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President Trump Betsy Devos Wrong Wages War On Choice For Obama's Legacy Bethune-Cookman In First 100 Days Graduation
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Honoring Men Making A Difference
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Westside Gazette Broward County's Oldest and Largest African American Owned and Operated Newspaper VOL. 46 NO. 15
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THURSDA Y, MA Y 18 - WEDNESDA Y, MA Y 24, 2017 THURSDAY MAY WEDNESDAY MAY
Count down to a massacre:
South Florida Activist join together in solidarity to ask that Haitians be granted additional time under Temporary Protected Status (TPS) By Shirley Thimothee-Paul RN, MSN On Saturday May 13 many joined together to fight for the fair treatment for the close to 60,000 people who sought refuge in the United States before and after the devastating Earthquake that claimed over 250,000 lives of the people of Haiti on January 12, 2010 . Families were torn apart, people displaced and many are still feeling the effects of this disaster by never fully regaining some form of normalcy within their country. Under the leadership of President Obama, Haitians were granted Temporary Protected Status. On July 22, 2017, this status will expire and over 50,000 people will be become illegal immigrants. Haitians that have obtained jobs, bought homes, sent their children to college and paid taxes contributing to the US economy are being asked to return to Haiti that unfortunately has had its fair share of natural disasters, most recently the devastating Hurricane Matthew in October of 2016 that also left many displaced and in dire need of assistance. President Trump stated in his campaign in Little Haiti in 2016, whether the had their support or not, that he would be the “Greatest Champion” for the needs of the Haitian community. (Cont'd on Page 3)
CFPB sues Ocwen Financial over unfair mortgage practices Action affects all 50 states on unpaid balances of $209 billion
By Charlene Crowell (NNPA Newswire Columnist) Families, who have assembled the necessary financial resources to apply, qualify, and then purchase a home, understandably value that key investment and its accompanying opportunity to build wealth; but buying the home is just the first step of securing the American Dream of homeownership.
What many homeowners soon discover is that faithfully paying a monthly mortgage is in some cases, just not enough. Although homebuyers choose their lender, they do not choose who services their loan – the company that accepts and processes their monthly payments also service loans made. Instead, a third party receives payments, maintains account records, and serves as the first point
of contact should questions arise. Borrowers can also be caught in errors created by servicers whose records may not have been complete, incorrectly posted to accounts and more. Over the life of a loan, multiple servicers from different firms may manage a single mortgage loan. (Cont'd on Page 3)
Pleading Our Own Cause
WWW.
By Bobby R. Henry, Sr. “And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean.” — Mark 1:41(KJV) As I reflect back on my growing up and the commercials that I used to laugh at and found so entertaining, I now can see how to get value from some of them. There was one in particular that comes to mind here lately when I find myself stumbling along the path of “Walking Uprightly”. As I was doing my daily meditations, thinking how our lives are filled with all kinds of dirty little things hidden in the cracks and crevasses of our being, I was wondering how in the world the stains caused by our actions in thought, word or deed could be removed. The stains of lying, stealing, cheating and whatever other piles of dirt that might be hiding somewhere in the crevices of our polluted minds that have left residue and soiled deposits in our souls. How could we get rid of them and not be bothered by them anymore? Like being caught in a dust storm, every part of our body, even though it has coverings, is exposed to the cruddy film that accumulates. Our wrongs seem to always come back to pile more dust and dirt on us, leaving us feeling dirtier than before. We become blinded by the veil of grime, unable to see our way out of our self-inflicted turmoil. The dirt just seems to stick and bite into our skin and the more we scratch at it, the worse it gets. It can even become infected, causing more problems. (Cont'd on Page 5)
B-CU grads protest Betsy 'DeVoid' in epic fashion Charlene Crowell posted to accounts and more.
Broward Teachers Union, school board and legislators blast education funding bill, call on Scott to veto bill
L to r: Broward Council of PTAs President Wendy King and legislative director Latha Krishnayier; Broward School Board member Robin Bartleman; Bernie Kemp (BTU-VP ESPs); BTU President Anna Fusco; BTU 1st VP Terry Lopez Preuss; Sen. Gary Farmer; Rep. Bobby Du Bose; Broward School Board member Abby Freedman (at podium); Broward School Board member Dr. Rosalind Osgood; Antonio White and Mindy Grimes-Festge of United Teachers of Dade; Rep. Kristin Jacobs, Rep. Barrington Russell.
Mr. Clean
TAMARAC, FL – At a press conference called by the Broward Teachers Union this morning and attended by members of the Broward County legislative delegation, the Broward County School Board, the Broward County Council of PTAs and United Teachers of Dade speakers blasted the budget and HB 7069, the controversial 278page “train” education funding bill passed by the legislature in the final moments of the legislative session. Focusing on the bill’s highly detrimental effect on public education by its mandate to use taxpayer dollars to replace failing public schools with private charter schools, and its massive expansion of the controversial “Best and Brightest” incentive program, Broward Teachers Union President Anna Fusco and other speakers called on Governor Rick Scott to veto the bill when it crosses his desk. (Cont'd on Page 5)
Why I’ m pr oud of the B-CU gr ads I’m proud grads that pr otested B etsy 'D eV oid' 'DeV eVoid' protested Betsy By Julianne Malveaux (NNPA Newswire Columnist) I could not be more proud of the students at BethuneCookman University (B-CU) than if I had raised them myself. Responding to the university’s very late selection of Education Secretary Betsy for the spring commencement speaker, graduating seniors chose to turn their backs on a woman who described HBCUs as “pioneers of school choice.” The students’ repudiation of DeVos’ very right to be present was well coordinated; the protest reflected their ability to be sophisticated, not reactive when confronted with a speaker that epitomizes the very refutation of their HBCU education. It is my hope and dream that these students can continue to operate in formation, as they oppose oppression. I don’t know how DeVos (hereafter referred to as “DeVoid,” as she is devoid of good sense, history, literacy, and even courtesy) came to be B-CU’s commencement speaker. I suspect that the White House (Omarosa Manigault) made a call to offer an administration speaker and they went for it. Maybe Trump Whisperer Manigault’s new hubby, Florida Rev. John Allen Newman, has some ties to the
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Julianne Malveaux says that Betsy “DeVoid,” is no Mary McLeod Bethune. college and he saw this as a way of burnishing his wifey’s credentials as a HBCU savior. Maybe there is a bunch of Black Republicans on the BCU board of directors standing in the wings and hoping for goodies from “45.” Truly, this is all speculation but, most of the time, commencement speakers are secured months before graduation. This speaker was thrust on students and their families just ten days before the ceremony. (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 • MAY 18 - MAY 24, 2017
Hats Off!
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Tracy Wilson Mourning’s Honey Shine, Inc. Mentoring Program celebrates 15 years By Arri Henry Journalist MIAMI, FL -- Open hearts adorned with stunning hats perused the ballrooms of the Loews Hotel on iconic South Beach to celebrate the 15th Anniversary of Honey Shine, Inc. – a mentoring program founded by Tracy Mourning (wife of NBA Legend Alonzo Mourning), designed to provide young girls an opportunity to excel in life. “We are now a national program,” Executive Director Marla Wilson-Pettis acclaimed at this year’s spectacular Hats Off Luncheon, which serves as an annual fundraiser for the
organization. Young girls from coast to coast will now benefit from everything the organization has to offer; which includes but is not limited to bridging academic, social and emotional gaps through interactive sessions and exposure to new experiences. “Honey bugs” what Tracy affectionately calls her program participants, strutted their confidence and future aspirations across a lengthy catwalk during the luncheon MC’d by Local 10 News Anchor Neki Mohan. A diverse group of attendees rocking classy fascinators, wide brims and a
L to r: Red Carpet host Kalyn James, Shine Executive Shine Executive Director Marla Wilson and Program Founder Tracy Wilson Mourning shine at the 2017 Hats Off Luncheon. the opportunity to donate few eclectic showstoppers, had openly or by bidding in a top
Arri Henry notch silent auction including vacations, high end hand bags, spa days and more. Regardless of how you contributed to the cause, the positive energy exuded at the event made for a beautiful day. For more information on the program or how to donate or become a mentor, visit: www.honeyshine.org. Video highlights of the event are on our website at www. Thewestsidegazette.com
Program participants aka “Honey Bugs” strut the catwalk with confidence.
