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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5 - WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2017

A M E S S A GE F ROM OU R PU BL IS H E R In the late hours of Sunday, October 1, 2017, a gunman opened fire on a music festival crowd in Las Vegas, killing at least 58 people and leaving more than 500 others injured.

The NAACP released the following statement to what has now become the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history:

By Kimberly Maroe BROWARD COUNTY, FL - Medical marijuana dispensaries may soon be opening in Broward County as Commissioners ask for a legal ordinance that would allow the facilities to be located in the Broward Municipal Services District, areas of the county that are not part of any cities. State lawmakers ruled that dispensaries could either be banned by cities or counties or allowed to exist in the same areas where pharmacies can be located.

“Basically the state legislature now says wherever we can put a pharmacy, we can put a dispensary. So we have two choices,” noted Broward Commissioner Dale V.C. Holness. “There’s great concern from these fragile communities as to how this will impact them. I hope that we can take some time to carefully implement this as we go forward.”

(Cont’d on page 10)

People dive for cover at the Route 91 Harvest Country Music Festival after apparent gunfire was heard on October 1, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada (Photo credit: gettyimages.com)

From Leon Russell, NAACP Board Chairman: “Our thoughts and prayers remain with the victims of the Las Vegas shooting, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and loved ones of those who lost their lives to this senseless act of violence. Too often in this country, we awake (Cont’d on page 5)

I can, I can because God will...

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)

By Bobby R. Henry, Sr.

By Kimberly Maroe BROWARD COUNTY, FL - Broward County Mayor Barbara Sharief has submitted a letter to the Executive Director of the National Association of Counties stating her intent to run for the office of NACO’s Second Vice President.

Her colleagues on the Broward County Commission unanimously endorsed her. As a former

President of the Florida Association of Counties, she was also endorsed by the FAC’s Board of Directors during their policy conference on Friday, September 29, 2017.

Mayor Sharief’s involvement has included serving as a member of the Health Steering Committee for several years, and, more recently, as appointed by NACO President, Leon County Commissioner Bryan Desloge, as Chair of NACO’s Medicaid and Indigent Care

Subcommittee (2016-2017 term; Health Steering Committee; Vice-Chair, NACO Health Steering Committee (2017); and Vice-Chair of NACO’s International Economic Development Task Force (2016-2017 term).

In Broward County, Mayor Sharief has served as a Commissioner for seven years and was selected to serve as Mayor twice during that time. Since her election, she became involved in FAC, ultimately serving four years on the

Mayor Sharief executive committee with the culmination of serving as Florida Association of Counties President. Florida is one of the (Cont’d on page 5)

Racial slur scrawled on Black Military Cadets doors and the Air Force Academy response is weak

By Jason Johnson Five African American students at Air Force Academy Prep School in Colorado found the words “Go Home Niggers” scrawled on the dry-erase boards outside their dorm rooms.

Once the Air Force Academy, which runs the school, became aware of the racial graffiti, the academy’s

How often do we find ourselves trapped deep within a quagmire of our own doings? It matters not that our self-afflictions have caused us trepidations to what we might see as a never- ending wave of destruction; there is always a way “back home” to security.

“Now please listen to your servant and let me give you some food so you may eat and have the strength to go on your way.” 1 Samuel 28:22

No matter how burdensome the load or the path filled with deceptive and disastrous outcomes, there is a course to take that will instruct you back to where you NEED to be.

Your strength comes when you call upon the source that gives ALL who ask for what they need no matter the situation, dilemma or mess. You are given a test to have for your testimony.

“Do not be afraid, O man highly esteemed,” he said.

“Peace! Be strong now; be strong.” When he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Speak, my lord, since you have given me strength.” Daniel 10:18-20 (Cont’d on page 5)

Rep. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., the president and CEO of the NNPA, Dorothy Leavell, the chairman of the NNPA and Rep. Al Green (D-Texas) pose for a photo after a meeting on Capitol Hill with NNPA members.

(Freddie Allen/AMG/NNPA)

81°

Thursday Oct 5TH

By Freddie Allen NNPA Newswire)

(Cont’d on page 10)

Lt. Gen. Jay Silveria

(Editor-In-Chief,

During an on the record meeting with publishers of Black-owned newspapers on Capitol Hill, Rep. Al Green (D-Texas) discussed a range of issues from symbols of

The Westside Gazette Newspaper

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the Confederacy to advertising in the Black Press and the impeachment of President Donald Trump.

Publishers and staffers representing the Daily Challenge, Cross Roads News, (Cont’d on page 10)

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WESTSIDE GAZETTE IS A MEMBER: National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) Southeastern African-American Publishers Association (SAAPA) Florida Association of Black Owned Media (FABOM)

PAGE 2 • OCTOBER 5 - OCTOBER 11, 2017

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A Proud Paper For A Proud People

Black Teen CEO/ Philanthropist wins $15k competition; launches summit to Empower Girls in New York

By Zandra Cunningham NEW YORK, N.Y. (BlackNews.com) — 43North is a startup competition in a league of its own that has given away more than $5 million to entrepreneurs. Just recently, 17-year old entrepreneur Zandra Cunningham won the organization’s collaborative M/WBE business plan competition designed to elevate the profile of minority and women busi-

ness owners. It’s called The Pitch, and after pitching her social goods brand, Zandra prevailed as the $15,000 grand prize winner in the Growth Companies category.

On the heals of winning The Pitch, Zandra is also announcing her Day of The Buffalo Girl Summit. This free annual event will take place on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017 in the iconic

Buffalo Museum of Science, and is a public-private partnership with the Zandra TLC Foundation designed to raise awareness of gender issues and empower young women to take action against the status quo through education and entrepreneurship. The one-day event will be fun-filled with workshops, performances and discussions that will engage and

stimulate attendees through science, technology, engineering, arts and design, and mathematics (STEAM), wellness and much more.

“When girls come together at Day of the Girl Buffalo 2017, they can share their own perspective on what really matters to them and teach themselves, adults, boys, and other girl’s

Lawmakers seek end to triple-digit inter est interest on Payday and Car -T itle Loans Car-T -Title

By Charlene Crowell (Communication Director, Center for Responsible Lending) A group of Capitol Hill lawmakers is combining efforts and influence to legislatively crack down on predatory lending, nationwide. Seventeen Members of the U.S. House and eight U.S. Senators are supporting companion bills that would slash the cost of payday and car-title loans from their typical 300 percent annual interest rate to no more than 36 percent—the same rate protection that Congress first provided military families in 2006.

Today, 90 million Americans living in 15 states and D.C. benefit from enacted rate caps of 36 percent or lower. But in the other 35 states, residents remain vulnerable to triple-digit interest rates that average

Senator Dick Durbin said that predator lending practices can have crippling effects on the people who can least afford them.

(Official Photo)

400 percent nationwide on an average loan of only $350.

When consumers use their car titles as collateral for a larger and equally costly loan, a loss of personal transportation occurs when borrowers can no longer keep up with the spiraling high costs.

If enacted, the legislation is expected to have an immediate impact on payday and car-title loans, but would ensure that all consumer financial services would end cycles of debt that trick and trap unsuspecting consumers into long-term debt.

The bicameral effort is led in the U.S. Senate by Senators Dick Durbin of Illinois and Jeff Merkley of Oregon. Their leadership counterparts in the House of Representatives are Matt Cartwright of Scranton, Pennsylvania and Steve Cohen of Memphis, Tennessee.

“Predatory lending dispro-

New Nielsen study rreveals eveals gr owing growing spending power power,, influence of Black Women

By Stacy M. Brown (NNPA Newswire Contributor) A new report detailing the record-setting spending power of African American women has further buoyed the confidence of Black female entrepreneurs, who said the information proves their undeniable value to the United States and the global economy.

The report titled, “African American Women: Our Science, Her Magic,” was released by Nielsen during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s annual legislative conference; it revealed that African American women’s consumer preferences and brand affinities are resonating across the mainstream culture, driving total Black spending power toward a record $1.5 trillion by 2021.

The report also noted that Black women comprise 14 percent of all females in the U.S. (“24.3 million strong”) and 52 percent of all African Americans.

With an average age of 35.1 years (versus 42.8 for non-Hispanic white women and 39.4 for all women), Black women have enjoyed steady growth in population, incomes and educational attainment.

Sixty-four percent of Black women currently enroll in college right out of high school and 23 percent over the age of 25 have a bachelor’s degree or higher, up from 18 percent in 2005.

Further, the report noted that the number of businesses majority-owned by Black women grew 67 percent between 2007 and 2012, more than all women combined.

The latest U.S. Census figures show African American women have majority ownership in more than 1.5 million businesses with over $42 billion in sales.

“This report is helpful to show banks and brands that Black women are highly qualified to be recipients of fair lending and to be fairly represented in advertising campaigns,” said Samantha Gregory, the founder of the website richsinglemomma.com, a platform developed to help single mothers earn extra cash. “As a Black woman in technology and personal finance, who is also a

Cheryl Grace, the senior vice president of U.S. Community Strategic Alliances and Consumer Engagement for Nielsen, says that marketers must recognize the intercultural influence of Black women on the general market. In this photo, Grace (née Pearson-McNeil) speaks during the 2017 NNPA Mid-Winter Conference in Fort Lauderdale.

(Freddie Allen/AMG/NNPA) business owner, those statistics are useful, when I am making a case for working with brands for my blog and business.

Gregory continued: “However, if the powers that be are not educated about these statistics, it is still challenging to get a seat at the table, where all the prime contracts are being handed out.”

Briana Santirosa, the founder and CEO of online retailer, Casa de Reinas, said that after working in retail for four years, she made the decision to start her own business.

Santirosa said that fashion and beauty industries often chose to ignore the purchasing power of Black women.

“I do see the market beginning to recognize Black women more and cater to our spending preferences,” Santirosa offered.

In Nielsen’s new Diverse Intelligence Series report, the global researcher paints a portrait of Black women as trendsetters, brand loyalists and early adopters, who care about projecting a positive self-image. As they wield that #BlackGirlMagic, Black women play an increasingly vital role in how all women see themselves and influencing mainstream culture across a number of areas, including fashion, beauty, television and music, the report’s authors said.

“Black women have strong

life-affirming values that spill over into everything they do.

The celebration of their power and beauty is reflected in what they buy, watch and listen to, and people outside their communities find it inspiring,” said Cheryl Grace, the senior vice president of U.S. Community Strategic Alliances and Consumer Engagement for Nielsen.

“Understanding how Black women’s values affect their buying decisions has long been a marketing necessity.”

Grace continued: “Now, marketers must also recognize the intercultural influence of Black women on the general market, as an increasingly vital part of how all women see themselves, their families and the rest of the world.”

The African American woman’s independent mindset is present in her growing confidence, self-awareness and rising income, according to the report.

Black women are not only redefining what it means to be a woman for themselves, but are at the vanguard of changing gender roles and unlimited possibilities for American women of all ages and races.

(Read full story at: www.thewestsidegazette.com)

portionately harms people who are already struggling financially,” noted Rep. Cartwright, where in Pennsylvania these types of predatory and highcost loans are already banned by state law. “This consumerfriendly legislation would provide relief from exorbitant fees for many low-income consumers across the country.”

Rep. Cohen, Cartwright’s House colleague, felt similarly.

“Throughout my career, I have always worked to shield people from those who would take advantage of them through predatory lending practices that can wreak havoc on people’s lives and perpetuate a cycle of indebtedness,” said Cohen. “Both justice and morality dictate that reasonable caps on interest be enacted to protect borrowers from devious lenders.”

From the Deep South, to the Pacific Coast, and westward to the mid-Atlantic and Midwest states, state payday interest rates range as high as 662 percent in Texas to California’s 460 percent, and Virginia’s 601 percent. Likewise, in the Midwest, the states of Illinois, Missouri, Ohio and Wisconsin have comparable high interest rates that all exceed 400 percent.

