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The Black Press played vital role in 'Hidden Figures' By Stacy M. Brown (NNPA Newswire Contributor) In her book, “Hidden Figures,” author Margot Lee Shetterly pays homage to the African-American women who worked as human computers in the space program. It’s a book that’s spawned an Academy Award-nominated movie and has brought to the fore the accomplishments of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, the brilliant Black women who worked at NASA serving as the brains behind

America’s nascent space program starting in the 1950s. Inside the book, Shetterly also pays homage to where she first got the notion to write such a historical masterpiece. “In the first week of May 1942, the ‘Norfolk Journal and Guide’ published an article that would…be like a signpost for the road not taken,” Shetterly said. She even recalled the headline that accompanied the piece in one of the nation’s oldest African-American-owned newspapers. (Cont'd on Page 3)

Will the Historic Sistrunk Corridor (Community) be given a Trojan Horse Bobby R. Henry, Sr. After surrounding the walls of Troy for ten years, the Greeks constructed a beautiful giant, hollow wooden horse, covertly filled it with armed soldiers, and offered it to the Trojans as a gift for the goddess Athena, and the Trojans took the horse inside the city’s walls. That night, the Greek soldiers sneaked out of the belly of the horse, torched and took the city over. A Trojan horse is thus anything that appears to be innocent but, once received, has influence to wipe out or terminate—for example,… Some want to save our historic “blighted” community by demolishing our buildings and replacing them with ones that will make Fort Lauderdale’s Historic Sistrunk Community lose its authentic cultural character. One of the endangered buildings in the Sistrunk Community is The Mizell Center located on the site that encompasses a portion of the historic Provident Hospital.

“Hidden Figures” author Margot Lee Shetterly (l) poses for a photo with New Journal and Guide publisher Brenda Andrews. (Ernest Lowery/New Journal and Guide)

Minority leaders feel Muslims are unfairly targeted

Irving Mayor Beth Van Duyne (c) speaks at the summit entitled, “Defending Against Radical Islamic Terrorism in Texas” in Austin, Texas. (David Wilfong/North Dallas Gazette) By Audrey A. Lundy (North Dallas Gazette/NNPA Member) Muslims have lived in Texas since 1854. They have established mosques, schools and other institutions that serve the greater community. Like most residents, they are proud Texans and Americans,

according to Omar Suleiman, who serves as the Resident Scholar of the Valley Ranch Islamic Center in Irving, Texas. “In the over 150 years that this community has been here, never has there been a problem with the Muslim community trying to overthrow the system,” he said. “Not once has there

been a Muslim promoting anything unconstitutional that infringes on the rights of our friends and neighbors. These aren’t alternate facts; they’re just facts.” Last Wednesday, Suleiman with a group of interfaith and civil rights leaders, held a press conference at Irving City Hall

Louisville native gives back to the Black community By Stacy M. Brown (NNPA Newswire Contributor) Alan “AP” Powell is one of the nation’s greatest unsung African-American heroes. Powell is a member of the Phoenix Aviation Advisory Board and the chairman of the Airport Subcommittee, he believes that he’s the only African-American to currently hold that position. The board meets each month to review airport policies and make recommendations on major airport projects, concession contracts and leases. Oftentimes, it’s Powell who’ll say ‘yay’ or ‘nay’ to a

AP Powell says that he always knew that he could make a difference. (Official Photo/AP Powell)

Pleading Our Own Cause

billion-dollar deal with companies like Uber or Lyft or new concession stands for one of three Arizona airports. People that know Powell call him a “serial entrepreneur,” who has developed vital relationships with Fortune 500 companies. “I’ve been able to turn contacts into contracts,” he said. Born in the inner cities of Louisville, Ky., a short walk from the home of the legendary boxing champ Muhammad Ali, Powell graduated from Missouri Valley College in Marshall, Mo., to become one of the country’s foremost authorities on multicultural content and leveraging brand connections with multicultural audiences. (Cont'd on Page 10)

WWW.

to oppose a summit spearheaded by Texas State Representative Kyle Biedermann and supported by Irving Mayor Beth Van Duyne. The summit entitled, “Defending Against Radical Islamic Terrorism in Texas”, took place at the state capitol last week. Community leaders in attendance at the press conference believe the summit unfairly targeted Muslims. However, Rep. Biedermann disagrees with the community leaders. The North Dallas Gazette sent Rep. Biedermann’s office questions related to this story. Even though staffers at Biedermann’s office acknowledged receipt of the questions, they went unanswered; staffers instead sent a press release about the summit. “With the rise of radical Islamic terrorism throughout the world, our homeland security must be our top priority. When I took office, I assembled a Law Enforcement and Homeland Security Advisory Council,” Rep. Biedermann stated in the press release. “We have a responsibility as Texans to secure our border and to protect against the serious, and growing, threats of terrorism.” (Cont'd on Page 3)

Marie Saulsby retires from the Mount Olive Baptist Church choir after 67 years of singing. (Read story on Page 8)

(Cont'd on Page 10)

Spreading the word about HIV prevention for African American women

PrEP can be effective for women, too! African American women are more likely to be infected with HIV than other women, and many don’t know it. So public health officials and advocates are trying to get the word out about PrEP, pre-exposure prophylaxis. It’s a daily medication that helps prevent HIV infection. “This is all about empowering women, especially Black women, by giving them sexual health options and also embarking on a path of research,” says Linda Blout, president of Black Women’s Health Imperative, a nonprofit organization in Washington, D.C. The organization is helping to launch the capital’s first citywide program to promote use of PrEP among women. The medication, which is sold under the brand name Truvada, was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2012 to prevent HIV infection. Research conducted in Africa, where HIV transmission in heterosexual couples is common, found that it is effective in preventing HIV infection when one partner is HIV positive. If the daily pill is taken consistently, it can reduce the risk of HIV infection by up to 92 percent. In the U.S., the first priority was to get Truvada to men who have sex with men, who accounted for 83 percent of new HIV diagnoses in 2014, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But the drug isn’t just for men, says Dr. Eugene McCray, director of the CDC’s Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention. African American women represent the highest percentage of HIV infections among women, McCray says. “That is alarming, and we at the CDC are working to address the issue by spreading knowledge. But in order for us to do that, we also need to encourage African-American women to get tested.” (Cont'd on Page 3)

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Alex Hibbert, Tanisha Cidel and Jaden Piner pictured at the Independent Spirit Awards in Los Angeles on Feb. 25, 2017.

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D.C. stakeholders comment on Every Student Succeeds Act

By Pam Taylor (NNPA/ESSA Contributor) As the first deadline to submit state plans under the Every Student Succeeds Act rapidly approaches, community stakeholders in Washington, D.C., voice their support and concerns for how city administrators will implement the new law. Last November, the Department of Education (DOE) issued two firm deadlines for the submission of ESSA state plans Monday, April 3, 2017 and Monday, Sept. 18, 2017. The Education Department will conduct a peer review process of the submitted state plans after each of the deadlines. Following years of the increasingly cumbersome requirements of No Child Left Behind (NCLB), the bipartisan-approved ESSA allows

state-level programs to continue, and even expand, on the progress that educators, parents, and students have made across the nation in recent years. Today, high school graduation rates are at all-time highs, dropout rates are at historic lows, and more students are going to college than ever before. Dr. Elizabeth Primas, the project manager for the National Newspaper Publishers Association’s (NNPA) new ESSA grant, is among those touting the strengths of ESSA. The NNPA/ESSA Media Grant, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, is focused on raising awareness about the education law in the Black community. “I am excited about the promise of ESSA to effect positive change in our lowest-performing schools, where children

have been underserved, undereducated, and for all intent and purposes, forgotten about,” said Primas. “I don’t want to see ESSA derailed by politics before it even gets underway.” ESSA not only removes many of the federal restrictions regarding K-12 education, returning the authority to states and local school districts, it also requires states to include strategies and innovations in their plans for the nation’s most vulnerable students in the nation’s lowest performing schools. According Hanseul Kang, the superintendent of the district’s Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE), “only about a quarter of D.C. students are prepared for college and career readiness,

“Paving the Way for Women Engineers,” the headline blared. An accompanying photo revealed 11 immaculately dressed Black women in front of Hampton Institute’s Bemis Laboratory, graduates of Engineering for Women, a war training class. The Journal and Guide’ and the Pittsburgh Courier, two of the granddaddies of the Black Press, are mentioned prominently inside the hard cover copies of the book with a picture that dates back to the 1940s,” said Brenda Andrews, president, publisher and owner of the New Journal and Guide. The Journal and Guide published its first issues in 1900 and, during the World War II, by many accounts, was the largest Black employer in the South, according to Andrews. Its circulation topped 100,000 and Andrews said the newspaper joined others like the Chicago Defender, the Baltimore Afro-American and the Pittsburgh Courier in taking the lead in writing about Black interests and recording African American history. “We were hidden figures ourselves until about the 1960s,” Andrews said of the Black Press in America, which this year celebrates 190 years in operation. “This story and how the author researched ‘Hidden Figures’ is an example of what the Black Press has been doing,

which is recording Black history.” Andrews continued: “When I speak with people, even today in the 21st century, people are curious about the Black Press’ role. We were in the shadows in our community, doing the work, recording information.” Andrews said the Black Press wasn’t formerly recognized for its great journalism, seen mostly as underground activists. “Even today, we’re not properly recognized for recording that history. We were hidden in Black areas among Black people,” she said. “It came about that World War II was significant, because it was our activism that stories of segregated troops were told.” During World War II, the Black Press led the call for a “Double V” victory against fascism abroad and against Jim Crow in the United States. Reportedly, with such a slogan, many historians regarded this campaign as the groundwork for the Black activism that characterized the Civil Rights Movement. Black newspapers, led by the Norfolk Journal and Guide,” the Chicago Defender, the Pittsburgh Courier and the AFRO, took a conservative effort and channeled Black militancy into nationalistic ends. They sought government concessions and they looked to create a homogenous American identity that included Black citizens to resolve struggles for full citizenship, freedom, and

One in a series about recent graduates of the African American HIV University (AAHU). When Carleisha Murry-Anderson was a sophomore at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, she decided to become a campus HIV peer educator, talking to students about their sexual health. Trained through the AIDS Education and Training Centers—a national

racial justice. During World War II, the Journal and Guide reported regularly on soldiers serving overseas. The newspaper even sent correspondents into battle to report on heroism that rarely made the front pages of the mainstream papers. Embedded writers and photographers sent stories back home of patriotic service including reports from the U.S.S. Mason, one of only two U.S. Navy ships with an African-American crew. “It wasn’t until the 1960s and segregation [reform efforts] and the civil rights that Black newspapers came out of hiding,” Andrews said. Andrews added: “But, if it had not been for the Black Press in World War II telling our stories, much would have gone unknown. It’s very redeeming that our mission is recognized now.” With the success of the book and movie for “Hidden Figures,” Andrews believes history will continue to tell the glowing story of the Black Press. She said the current atmosphere makes it quite difficult to appreciate now, but it’s her hope that in the future, when individuals reflect, they will know that the Black Press did its job and well. “That’s why it’s important to tell our own stories and refuse to let others portray who we are,” said Andrews. “The Black Press isn’t just about news stories; we’re recording our history as only we can.”