Celebrating Grandchildren
Top photo: Bianca, bottom left Faith and Randall . By James Hill I retired from the City of Fort Lauderdale in 2000 to finish writing and publishing my book, Emancipation of Eight Generations: The Chambers Family Treasure. My sole purpose for writing the book was to focus upon the family as an institution and for the important role family plays in the shaping of one’s life. Learning and developing the history of that institution enables one to better analyze the past and to predict the future. Since publishing the book in 2004, many memorable events have occurred in my life. Last year, for example, the family celebrated my 80th birthday as well as celebrated my wife Eva’s and my 50th anniversary. We are now the proud grandparents of four adorable grandchildren, Kayla (22), Bianca (16), Faith (14), and Randall (six) (the first and only grandson). Since these four grandchildren have become the central focus of our daily lives, I have been inspired to celebrate them and to keep a journal of their activities. Each of the three girls has excelled in her physical, social, and educational development. While Kaylahas excelled in golf and is one of the top five golfers in Broward County, and Randall is flexing his muscles as the youngest, I would like to
tell you about Bianca Rose Taylor and Faith Angellica Hill. I consider them to be two of kind who has distinguished themselves as highly motivated and dedicated students of their respective schools. They have compiled remarkable records in academics, the arts, athletics, leadership, and community service. Bianca Rose Taylor is the daughter of Moses and Eva Taylor. The family resides in Coral Springs. Currently a ninth grader at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Bianca has been on a mission since first grade to become the best all-around student she can be. Grades first through fourth were very busy years for Bianca. She had learned how to take her classes and her homework seriously and just how important it was to be present and on time for school each day. Bianca would become very upset and would often cry if she was tardy or was absent for any reason. Respecting herself, her teachers, and fellow schoolmates was utmost importance. Bianca believed that the fourth grade was the mark for her because by that time, she had made so many friends and had begun to discover what fun it was to participate in musical and other performing arts groups. (Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)
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MAY 18 - MAY 24, 2017 • PAGE 3
President Trump wages war on Obama’s Legacy in first 100 Days By Lauren Victoria Burke (NNPA Newswire Contributor) There was the proposed massive budget cut to the Department of Housing and Urban Development; the incessant rhetoric about a rise in crime in the nation that lacked evidence to back it up; the threats of a renewed war on drugs. There
was even a failed attempt to bully Republican lawmakers into passing a flawed bill that sought to roll back the Affordable Care Act, a law that provides healthcare to millions of Americans. This was President Donald Trump’s first 100 days in the White House. Trump didn’t win a single legislative achievement
One Medical School’s plan to incr ease Black Doctor ranks increase American University of Antigua finds success with diversity mission
during his first 100 days. For policies that impact the lives of African Americans, it was just as perilous as you thought it would be. During the 2016 campaign, Trump often described the Black community as a monolithic, stereotypical caricature. Trump used the types of violent stereotypes one parrots after they’ve binge-watched 11 seasons of “Law & Order,” but have never actually been to an inner city. So, much of what Donald Trump focuses on is about undoing the accomplishments of the first Black President of the United States. The obsession with “alternative facts” and the erasure of President Obama’s legacy continues to be the core
focus within the Trump Administration. Days before his 100th day in office, Trump’s spokesman Sean Spicer blamed President Obama for the fiasco surrounding Gen. Michael Flynn. Flynn, a loud supporter of Trump during the 2016 campaign, was fired by Trump as National Security Advisor on February 13 and ended up holding the position for the shortest time in U.S. history (24 days) after it was reported Flynn lied to Vice President Pence. Trump’s Attorney General Jeff Sessions, perhaps the most dangerous federal official for African Americans, sought to revive the “War on Drugs,” a set of policies that dispro-
President Trump and Pastor Scott portionately impacted African Americans in the 1980s and 1990s. “We can wish that we could just turn away and reduce law enforcement,” said Sessions in 2016. “But I do believe that we’re going to have to enhance prosecutions. There just is no other solution.” During a trip to Richmond, Va., on April 11 Sessions said: “We need to say, as Nancy Reagan said, ‘Just say no.’ Don’t do Inside the home, Aedes can it…We can reduce the use of breed where water collects, drugs, save lives and turn back such as refrigerator ice makers, the surge in crime that inelectric toothbrush holders and evitably follows in the wake of drips under sinks. increased drug use.” None of this should be a surCover yourself and the openings in your home. If you prise to the Black community. go outdoors when mosquitoes Sessions comes from Alabama are active, wear shoes, socks, where incarceration is high long pants and long sleeves. art. Placing humans in cages is Spray your skin and clothing Alabama’s leading industry. At with repellent containing DEET 70, Sessions is a stark reminder or other approved ingredients of another era. He’s also a re(check the label). Keep windows minder of how old, failed policy and doors closed, and repair is difficult for so many to break away from. With so many Redamaged screening. More information: publicans embracing “smart on crime” policies, Sessions is deterwww.floridahealth.gov/zika or mined to star in the movie receive educational materials: “Groundhog Day” on federal (954) 213-0607. crime policy.
Protect yourself and your family from Aedes of a woman who contracts the mosquito virus. By Bob LaMendola Florida Department of Health in Broward County
The American University at Antigua has found success with increasing the diversity of the medical school applicants. (AUA) By Stacy M. Brown (NNPA Newswire Contributor) Dr. Kwaku Boakye has a goal to improve the overall health conditions in developing countries. He and his brother, Kwabena Boakye, started a nonprofit called the Gold Coast Medical Foundation, in 2006, while they were in medical school. For Dr. Boakye, medical school meant the American University of Antigua (AUA), located on the eastern part of that Caribbean island. The school has prided itself on diversity, a frequent topic that Neal S. Simon, the university’s president, said has always been talked about, but rarely addressed. A 2015 NPR article titled, “There Were Fewer Black Men In Medical School In 2014 Than In 1978,” said that, “While more Black men graduated from college over the past few decades, the number of Black men applying to medical school had dropped.” The article continued: “In 1978, 1,410 Black men applied to medical school and 542 ended up enrolling. In 2014, both those numbers were down— 1,337 applied and 515 enrolled.” Every other minority group, the article said, including Asians, Hispanics and Black women, “saw growth in applicants,” according to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). Simon said that increasing diversity in their admissions process is one of their top goals. “The American University of Antigua prides itself on the large group of nationalities on campus,” said Simon. According to Simon, the school boasts one of the most diverse student populations of any medical school, with a minority enrollment rate of more than 65 percent. “While the number of male, African American doctors dropping dramatically over the last few years, AUA has one of the highest Black student popu-
lations at 20 percent of the student body,” he said. Comparatively, just 6.8 percent of the students enrolled at U.S. medical schools are African American, AAMC statistics show. AUA has an enrollment of about 1,138. A total of 1,400 students have graduated from the school. (Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)
CFPB sues Ocwen Financial over unfair mortgage practices (Cont'd from FP) Over the life of a loan, multiple servicers from different firms may manage a single mortgage loan. If a borrower discovers that something is amiss on their loan records, they can soon find themselves in a financial maze, trying to decipher who did what and when with their faithful payments. Moreover, while these consumers seek to find out what exactly happened, both fines and fees can be assessed, or even foreclosures filed. Imagine that scenario affecting 1.4 million mortgage loans in all 50 states, with a combined unpaid principal balance of $209 billion. Even worse, imagine this disheartening scenario happening with a firm that specializes in servicing delinquent and subprime loans in years following the enactment of strong federal legislation designed to ensure protections from financial misbehaviors. In late April, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), along with the Florida Attorney General and the state’s Office of Financial Regulation, filed lawsuits alleging Ocwen Financial Corporation with a litany of ills affecting virtually every phase of mortgage servicing. The Florida lawsuit alone, affects more than 125,000 Oc-
Count down to a Massacre: (Cont'd from FP) As it has become all too familiar, the words of the current President did not hold too much wait as the 50,000 plus Haitians covered under TPS are in agonizing limbo awaiting the extension of the TPS policy. Imagine not knowing if you will you will be without out a job and essentially a target for deportation at any given moment. These are the issues that many came together to protest under the leadership of Marleine Bastien the Executive Director of Fanm Ayisyen Nan Miami (FANM). Members of many organizations were pre-
Rainy season is right around the corner and that means one thing – protect yourself and your family from mosquitoes. The bug to watch for is the Aedes mosquito, a small biter that is Black with white spots and lives right outside or inside your house. They specialize in biting humans, and stay active all day. Aedes mosquitoes carry Zika virus and other tropical viruses such as chikungunya and dengue fever. Last year, Florida reported 1,450 cases of Zika and 53 so far this year. The majority of cases were in people who contracted the virus while traveling outside the country. Zika generally causes mild symptoms in adults and children, but it can cause severe birth defects to the unborn child
Zika may appear again this year when rains hatch mosquito eggs. Floridians should not become complacent about mosquito protection. “Everyone should be aware of mosquitoes and take steps to protect themselves,” says Dr. Paula Thaqi, Director of the Florida Department of Health in Broward County. “The best way to do that is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. We recommend a practice called Drain and Cover.” Drain standing water in and around the house. Eliminate even puddles because Aedes can breed in containers as small as a bottle cap. Get rid of water that collects in garbage cans, tires, buckets, roof gutters, pool covers, coolers, toys, flower pots and plants with pockets, such as bromeliads. Discard items where rain or sprinkler water collects. Clean bird baths and pet water bowls twice a week.
sent to support those individuals placed in such an impossible situation, Sant La, Haitian American Nurse Association, Haitian Lawyers Association, Haitian American Professionals Coalition, National Black Nurs-es Association and many more. From 10am until 12 noon, people chanted, prayed and marched, they listened to individual stories of those effected, what their fears are, how this request that they return home could discontinue the only means of survival that their families back home in Haiti have, as they are the main source of income.
wen borrowers. “Enough is enough, said Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi. “Florida’s distressed Ocwen borrowers should no longer have to endure costly servicing errors and unfair practices.” “Ocwen has repeatedly made mistakes and taken shortcuts at every stage of the mortgage servicing process, costing some consumers money and others their homes,” said CFPB Director Richard Cordray. “Borrowers have no say over who services their mortgage, so the Bureau will remain vigilant to ensure they get fair treatment.” The lengthy and new allegations against Ocwen include: · Failure to credit multiple borrowers’ payments, or to correct billing and payment errors; · Mishandled hazard insurance that led to the lapse of 10,000 borrowers’ homeowners’ insurance; · Illegally foreclosing on at least 1,000 people – even though borrowers had been given 30 days to submit information to servicers, servicers instead initiated foreclosure proceedings and sales; and · Deceptive enrollment and charges to borrowers for add-on products. Readers may recall that many of the foreclosures that affected Black and Latino neighborhoods during the housing crisis were high-cost, unsus“Trump, give us TPS now” a chant fueled with frustration and desperation as the clock continues to count down. People of all ages and races came together asking that something be done as Haiti’s government remain still ill-equipped to receive even the few deported criminal individuals and can far less take on the 50,000 people currently covered under TPS. One by one community leaders and activist voiced their concerns and demanded a decision be made for extension as a massacre awaits in just a few short weeks and again the people of Haiti will suffer immeasurable loss, loss that can be easily avoided with just a stroke of a pen.