(Read full story at: www.thewestsidegazette.com)

17-year old Zandra Cunningham just won a national business plan competition, and now she is planning her 5th annual entrepreneurship summit for teen girls. new ways of thinking about gender issues.

Using the tools, techniques and help from our network, we hope girls will feel empowered to address their issues and change the status quo. This is an awesome event and our goal is to keep hosting this event at no cost to the girls and their families so that they can freely get involved with all the activities that truly inspire them,” says Zandra.

Day of the Girl Buffalo events will include: Wellness Advice, Dance Performances, Creative Arts and DIY STEM projects, Business Basics - Build your own empire sessions, a Kids Business Marketplace and Vendor Marketplace. There will also be special speaker topics on bullying, cyber safety, teen physical and mental health, college preparedness and money management. Parents are welcome to explore these sessions, discover more about Buffalo at

the Community Information Booths or relax at the Parent Engagement Lounge.

The Day of the Girl is an international movement designed to mobilize girls to explore their unique roles in the world. Each year, in the month of October, Zandra works with local partners to highlight issues of neglect and devaluation among girls. It uses its business platform to celebrate and promote the betterment and fulfillment of young girls - starting local and sharing their awareness and initiatives across the globe.

The Day of The Girl Buffalo 2017 is sponsored by Buffalo Rising, CAO (Community Action Organization), Erie County Medical Center, Buffalo Museum of Science, Buffalo Public Schools, Buffalo Promise Neighborhoods, Cake Crazy Bakery, FabUBus Mobile Spa, Yogi In Da Trap and Living Well with DeChantell, Miracle Missions Full Gospel Church, Erie County Commission on the Status of Women, and Zandra.

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A Proud Paper For A Proud People

OCTOBER 5 - OCTOBER 11, 2017 • PAGE 3

Lawmakers, Civil Rights leaders challenge DeVos on Student Loan Enforcement

By Charlene Crowell (Communications Director, Center for Responsible Lending) Civil rights leaders and Capitol Hill lawmakers are standing up and speaking out against a recent Department of Education (DOE) decision to

sever its working relationship with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). In separate and independent actions, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and staff are being challenged and corrected as to its understanding of a sole office having complete authority and

We’re 42 years apart but our mission is the same: Change education for the Black community

FULLER and COLE

By Howard Fuller and Charles Cole III We are two Black men separated by 42 years in age. But we are bound by our collective rage about what is happening to our people. We are focused on education where there is more than enough to be angry about. Every day countless numbers of our children do not receive the quality education they must have in order to have even a modicum of a chance to live a decent life in today’s world.

Yet, when some of us raise our voices and pursue more options for our children, we are accused of supporting “privatization” or doing the bidding of rich “hedge fund” owners or supporting “segregation.”

But we will not be deterred. As long as educational atrocities keep happening to our children we will seek whatever options there are to help families navigate existing education systems and create new ones that will enable their children to engage in the “practice of freedom.” We support any type of school, educational environment or policy initiative that meets the needs and interests of our children. In the same vein we will oppose any policies or learning environments that are hurting our childrenwhether they are traditional public schools, charter schools or private schools.

LET’S BE CLEAR ABOUT THE WHY As we write this, only 17 percent of Black students are considered college- and career-ready. According to the NAEP (National Association of Educational Progress), Black fourth-graders represent the largest percentage of students below basic at 49 percent and the lowest percentage proficient at 18 percent and the story gets worse for eighth-graders too. More than half (53 percent) of Black eighth-graders nationally are below basic in math.

The consequence isn’t merely poor test scores for our people; it is about what it represents. When we have drastic low achievement our risk of dying grows. We have both buried students and friends that couldn’t read. When the link between low achievement and poor schooling has a straight line to the death and destruction of our people and we can see it clear as day, we will never stop fighting.

We make this pledge as free Black men who will not be pigeon holed or intimidated by rhetoric from our opponents and most assuredly we won’t be silenced by their tactic of “guilt by association.”

We say this because those of us who support parent choice are accused of being in bed with Donald Trump. The two of us have been absolutely clear in our opposition to Trump. Our people were fighting for parent choice long before Trump was born. We will not yield on our righteous support for parent choice because this idea is also supported by him or his administration. We believe there are ways to reach the goals of increasing the power of our people in the educational realm without walking through the fiery gate of the wrong side of history that is Donald Trump.

IT’S GONNA TAKE EVERYBODY More than ever, like-minded Black folks have to pull together and move as a force in our never-ending struggle to free our children from the so-called “one best system.” In order for that to happen, it is going to take a multigenerational approach, which at various times in our history has been difficult for us to do as a people.

In the battle to change education for our community, too often the elders have not provided space and guidance for the generations behind them. There have been times when younger people searching for guidance have had doors slammed in their face. On the other hand elders have sometimes been told their ideas and concerns are no longer of value. The gulf between generations has not served us well in any sphere of struggle and that certainly applies to today’s battles in the education space.

Those of us who choose to raise our voices for our children must find a way to mesh the wisdom of our elders with the energy and the new insights of our younger warriors. We must learn how to fight for our cause by forming alliance of necessity with people whose world view we may not share while not giving up our soul.

The veracity of the evil created by Trump and his followers has created new challenges to the political philosophy of no “permanent friends and no permanent enemies, only permanent interests.” But we will find a way together. The pathway for that to happen must be built on mutual respect that provides the foundation for us to develop new strategies and tactics in our battle to ensure that our poorest families have multiple options for their children.

The challenges presented to us by the current poisonous political environment can be our collective moment-our blessing.

There’s enough energy, strategy, passion and pain to truly galvanize us across generations to change the reality that parent choice is widespread unless you are poor. This is our battle and we will not desist nor allow it to be hijacked by Trump or anyone else.

Civil rights leaders and Capitol Hill lawmakers are challenging Education Secretary DeVos over the department’s student loan enforcement. In this photo, DeVos speaks at the 2017 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in National Harbor, Maryland. (Gage Skidmore/ Wikimedia Commons) enforcement regarding the nation’s student loans.

As readers may recall, an earlier column reported on an Aug. 31 advisory by the Department of Education’s deci-

sion to formally end two Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) that guided Education’s working relationship with CFPB. The first MOU detailed how DOE would share information with CFPB. The second detailed how the two agencies would cooperate on supervisory oversight, the process that has led to multiple million dollar settlements for fraud and other legal violations. For CFPB, the correspondence was an unexpected 30-day cancellation notice.

It was also one that affects more than 40 million consumers, who together owe $1.4 trillion in a combination of federal and private student loan debt. Among Black students who used student loans to finance a bachelor’s degree, the burden of debt is disproportionate. Four years following graduation, they owe almost double the amount of their white classmates, according to research by the Center for Responsible Lending (CRL).

Since then, reactions have ranged from questioning the advisability as to why DOE would cut its ties to CFPB, to outright challenges to the a-

Kir k F Kirk Frranklin & F Frriends Concer Concertt Re-scheldue date April 28, 2017 Amphi-Theater.

For information contact Maurice Tucker -- (786)3224060 ext.

810. (media) Colinforbes@sflcaribbeantv.com For Media Accreditation e m a i l : contact@sflcaribbeantv.com Call 1(855) 464-4876 or (786) 322-4060 ext. 800 (855) GO. GITSO).

FRANKLIN

By Maurice Tucker, MBA MIRAMAR, FL. The highly anticipated gospel concert Gospel In The Son with Kirk Franklin & Friends which was scheduled to be held at the (Miramar Amphi-Theater) Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017 will be rescheduled for Saturday, April 21, 2018. As you are aware for the past month our state has been trying to recuperate from the natural disaster, Hurricane Irma; many of us and our neighbors are still making adjustments from the devastation which they have encountered in the South Florida region.

We also have many people in neighboring countries which are linked to South Florida region by association of family and friends such as Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Island and Barbuda and these people have been hit

by Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

As of such a lot of South Floridians have been inundated by the recovery mode and the concert "Gospel In he Son" have been affected directly and indirectly by the hurricane.

Collectively, we have reached out to Kirk Franklin’s management team and the other artiste which were billed for the event and gladly they are on board with us in rescheduling the event for Saturday, April 21, 2018. We anticipate a very robust turnout on April 21 and therefore we ask that you join us in making this new date effective for our concert. All tickets which were purchased will be fully honored and refundable at the location which it was purchased.

All vendors who wish to be reimbursed please make contact with us through our local number 1 (786) 322-4060 Xt.800. All the tickets which were purchased would be honored at the day of the concert April 21, 2018 at the Miramar

gency’s knowledge and interpretation of applicable federal laws.

For example, 10 members of the Congressional Black Caucus joined with other Capitol Hill lawmakers in a bicameral effort that represented 18 states to challenge in a September 15 letter to Secretary DeVos that advised the department’s “assertions are false.” Led by Senators Sherrod Brown of Ohio and Patty Murray of Washington, the correspondence was a direct challenge.

“While the Department does have the authority to administer the federal student loan programs,” wrote the lawmakers, “that authority is not exclusive and has been intentionally constrained by law due to the Department’s historical negligence in carrying out many of its oversight responsibilities over federal student loan servicers.”

“Congress also established a Student Loan Ombudsman at the CFPB whose responsibilities include working with the Department to ‘resolve complaints related to [borrowers] private education or federal student loans’ and is specifically instructed to enter into a MOU with the Department to do so,” the letter continued.

The lawmakers also advised in their letter that the authority to monitor and enforcement laws affecting student loan servicers beyond those held by CFPB additionally includes duties for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) at the federal level and in the states by attorneys general and other state agencies.

“We are pleased to see Senators Brown and Murray are joined by more lawmakers in leading the way to assert CFPB’s authority and that of other federal agencies that together share oversight and regulation of student loans and student loan servicers”, commented Whitney Barkley-Denney, a CRL policy counsel and student loan specialist. “The

claims made by the Department of Education made in signal a disturbing intent to withhold key information that should be shared.”

“These lawmakers are standing up for borrowers and taxpayers against a Department of Education that seems more interested in protecting the interests of big money corporations than struggling families.

On behalf of the more than 40 million consumers burdened with student debt and our allies in this struggle, we are also most grateful,” Barkley-Denney concluded.

If lawmaker chidings weren’t enough, days later on September 20, another communique continued what the lawmakers began. Led by the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights (LCCHR), a coalition of diverse national organizations pledged to promote and protect civil and human rights of all people, sent its collective concerns to Secretary DeVos, citing federal laws like Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

“All of these laws require regulations and guidance, and oversight and enforcement, in order to provide their intended benefits to students,” stated the coalition.

More than 40 national organizations joined in noting DOE’s apparent failure to embrace its duties in civil rights when it comes to higher education. Among the signatories were a broad range of concerns from the NAACP, National Urban League, NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, to the National Council of Jewish Women, UnidosUS (formerly the National Council of La Raza), American Association of University Women, and Asian Americans Advancing Justice.

“Students deserve, and the law requires, a Department of Education that is working to protect all students from discrimination and to provide for equal educational opportunity,” the coalition concluded.

PAGE 4 • OCTOBER 5 - OCTOBER 11, 2017

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A Proud Paper For A Proud People

Local Events In The Community Publix is Proud to Support Community News WHERE SHOPPING IS A PLEASURE

Touch Weekly Events

Events that TOUCH lives: * Hepburn Center's Annual Women's Center Event - Think Pink Win Pink, on Saturday, Oct. 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Austin Hepburn Center/Human Services Department, 1000 N.W. Eight Ave., Hallandale, Fla. Stiletto Breast Cancer Walk/ registration at 8 a.m. The walk begins at 8:30 a.m. There is a registration fee. First 10 registrants receive a Free Tshirts. Lunch will be provided to all attendees. Let's wear something pink to show our support for Breast Cancer Awareness.