Minority leaders feel Muslims are unfairly targeted (Cont'd from FP) Community leaders said Rep. Biedermann should spend more time building relationships with the Muslim community and speaking out against racists and xenophobes. “Texas strength is in its diversity. This is one of the most diverse states in the country and that is what makes us strong,” said Sahar Aziz, a board member of the ACLU of Texas during last week’s press conference. “If he truly cares about Texas, then he should be defending the religious freedom rights of all Texans of all faiths.” Hispanic activist Carlos Quintanilla said Mayor Van Duyne should also stop the rhetoric and support the large Hispanic and Muslim communities in Irving. “We need to send a message to Mayor Beth Van Duyne that the city of Irving constituents will not tolerate hatred,” said Quintanilla, the leader of Accion America. “We have never seen any ra-

dical Islamic behavior in Irving and we need to share that type of awareness with the community. Irving has a large minority community that includes Muslims and hate mongering is not acceptable.” The North Dallas Gazette also sent Mayor Van Duyne’s office a series of questions for this article, but her staffers also declined to offer a response for this story. Suleiman said Muslims welcome government officials to visit mosques to get to know them in the spirit of friendship and not suspicion. He said that they reject a privately funded poll sent out to Muslim groups earlier this month by Rep. Biedermann requesting their response. “The representative didn’t reach out to us through one of the many mosques in Texas. Some [mosques are] in his own district,” Suleiman said during the press conference last week. “Instead, he decided to put us through a litmus test that is grounded in intimidation. These loyalty tests are not new in America, and they essentially imply a second-class citizenship

that should be addressed before the comment period ends at midnight on March 3 and before OSSE’s scheduled submission date of April 3. At a February 23 community engagement meeting in Washington’s Ward 5, many stakeholders supported waiting until September to allow more input into the plan from the community. Jeff Schmidt, a D.C. resident and alumna of the University of California at Irvine, is convinced that the district’s plan will harm minority children with its “lower math and proficiency goals for Black and Latino children than for White children for the next 22 years— until 2039. D.C. could easily

come up with an education plan that is free of racial pre-judgment,” he said. David Tansey, a math teacher at McKinley Technology High School in Washington, D.C., is not happy with OSSE’s decision not to include a “welldesigned school survey” of high school students as part of its plan. “McKinley Tech’s typical student grows more than 70 percent [compared to their] peers citywide, the highest level of any DCPS high school,” said Tansey. “OSSE’s plan should not be approved until there is a plan to design and roll out a statistically valid school survey.” (Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

AAHU Fellow Carleisha Murry-Anderson: I will always fight for HIV

The Black Press played vital role in 'Hidden Figures' (Cont'd from FP)

and there are serious and persistent gaps among our lowest income students.” The district’s draft plan states that only “17 percent of its economically disadvantaged students are on track for college and career readiness in mathematics, compared with 54 percent of their peers who are not economically disadvantaged,” said Kang. Washington, D.C. is one of the 20-plus jurisdictions planning to submit plans by the April 3 deadline. The majority of states are opting for the later submission date. Although OSSE has complied with the federal requirement for a minimum 30-day comment period, many stakeholders feel that the current plan has issues

on the part of those who receive them. We reject that status and characterization. By sending us these letters dictated by Xenophobes and hate groups not even based in our state, he is negating decade of interfaith dialogue, multi-faith cooperation and civic engagement here in Texas.” Dr. Michael W. Waters, who also attended the press conference, said he is concerned about the growing acceptance of racism and xenophobia sweeping across the country. “I believe there is an assault on our civil liberties that were secured for us, in blood, by generations of soldiers and generations of activists,” said Waters, a pastor of Joy Tabernacle A.M.E. Church in South Dallas. “I believe Muslims are being targeted.” Shayan Elahi, an American Muslim who is the chair of the civil rights committee of the Dallas County Democratic Party added, “Political intimidation will not work just as it has not worked against other minorities.”

network of leading HIV experts who provide locally based, tailored education, clinical consultation and technical assistance to healthcare professionals and healthcare organizations—Murry-Anderson found the students to be very receptive. “They were more open to talk to their peers—someone their own age who they could identify with and who was knowledgeable. We talked to them about their sexual risk; we passed out condoms and promoted testing,” she says. That rewarding experience made Murry-Anderson, a mass communications major, become interested in public health. Since then the 31-year-old has devoted herself to the fight against HIV. Once she graduated from college, Murry-Anderson began working as a case manager for the Jefferson Comprehensive Care System (JCC), which provides primary healthcare and social services in the Pine Bluff area, including for people living with HIV/AIDS. As one of the youngest employees in the JCC’s Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Part D—the group that focuses on HIV-positive women, infants, children and youths— she was granted the opportunity to go back to her college to assist in training HIV peer counselors. Murry-Anderson learned a lot during her time with the Ryan White program and JCC—from going to trainings to working with people who had been in the field for 10-20 years

Spreading the word about HIV prevention (Cont'd from FP) By Jose Soto, NPR News According to the CDC, African American women make up 62 percent of women diagnosed with HIV in the U.S. White women account for 18 percent, with Latinas at 14 percent. McCray says the CDC is planning in the upcoming months to produce campaigns targeted at Black women that educate them on their risk and how PrEP can be used as a preventive measure. Women in the nation’s capital face a higher risk because about 2 percent of residents are already infected with HIV, making exposure more likely. In addition, Blout says, social issues like incarceration and poverty tend to increase the risk of HIV within the Black community. In addition, Blout also says there is a lack of empowerment among Black women to ask their partners to either get tested or wear a condom. McCray agrees. “Many women do not know the status of their partners ,and they are weary of asking them to get tested,” he says. “A lot of the issue has to do with misinformation or simply not being informed at all,” says Nancy Mahon, executive director of the MAC AIDS Fund, which is providing financial support for the effort. “When it comes to PrEP, many people still don’t even know it exists, especially heterosexuals. Many Black women we’ve spoken to felt puzzled about why we were addressing how this drug is available to them. A component of the issue is that the drug is hard to obtain without a doctor.”

Jeffrey Klausner, M.D., Professor of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and the Program in Global Health, UCLA; Murry-Anderson and Phil Wilson, president and CEO of the Black AIDS Institute. to working with consumers, she says. “I learned about the life cycle of HIV, how to work with families and specifically how to work with youth. I had to engage and recruit young people to come to the facility for care.” After three years Murry-Anderson also became a community liaison, where she continued to do case management for the Ryan White program but also conducted outreach, educated people, linked them to care, facilitated support groups for PLWHA and enrolled clients into the program. She became a certified HIV tester in Arkansas, too. Next Stop, AAHU In 2015 a friend and former co-worker forwarded Murry-Anderson an email about AAHU. “He said it would be a good program for me and suggested I talk to one of the Arkansas AAHU graduates for insight,” she says. But first she conducted her own research, and after discovering that she’d have to go to Los Angeles for a 30-day boot camp, Murry-Anderson, the mother of a 6-year-old son, said no way. However, after doing some more research and reaching out to the AAHU grad her friend mentioned, she began to reconsider. “The Fellow and I discussed all of the information and the knowledge she gained and how it helped her with her clients, outreach and going into the

community,” Murry-Anderson recalls. “She shared with me some of the information. That motivated me to apply.” And thanks to video apps and social media, she was able to talk to her son daily. The training proved to be one of the best experiences of her life. “I have learned so much about transmission, PrEP [preexposure prophylaxis] and breaking stigma that I am able to deliver to my community,” she says. Today Murry-Anderson works for the Arkansas Autism and Developmental Monitoring Program, a public health surveillance position with the University of Arkansas at Medical Sciences. Her love and passion for HIV remain strong. She conducts HIV research, testing and other activities for various HIV programs in Arkansas as a volunteer. Whether it’s educating people about HIV risk factors, reduction, testing or linkage to care, Murry-Anderson wants to remain involved in the field. “The moment I started working in HIV, it captured my heart and I knew that I wanted to help people,” she says. “Wherever my career or my life takes me, or whatever plans God has for me, I know that I will always be a part of the fight against HIV.” LaShieka Hunter is a freelance writer and editor based on Long Island, N.Y.

Writers Conference to train Black authorpreneurs how to save time and money in self-publishing

NATIONWIDE — The Red Ink Conference: The Premier Conference for Authors & Editors will empower attendees to write, edit and market their next bestseller – at a fraction of the cost. Many of the attendees will be indie authors who are just starting their publishing journey. Both aspiring best-sellers, as

well as those who want to take their writing to the next level by editing for other indie authors, are invited to join the event in Southfield, Michigan at the Hilton Garden Inn on Saturday, May 20, 2017 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

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Community Digest

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

Perform

Outstanding high school performers from Broward County Public Schools take center stage for the 18th annual Stars on Parade extravaganza on Thursday, March 2, 2017 at 7:30 p.m., in the Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center for Performing Arts, 201 S.W. Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Admission is free and the public is invited.

Events

We are proud to announce: “An Eventing with Larry Kramer and an exhibit commemorating 30 years with ACT UP, Disease Art, Human Resilience. · Thursday, March 9 – Preevent Book Signing Party, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the Worlds AIDS Museum –Free event. · Friday, March 10 – An Evening with Larry Kramer interviewed by Kevin Sessums, at 8 p.m. at Sunrise Cathedral, 1480 S.W. Ninth Ave., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Tickets on sale now call (954) 390-0550. · Saturday, March 11, 2017 – POZ Millennials Symposium from noon to 5 p.m. at Stonewall Museum and Archives, 1300 E. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Free event.

