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THURSDA THURSDAYY, JANUAR JANUARYY 12 - WEDNESDA WEDNESDAYY, JANUAR JANUARYY 18, 2017

The Life & Times of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

If you are dependent upon our money, think about this

Compiled and submitted by Elijah Manley and Charles Moseley

EARLY LIFE

Behold, the pay of the laborers who mowed your fields, and which has been withheld by you, cries out against you; and the outcry of those who did the harvesting has reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth.

James 5:4 (NASB)

By Bobby R. Henry, Sr.

Martin Luther King, Jr., was born on January 15, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia. He was the son of the Reverend Martin Luther King, Sr. and Alberta Williams King. King’s father was born “Michael King,” and Martin Luther King, Jr., was originally named “Michael King, Jr.,” until the family traveled to Europe in 1934 and visited Germany. His father soon changed both of their names to Martin in honor of the German Protestant leader Martin Luther.

He had an older sister, Willie Christine King, and a younger brother Alfred Daniel Williams King. King sang with his church choir at the 1939 Atlanta premiere of the movie Gone with the Wind.

As a child Dr. King was attracted to words and those who spoke eloquently. His father is quoted as saying that as a child, “if he heard that some outstanding man was going to speak, he would ask me to take him.

I remember after on such occasion when he was only about 10, he said, “That man had some big words, Daddy. When I grow up I’m going to get me some big words.” As soon as he could read, he lived in dictionaries, and he made that saying come true.

King almost seemed to be obsessed with good preachers. One of King’s early influences was Rev. William Holmes Borders. King was so intrigued with Borders he would even “sneak down occasionally to Wheat Street Baptist Church, located a few blocks from his home on Atlanta’s Auburn Avenue, to listen to Pastor Borders.” William Borders himself was an educated man. Borders attended Morehouse.

(Cont'd on Page 10 )

Massive Manhunt underway for Orlando cop killer

Markeith Loyd (c) is wanted for allegedly shooting Master Sgt. Debra Clayton (l) who died at the scene. Deputy First Class Norman Lewis (r) tragically died when struck by another motorist when responding to the crime scene motorcycle.

There are a few things that we all can participate in to move us forward and make others learn to look at us differently. One of main things is, how we spend our hard earn dollars.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s speech, “I’ve been to the Mountaintop” (his last), delivered on April 3, 1968, at the Mason Temple (Church of God in Christ Headquarters), in Memphis, Tennessee has an action step that will bring a quicker understanding to the power of the Black dollar faster than our Black dollar stays in the ‘hood’.

That action step is withdrawing economic support from those who refuse to participate in the true spirit of reciprocity.

I have said it before and I will continue to say it over and over again until it becomes a reality, “we need to stop spending our dollars with those that do not respect us, take us for granted and use our monies to keep us down, even if that means those who look just like us.

(Cont'd on Page 13) A man wanted for allegedly killing a pregnant woman gunned down a veteran police sergeant in Orlando the morning of Jan. 9, 2017 as she tried to stop him from fleeing, officials said.

Master Sgt. Debra Clayton, a wife and mother, was on duty by herself around 7 a.m. near a Walmart, when a citizen approached her about the suspect, Markeith Loyd, 41, and said he was nearby, the Orlando police said.

Clayton found Loyd and then chased him. When Clayton told him to stop running, he opened fire, police said. Clayton, who was wearing body armor, was shot multiple times, police said, and later died.

Afterwards, he fled and allegedly stole a car before being last seen at an apartment complex.

Authorities said Loyd is known to officers and is considered dangerous.

NAACP leads full court press against Donald Trump’s Attorney General pick

By Lauren Victoria Burke (NNPA Newswire Contributor) The NAACP called a full court press opposing Senator Jeff Sessions’ nomination to replace Loretta Lynch as the next Attorney General of the United States.

“Senator Sessions stands against everything that you and I fight for: He’s spoken out against the Voting Rights Act, and has described the work that the NAACP and ACLU do to protect civil rights as “un-American,” a December 30 fundraising email read.

The email continued: “We must do all we can to prevent him from rolling back the rights and protections our parents and grandparents worked so hard to gain.”

Additionally, the Alabama chapter of the NAACP is planning a series of press conferences at Sessions’ Senate offices around Alabama in the cities of Huntsville, Bir-

mingham, Dothan and Montgomery. Earlier this week, the Senate Judiciary Committee held confirmation hearings for Sessions on Capitol Hill in Washington.

On December 29, national NAACP President Cornell Brooks called for Sessions’ nomination to be blocked. The opposition against Sessions led by the oldest civil rights organization in the U.S. will be test of the strength of Black advocacy as President Trump arrives in the White House on January 20, as America’s first Black President departs at noon the same day.

“As a matter of conscience and conviction, we can neither be mute nor mumble our opposition to Senator Jefferson Beauregard Sessions becoming Attorney General of the United States. Senator Sessions has callously ignored the reality of voter suppression but zealously prosecuted innocent civil rights leaders on trumped-up charges of voter fraud. As an opponent

Pleading Our Own Cause

of the vote, he can’t be trusted to be the chief law enforcement officer for voting rights,” said NAACP President and CEO Cornell William Brooks.

Brooks will join with local Alabama chapters of the NAACP for a statewide protest against Sessions becoming Attorney General.

“Despite 30 years of our nation moving forward on inclusion and against hate, Jeff Sessions has failed to change his ways,” said NAACP Alabama State Conference President Benard Simelton in a statement. “He’s been a threat to desegregation and the Voting Rights Act and remains a threat to all of our civil rights, including the right to live without the fear of police brutality.”

In addition to the NAACP, three groups have demanded the Sessions’ confirmation hearing be delayed. They are: the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans, People For the American Way and Alliance for Justice.

WWW.

Several civil rights groups, including the NAACP, oppose U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions’ Attorney General Nomination.

This photo was taken during an immigration policy speech hosted by Donald Trump at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Ariz.

(Gage Skidmore/Wikimedia Commons) The groups are asserting that Senator Sessions hasn’t made available the text to his speeches, media interviews and other papers as Alabama Attorney General and as a member of the Senate from 1997 through 2002.

(Cont'd on Page 12)

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“We are going to bring this dirtbag to justice,” Orlando Police Chief John Mina said at a news conference this morning. “It doesn’t matter where he goes – we will track him down to the ends of the earth,” Mina later said.

A reward up to $60,000 has been offered for information about Loyd’s location. Police say they are confident that Loyd has had help hiding.

“I believe there have been people out there helping him all along. He has been wanted for several weeks now for a murder,” Mina said. “So certainly people continue to help him. And if we find out about those people, we will criminally charge them.”

Four schools in the Orlando area was on lockdown due to the manhunt, but students at the schools were to be released to go home at the normal dismissal, sheriff’s office officials said.

A second law enforcement officer, a motorcycle officer from the Orange County Sheriff’s office, was also killed in the line of duty while responding to the Walmart shooting authorities said. The officer was struck by a motorist and killed, the sheriff’s office said. The sheriff’s office later identified him as Deputy First Class Norman Lewis, an 11year veteran.

At a news conference police called Clayton a hero, saying she gave her life protecting the community she loved.

Clayton grew up in Orlando and “deeply cared” about the community, the police said.

She had been with the Orlando Police Department since 1999 and was promoted to Master Sergeant last year, the police said.

She has a son, who is in college, police said.

Orlando police on Twitter called it “tragic irony” that the officers died on National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. MEMBER: National Newspaper Publishers Association ( NNPA), and Southeastern African-American Publishers Association (SAAPA) Florida Association of Black Owned Media (FABOM)

PAGE 2 • JANUARY 12 - JANUARY 18, 2017

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MLK 2017 Scholarship It’s official! Brenda Forman is Broward County’s new Breakfast featuresAttorney Clerk of Courts!

Eugene K. Pettis as keynote speaker Staff writer

Brenda Forman was sworn into office last week as Broward County’s first African American Clerk of Courts and the third one statewide.

In front of her husband, the retired Clerk of Courts Howard Forman; her children, grandchildren, friends and employees of the Clerk’s office, Ms. Forman is also the first woman to hold the position in Broward as well.

“I am so excited about serving the citizens of Broward County as your Clerk of Courts.

As a former employee at the office, I know what needs to be done and I am so ready for the challenge.”

Submitted by Charles Moseley

The 2017 MLK Scholarship Breakfast featuring keynote speaker, Eugene K. Pettis, Esq., will be held Monday Jan. 16, 2017, at the New Mount Olive Baptist Church in Brenda Forman was born in Fort Lauderdale, rural Alabama, and was raised Florida at 8 a.m. A Eugene K. Pettis, Esq., made history by her Grandmother after her $25 Donation per in 2013 when he became the first Mother’s untimely death. “My Person will go to- African American sworn in as Grandmother taught us that wards benefiting the President of The Florida Bar. G.E. Weaver Scholarship Fund.

Eugene K. Pettis, a cofounder of Haliczer Pettis & Schwamm, focuses his practice in the areas of medical malpractice, personal injury, commercial litigation, professional To pr e-empt an anticipated media whitewash and rre-write e-write of Obama’ pre-empt Obama’ss historical impact, liability and employment law. one author cr owdfunds a people’ esident’ crowdfunds people’ss “we-write” of the 44th U.S. pr president’ esident’ss achievements.

He attended the University of great statesman - with poise, Florida in Gainesville, Fla., eloquence and intelligence unwhere he received a bachelor’s matched in modern American degree in political science in politics. Domestically, however, 1982 and graduated from the his many successes have been University of Florida’s Levin overlooked or underreported.

College of Law in 1985. He coGoing forward, we can’t allow founded Haliczer Pettis and pundits, politicians or Hollywood producers to determine Schwamm in 1996. how we and our children rePettis, in June 2013, was member President Obama. We sworn in as President of The need to take preemptive action Florida Bar, becoming the first to guide and direct the converAfrican-American to serve in sation around his legacy. That’s this position. His role at the what this book is about.” helm of The Florida Bar, which For those who claim disapgoverns nearly 100,000 atpointment with the Obama pretorneys, is clear evidence of his sidency, Goodridge makes the impressive leadership abilities case that while previous presiand his passion for giving back dents all had the power to do to his profession and his comso—and despite obstructionism munity. that began the night of his first Pettis supports higher eduelection—Obama passed the cation, serving on the Unifirst nationwide health care reversity of Florida Foundation’s form in U.S. history, made board of directors for eight years and currently on the board of trustees at the University of Florida’s Levin College of Law. In recognition of his comNEW YORK, NY (BlackNews.com) — Like many people mitment to community service, he was recognized in 2012 by who’ve engaged in conversation about the legacy of this nation’s the Urban League of Broward first African-American president, Walt Goodridge has concerns that the US media won’t be fair or balanced when reporting or doCounty with the Margaret cumenting the long-term historical significance and societal impact Roach Humanitarian Award. of Barack Obama’s eight years in office. Goodridge, however, took He received the South Flori- those concerns a bit further and did something about them by da Business Journal’s 2014 successfully crowdfunding and publishing a photo documentary Ultimate CEO Award which entitled The Obama Legacy: A We-Write of the Greatest American recognizes Miami-Dade, Bro- Presidency.