For more info call (954) 4571460. * BMSD Healthy Community Zone Wellness Jamboree on Saturday, Oct. 7 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Reverend Samuel Delevoe Park, 2520 N.W. Sixth St., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Books, Balls & Blocks on Sunday, Sept. 17, from 11 a.m. to 4. For more info call (954) 357-7794. * Books, Balls & Blocks on Sunday, Oct. 8 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Nova Southeastern University, Alvin Sherman Library, 3100 Ray Ferrero Jr. Blvd., Fort Lauderdale,Fla.

Gala The community is cordially invited to attend LifeNet4Families 2017 Hidden Gem Gala on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017 from 7 to 11 p.m., at "Pier 66", 2301 S.E. 17 St., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. This year's gala will honor community partners for their significant donation of time, talent and treasures. Online registration ends Friday, Sept. 29, 2017 at 5 p.m.

Discussion

The League of Women Voters of Broward County and Women’s March present an expert panel discussion titled “Sea Level Rise: How Is It Affecting Me And What Can I Do?” on Wednesday, Oct. 11 from 6 to 8 p.m., at West Regional Library, 8601 W. Broward Blvd., Plantation, Fla. For additional info call Stephanie Pearson at (954) 382-5927.

Event

Meeting

Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) kicks off the second annual Next Gen Engage series of community conversation led by students on Thursday, Oct. 12 at 5:30 p.m., at South Plantation High School, 1300 Paladin Way, Plantation, Fla. The event is free and open to the community. Free parking is available at each event coffee and conversation begins at 5 p.m. For more info call (754) 321-2608.

All Dania Beach businesses are invited to attend the Dania Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (DBCRA) quarterly Merchant Meeting on Thursday, Oct. 12, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the Dania Beach City Hall Atrium, 100 W. Dania Beach Blvd., Dania Beach, Fla. Complimentary refreshments will be served. For more info call CRA at (954) 924-6801 or visit www.daniabeachcra.org.

Basketball Tryouts

Fair

MDC's Miami Book Fair to present Author Daniel Goleman on Monday, Oct. 16 at 7 p.m., at MDC Wolfson Campus Auditorium, (Building 1,2, Floor, Room 1251), 300 N.E. Second Ave., Miami, Fla.

Taylored Athletes Travel Basketball. Boys Basketball grades 3-5, on Sunday, Oct. 15 at 5 p.m., and grades 6-8 on Sunday, Oct. 22 at 1 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran School, 701 W. Palmetto Park Rd., Boca Raton, Fla.

FLPD HOST GUN BUYBACK

Happening at African-American Research Library and Cultural Center

African-American Research Library and Cultural Center, 2650 Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderale, Fla. For more info call (954) 357-6210. *AARLCC’s Harlem Renaissance virtual reality exhibit will travel to five African American museums throughout the state of Florida. * Motown on Friday, Oct. 6 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Soul food, signature cocktails, live bands.

Former Motown executive Don Foster will discuss Motown history, giveaways and more.

For tickets info visit Fridays.Broward.org or call (954) 357-6190. * The African-American Library Research Library and Cultural Center will celebrate its 15th anniversary on Friday, Oct. 13 at 6 p.m. with the festive gala, "Floridians and The Harlem Renaissance. Cocktails and a roving feast will be served.

Tickets are on sale. For more info contact Marvia Simmons or Pamela Adams at (954) 7648500. *Saturday, Oct. 7 & 21 Free health literacy 11AM to 1PM. Visit with nutritionist.

Learn about healthy eating.

For more info and to schedule an appointment, call (954)3576227. Children 10 and up are welcome with parents. * COMPUTER CLASSES Pre-register for free computer classes at (954) 3576228. Due to limited seating, registration begins 6 days prior to each scheduled class. *Saturday, Oct. 07, Microsoft Excel I, from 10:30 a.m. to Noon * Saturday, Oct. 14, Mavis Beacon Typing, 10:30AM to Noon YOUTH SERVICES Call Youth Services Department (YS) at (954) 357-6209 if you have any questions about the following programs and to pre-register if needed. Additional details provided on October YS Flyer. * Monday Tuesday Wednesday FREE Homework Help: After school help with homework for grades K-12, from 3 to 5 p.m. For more info call (954) 357-6209 * Tuesday, Oct. 3 & 17 ”Preschool Storytime” 10:30 a.m. Parents and caregivers are invited to bring children aged 3-5 to this story time for them.

Featuring stories, finger plays and simple crafts. For more info and questions call YS. Groups with 10 or more children, please phone ahead. * Sunday, Oct. 8-14, Teen Read Week Theme: “Unleash Your Story” * Wednesday, Oct. 11 ”Hour of Code- Comic Creator” from 5 to 6:30 p.m. (Teen Read Week Theme). Got a story to tell? Have some great text and images you want to put together using HTML & CSS? Join us, ages 13 & up. For more info and questions call the YS Dept. * Thursday, Oct.12 ”The Movie’s Good, But the Book’s Better” from 4 to 5:30 p.m. (Teen Read Week Theme).

Celebrate Teen Read Week by learning about YA books that have been turned into movies.

Choose which book to read for our monthly book club, ages 13 & up. For more info and questions call YS. EDUCATION MATTERS -Every Child Deserves A Chance

Event

Florida International Trade and Cultural Expo (FITCE) on Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 17-18, at Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center, 1950 Eisenhower Blvd., Floridian Ballroom, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Free admission- RSVP required

by Tuesday, Oct. 10 – limited space. For time and additional info call (954) 357-6400.

Fest Federation Fest 2017 on Saturday, Oct. 14, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Tradewinds Park, 3600 W. Sample Rd., Coconut Creek, Fla. There is a fee; free Federation T-shirts with every admission (kids 10 and under is free. There is a additional fee for park entrance.

Grand Opening

2017 Green Market Grand Opening Kickoff. Pompano Beach Historical Society and Community Redevelopment Agency Celebrate 15 Years of Food and Fun on Saturday, Oct. 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Old Town Pompano Beach downtown area of Dixie Hwy and Atlantic Ave., 4 N.E. First St., Pompano Beach, Fla. For additional info call (954) 786-7918.

Show Pretty Couture Apparel and Tynikids Couture presents Third Annual Pretty Walk Fashion Show on Saturday, Nov. 11, at 350 Inverrrary Blvd., Fort Lauderdale.

Dillard High School All Class Homecoming Parade and Reunion. All classes, young and old, plan to stroll from Carter Park to Dillard High - 110 percent participation for 110 years of patterns/ pride. Free to March in parade but must register. Parade route: Carter Park to Sistrunk Blvd to 22nd Rd./24th Ave. to Dillard. For more info and registrationdetails contact (954) 683-7589.

Seniors Prom (Save the Date)

The 9th Annual Seniors Prom is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 18, from 5 to 10 p.m., at the Bahia Mar Hotel and Resort, 801 Seabreeze Blvd., Fort Lauderdale Beach, Fla. Tickets are now available at MODCO, 1530 Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderedale, Fla., Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Must be 55 or older to attend. The Broward Citizens for Seniors, Inc., members also have tickets. For additional info sponsorship, call (954) 2888702 or (954) 303-4900. The Seniors' Prom is sponsored by the Broward Citizens for Seniors, Inc., a non-profit community organization.

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OCTOBER 5 - OCTOBER 11, 2017 • PAGE 5

Petition to remove Ray Lewis statue from Ravens stadium passes 25,000 signatures

By Joe Rogers Omnisport After warning Colin Kaepernick to keep quiet about social activism earlier this year, former Ravens, the great Ray Lewis knelt during the playing

of the national anthem Sunday with current members of the team.

Lewis, said Tuesday his decision to kneel on both knees was to simply honor God in the midst of chaos.” He was criticized for the anthem demonstration by

both Kaepernick supporters and those who believe Lewis and the Ravens were disrespecting the flag.

The latter launched a petition Sunday to remove Lewis’ statue from M&T Bank Stadium, saying on Change.org

that kneeling during the anthem is “disrespectful, regardless of what you are protesting.”

The petition addressed to Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti has received more than 25,000 signatures as of Tuesday night.

“I took two knees because I have a first amendment right just like everybody else. And when I came out of that locker room, I had choice to make,” Lewis told 105.7 The Fan in Baltimore.

“And look at my fellow play-

Congressman speaks of persistence and perseverance at Congressional Black Caucus

CONGRESSMAN CLYBURN

By George D. Taylor Part I of II CBCF Presents President Obama’s Legacy on Fatherhood, Black Men & Boys (Standing up for Justice: Protecting Our Women, Children and Communities) WASHINGTON, DC, – A CBCF (Congressional Black Caucus Foundation) issues forum hosted by CBC Member, the Honorable Congressman James E. Clyburn, Democrat,

South Carolina’s 6th District and the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., International Committee on Fatherhood and Mentoring was held Thursday, Sept.

21, 2017 at the Washington, D.C. Convention Center.

Thabiti Boone, Fatherhood Representative and Liaison to Former President Barack Obama’s White House and Robert W. Fairchild, Chairman of the committee convened a distinguished panel of subject matter experts to discuss several hot button issues facing the African American community.

Boone Opened the session by introducing the Forum Host and CBCF member, the Honorable James E. Clyburn. Congressman Clyburn, a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., spoke of being awaken one morning with news about University of South Carolina (USC) football player, Tyshun “Deebo” Samuels, a junior and wide-receiver on the football team, who scored on the first play from scrummage.

Samuels will miss most of the season after suffered a fractured left fibula just above his ankle during the third quarter of the 23-13 loss to Kentucky.

Congressman Clyburn then told of Bo Jackson, former NFL player who fractured his hip and which effectively and prematurely ended his football

I can, I can because God will...

(Cont'd from FP) One without Hope has no Faith and one without Faith has no future. The strange thing is when you are pressed from the lack of both; you still have a birth right to conquer all of the debilitating circumstances that you perceived to be unconquerable.

“But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26 One thing that prevents us from believing that we have a way out or even that we deserve a second chance is that we listen and believe in the wrong people. Therefore, we are “stuck like Chuck!”

“Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.” — 2 Corinthians 11:14 One thing is for sure: God’s Word will never fail. However, this does you no good unless you have tried it and put it to the test. Then you must be in His service.

“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service.”

1 Timothy 1:12 Even when you think that you are unworthy of any second chances or you have failed miserably at every attempt to be “righteous,” our God is a God of second, third, fourth and many chances.

“Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.” Matthew 18:22 Through it all, we can do all, when we give up all and rely on THE ALL. Then and only then can we be all that He wants us to be.

“But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. Also, I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.” 2 Timothy 4:17 The times that I failed, it was I who failed. But I only failed as far as You wanted me to before I realized who it was that was really keeping me from failing. I can because of Your Will.

-- Bobby R. Henry Sr.

Broward Mayor runs NACO (Cont'd from FP) most diverse states comprised of large, small and medium sized counties. All with their own unique issues that mirrors all states represented by NACo. Involved in the nursing profession for 25 years, with advanced degrees, she is a fierce advocate for protecting all county governments from unfunded mandates and promoting a common-sense approach to solving our healthcare issues. Sharief has first-hand experience dealing with the opioid crisis, mental health and substance abuse issues. She recently hosted a countywide Opioid Epidemic Town Hall Meeting to bring all parties together to solve this challenge and has been aggressive in her effort to receive federal help to sufficiently solve the opioid epidemic.

Sharief’s commitment to continuing to advance our country’s efforts for full diversity and equality cannot be understated. As an African American woman, she constantly butted up against glass ceilings and invisible barriers. When serving in her first term as Mayor of Broward County in 2014, she was the first African American female selected to serve in that position and again made history when selected to serve as Mayor in 2016. Never has an African American female served in that capacity in Broward’s 101-year history!

The NACO election will take place at the 83rd NACo Annual Conference and Exposition, July 13-16, 2018, in Davidson County (Nashville), TN. (Read full story at: www.thewestsidegazette.com)

LEWIS

career. Jackson was one of the most talented Athletes and football players in the history of the game.