Expo Register Now for the 32nd Annual Business Expo, the largest Minority Business Events in Florida Thursday, March 30-31, 2017 from 1 to 3 p.m., at Broward County Convention Center, 1950 Eisenhower Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Business Expo Registrations: Tuesday, Feb. 28 – Innovation Plan Submission: Tuesday, Feb. 28 – Finalists Notified: Friday, March 10. For more info visit www.fsmsdc.org/businessexpo.

Upcoming Municipal Elections in March Join Team Broward House at the Florida AIDS Walk and Music Festival on Fort Lauderdale Beach on Sunday, March 19, 2017. For more info call (954) 568-7373.

Workshops

Volunteer Come out and enjoy a day of music, food, entertainment, community mural creation guided by Red on Rouge artist Laurence Panadero on Saturday, March 18, 2017 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at The Dania Beach PATCH, 1201 W. Dania Beach Blvd., Dania Beach, Fla. To make an appointment please contact Julie Macias - 411 Veterans (954) 703-4536 x 822.

Festival The Executive Board of the Glades Festival of Afro Arts & Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. presents The 38th Annual Glades Festival Afro Arts on Saturday, March 18, 2017, from 12 to 6:30 p.m., at Lake Shore Park, Belle Glades, Fla. Parade begins a 11 a.m. at Lake Shore Middle School, 425 W. Canal St., N. Belle Glades, Fla. For more info call (561) 914-0280 or (561) 983-2425.

From June Taylor to Alvin Ailey By Novice Johnson As a young girl growing up in South Florida, each week I watched the Jackie Gleason Show and dreamed of one day becoming a June Taylor Dancer, those lovely ladies who opened the show. (The only thing missing was a Black girl.) I would stand in front of the television when they performed, and I tried the high kicks and precision moves they executed. But, then came Ailey, Alvin Ailey to be exact. My father told me of this incredible man and the work he was doing in dance. I quickly erased my June Taylor dancer dreams, and I became mesmerized by what was to become the Alvin Ailey American Dance Company we know today. I can still see those Ailey dancers on their rare television appearances. I can remember how I thought the routine was too short and the network had robbed me of watching their greatness. I remember imagining I was in rehearsal and Ailey himself was teaching me the routine that would make me a star. I followed the Ailey group and watched in awe of the great Judith Jamison. How effortlessly she would glide across the floor. I thought too of becoming her student and making her proud as I performed each routine to perfection. Yes, I had big dancer dreams; big Alvin Ailey Dancer dreams. On a recent tour stop in South Florida, I was sitting in the audience waiting to see the Ailey/Battle magic unfold on the stage. I told my friend Cheryl Mizell, “I sure wish I could meet Robert Battle, our homeboy who is now the Artistic Director of this legendary group.” Her eyes grew big and she said, “Well, if you look over your shoulder, your wish has just come true!” And right then and there, Robert Battle stood next to my seat. In my Elmer Fudd voice I said, “You’re, you, you you’re…!” When I calmed down I said, “Mr. Battle, I am calling the police because one

Walk

Ailey Artistic Director Robert Battle (Photo by Andrew Eccles) of your dancers stole my part, and I am supposed to be on that stage!” His smile grew from ear to ear and with a chuckle he said, “No, not the police!” He gave me a big hug and said “enjoy the show.” Robert Battle just told me to enjoy the show, his show, Ailey 2017! With all of my dreams and fish stories I never got to tell about being a dancer, I can put my pen and paper to work and let you know that if you haven’t seen Ailey 2017, you haven’t seen Ailey! Get in your car, get on a plane, and get there if you can. The new material blended with the old standards is a ticket well spent. There was music from Duke Ellington to Nina Simone, there was a message in the music, there was passion in the dance! As I watched them perform, I saw myself in those routines, in those costumes, in those dressing rooms, in those practices. I felt myself becoming a gazelle going across stage as if on air. An Ailey/Battle performance can do that to you. You become a part of the show. You get lost in the beauty, the creativity, the choreography, the message, the Dance, the Dance, the Dance. Mr. Battle has done it again. My ballet slippers are back on the shelf, at least until the next Ailey show, until a new set of memories begin.

The Urban League is excited to host our Living Well Program's Daibetes Self-Management Workshop, Tuesday, Feb. 28 thru Tuesday, April 4, 2017 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Osswalk Park, 2220 N.W. 21 Ave., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. All classes will be held inside the Recreation Center. Sign up now. For more info contact Kareisha Davis, at (954) 625-2566.

Fundraiser

The Broward County Supervisor of Elections Office would like to inform voters who live in the municipalities of Coconut Creek (District C), Deerfield Beach (Seats 3, 4, & Mayor), Hillsboro Beach (Questions Only), Lighthouse Point (Mayor), Miramar (Seats 1, 2, & 3), and Weston (Seat 3) municipal elections are scheduled to be held on March 14, 2017. Approximately 31,341 vote by mail ballots with prepaid return postage have been mailed out to voters in the respective six cities. Voters may request a ballot to be mailed until Wednesday, March 8, 2017. Voters will be able to cast their votes at the polls on Tuesday, March 14, 2017 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. All eligible voters are encouraged to vote on Election Day. The location of a voter’s precinct can be found on their Voter Information Card or by visiting the Elections website. Even though Early Voting will not be offered by the cities, eligible voters can request a vote by mail ballot by calling (954) 357-7055 or by placing a request online at: www.browardsoe.org. Anyone with questions or concerns regarding this election should contact the Main Office at (954) 357-7050.

Calling all Churches to Church Row!!! Relay for Life is the grassroot fundraiser for American Cancer Society, on Friday, May 19 -20, 2017 from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., Joseph C. Carter Park in Fort Lauderdale at 1450 W. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Carter Park – Relay for Life community bonds together and host an overnight event, full of music, food, and entertainment. For more info contact Rosalind Hankerson (954) 667-9025 Rosalind.CarterRelay@gmail.com 1. Dillard High School class of 1966 Monthly Meetings: Osswall Park, 2220 NW 21 Avenue, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Every 3rd Thursday of each month 7-8 p.m. Contact: Marvalyn M. Davis (954) 683-2303 2. Morris Brown College Miami-Dade/Broward Alumni Association Monthly Meetings: 1100 NW 95th Street, Miami, Fla., Room C, North Shore Medical Center Main Entrance. Every 3rd Saturday of each month 9:3011:00 AM. Contact: Robert Parsons (786) 356-4412.

DILLARD HIGH CLASS OF 1967 50 YEAR CLASS REUNION JUNE 1-4, 2017 FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA Pleading Our Own Cause STAYCONNECTED--www.thewestsidegazette.com (954) 525-1489

Touch Weekly Events

· FREE Fun Family Event Healthy is the New Hot on Saturday, March 4, 2017 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at John Mullin Park, 2000 N.W. 55 Ave., Lauderhill, Fla. Free lunch by Chef Vicky, music, giveaways, face painting, bounce house, Non-Profit fitness challenge, obstacle course challenge and FREE HIV testing. · Women Closing Gaps: Uniting Resources Gilda’s Club South Florida presents Touched By Cancer- Women Partnering with Women Series on Saturday, March 4, 2017 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Lauderdale Lakes Library Educational & Cultural Center. 3580 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Lauderdale Lakes, Fla. There will be a health fair, workshops, networking opportunities, and so much more! · Women Closing Gaps: Uniting Resources Gilda’s Club South Florida presents Touched By Cancer- Women Partnering with Women Series on Saturday, March 4, 2017 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Lauderdale Lakes Library Educational & Cultural Center. 3580 W. Oakland Park Boulevard, Lauderdale Lakes, Fla. There will be a health fair, workshops, networking · Join us as we clean Fort Lauderdale Beach on Saturday, March 11, 2017 from 7 to 11 a.m., at Fort Lauderdale Beach, 300 S. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Volunteers are needed and students will receive community service hours. Come for one hour or all four! · Oasis Project Dania Beach Improvement Community Clean-up, Saturday, March 18, 2017 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at The Dania Beach PATCH, 1201 W. Dania Beach Blvd., Dania Beach, Fla. To make an appointment contact Julie Macias at (954) 703-4536 x 822. · Join for a free, fun event providing developmental and behavioral screening for children 4 months to 5 years of age, Saturday, March 18, 2017 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Community Health Expo, Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, 5555 N. Fed. Hwy., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. To register now www.surveymonkey.com/ r/HMGBrowward. ·Let’s Go Biking! The Fourth Annual Broward MPO Let’s Go Biking event on Sunday, March 19, 2017 at 9 a.m., at Pompano Community Park 1900 N.E. 10 St., Pompano Beach, Fla. The event will feature a leisurely bike ride, bicycle safety activities, giveaways, music, free food, and more.

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MARCH 2 - MARCH 8, 2017 • PAGE 5

Westside Gazette

Wells Fargo commits to increase African American homeownership Goal to advance responsible homeownership includes $60 billion in lending to create a projected 250,000 homeowners in 10 years

Wells Fargo & Company, the leading U.S. home loan lender, announced a $60 billion lending commitment to create at least 250,000 African American homeowners by 2027. (Freddie Allen/AMG/NNPA)

ATLANTA—Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC), the leading U.S. home loan lender, today announced a $60 billion lending commitment to create at least 250,000 African American homeowners by 2027. The company’s commitment is a direct action to help address the lower homeownership rates in the African American community and follows Wells Fargo’s announcement to address Hispanic homeownership rates in 2015. Wells Fargo’s commitment seeks to: · Lend $60 billion to qualified African American consumers for home purchases by 2027, · Increase the diversity of the Wells Fargo Home Lending

Pr esident Trump signs e xecuti ve President ex ecutiv or der on HBCUs order HBCU presidents request $25 billion in aid from The White House

President Donald Trump meets with the presidents and chancellors from the nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities. (Lauren Victoria Burke/NNPA) By Lauren Victoria Burke (NNPA Newswire Contributor) President Trump signed an executive order to focus more attention on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) on Tuesday, February 28. Although HBCUs comprise just three percent of higher education institutions in the U.S., “HBCUs contributed 19 percent of the nearly 9 percent of all bachelor’s degrees in science and engineering awarded to Blacks in 2010,” according to American Institutes for Research (AIR). AIR also reported that “By 2010, approximately 33 percent of all Black students who earned bachelor’s degrees in mathematics and statistics attended HBCUs, and HBCUs produced nearly 37 percent of all Black undergraduates who received bachelor’s degrees in the physical sciences.” Every president since Jimmy Carter has issued an Executive Order establishing a White House Initiative on HBCUs. The order Trump signed will have a key difference: Trump’s order will move the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities, previously part of the Department of Education, into the White House. During the Obama Administration, the late Dr. George Cooper headed the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Cooper was seceded by Dr. Ivory Toldson, who left the post in June 2016 to lead the Quality Education for Minorities (QEM), a non-profit group in Washington, D.C. A February 27 photo-op with President Trump in the Oval Office and group “listening session” meeting with Vice President Michael Pence with over 60 HBCU presidents was the first meeting of its kind with HBCU presidents and chancellors in at least eight years. HBCU presidents, who are in Washington, D.C., this week, also have decided to request $25 billion from the Trump Administration to assist their schools. At a HBCU president’s reception on Monday night,