“After eight years, much of what we feel or think we know award and Palm Beach County’s bout Obama’s presidency isn’t the result of an objective assessment top executive for their expertise, of his accomplishments,” explains Goodridge, founder of the leadership and community Obama Legacy We-Write Book Project. “It’s the result of media involvement. coverage that jumps from one new news story to the next, in a Pettis lives in Fort Lauder- society that, historically, has fallen short when recognizing the dale with his wife and two humanity of men and women of color and expressing praise for their achievements. Internationally, Obama is respected as a daughters.

Failed or fantastic? The Obama Legacy: A 'We-Write' of the Greatest American Presidency

Attorney Ben Crump to outline a path forward for Civil Rights in keynote address at oldest and largest MLK Day event Crump to urge President-elect to embrace constitutional protections, Put an end to “open season season”” on people of color From Emily Allman CHARLESTON, S.C. – America’s civil rights movement is at a crossroads, with racial tension coursing through America’s cities and systemic prejudice creating an “Open Season” on people of color. That will be the focal point of a major keynote address by nationally renowned civil rights advocate and attorney Ben Crump, who will urge President-elect Trump to embrace a path forward for civil rights. He will deliver the address at one of the oldest and largest MLK celebrations — the YWCA of Greater Charleston’s Ecumenical Service during the 45th annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration in Charleston, South Carolina on Jan. 15. The several-daylong MLK Celebration annually attracts more than 30,000 attendees.

Crump has represented victims’ families in tragic, high-

ATTORNEY CRUMP profile civil rights cases across the country, including that of Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, and dozens of others.

Attorney Crump will challenge President-elect Donald Trump to make civil rights a top priority, outlining the dire consequences of ignoring the epidemic of violence and systematic injustice against people of color across America.

Other luminaries who have addressed the Ecumenical Service to a capacity audience include the Rev. Martin Luther King Sr. (1974), the Rev. Joseph Lowery (1983), and former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder (2016). Event sponsor YWCA of Greater Charleston expects more than 1,000 attendees at this historic service that is free and open to the public.

we could do anything in life we wanted to do, as long as we did the right thing and put God first in our lives.”

Forman says, she felt that equal pay for women the law of the land, appointed multiple female Supreme Court justices, advocated for gay marriage and acceptance of gays in the military, and thawed U.S. relations with Japan and Cuba after decades of political distance. He oversaw the demise of Osama bin Laden, troop withdrawal in Iraq, voted against the Kestone pipeline and compassionately commuted or pardoned harsh sentences for 1,324 individuals — more than the 11 previous presidents combined.

Goodridge cites these and other Obama achievements as ‘real progress’ - legislation and actions that seek to remedy the effects of America’s foundation of white supremacy, its history of genocide, institutionalized racism, sexism, religious extremism, exploitative and environmentally destructive capitalism - which, despite the administration’s negatives (i.e. civilian drone strikes, increased deportations and corporate wrist slaps), stands as a hallmark of great leadership.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

running for her husband’s seat was the right thing to do, and the voters of Broward County agreed. Forman won the race with a whopping lead over challengers Mitch Caesar and Elizabeth McHugh.

“My mission is to continue the legacy that my husband started and to make improvements in areas that need them.

I’d like to make the office more user friendly through updated technology and a community relations campaign to inform our residents about the services that we offer. My first order of business is to meet with my employees so that I can hear directly from them about their issues and concerns. With close to 900 employees, I want my staff to have an opportunity not only to meet me, but to get to know me and to be a part of making the Clerk’s office a great place to work.”

“I am also looking forward to our new office space. The Clerk’s office will move into the new Broward County Courthouse in February. I am so blessed, it’s a New Year, I have a new position, we are moving into a new office and I am so extremely grateful for this opportunity to serve. I’d like to personally thank the voters who cast their vote for me. I won’t let you down.”

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Community Digest

JANUARY 12 - JANUARY 18, 2017 • PAGE 3

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

MLK Weekend Celebration

· Thursday, Jan. 12 at 5 p.m., Award Cerermony Student Art & Literary Exhibit, Coral Spring Center for the Arts, 2855 Coral Spring Dr. Coral Spring, Fla. For tickets and additional info call (954) 344-1063. · Friday, Jan. 13 at 7 p.m., “I Have A Dream” Musical /Drama and at 9 p.m., Post Event Reception at Coral Spring Center for the Arts, 2855 Coral Spring Dr. Coral Spring, Fla. For tickets and additional info call (954) 344-1063. · Saturday, Jan. 14 -16, 2017, a series of high-impact opportunities to unite with fellow South Floridian and efforts positive change will be available including the Fourth Annual Human Race 5K South Florida Charnow Park on Hollywood Beach, Fla, 1500 N Broadwalk, Hollywood, Fla. · Saturday, Jan. 14 Volunteers Needed for MLK Day of Service and community celebration. Volunteer parking is available at Reverend Samuel Delevoe Park, 2520 N.W. Sixth St., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Free Shuttle service is available from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. · Sunday, Jan. 15 – America’s Sunday Supper at Delevoe Park. 2520 N.W. Sixth St., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. · Monday, Jan. 16 – MLK Signature Day of Service, at MLK Montessori Academy, 591 N.W. 31 Ave, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. · Monday, Jan. 16 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Leadership/ Diversity Day for Middle and High School students ONLY in front of the N.W. Regional Library, 3151 N. University, Dr. · Sunday, Jan. 15 from 1 to 4 p.m., - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration, at Potter Park, 4300 S.W. 57 Terr., Davie, Fla, free event.

Event

Celebration

Grace Leadership Preparatory Institute in partnership with Mount Hermon AME Church and The Global Cottage, and through the support of Broward College, will be hosting a Free one-day career development clinic in the Sistrunk community on Monday, Jan. 16, 2017 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at Mount Hermon AME Church compound at 401 N.W. Seventh Terr., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The MLK Day of Service event, titled “Realizing the Dream” For additional info call (954) 790-5779.

The Plantation United Methodist Church Interfaith/ Multicultural Committee invite you to their 21st Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration, Theme: “Live The Dream” on Sunday, Jan. 15, 2017 at 3 p.m. at the Plantation United Methodist Church, 1001 N.W. 70 Ave., Plantation, Fla. The Keynote Speaker will be Dr. Glenn Bowen, director of the Center for Community Services Initiatives at Barry University. We look forward to your support. Come out and help make this event a success!

For further info contact Dr. Angela Brewton at (954) 2611880.

Event

Happenings at African-American Research Library and Cultural Center

· Saturday, Jan. 14, 2017 from noon to 2 p.m., at Royal Palm Christian Church, 9600 Royal Palm Blvd., Coral Spring, Fla. - Peace, Justice Sustainability Florida; Black Lives Matters Alliance Broward, Peace Action Education Fund contrast vision for our country and strategize to make progress, with Kevin Martin, President, Peace Action and the Peace Action Foundation Fund and Leesa George Friday, veteran African American peace and justice organizer. · Saturday, Jan. 21, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Delray Beach Green Market, Old School Square. · Saturday, Jan. 14 –Deerfield Progressive Forum at the Activities Center, Century Village – Jeffrey Nall, FAU Social Change through Coffee and Chocolate · Saturday, Jan. 21 – Brain Jones, Educator Actor, Social Justice Activist from 1960’s Civil Rights to Black power · Sunday, Jan. 29, from 1 to 5 p.m., at Clay Glass, Metal Stone Gallery, aka Flamingo Clay, 15 South J. St., Lake Worth, Fla.- Celebration of the Life and Peace and Justice Contributions of Bobbi Graff – Miami Civil Rights Congress and NAACP, 1948 -1956 and Citizens for Social Responsibility, 1983 – 2012. For additional info call (945) 531-1928.

Pleading Our Own Cause STAYCONNECTED-www.thewestsidegazette.com

African-American Research Library and Cultural Center, 2650 Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderale, Fla. For more info call (954) 357-6210.

January 2017 Programs Changing America” in the AARLCC Gallery An exhibit focusing on the Emancipation Proclamation, the March on Washington, and the history of civil rights. Ends Jan. 13, 2017.

Pre-arranged Group Tours available during library hours: Youth tours, (954) 357-6209, Adult tours, (954) 357-6224 · Mondays in January Adult Literacy Classes from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. · Saturday, Jan. 14 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Summit, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. · Saturday, Jan. 14 - Credit Workshop, 2 to 6 p.m. · Wednesday, Jan. 18 - IRS Tax Assistance starts, 6 to 7:45 p.m. · Saturday, Jan. 28 - First time home buyer seminar.

Refreshments will be provided.

10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. For more info, call (954) 357-6170. · Monday, Jan 30 - Business Seminar — So, you want to start a business, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Youth Services Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays in January · Saturday, Jan 14 - Wags and Tales - children ages 5-12 Come read to Augy, a Broward County Animal Assisted Therapy dog - get a free book to keep! Pre-registration is advised; call (954) 357-6209. 2 to 3 p.m. · Monday, Jan. 23 – Small Business Start-Up, from 6 to 7:3- p.m. · Monday, Jan. 30 – So, you want to start a Business, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. · Wednesday, Jan 25 What’s in a Name? – Children, all ages Stories and activities about names and identity. Are you happy with your name?

Share your story with us! 5 to 6:30 p.m. Additional questions please call Youth Services at (954) 357-6209.

For more info Children and Teen programs, call the Youth Services desk at (954) 357-6209.

FREE Adult Computer Classes Schedule · Saturday, Jan. 14 Microsoft Excel II, 10:30 to 12 p.m. · Saturday, Jan. 21 Computer Literacy I, 10:30 to 12 p.m.

For additional info for FREE classes being offered at other library locations call (954) 3576236 or inquire at the Computer or Reference Information Desk.

Need FREE help with resume writing? Inquire at the Computer or Reference Information Desk.