tainable adjustable-rate-mortgage loans. As mortgage brokers were paid financial kickbacks called ‘yield spread premiums’ for selling these loans, borrowers were often steered into these higher-cost loans, not knowing that the broker had an additional fi-nancial incentive. “In 2013, the $2.1 billion joint state and national foreclosure settlement intended to provide compensation to mortgage borrowers who were harmed during the housing crisis,” said Nikitra Bailey, an EVP with the Center for Responsible Lending. “Dodd-Frank’s Wall Street Reform Act imposed new requirements for mortgage servicers, and authorized the Consumer Finan-cial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to implement requirements and adopt new rules, which the Bureau did in 2013.” “At the same time,” continued Bailey, “this new litigation underscores the value that the CFPB brings to consumers. Congress should allow the CFPB to continue to do its job.” In recent weeks, members of Congress and President Trump have publicly called for regulatory rollbacks in general and for CFPB in particular. On April 26, Rep. Jeb Hensarling, Chair of the House Fin-
ancial Services Committee held a hearing on newly-filed legislation, the Financial CHOICE Act. Dubbed the Wrong Choice Act by consumer advocates, the bill would reverse much of what the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act authorized, including CFPB’s independent governance and funding. Bailey’s concerns were echoed by Congresswoman Maxine Waters. “This is one of the worst bills I’ve seen in my time in Congress,” Waters said. “It’s an invitation to another Great Recession—or worse. This bill is rotten to the core.” Senator Elizabeth Warren testified at an April 28 committee hearing organized by the minority members of the House Financial Services Committee. “Let me be blunt,” testified the Senator. “This is a 589 page insult to working families…This bill would let big banks, and payday lenders, and financial advisors go back to cheating people with no accountability. And it would unleash the same behavior on Wall Street that led to the 2008 financial crisis.” “This bill doesn’t solve a single real problem with the economy or with our financial system; but it does make some big-time lobbyists happy,” concluded Senator Warren. (Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)
(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)
Class of 2017 Congratulations Grad
To our grandson Blaine Gerald Allen, Jr. Blaine graduated from the Georgia State University College of Arts and Science on May 8, 2017 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. Graduating Summa Cum Laude, Blaine, who is 20- years-old, had made his choice to attend the Emory University School of Law in Atlanta Ga. He is the son of the proud parents Blaine Gerald Allen, Sr. and Charlene LesterAllen. We are very proud of you Blaine. “To God Be The Glory”, Love Granddad and Grandma Lester
Thanks to Ms. Jackie Sheppard and Barney Harden, the staff of the Westside Gazette Newspaper was pleasantly surprised with a home cooked meal of Jerk Chicken, Oxtails, rice, lima beans, collard greens and cornbread; for dessert there was Red Velvet cupcakes and Sweet Potato pie catered by Barney’s Home Cooking (Taste The Difference) and sponsored by Jackie Sheppard.
PAGE 4 • MAY 18 - MAY 24, 2017
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Events
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Class meeting on Sunday, May 21, 2017 at 4:30 p.m., at Firefighter's Hall, 1612 N.W. Sixth St. (Sistrunk Blvd.) Fort Lauderdale is excited to announce that Black Child Development Week will taking place May 14-20, 2017. This year’s theme will be: “Being Black Is Not A Risk Factor”. The daily themes are as follows: · Wednesday, May 17 – Our Families and Communities are Our Strength. Celebrate Black Child Development Week with us. Meet us at the Plantation Chills from 6 to 9 p.m. Meet your local Fort Lauderdale members, learn more about who we are & what we do. · Thursday, May 18 – Being Black is not a risk factor because our children are Leaders, Entrepreneurs and Creators. Download and print the Being Black sentence starter frame, complete with your thoughts on what it means to be Black and post to our FaceBook Page and Post to our FB page. · Friday, May 19 – Download and print the Being Black sentence starter frame, complete with your thoughts on what it means to be Black and post to our FaceBook Page and Post to our FB page. ·Saturday, May 20 – We Read to Succeed! BCDI-Ft. Lauderdale will host our Book Swap at the Lauderdale Lakes Library. Children are encouraged to bring in gently used books to exchange for other books of interest. For more info call Teresa Kelly at (954) 253-8394.
Show
The City of Lauderhill Arts, Culture & Tourism Board is hosting the Lauderhill Talent Show finals on Wednesday, May 17, 2017 at 4 p.m., at Lauderhill Performing Arts Center, 3800 N.W. 11 Place, Lauderhill, Fla. This event is FREE and open the the community. For more info go to http://www.lauderhill-fl.gov/ talent.
Meeting
Congratulations to Ms. Addie Sanders Owens, president of the Northwest Federated Womans Club, on being chosen as a 2017 Senior Hall of Fame honoree. A breakfast will be held Friday, May 19 2017, from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at the Renaissance Hotel, Plantation, Fla., where she will be honored along with other nominees. For more information contact Cheryl Morrow @adrcbroward.org; (954) 7459567.
Celebration
Camperdown High School Past Students’ Association, Florida Chapter will host its 16th Annual Fundraising Event on Memorial Weekend on Friday, May 26-28, 2017 at the Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Port Hotel, 1617 S.E. 17th St., Causeway, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Theme is “Stronger, Together”. For further info and tickets contact the following people: Michelle ChueSang-Cooper at (95) 802-6590; Dawn Stimpson at (954) 9074801; Aston McKenzie at (954) 292-4400; Trevor Cham-ber at (305) 741-8762 or visit or website at www.camperdownfl.org or email us at executive@camperdownfl.org
Do you tweet? Follow us on twitter @_Westsidegazett ************************** Dillard Panther 100 Club on Saturday, May 20, 2017 at 10 a.m., at Dillard High School Gymnasium Classroom, 2501 N.W. 11 St., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. This is last monthly Club meeting. For more info call Terri Hankerson at (954) 678-7517.
Pleading Our Own Cause STAYCONNECTED-www.thewestsidegazette.com (954) 525-1489
Are you a visionary? Do you want to make plans for your future and see it materialize? Why not attend our... Vision Board Workshop on Sunday, May 21, 2017 from 2 to 5 p.m., at South Dade Regional Library, 10750 S.W. 211 St., Cutler Bay, Fla. First, second and third prizes for the best vision board (Supplies will provided feel free to bring you own). To RSVP call (786) 1018.
Event
Relays
Festival
Nova Southeastern University starring Nova Singers May 2017 concerts: · Friday, May 19 at 8 p.m., Davie United Methodist, 6500 S.W. 47 St., Davie, Fla · Sunday, May 21 at 4 p.m., at Church of the Palms, 1960 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach, Fla. · Tuesday, May 23 at 7:30 p.m., at St. Mark Episcopal, 1750 E. Oakland Park Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. For cost and additional info visit nova.edu/novasingers
First Annual Retirement Gala on Saturday, May 20, 2017 from 7 to 11:30 p.m., at Universal Palm Hotel, 4900 Powerline Rd., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. For additional info call Tiny Williams (754) 214-0002.
Run/Walk First Annual Florida Comets Relays Championship on Saturday, May 20, 2017 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at Piper High School Stadium, 8000 N.W. 44 St., Sunrise, Fla.
Caribbean National in Broward gears up to celebrate the annual Unifest event on Saturday, May 20, 2017 from 5 to 10 p.m., at the Lauderhill Sports Park, 3700 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Caribbean comes on Sunday, May 21, from 12 noon to 11 p.m., at Vincent Torres Park, 4331 N.W. 36 St., Lauderdale Lakes, Fla. For more info call (954) 326-2399.
HAVE YOU TRY FORD'S BOIL GREEN PEANUTS YET? BEST ON THE PLANET! Call FORD (954) 557-1203
DILLARD HIGH CLASS OF 1967 50 YEAR CLASS REUNION JUNE 1-4, 2017 FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA
Happenings at African-American Research Library and Cultural Center
The A PLUS Foundation, Incorporated, the 501©3 nonprofit philanthropic arm of Chi Psi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (AKA) will host the Inaugural Running for the Innovative Visionary Youth (I.V.Y.) 5k Run/Walk on Saturday, June 3, 2017 from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., at Tradewinds Park, 3600 W. Sample Rd., Coconut Creek, Fla. For additional info contact Cheryl Waide at (786) 245-3549.
Workshop
Business Development Workshop Series doing Business with Parks and Recreation and other County Agencies on Saturday, June 10, 2017 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Oak Hammond Hall at Long Key Nature Center, 3501 S.W. 130 Ave., Davie, Fla. Register to secure your exhibit space by Wednesday, May 24, 2017 as space is limited. Vendors that are accepted to be Exhibitors at this Event will be notified.
African-American Research Library and Cultural Center, 2650 Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderale, Fla. For more info call (954) 357-6210. · Friday, May 19, - Looking for a Job? For additional info call (954 357-6210. · Saturday, May 20 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. - Children's MultiCultural Book Fair & Empowerment Day. FREE books will be presented to the first 300 children and there wil be reading activities, storyteller, musical performance and snack from around the world. For additional info call (954) 357-6210. · Monday, May 22 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. - Business Seminar: Art of Marketing. · Monday, May 22 - from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Jewelry Making Workshop For cost and additional info contact Glenda Oliver at (954) 593-7551. Computer Classes Pre-register for free computer classes at (954) 357-6236. Due to limited seating, registration begins 6 days prior to each scheduled class. * Saturday, May 20 - Micosoft Excel I, from 10:30 to 12 noon. * Friday, May 26 - Computer Literacy I for Senior, from 12 noon to 3 p.m.