Our charge as Omega men and Black men generally, Clyburn said, in his message of persistence and perseverance, is to prepare these young men to deal with life’s realities for the rest of their lives. “It is our job in these fraternities to prepare young men for life,” he said.

Congressman Clyburn mentioned the work of the CBCF and the Clyburn Classic Golf tournament which has involved about 600 golfers. Over the course of the tournament’s history approximately 125 scholarships at $1000 to $4000 plus laptop computers have been awarded to high school and college students.

Clyburn ended his remarks telling of some of the provocative moments of his early career. He cited his first three political failures, first in 19701971, 1978, and 1986, but appealed to the audience to “Never Give Up,” he said.

NAACP statement on messacre (Cont'd from FP) to news of more tragedy and terror at the hands hateful gunmen. We must not let ourselves become desensitized to the fact that people just like us – husbands, brothers, children, wives, sisters, and friends – have been wounded and killed simply for being within reach of a gunman.”

From Derrick Johnson, Interim President, and CEO: “As we recover from what is now the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history, we must turn our thoughts and prayers into action. Use our grief as a healing force. Come together in solidarity and demand a safer nation for our children. Call upon our governing bodies to take action and stop this dreadful gun violence epidemic. Let this serve as a turning point for our country.

“We continue to call for practical gun-control, and urge members and supporters to reach out to their elected officials. We must emerge from our grief not as weakened or numb, but as survivors who rallied to make our communities safe from guns and those who wish to cause us harm.”

I was in Las Vegas last night during the shooting for a speaking engagement. I was asleep at the time of this tragedy; my family watched the news and prayed for my safety.

Thankfully, I was out of harm’s way. The sad reality is none of us are exempt; all of our lives at any moment can be touched by tragedy. We pray for the victims and their families.”

Had he given up and quit the game, he would not have been where he is today – the third most powerful Democrat in the House of Representatives of the United States of America.

Quoting the age old saying, he said, “If at once you don’t succeed, try, try again.” He said to the audience excitedly, “Stay in the game. Our society does not move in a linear plane. It moves back and forth – left to right – and right to left - politically and socially.”

He asserted that we can make a difference when we work together and get involved in the process. “The pendulum,” he said, “spends twice as much time in the center than on either side. So, stay in the game but always be prepared.”

He related this theme of persistence and perseverance back to the football players and the transient nature of being in the game. Our charge as Omega men and Black men generally, Clyburn said, is to prepare these young men to deal with life’s uncertainties for the rest of their lives. “Yes, they have to be ready” to play sports if that’s what they want to do, but “we must help them prepare for life thereafter,” he said.

For information contact: George D. Taylor, Ed.D., Marketing and Public Relations Chairman, International Committee on Fatherhood and Mentoring, Omega Psi Ph0i Fraternity, Inc. geodtaylor@sbcglobal.net

ers and I looked at these young guys. I’m not in the protesting business, I’m not into this, whatever (Donald) Trump wanna say. I’m not into that mess, but if these young boys doing what they doing, then I got to meet them where they are.”

President Trump created quite a stir in the NFL by calling any player who kneels during the national anthem a “son of a b——” and calling for owners to “fire” those players.

NFL teams responded with a massive display of solidarity Sunday and Monday as players, coaches and owners all locked arms during the anthem to relay a message to Trump that they will not be divided.

“I’m not in the league anymore, so the Trump comments don’t bother me, but they’re so out of order,” said Lewis, a 13time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl MVP who played his entire career with the Ravens.

“You’re just talking about kids, you’re talking about the kids who got mothers, mothers who sacrificed everything and families who sacrificed everything, and now you don’t give us no platform to say nothing on — it just baffles me that he would come out and say something like that.”

PAGE 6 • OCTOBER 5 - OCTOBER 11, 2017

Opinion

The Westside Gazette, under the Management of BI-ADs, Inc., reserves the right to publish Views and Opinions by Contributing Writers that may not necessarily reflect those of the Staff and Management of The Westside Gazette Newspaper and are solely the product of the responsible individual(s) who submits comments published in this newspaper.

To “Dis” or Not to “Dis” the Flag

By Reverend Dr. Derrick J. Hughes Part Two “Disrespects the flag…” What does it mean to “Dis” the flag? President Trump also said on his infamous Twitter account, “Burning a flag is a peaceful and respectful way for citizens of this great country to voice their displeasure. Very powerful.”

H’mmmm…Let’s get this straight: Kneeling down silently during the raising of the flag is disrespectful, but burning the flag is respectful? Again, I say, “To Dis or Not to Dis the Flag?”

Maybe it is who is doing the “Dissing”.

Perhaps Tommie Smith (Gold) and John Carlos (Bronze) were being disrespectful in 1968 at the Mexico City Olympics when they raised their fists in salute to Black power during the playing of the U.S. National Anthem as they received their medals. Perhaps Rosie Parks in 1955 was being disrespectful when she had had enough and decided to sit in the “Whites Only” section of the bus while she paid

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the same fare as Whites but was told to sit in the back of the bus or go to jail.

She chose the latter.

In 2017, if one decides to kneel down during the playing of the National Anthem, they too are not only being “disrespectful” but “sons-of-bitches”. If history has taught us anything, it’s that today’s “sons-of-bitches” are tomorrow’s heroes.

In good ol’ Mr. Charlie type vernacular, Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys said regarding the recent stance by NFL members to kneel during the playing of the National Anthem: “You are all simply paid performers on a stage and that field is my stage! You will stand, with your hand over your heart and with respect, when our country’s National Anthem is being played or you will no longer be a Dallas Cowboy, a coach for the Dallas Cowboys, or have any association with the Dallas Cowboy organization! I will fire you, no matter who you are!”

Again, I say, “To Dis or to Not Dis the Flag”? The question has been: is taking a knee during the National An-

them being disrespectful? The real question is: what will taking-a-knee during the National Anthem cost those who will do it or what is the cost of silence? Does the beauty of the flag and the song cover up the injustices that started this entire stance in the first place?

R&B singer Erykah Badu says in lyric fashion, “Take a Knee”.

We are all watching to see who will take a knee We say if it were me It would be so easy But when you’ve suffered Misery and have worked To be what they call free And are conditioned to Believe what they say on TV It’s hard to see the history You are comfortably numb To the indignity Suffered by the collective WE You watched mama struggle years Social Media in your ears And now the moment that you feared All suited up you swallow tears So though your legs are wobbly

Racial slurs at Air Force Academy

By Kevin Palmer In a September 29, 2017, New York Times article captioned, “Air Force General Addresses Racial Slurs on Campus: ‘You Should be Outraged’, The United States Air Force Academy’s Superintendent, Lt. Gen. Jay Silveria responded to the racial slurs directed at five Black cadets. He said, “If you can’t treat someone from another gender, whether that’s a man or woman, with dignity and respect, then you need to get out. If you demean someone in any way, then you need to get out. And if you can’t treat someone from another race or a different color skin with dignity and respect, then you need to get out.” He added, “The power of diversity at the Academy should serve as another unifier…once they arrive here and get immersed in Air Force culture, it must be absolutely clear how we look out for and respect one another.”

Poppycock! The culture is why the racist cadets felt embolden to disrespect five black cadets. Racism’s dominant role in American history and culture will not be mitigated by wellmeaning reactionary rhetoric. Since

its founding, the American culture has been a breeding ground for racists. Even the Founding Fathers crafted a Constitution with racist sentiments when it reduced enslaved Africans to three fifths human. The racists of today are the offspring of the racists from yesterday. Just like the racists who damaged my Air Force career.

I am an African American and retired Air Force Master Sergeant. The jealous racists began their assault in 1990 after I was selected for promotion to MSgt in 10 years by making one of the highest test scores ever recorded, by earning Aircraft Systems Superintendent level in 11 years, and by publishing an article in the Air Force Times titled, “Disoriented Management.” Unfortunately, I learned racists do more than cast slurs; they block promotions. A congressional inquiry discovered my records were flagged, ensuring I would not be promoted which meant untold thousands of dollars in lost active duty pay and retirement pension. General Silveria, racists don’t respond to “Get Out.”

Your Civil Rights? A slippery slop…

By Don Valentine and Nicole Nutting Pay close attention to how quickly in the next years your Civil Rights can be eclipsed. On July 27 C.N.N. politics reported that the Trump administration advised the D.O.J. to intervene in a Title VII case. ”(CNN)The Justice Department filed an amicus brief asserting Wednesday saying that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 does not cover employment “discrimination based on sexual orientation.”

Title VII protects against employment discrimination based on race, religion, national origin and sexual orientation. The case law in this area has nearly four decades of precedent. Note, none of the parties requested the D.O.J. to produce the amicus brief. The position the Trump D.O.J. attorney, Mr. Mooppan, argued was that “out of workplace sexual conduct” was fair game for

employers under the Civil Rights statute. This will be taken up by the Supreme Court in time due to conflicting opinions by the lower Federal courts.

We need to be wary if that logic goes down that “Slippery Slope”.

Suppose a soon to be Junior Senator from Alabama, Judge Roy Moore, rises to power. Trump does not run for a second term. Then Steve Bannon’s crew has another more suitable stooge [er, surrogate] for the boisterous neo right wing. Not that outlandish. We just had a Black President. Now a reality T.V. star is our sitting President.

In that scenario, what could happen to our Civil Rights. L.G.B.T. people can’t work. Black people become reduced back to 3/5ths of a human. Women lose the right to vote. Abortion rights vanish. We can quickly can wind up at the bottom of that slope!

You can’t go back to poverty…

We can ill afford to allow Colin Kaepernick’s original intent—that this country must do better in the disproportional injustice of police brutality against African Americans.

We cannot allow those who would rather sweep the obvious under the rug and say this is disrespectful to the flag to call this protest disrespectful. No, kneeling stands for the very thing the flag represents to our country. We’re the ‘land of the free’ but every citizen hasn’t been made to feel truly free. Why does it still seem like there are different rules for drivers based on the color of one’s skin?

To Dis or Not to Dis the flag? We would be disrespecting the flag if we said nothing and did nothing about the racial injustices that African Americans face for still far too long in this country. We would be disrespecting the flag if the NFL players stopped their protests because of fear of their jobs. It cost Colin Kaepernick a job but we will look back on this time and say, it cost Colin but it paid dividends for others. We would be disrespecting the flag if you and I only allow the NFL players to partake in this stand. We must kneel with them in some form or the other. History would shame us if we allow them to stand alone. It would be a disrespect to them and to our forefathers who stood, walked, sat, drenched by water hoses and chased by dogs. Perhaps it is good to be disrespectful when being disrespectful is speaking up for those who cannot speak up for themselves. Don’t stop!

Be “Disrespectful” in the dignity of right and justice. Shall we stand in shame or kneel in dignity? Again I say, “To Dis or Not to Dis the Flag.”

What grade would you give Trump and his team on recovery?

By Roger Caldwell The sun is shining, and Texas and Florida hurricane recovery is no longer headline news. If you were not directly impacted by the storm or other acts of God, your life is starting to return back to normal.

Americans forget so easily, and if they are not personally impacted by an event, they feel there is no need to worry.

The news is now focused on Puerto Rico, and many experts are suggesting if residents can evacuate, they should leave the island. With almost ninety-five (95) percent of the people on the island without electricity, there is a humanitarian crisis, and many people are unable to get water and food. The other US territories that have been devastated by the hurricanes are not even being talked about, and the majority are people of color.

From the president’s opinion and perspective, he thinks the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is doing an excellent job. But many in his administration know FEMA is understaffed, and that is negatively affecting its relief efforts and disaster response. More than a third of its leadership lacks fulltime status and the Department of Homeland Security which operates FEMA is facing an even greater significant leadership shortage.