The African-American Research Library and Cultural Center is located at 2650 Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, Fla call the welcome desk at (954) 357-6210 For more info about Broward County Libraries, visit Broward.org/Library.

Miami Dolphins Youth Programs to Host Dade vs. Broward All Star Game presented by Broward College and Youth All Star Game Jan. 13-14, 2017 Miami Dolphins Youth Programs, in partnership with the Greater Miami Athletic Conference (GMAC) and the Broward County Athletic Association (BCAA), continues a six-year tradition in hosting the Dade vs. Broward All-Star Football Game presented by Broward College. Stand-out high school seniors from Miami-Dade and Broward County have been selected to participate in the event on Friday evening. Admission for the evening is free for youth participating on Saturday, and $7 for all others.

On Saturday, the top youth football players from MiamiDade and Broward County that

play in AYFL, FYFL, Great Miami Pop Warner, Gold Coast Pop Warner, Miami Xtreme as well as NYFL and YASL in age groups 7U-14U will participate in games throughout the day.

Top high school coaches from around the area will lead the youth football all-star teams, creating the opportunity for mentorship and development of

the youth coaches. Admission is $10.

The Miami Dolphins Youth Programs’ mission is to emphasize the importance of education, physical fitness, and positive choices for kids in a safe and fun environment. The Miami Dolphins Youth Programs’ vision is to prepare the next generation of leaders in staying physically active through our Junior Training Camps (JTC), Youth Football Clinics, and Youth Football Camps. The goal of the event is to promote Youth Football in the south Florida community.

The event is OPEN to the public.

"That’s the question before you tonight. Not, “If I stop to help the sanitation workers, what will happen to my job. Not, “If I stop to help the sanitation workers what will happen to all of the hours that I usually spend in my office every day and every week as a pastor?” The question is not, “If I stop to help this man in need, what will happen to me?” The question is, “If I do not stop to help the sanitation workers, what will happen to them?” That’s the question." (From Dr. King’s last speech, “I’ve been to the Mountaintop” )

PAGE 4 • JANUARY 12 - JANUARY 18, 2017

Opinion The Gantt Report

Judas Peter

By Lucius Gantt In the King James “version” of the Bible and in many other translations of Holy scriptures, Judas betrayed Jesus and Peter denied Jesus multiple times.

If you live long enough, one of your friends, one of your supporters, one of your followers or one of your loved ones will betray and deny you!

Well, a man that could become the Chairman of the Democratic National Committee, has been accused of exhibiting many Judas-like qualities.

I don’t know, and don’t care, but news reports in both “major” media and Black owned media suggest that the United States Representative.

Keith Ellison (D-Minnesota) has dis-

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tanced himself literally, mentally and physically from someone he once helped and admired, the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, leader of The Nation of Islam.

Sources claim, Representative Ellison, a Muslim, changed his name to Ellison Muhammad when he became active in NOI causes, then changed his name to Keith Ellison when he decided to run for Congress.

I don’t know what his name is today or what his name will be tomorrow or the next day.

What I do know is the worst thing you can be in Islam, Christianity or many other religions is a hypocrite!

I also know a few other things.

I know that political operatives in America change like the wind. They change their party affiliations, they change their political policies and philosophies, they change their political votes and support and they change their addresses and residences if they believe changes will help them win elected offices or gain favor with various political power brokers.

Hmmm? Could one reason for any changes in religious affiliation, in name, in attitude, in mindset or political ideology made by Representative Ellison be based on the possibility that the Congressman is afraid that his past connections to the Nation of Islam would hamper his efforts to come up, so to speak, in the Democratic Party?

Possibly, because the American Jewish community is not very fond of Farrakhan and is very influential in American politics overall and even more influential in state and local political campaigns and political activities.

In fact, Black political professionals on all levels are told upfront that if Jews in the Democratic Party don’t want you to participate in Democratic purchasing transactions you won’t get any business from the Democratic Party!

There is no business like show business! The music, movie, television, radio and other facets of the entertainment industry is show business and

‘Should they go or should they stay’?

By Don Valentine Paraphrasing the title of a song by the Clash, Talladega’s Marching Tornadoes had this dilemma. According to CBS News, Alabama’s oldest private Historically Black College has agreed to participate and march, despite Trump’s controversial campaign statements about Blacks. We are all well aware of Trump’s ubiquitous critique of our Black community. Trump did not have to search very far to find a sterling example of the Black ethos.

Does the unique experience of participating in the peaceful transition of democratic power outweigh having the pride to not be the token Black marching band for President Elect Trump?

Given his “Point-Blank” honest view about you and your community, it should be easy to have the temerity to say, “No we won’t go”. Talladega College Alumni are fighting back over the Marching Band’s planned performance. The Alumni and current band members have instigated enough pressure to cause University President Dr. Billy C. Hawkins to reevaluate his original position.

It was reported by the New York Times 1-5-’17 that University President Dr. Billy Hawkins finally decided the band would participate. He rationalized his decision by saying, “”We respect and appreciate how our students and alumni feel about our par-

ticipation in this parade,” Dr. Hawkins said. “As many of those who chose to participate in the parade have said, we feel the inauguration of a new president is not a political event but a civil ceremony celebrating the transfer of power.”

You can translate that to say that this tiny H.B.C.U. will not see the national spot light again in Dr. Hawkins lifetime. He plans on enjoying every fundraising and prestige opportunity his school’s “Steppin-Fetch It” engagement affords.

The original founders of this school, created just after the Civil War, are spinning in their graves. Consider that the nationally prominent H.B.C.U. schools like, Howard, Grambling, F.A.M.U, Fisk and Southern all declined to participate. Let me close by saying this: Dr. Hawkins, let’s see how much pride that “30 Pieces of Silver” buys.

that industry is heavily influenced by executives, staff members, agents, writers, producers, directors and executive producers that practice Judaism or support Judaism.

Everybody that has eyes should be able to see what kind of Black people get chosen to work in high level positions in both of America’s major political parties.

Keith Ellison, Donna Brazile, Michael Steele and others like them are who you think they are!

They are African Americans that love their political party more than they love their race, more than they love their neighbors and more than they love their God! What’s going on in Party political hirings and appointments and the people that get the highest political jobs remind me of the slave Stephan, played by Samuel Jackson, in the movie D’Jango Unchained!

Don’t get mad at Representative Ellison;let him be the kind of man that he wants to be. Washington, D.C. is a real life “Candyland”! Ellison should fit and feel right in the political swamp.

The Democratic Party can give him the title and position of “Chairman”, but when he leaves the Democratic office building and is away from the voices of his DNC committee members, he will be called the same thing that most political party operatives call you and me and it rhymes with digger!

It’s bad to be called a “Judas” or a “Peter” but it’s worse to be called both!

(Buy Gantt’s latest book, “Beast Too: Dead Man Writing” onAmazon.com and from bookstores everywhere. Contact Lucius at www.allworldconsultants.net.

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

In one week America will be divided for four years

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.

President-Elect Trump has a job that he applied for, but he really doesn’t want. As the oldest president to ever be elected to the office, there is nowhere to hide, as everything he says and does is recorded on security cameras. He asked for it and now he’s got it.

The job of the President of the United States will add ten years on President Trump’s life, once he is inaugurated. Since President Trump has never held a political office in his life, he will spend his first few weeks learning the job and making mistakes.

Trump has started by picking conservative nominees who have no compassion, and many of them are billionaires and millionaires.

Senate Democrats plan to attack eight nominees whose records indicate that they have made millions with the government, or they want to privatize the department they will run. The Republicans are trying to rush these nominees through the confirmation system without disclosing personal financial information.

The primary targets include Rex Tillerson for secretary of State; Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions for attorney general; South Carolina Rep. Mike Mulvaney for the Office of Management and Budget; Betsy DeVos as the new education secretary; Steve Mnuchin, the former Goldman Sachs executive or treasury secretary; Georgia GOP Rep. Tom Price for Depart-

ment of Health and Human Services; Andrew Puzder for labor secretary; and Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt to run the EPA. Democrats will try to use procedural moves to delay and extend the debate, but they cannot block the nominations. As this is going on in one front, the Republicans are trying to repeal Obamacare on another front.

Democrats have never been willing to defend Obamacare, but now the Republicans have it on the chopping block, and everyone is finding some part of it they like. The Republicans like the pre-existing conditions segment, and keeping young adults on their parents’ coverage until they are 26.

Over 60% of Americans support Obamacare right now in 2017, but the media and our leaders refuse to talk about the truth. The ACA has provided health coverage to 20 to 25 million Americans, and reduced the cost to low-income families. It will help keep overall costs down in the future.

Blogger Kevin Drum from Mother Jones says,”And yes, Democrats are still afraid to defend it loudly and proudly. This just boggles me. Sure Obamacare has some problems. Certain regions don’t have enough competition. Deductibles are high if you buy a bronze plan. And a small part of the population has been hit by large premium increases. But this is something like 10%. The other 90% is purely positive.”

President Trump and the Republi

cans are getting ready to make a major mistake, when they repeal the ACA (Obamacare) and they have nothing to replace it with.

The major difference between President Obama and President-elect Trump is one had a vision and plan for the future, and the other is interested in making America rich again. Trump thinks in the past, and America can take what it wants with a strong military, but that thinking will no longer work.

Diplomacy and global respect is why President Obama’s job approval rating is at 55% and Trump’s is at 40%.

There is a dark cloud over America, and something was wrong with this election from the beginning to the end. Everyone is trying to trust the system, but many of Trumps friends are gangsters, crooks, criminals, prostitutes, and thieves.

How can America be unified when our leader is not fit to be trusted or believed? Americans are still waiting for Trump’s tax returns, which makes it hard to call him my president.

It’s time for African and Caribbean leaders to grow up Raynard Jackson says that without Africa, there would be no computers, cell phones, or most of our other high-end electronics.

By Raynard Jackson (NNPA Newswire Columnist) During the holidays, I had several frantic conversations with diplomats from Africa and the Caribbean. They all knew that I was active in the Republican Party and was a vocal supporter of Donald Trump’s presidential campaign; so they were all nervously inquiring about my thoughts on Trump’s prospective policy views on their part of the world.

As a result of these conversations, I am committing to writing more about foreign policy in my columns for 2017.

Don’t worry, you will still get your regular dose of the issues you have come to expect me to write about, but I must expand my subject matter for you, the readers.

I have been extremely critical of African, and to a lesser extent, Caribbean heads of state and diplomats in past columns. I will get to that point in a moment.