Clinic Free Beach Volleyball Clinic hours - 6:45 to 8 p.m. *Thursday, May 18, at Meadows Park, 1300 N.W. Eight St., Boca Raton, Fla. * Thursday, May 18, at Dan Witt Park, 4521 N.E. 22 Ave., Lighthouse Pt. By Sand Turtles Volleyball. Learn the basic skills you need to play in a fun, exercise-oriented environment Park for info www.sandturtlesvolleyball.com or call Coach Mark at (954) 345-0500. EDUCATION MATTERS -Every Child Deserves A Chance
1st Annual Mens Conference
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MAY 18 - MAY 24, 2017 • PAGE 5 Westside Gazette Supervisor of Elections kicks off Annual High School Voter Registration Drive By Tonya Edwards BROWARD COUNTY, FL —The Supervisor of Elections will kick off the annual High School Voter Registration (HSVR) Drive on the week of May 15-19, 2017. The effort is presented in partnership with the Broward County Public
schools and with significant participation from Broward County Private and Charter high schools. All Broward County High Schools will have the opportunity to register their students who meet the qualifications to become registered voters. A student workshop/training
was held on April 18th, in each school’s media center to communicate voter registration policies and procedures. The video conference training streamed live to the participating schools, hosted by BECON. Broward County Election officials are scheduled to visit over 64 local high schools next week. Election Officials will be on hand
NAACP statement on SCOTUS decision to decline said Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II, president of the North review of NC Voter ID Law Carolina NAACP, the lead or-
“The decision by the Supreme Court to refuse to revive an intentionally racist law designed to suppress the vote of African Americans, Latinos and others far too often outside of the halls of power; represents a powerful truth, that democracy rise above partisan politics,” said NAACP President and CEO Cornell William Brooks. BALTIMORE – The NAACP released the following statement regarding the US Supreme Court’s decision to decline to review North Carolina’s racially discriminatory voter ID law. Recently (May 15) the United States Supreme Court declined the invitation of certain state officials in North Carolina to review and overturn the Fourth Circuit’s unanimous conclusion that the State of North Carolina enacted a bevy of voting restrictions in 2013 with the intent to suppress the participation of African American voters in the electoral system. Whatever the reasons for the Supreme Court’s decision, its undeniable effect is to let stand the Fourth Circuit’s damning conclusion that state officials intentionally sought to keep certain of their fellow citizens from voting by imposing photo identification requirements, restrictions on early voting, and other voting and voter registration limitations known to have a disproportionately negative impact on communities of color. “The decision by the Supreme Court to refuse to revive an intentionally racist law designed to suppress the vote of African Americans, Latinos and others far too often outside of the halls of power; represents a powerful truth, that democracy
rise above partisan politics,” said NAACP President and CEO Cornell William Brooks. “We must begin to closely review and continually challenge any attempt by states who viewed the dismantling of the Voting Rights Act as an opportunity to deny democracy as opposed to expand it. Last year, the NAACP went to court nine times around the nation to fight to expand democracy when others sought to limit it, and was successful each time. Wherever there is an obstruction of the vote or a suppression of the vote, you will find us there fighting the same fight for all Americans,” he added. While today’s decision represents a victory for justice and democracy, it also constitutes a sobering reminder that statesanctioned racism remains alive and well in our country. The NAACP and its more than 2000 units across the country will challenge undemocratic voting restrictions whenever and wherever they occur. Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II, President of the NC NAACP State Conference argues that today’s victory is a powerful moment in the fight against voter suppression. “Today we experience a victory for justice that is unimaginably important for African Americans, Latinos, all North Carolinians, and the nation”
Broward Teachers Union calls on Scott (Cont'd from FP) They also called on parents and the community to call and write to the governor to urge him to veto both the budget and HB 7069, which carves out $140 million for a controversial program, Schools of Hope, that would attract and reward charter schools to take over the operation of poorly performing public schools; and would expand the unpopular Best and Brightest teacher bonus incentive program from $49 million to an astonishing $214 million. “We predict [Schools of Hope] will prove to be a disaster for the students and public schools involved — and a windfall to the for-profit charter schools,” said Fusco. “And If the legislature wants to pour $214 million into the coffers to reward teachers based on their ACT or SAT scores from 20 or more years ago, why not use it for teacher salaries so they stop leaving the profession because they can’t earn enough money to support their families?” School Board Chair Abby Freedman also focused on HB 7069’s ill-conceived Schools of Hope proposal. Freedman echoed Fusco’s direction to
contact the governor’s office to urge him to veto the bill. Broward Legislative Delegation Chair Rep. Bobby DuBose cited the need to invest in improving inner city schools to create better programs and facilities and to fund higher teacher salaries. Broward County Legislative Delegation Vice Chair, Sen. Gary Farmer, called Schools of Hope “an unabashed money grab by private entities at the expense of our children. We owe it to ourselves, to our children, to our community, to do everything we can to fight back.” Adding their voices to the chorus calling on the governor to veto the bill were Reps. Barrington Russell, Kristin Jacobs and Joseph Geller, along with Broward County School Board Members Robin Bartleman and Rosalind Osgood, Broward County Council of PTA Legislative Chair Latha Krishnayier, Broward County Council of PTAs President Wendy King; and Antonio White, first vice president of United Teachers of Dade. According to legislators, most did not see the 278-page bill until the last Friday of the legislative session, when they passed it, hoping to make changes.
ganizational plaintiff in the case. “The highest Court in the land has rejected the N.C. General Assembly’s improper efforts to inject cynical politics into the Supreme Court’s docket, and instead embraced the sound judgment of the Fourth Circuit, which found that this General Assembly enacted voting laws with discriminatory intent. The Court’s rejection today of the N.C. General Assembly’s leadership’s position tells the people of North Carolina and across the country that the right to vote unencumbered by expansive restrictions or by racist politicians or racist policies is fundamental, and that under the laws of the land, it will be upheld. This is a great victory for North Carolina and for the nation.”
B-CU grads protest (Cont'd from FP) For most students, speakers are the sideshows, not the main deal in commencement, unless the speaker is someone like President Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Denzel Washington, or Viola Davis. White folks might prefer Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, Wolf Blitzer or Sheryl Sandberg. Commencement speakers are expected to spout uplifting platitudes, offer sage advice, maybe share a private challenge, and wish the graduates well and do it in less than 20 minutes. Students are sitting at the edge of their seats, not because they are waiting for the punchline, but because they want their degrees. What was B-CU President Edison Jackson thinking? In his printed statement on May 1, he said, “The legacy of Dr. Bethune is that she was not constrained by political ideology, but worked across all parties to support B-CU. Moreover, students are directly impacted by funding dollars that are dispersed through the Department of Education. B-CU receives $4 million annually through Title III, which supports teaching, research and infrastructure. Additionally, Title IV impacts the ability of BCU students to receive federal financial aid, overall influencing the ascension of BethuneCookman University students.” Maybe President Jackson thought he was making friends by inviting DeVoid to speak at B-CU’s graduation. Actually, he made a spectacle of the graduation by inviting a woman who had already disparaged HBCUs with her ignorance. And he did it in the same week when her boss, “45,” said (and then quickly reversed himself) that he was not sure that some federal provisions for HBCUs, such as the HBCU Capital Finance Program, are constitutional. It is odious that DeVoid has received an honorary degree from B-CU. What has she done to earn it? According to President Jackson, “Through Secretary DeVos’ life work, her contributions extend far beyond her home state of Michigan. Secretary DeVos has supported educational opportunities for students in over 25 states and supported Central Florida through several philanthropic efforts: 100 Black Men of Central Florida; Jones High School, and the Parramore neighborhood located in Orlando to name a few. Secretary DeVos is a graduate of Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Mich. She is the wife of community activist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Dick DeVos, where they have four adult children and six grand-children.” This earns her an honorary degree? Really? I reached out to President Edison Jackson and several members of his team to discuss this. I’ve been to Bethune-Cook-
to assist the high school students and staff as they conduct their voter registration drive. The school with the most registered students will receive the coveted brass trophy, banners and certificates. Last year, Stoneman Douglas High School registered 729 new students. High School students who are 18 years old are eligible to register to vote. Students who are 16 and 17 years of age may pre-register. The goal is to register 9,500 students this school year.
man University twice under President Jackson’s leadership and know, all too well, what kinds of pressures that HBCU presidents face as they juggle constituencies—faculty, students, alumni, community, trustees and many others. He might have found himself stuck between a rock and a hard place, when he invited DeVoid; or he may have welcomed the opportunity. We in HBCU Land (my special term for our space) play ourselves cheap. Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Dartmouth, Columbia, Georgetown, and Stanford aren’t rushing to give Betsy DeVoid honorary degrees. They don’t think she deserves them. The woman with a simple undergraduate degree from the unremarkable Calvin College (yes, my elitism is showing), whose only contribution to the education arena is her rabid embrace of school choice, should not get an honorary degree from anywhere. Unfortunately, Bethune-Cookman University was first in line to debase itself by offering a degree to DeVoid. DeVoid insulted the BCU community by recounting Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune’s life story as part of her commencement speech. How dare she tell us about ourselves in a way to attempt to endear us to her? Betsy DeVoid, you are no Mary McLeod Bethune. You can go to her gravesite, but you can’t channel her energy. Don’t get it twisted. The low point of the B-CU commencement was the spectacle of President Edison Jackson chiding his students, because they had the integrity to protest the presence of Ms. DeVoid. He is their leader, their guru, their mentor. He should not have threatened his students, but instead offered them, and Ms. DeVoid, a series of palliative statements designed to honor the protest spirit of Dr. Bethune, and the awkwardness of the moment. Had I been a scolded student, I would have felt slimed; had I been understood, I might have felt differently. If I were a member of the BCU class of 2017, I would contribute, for the next few years, to a fund that supports student activists. I’d find a classmate to run the fund outside the confines of the university. I’d support the fund, because I support my college, but not an administration that insults the best day of our college career with an odious and repugnant speaker. We have to resist the ways that “45” and his minions like Omarosa Manigault are pimping HBCUs. “Woke” Black people have to be aggressive in our financial support of HBCUs, and indifferent to the dis-ingenuous overtures that would bring a devoid presence like Betsy DeVos to an HBCU campus.
(Internet Photo)
New computer lab unveiled at Horace Mann Middle School
Former NBA star Ray Allen’s Ray of Hope Foundation donated a state-of-the-art computer lab to Horace Mann Middle School. Over 150 students, faculty and staff members celebrated in the company of the generous NBA champion at an assembly preceding the ribbon cutting.
NBA Champion Ray Allen and Schools Superintendent Carvalho (c) join in cutting the ribbon.
Minutes after the ribbon cutting, students put the lab to use. (By Daisy Gonzalez-Diego)
Mr. Clean (Cont'd from FP) What is the cure? What is the all-purpose cleansing solution? The greatest spot remover of all time, the one thing that dirt can never hide from - what is it? Now here we are infected with sores caused by keeping an unclean environment, dirtier than all get out. Feeling worthless because we just can’t seem to get all of the muck and grunge off, it has even invaded our mind. “What cha gon’ do, when they come for you, bad boy, bad boy? ”Who you gon’ call? Ghost busters won’t get it, and Clorox won’t whiten enough; even antibiotics will not disinfect you like God can. He is the Mr. Clean. Oh yea, that commercial jingle went something like this: “Mr. Clean, Mr. Clean he’ll clean your whole house and everything that’s in it.” So when you have tried all of the other so-called cleaning agents like alcohol, dope and whatever else, try the proven Greatest Cleaner of them al. I guarantee you will never ever need another… The old ancient saying “CLEANLINESS IS NEXT TO GODLINESS” holds weight after all. Dear God, in the name of Jesus I thank You for your Word that sanctifies and cleans me. IN Jesus’ name, amen. A DAILY WASHING IN GOD’S WORD WILL KEEP USD CLEAN
PAGE 6 • MAY 18 - MAY 24, 2017
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.