In the Department of Homeland Security, out of 57 leadership positions, 26 are temporarily filled or remain vacant, and the Department’s head, James Kelly, has been transferred to Chief of Staff for the president. There are 599 key positions that need Senate confirmation; 320 have not been filled, 117 confirmed, and 159 waiting to be confirmed.

While Trump vacationed at his golf clubs the last two weekends, and spent a large portion of his time tweeting about the NFL, people are dying, and begging for help. The problem in Puerto Rico is the distribution system is not functional in many remote and rural towns, as a result of the destruction of the infrastructure.

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.

By Derrick Johnson (Interim President and CEO, NAACP) We all know the power of the vote.

One person, one vote serves as the basic ethos and measurement of any democratic nation. Without true voter protection, integrity and universal access, America’s light on the hill dims.

Since Shelby V. Holder dismantled the Voting Rights Act, many southern states with a history of voter suppression and related oppression of Black communities, could, once again, enact laws that would attempt to manipulate the sole entity which made all Americans equal: the vote.

During the Presidential election of 2016, the first in 50 years without full protection of the VRA, six of the 14 states implementing restrictive voter laws were previously covered by Section 5 of the VRA. Additionally, five of those states—Mississippi, Texas, South Carolina, Alabama and Virginia—put in place new voter ID laws.

The Black man’s debt

By Lucius Gantt This week’s column is about the topic of the day and perhaps the topic of the year.

It will be much longer than the usual columns because it will take some time to explain a situation that the columnists you love don’t quite understand, one that the sports commentators like Stephen Smith, and others, don’t really have a clue about, and a topic that Presidents, politicians, judges and other elected and appointed officials know very well about what has been going on and why the situation has been twisted and turned and is far from resolution.

I’m writing about the Black man’s, and Black woman’s, debt!

In February, 1975, I was asked to interview for the position of News and Public Affairs Director at WFSU-FM, a basically classical music station, to create and develop a Public Affairs department. I came down from Atlanta, interviewed and got the job.

I needed to employ a staff.

When I hired some qualified, or trainable, members of the Black Student Union, SDS (Students for a Democratic Society) and The Malcolm X Liberation Front, eyebrows began to raise.

When I started using songs like Fela Kuti’s “Zombie” and “Expensive Sheet” (sic) as back ground music on radio documentaries arms began to fold.

When I taught students how to do investigative reports on politics and business, that’s when my days began to be numbered.

I was fired from the radio station and filed a law suit which I won that resulted in my getting a job at the campus TV station.

After a couple of years there, I was fired for doing TV documentaries, such as stories on how Goodwill allegedly took money from disabled workers and about FSU buying a cow for a homecoming barbeque, that were unacceptable to financial contributors.

(Read full story at: www.thewestsidegazette.com)

Coming out as a White nationalist When it comes to Immigration and Free Trade, I am a White nationalist Raynard Jackson says that he’s a White nationalist.

By Raynard Jackson (NNPA Newswire Columnist)

Since 2010, twenty states have placed additional obstacles to the ballot box and according to the Brennan Center for Justice, “states most likely to pass new voting restrictions were those with the highest African American turnout in 2008, those with the highest Hispanic population growth between 2000 and 2010, and/or those formerly covered under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act.”

A few years ago, I wrote one of the most difficult, most personal columns I have ever written. I was totally terrified about going public with that particular column, because I didn’t know how strangers, my family, or my friends would respond to it.

In 2013, I came out of the closet and out of the shadows. I publicly admitted that I was heterosexual.

Wow. I tell you, once I came out of the closet, I felt like the weight of the world had been lifted off my shoulders. The outpouring of support was massive, though I never received a call from President Obama or a tweet from Kobe Bryant; nonetheless, it felt good to be out of the closet.

I find myself in that same predicament years later.

During the past few months it has come to my attention that I, like most Trump supporters, am a White nationalist. This is not to be confused with a White supremacist. White supremacists believe that Whites are superior to other races or groups of people, simply because of their skin color, nothing more. That’s all I will say on that issue for now.

But, White nationalists or nationalists of any color and background simply believe that our politicians and other leaders should put the interest of America and Americans first. End of story.

Liberals and liberal media outlets often call Trump supporters white nationalists. But what about Blacks who believe in putting America and Americans first? Are we, by extension, White nationalists, too?

Let me be clear: if you are in this country illegally, you gotta go. I don’t want America’s sovereignty to be subjugated to international organizations like the United Nations.

(Read full story at: www.thewestsidegazette.com)

(Read full story at: www.thewestsidegazette.com)

(Read full story at: www.thewestsidegazette.com)

The fight to pr otect V oting Rights continues - #StayW oke protect Voting #StayWoke We Must Take Every Opportunity to Fight Voter Suppression Derrick Johnson, the interim president and CEO of the NAACP, says that NAACP continues to take on legal battles against the newest generation of voter suppression models.

The Gantt Report

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BUSINESS

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OCTOBER 5 - OCTOBER 11, 2017 • PAGE 7

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NATIONWIDE — There are thousands of scholarship programs available to students of all different backgrounds, ethnicities, ages, and genders.

However, there are at least 300 national scholarship opportunities that are specifically available to Black, minority and/or women students.

ScholarshipsOnline.org, a free online directory of scholarships and other sources of financial aid, has published these opportunities on their web site for students to apply for. The web site is 100% free to use, and features more than 1,000 scholarship listings all in all.

Some of the minority/diversity scholarships listed on their web site include: Jay-Z’s Shawn Carter Foundation Scholarship, the Coca-Cola First Generation Scholarship For African American Students, the Gates Scholarship For Minorities, the NBNA Scholarship Program For Black Nurses, the Apple HBCU Scholarship Program, the PepsiCo Cesar Chavez Latino Scholarship Fund, and many more.

Some of the women scholarships listed on their web site include: The Jeanette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund For Low Income Women, Beyonce’s Formation Scholars Program, the Microsoft Re-

search Women’s Fellowship, Rihanna’s Global Scholarship Program, the Delta Kappa Gamma Scholarships For Women, the Miss America Scholarship Fund, and many more.

All of the scholarships are free to apply for, but do have eligibility requirements. Most require that an application, essay and/or letter of recommendation is submitted.

To view all of the scholarships available for Black and minority students, v i s i t : www.scholarshipsonline.org (and click on “Minority Scholarships”) To view all of the scholarships available for women students, visit: www.scholarshipsonline.org (and click on “Women Scholarships”)

PAGE 8 • OCTOBER 5 - OCTOBER 11, 2017

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

Church Directory

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

www.thewestsidegazette.com

A Proud Paper For A Proud People 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

Honor your loved ones in the Westside Gazette Newspaper Call -- (954) 525-1489 * In Memoriam * Happy Birthday Remembrance * Death Notice * Obituaires * Cards Of Thanks

Obituaries

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where the kingdom of God is increased through Fellowship.

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

James C. Boyd Funeral Home BROCKINGTON Funeral services for the late Baby Girl Lei’lani Gyzell.

CLARK Funeral services for the late Queen Ester McGee-Clark – 82 were held September 20 at Mount Zion A.M.E. Church with Rev. George Hardy officiating. Interment: Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

COOPER Funeral services for the late Bobby Lee Cooper – 50.

WALL Funeral services for the late Lauretta C. Wall – 94.

Elijah Bell Funeral Home

Harris Chapel United Methodist Church Rev. Stanley Melek, M.Div E-MAIL:stanley.melek@flumc.org 2351 N.W. 26th Street Oakland Park, Florida 33311 Church Telephone: (954) 731-0520

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

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

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

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!”

Victory Independent Baptist Church Pastor Keith & Sister Maria Cunningham 2241 Davie Blvd.

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 Church Telephone: (754) 214-6753 Visit: www.victoryweb.org

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 SCHEDULE OF SERVICES SUNDAY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Email: infor@mthermonftl.com

SUNDAY CHURCH SERVICES Worship Service ................................................................................... 10 a.m.

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

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

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

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

(712) 432-1500- Access Code296233#

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church, Oakland Park "The Miracle On 33rd Street" 420 N.E. 33rd Street Oakland Park, Florida 33334 Church: (954) 563-3060 Email: mtzion420@gmail.com

Rev. George A. Hardy, Pastor SERVICES Sunday Church School ................................................................... 8:45 a.m.

Sunday Morning Worship ........................................................... 10:00 a.m.

Tuesday Night (Family Prayer & Bible Study) ........................... 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday (Prayer Conference Line) ................................................ 8:00 p.m.

(Dail (786) 233-6715 - Acess Code 703513) Oakland Park CDC (Senior Activity Center) Daily ............10 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.

SundaySchool………………………..........................................................................................................9:45a.m.

WorshipServiceSundayMorning………………………..................................................................11:00a.m.

SundayEveningService………………………………………..............................................................................6:00p.m.

Wednesday Evening Bible Study & Prayer……………..........................................................7:00 p.m.

Saturday Morning Soul Winning/Visitation……………….....................................................10:00 a.m.

Men’s Fellowship (Every 2nd & last Tuesdays)………….....................................................6:00 p.m.

Ladies Fellowship (the last Saturday of each month)……..........................................5:00 p.m.

5th Sunday – Family Fellowship (April 30, 2017)……………………..................................... .5:00 p.m.

YouthFellowship(EveryFriday)………………………….....................................................................6:30p.m.

Discover GOD Let Us Help You End The Way To Jesus Christ

Q & A: What Does Reverend Deal Say? 'Luke’s gospel was written on Mary’s views' Question: Can you share some things about the mother of Jesus?

Answer: Mary, Jesus' mother, comes from the royal blood line of King David. In fact, once we realize that same royal blood flows through our veins we will live our lives according to the purpose of God. Self-doubt, depression and anxiety in our lives can be handled with ease. Old Testament scripture speaks about the Virgin Mother of Emmanuel. The Greek name is Mary, while the Hebrew name is Miriam, and the Islamic name is Maryam. Mary was a Jew from Nazareth in Israel. The gospels of Matthew and Luke in the New Testament and the Quran say that Mary was a virgin. The angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she had been chosen by God to become the mother of Jesus (Annunciation). Mary was conceived by the Holy Spirit. It was believed that Mary was between 12 and 14 years old when she gave birth to Jesus. Just like any mother Mary protected and disciplined her son. She required of Jesus certain requests, such as offering assistance at a wedding. Many believe that Mary was at the crucifixion of her son Jesus.

Many teachings, Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, Islam, etc. have various views of Mary. Mary’s life is valued highly and is considered by many as the greatest of all Christian saints.

Reverend David Deal is the senior pastor at Every Christian Church. Worship services are held at Bass Park, 2750 N.W. 19 St., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Rev Deal can be reached at the Westside Gazette, 545 NW Seventh Terrace, Fort Lauderdale, Fla 33311, or by email at David.Deal55@gmail.com

Musician Vacancy Announcement New Hope Baptist Church of Fort Lauderdale, Inc. is seeking a musician. This part time position will primarily be responsible for playing the piano/organ for volunteer choirs, playing congregational music, assisting with solos, duets, trios, ensembles, instrumental or vocal on a regular basis in the worship services. This person will be responsible for playing the piano/organ for choir rehearsals and Sunday services. The music style of New Hope Baptist Church of Fort Lauderdale, Inc. is traditional with some contemporary praise music.

This person must work well with the Pastor and choir members, reports to the Administrative Committee. Work is reviewed through observation, supervisory evaluation, committee and congregational feedback for effectiveness.

If you are interested in this position please submit a cover letter, resume and three (3) references to: New Hope Baptist Church of Fort Lauderdale, Inc. Attn: Administrative Committee 1321 Sistrunk Boulevard Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311

JACKSON-SPANN Funeral services for the late Toni Melissa JacksonSpann - 41 were held September 30 at Brown's Temple Holiness Church, with Dr. Henry L. Brown, Assistant Pastor. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens, Fla.