When you think of Michael Jordan, you think of basketball; when you think of the Pope, you think of religion; when you think of Michael Jackson, you think of “Thriller;” when you think of the continent of Africa, you think of corruption, famine, and disease; when you think of the Caribbean, you think of beaches, vacation, tourism and, of course, drugs.

Therein lies the problem with Africa and the Caribbean: they have a branding and a perception problem.

Most Americans are totally oblivious to the fact that Africa is the fastest growing continent in the world, according to the African Development Bank Group. This presents great opportunities for American investment, but Americans can’t get beyond the mental images of corruption, famine, and disease they have in their minds about Africa, mostly from American media, edited down to 30 second sound bytes on television.

Most Americans still regard many Caribbean nations as banana republics, despite the fact that U.S. trade to the region is greater than to China and the European Union combined.

Despite having various trade agreements with the U.S., both Africa and the Caribbean are mostly known within diplomatic circles for their work in the areas of the war on terror and drug interdiction. No one views them as “legitimate” trading partners.

Let’s be honest, America could live with or without both Africa and the Caribbean. Their real strategic value is vis-à-vis China, because China is literally throwing money indiscriminately to these two groups of countries, it is a major U.S. national security issue that most American politicians are totally ignoring.

The Obama administration has been a total disaster for Africa and the Caribbean. They have allowed China to buy most of Africa’s strategic natural resources, like cobalt, uranium, copper, bauxite and petroleum just to name a few.

China has been quietly financing various infrastructure projects in the Caribbean for decades and bringing in their own Chinese workers at the expense of hiring host country citizens.

Without Africa, there would be no computers, cell phones, or most of our other high-end electronics. Without cocoa from Cote d’Ivoire in West Africa, Americans would have no chocolate to eat.

Americans would be stunned to know how much of their daily lives have some nexus point to Africa, by way of China.

So, with all this economic potential yet to be realized, why is Africa and the Caribbean still viewed so negatively?

I put the blame for this negative “perception” issue squarely on both of their political and business leadership.

Both groups of countries have a positive story to tell, but they are absolutely horrible at understanding how to effectively communicate their story to the American people.

Their diplomats rarely, if ever, engage with the American media to tell their own stories or engage with the American people to cultivate strategic relationships; and they almost never engage with Blacks in the U.S. In the rare instances of engagement with Americans, it’s almost always with white media and white audiences. I have no recollection of either group of countries engaging with the Black business community or Black media in any sustained, meaningful way.

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

Church Directory

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

Dr. Marcus D. Davidson, Senior Pastor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WORSHIP SERVICES & BIBLE STUDY Sunday .................................................... 7:15 a.m. 9:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.

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

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

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

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

Where the kingdom of God is increased through Fellowship.

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

Obituaries James C. Boyd Funeral Home BROWN Funeral services for the Vivian Tanksley Brown - 78 were held Dec. 7 at Saint John United Methodist with Pastor Simon Osulaha officiating.

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.mtzionmissionarybapt.com

Dr. James B. Darling, Jr., Pastor/Teacher

CHAMBERS Funeral services for the late Elder Betty Jean Chambers - 56 were held Jan. 7 at Lighthouse of faith Ministry with Apostle Roberta Reynolds officiating. Interment: Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens (Central).

DAVIS Funeral services for the late Jasmine Verneva Davis – 24 were held Jan. 7 at Sinai French Seventh-day Adventist Church. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens FULMORE Funeral services for the late Lula Mae Fulmore – 68 were held Jan. 9 at James C. Boyd’s Memorial Chapel with Pastor Dr. W.M. Ramsey officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

GRANT Funeral services for the late Shirley Ann grant - 56 were held Jan. 6 at James C. Boyd’s Memorial Chapel with Pastor Sean McMillian officiating.

ROLAND Funeral services for the late Glynette Doughtia GriffinRoland – 67 were held Jan. 6 at First Baptist Church Piney Grove with Rev. Dr. Derrick J. Hughes officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

OLIPHANT Funeral services for the late James Olive “Slick” Oliphant – 68 were held Jan. 7 at New Birth House of Prayer with Bishop Leonard L. Ward officiating. Interment: Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens (Central).

WORSHIP SERVICES Sunday Worship Service .............................................................................. 8:00 & 11:00 a.m.

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

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

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

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

Saturday (2nd & 4th) 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”

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

Attend A Church Of Your Choice

JANUARY 12 - JANUARY 18, 2017 • PAGE 5

PIERRE Funeral services for the late Lucienne Marcia Pierre - 27 were held Jan. 7 at Sinai French Seventh-day Adventist Church. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

WALKER Funeral services for the late Dorreth Walker – 55.

McWhite's Funeral Home

HAMILTON Funeral services for the late Derrick Lamon Hamilton - 39 were held Jan. 7 at New Mount Olive Baptist Church with Dr. Marcus D. Davidson officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

HARRIS Funeral services for the late John Wesley Harris, III - 47 were held Jan. 7 at Healing Temple Pentecostal with Bishop J.D. Wright officiating. Interment: Westview Cemetery.

HINTON Funeral services for the late Perry Leon Hinton - 69 were held Jan. 6 at St. Anthony Catholic Church with Father Michael J. Grady officiating.

PEACOCK Funeral services for the late Ernie J. Peacock - 50 were held Jan. 7 at McWhite’s Funeral Home Chapel.

ROBERTS Funeral services for the late Kamellia Armentha Ann Edwards-Roberts - 67 were held Jan. 7 at New Mount Olive Baptist Church with Dr. Marcus D. Davidson officiating. Interment: Lauderdale Memorial Park.

SHARPE Funeral services for the late Linnie Maude Francis-Sharpe – 97 were held Jan. 7 at Davie Community Worship Center, Inc., with Bishop F.A. Beason officiating. Interment: Forest Lawn South Funeral.

VICKERS Funeral services for the late James L. Vickers,Sr. – 80 were held Jan. 7 at St. John United Methodist Church with Pastor Rev. Dr. Simon Osunlana officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Roy Mizell & Kurtz Funeral Home FREEMAN Funeral services for the late Charlie Mae Freeman – 85 were held Jan. 7 at First Baptist Church Piney Grove with Rev. Dr. Derrick J. Hughes officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

GRADDY Funeral services for the late Johnie Graddy, Jr. - 77 were held Jan. 7 at Brown’s Temple F.B.H. Church with Rev. Dr. Henry L. Brown, Jr. officiating. Interment:

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!”

Pompano Beach Cemetery.

MOSLEY Funeral services for the late Bernice Mosley - 95 were held Jan. 6 at Mount Hermon AME Church with Rev. Henry E. Green, Jr officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

PARKER Funeral services for the late Edward “Ed-die” Leon Parker – 66 were held Jan. 7 at Holy Tabernacle United Church of God with Pastor James Larrimore officiating. Interment: Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens Central.

REESE Funeral services for the late Esther Lee Reese – 89 were held Jan. 7 at Roy Mizell & Kurtz Funeral Home with Ivan McDonald officiating.

A Family That Prays Together Stays Together

Q & A: What Does Reverend Deal Say?

'All Scripture is God – breathed' Question: Who is the author of the Bible?

ANSWER: Technically, the Bible is one book, but it is comprised of many books. The Bible was written by at least 40 different authors, covering a period of 1500 years.

Please note that the majority of the 40 authors never saw or heard of each other. Yet its unity and message are so apparent it is very easy to think of it having just one author. That isn’t anything but the power of God himself. Hallelujah. 2 Timothy 3:16 says that ‘All scripture is given by the inspiration of God’. The Holy Scriptures (although the word bible doesn’t appear in the Scriptures) was written in three original biblical languages: Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. Of the Sixty-six (66) books in the Bible, fifty-five (55) are identified by tradition and history.

Eleven (11) books whose authors are not known are: Judges, Ruth, 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings, 1 & 2 Chronicles, Esther, Job, and Hebrews (many preachers, theologians, historians, biblical scholars, etc. vehemently claim that Paul is the author of Hebrews).

It is most interesting of the variety of occupational backgrounds which are represented by those authors who are known: Two of the writers were kings – David and Solomon Two were priest – Jeremiah and Ezekiel Luke was a Doctor Two were fishermen – Peter and John Two were shepherds – Moses and Amos Paul was a Pharisee and a theologian among other things Daniel was a statesmen Matthew was a tax collector Joshua was a soldier Ezra was a scribe Nehemiah was a butler Reverend David Deal is the Senior Pastor at Every Christian’s Church in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Please write to Reverend David Deal in care of the spiritual editor, Westside Gazette, 545 N.W. Seventh Terrance, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. 33311 or email @ David.Deal55@gmail.com

Celebration of Life for Kamellia Armentha Ann Edwards- Roberts Kamellia Armentha Ann Edwards-Roberts affectionately known as KAE the daughter of the late Eddie and Byrda Mae Edwards. Born on June 10, 1950 in Seabring Florida and Departed this world on Monday December 26, 2016.

She attended Dillard High School and a graduate of Stranahan High Class of 1968.

She received her Bachelor’s Degree from Bethune-Cookman University, Daytona Beach Fl, in 1972 and earned her Master’s Degrees from Nova Southeastern University in Davie Florida, 1988.

She retired 2009 as a media specialist for Broward county school system after 42 years.

She was an active member of New Mount Olive Baptist Church and a faithful servant of the choir. Diamond Life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Broward County Chapter. She also was a charter member of the Sunshine Slopers Ski Club Inc. she was a life member of the BethuneCookman Alumni Association.

Kamellia was an avid reader

that loved to travel. She enjoyed going to the many Delta Conventions, The Florida Classic and the many ski trips with her ski club.

She is survived by her loving husband Lamont D. Roberts, Her Sister Cheryl Edwards, Brother Eddie Edwards, Jr (Monique); Step-Sister Trudy Edwards (Joe). Children: Pastor Lamont D. Roberts II (Gia); Reverend Richard A. Roberts (Carrie); and Joy Roberts. Five grandchildren: Jada, Isaiah, Donovan, Alexander and Christian. Her nieces Kalandra Maynard (Wesley), Courtney EdwardsFord (Yohance), Haley Edwards, Kimberley MitchelBrown (Taurus).

Her nephews Chad Kittles, Eddie Chase Edwards, Thaddeus Terrell, and Hambric Edwards and Kenneth Mitchell II. Her Great-Niece Kenadie Maynard and numerous Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and adopted family members who loved her.

