of Michael L. Morgan, Florida Department of Corrections inmate #122502. If you want to know

A younger Morgan

Morgan today

the facts of the case, just Google “michael morgan mike deeson” and several news videos will come up. The short version of the case is that a St. Petersburg woman was shot in the buttock in 1993. The event took place inside of a private home. That much we know as fact.

Felicia Fuller, the woman who was shot, had already been to prison three times, including for cocaine charges. Her shooting had all the signs of a drug deal gone bad, and it’s my belief that Fuller needed to make it look like it wasn’t a drug deal gone bad in order to avoid a lengthy prison term. I believe that is why she claimed that Morgan was the gunman. She also claimed that he committed sexual battery on her, a crime not usually committed during drug deals.

Twelve days after the crime, Fuller saw Morgan on the street and identified him as the shooter. Morgan had no drug arrest record, and did not match the physical description she had given police.

Morgan was convicted solely based on Fuller’s testimony, and only after three trials. Morgan received life in prison without the possibility of parole, or “LWOP” as it is known. One juror now regrets his decision to convict because he believes important information was withheld from the jury. That juror is involved in the effort to have Morgan released.

To be clear: Michael Morgan has committed crimes, including one robbery, and he freely admits it. He just didn’t commit this crime and has never shot anybody.

Had Morgan plea bargained, he would have received 15 years. Instead, he refused to say he was guilty of crimes he did not commit and now serves life.

Already 700 years ago, William of Ockham proposed that “among competing hypotheses, the one with the fewest assumptions should be selected.” That principle is today known as Occam’s Razor. When we apply it to Morgan’s case, we see that neither Fuller’s story nor his conviction makes sense in light of the facts.

Since the shooting, Fuller has served two terms totaling 9.5 years in Florida prisons.

She has been convicted of a variety of crimes, including cocaine dealing, retaliation against a witness in another case and much more. Her record of convictions has 50 entries.

But let’s say that all of us who are involved in this case are wrong about his innocence.

Let’s say that Morgan actually did what he was convicted of. If so, his sentence is not only excessive; it is grossly excessive.

Michael Morgan has now been incarcerated since June 22, 1993, at which time he was 19years-old.

The late Elijah Gosher wrote a column about Morgan’s case in the St. Pete Times already 16 years ago. Mike Deeson at WTSP 10 Investigates has produced multiple television stories over the years, and Bubba the LoveSponge and other radio hosts have also talked about this case. Yet Morgan remains incarcerated.

To be brutally honest, there are times when I wish I had never read that inmate letter from Morgan because the lack of action in this case is very frustrating.

However, there is one person who is perfectly situated to take action and address this injustice.

That person is Florida Governor Rick Scott.

Every governor knows that there is political and actual risk involved in releasing inmates before their sentence is up.

Since Scott is not running for re-election, the political risk is minimal. Morgan’s exemplary record as a model prisoner tells us that any risk of reoffending is very low. The Governor can issue what is called a “pardon without firearm authority”, which means all rights except the right to own a firearm. Morgan would gladly and gratefully accept such a pardon.

Morgan’s case is being reviewed by the Governor’s Office of Executive Clemency.

Please take a moment to call them at 800-435-8286 to say that you support a pardon of Michael Morgan (inmate #122502) before Governor Scott leaves office.

Make sure that the person answering knows that it is a case their office is reviewing, and thank them for their consideration. If you prefer, you can e-mail them at clemencyweb@fcor.state.fl.us If Governor Scott does not pardon Morgan, the next governor might decide that it’s too early in their term to release Michael. Should that happen, many more years could pass before this injustice is corrected.

Therefore, time is of the essence.

Please take action right now and let’s send Michael Morgan home in 2017.

PAGE 10• DECEMBER 29, 2016 - JANUARY 4, 2017

Westside Gazette

www.thewestsidegazette.com