Grambling President Rick Gallot told the NNPA Newswire that the priorities of HBCUs are “spending on campus infrastructure and an increase in year around Pell Grants.” A senior White House Official in the Trump Administration briefed reporters on February 27 at the White House on moving the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities into the White House and assigning an executive director. The initiative on HBCUs, “lost track, because they didn’t have the full force of the White House behind them. This HBCU order will do that by repositioning the initiative in the White House,” the senior Trump Administration official said. The senior White House Official added that the administration wants HBCUs to serve as partners in the President’s urban agenda and that the administration also wants to increase the private sector’s role in supporting and strengthening their participation in federal programs. HBCUs did not fare well during the Obama Administration. In 2009, the Obama Administration failed to renew a two-year appropriation for HBCUs of $85 million a year. The money would later have to be restored by concerned Democrats who controlled Congress. HBCUs collectively lost over $300 million in grants and tuition after a bureaucratic level decision in 2011 enacted in Obama’s Department of Education made obtaining Parent PLUS loans much more difficult. As a result, 28,000 HBCU students were negatively impacted. In September 2013, President Barack Obama’s Education Secretary Arne Duncan apologized to HBCU leaders and advocates for the Parent PLUS loan decision. In 2012, Duncan proposed an end to a three-year implementation of summer Pell Grants. The elimination of summer Pell Grants is an issue HBCU presidents often say they’d like restored. Almost two-thirds of

African American undergraduate students receive Pell funding. In 2015, President Obama proposed two years of free community college without consulting HBCU advocates. Many of those advocates viewed the proposal as a threat to HBCUs. The proposal, which was never enacted by a Republican-controlled Congress, was later changed to include HBCUs. In early 2015, during a meeting with members of the Congressional Black Caucus, President Obama expressed what many members later told the NNPA Newswire was a lack of support for HBCUs. President Obama was critical of HBCU graduation rates and loan policies. In February 2015, President Obama’s own HBCU Board of Advisors Chair, Hampton University President Dr. William Harvey, was critical of the Obama Administration. “We are not consulted when it comes to policy changes and decisions impacting – in a major way – the institutions on whose behalf we are to advocate,” said Harvey. “It happened with Pell. It happened with Parent PLUS. And, now it is happening with the new community college initiative.” Regarding their visit to the White House on Monday, that included seeing President Trump and Vice President Pence, many HBCU presidents said they were happy to see HBCUs receiving attention within the first 100 days of Trump’s presidency, but they were cautiously optimistic. “There was very little listening to HBCU presidents today. We were only given about two minutes each, and that was cut to one minute, so only about seven of maybe 15 or so speakers were given an opportunity today,” wrote Dillard President Walter Kimbrough detailed in a column posted on Medium on the night of February 27. The HBCU presidents convened at the Library of Congress on Feb. 28, 2-1 an all day session with members of Congress.

sales team, and · Support the effort with $15 million to support a variety of initiatives that promote financial education and counseling over the next ten years. “Wells Fargo’s $60 billion lending goal can contribute to economic growth by making responsible homeownership possible for more African Americans in communities across the country,” said Brad Blackwell, executive vice president and head of housing policy and homeownership growth strategies for Wells Fargo. “We are proud to be the first mortgage lender to make a public commitment to help increase African American homeownership. And, we are grateful for the support of key housing and civil rights organizations, who work alongside us to increase economic prosperity in our communities.” According to the U.S. Census Bureau, by the year 2024, 75 percent of the expected 14 million new households (renters and owners) in the U.S. will be diverse. African Americans are projected to represent 17 percent, or the third largest segment, of the new households. Joining Wells Fargo in the effort are the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (composed of African American real estate professionals), which has also set a homeownership goal, and two of the nation’s most influential civil rights organizations, the NAACP and the National Urban League. The National Urban League provides homebuyer education and counseling through its network of affiliate offices across the country. “NAREB applauds Wells Fargo’s $60 billion loan commitment. The bank is the first financial institution to acknowledge publicly Black Americans’ wealth-building potential which could be greatly improved through homeownership,” said Ron Cooper, president, National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB). “NAREB welcomes their entry

into the struggle to close the ever-widening wealth gap for Black Americans, and looks forward to having Wells Fargo as a partner in NAREB’s ‘2 Million New Black Homeowners in 5 Years’ program. Let us all work together and grow this initiative which represents a solid and meaningful start for more Black Americans to become homeowners and wealth-builders.” The African American lending commitment is the second initiative from the company’s

Housing Policy and Homeownership Growth Strategies group, a Wells Fargo Home Lending team advancing homeownership for minorities, first-time homebuyers and lowto moderate-income customers. In 2015, the team announced an agreement with the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals to support their Hispanic Wealth Project. (Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

Chaka Khan still sparkling By Don Valentine The acclaimed queen of R&B displayed that she still has the effervescent talent to thrill an audience. At the grand age of 63, this diva performed her hits with more than competent grace. The nearly sold out crowd at the Adrienne Arsht Center this past Friday night got their money’s worth. A phenomenal tribute is that she has retained her vocal flair or all these years. It’s no secret to any fan that she enjoyed the “experimental libations” of the 70’s. Kudos go out to the staff at the Arsht Center. I have been to every venue in South Florida and I have to emphasize that the experience of seeing any show there is worth the extra “Dime”. The organization from the valet service to the head architect would not skimp on anything to make your experience elegant. Acoustically the design is pristine for a musical show. Most artist save their best two hits for the end of show. Chaka had hit after hit and easily filled up a 90 minute set. The eclectic, rainbow slanted crowd erupted over the crescendo anthem “I’m every woman” . Men and women were singing in unison with Chaka at this climactic moment.

CHAKA KHAN In 2002, Khan scored her eighth Grammy for a cover of Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On with the Funk Brothers. She penned her life story in 2003 with her autobiography “Chaka! Through The Fire” which detailed her years of substance abuse and lonely days touring without her children. Her demons continue to haunt her. She took a 14 minute exit from the stage for a choreographed break. The band played on doing instrumental improvisations, while they looked nervously to see if Chaka was ready to return. It was abundantly clear that she was not as coherent upon her return. Still, the crowd was effusive about the show. The atmosphere was frenetic all night long.

PAGE 6 • MARCH 2 - MARCH 8, 2017

Opinion Dear Editor, Did you know that the U.S.A. ranks 29th in the world for high school student math and science performance while Finland ranks 6th? The United States has a huge dilemma right now. We just aren’t producing enough kids who are proficient enough in math and science. We especially aren’t producing enough students of color who are interested in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). My name is Horace Buddoo and I am an African American educator who currently teaches high school mathematics in the Broward public school system. I have a great passion for education and teaching. I have an exciting opportunity to spend a week in Finland on an educational tour that will take a group of educators to Helsinki, Finland to study and observe the operations of various schools in their world renowned school system from April 8-15. We would visit comprehensive schools, primary schools, secondary schools, and spe-

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.

cialized schools. My goal is to immerse myself in the Finnish Educational system so that I can see in person what I have been reading about for years. I plan to share this knowledge in the form of workshops, presentations, blogs, podcasts, and professional development opportunities that would be easily accessible to educators and education stakeholders especially to the educators that teach in schools that support a high-needs population. I have always had a goal to impact education in a significant way. This opportunity will definitely help me to achieve that goal. However, I am in need of help for that goal. I am trying to raise a minimum of $5,280 to help defray the basic costs of the trip which would include: · Roundtrip ticket from Miami to Helsinki, Finland · Room and board in Helsinki, Finland for one week · Education materials provided by the sponsors of the trip · Transportation to various schools and education centers · Food for the week· · Professional development sessions · Other incidental Please help by donating and/or connecting me with potential donors to this cause. Any donation amount would be appreciated. You can go to gofundme.com/teacher-trip-tofinland to donate or mrbuddoo.com for more information. Although the trip is in April 2017, I would need the funds as soon as possible to secure my trip. . Please help me to make a positive impact on our education system by donating to my cause. Thank you in advance for helping me to transform the education one student, one teacher, and one school at a time. Horace Buddoo Math Teacher mrbuddoo.com

President Trump’s police state is based on hate By Roger Caldwell

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR GUIDELINES The Westside Gazette welcomes your letters. Letters must be signed with name clearly legible along with a phone number and complete address. No unsigned or anonymous letters will be considered for publication. The Westside Gazette reserves the right to edit letters. The letters should be 500 words or less.