PAGE 6 • JANUARY 12 - JANUARY 18, 2017

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Westside Gazette

Lack of diversity in hiring plagues senate on both sides of the aisle trols the $3.8 trillion dollar federal budget and provides oversight over federal employees — collectively 4.1 million people.

Republican Senator Tim Scott’s Chief of Staff Jennifer DeCasper, the only Black Chief of Staff currently serving in the U.S. Senate, participated in the discussion. The only Black Le-

gislative Director in the Senate, Clint Odom, who was recently hired by Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), was in the audience.

The National Urban League and the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies have been specific to focus on Black and Latin hiring to senior staff positions in the Senate: Chief of

Staff, Legislative Director and Communications Director. The reasons are obvious to Capitol Hill insiders: Senior staffers hire junior staff, control the office budget and handle the most important issues in the office from policy priorities to communications.

Menm si zye nou femen, sa pa vle di nap domi …translation…

Just because our eyes are closed does not mean we are sleep.

Senator Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), the new Democratic leader in the Senate, doesn’t have a single Black staffer in a senior-level position. This photo was taken during a ceremony where NASA transferred title and ownership of space shuttle Enterprise to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2011 at the museum in New York City.

(Bill Ingalls/NASA/Wikimedia Commons)

By Lauren Victoria Burke (NNPA Newswire Contributor) Don Cravins, the National Urban League’s senior vice president for policy, challenged members of the U.S. Senate, particularly the Senate’s 46 Democrats, on the lack of minority hiring in their senior staff positions at a two-hour forum on Capitol Hill.

“Out of 300 senior-level positions in the Senate, only three are occupied by African Americans. What’s most insulting to me is that only one of them works for a Democrat member — a party that goes out every election and relies on Black voters to elect them,” said Cravins, a former Louisiana state senator; Cravins served as Chief of Staff for former-Senator Mary Landrieu for two years. “I’m not happy, today.

I’m frustrated and embarrassed and I’ve had enough.”

Cravins added: “The time for lip service is over; we won’t stop pressing this issue.”

About 250 people showed up for the open discussion on con-

gressional hiring, specifically focused on the low numbers of Black and Latino staff in the U.S. Senate.

“We are making it abundantly clear, the time is now,” said Don Bell, who added that Senator Schumer, who became the new Democratic Leader in the Senate when Sen. Harry Reid (D-Ariz.) retired, only has Black staff at non-senior staff levels.

The senior staff positions on Capitol Hill are Chief of Staff, Legislative Director and Communications Director.

“There are nearly 40 general counsels of color standing at the helm of Fortune 500 companies in America. Forty. And yet you’d be hard pressed to find one Black one in the Hart Senate Office Building,” Cravins told the audience of staff, advocates and press. “It’s an embarrassment.

It’s a travesty. Something has got to be done.”

Will Searcy, the director of the Black Talent Initiative at the Joint Center for Political & Economic Studies, said that Senate staff dictates that the Senate’s legislative agenda con-

By Shirley Thimothee-Paul, RN, MSN A member of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Broward Chapter of the NBNA Gentrification in America is becoming a new form of the all too common mistreatment of people of color and those who are underprivileged. It may make some uncomfortable to have to place these groups together time and time again, but the reality is that these two labels are often paired and thought to be one in the same.

In America for a large number of reasons, many people of color continue to struggle with realization of the “American Dream”.

By this I mean financial independence, home ownership, true power and influence within their communities and country.

Little Haiti and those that occupy it are currently in a fight to survive this new form called gentrification. In a meeting, that I took part in over the weekend filled with attorneys, nurses, urban developers, teachers, politicians, architects, ac-

tivist, entrepreneurs and residents of Little Haiti, I witnessed how the ugly word “gentrification” could be sold to the untrained ear as hope and opportunity. Sadly, in times like these when many are struggling to get by and make ends meet, any chance at a seemingly better life would seem impossible to turn down.

History, no matter how ugly or insignificant to some, cannot be changed but it can be prevented when those it poorly effects wake up and pay attention.

Little Haiti and those that occupy it is a place rich in history of a people that have played an intricate role in the example of the strength and beauty within the Haitian community. Little Haiti is a place where the culture of our people is celebrated and properly exposed to those that are unaware of our beauty and heritage.

As I listened to the words flow from the developer’s representatives as slow and sweet as maple syrup on hot pancakes, I could not help but smile. Each time promises of opportunity for

jobs and occupations of a luxurious development was strategically masking the actual opposite of what was being proposed in legal terms, numbers , city law and their meanings.

The Haitian flag proudly states, “L’ union fait la force”, meaning union creates strength. In this meeting, this statement clearly held true as these developers were met with questions by an informed and prepared group of individuals all too familiar with what the effects of gentrification on Little Haiti and all areas like it. How history of a culture and its effects on a community can be easily forgotten and, or legally erased for the sake of financial gain and opportunity to those that already have it in large proportion.

While the making of money is largely the drive for most, it should not be masked with a false hope. The truth of the matter is, people that can, will take advantage of those that they assume are uninformed or lack the intellectual capacity to see through the false promises of hope and opportunity. It is a beautifully planned, well-presented mistreatment of the underprivileged and marginalized community. Therefore, pay attention people! The people of Little Haiti and Haitians everywhere are letting you know that we see you. Menm si zye nou femen sa pa vle di map domi, even though our eyes are closed does not mean we’re sleep.

The lack of minority hiring and promotion is particularly bad for Senate Democrats, many of whom owe their election victories to Black voters.

No Senate Democrat from a state with over 20 percent African American population has an African American in any of the three senior staff positions.

New Democratic Senate Leader Chuck Schumer (DN.Y.), Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Tim Kaine (DVa.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), currently have no Black senior staff members.

Additionally, Sen. Van Hollen became the Chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee in November 2016 and hired no Black senior staff, even though the electorate is becoming increasingly Black and Brown.

“The numbers are worst than they have ever been,” Cravins railed. “We’ve been talking about this issue for decades.”

The issue of Senate staff diversity has been raised several times before in the press and in reports issued by the Congressional Hispanic Staff Association in 2010. Their 2010 report “Unrepresented: A Blueprint for Solving the Diversity Crisis on Capitol Hill,” received media attention, but no measurable hiring changes. The Joint Center’s recent study, “Racial Diversity Among Top Senate Staff,” was released in December.

Ten years ago, in 2007, Politico reported that, when it came to senior staff positions, “the number approached zero” regarding African Americans.

Blacks account for roughly 13 percent of the U.S. population, but only 0.7 percent of the senior staff members in the U.S. Senate — three people of 300 senior staff jobs. Currently Latinos are 17 percent of the U.S. population, but only 2.3 percent of top staff.

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Westside Gazette

Consumers get back over $17 million, thanks to CFPB Dodd-F rank R ef orm A ct Viola ransUnion, Equif ax accoun Dodd-Fr Ref eform Act Violations Tr Equifax accounttable tions hold T

By Charlene Crowell (NNPA Newswire Columnist) Millions of consumers who were duped into paying fees for their own credit scores will soon receive more than $17.6 million, thanks to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Affected consumers can expect to receive notification letters in the mail.

TransUnion and Equifax, two of the nation’s largest credit reporting agencies, sold credit

scores, credit reports and credit monitoring services to consumers even though the “credit scores” sold were not typically used by lenders to make credit decisions. As a result, what consumers paid to these two firms was of questionable value.

As credit scores are often cited as the basis for many consumers of color to either be denied access to credit or be charged higher than average interest rates, it is likely that many will also be eligible for restitution. TransUnion must now provide restitution of

$13.9 million to affected consumers, while Equifax’s cost of restitution is $3.8 million. Assessed fines on the violations will add additional costs of $3 million to TransUnion and $2.5 million for Equifax.

“TransUnion and Equifax deceived consumers about the usefulness of the credit scores they marketed, and lured consumers into expensive recurring payments with false promises,” said CFPB Director Richard Cordray. “Credit scores

are central to a consumer’s financial life and people deserve honest and accurate information about them.”

Both TransUnion and Equifax are charged with violations of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Financial Protection Act from 2011 to 2014 and included: • Deceiving consumers about the value of the credit scores they sold; and • Deceiving consumers into enrolling in subscription proggrams.

JANUARY 12 - JANUARY 18, 2017 • PAGE 7 In its advertising, Equifax falsely claimed that credit scores and credit-related products were free. In the case of TransUnion, the cost was promised to be only $1. What neither made clear to consumers was that unless the ‘service’ was cancelled during its 30-day trial period, consumers would be charged a recurring fee – usually $16 or more per month.

Additionally, Equifax violated the Fair Credit Reporting Act, which requires a credit reporting agency to provide a free credit report once every 12 months and to operate a central source AnnualCreditReport.com – where consumers can get their report. Until January 2014, consumers getting their report

The Democratic Black Caucus of Florida recommends Dwight Bullard for Chair of the Florida Democratic Party

Black Caucus of Florida President Henry Crespo, Sr.

The five candidates for the Florida Democratic Party Chair at press conference.

By Lucius Gantt ORLANDO, FL — After a six-hour meeting that included separate interviews with each of the five candidates for the

Florida Democratic Party Chair, followed by a press conference with Florida Black Media outlets, in which all the candidates attended, the Democratic Black Caucus of Florida (DBCF) re-

commends former state Senator Dwight Bullard for Chair of the Florida Democratic Party.

“Based on the discussion of the DBCF executive committee,

it was clear that Dwight Bullard has the clearest understanding of the need for grassroots organizing,” Democratic Black Caucus of Florida President Henry Crespo Sr. said.

“And that is why is he received our recommendation.”

The candidate interviews with the DBCF and Black media took place on Friday, Jan. 6 at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando. The five candidates seeking the chair position are: Stephen Bittel from Miami-Dade; Dwight Bullard from Gadsden County; Leah Carius from Osceola County; Alan Clen-

denin from Bradford County; and Lisa King from Duval County.

On Jan. 7, the caucus met again to share perspectives and choose a candidate to recommend.

“It was an insightful and spirited discussion,” said Lydia Hudson, the Democratic Black Caucus of Florida 1st Vice President. “We have some very talented candidates with very distinct talents. I wish there was a way to roll them all up into one leader.”

During separate interviews, the Democratic Black Caucus of Florida Executive Campaign Committee, chaired by Ms. Beverlye Neal and her team, asked the five candidates questions about their motivations, ideology, and what changes they plan to make in the party if elected.

The Democratic Black Caucus of Florida has 19 chapters with more than 300 members across the State of Florida, which includes an array of county and municipal elected officials as well as County Party (DEC) Officers. The leading Black political organization in Florida, the caucus represents indirectly more than 1.6 million Black Democrats, who make up 33 percent of all Democrats in Florida.