McWhite's Funeral Home AUSTIN Funeral services for the late Mae Lee Austin - 96 were held September 30 at McWhite’s Funeral Home Chapel. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

GRESHAM Funeral services for the late Sister Frankie M. Gresham - 87 were held September 30 at Community Church of God with Rev. Baron C. Mashack, Sr., officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

MCINTYRE Funeral services for the late Sina McIntyre.

WRIGHT Funeral services for the late Doris Wright – 83 were held September 28 at McWhite’s Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Ricky Scott officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Roy Mizell & Kurtz Funeral Home CISROW Funeral services for the late Ronetta Elizabeth Cisrow - 44 were held September 30 at Roy Mizell & Kurtz Funeral Home with Elder Bobby Cisrow, Sr. officiating.

NEELEY Funeral services for the late Ormand Neeley - 82 were held September 30 at True Pentecostal Church of God in Christ, Inc. with Rev. Virga Kemp officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

BANATTE Funeral services for the late Jean Alix Banatte - 65 were held September 25 at McWhite’s Funeral Home Chapel.

PETTIS Funeral services for the late Constantina “Connie” Lydia Pettis were held September 30 at New Mount Olive Baptist Church with Dr. Marcus D. Davidson officiating. Interment: Lincoln Cemetery, Columbia, SC.

GRAHAM Funeral services for the late Pearlita Graham - 77 were held September 30 at Christian Community Church of God with Dr. Paulette Beckford-Young officiating.

Interment: Forest Lawn Central.

REED Funeral services for the late Charles Eugene Reed - 66 were held September 30 at New Hope Baptist Rick Scott officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Lauderhill Commissioner M. Margaret Bates hosts a new event called “Jazzin’ at Bradley Park” – an afternoon of music, DJ, local talent, and food at the beautiful Bradley Park Lauderhill Commissioner Margaret Bates is known for hosting many cultural events in the City. “Many of these parties have purpose!” she explains. Commissioner Bates raises money for the City’s Martin Luther King Scholarship Fund through several MLK events, hosts the very well attended Jammin’ in the Park at Ilene Lieberman Park with the Fore Life Organization every April, coordinates Movies in the Park, plans biannual Community Leaders Breakfasts, and orchestrates an Annual Veterans Day Celebration just to name a few!

Now, she is taking on a new party at the beautiful Bradley Park alongside the very active West Ken Lark Home Owner Association (WKL HOA).

On Sunday, Oct. 15, from 3 to 7 p.m., the City of Lauderhill and the WKL HOA will together host the 1st Annual Jazzin’ at Bradley Park! Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, coolers and meet your neigh-

bors at the park.

This family event is centered on the new neighborhooddriven public art piece amphitheater – designed by those who live in the West Ken Lark Community. Come out and see what your friends and neighbors designed. Take a walk through one of Lauderhill’s newest parks and enjoy the late afternoon - hear what Jazzin’ at Bradley Park is all about!

The free event will include entertainment by Parkway’s DJ Jabbow and winners of Lauderhill’s Got Talent Contest 2017 to include Ceeka Willis, Shayna Brackenridge, and Serena Perkins.

(Read full story at: www.thewestsidegazette.com)

www.thewestsidegazette.com

OCTOBER 5 - OCTOBER 11, 2017 • PAGE 9

A Proud Paper For A Proud People

Denny’s fires employees for making Black customers pay before eating

By Eurpublisher Several employees at a Washington Denny’s have been fired after they insisted that black patrons pay for their food in advance while letting white patrons eat first and pay on the way out.

A white couple witnessed the transgression while dining at

LEGAL NOTICES PUBLICATION OF BID SOLICITATIONS Broward County Board of County Commissioners is soliciting bids for a variety of goods and services, construction and architectural/engineering services. Interested bidders are requested to view and download the notifications of bid documents via the Broward County Purchasing website at: www.broward.org/purchasing.

October 5, 12, 19, 26, 2017

Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Ronald Johnson of address unknown in the United States of America is asking to contact the Land Administration Management Programme LAMP, at The Halfway Tree Road in Kingston 5, St Andrews. Telephone number (876) 633-7300.

Email:Shanee.Harris@lampJa.com Sept. 28, Oct. 5, 12, 19, 2017

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS Florida Department of Transportation Project Bids will be received by the Tallahassee Office until 10:30 A.M. on Wednesday, October 25, 2017, for Proposal ID T4468. The improvements consist of lighting and other work along SR 848 (Stirling Rd) in Broward County. This is a Business Development Initiative (BDI) project, and Certification of Qualification is not required. Budget Estimate $208,438.00. Complete letting advertisement information is available at http:// www.fdot.gov/contracts/Lettings/ Letting_Project_Info.shtm or by calling (850) 414-4000.

Sept. 28 and Oct. 5, 2017

ON PREMISES 545 N.W. 7th Terrace Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Monday -- Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For more info call (954) 525-1489

the Federal Way Denny’s and took to Facebook with their account, which has since been deleted.

According to the Tri City Herald, Pellham said the group of young men had to wait about ten minutes before they were seated, though the restaurant was empty. “The server comes out ‌ and walks over to the young men’s table with their order slips,â€?

Pellham writes. “She then asks for them to pay before the cook will prepare their food.�

Pellham said the waitress told the group she had several people order food and leave without paying, so her man-

“The young men did not make a scene or disrupt other people. They were complaining a little bit but quietly,� Pellham writes, adding that he told the group of men to ask the manager why they were told to pay in advance when Pellham and Pellham’s wife, Esther, were not.

Pelham says he then got into an argument with the server and accused her of being a racist. ager said she had to have them Before learning that Denny’s pay in advance. had dismissed the employees, Pelham wrote, “I finished pay-

42

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OCTOBER 5 - OCTOBER 11, 2017

ARIES-Think hard about the nontraditional ideas that you have been percolating. Speak up. There are others that may be thinking the same thing but don’t have the same courage to say.

You have more in common with the people you work with than you think. There is strength in numbers.-I let my friendships guide my way.6, 40, 41

ships involve. The enjoyment of good food is high on my agenda this week. 3, 8, 9 SCORPIO-Use a more diplomatic approach when you when make constructive comments to others. Your candid attitude is appreciated but diplomacy will be the key to ironing out the wrinkles in a delicate situation. Your financial woes that have been preoccupying your mind will soon be over. Feel good about the progress you’ve already made. True friendship is a mirror into which I look to see the beauty of my inner self. 25, 39, 46

TAURUS-Others need you. Be a great listener this week.

Teach but don’t preach. Family members need a vision of the big picture. That’s easy for you to give but use charm to give it. Be a cheer-giver. Expect nothing in return. Soul Affirmation: When I give thanks for what I have, I lose all sense of what is missing. 4, 32, 35 SAGITTARIUS Self-pity is not your style. It saps your energy and makes it hard GEMINI-It is amazing how a big hearted person like you can for you to rise above whatever it is that has been bothering you. button down to the detailed work when you’ve got the big Do the usual: consider the unfortunate situation that arises picture still projecting over and over in your mind. Both the this week as a learning opportunity? Learn well and move out big picture and the details are important to you this week. into a brighter psychological space.With a positive spirit I coConcentrate on both at the same time. Cooperation with create my week. 18, 26, 31 others is the key to success for me this week. 8, 10, 48 CAPRICORN-It’s time to let co-workers and bosses see CANCER-Love is always a learning experience but this week your astounding ability to organize tasks and get a lot of things think back over past love affairs and be sensitive to the fact that done with style and grace. You can dazzle colleagues this week there is a special truth you can discern. What you know about because things will fall into place easily for you. Use your ease love can be used on someone rich and powerful this week. to do something important. I become transparent. I let others Matters of the heart and matters of the mind harmonize. I see into my thoughts. 7, 23, 48 exercise to lower tension this week. 12, 46, 47 AQUARIUS-Voice your desires to the universe this week!

LEO-Thinking about what to do about your irritable lover? Articulate your thoughts through a song a poem a sonnet! You Make appointments that will create distance between you and will cause a stir of stimulation and hope for those around you. those you are close to especially your sweetheart. Let anyone Find a place of solace where you can meditate and be in harmony who wishes to fret be by his or herself. Spend time with with your true self. I remain adaptable so I can deal with yourself and find pleasant things to occupy your mind until this changing circumstances. 5, 13, 30 week passes. I love pressure as a test of how much I can master.3, 26, 28 PISCES-It’s a great week to tell somebody you are close to that you love them. Saying it aloud gives you energy and of LIBRA-Take some time off for family matters. Work has course your designated adoree will be delighted! Keep the big occupied too much of your attention. Family matters are not picture in mind this week and you’ll feel completely buoyant! most in need of your attention. Your attention is most in need Charm is my middle name this week. 17, 24, 27 of a focus on the emotional attachments that family relation-

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PAGE 10 • OCTOBER 5 - OCTOBER 11, 2017

The Historic Ali Cultural Arts resumes free monthly music experience Soulful Sunda ys Brunch After Dark Sunday The summer is over and Soulful Sundays is back with a new spin! The Historic Ali Cultural Arts in Pompano Beach is resuming one of its most popular programs while adding an exciting new concept—an evening brunch. Soulful Sundays Brunch After Dark launches Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017 and continues the second Sunday of every month. The premiere event will feature one of South Florida’s top performers, The Derek Mack Band. Tickets $5, ages 18 and up “We started Soulful Sundays to provide the community with an entertaining and uplifting music experience,” said Cherolyn Davis, Director of Programs and Facilities. “As we kick off this season, we wanted to add even more flair to the event, so we incorporated the brunch concept.”

In addition to enjoying some of the best musicians in South Florida, the Sunday event will also offer the opportunity for guests to enjoy traditional brunch-style drinks like mimosas, along with fun-fare like chicken waffles and other tasty treats from various local restaurants.

Oct 8: The Derek Mack Band. The first band of the season to perform is a fan favorite at numerous events. With a style that spans R&B, funk and rock, the Derek Mack Band is known for getting crowds on their feet by playing the top hits of the past five decades!

Founder Derek Mack is a multitalented singer/songwriter and

Medical Marijuana (Cont'd from FP) According to a county survey, seven Broward County cities have designated general areas where dispensaries could operate. Areas identified in the Broward Municipal Services District include locations in Central County, Broadview Park and Hillsboro Pines.

“I do believe the voters wanted medical marijuana approved. So we do have an obligation and a responsibility to uphold that. So with that I am going to support the item. This is medical marijuana we’re talking about, not the illegal marijuana you buy in a baggie on the street,” said Mayor Barbara Sharief.

“The voters voted for this.

That’s the bottom line. I think my district has as many senior residents, if not more than most

musician who has shared the stage with luminaries including Donna Summer, Kool and the Gang, The Commodores, Taylor Dane, Gwen McCrae, Johnny Gill, The Dazz Band, The Gap Band, Spyro Gyro, Earth Wind & Fire and more.

Nov 12: April Raquel and Kouture Funk. April Raquel is known for her distinctive soulful style and has performed at both Lebron James' and Udonis Haslem’s weddings. Her sixpiece band Kouture Funk will be bringing all the hits from Top 40 to Soul and of course, Funk.

Dec 10: Urban Mystic. As a Fort Lauderdale-born Mini-

ster’s son, Urban Mystic, or “Urb” as his friends call him, takes a progressive approach to creating music that is well received across genres and generations. He galvanizes R&B, Hip Hop and Classic Soul beautifully and effortlessly, without losing his gospel roots.

Urban Mystic hit the national scene in 2004 with his KayGee-produced hit single “Where Were You?” which quickly resonated at urban radio. The video for the song enjoyed rotation at BET, MTV Jams, and hundreds of video outlets. The popularity of “Where Were You” from his debut album "Ghetto Revelations" established Urban Mystic as a vocalist and performer to be reckoned with. With his most recent single entitled “Feel Good,” however, Mystic goes against the grain once again to deliver his first up-tempo radio smash. “I wanted to create something that gets the people up,” says Urban. “You turn on the news and listen to the media nowadays and there’s so much negativity out there in the world. Have faith in God and know that you’re blessed to be alive, so feel good about it.”