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President Trump has campaigned for dramatic change in the enforcement of the rule of law in America. He and his team have decided that his executive orders will dictate the laws in the land. In one month, he has signed 24 executive orders, and they are attempts to make major changes in U.S. law. The content of these executive orders indicates a lack of respect for civil rights and the Constitution of the United States. During the week of February 3rd, ICE (Immigrant and Customs Enforcement) officers arrested 600 undocumented immigrants. Many of these immigrants had minor violations dating back several years, and there is no distinction between felonies and misdemeanors. Under Trump’s executive order, he authorized The Department of Homeland Security to hire an additional 10,000 agents. At this point, this is a very vague order, and immigrants as well as U.S. citizens have been stopped and questioned by ICE. “The potential for a police state is clear. There is no limit to what immigration cops could do. Under the order, they would be able to deport anyone convicted of fraud in any official matter before a governmental agency. Or unauthorized immigrants who have abused any program related to receipt of public benefits” said Bill Boyarsky of the Truth-Dig. As President Trump puts pressure on local police officers and sheriff deputies to work with immigration cops, things are starting to get crazy. ICE agents can use their own judgment to enforce this order, and they almost have unlimited power. During the February 3rd week of ICE agents’ raids, the targeted group was the Latino community, but inside the Trump administration, there is also a war on Islam. “It’s scary to me that people [within the administration] have this idea of, ’We are at war with Islam.’ That’s the kind of thinking that leads to World War III. I don’t think we can be alarmed enough,” says Ms. Cat Deakins, a cinematographer in Los Angeles. Blacks in the inner-city have always lived in a police state, so there will not be a major change in their environment. But President Trump wants law enforcement to become tougher and more repressive. In the 1980s, Trump took out a newspaper ad in response to the Central Park Five case, headlined “Bring Back the Death Penalty, Bring Back Our Police.” (Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

Why teenagers shoot Imagine, as a parent of a teenager, you go to sleep, wake up the next day, and before 12 noon you are the parent of a teenage shooter. There is no more peace in the valley. You are living the nightmare. Others, upon first hearing news of the shooting tragedy, are upset, in shock, and angry. Many have no children. They could only imagine how a parent might have felt upon hearing the horrific news. Nevertheless, being a parent is not a prerequisite to feel strong emotion when children are suspected shooters. Nor, is being a parent a prerequisite of wanting to know why teenage children become shooters. The only prerequisite is having a conscious. Why teenagers become shooters is not a mystery. Teenagers become shooters by the same process which they become politicians, doctors, lawyers, and mechanics. They are conceived, born, and influenced by adults and their environment. Conception is the genesis of life. Once upon a time, the shooter’s parents followed the path of reproduction. It began with lust, passion, and then conception. The mother hoped as she shared the news of her pregnancy, the father would receive it with pride and joy. Unfortunately, hope is not reality. There was no pride or joy. Just remorse, like the kind felt after a drunken one night stand. Remorseful parents raise children who feel unloved and unwanted, then lash out and commit cold-blooded acts of violence. Sadly, too many pregnancy “mistakes” are birthed into a cauldron of hate and violence called society. That is why men and women must think with their brains, not the genitals before intimacy. The conception “mistake” happens when reason is overruled by lust. Then, over time the unloved, unwanted “mistake” may transform into a hate filled shooter. Too often in America, the genitals

Trump Mass Deportation a Sham By Kevin Palmer President Donald Trump’s mass deportation crusade against undocumented immigrants is a well-orchestrated sham. If Native Americans are not complaining about undocumented immigrants, then immigration is not the problem. The United States of America was founded by undocumented, European immigrants who imposed themselves on the North American continent occupied by various Indian tribes. Therefore, immigrant deportation is a fake issue promoted to cover up the real issue of acquiring more power. That is why Trump became the deportation Wizard of Oz who had to pacify the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion who represent his brainless, heartless, and cowardly supporters. Dorothy and her pet dog Toto represent Trump’s emotion-driven, lapdog cabinet of advisors. As is the case with lapdogs, so it is with presidential advisors. Tail wagging is expected; disobedience will not be tolerated. There can be no disloyal players when it comes to acquiring more power and hoodwinking an angry American electorate. Moreover, in the book, A People’s History of the United States, 1492 – Present, author Howard Zinn accurately described the present Trump mass deportation sham. In quoting H.L. Mencken, the acerbic social critic of the 1920s, Zinn wrote, “The whole aim of practical politics is to keep the populace alarmed by menacing it with an endless series of hobgoblins, all of them imaginary.” In 2017, undocumented immigrants are the menacing hobgoblins. In addition, Zinn went on to say, “By turning attention to them, by inventing or exaggerating their dangers, the failures of the American system could be concealed.” Furthermore, Zinn concluded, “Immigrants were a convenient object of attack, because as nonvoters their interests could be safely ignored. It was easy for politicians to play upon the xenophobia that erupted from time to time in American history.” Just as in the Wizard of Oz movie, the fearful dupes were told to focus on the imaginary monster and ignore the lever pulling white man behind the curtain.

have the upper hand in the decision making process. When lust has overruled reason, a child is conceived in heated passion. Months later, a child is born in joyous pain. Then, it is hoped a house of love follows the joyous pain. Unfortunately, too many children are raised in a house of pain and torment. Regrettably, tormented children grow up to torment others. They lash out in violence, like the white school shooter or the Black gang banger. Obviously, something sinister has happened in between the birth and the heinous act of violence. In the beginning, the child was born with a pure heart and mind. Neither heart nor mind was filled with hatred or a desire to kill. Nor, is the child genetically programmed to worship and use firearms.

Congress must investigate Trump’s potential Russian ties Rep. Bennie Thompson says that the American people deserve to know the full extent of Russia’s financial, personal and political strings attached to President Trump and this administration. By Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-Miss.) The endurance of our nation’s security, sovereignty, and democracy is not a partisan issue. This is a top concern for all Americans and should be a top priority for the leaders that we send to Washington, whether Democrat or Republican. As elected officials, my colleagues and I swore to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic. We, therefore, have a responsibility to do our due diligence in investigating Russian interference, and potential influence, into our democratic elections and the potential Russian ongoing connections within this current presidential administration. Despite all of the evidence gathered thus far – evidence that has led all 17 of the U.S. intelligence agencies to conclude with confidence that the Russians had indeed interfered in the past election, – the current administration seems unable or unwilling to put its full weight behind a full and proper investigation that seems necessary to the American people. In the face of evidence that campaign and administration officials seem to have had relationships with Russian officials, the president cannot simply move on from this issue. In fact, the resignation of National Security Advisor Michael Flynn this month seems to provide us with more questions than answers. The potential conflicts between the Trump Administration and its apparent ties to Russia seem numerous. The president has refused to release his tax returns – a move not seen from any other modern major party candidate – leaving questions unanswered as to potential Russian business ties and conflicts of interest that President Trump was all too happy to gloat about in years past. The president is unable to criticize Russia and its dictator-like leader Vladimir Putin, but, instead, praises him and prefers him to President Obama. (Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

The Gantt Report Feeding the homeless By Lucius Gantt I’m probably paraphrasing a bit but Malcolm X once said something like, “A man can’t sit at the dinner table with an empty plate, watch everybody eat like a pig and call himself a diner”! In an economic sense, ever since the first person of African descent stepped off of a slave ship and set foot on an American shore, Black people have never been properly fed! We have worked and didn’t get paid. We have contributed and didn’t get recognized. We have supported and we ended up getting used and ignored! There is no society in the world that is more capitalistic than the American society. According the “The Last Poets”, “Selfish desires are burning like fires among those who horde the gold and they continue to keep the people asleep and the truth from being told”! It is not so much, if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em ; it is more of if you can’t kill them, trick them! Many of the people in the hood that don’t die a natural, physical death will surely die an economic death if they don’t ever learn that in a capitalist society, capital is the primary motivating factor. Today, news reports indicate Negro scholars are as happy as a hog in a sloppy pig pen because that great genius Amarosa, a boot-licker for Trumpty Dumbty, has recommended a make American great plan to take HBCUs out of the federal Department of Education and create an office for them in the white supremacist controlled White House. (Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

Navient charged student borrowers too much, says CFPB Charlene Crowell says that from January 2010 to March 2015, CFPB estimates that Navient’s practices cost borrowers up to $4 billion in extra interest by repeatedly enrolling borrowers in forbearance. By Charlene Crowell (NNPA Newswire Columnist) The financial futures of more than 12 million federal and private student loan borrowers who collectively owe approximately $300 billion is at the crux of a lawsuit filed by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). CFPB is suing Navient Corporation and two of its subsidiaries for using shortcuts and deception to illegally cheat borrowers out of their rights to lower loan repayments. Illegal loan servicing failures caused more than one-in-four borrowers to pay more than they should have. A CFPB investigation of Navient, the nation’s largest student loan servicer of both private and federal student loans, found that borrowers were not accessing a federal student loan repayment option that has been in effect since 2009. For eligible borrowers, income-based repayment can lower monthly borrower payments by taking into account income and family size. Depending upon individual borrower circumstances, payments could be reduced to even zero, and loan forgiveness apply after 20 or 25 years of regular monthly payments. (Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

Why is President Trump’s only Senior Black Staffer a Democrat? Raynard Jackson says that Omarosa Manigault is the wrong person for the job. By Raynard Jackson (NNPA Newswire Columnist) Republicans haven’t shown any serious efforts of making Blacks an integral part of their party since the Nixon Administration of the 60s and 70s. As former Nixon speechwriter, Pat Buchanan stated in one of his columns, “In 1956, as vice president, Nixon went to Harlem to declare, “America can’t afford the cost of segregation.” The following year, Nixon got a personal letter from Dr. King thanking him for helping to persuade the Senate to pass the Civil Rights Act of 1957. Nixon supported the Civil Rights Acts of 1964, 1965, and 1968. During Nixon’s presidency, the civil

rights enforcement budget rose 800 percent. Record numbers of Blacks were appointed to federal office. An Office of Minority Business Enterprise was created. SBA loans to minorities soared 1,000 percent. Aid to Black colleges doubled.” Nixon surrounded himself with “credible” Blacks like Bob Brown and baseball legend, Jackie Robinson. President Trump seems to be satisfied with surrounding himself with Black Democrats like Omarosa Manigault, who have absolutely no standing in the Black community, nor any institutional knowledge of Black Republicans or the Republican Party. President Trump, would you hire a carpenter to do electrical work on one of your development projects? Would you ask NBA legend Michael Jordan to diagnose your sick child’s medical condition? Would you ask your chauffer to pilot your plane? (Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

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BUSINESS

MARCH 2 - MARCH 8, 2017 • PAGE 7

Westside Gazette

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So many students have been privileged to complete their college education courtesy of Pell Grants, which are funds provided by the federal government to those who’re actually in need. Unlike student loans, beneficiaries of Pell Grant aren’t required to pay back. Pell Grants have been referred to as “the cornerstone of African American higher education.” According to a 2011 study report by Mark Kantrowitz, a nationally reputable expert on student financial aid, scholarships, and student loans, the portion of Pell Grants channeled to Black students stood at 46.3%. The grant got its name from Democratic Sen. Claiborne Pell from Rhode Island, who was the chief sponsor of the revolutionary program. The program was developed and promoted by Lois Dickson Rice, a daughter of Jamaican immigrants. Not so many people know about Rice and her great achievements. If you read her obituary in the New York Times, you’ll learn so much about some of her extraordinary accomplishments. When Rice died, Pell’s grandson Clay Pell IV, who formerly served as deputy assistant secretary of Education, said, “This program was not inevitable, and it would not have come into existence without her, nor survived in the decades since without her passionate advocacy.” Knowing

about the great things Rice achieved shows, without any twinge of doubt, that she’s among Black history’s hidden figures. Rice, an accomplished businesswoman, realized such achievements at a time when such feats were rare, more so for Black people, worse still for Black women. She served in several companies as the board director, including McGrawHill and Firestone. Rice also served with Control Data Corporation as a senior vice president and would in 1959 join the College Board. It’s during her tenure at the College Board that she fronted the idea of Pell Grant, further helping to develop the program to an implementable degree, a program that would later work to help millions of students from low-income families to get a college education. Looking at her achievements, Rice definitely deserves an honored place in the echelons of African American respected figures. She deserves this, not only because of her personal achievements, but also for the Pell Grant program that has worked to open educational doors for many African Americans. With this being Black History Month, there is no better way to honor her than to give her notable mentions whenever we’re talking about people who’ve tremendously contributed to the betterment of the lives of Black people.