Crowell says that, in its advertising, Equifax falsely claimed that credit scores and credit-related products were free. through Equifax first had to view Equifax advertisements — another illegal act. By law, such advertising is allowed after consumers receive their report.

Beyond the costs of restitution and fines, CFPB will now hold Equifax and TransUnion accountable for changes in the way they operate. From clearly informing consumers about the nature of the scores they are selling to consumers; to providing simple, easy to understand information on how to cancel the purchase of any credit-related product, and ending billing and collection payments for any recurring charge once a consumer cancels the service.

The two final enforcement requirements are probably the most important of all: 1. Before enrolling a consumer in any credit-related product with a negative option feature, TransUnion and Equifax must obtain the consumer’s consent; and 2. Truthfully represent the value or usefulness of products sold.

“We applaud the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau for taking strong and vigorous actions against TransUnion and Equifax to protect the interests of American consumers,” said National Consumer Law Center staff attorney Chi Wu. “In addition to obtaining tens of millions of dollars in relief for consumers, this consent order will protect consumers from being ripped off in the future over deceptive credit monitoring products and sales practices.”

PAGE 8 • JANUARY 12 - JANUARY 18, 2017

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The CBC celebrates history with 49 members in the 115th Congress

Members of the Congressional Black Caucus participate in the ceremonial swearing-in event for the 115th Congress at The Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C. (Freddie Allen/AMG/NNPA)

By Freddie Allen A. Shuanise Washington, the tives: Emerge 535.”

(Managing Editor/NNPA president and CEO of the CBCF, Launched in 2013, the Newswire)@freddieallenjr said that 115th Congress will Emerge 535 program will enable have the largest CBC in history the CBCF to expand opportDuring the Ceremonial with 49 members. unities for young people of color Swearing-In event a few blocks “While the CBC grows in by providing 535 scholarships from The White House, the numbers, there remains a lack and fellowships to work on Congressional Black Caucus of diversity and inclusion when Capitol Hill.

Foundation, Inc. honored Rep. it comes to senior staff placement During her comments at the Cedric L. Richmond (D-La.), the in senate and congressional of- CBC ceremony, House Minority new chairman of the Congres- fices,” said Washington. “The leader Democratic leader Nancy sional Black Caucus (CBC) and CBCF is committed to doing its Pelosi (D-Calif.) blasted Remembers of the CBC that will part to change the landscape of publican lawmakers for blockserve during the 115th Con- Capitol Hill and we’re doing so ing President Barack Obama’s gress. with one of our newest initia- last Supreme Court justice nominee and efforts to pass an updated Voting Rights Act (VRA).

Pelosi also noted the irony in the fact that some of the same Republicans, who attended the opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the fiftieth anniversary of “Bloody Sunday” in Selma, Ala., refused to work with Democrats on Capitol Hill to restore the protections of the VRA. “It’s not about Democrats, it’s not about Republicans, it’s about America,” said Pelosi.

“The greatness of America is affected by how [Republicans] have rejected the ability of our president to appoint a [Supreme Court] justice, how they have rejected our calls for correcting the injustice of the Supreme Court decision [in Shelby v. Holder]. It’s all about justice.”

Pelosi called the CBC the “conscience of the Congress and indeed of the country,” and she added that it was exciting to see that some of the newest members of the CBC were representing districts that had never elected a Black lawmaker to serve in the U.S. Congress.

The newest members of the CBC are: Senator Kamala Har"I can remember — I can remember when Negroes were just ris, who is California’s first Afrigoing around as Ralph has said, so often, scratching can American senator; Rep. Val where they didn’t itch, and laughing when they were not Demings (D-Fla.); Rep. Lisa tickled. But that day is all over. We mean business now, and Blunt-Rochester (D-Del.), the we are determined to gain our rightful place in God’s first African American and woworld." (From Dr. King’s last speech, “I’ve been to the man to serve in Congress from Delaware; Rep. Anthony Brown Mountaintop”)

(D-Md.); Rep. Dwight Evans (D-Pa.) and Rep. Donald McEachin (D-Va.).

After the ceremonial oath of office was performed, outgoing Chairman G.K. Butterfield (DN.C.) said that 2016 is now in our rearview mirror.

“We find ourselves facing a difficult, political and egislative environment, unlike any that we have ever seen before, but I promise you that the CBC will rise to the occasion and we will meet these new challenges,” said Butterfield. “The consequences are too enormous for us to be indecisive and to allow conservative forces and forces of the alt-right to defend our nation. WE will be strategic and we will be unified in our work.”

While many of the CBC members are “baby boomers,” Butterfield said that there is no question that Richmond, who is a part of Generation X, is well-suited and well-prepared to lead the CBC in confronting these new challenges.

During his remarks at the ceremonial swearing-in event, Richmond said that CBC members represent 78 million Americans, 24 percent of the population and 17 million Blacks, representing 41 percent of the African American population in this country.

“There are many Americans, especially Black Americans,

who can’t understand how we got hear today, coming off eight years of hope, pride and inspiration,” said Richmond.

“They are fearful of the current state of division, hate and pettiness.

Richmond continued: “Many of our young people are frustrated with the fact that they seem to be fighting the same causes that Dr. King and Reverend Jackson and John Lewis and many others galvanized the country behind during the Civil Rights Movement; and that’s jobs, justice and common humanity.”

The Louisiana congressman noted that while others have thrown up their hands, hung their heads, paralyzed by frustration, CBC members have remained focused and driven.

Richmond acknowledged that members like Shirley Chisholm work on poverty and expanding opportunities for women in the labor force and children in the classroom, Charlie Rangel on economic inequality and John Conyers on criminal justice reform.

Richmond said that the CBC members are committed to do their part, to provide leadership, engage the people across this country and fight shoulder to shoulder to ensure that the arc, but they cannot do it alone.

“We need the fire, passion and talent of young people to

use the tools and resources of today to capture the nation and to give life to our movement,” said Richmond, adding that it was young women and young men who were on the frontlines of the fight for freedom during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s.

Richmond said that fighting injustice will also require the wisdom, clarity and foresight of our elders, because, “if we do not learn from our past, our future will be more of the same.”

The new CBC chair said that during 115th Congressional session, CBC members will continue to confront those who seek to divide the country and that they will be clear about their demands, on behalf of Black people. He added that CBC members will also venture outside of Washington to engage everyday people where they live, work and worship.

“We will heed the many lessons of our leaders that came before, but we will innovate and evolve to tackle the challenges of today,” said Richmond. “We will be deliberate in our thoughts and actions and we will engage on our own terms.”

Richmond continued: “We have the strength and the courage of our ancestors that survived the Middle Passage, who survived slavery and segregation and Jim Crow; and in that spirit we won’t give in, we won’t give up and we won’t fall back.”

Lifelong Civil Rights Activist Andrea Young takes the helm of the ACLU of Georgia ATLANTA, GA. – Lifelong civil rights activist and Georgia native Andrea Young is the new executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Georgia, taking the helm of the statewide affiliate of the ACLU as of Jan. 1.

“As a lifelong civil rights activist and proud Georgia native, I am deeply honored to lead the ACLU of Georgia at this important time,” said Young. “From protecting the right to vote and women’s reproductive freedom to defending the rights of LGBT Georgians and standing with our immigrant neighbors, the work of the ACLU is more important than ever before.”

Young is an attorney, activist, and author who has devoted her career to defending and extending civil and human rights. Most recently an Adjunct Professor at the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State University, Young served for many years as the executive director of the Andrew J. Young Foundation,

where she worked to preserve and advance the legacy of her father – a former Atlanta mayor, civil rights leader, U.S. Congressman, and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.

“Andrea is an accomplished leader who has spent her career fighting to protect civil rights – from advancing the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement at the Andrew J. Young Foundation to defending reproductive freedom at Planned Parenthood,” said ACLU of Georgia Board President Gail Podolsky.

“As a lifelong civil rights activist and proven leader, Andrea is uniquely qualified to lead the ACLU of Georgia at this important time.”

Young previously worked as a legislative assistant to Sen. Edward Kennedy and as chief of staff for the first woman to represent Georgia in Congress, Rep. Cynthia McKinney. She also served with the United Church of Christ in global mission and advocacy, and she has held executive positions for

YOUNG Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington, the National Black Child Development Institute, and the Southern Education Foundation.

Young holds degrees from the Georgetown University Law Center and Swarthmore College. Born in Thomasville, she is the co-author of “Andrew Young and the Making of Modern Atlanta,” author of “Life Lessons My Mother Taught Me” and collaborated with Andrew Young in writing his memoir of the civil rights movement, “An Easy Burden: Civil Rights and the Transformation of America.”

Visit www.acluga.org for more information.

Brenda Laramore's viewing will be held on Friday, January 13, 2017 from 5-8 p.m. at Holy TabernacleUnited Church of God, 1151 N.W. 27th Ave., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. A Homegoing celebration will held on Saturday, January 14, at 10 a.m. at Holy Tabernacle United Church of God. Arrangements by Roy Mizell and Kurtz Funeral Home.

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Thank you, Broward! I am extremely humbled and grateful for your support and overwhelming vote of confidence.

On January 3, I took the oath of office for my second term as Sheriff. This distinct honor is more than a personal victory for me - it’s a victory for all the amazing men and women of the Broward Sheriffs Office, and for those in our community who support our public safety mission.

When I first took office four years ago, I promised to bring fresh ideas to BSO. The ways of the past - where our young sons and daughters were sent to jail for minor infractions, and produced soaring crime rates - was not acceptable. As head of the nation’s largest fully-accredited Sheriff’s agency, BSO is expected to set an example for other law enforcement agencies around the country to follow.

Through effective and innovative programs, BSO delivered on these promises-and I’m extremely proud that our dedicated sworn and civilian personnel are a shining example of everything law enforcement should strive to be. Each day, BSO makes a real difference in all of our diverse communities.

Crime is at historic lows, our children are given every opportunity to succeed and Broward is safer and more united than ever before.

But we cannot be content to rest upon our current successes.

As we move forward into the new year and my second term as Sheriff, we also begin writing a new chapter. The successes of the past four years laid a solid foundation and serve as a launching pad for bigger and better things to come. In the coming months, BSO will rollout numerous initiatives and programs focused on both ensuring the safety of all Broward’s residents, while also taking steps to improve their quality of life.

These initiatives will tackle pressing problems with common-sense solutions.