Currently Top 40 at Urban AC, “Feel Good” has exploded onto the charts infiltrating neighborhood churches and on into the night club scenes.

The Historic Ali Cultural Arts is located at 353 MLK Blvd., Pompano Beach, Fla. 33060 For tickets www.aliarts.org or for more informationcall (954) 786-7876

of my fellow commissioners. I have a lot of seniors. Most everybody I speak to wants this.

The other few don’t. But the majority rules. And the majority of the seniors I speak to in my district want this,” said Commissioner Mark Bogen.

“I do know that there are serious medical benefits from this and our voters voted overwhelmingly to support this. I speak to seniors all the time who want access to this. And by banning it all over the place we’re kind of shutting that down. I’m thinking that if this is regulated properly we should look at areas to do this in the County,” said Commissioner Michael Udine.

“We either direct the staff to prepare an ordinance to make it legal everywhere in the unincorporated county, where a pharmacy could go, or we make it illegal everywhere in the county where a pharmacy could go in the unincorporated areas.

Since those are our two choices I would like to move that we direct the staff to prepare an ordinance to make it legal in the unincorporated areas of the county,” said Commissioner Steve Geller.

“I support the fact that the people voted for this. I spent enough time in Tallahassee with people who came year after year with children, with family members, with illnesses, and people who have children with epilepsy, who had 100 seizures a day but use this and are now down to half a dozen.

I think it would be wrong of us not to allow this,” said Commissioner Nan Rich.

Commissioners had previously approved a Medical Marijuana Advisory Board that will make recommendations on future rules and regulations and educate residents about the pros and cons of using marijuana for health benefits.

Urban Mystic

Trump delivers more broken promises to HBCUs Annual Conference ‘Downsize’

Submitted by NY Magee The White House has pretty much confirmed that Donald Trump will continue to disappoint Historically Black Colleges, as this administration delivers more broken promises.

The format of an upcoming

meeting between Trump and representatives of historically Black Colleges is being downsized, according to hbcubuzz.com. The move comes as his administration continues to face deep criticism over its polarizing views on race relations in the U.S. The site reports that “While

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the White House statement did not detail what modifications were being made, it did hint that the administration was looking to downsize Trump’s meeting with HCBUs.” US President Donald Trump emerges from the elevator to deliver remarks following a meeting on infrastructure at Trump Tower, August 15, 2017 in New York City.

Trump was once popular with these schools, which were counting on him to make good on promises that his predecessor (Obama) could not. But Trump’s attacks on their funding and his alt-right agenda have strained this relationship.

“Responding to suggestions and feedback from many key stakeholders, the White House initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) will modify its plan-ned conference to best meet the current needs of HBCUs, their students and the broader HBCU community,” the administration said.

“This more intimate HBCU week will feature a series of strategic meetings for students and leaders to share their perspectives on the opportunities and challenges facing the HBCU community.

(Read full story at: www.thewestsidegazette.com)

Rep. Al Green meet with the Black Press (Cont'd from FP) News, the San Diego Voice and Viewpoint, the Chicago Crusader and Gary Crusader, The Washington Informer, the Michigan Chronicle, Atlanta Daily World, New Pittsburgh Courier, Chicago Defender and the Houston Forward Times attended the meeting that lasted more than hour.

When he learned that the Black Press was celebrating its 190th anniversary, Green, who represents Houston, Missouri City and Stafford, recommended that the milestone receive a formal Congressional citation.

Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., the president and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association, said that Congressman Green is a servant of the people, adding that he was one of the best lawmakers on Capitol Hill.

“Each member of the Congressional Black Caucus, including Green, not only wellrepresents their constituencies—but when you are Black and you are something, you have to do more than what your title says you’re responsible for, that’s just who we are,” said Chavis. “Your congressional district is represented by one of the best, because you are one of the best.

Green said that he has taken up the cause to get Confederate monuments removed from public spaces and he lamented the proliferation of Confederate monuments and symbols across the South and in Houston, in particular.

According to ABC 13 Eyewitness News, “Spurred on by calls from the public, Mayor Sylvester Turner has agreed to begin a full review of Con-federacy-related statues on Houston public lands.”

Green said that tax dollars shouldn’t go to supporting the Confederacy that fought to enslave Blacks.

“The Confederacy is dead,” said Green. “[Confederate

monuments] won’t come down, if we don’t let our [representatives] know where we stand.

It really requires our say…and we have to tell them why, because ‘Confederacy’ is a nice word for ‘rape’; it’s a nice word for ‘murder’; it’s a nice word for ‘stealing’; it’s just a nice way to say that a gang of cutthroats went through the South and tried to maintain an institution that was antithetical to our existence.”

Green also sought to debunk myths about Article II, Section 4 of the Constitution that involves impeachment proceedings for government officials.

Article II, Section 4 of the Constitution states that: “The President, Vice President and all civil officers of the United States, shall be removed from office on impeachment for, and conviction of, treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors.”

Green noted that for the president to be impeached, the president does not have to commit a crime.

“That’s important, because the mainstream media isn’t telling the whole story,” said Green.

Green said that lawmakers, who are serious about starting the impeachment process, should not wait for the outcome of former FBI chief Robert Mueller’s special investigation into Russia’s tampering with the 2016 election.

“Impeachment is a political process, not a judicial process and, because it’s a political process, all of these rules that you normally apply to a case going to court don’t apply to impeachment,” said Green. “The president can be impeached whether he commits a crime or not.”

Green encouraged the Black publishers to read the Federalist Papers, especially “Federalist 65,” written by Alexander Hamilton.

“We have to find that the president has committed an act that would merit his removal from office because of the harm

Racial Slur Black Military Cadets' (Cont'd from FP) superintendent, Lt. Gen. Jay Silveria, rattled off a statement to the press: “I’ve said it before, the area of dignity and respect is my red line. Let me be clear: it won’t be crossed without significant repercussions. Diversity is strength of our academy and our Air Force. We are stronger when we take into account the views of those with different backgrounds and life experiences.”

The students are part of a 10-month program to help them acclimate to life at the Air Force Academy, so, in a twisted sort of way, this is part of their training. While their parents have expressed concern and an investigation has been launched, none of that will change one basic fact: The United States military has a long, sordid, racist and violent history when it comes to the treatment of black soldiers. While this may be the first, this certainly won’t be the last, or worst, racial treatment these young people will receive should they choose to serve in the United States military.

For his part, Silveria followed up by dragging the entire academy into an assembly to inform the attendees of what had happened at the prep school and to make it clear that the behavior was not acceptable.

He contextualized the attack on the future cadets with the events of Charlottesville, Va., and Ferguson, Mo., and even the NFL protests against racial injustice. He repeated, for the entire class and the cameras: “If you can’t treat someone with dignity and respect, then you need to get out.”

As responses go—given that Silveria has just seen evidence that there are people at the institution who want to dehumanize and terrorize fellow or future cadets—”You need to get out” is a pretty weak response.

It’s a call for removing a “problem” as opposed to eradicating it. It’s akin to finding out there’s a serial rapist on campus and saying, “This campus has no place for rapists, they must go!”

Thanks, but maybe you should prosecute them, too?

I’ve been in and around the military my entire life. I have immediate family who have

served in and retired from multiple branches, and I have close friends who are deployed overseas.

As a kid, A Soldier’s Story and The Lords of Discipline, movies about the grotesque violence and racism faced by men of color integrating the armed forces, were regularly in my family’s VCR. I remember seeing white soldiers smirking or simply refusing to salute my father as we walked around the base on which I grew up.

I’ve gotten late-night phone calls from friends deployed overseas asking for advice on how to deal with racialized and sexual violence from fellow soldiers.

I’ve heard the sick racial-hazing stories from campus ROTC programs.

In other words, compared to the scale of racial dreck these young people of the Air Force Academy Prep School are likely to face should they choose a career in the military, Silveria’s generalized admonishment will leave them woefully unprepared.

Conservatives of all colors like to point to the military as one of the most integrated and racially harmonious parts of American society, which is fine if you’re talking about Salvation Army or G.I. Joe. The actual military? Not so much.

Black soldiers, whether in training or veterans, have been routinely targeted throughout American history for a special kind of violence as white supremacy quivers at the notion of Black people being armed, trained and capable of arming themselves.

That’s why Black veterans were consistently Bill that built the American middle class.

That’s why the lynching of Black soldiers has been so common throughout U.S. history.

That’s why Richard Collins III, a recently commissioned officer two weeks from graduating college this spring, was killed by a white nationalist while the current U.S. president barely said a peep.

That’s why despite African American women making up more than 40 percent of all women in the armed forces, it wasn’t until 2014 that President Barack Obama was able to change racially biased hair standards for active duty wom-

that he is doing to society,” said Green.

The Texan lawmaker said that the Constitution gives each member of the House the same amount of power when it comes to impeachment.

“I’m not giving my power of impeachment to anybody,” said Green. “No president ought to be above the law and be beyond the long arm of justice…I’m going to bring impeachment of Donald J. Trump to the floor of the Congress of the United States of America.”

Green continued: “I’m going to give everybody there the opportunity to make their own decision, their own consciences will be their guide, I won’t lobby a single one of them, but everybody is going to have to take a vote, everybody is going to have to take a stand…and you can tell the world.”

When he was asked about the status of the Government Accountability Office’s report on advertising spending by federal agencies, Green said that that invidious discrimination still exists.

“If we don’t acknowledge that racism still exists, others won’t either and it exists in the halls of power and it exists in the places where contracts are awarded and in banking,” said Green.

The federal government is the single largest advertiser in the United States, and Black-owned companies have been disproportionately left out of the bidding process for government contracts for years.

“We have a duty to at least let people know that we know what we have merit,” said Green.

Green concluded with a popular political quote that epitomizes Mahatma Gandhi’s nonviolent philosophy.

“First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you and then, if you have a righteous cause, you win,” said Green. “We will win. We’re gonna win. We’re gonna win.” en of color.

That’s why a group of West Point cadets showing racial and American pride caused a firestorm last year.

These are just examples of how the American military to this day treats people of color, and it continues to do a number on white Americans as well.

As far back as 2008, military analysts were warning that white nationalist groups were trying to enlist members of the military for free, tax-funded training for a coming “race war.”

White nationalist groups regularly recruit from the military, and many branches have done an inadequate job of expelling members who advocate violence against black people.

Dillon Ulysses Hopper, leader of the Vanguard America white nationalist group that was part of the Charlottesville terrorist attack, was a recruiter for the Marine Corps until just a few months before the march in Virginia, despite openly calling for violence against nonwhite people.

Current and former members of the military are regularly part of white nationalist and neo-Nazi groups, and the U.S. Department of Defense has done a lousy job, intentionally or otherwise, in rooting them out.

The issue isn’t simply that a bunch of bigots wrote threatening words on the dorms of five cadet candidates; that’s almost to be expected. The issue is that the military, despite the rhetoric, has not adequately rooted out racist sentiments in the ranks, yet still expects (and in fact depends on) large numbers of African Americans to join up and serve, even if that means facing an enemy on the field—or in your barracks.

These kids are expected to go right back to work knowing full well that whoever wrote those messages may never be found or could be plotting something more serious. That’s what’s expected of Black people in the military.

During a week when conservatives have chastised black athletes as not showing proper respect for the flag representing the United States and the soldiers who fight for our freedom, it’s fitting that one of our most prestigious military institutions provides us with a stark reminder.

(Read full story at: www.thewestsidegazette.com)

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OCTOBER 5 - OCTOBER 11, 2017 • PAGE 11

NNPA honors eight with Leadership Awards

By Stacy M. Brown (NNPA Newswire Contributor) Congressional Black Caucus Chair Cedric Richmond and Federal Communications Commission Chair Mignon Clyburn were among eight honored with the National Newspaper Publishers Association 2017 National Leadership Awards.