Consent decrees shouldn’t end with Baltimore Rep. Anthony G. Brown (D-Md.) says that the consent decree is an important milestone in the fight to make critical reforms to the city’s justice infrastructure. By Congressman Anthony G. Brown (MD-04) Two years ago on April 12, 2015, Freddie Gray’s life was lost while in custody of the Baltimore City Police Department (BPD). The civil unrest and uprising that followed—involving residents in some of Baltimore’s poorest and most segregated neighborhoods—jolted the City to confront systemic problems: racial injustice, entrenched poverty, mistrust between the community and police, blighted neighborhoods, and the American Dream not only deferred but simply out of reach. While achieving lasting
change on many social and economic issues has been difficult to realize, the approval of a consent decree between the federal government and the City to overhaul the Police Department was a sign of optimism. The Department of Justice (DOJ) began investigating the BPD even before Freddie Gray’s death, but the widespread protests illuminated how badly community policing had broken down. This was confirmed by a scathing DOJ report released last summer that found “reasonable cause to believe that the Baltimore City Police Department engages in a pattern or practice of conduct that violates the First and Fourth Amendments of the Constitution.” The DOJ outlined a number of injustices including unlawful searches and arrests, discriminatory targeting of African Americans,
Do we need more Black men in prison? By Don Valentine Attorney General Jeff Sessions has implemented a new slant on the appli-
cation of the laws. The Obama administration, under the guidance of A.G. Eric Holder, saw the wisdom of reducing the prison population. Too many lives were altered by lengthy prison time on minor marijuana violations. These were non-violent crimes and should have been adjudicated like a speeding ticket in addition to the striking cost for their incarceration. Instead, lives have been altered by the stigma of a felony arrest. Hard to get a job, go to college or get a mortgage with that on your record. Our goal as a society for corrections is to prevent recidivism. It makes no sense to handicap someone for low rung infractions. This impairment falls largely on people of color. Let me be specific in my comment. President Trump’s reversal of Mr. Obama’s judicial posture will result in more Black people going to jail. It is well documented that the “Get Tough On Crime” policy of the 80’s did not work. We spent more money on the corrections arena. It had the added result of bootstrapping more people of color from becoming integral members of society. Trump’s return to this policy is proven to be a specious mistake. The best way to avoid this racial atrocity is to contact your Senators. Senator Bill Nelson Phone: 305-5365999. Senator Marco Rubio Phone: (305) 418-8553.
Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights under Law rejects return to harsh sentencing for low-level drug offenses Lawyers’ Committee Responds to Policy Changes Enacted by Attorney General Jeff Sessions Extending Mandatory Minimum Sentences for Low-Level Drug Offenses
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WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Kristen Clarke, president and executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, released the following statement in response to a new directive issued by Attorney General Jeff Sessions instructing federal prosecutors to pursue long sentences for low-level offenders: “The War on Drugs in our country was a failure. Mandatory minimum sentences for low-level, nonviolent drug offenses perpetuate racial disparities in the criminal justice system, hurt families and communities, and exacerbate the mass incarceration crisis across our country. We reject Attorney General Jeff Sessions’s outdated and discriminatory tough-on-crime tactics.” For more information about the Lawyers’ Committee, visit www.lawyerscommittee.org.
and the use of excessive force. Unsurprisingly, these injustices created “community distrust of the police, particularly in the African American community.” This 227-page court-enforceable agreement would dramatically reform policing and hopefully reduce crime by rebuilding trust between law enforcement and residents. The agreement calls for community-oriented policing with 80 hours of officer training, establishes a Community Oversight Task Force to recommend ongoing reform, upgrades technology like video cameras inside police vans, and improves law enforcement interactions with minors and the mentally ill. BPD has already rewritten its use-of-force policy for the first time in 13 years and equipped officers with body cameras. Both Baltimore City Mayor Catherine Pugh and Baltimore Police Commissioner Kevin Davis worked to craft the agreement with the DOJ and have committed to pushing forward on these needed reforms. The consent decree is an important milestone in the fight to make critical reforms to the city’s justice infrastructure. But this progress is being made despite reluctance from Attorney General Jeff Sessions and the Trump Justice Department. Days before the consent decree was to be approved by a federal judge, the DOJ sought a 90day delay, with the Attorney General claiming the decree “would reduce the lawful powers of the police department and results in a less safe city.” Thankfully the judge disagreed, and let the long-awaited agreement move forward. (Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)
DOJ reversal on drug prosecutions will fuel mass incarceration and undermine public safety BALTIMORE, MD — The NAACP released the following statement regarding the DOJ’s decision to promote the use of mandatory minimum sentences for drug crimes. The decision by US Attorney General Jeff Sessions requiring federal prosecutors to pursue the most severe charges possible, regardless of whether they would expose low-level offenders to mandatory minimums, represents not only a threat to public safety, but exacerbates mass incarceration. This decision by DOJ to overturn previous Justice Department guidance will lead to thousands of people spending unnecessary years of imprisonment while doing nothing to advance public safety. “The Attorney General’s directive suggests that this long ugly era of mass incarceration now has eternal life. Contradicting commonsense, conscience, and experience of red and blue state governors, this new policy takes us quickly backward,” said NAACP President and CEO Cornell William Brooks. Earlier DOJ Guidance that discouraged the federal prosecution of lowlevel drug offenders resulted in a 14% drop in federal prosecution of drug cases and a focus on more serious offenses and more dangerous offenders. (Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)
Betsy DeVos wrong choice Letter to the Editor for Bethune-Cookman Flip the GOP By James Hankins graduation By Roger Caldwell Racism and White Supremacy are two topics that are not publicly exposed and discussed in America in 2017 because many Black leaders are in denial that these problems still exist. The significance of courage at HBCUs and telling our students the truth will build character and integrity. In 2017, Black Americans as well as the general population are having spiritual, mental, and economic warfare within their souls. With an epidemic of Black on Black violence, and Attorney General Jeff Sessions telling members in his department to increase sentences for drug offenders, he is bringing back the drug wars of the 1990’s. Drug wars put more Blacks and people of color in jail that only possessed small amounts of drugs, and were mostly non-violent crimes. Bethune Cookman students, alumni, friends, families, and Black organizations hand-delivered to the University’s President, Edison Jackson’s office 50,000 signed petitions rejecting Betsy DeVos as the commencement speaker at their 2017 graduation. (Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)
Trump’s arrogance, bullying, ignorance, lies and tweets are distorting our country. Only congress can impeach him. Paul Ryan will not, but Nancy Pelosi will. Trump is as nervous as an unrighteous man in the front pew of a southern Baptist church, during a funeral. He wants out. We democrats need to hold our seats and flip 24 Republicans to become the majority in 2018. I will do my part to spread the word and retire my U.S. republican Representative-7th District David Rouzer. If you do not know your representative, call the board of election in your county to get the name. If it is a Republican, do the work needed to flip him or her!!!
NAACP statement on the mythology of voter fraud
Seema Verma, the new administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, recently praised Medicare’s prescription drug benefit for giving seniors access to affordable medicines, saying she was “thankful” for the program. There’s a lot to be thankful for. Medicare Part D, as the drug benefit is known, provides seniors with huge discounts on medicines, enabling them to live healthier, longer lives. That’s good news for the more than 41 million Americans who currently rely on the program for prescription drug coverage. Nevertheless, Rep. Elijah Cummings, Sen. Bernie Sanders, and some other members of Congress believe the program isn’t cost-effective enough. Current law says the government can’t meddle in price negotiations. Many wrongly assume that means there are no price negotiations, which is not true.
BALTIMORE, MD. — NAACP President and CEO Cornell William Brooks released the following statement regarding President Trump’s executive order creating a commission on voter fraud. The recent executive order establishing the Presidential Commission on Election Integrity represents yet another veiled attempt to disenfranchise people of color. Citing false and unfounded claims of widespread voter fraud, President Trump has perpetuated this mythology of “voter fraud,” as justification for support of laws and policies that promote voter suppression. This Commission poses a very real and direct threat to our electoral system and democracy. Clearly designed to bar millions from exercising their democratic birthright, through a gumbo of alt-facts, stereotypes and dog whistle politics, the NAACP as this nation’s first-responder on civil rights will fight back with every resource at our disposal against any assault on the vote. Without a doubt, the enemy of the vote will seek to utilize whatever findings the committee produces as ammunition for the continuing assault on voting rights. While we cannot predict what the commission will report, its makeup gives us reason the worry. Vice Chair of the Commission, Kris Kobach, is one of the principal disseminators of the mythology of widespread voter fraud, despite no statistical proof to validate this claim.