PAGE 8 • MARCH 2 - MARCH 8, 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

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"

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

ORDER OF SERVICES Sunday Worship ........................................................ 7:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. Sunday School ....................................................................................................... 9:30 a.m. Tuesday (Bible Study) ......................................................................................... 6:45 p.m. Wednesday (Bible Study) ............................................................................... 10:45 a.m.

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

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

Dr. Marcus D. Davidson, Senior Pastor WORSHIP SERVICES & BIBLE STUDY Sunday .................................................... 7:15 a.m. 9:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. Sunday School ............................................................................ 10:00 a.m. Wednesday Noonday Service .................................. 12:00-12:30 p.m. Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting ............................................ 6:30 p.m. Wednesday Night Bible Study ................................................... 7:00 p.m. Where the kingdom of God is increased through Fellowship. Leadership, Ownership and Worship F.L.O.W. To Greatness!

Obituaries James C. Boyd Funeral Home Harris Chapel United Methodist Church 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 Reverend Henry E. Green, Jr., Pastor 401 N.W. 7th Terrace, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 Phone: (954) 463-6309 FAX 954 522-4113 Office Hours: Tuesday - Friday 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Email infor@mthermonftl.com

SUNDAY CHURCH SERVICES Worship Service ..................................................................... 7:30 & 10:30 a.m. Fifth Sunday ONLY .................................................................................... 10 a.m. Church School ........................................................................................ 9:15 a.m. BIBLE STUDY: Wednesday ....................................................................... 10 a.m. Gems & Jewels Ministry Senior Wednesday Wednesday (Bible Study) .................................................... 12 Noon & 7 - 8 p.m. Daily Prayer Line ...................................................................................... 6 a.m. (712)432-1500 Access Code296233#

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

Dr. James B. Darling, Jr., Pastor/Teacher WORSHIP SERVICES Worship Service ............................................................................................................ 10:15 a.m. Sunday School ................................................................................................................ 9:00 a.m. Communion Service (1st Sunday) ........................................................................... 10:15 a.m. Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting ........................................................................... 6:30 p.m. Wednesday Night Bible Study ................................................................................... 7:00 p.m. Saturday (2nd & 4th) Christian Growth & Orientation ................................... 8:30 a.m. 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

Rev. George A. Hardy, Pastor SERVICES 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 1-573-333-1520 Then 1-605-475-3220 - Acess Code 1983493) Oakland Park CDC (Senior Activity Center) Daily ............10 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.

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Westside Gazette

HOUSTON Funeral services for the late Shawn Kenneth Houston, Jr. 24 were held Feb. 25 at James C. Boyd’s Memorial Chapel with Min. Gary McClinton officiating. KAIGLER Funeral services for the late Michael Dion Kaigler, Sr. – 49 were held Feb. 25 at First Baptist Church Piney Grove with Rev. Dr. Jimmie L. Williams officiating. Interment: South Florida National Cemetery, Lake Worth, Fla. SELONDIEU Funeral services for the late Rosemonde Selondieu - 59 were held Feb. 26 at Sinai French Seventh-day Adventist Church with Dr. Johnson C’esar officiating. Interment: Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens (Central).

McWhite's Funeral Home FOX Funeral services for the late Alexander Fox – 73 were held Feb. 24 at McWhite’s Funeral Home Chapel. Interment: South Florida National Cemetery, Lake Worth, Fla. MYERS Funeral services for the late Leonard B. Myers, Jr. - 38 were held Feb.25 at Mount Bethel Baptist Church with Bishop C.E. Glover officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

SOLOMON Funeral services for the late Alicia Solomon - 54 were held Feb.25 at McWhite’s Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Anthony Yorke officiating. Interment: Hillcrest Cemetery, West Palm Beach, Fla. STONE Funeral services for the late Rosa Walton Stone -69 were held Feb.25 at McWhite’s Funeral Home Chapel. Interment: Forest Lawn Central.

Roy Mizell & Kurtz Funeral Home HANKERSON Funeral services for the late Elijah Hankerson, Jr., - 29 were held Feb. 25 at Roy Mizell & Kurtz Worship Center with Rev. W.J. Gaskins officiating. MOBLEY Funeral services for the late Edith Doe-Mobley - 87 were held Feb. 25 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church with Pastor Thomas S. Hachett officiating. THOMAS Funeral services for the late Essie Mae Thomas - 92 were held Feb. 25 at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church with Dr. James B. Darling, Jr., officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Kids Talk About God

How can I Glorify God? “I can give all my clothes to charity. Well, at least the ones that don’t fit me,” says Kelsey, 10. Yes, please do keep some clothes for yourself, Kelsey, although that would be a great excuse for staying home from school. “I should stop fighting with my sister, because fewer people would get hurt,” says Kalle, 10. I’m assuming one of those fewer people getting hurt would be your sister. Kalle, you might also find more peace in your life. “I should stop aggravating my sister, because she gives everyone a headache when she screams,” says Trent, 11. “It would bring glory to God if for once I could find my homework,” says Whitney, 11. Every kid knows that it helps to have a big, hungry dog at home when you can’t find your homework. The only problem is that

every teacher knows that dogs don’t eat paper. One of the little-noticed details of Jesus” resurrection is the folded handkerchief that he left behind in the empty tomb. For those of us who are not so organized, it’s hard to imagine that folding the handkerchief that had been around Jesus” head may have been one of the first acts he performed after rising from the dead. (John 20:7) One of the attributes that characterizes a Christ-centered life is simplicity, and that means organization. It’s the God-inspired ability to cut through the confusion of this world and to focus on that which is truly important. More than cutting through confusion, you will probably have to push it away. (Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

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

Rev. Cal Hopkins. M.Div) Senior Pastor/Teacher

The WITNESS of “The WILL” Sunday Worship Experiences ................................................................ 7:45 and 11:00 a.m. Sunday School ................................................................................................................. 9:30 a.m. Tuesday Night Triumph {Prayer, Praise and Power} Prayer Meeting ................................................................................................................ 7:00 p.m. Bible Study ........................................................................................................................ 7:30 p.m. We STRIVE to PROVIDE Ministries that matter TODAY to Whole Body of Christ, not only the Believers, but also for those stranded on the “Jericho Road”! “Celebrating over 85 Years of FAITH and FAVOR! Come to the WILL ... We’ll show You the WAY: Jesus the Christ!”

Q & A: What Does Reverend Deal Say?

‘Lent is six weeks of self-discipline’ Question: What is the meaning of Lent? Can it be found in the Bible? Answer: Lent is a season that consists of 40 days. The counting of forty days does not include Sundays. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday (March 1, 2017) and ends on Thursday (April 13, 2017). Easter Sunday follows the end of the Lent period. Lent is a time to reflect on your relationship with God. During this period fasting should be your paramount goal. This is the time when Christians refrain from the desires that keeps them in physical bondage. Some give up smoking, drinking, television, and other negative habits that are contrary to the word of God. One should have a mindset of abstinence. Lent is a period of preparation for the resurrection of Jesus Christ: Easter Sunday. Lent is not found in the Bible. Ash Wednesday can’t be found as well. The interpretation of what Lent stands for can be seen throughout Scripture. The number 40 (days or nights) appears often in the Bible. God caused it to rain 40 days and 40 nights (Genesis 7:12); Moses fled to Midian for 40 years (Acts 7:29-30); Goliath taunted Saul’s army for 40 days (1 Samuel 17:16); When Elijah ran from Jezebel, he traveled 40 days and 40 nights (1 Kings 19:8) and in the New Testament Jesus was tempted 40 days and 40 nights (Mt 4:2); and there were 40 days between Jesus' resurrection and ascension (Acts 1:3). Just remember that to receive favor from Jesus will require more than to give up your desires for 40 days. As a matter of fact, there is nothing we can give or do to earn favor from God. God gave all a free gift from the goodness of His grace and mercy. And this gift is the salvation received through His Son Jesus. Reverend Deal is the senior pastor at Every Christian Church in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Rev Deal can be reached in care of the spiritual editor at the Westside Gazette, 545 NW Seventh Terrace, Fort Lauderdale, Fla, 33311, or email atdavid.deal55@gmail.com

Marie Saulsby retires from the choir after 67 years of singing to the Glory of God By Janice Hayes Rose Marie Saulsby began singing in the Mount Olive Baptist Church choir in 1950 under the pastorate of Rev. Robert H. Lee. Her euphonious and soulful voice reverberated at heavenly heights throughout the sanctuary. She is known for her sweet and humble demeanor and her soul-stirring renditions of great gospel songs like “Shine on me.” Mrs. Saulsby is the oldest active choir member at New Mount Olive Baptist Church under the pastorate of Dr. Marcus D. Davidson. “I served under Rev. Lee, Rev. Weaver, Dr. Carter and now Dr. Davidson. Pastor Davidson is a humble young man, but he can preach and sing. I love to hear him sing. I especially love the way he sings old school gospel songs in his own contemporary style,” said Mrs. Saulsby. On June 14, 2017, Mrs. Saulsby will celebrate her 90th birthday. Due to age related health issues, she reluctantly decided to retire from the choir. Over the last 67 years, she has served in Choir number one, the Anthem Choir and the Voices of Mount Olive choir. Sunday, March 5, 2017 will be her last time singing with the Voices of Mount Olive choir, but she will continue to serve

at funerals and on special occasions. She also works as an attendant at McWhite’s Funeral Home, providing comfort and support to families during their time of bereavement. Through her spiritually enriched musical gifts and powerful execution, Mrs. Saulsby could move the congregation from sanctuary silence to an explosion of emotions. Some of her most beloved gospel songs included, “Yes, God is Real,” “When the Saints go Marching in,” and “He’s Already Done What He Said He Would Do.” Her voice was unmistakably rich and majestic because she knew she was singing to a king, King Jesus. Mrs. Saulsby’s melodious voice will be missed, but it will echo into perpetuity in the annals of gospel music. Mrs. Saulsby is the mother of five children: Annie Clark, Ethelyn Newsome, Quinnella Caldwell, Lorenzo Saulsby and Stanley Saulsby. She also has eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Correction In the February 23-March 1, 2017 Edition of the Westside Gazette, Daisy M. Garvin Brown's name was mispelled and her age was incorrect. She was 93. Roy Mizell & Kurtz Funeral Home was in charged.

www.thewestsidegazette.com

MARCH 2 - MARCH 8, 2107 â&#x20AC;˘ PAGE 9

Westside Gazette

Motownâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hit maker Smokey Robinson comes to the Broward Center for The Performing Arts

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FORT LAUDERDALE, FL â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice â&#x20AC;&#x201C; once on his own and again as the lead member of the Miracles â&#x20AC;&#x201C; legendary singer-songwriter Smokey Robinson comes to the Au-Rene Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts on Tuesday, March 7 at 8 p.m. The concert has been generously underwritten by Daniel Baker and Gladys Taggart. Robinsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s smooth tenor voice, impeccable timing and high energy have powered such hits as Cruisin, Just to See Her, The Tracks of My Tears, The Tears of a Clown and I Second That Emotion.