ISRAEL As you may know, helping children mature into successful adults is my highest priority.

The civil citation and P.R.O.M.I.S.E. programs are huge successes, and I believe an expansion of these programs can produce even more significant results.

We must also continue to help those suffering from mental health issues. These are not problem people, but people with problems. We are working on multiple programs to provide them with the assistance they need and deserve.

Addressing this issue is a great way we can reduce the growing number of incidents of violence and prevent them from happening here. Mental illness isn’t a crime, and incarceration shouldn’t be the solution.

Changes within BSO will also continue to progress. Our proactive body-worn camera initiative will expand so that all uniformed law enforcement deputies will be equipped with body cameras by the end of 2017. The program is our most visible commitment to providing transparency and enhancing community trust. And, finally, BSO will continue to become more reflective of our multicultural county.

Thanks again for your continued support, and I look forward to unveiling more exciting programs to make Broward an even better place to live. From all of us at BSO, my best wishes for a happy, healthy and blessed new year.

Sheriff Scott Israel

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PAGE 10 • JANUARY 12 - JANUARY 18, 2017

Westside Gazette The Life & Times of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

(Cont'd from FP) EDUCATION Growing up in Atlanta, King attended Booker T. Washington High School. He skipped ninth and twelfth grade, and entered Morehouse College at age 15 without formally graduating from high schools. In 1948, he graduated from Morehouse with a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology, and enrolled in Crozer Theological Seminary in Chester, Pennsylvania, from which he graduated with a Bachelor of Divinity degree in 1951.

King then began doctoral studies in systematic theology at Boston University and received his Doctor of Philosophy on June 5, 1955. A 1980s inquiry concluded portions of his dissertation had been plagiari-

zed and he had acted improperly but that his dissertation still “makes an intelligent contribution to scholarship.” ********** FAMILY & MARRAIGE -- King married Coretta Scott, on June 18, 1953, on the lawn of her parents’ house in her hometown of Heiberger, Alabama. King and Scott had four children:Yolanda King, Martin Luther King III, Dexter Scott King, and Bernice King. King became pastor of the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama when he was twenty-five years old in 1954.

His father is Martin Luther King Sr. (1899-1984), a pastor. His mother, Alberta Williams King (1904-1974), was a former schoolteacher. Young Martin had an older sister, Willie Christine, and a younger brother, Alfred Daniel Williams King. Michael King, Sr. came from a sharecropper family in a poor farming community. He married Alberta in 1926 after an eight-year courtship. The newlyweds moved to A.D. Williams' home in Atlanta.

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Williams Dandy wins Championship lot of adversity and passed every test. They came through with flying colors.” He believed that thanks to eighth graders Gissendanner, Bocanegra,

By Byler E. Henry It was a rousing Broward County Middle School Championship game. The William Dandy Wildcats took on the Driftwood Cardinals at Stranahan High School. The Wildcats won 41 to 30.

Not only is this the ninth county Championship for the boys basketball team, but this is also their second undefeated season. Driftwood is still looking for their first championship, they also faced Lauderdale Lakes back in 2012 losing 60 to 27.

Thaddeus Squire III put up 16 points and 14 rebounds earning the MVP. “It felt good to help my team. I feel like I’m on cloud nine.” Squire III said.

The first half was a true test, with the Wildcats jumping out to a 10-2 first quarter lead, but Driftwood would battle back and pull within 3 to make it 1310.

The game would continue to be a back and forth battle with Driftwood to pull within three at the end of the first half.

Down, 19-16 the game was not over, as there was another half to play. In the second half, Driftwood kept it competitive pulling within two points, 27-25, with five minutes left thanks to a basket made by Alec Bocanegra. With the Championship game on the line, William Dandy found a way to pull out a victory with Jullian Lewis scoring five points and Squire scoring five of his 16 points in the fourth quarter.

Driftwood’s coach Ben Joseph is very proud of his team; they have worked hard this season, and fought hard in the championship game. “It feels great to see the hard work they put in. It’s a lesson to learn; there’s no substitution for hard work.” Joseph said, “They showed a lot of character, determination and heart this entire season. They dealt with a

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Khamaury McMillan and Malachi Young, they contributed to the team with their strong play making a deep playoff run.

Their semifinal game against Seminole Middle School, tested the team’s hardworking ability. They trailed 26-8 by halftime, but something deep in-

JANUARY 12 - JANUARY 18, 2017 • PAGE 11 side would not let them quit when it seemed like all hope was lost.

They came out with the victory 39-36. Despite their Championship loss, coach Joseph still believes they can be right back in the championship. He is willing to coach his team and teach them life lessons about hard

work. “There’s no substitution for hard work,” Joseph said.

“When you take short cuts, you get cut short.”

PAGE 12 • JANUARY 12 - JANUARY 18, 2017

Westside Gazette The Life & Times of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (Cont'd from Page 10)

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Pastor of the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church.

1956, when he was just 27 years old, Martin Luther King Jr. received a threatening phone call that would change his life forever. Get a glimpse inside Dr. King’s family home, and hear about a pivotal moment he experienced there that would lead him to face his fears and stand up for justice.

In his first major civil rights action, Martin Luther King, Jr. led the Montgomery Bus Boycott. This started when Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a bus to a white man.

She was arrested and spent the night in jail. As a result, Martin helped to organize a boycott of the public transportation system in Montgomery. The boycott lasted for over a year. It was very tense at times. Martin was arrested and his house was bombed. In the end, however,

ASSASINATION In early April 1968, shock waves reverberated around the world with the news that U.S. civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. had been assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee.

A Baptist minister and founder of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), King had led the civil rights movement since the mid-1950s, using a combination of powerful words and non-violent tactics such as sit-ins, boycotts and protest marches (including the massive March on Washington in 1963) to fight segregation and achieve signifi-cant civil and voting rights advances for African Americans. His assassination led to an outpouring of anger among Black Americans, as well as a period of national mourning that helped speed the way for an equal housing bill that would be the last significant legislative achievement of the civil rights era. Just after 6 p.m. the following day, King was standing on the secondfloor balcony of the Lorraine Motel, where he and associates were staying, when a sniper’s bullet struck him in the neck.

He was rushed to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead about an hour later, at the age of 39.

NAACP leads full court press against Donald Trump’sAttorney General pick (Cont'd from FP) But much of Sessions’ views is well-known and has been for years. “Some of us in Alabama recall, Senator Sessions saying he liked the Klan,� said Mobile, Ala., NAACP Branch President Lizetta McConnell. “He said it was a joke, but saying something like that while discussing a case where the Klan murdered a young, Black man says a lot about a person.�

McConnell continued: “We need someone who realizes that attorney general has got to actually care about the people’s rights he’s protecting and not just doing it, because it’s his job.�

CAREER IN PREACHING Before he became one of the most respected civil rights leaders in American history, Martin Luther King Jr. honed his orating skills as pastor of the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church (now Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church) from 1954 to 1960. In the short video below, take a look inside his church and meet two people who knew him from his days as pastor there. While accepting my call to ministry I’ve struggled with the idea of preachMartin prevailed and segre-gation on the Mont-gomery buses came to an end. In 1963, Martin Luther King, Jr. helped to or-ganize the famous “March on Was-hington�.

Over 250,000 people attended this march in an effort to show the importance of civil rights legislation. Some of the issues the march hoped to accomplish included an end to segregation in public schools, protection from police abuse, and to get laws passed that would prevent discrimination in employment.

It was at this march where Martin gave his “I Have a Dream� speech. This speech has become one of the most famous speeches in history. The March on Washington was a great success. The Civil Rights Act was passed a year later in 1964. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated on April 4. 1968 in Memphis, TN. While standing on the balcony of his hotel, he was shot

by James Earl Ray.

ing. For someone whose voice is monotone and overall demeanor is laid back, I often question whether or not I would able to deliver a sermon affectively, especially in the Black church.

In the Black church, along with the word from God it almost seems that whooping is expected from the congregants and without it a sermon would be deemed ineffective by them. In searching for a powerful preacher whose delivery wasn’t what I considered norm I was lead to Martin Luther King Jr., one of the most affective preachers and leaders the world may have ever seen.

W.E.B. Du Bois was quoted to say “the Preacher is the most unique personality developed by the Negro on American soil. A leader, a politician, an orator, a ‘boss,’ an intriguer, an idealist-,� and King displayed all of these attributes in his preaching and speech giving. What was unique about King was that he was able to preach in a way that transcended race and styles that not only his fellow African Americans would be familiar with. In the following paragraphs I will speak of some of the people who influenced Martin Luther King Jr. I will also go on to describe how King composed and delivered his sermons and speeches. King being a third generation preacher had all of this in his makeup.

His maternal great-grandfather Rev. A.D. Williams was a spiritual leader for the slave community later leading exslaves in Green County Georgia.

After completing his bachelor’s degree, he would go on to attend Garrett Theological Seminary at Northwestern poems.� Dr. King would be exposed to leaders like this throughout his childhood.

A list of well-known ministers with graceful styles were constant visitors not only at his father’s Auburn Avenue church but in the King house hold. They included “Sandy F. Ray, Joseph H. Jackson, Mordecai Johnson, Benjamin E. Mays, J. Pius Barbour, William H. Hester, James T. Boddie, Gardner C. Taylor, Howard Thurman, Lucius M. Tobin and Samuel W. Williams.�

King would aspire to be well rounded and educated like those he was exposed to during his childhood CALL TO ACTIVISM On the night of January 27,

NOTICE TO QUALIFIED FIRMS 127,&( ,6 +(5(%< *,9(1 WKDW %DVNHWEDOO 3URSHUWLHV /WG WKH ³0DQDJHU´ ZLOO EH DFFHSWLQJ sealed Statements of Qualifications for: REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS QUALIFICATION OF GENERAL CONTRACTORS FOR MISCELLANEOUS CONSTRUCTION SERVICES AT THE AMERICANAIRLINES ARENA RFQ NO. 2017-01 The Manager is requesting Statements of Qualifications from General Contractors to qualify for the purpose of performing Miscellaneous Construction Services on an as needed basis at the AmericanAirlines $UHQD WKH ³$UHQD´ . Sealed Statements of Qualifications must be received by 3:00 p.m. on Monday, February 6, 2017, WKH ³6XEPLWWDO 'HDGOLQH´ at Gate 4 of the Arena, ORFDWHG DW %LVFD\QH %OYG 0LDPL )/ ³*DWH ´ 7KH RIILFLDO FORFN DW WKH 0DQDJHUœV UHFHSWLRQ desk shall govern. Statements of Qualifications received after this time will not be considered.