(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)
(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)
Don’t meddle with Medicare’s prescription drug benefit By Joel White, President of the Council for Affordable Health Coverage
The Gantt Report Political Idol Worshipers By Lucius Gantt Many Americans are beginning to feel that the 45th President of the United States is beginning to act as if he thinks he is a dictator. The President believes he can do what he wants to, say what he wants and he can get out of bed at 5am and tweet what he wants to! The 45th President of the United States doesn’t seem to have a clue about the separation of church and state, the governmental system of checks and balances or the laws of the land as those laws relate to the basis for impeachment proceedings for law breakers that have the title of Commander in Chief! Even though the 45th President of the United States failed to get the majority of votes cast by eligible American voters, he feels his election by an Electoral College gives him the right to act like a dictator, the right to hire and fire any and all government appointees and employees that he feels may be disloyal to him and the inalienable right to lie to the citizens of the world’s greatest democracy at any time he desires to. The 45th President of the United States carries himself like he is an idol, not an American Idol like the singers on television, but like he is a political idol! The Bible says that God doesn’t like idols or idol worshipers. And, the good book clearly states that the base supporters of the 45th President of the United States or the people who worship the ground the President walks on will be punished by the Lord! (Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)
End the killing of Black children by phone Brian L. Pauling, CEO and President100 Black Men of America, Inc. The time is now for America’s legislative body at the state and local levels to bring a full stop to the endless harassment and killing of Black children at the hands of the men and women in law enforcement sworn to protect and serve them. Of those that made the news, Jordan Edwards, a 15-year-old from a Dallas, TX suburb was the latest victim of law enforcement. Jordan’s death follows an unrelenting pattern of Black children who are subjected to undue harassment and excessive force, or death, by police officers. Many of these reported killings have taken place in settings where children are simply doing what young people do in the course of their daily life. In school, at social events, in playgrounds and on their streets Black children are harassed, tormented or killed by police officers. For victims, their families and the greater community, the trauma of these acts against children is too much to bear. These acts also shed light on our state and local legislative bodies as institutions that have not acted in the better interest of keeping our children safe. After waiting months, we have learned the U.S. Department of Justice will not file charges against the two Baton Rouge, LA police officers, Blane Salamoni and Howie Lake, for the death of Alton Sterling last summer, in a convenience store parking lot. Now, it is up to the Louisiana State Attorney General to decide whether to pursue criminal charges against these two police officers. Will the State Attorney General fail its citizens, too? (Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)
Beyond the Rhetoric Corruption is a small business killer By Harry C. Alford I was so proud and inspired to speak before the United Nations last week. It was kind of a peak in my public speaking career. Included within my content was my concern of international corruption. To my surprise many came up to me and expressed their appreciation for my comments on the evils of corruption. When I returned home, I did a little researching on the UN’s attention to this subject. Surprisingly there was some written material on it. One of the publications is entitled “Corruption Prevention” from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime. The following is the beginning paragraph: (Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)
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BUSINESS
MAY 18 - MAY 24, 2017 • PAGE 7
Westside Gazette
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Parents interacting with children at TOTTS progam.
Shower 2 Empower (2016) The Urban League of Broward County is proud to recognize Baptist Health South Florida as a valued funder. Baptist Health supports several Urban League initiatives including the Project TOTTS (Together Our Tots Thrive & Survive) program and the Summer Enrichment p rogram. Baptist Health is also a sponsor of our 2017 Agents of the Future Red Gala. Baptist Health ensures that our participants are well informed by providing health enrichment classes, CPR instruction and healthy living demonstrations. Baptist Health’s commitment to healthy women, mothers and children is demonstrated by the wealth of information and support they provide to each Urban League program.
Baptist Health is South Florida’s largest faith-based, not-for-profit healthcare organization. Its network of services extends throughout MiamiDade, Broward, Monroe and Palm Beach Counties. As a partner of the Urban League, Baptist Health will facilitate a live cooking demonstration during the Ninth Annual Shower 2 Empower. Join Baptist Health and Project TOTTS for Shower 2 Empower at the Urban League of Broward County on May 26, 2017 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. To RSVP, call (954) 328-5262 today. Thank you, Baptist Health South Florida for your commitment to the community and to the Urban League of Broward County.
If you think your time is money, read this A new study finds that monetizing your time isn’t good for you.
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Arianna Huffington HuffPost founder Time is money. That’s what we’re told. And if you believe it, you might be stressed even spending five minutes—or however much that is according to your internal exchange rate— reading this. But you should anyway. Because according to a recent study, people who make a connection between their time and their money are more likely to have higher stress hormone levels than those who don’t. The study’s authors, Jeffrey Pfeffer of the Stanford Graduate School of Business and Dana Carney of the Haas School of
Business at the University of California, Berkeley, divided participants into two groups and had them do two hours of paid work for a fake company. One group was told beforehand to calculate their hourly pay; the other wasn’t. The result: the cortisol levels of the group that knew what each hour of their time was worth were 25 percent higher than the levels of the other group. And high levels of cortisol, the hormone released when we’re stressed, are not good for us. (Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)
PAGE 8 • MAY 18 - MAY 24, 2017
AF amily T hat Prays T ogether, Stays T ogether Family That Together, Together
Church Directory
Worship T his and Every Sunday at the Church of Your Choice This
Bethel Missionary Baptist Church 2211 N.W. 7th Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33061 Church: (954) 583-9368 Email: bethelmbchurchfl@att.net
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.
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"
Dr. Marcus D. Davidson, 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!
James C. Boyd Funeral Home
Rev. Stanley Melek, M.Div E-MAIL:stanley.melek@flumc.org 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.
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 Rev Henry E. Green, Jr. PASTOR 401 N.W. 7th Terrace, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 Phone: (954) 463-6309 - FAX 954 522-4113 Office Hours: Tues. - Fri. 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Email: infor@mthermonftl.com
SUNDAY CHURCH SERVICES Worship Service ................................................................................... 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. But be doers of the Word - James 1:22 nkjv - “A Safe Haven, and you can get to Heaven from here”
Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church, Oakland Park "The Miracle On 33rd Street" 420 N.E. 33rd Street Oakland Park, Florida 33334 Church: (954) 563-3060 Email: mtzion420@gmail.com
FEACHER Funeral services for the late Catherine Fuller Feacher - 83 were held May 13 at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses with Brother Marcus Barker officiating. Interment: Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens (North). FULLER Funeral services for the late Dorise Fuller 78 were held May 11 at Springfield Baptist Church with Pastor C.R. Hart, Sr, officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.
SERVICES
Boyd’s Memorial Chapel with Bishop L.L. Ward officiating
McWhite's Funeral Home BLOUNT Funeral services for the late Chester Blount Jr. -51 were held May 13 at Mount Bethel Baptist Church with Bishop D.G. Hood officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens. DAVIS Funeral services for the late Adamit Davis 88 were held May 12 at Good Shepard’s Lutheran Church.
GAINES Funeral services for the late Gary Levi Gaines – 50 were held May 11 at Zion Union RZUA Church with Rev. William White officiating. Interment: Zion Union RZUZ Church Lawrenceville, VI.
DAVIS Funeral services for the late Gail Ledena Davis – 53 were held May 13 at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. George Derico officiating. Interment: Forest Lawn Central.
GOLDEN Funeral services for the late Mary Louise Golden – 89 were held May 13 at Peaceful Zion Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. R.S. Moncrief officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.
JEFFERSON Funeral services for the late Jill A. Jefferson – 60 were held May 13 at McWhite’s Funeral Home Chapel.
HIGGS Funeral services for the late Mary Lou Chance-Higgs – 63 were held May 13 at Judah Worship Word Ministries International with Dr. Lamar Ward officiating. LEWIS Funeral services for the late Nicole Lynn Lewis – 42 were held May 12 at James C. Boyd’s Memorial Chapel. QUIROS Funeral services for the late Mauricio Quiros – 47 were held May 9 at James C. Boyd’s Memorial Chapel. WHITFIELD Funeral services for the late Wanda Yvette Whitfield – 59 were held May 13 at James C. Boyd’s Memorial Chapel with Rev. Lazarus Dawson officiating.
Rev. George A. Hardy, Pastor Sunday Church School ................................................................... 8:45 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship ........................................................... 10:00 a.m. Tuesday Night (Family Prayer & Bible Study) ........................... 7:00 p.m. Wednesday (Prayer Conference Line) ................................................ 8:00 p.m. (Dail (786) 233-6715 - Acess Code 703513) Oakland Park CDC (Senior Activity Center) Daily ............10 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.
Williams Memorial CME “PRAYER IS THE ANSWER” 644-646 NW 13th Terrace Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33311 (954) 462-5711(Ministry Office Line) (954) 462-8222(Pastor’s Direct Line) Email: wm_cme@bellsouth.net (Church} pastorCal50@yahoo.com (Pastor)
Rev. Cal Hopkins. M.Div) Senior Pastor/Teacher
Senior Pastor
Obituaries Harris Chapel United Methodist Church
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WILLIS Funeral services for the late Willie Willis – 57 were held May 13 at James C.
JOHNSON Funeral services for the late Georgia Mae Johnson – 100 were held May 12 at First Baptist Church Piney Grove with Rev. Dr. Derrick Hughes officiating. INGRAM Funeral services for the late Berter Johnson Ingram – 85 were held May 13 at McWhite’s Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Paul Alessi Jr officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens. WILLIAMS Funeral services for the late Yvonne M. Williams – 66 were held May 14 at Lauderhill Seventh Day Adventist Church with Pastor Lester Elliott officiating.
Roy Mizell & Kurtz Funeral Home WILSON Funeral services for the late William Wilson, Sr 67 were held May13 at New Hope Baptist Church with Rev. Ricky Scott officiating.
The WITNESS of “The WILL” Sunday Worship Experiences ................................................................ 7:45 and 11:00 a.m. Sunday School ................................................................................................................. 9:30 a.m. Tuesday Night Triumph {Prayer, Praise and Power} Prayer Meeting ................................................................................................................ 7:00 p.m. Bible Study ........................................................................................................................ 7:30 p.m. We STRIVE to PROVIDE Ministries that matter TODAY to Whole Body of Christ, not only the Believers, but also for those stranded on the “Jericho Road”! “Celebrating over 85 Years of FAITH and FAVOR! Come to the WILL ... We’ll show You the WAY: Jesus the Christ!”
Q & A: What does Reverend Deal say this week!