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. March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 2017

HELP WANTED Mock Jurors $ $ Earn $12 Per Hour $ $ Spend 6-10 hrs on a given wkday night, wkday or wkend serving as a juror in a mock trial to evaluate settlement of an actual court case. If you have a valid FL DL or State I.D.,a U.S. Citizen, and eligible to vote, enroll with us on: SIGNUPDIRECT.COM (please fill out on line form completely for consideration) or only if you do not have access to a computer Call: 1-800-544-5798. (On-line sign up preferred). *****Mock Trials will be held in Lake Worth.

In the years between 1960 and 1971, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles had more than 25 hits on the charts including Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve Really Got a Hold on Me, Going to a Go-Go and Ooo Baby Baby. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame noted, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Save for founder Berry Gordy, no single figure has been more closely allied with the Detroit-based recording empire known as Motown than William â&#x20AC;&#x153;Smokeyâ&#x20AC;? Robinson. Robinson also wrote and produced many of Motownâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s other hits including Ainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t That Peculiar, My Guy, The Way You Do the Things You Do and My Girl. He received the 2016 Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song and the 2009 Rhythm & Soul Heritage Award from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. Another Detroit music icon, Aretha Franklin, introduced Robinson when he was inducted into the Kennedy Center Honors saying â&#x20AC;&#x153;Smokey is definitely one of the best: anytime, anywhere, any place.â&#x20AC;? Tickets are $39â&#x20AC;&#x201C;$110 with $129 Latam Airlines Club Level tickets. Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of the Broward Center, Parker Playhouse and affiliated venues. Buy tickets online at BrowardCenter.org or Ticketmaster.com; by phone at (954) 462-0222; in person at Ticketmaster outlets or the Broward Centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s AutoNation Box Office. Know who you are buying from when you purchase tickets. We cannot provide refunds or customer service for tickets purchased from unauthorized sites, brokers or secondary ticket sellers. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is located in the Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District at 201 S.W. Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale.

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GEMINI-Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not always what you know, or even who you know that paves the road to success. Sometimes itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just being in the right place at the right time that counts. Be prepared to answer when opportunity knocks this week. Accept your good fortune graciously, and share it with others. I go within myself to find a place of calm where I can rest. 17, 24, 57 CANCER-In our society looks sometimes matter more than they should, but that is not to say looks donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t matter at all. Presentation is important, keep that in mind as you walk through life. This week take a few extra moments to make sure that your physical self is as attractive as it can be. You will see a bigger than usual change not only in the way others feel about you but in the way you feel about yourself. When things get strange I find peace in the ordinary. 1, 3, 45

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LIBRA-Responsibilities at home keep you from traveling. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all for the best. Outside ambitions can wait. Keep your spirit light! Look for love in the right places. Possibilities for love increase at home. The tendency to overreact at school or work is strong. Guard against it. My creative ideas are my greatest treasures. 32, 40, 34 SCORPIO-Flexibility and cooperation are the words for this week. Driving a hard bargain will create an impossible barrier. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great week for fun! Give in to it. Flow. Give in to the party mood but donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget school or work. Remembering to forgive and forget is especially important this week. Moving slowly might be the fastest way for me to get there. 5, 46, 49 SAGITTARIUS-There is a lot on your plate. Be methodical about taking care of it. Get kids involved in something fun and educational. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a good time for it. Save time for romance. Visit a favorite restaurant. Appetites must be fed in a healthy way. I seek the lighthearted flavor of love. 14, 52, 53

CAPRICORN-Make some plans regarding long-range financial security. Your present frame of mind is good for that. Someone you flirted with wants to be your companion. Give the universe a chance to bring love into your life by being a welcoming soul. I give and the universe gives back to me. 23, 41, 49

AQUARIUS-A practical solution is at hand to one of your inventions. Give yourself some space to allow the answer to come to you. Any repetitive task, such as weeding the garden LEO-A family treat is in store for you if you play your cards right. or washing the dishes or car, will be conducive to your receiving Family members are ready to praise you for your accomplishments the solution. Things are working together for my good. 16, 32, if you approach them with modesty. Give yourself time for romantic 67

encounters. The romantic vibe is high. I keep my true purpose ever before my eyes. 23, 46, 78 PISCES-You may feel an internal pressure towards responVIRGO-Ask the friend who comes calling to tell you about the sibility this week. Go with the flow and this week will be like a gift. moneymaking idea that is on his or her mind. The two of you would Judging others will bring harsh judgments on you. Let your words be good together. Have a private chat with a family member. Make assist others in becoming more self-responsible. You are a good keeping secrets your specialty. Events bring stress but youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re cool. teacher of right actions. I slow down and find the success that has I find joy in the simple pleasures of the week. 21, 39, 55 been following me. 19, 23, 46

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ARIES-Allow yourself to live your dream this week. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t second guess your instincts or desires and you will find you are already the person who you always knew you could be. Be courageous as you set forth to fulfill your goals. If doubt knocks, lock the doors and windows of your heart. I make sure people understand that I am on their side this week. 2, 12,22 TAURUS-Trust your special knowledge of yourself and the universe and use that knowledge as a guide this week. Not everyone will trust in you know to be true. Do not let their lack of faith shake your belief in yourself. Knowledge of external processes is not nearly so important as knowledge of yourself this week. Doing good this week is the key to feeling good. 9, 19, 26

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PAGE 10 • MARCH 2 - MARCH 8, 2017

Westside Gazette

When it comes to education, we must be strong and courageous for our children By Reverend Sam Casey (Founder and Executive Director, COPE) “Be strong and courageous.” The counsel comes from Joshua 1:9, one of my favorite Bible verses, and is also a piece of advice I often give members of my congregation to encourage them to be bold in the face of fear, uncertainty and opportunity. As I look ahead to this new year, I find myself reflecting on this very verse. While there are many uncertainties in the year ahead — possibly even some fears — I am fired up about the opportunity we have in San Bernardino to be strong and courageous advocates for our children’s education. Over the next few months, California will finalize a new state plan to align its K-12 education system with the requirements of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). ESSA is the bipartisan federal education law that will replace No Child Left Behind (NCLB). But unlike NCLB, ESSA pro-

vides communities like San Bernardino and its stakeholders — our parents, teachers, school board members and education leaders — the opportunity to provide input on the new law and have our voices heard on what our students need to be successful. Our voice matters now. And we know that far too many of our students here in San Bernardino County aren’t getting a quality education; only 38 percent of students are on grade level in English Language Arts; in math, only 28 percent. Our children deserve better than a school system that doesn’t put them on track for success after high school, if they even make it to graduation. You don’t have to be a policy expert to know our kids deserve better, and as the founder and executive director of Congregations Organized for Prophetic Engagement (COPE), I strongly believe that ESSA will help our ongoing work to inform, engage and, most importantly, empower parents in our community to be advocates for

our students and our schools. At COPE, we believe that the success of San Bernardino’s kids is critical to the health of our community. We have been at the forefront of the push for the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF); for positive school climate through discipline reform; for rigorous Common Core standards and Linked Learning instructional approaches that prepare students for the 21st century; and now for strong community participation in the implementation of ESSA. We’ve already seen that our collective electoral power can help pass important legislation for our students — like Pro-position 55, that continues to restore education funding in California, and Proposition 58, that puts language immersion programs back into our districts. Now, it’s our responsibility to ensure that California’s new state education plan works for all of our students. For the principles of equity at the heart of the nation’s new education law to remain front and center here in San Bernardino and our neighboring communities, the demand must be loud and clear

School Board Member Dr. Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall honored Zoe Terry of Zoe’s Dolls and female community leaders for Women’s History Month in March 2017

Rev. Casey says that our children deserve a school system that places them on track for success after high school. (about.me/PastorSamuel) for our schools and districts to be held responsible for providing our students and teachers with the supports and resources needed to reach their potential. Recently, leaders from COPE joined several statewide allies to provide testimony be-fore the California state Board of Education on our state’s ESSA plan. Over the coming months, COPE will continue to work with our community partners to provide feedback on how ESSA should be im-plemented to best serve students in our community, as well as helping community members become informed activists on this important new law. At various times in our lives, we are called on to be strong and courageous. This is one of those times. ESSA is our chance for everyone to lend a hand to making sure that all of our students on a path to success in the next grade level, and beyond high school. Let’s not squander this opportunity.

Louisville native gives back to the Black community (Cont'd from FP)

L to r: Principal Marchel Woods, Dr. Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall, and Zoe Terry with students from Touissant L’Ouverture Elementary School.

School Board Member Dr. Bendross-Mindingall honored Zoe Terry of Zoe’s Dolls and women leaders in the community at the Wednesday, February 15th School Board Meeting. (Photos credit M-DCPS District 2 Office) Submitted Dr. Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall As proposed by Dr. Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall, the Miami-Dade School Board honored Zoe Terry of Zoe’s Dolls and female leaders in the community at yesterday’s regular Board meeting. Zoe Terry is a 10-year “girlpreneur” who is the CEO of her non-profit organization, Zoe’s Dolls. Since age 5, Zoe has donated over $20,000 worth of dolls to brown girls in multiple

cities in the U.S. and in some African countries. Recognition of Women’s History Month continues to become increasingly widespread, nationally and throughout the world, as the vital roles of women and their important contributions are emerging. It is for that reason that throughout the school year, students in MiamiDade County Public Schools study the many contributions of women, how they have impacted history, and their relevance to today’s society. Select

curriculum materials will be distributed to all schools to enlighten students about women’s contributions to our community, state, and nation. “I want to thank Zoe Terry for empowering young brown girls and giving them toys that they might not have been otherwise able to receive. I would also like to thank women leaders within the community for helping me honor March 2017 as Women’s History month,“ said Dr. Bendross-Mindingall.