The Statements of Qualifications will be publicly opened at Gate 4 immediately after the Submittal Deadline.

THE SERVICES The purpose of this RFQ is to establish a highly qualified pool of general contractors under continuing contracts with the Manager to perform various construction projects at the Arena, which may include, but not limited to, facility renovations and improvements; interior remodeling/refreshing; cabinetry work, locker and bathroom repairs and renovations and other miscellaneous Arena facility maintenance, repairs, end of product life replacements, and improvements on a strict construction schedule (WKH ³6HUYLFHV´ The Manager intends to contract with multiple highly qualified firms to perform the Services, on an as needed basis, and in a timely and efficient manner that enables the Manager to maintain an active sports and entertainment Arena schedule. The initial term of the continuing services contract(s) is anticipated to be for five (5) years. The Services shall be performed according to high-quality standards that will enable the structure to remain a first class facility. The successful firm shall be required to adhere to Miami-'DGH &RXQW\œV VPDOO EXVLQHVV SDUWLFLSDWLRQ PHDVXUHV DSSOLFDEOH WR WKH 6HUYLFHV DQG WR submit monthly progress reports and compliance documentation to Miami-'DGH &RXQW\œV 6PDOO Business Development Office.

AVAILABILITY OF RFQ DOCUMENTS ,QWHUHVWHG SDUWLHV PD\ SLFN XS D 5HTXHVW IRU 4XDOLILFDWLRQV IRU WKH 3URMHFW WKH ³5)4´ DW *DWH from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Statements of Qualifications shall be submitted using the form(s) provided in the RFQ. EXPERIENCE Firms submitting Statements of Qualifications shall satisfy all of the following: - Shall have been in continuous business in Miami-Dade or Broward Counties for the past five years; - Shall have had a Miami-Dade and/or Broward office for a minimum of the past five years; - Shall have been continuously incorporated for a minimum of the past five years; - Shall have been in business as a general contractor for a minimum of the past ten years; - Shall have served as the general contractor and successfully completed a minimum of three projects within the past five years each of which (a) had a cost of $300,000 or more, (b) were within the United States, and (c) consisted of construction, maintenance and repair, renovation or refresh of commercial buildings of a size, scope and complexity similar to the Arena; - Shall demonstrate successful completion of first class facility improvements, repairs, and renovations in a timely manner within expedited time frames; and - Shall demonstrate the successful construction, or significant renovation or repair of at least one concrete building in South Florida located within a High Velocity Hurricane Zone.

MANDATORY PRE-QUALIFICATION CONFERENCE A mandatory pre-qualification conference will commence promptly at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 10, 2017 at Gate 4. All firms planning to submit a Statement of Qualifications are required to have their proposed project superintendent attend this conference. Failure of a firm, LQFOXGLQJ WKH ILUPÂśV VXSHULQWHQGHQW WR EH Sresent for the entire conference, beginning at the time stated above and concluding at the dismissal of the mandatory pre-qualification conference by the Manager, shall render a firm to be deemed non-responsive and their Statement of Qualifications shall not be considered for award. Decisions of the Manager shall be final. The official clock at the location of the mandatory pre-qualification conference shall govern.

Statements of Qualifications shall be submitted in accordance with the procedures set forth in the RFQ. Any questions concerning this Notice or the RFQ shall be submitted to the Assistant General Manager, AmericanAirlines Arena by email at RFQSubmissions@heat.com by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, January 20, 2017.

All firms are advised that the Manager has not authorized the use of the name, likeness or other intellectual property rights of the Manager, the Arena or the Miami Heat and that any such use by unauthorized persons is strictly prohibited to the fullest extent permitted by law.

All firms are advised that the Manager will not supply or sell materials to firms in connection with submission or preparation of Statements of Qualifications.

The Manager reserves the right to reject any and all Statements of Qualifications, to waive any informality in a Statement of Qualifications and to make awards in the best interests of the Manager and the Arena.

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Westside Gazette Martin Luther King Day with Trump

JANUARY 12 - JANUARY 18, 2107 • PAGE 13

The holida y will be pr esided o ver b y a Pr esiden holiday presided ov by Presiden esidentt who scar cely seems tto s principles scarcely comprehend King’s principles.. o compr ehend King’

By Jelani Cobb On April 8, 1968, Representative John Conyers, from Detroit, marched through downtown Memphis with Coretta Scott King, Ralph Abernathy, Harry Belafonte, and thousands of people who had come to that city from across the country.

Four days earlier, Martin Luther King, Jr., had been shot and killed there, on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel, and a fugue of disbelief and despair hovered over the crowd as it continued down the road that King had travelled. The march served as a momentary validation of King’s work, but Conyers hoped to craft a more enduring one. That week, he introduced legislation in the House of Representatives that would make King’s birthday, Jan. 15, a national holiday. It languished in committee.

Two months after the assassination, Coretta Scott King founded the Martin Luther King Center for Nonviolent Social Change, in Atlanta. It was intended to serve as a wellspring for works of the type to which her husband had dedicated his life, but it was quickly deployed in a secondary mission: to lobby for the holiday, which she later described as “a day of interracial and intercul-tural coöperation and sharing.”

In 1971, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, which King had led, delivered to Congress a petition bearing three million signatures in support of the effort. In 1973, Harold Washington, an Illinois state representative who was later elected the first Black mayor of Chicago, sponsored a bill that made his state the first to recognize the holiday. A handful of other states followed, but there was little federal momentum. Coretta Scott King kept up pressure on elected officials, writing, speaking, and testifying twice before congressional committees.

In 1979, a House bill failed by five votes, even though President Jimmy Carter had endorsed it. King then enlisted the aid of Stevie Wonder, who composed “Happy Birthday,” a jaunty bit of agit-pop that included the lines “I never understood / how a man who died for good / could not have a day that would / be set aside for his recognition.” Finally, in 1983, a bill written by Representatives Jack Kemp, a Republican, and

Katie Hall, a Democrat, passed in the House. In the Senate, Jesse Helms, who had denounced the 1964 Civil Rights Act as “the single most dangerous piece of legislation ever introduced in the Congress,” tried, unsuccessfully, to have the bill, which was sponsored by Edward Kennedy, sent back to committee. Undaunted, Helms moved to have King’s F.B.I. files declassified, so that the Senate might explore the specious claim that he was a Communist stooge. In a fit of anger, Daniel Patrick Moynihan threw a copy of Helms’s documents to the floor of the Senate, denouncing them as “filth.” The bill passed by a vote of 78 to 22, and President Ronald Reagan, despite initial reluctance, signed it into law, in November of 1983, declaring that Martin Luther

"Now, what does all of this mean in this great period of history? It means that we’ve got to stay together. We’ve got to stay together and maintain unity. You know, whenever Pharaoh wanted to prolong the period of slavery in Egypt, he had a favorite, favorite formula for doing it. What was that? He kept the slaves fighting among themselves. But whenever the slaves get together, something happens in Pharaoh’s court, and he cannot hold the slaves in slavery. When the slaves get together, that’s the beginning of getting out of slavery. Now let us maintain unity." (From Dr. King’s last speech, “I’ve been to the Mountaintop”)

King, Jr., Day would be celebrated every year on the third Monday of January.

It had taken 15 years for Conyers’s original gesture to become a legislative reality, a journey that reflected a growing national acceptance of King’s ideals of pacifism and racial and economic equality, and a posthumous validation of his approach to social change.

Nevertheless, King Day has occupied an awkward niche in the progression of American commemorations.

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If you are dependent upon our money (Cont'd from FP) I don’t know about you but I refused to pay to be treated like chattel. It’s a brand new day.

For this reason it says, “Awake, sleeper, And arise from the dead, And Christ will shine on you.”

Ephesians 5:14 (NASB) Below are excerpts from I’ve Been to the Mountaintop by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Now the other thing we’ll have to do is this: Always anchor our external direct action with the power of economic withdrawal.

Now, we are poor people. Individually, we are poor when you compare us with white society in America. We are poor. Never stop and forget that collectively — that means all of us together — collectively we are richer than all the nations in the world, with the exception of nine. Did you ever think about that? After you leave the United States, Soviet Russia, Great Britain, West Germany, France, and I could name the others, the American Negro collectively is richer than most nations of the world. We have an annual income of more than 30 billion dollars a year, which is more than all of the exports of the United States, and more than the national budget of Canada. Did you know that?

That’s power right there, if we know how to pool it.

We don’t have to argue with anybody. We don’t have to curse and go around acting bad with our words. We don’t need any bricks and bottles. We don’t need any Molotov cocktails. We just need to go around to these stores, and to these massive industries in our country, and say, “God sent us by here, to say to you that you’re not treating his children right. And we’ve come by here to ask you to make the first item on your agenda fair treatment, where God’s children are concerned. Now, if you are not prepared to do that, we do have an agenda that we must

Happy Birthday Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

follow. And our agenda calls for withdrawing economic support from you.”

And so, as a result of this, we are asking you tonight, to go out and tell your neighbors not to buy Coca-Cola in Memphis.

Go by and tell them not to buy Sealtest milk. Tell them not to buy — what is the other bread? — Wonder Bread. And what is the other bread company, Jesse? Tell them not to buy Hart’s bread. As Jesse Jackson has said, up to now, only the garbage men have been feeling pain; now we must kind of redistribute the pain. We are choosing these companies because they haven’t been fair in their hiring policies; and we are choosing them because they can begin the process of saying they are going to support the needs and the rights of these men who are on strike. And then they can move on town — downtown and tell Mayor Loeb to do what is right.

But not only that, we’ve got to strengthen Black institutions.

I call upon you to take your money out of the banks downtown and deposit your money in Tri-State Bank. We want a “bankin” movement in Memphis. Go by the savings and loan association. I’m not asking you something that we don’t do ourselves at SCLC. Judge Hooks and others will tell you that we have an account here in the savings and loan association from the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. We are telling you to follow what we are doing. Put your money there.

You have six or seven Black insurance companies here in the city of Memphis. Take out your insurance there. We want to have an “insurance-in.”

Now these are some practical things that we can do. We begin the process of building a greater economic base. And at the same time, we are putting pressure where it really hurts.

I ask you to follow through here.

PLEASE READ AND LISTEN TO THE “I’VE BEEN TO THE MOUNTAINTOP SPEECH IN IT’S ENTIRETY AT: WWW.THEWESTSIDEGAZETTE.COM

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Westside Gazette

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