‘Repentance, Faith, Regeneration and Justification’ Question: How many Doctrines of the Bible are there? Answer: First, let’s define the word ‘doctrine’. According to the New Bible Dictionary, the word doctrine in the Old Testament is leqah, meaning ‘what is received’ or the idea of a body of revealed teaching. In the New Testament two words are used: didaskalia and didache which means both act and the content of teaching. We will highlight 10 Doctrines of the Bible, or one can say’ Doctrines of the Christian Faith’. 1) The Doctrine of God God’s existence, nature, and God’s attributes. 2) The Doctrine of Jesus Christ -The person of Christ and the work of Christ. His death and resurrection. 3) The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit - The personality, deity, and the names of the Holy Spirit. 4) The Doctrine of Man - Man’s creation and his fall. 5) The Doctrine of Salvation - repentance, faith, regeneration, justification, sanctification. 6) The Doctrine of the Church - Old Testament, New Testament, Christendom, Kingdom. 7) The Doctrine of the Scripture -The Bible – names and Titles. 8) The Doctrines of Angels - Their existence, nature, fall and their works. 9) The Doctrine of Satan - His existence, personality, power, character and his destiny. 10) The Doctrine of the Last Things (Eschatology) - The second coming of Christ, resurrection, judgement, the destiny of the wicked, and the reward of the righteous. According to many the Bible is the greatest book recorded. It is the number one seller of all times. If only one will take the time to explore it, a lot of hidden truths will be revealed. Let me know if you have any suggestions or concerns on the topic. Reverend Deal is the senior pastor at Every Christian Church in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Rev Deal can be reached at the Westside Gazette, 545 NW Seventh Terrace, Fort Lauderdale, Fla 33311, or by email at david.deal55@gmail.com.
Black clergy decry Trump policies as detrimental to African Americans Happy Birthday May 20, 1945 August 23, 2007 In Loving Memory
Otis Gray, Jr. The Rev. Jimmie R. Hawkins speaks with other faith leaders at a news conference May 15, 2017, in Washington, D.C., responding to the Trump administration’s policies. Photo courtesy of Ray Chen/Office of Public Witness, PCUSA
Coach, Teacher, and Mentor
By Adelle M. Banks WASHINGTON (RNS) Black clergy, standing in the shadow of the U.S. Capitol, declared that President Trump is not living up to his promise of being the “greatest champion” for the nation’s African Americans. At a news conference Monday (May 15) in front of the United Methodist Building, leaders of congregations and denominations called on fellow African Americans to speak up and urged Congress to vote down proposed plans by the new administration that they believe would help the rich and hurt the sick and the poor. The Rev. Barbara WilliamsSkinner, co-chair of the National African American Clergy Network, cited proposed budget plans that she said would hinder the progress of children in public and charter schools and Justice Department plans that would especially put African Americans at risk of stricter mandatory sentences. (Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)
Ten years ago, we lost a great leader in our community. Coach Gray had a substantial impact on our youth and numerous members of our community. He is remembered for leading the Dillard High School Football team to two state championships in 1986 and 1989. To continue his legacy, we have established the Otis Gray, Jr. Foundation. The Otis Gray, Jr. Foundation’s mission is to create an environment that nurtures and encourages today’s youth to reach their full potential. This community and your family will love you always and strive to continue the good that you instilled in the lives of those you touched and inspired. Love always, Your Wife Pauline and your Loving Family
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Westside Gazette
MAY 18 - MAY 24, 2017 • PAGE 9
Bill to celebrate 400 years of Black History passes U.S. House By Lauren Victoria Burke (NNPA Newswire Contributor) In a rare display of bipartisanship in Congress, the United States House of Representatives voted to establish a commission to examine 400 years of African American history. House bill H.R. 1242 is designed “to develop and carry out activities throughout the United States to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the arrival of Africans in the English colonies at Point Comfort, Virginia, in 1619.” Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Va.) sponsored the bill in the House and Senators Tim Kaine (DVa.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.) sponsored the bill in the Senate, where it’s waiting to be passed. According to Washington in-
siders, the bill will most likely pass by unanimous consent in the Senate. Once the bill known as the “400 Years of African American History Commission Act,” or H.R. 1242 in the House, passes Congress, it will land on President Donald Trump’s desk. If H.R. 1242 becomes law, the resulting commission would consist of 15 members, who would serve without pay. The legislation would authorize the commission to create grants to communities, nonprofits and other groups to hold events that would commemorate the anniversary of slaves arriving in the U.S. The commission could hire staff and also accept volunteers to perform its mission. The commission would be required to submit a report to
Congress and terminate in July of 2020. In a statement about the bill last year, Kaine said that he’s been lucky to be a part of federal commissions that have been formed to study and celebrate English and Hispanic history. “Well, if English lives matter, if Latino lives matter, then African American lives matter and they’ve mattered every day since the landing of those ‘20 and odd’ African Americans at Point Comfort, Virginia,” said Kaine. Kaine continued: “The story has a lot of pain to it, but it’s a story that has to be told to commemorate that we as a nation— had it not been for 400 years of African American history— would be absolutely unrecognizable. What we hope to do
with this bill is engage in something we should do to tell the story in a different way than it may have been told 50 to 100 years ago.” In late March, the Congressional Budget Office estimated, “that implementing the bill would cost about $2 million a year—a total of $6 million over the 2018-2021 period.” In a floor statement about the bill last summer, Rep. Bobby Scott said that African Americans have contributed greatly to the United States and their achievements deserve to be celebrated. “The history of Virginia and our nation cannot be fully understood without recognizing the role played by the slave trade,” said Scott. “Slavery was an abhorrent institution; but
Rep. Bobby Scott said that African Americans have contributed greatly to the United States and their achievements deserve to be celebrated. This photo was taken during a forum on criminal justice reform in Northwest Washington, D.C. in July 2015. (Freddie Allen/AMG/NNPA)
for hundreds of years, it was the foundation of the colonial and early American agricultural system and was essential to its economic sustainability.” Scott continued: “The 400 Years of African American History Commission Act will be instrumental in recognizing and highlighting the resilience and contributions of African Americans since 1619. From slavery, to fighting in the Civil War, to working against the oppression of Jim Crow segregation, to the civil rights movement, the rich history of African Americans and their contributions to our Nation began hundreds of years ago but obviously does not end there.”
Ohio Pastor Darrell Scott convenes 'Gang Summit' in Washington, D.C.
A group of assembled business leaders, Trump Administration officials, clergy and community stakeholders discuss a range of issues affecting the Black community at a recent summit convened by Cleveland Heights Pastor Darrell Scott. (Lauren Burke/NNPA) By Lauren Victoria Burke (NNPA Newswire Contributor) After backpedaling from claims he made in February, that gang leaders committed to “lower the body count” in Chicago in exchange for “some social programs,” Pastor Darrell Scott recently hosted a meeting in Washington, D.C. to discuss a range of issues affecting the Black community. The “gang summit,” as it was dubbed by reporters, was held at the St. Regis hotel, a few blocks from the White House. The discussion went on for over three hours. Even though, Scott of Cleveland Heights, Ohio, convened the discussion, he spent most of the multi-hour conversation as a facilitator. During his opening statement at the summit, Scott said that, “We know President Trump is unpopular in the Black community.” Everyone in attendance appeared to understand the painfully obvious: that one meeting won’t solve Chicago’s complex issues around poverty, violence and the school to prison pipeline. The summit was just a first step that placed key players on these issues in the same room for the first time during Trump’s presidency. Xavier Williams, a former gang member who spent 16 years in prison and who earned a degree in community redevelopment, spoke to the group of assembled business leaders, Trump Administration officials, clergy and community stakeholders. Williams ran down statistics pointing out that there were five neighborhoods in Chicago that were ground zero for an endless cycle of unemployment, poverty and violence. Williams noted that the unemployment rate in five of the most violent neighborhoods in Chicago was extremely high and those same neighborhoods also suffered the majority of
school closures since 2013, a decision that was criticized by local and national education advocates. “In 2013, the city’s mayor, Rahm Emanuel, closed 49 schools — a move that was met with widespread resistance and disproportionately impacted minority communities,” according to The Huffington Post. Williams also said that there was no oversight over funds allocated to assist residents returning from prison. “There needs to be an accountability system or an audit,” said Williams. There was also an in-depth discussion about the role of church pastors in Chicago and whether or not they were helping to improve the situation. That topic would have been taboo at most roundtable discussions. “I’ve heard this complaint,” said Scott. “That the money goes into the church and doesn’t go into the community…they see how the pastor is living and they wonder,” Scott added to
nods of recognition around the room. Sitting around a large rectangular set of connected tables as lunch was served, were Trump HUD official Richard Youngblood, James Holland of the NRA, Pastor Dean Nelson of the Frederick Douglass Foundation and Cleveland activist Kareem Lanier as well as about 20 others. Some who attended were from the business community, some were leaders of community groups and others were deep-pocketed investors who wanted to know how they could help Chicago. “We believe [President Donald Trump] will be the one to help the Black community on housing renovation and neighborhood revitalization,” said Lanier during the session. According to a 2017 report on crime rates by the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University School of Law, “While murder rates have increased in some cities, this report finds no evidence that the hardwon public safety gains of the
last two and a half decades are being reversed.” The report continued: “With violence at historic lows, modest increases in the murder rate may appear large in percentage terms. Similarly, murder rates in the 30 largest cities increased by 13.2 percent in 2015 and an estimated 14 percent in 2016. These increases were highly concentrated. More than half of the 2015 urban increase (51.8 percent) was caused by just three cities, Baltimore, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. And Chicago alone was responsible for 43.7 percent of the rise in urban murders in 2016.” Even though, “Today’s crime rate is less than half of what it was in 1991,” according to the Brennan Center, President Trump ratcheted up the “law
and order” rhetoric during the first 100 days of his presidency. In January 2017, Trump said, “Afghanistan is not like what’s happening in Chicago” during an interview with ABC. That same month, Trump tweeted a warning to Chicago’s political establishment: “If Chicago doesn’t fix the horrible ‘carnage’ going on… I will send in the Feds!” In February, during a meeting with sheriffs, Trump claimed that the murder rate in the U.S. was the highest it’s been in 47 years. “Did you know that? Fortyseven years,” said Trump, according to the Chicago Tribune. “I used to use that—I’d say that in a speech and everybody was surprised. Because the press
doesn’t tell it like it is. It wasn’t to their advantage to say that.” That statement from the new president, like so many others, was inaccurate. “The most recent annual FBI statistics available show the national rate for murder and non-negligent manslaughter in 2015 was 4.9 per 100,000 people,” the Chicago Tribune reported. “That was lower than every year between 1996 and 2009, when the rate fell from 7.4 killings per 100,000 people to five for the same population.” Whether Trump can pivot away from his “law and order” rhetoric and inaccurate statements about crime in urban communities and towards policies that involve economic development and neighborhood revitalization remains unclear.