An independent film and music career followed and Powell quickly left his mark. Powell brought the Dallasbased rap artists Dirty South Rydaz to the attention of executives at Universal Records and scored one of the most lucrative deals in history — a six-album, $7 million deal. According to Powell, it was the biggest contract ever in Texas, where Powell established T-Town Music. “I think only ‘Cash Money’ has a bigger deal,” Powell said. While working for the powerful, Los Angeles-based management company The Firm, Inc., Powell put Korn, a popular metal band, on BET and appeared on morning shows with the Backstreet Boys. However, despite the success, Powell said his roots kept tugging at him. “My mother was an educator and she told me to see the world in a more diverse setting,” said Powell, who was this year’s recipient of Arizona’s Martin Luther King Jr. Award. “Growing up in an African American neigh-borhood and having served in Desert Storm and having play-ed basketball in the Army and in college, really helped to motivate me to see the world different.” Powell continued: “I’ve seen the things that I did growing up, and I knew that I could make a difference… that the principals of giving back and trying to do the right thing were always present.” (Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

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Will the Historic Sistrunk Corridor (Community) be given a Trojan Horse (Con't from FP) The building is named after Dr. Von D. Mizell, one of the physicians along with Dr. James Sistrunk, who founded Provident Hospital. Provident Hospital was the facility for Blacks when Fort Lauderdale’s Broward General Hospital would not provide medical treatment to its Black residents. The hospital was later transformed and repurposed to be the community’s non-profit hub and meeting place for various community organizations and events. This building has double historic value as it has served as a prominent and necessary structure in the community through two generations of its residents. Unfortunately the facility has been neglected and although money has been set aside to restore it, it is now under consideration to be torn down to allow the YMCA, which also has a neglected facility in the community, to rebuild on the Mizell Center site. The City Commission adopted by unanimous vote a resolution to accept the Urban Land Institute TAP Report to create a socially and economically vibrant Sistrunk Boulevard Corridor at the October 6, 2015 commission meeting. This was done almost two years ago, yet not one of the key recommendations for the CRA to convene a capital summit to increase access to capital for redevelopment has been enacted. There is no opposition for redevelopment; the opposition is to what the redevelopment should look like. The majority of the community would like the YMCA to rebuild their facility at the location they currently own, which is in the heart of a community that has supported it from its inception. It is true that from the looks of it, very little money has gone into the upkeep and enhancement of the current facility over the years, and yet the use of the facility has its loyal senior citizen members and is growing. We asked the questions: *What funds raised from the annual MLK Breakfast are spent on the LA Lee Branch YMCA? *Was not this event started by the local branch for raising funds – why did corporate take it over? *What programs has the YMCA had for children over the past 25 years (excluding any programs that were started in the last two years)? *Do we want our children and seniors from the neighborhood trying to cross Sistrunk Blvd - or would it be safer to keep the facility nestled within the community? If zoning issues are of concern for rebuilding on current site – the community can support the YMCA with requesting a zoning variance – zoning variances are granted all the time. The community wants unity, fair play, and a seat at the table before plans are made to have our history erased. Why should the city allow a private organization to tear down our historic structure for a $1.00 a year? What will the YMCA do with the land they own if they relocate? What other requests or proposals for use of the Mizell building has the CRA and/or city staff received. Why were plans to advance this project made with a very small body for community input? What happen to the proposal for the YMCA being placed on the grounds of Holiday Park? Why do we need two new YMCA facilities – one on the east side of the tracks and one on the west side built at the same time? Is this to insure that the two communities remain segregated? This was the impetus for the LA Lee YMCA to be built in the first place. The community has come together, to get answers to these pressing questions. These issues should have been addressed answered, and brought to the community before any promises or decisions were made. We understand that we do have recourse available of all levels from all governmental departments and we want to be ensured of their availability for the betterment of our community. We understand “business”; however, we will not accept “getting the business” from anyone...not leaders, clergy, city government, affiliates, or developers who appear to blatantly disregard and circumvent the desires of our community. We encourage as many people as possible to email every elected official at the city to let your voices be heard -- either way. It has always appeared to be about the money, either the lack of it or the improper use of it when it comes to the Historic Sistrunk Corridor. If we follow the money, who will benefit from the YMCA moving to Sistrunk – certainly not the community!! If you are willing to take an active role in the preservation of our historic community to include the treasured Mizell edifice, please email your city officials: Mayor John P. “Jack” Seiler jack.seiler@fortlauderdale.gov Vice Mayor & District 2 Commissioner Dean J. Trantalis DTrantalis@fortlauderdale.gov District 1 Commissioner - Bruce G. Roberts BRoberts@fortlauderdale.gov District 3 Commissioner – Robert L. McKinzie RMckinzie@fortlauderdale.gov. District 4 Commissioner - Romney Rogers RRogers@fortlauderdale.gov City Manager - Lee R. Feldman lfeldman@fortlauderdale.gov

YOU HAVE READ THE REST; NOW READ THE BEST THE WESTSIDE GAZETTE IS YOUR VOICE IN YOUR COMMUNITY!

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Westside Gazette

MARCH 2 - MARCH 8, 2017 • PAGE 11

Where Are the People? By Shirley Thimothee-Paul “Where justice is denied, where poverty is enforced, where ignorance prevails, and where any one class is made to feel that society is in an organized conspiracy to oppress, rob, and degrade them, neither persons nor property will be safe”. – Frederick Douglass As I ride down Northeast Second Avenue and 54th Street headed toward the Little Haiti Cultural Center I drive past the almost empty streets thinking of the movie Philadelphia and the Bruce Springsteen song, I’m on fire. Shots of various areas that people from Philadelphia can remember. Children playing in the street, vendors going through their daily routine, cars passing by, men playing basketball and area views of old Philadelphia land marks and I think of the Liberty bell and what it stands for. If we had a liberty bell today, would we be able to summon the community to come and take a stand? Perhaps the multi-generational past process would make more of an effect on the people of Little Haiti and awaken something within them to come and fight for what is rightfully theirs. From all areas of the world, people come to America for a chance at a better life, one that offers them more opportunity, a fair chance to gain wealth, prosperity, and a reasonable chance of crossing class lines. Although Haitians have been in America since the late 1930’s, this group was not really recognized as a separate population due to their minimal numbers and lack of involvement in the governmental process. Now that those numbers have largely increased and more and more Haitians are moving to America, placing a cultural stamp on a country, though stilled tainted with issues of racism and socioeconomic disparities exist, it is still is the best country to live in. Little Haiti is the best known area of Haitian exiles. The Market place and Cultural center sits directly in the center, surrounded by a number of Haitian owned businesses including Mapou’s Library. The murals in Little Haiti are covered with the faces of community leaders and activist such as Jean Mapou, Mecca aka Grimo and Marliene Bastien to name a few. An area, in just a few blocks can take one right back home as they are listening to our music during the festive “Sounds of the Little Haiti” or observing in awe at the art work and design of the local and international artist of Haiti when pieces are displayed at various events. Haiti is known for many things worthy of celebration, when this designated one of a kind area should not be eliminated, but prized to be a success. Little Haiti is under attack and Haitian leaders have now taken part in this fight to help Little Haiti survive. The bigger question I must ask is where are the people? Being poor is not a sin, not having much to offer in way of finances does not take away your right to speak up for yourself or those who cannot speak up for themselves. That is one of the great things that living in America has to offer. The gentrification of Little Haiti process has begun and it

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will happen. Your input is necessary, when you are contacted to come and make your issues known about your community, it is your responsibility to come forth, if not, keep your opinions after the fact to yourself. We all know that there is power in numbers. We all know that it does not matter what others think of us as long as we

know who we are, but when we forget this and allow the people without conscious to come in and make themselves powerful by way of the dollar, we are now at fault. To stand by and do nothing is to let them win. Change is coming, but what change will that be? Will Little Haiti no longer exit? Will Little Haiti be painted with new faces that

have no knowledge of the Haitian culture and people? That is for us, the Haitians, HaitianAmericans and all others who care to decide. So what is it going to be?

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PAGE 12 • MARCH 2 - MARCH 8, 2017

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Westside Gazette

Observance of AKA International MLK Community Impact Day

Members of the AKAdemic Foundation, Inc. and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Zeta Rho Omega Chapter, recently participated in the historic MLK Day parade in observance of Alpha Kappa Alpha’s International MLK Community Impact Day. Submitted by Vickie R. Pearcey In partnership with the city of Fort Lauderdale and the MLK Day Committee, the members of the AKAdemic Foundation, Inc. and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Zeta Rho Omega Chapter, recently participated in the historic MLK Day parade in observance of Alpha Kappa Alpha’s International MLK Community Impact Day. A record number of ninety members and thirty students marched in the parade in honor of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., with 100% participation from each of the sorority’s five International Targets: Educational Enrichment, Health Promotions, Family Strengthening, Economic Ownership and Global Impact. Members of each target not only took part in walking, but contributed significantly in the following ways: high school

members of the Signature Program ASCEND, distributed “So You Want to Go to College” workshop and College Tour flyers to the community along the parade route; Health Promotions members performed blood pressure screenings and provided blood pressure logs to participants; members of Family Strengthening target promoted the initiative, “End Childhood Hunger” by distributing nutritional bars to spectators; Environmental Ownership members in tandem with Future ASCEND middle school students participated in the park clean up; and the Global Impact target made all connections for these partner“SHIPS” and secured the spot in the parade. Our Miss Precious Pearl 2016 and her court were a highlight of the participation as they waved to the crowd from a beautifully decorated vehicle and the members of Zeta Rho Omega

added a fun piece as they provided stroll entertainment! Many community members indicated how excited they were to be so positively affected by the various activities and services provided during this historic Community Impact Day! Both presidents, Rae NicklosWelch and Jeannie B. Floyd of AKAdemic Foundation and Zeta Rho Omega Chapter respectively, agreed that the goal to make a difference while being of service to all mankind locally and globally was certainly achieved.

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