PAGE 10 • MAY 18 - MAY 24, 2017
For the second year in a row, the Miss USA crown went to the District of Columbia Miss D.C. KĂĄra McCullough became the 66th Miss USA during Sunday night’s pageant, with Miss New Jersey Chhavi Verg named the runner-up and Miss Minnesota Meridith Gould the second runnerup. As she joked earlier in the competition, McCullough hoped to win the crown to give D.C. “back to backâ€? Miss Kara McCullough has been crowned Miss USA 2017. This is the second year in a row that the winner has hailed from the District of Columbia.
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. May 4, 11, 18, 25, 2017
NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS Florida Department of Transportation Project Bids will be received by the Tallahassee Office until 10:30 A.M. on Wednesday, June 14, 2017, for Proposal ID Z4066. The improvements consist of providing all labor, materials, equipment and incidentals necessary to furnish and install, repair, remove and replace lighting system components on the Primary and Interstate Systems at various locations on an as needed basis in Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River Counties after a Hurricane Event. Certification of Qualification is not required. Budget Estimate $180,000.00. Complete letting advertisement information is available at http://www.fdot.gov/contracts/ Lettings/Letting_Project_Info.shtm or by calling (850) 414-4000 May 18, 25, 2017
MISCELLANEOUS HOMEOWNERS AND CHURCHES In need of monies for remodeling, back taxes or for any purpose, call The Urban Team at (754) 715-2600 Gary. May 18, 2017
"The more you know of your history, the more liberated you are." -- Maya Angelou
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IN THE COUNTY COURT OF THE 17TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO: FMCE – 17-4610 DIVISION: 38-93 IN RE: The Name Change of: JEAN ROMINES, Petitioner
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TAURUS-Hello home life. After a busy next few weeks all you want to do is savor the feelings of domesticity at home. Or perhaps go shopping to spruce up your living space. Whatever you decide do it with a close friend. You’ll both enjoy the week more if you are together. The grandeur of my presence reflects the sunshine of my soul. 11, 14, 17
SCORPIO-Start setting goals. Do a periodic cleaning of your home and get rid of the junk that has been cluttering your life! Start saving your money for a big vacation that you and that special someone have been planning! Do something extravagant. Clinging to the old will inhibit my growth this week. 2, 39, 45
GEMINI-One of your most unique gifts is the power to change your mind. You know how to change the way you think, and it gives you great versatility. This week you may be called upon to change the way you think about someone you love. Be kind! I am on the watch for those who need me. 32, 36, 45
SAGITTARIUS-Flexibility is needed to deal with a work issue. You’re sure you’re right but compromise will be necessary to overcome someone’s objections. Don’t think they are being spiteful. They simply see things differently than you do. Your insights this week are special and specialized. Don’t expect agreement.Slow and easy is the best way for me to travel this week. 7, 8, 10
CANCER-Focus intently on the personal this week. Others may seem scattered or impersonal, but that’s not for you. Keep your thoughts and feelings to yourself until others are more receptive to your steady vibrations. Money and happiness are closely related this week. 20, 30, 50
CAPRICORN-If you need a good week to put away the memorabilia of a past love; this week’s that week. Tuck away his or her photograph. If it’s over and now it’s time to move on, don’t stall your love life dwelling on what was. Get ready for what can be. I slow down and take the feelings of others in consideration.1, 26, 33
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AQUARIUS-Your harmony with your business or domestic partner should improve as you take steps to strengthen communication. Slow down and give everyone a chance to get on the same page. Plan well before you act. Enjoy hanging loose. I trust my gut instincts concerning all matters. 2, 39, 40 PISCES-A little child will lead them is certainly something you should keep in mind this week. Wisdom from a little person, a son, daughter, younger brother or sister can be very helpful to you. Lighten up on yourself. Self- criticism is not a good idea this week. I loosen up and enjoy my life without worry. 24, 25, 26
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LEO-A personal decision is made, and you are happy for the person who makes it. This person may be younger than you, but youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got a karmic bond between you. Enjoy the excitement of shared moments. Use your imagination to create a better world for both of you. The pictures in my head give the greatest joy this week. 9, 44, 52
WHAT'S HOT? 83-78-89-85-67 MIAMI RED SEZ --- 104
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BRENDA D. FORMAN, Clerk of the Circuit Court Najla Florez, Deputy Clerk April 27, May 4, 11, 18, 2017
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NOTICE OF ACTION FOR PETITION FOR NAME CHANGE (Minor Child) YOU ARE NOTIFIED that a action for Name Change, has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defense, if any, to it on MS. JEAN ROMINES c/o DEBORAH PINO, ESQ., whose address is 2701 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Suite 410-15 Oakland Park, Florida 33311 on or before June 1, 2017, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 201 Southeast Sixth Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301 before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition. Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Courtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office. You may review these documents upon request. You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Courtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office notified of your current address: (You may file Notice of Current Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed to the address on record at the clerkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office. WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or Dated April 17, 2017
MAY 18, 2017
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Westside Gazette
Honoring men making a difference
Sam Morrison, Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel, Albert Tucker and Florida Supreme Court Justice Peggy Quince.
Million meal pack
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Zeta Rho Omega Chapter’s Family Strengthening Committee members. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Zeta Rho Omega Chapter’s Family Strengthening Committee in partnership with the AARP Foundation and the Miami Dolphins, recently contributed to packing over
1,000,000 meals for senior citizens in Broward County. Zeta Rho Omega had 44 of its members, 25 family members and friends in attendance for this extremely successful event. Although Family Strengthen-
ing took the lead for the event, other International Target committees actively involved in packing the meals were: ASCEND, Health Promotions, Environmental Ownership and Global Impact. Because of the
hard work of the volunteers, we packed 1,003,680 meals that will be delivered to low-income senior adults by Feeding South Florida and Broward Meals on Wheels organizations. The final impressive numbers for the event that were shared by the Miami Dolphins Foundation were: * Boxes of food: 3, 485 * Total pounds of food: 128,945 * Pounds per box: 37 * Packing tables: 63 * Meal portions per box: 288 * Truckloads: 5 * Meals per truckload: 200,000 In an email shared with Zeta Rho Omega’s President Jeannie B. Floyd, Callie Newbanks of the Miami Dolphins Foundation stated, “this exciting event and the subsequent impact on the South Florida Community would not have been possible without volunteers like you”. President Jeannie B. Floyd also stated that this activity was “over the top”, which meant that we surpassed the goal of serving over 1,000,000 strong by contributing in a significant way to the End the Hunger initiative!
MAY 18 - MAY 24, 2017 • PAGE 11 The members of Upsilon Xi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated are beaming with delight about the upcoming A Fathers' Affair Luncheon. The luncheon will be held Saturday, June 3, 2017, 12 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Fourteen years ago, a plan was introduced to honor men for outstanding contributions made to the community and to our youth. This year, members will be honoring men who are making an impact daily in the lives of others. They are Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel, whose work includes helping to keep our youth out of jail; Albert Tucker, Vice President of Multicultural Business Development for the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and
Visitors Bureau, whose focus is bringing tourism and business to the South Florida area; and Sam Morrison, the creator behind the African American Library, whose innovation makes it possible daily for inner city children in Broward County to have a library to help them learn and grow. The keynote speaker is Florida Supreme Court Justice Peggy Quince. The PEARLS Foundation, Incorporated in collaboration with Upsilon Xi Omega Chapter, awards scholarships annually to high school graduating seniors and supports local, national, and international non-profit programs and organizations that serve the public. Tickets may be purchased from eventbrite or by calling TaShimba Andrews at (786) 768-8876.
If you have Medicare and Medicaid, or Diabetes... Picture all the benefits you can get. Simply Complete (HMO SNP), designed for dual eligible individuals with both Medicare and Medicaid.
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$0 copay for primary office visits $0 or low copay for prescription drugs Tiers 1 & 2 $0 copay for enhanced dental benefits $100 per year for eyewear $1,000 per year for hearing aids Transportation to plan approved locations SilverSneakers® fitness program $15 monthly for over-the-counter (OTC) items, that’s $180 a year!
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1.800.226.3494 / TTY: 711 mysimplymedicare.com Broward County. Simply Healthcare Plans, Inc. is a Medicare-contracted coordinated care plan that has a Medicaid contract with the State of Florida Agency for Health Care Administration to provide benefits or arrange for benefits to be provided to enrollees. Enrollment in Simply Healthcare Plans, Inc. depends on contract renewal. This information is not a complete description of benefits. Contact the plan for more information. Limitations, copayments, and restrictions may apply. Benefits, premiums and/or copayments/coinsurance may change on January 1 of each year. Benefits may vary by plan. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium. For full-dual members the Part B premium is covered. Premium, copays, coinsurance, and deductibles may vary based on the level of Extra Help you receive. Please contact the plan for further details. Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system. Star Ratings are calculated each year and may change from one year to the next. The Formulary, pharmacy network, and/or provider network may change at any time. You will receive notice when necessary. From October 1 to February 14, we are open 7 days a week from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., EST. Beginning February 15 until September 30, we are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., EST. We do not discriminate, exclude people, or treat them differently on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in our health programs and activities. ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-877-577-0115 / TTY: 711. ATANSYON: Si w pale Kreyòl Ayisyen, gen sèvis èd pou lang ki disponib gratis pou ou. Rele 1-877-577-0115 / TTY: 711. Paid endorsement. Y0114_17_30316_U Accepted
PAGE 12 â&#x20AC;¢ MAY 18 - MAY 24, 2017
Westside Gazette
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THE WESTSIDE GAZETTE BROWARD COUNTY'S OLDEST AND LARGEST AFRICAN AMERICAN OWNED AND OPERATED NEWSPAPER
It takes time and materials to build a Habitat for Humanity home, but it also takes people who care. Together, they make dreams come true for the new owners of homes sponsored by Publix Charities. Learn more at publixcharities.org/hfh.