Curley M. Dossman Jr., the president of Georgia Pacific Foundation; William Hawthorne III of Macy’s; former education secretary John B. King Jr., CBC Foundation Chair and Texas Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and Rep. Robin L. Kelly (D-Ill.), were also honored at the awards reception held at the Renaissance Hotel in Washington, D.C. Tawanda Jones, a community activist from Camden, N.J., probably received the greatest praise during the evening.

Jones serves as a mentor to the Camden Sophisticated Sisters Drill Team, a dance-based, nonprofit youth organization that she founded to help children avoid negative activities in the community.

“I was thinking about how many untold stories there are,” said Jones, who, just before ascending the stage to accept her award, was honored with a video tribute created by the Ford Motor Company that depicted her hard work in the community.

“I can remember our humble beginnings, asking people for donations and how many doors slammed in our face,” she said.

“Nothing will stop us from moving forward or paying it forward.”

According to Jones, the group has educated more than 4,000 members and has a 100 percent high school graduation rate, about 30 percent above Camden’s average.

King, the president and CEO of the nonprofit Education Trust, praised the Black Press and urged newspaper publishers to continue their vigilance in being the watchdog for their communities.

“This isn’t an ordinary start to a new school year,” King said, noting many of the changes that have occurred during the new administration.

“This year, kids come back to school seeing Nazi and [Ku Klux Klan] marches…a travel ban on folks practicing a different religion than theirs and wondering if someone might get deported,” King said, adding that, “As truth tellers and story tellers, the role of the [Black Press] is critical.”

Clyburn, a former publisher and general manager of the Coastal Times in Charleston, S.C., also praised the Black Press.

“There will always be a need for the Black Press,” Clyburn said. “A world without the

for the U.S. Forces-Iraq in Baghdad; Thornton also earned the Bronze Star Medal for exceptional performance in combat operations during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Several representatives from the award reception sponsors addressed the large gathering.

The sponsors included: Ford; General Motors; RAI Reynolds American; the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; AARP; Macy’s; Ascension Health; Honda; Koch Industries; Nexus Service; Pfizer Rare Disease;

NNPA Honors Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, Activists and Business Executives with 2017 Leadership Awards.

NNPA and its publishers is not a world I want to be a part of.”

Richmond, the Louisiana Democrat who was elected the chairman of the CBC in November 2016 and who also serves on the House Committee on Homeland Security and the House Judiciary Committee, said that the renewed attempt

by Republicans to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act is cause for concern.

It’s also a cause for vigilance, he said.

“For us to continue progress, to keep us from losing the gains we had, we cannot do it without you [the NNPA],” Richmond said.

“Your partnership by far is the most important one that we have at the CBC,” he said.

Later, Richmond said Repub licans are just one vote shy of being able to repeal and replace former President Barack Obama’s signature legislation, the ACA. “The latest health care bill is a travesty. Out of all the bills, this is the worst,” Richmond said.

Dr. Ortha Thornton, a retired Army Lieutenant, received an honorable mention award from the NNPA. Thornton served over two decades in the military and was chief of Personnel Operations

Volkswagen and JP Morgan Chase.

Meanwhile, Leon Russell, the chairman of the board of directors of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, attended the reception and announced a renewed relationship with the NNPA. “It’s time for the NAACP and the NNPA to renew its partnership,” Russell said. “You have to be the voice to the people and let everyone know what’s happening in our communities.”

St. John Missionary Baptist Church licenses its first female Minister in 109 Years

ACLU of Louisiana condemns school official’s threats to students’ First Amendment Rights Bossier Parish School District thr eatens to punish students who “T ake a Knee” in pr otest of racial injustice threatens “Take protest

NEW ORLEANS — The American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana put Louisiana schools on notice today, warn-

ing them that forcing students to stand during the national anthem or punishing students who “take a knee” in protest of racial injustice and police brutality would violate students’ First Amendment rights.

Marjorie Esman, executive director of the ACLU of Louisiana, issued the following statement: “Bossier Parish is threatening to punish students for peacefully protesting racial injustice and taking a principled for freedom and equality. This is anti-

thetical to our values as Americans and a threat to students’ constitutional rights.

“Nearly 75 years ago, the Supreme Court rightly held that state schools have no business forcing students to stand for patriotic rituals. The court also reminded public school administrators that part of their job is to train students for participation in our free society. This principle holds no less true today, and no less true on the playing field than it does in the classroom. Schools have no

valid interest in turning their students into mouthpieces of government speech, full stop.

Indeed, schools should respect students who embrace their constitutional rights and stand up to injustice — not punish them.

And it would be patently unconstitutional for the school to do so.”

This statement can be found here: https://www.aclu.org/news/ aclu-louisiana-condemnsschool-officials-threatsstudents-first-amendmentrights

Two Blac k Chica go cops rre eprimanded ffor or taking a Black Chicag Kaepernick (sic)… and they also say yes… then you ask knee with rraised aised ffist ist them to Kneel!”

Chicago Police Spokesman Anthony Guglielmi says the officers will be reprimanded for violating the department’s code of conduct, which prohibits officers from participating in a “partisan political campaign or activity.”

“We are aware of the photo, and we will address it in the same way we have handled previous incidents in which officers have made political statements while in uniform, with a reprimand and a reminder of department policies,” said Guglielmi.

On Sunday, players across the NFL knelt during the national anthem in protest of remarks Donald Trump made at a rally in Alabama over the weekend.

Two Chicago police officers are facing reprimands after they were photographed kneeling alongside an activist in what she called a show of support for NFL players protesting police brutality and racism.

The pic, shared on Instagram Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017, by activist Aleta Clark, shows her flanked by two Black, uniformed officers, all on one knee with a fist in the air.

She captioned the shot: “That Moment when you walk into the police station and ask the Men of Color are they Against Police Brutality and Racism & they say Yes… then you ask them if they support Colin

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee takes “There is no regulation that that these young men a knee on the House floor says cannot stand against the

Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, took a knee on the House floor Monday night in support of NFL players who knelt during the national anthem following Donald Trump’s criticism of the protest.

“There is no basis in the First Amendment that says that you cannot kneel on the national anthem or in front of the flag,” she said.

dishonoring of their mothers by you calling them to fire the son of a B,” she said. “You tell me which of those children’s mothers is a B----. That is racism.”

From the ground, Lee explained that she was kneeling to honor freedom.

“I kneel in honor of the first amendment, I kneel because the flag is a symbol for freedom, I kneel because I’m going to stand against racism, I kneel because I’m going to stand with these young men and I’ll stand with our soldiers,” she said.

“And I’ll stand with America because I kneel.”

The sentiment was echoed by fellow Black Caucus member Rep. John Lewis, who later tweeted that there is “nothing wrong with kneeling down to stand up against injustice.”

See video of Rep. Jackson Lee kneeling on the House Floor at: www.thewestsidegazette.com.

PATTERSON-RUMP BOYNTON BEACH, FL — Recently, the St. John Missionary Baptist Church, a predominantly African American church having over 1200 members covering Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, West Palm Beach, and other surrounding cities, announces that they will be licensing Genine PattersonRump, our first female minister since the church’s inception. As tradition would say, women were not called to be proclaimers of God’s Word. This has been a source of controversy for thousands of years. As we know, there have been women such as Mary, the mother of Jesus, Mary Magdalene, Mary of Bethany and her sister Martha all who made key contributions to the establishment of Christianity. For 108 years, this tradition has held true. Until today, on our 109 anniversary, that tradition has ended.

Genine is a native of Delray Beach, Fla. She surrendered her life to the Lord at an early age at the House of God Church located at 329 S.W. Fifth Ave, Delray Beach, Fla. While at St. John, Min. Rumph has supported ministries including the Pulpit

Ministry, Evangelism Ministry, Creative Arts, and Adult Ministries. She has led the charge of outreach by leading an international prayer line called Victory in HD birthed by the late Rev. Lance Chaney. Both Evangelist Lillie Harris and Dr. Rosalind Osgood have mentored Genine. Currently, Min. Rumph participates in the Minister in Training Program (MIT) led by Rev. Jovan T. Davis, who also serves as the Senior Pastor at St. John Missionary Baptist Church.

Min. Rumph indicated that she knew the Lord had another assignment for her in ministry.

After completing several ministerial programs including Moody Bible College (Chicago, IL) and Palm Beach Atlantic University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Ministry (2013), Min. Rumph states that she wants “Our millennial generation to have a hunger and thirst for Righteousness; deepeningtheir relationship with Christ -- being on fire for God. Experiencing heaven right here on Earth.”

We are excited about this transition, as this will lead the way for others to follow.

PAGE 12 • OCTOBER 5 - OCTOBER 11, 2017

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Broward Education Foundation announces Publix Super Markets Charities “2017 Hall of Fame” honorees

HONOREES FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – Each year, thousands of graduates from Broward County Public Schools move on to become teachers, entrepreneurs, business and civic leaders making significant contributions to the community.

To recognize distinguished alumni of Broward County Pu-

blic Schools, Broward Education Foundation has announced its “2017 Hall of Fame” honorees. These outstanding individuals will be recognized at the Publix Super Markets Charities “Hall of Fame Breakfast” presented by Memorial Healthcare System at 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 19, 2017 at

First Baptist Church -Global Grille, 301 E. Broward Blvd.

Individual tickets are $50.

This year’s JM Family Enterprises Inc. Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring an alumnus who has made an indelible mark in the community, is Keith Koenig, president and CEO of City Furniture. Koenig graduated from Northeast High School in 1969 and has been a philanthropist and advocate for education and children for more than 40 years.

Three honorees will receive the Bank of America Community Achievement Award for significant achievements in any field are: * Lisa Scott Founds, President and CEO of Winterfest, Stranahan High School, Class of 1981 * Max Osceola, Jr., Native American Issues Consultant, McArthur High School, Class of 1968 * Shane Strum, Senior Vice President of Memorial Healthcare System, Hollywood Hills

High School, Class of 1988 Receiving the Education Achievement Award for their dedication to a career in public education are: * James F. Griffin II, Lauderdale Lakes Middle School Principal, Dillard High School, Class of 1989 * Patrick McQuaid, Nova High School Athletic Director, Nova High School, Class of 1968 * Elaine Saef, Panther Run Elementary School Principal, Hollywood Hills High School, Class of 1982 During the Hall of Fame breakfast, Broward Education Foundation also will pay special tribute to Brian W. Dassler, Ph.D., former Florida Depart-

ment of Education Deputy Chancellor of Quality Education and Cooper City High School class of 1997 alumnus, who passed away earlier this year.

“We are exceedingly proud of the remarkable accomplishments and unwavering dedication of our illustrious honorees-they are true role models for today’s students,” said Christina Fischer, chair of the Broward Education Foundation Board. “We appreciate the impact they have on our students, schools and community.

It’s so important for us to pay it forward by inspiring, mentoring and supporting our students as they become the next

FAMU Marching “100” receives prestigious invite tertain millions of viewers on to 2019 R ose Bowl P arade Rose Parade one of the most recognized stages in the world. This marks

Omega Psi Phi frat. Inc., Eta Nu Chapter, recognized for community Excellence

L-r: Rufus Curry, Jr. Calvin Lamar, Sr., Cosey Proctor, Sam Clear, Moses Barnes, Founder James L. Jones, Daryl Johnson, John Wimberly, Gary Torrence, Jr. Walter Brooks, Terry Brown, Feirmon Johnson, D.J. Dowling, Robert Bailey, William Lyons, and Kenneth Pace. Seated: Cyril Guerra, Jr. zation of Omega Psi Psi FraterThe Eta Nu Chapter of nity,Inc., led by State ReOmega Psi Phi has been a presentative Clifford Wimberleader in providng outstanding ly, Sr.(HN), held its 43rd anservice to the Pompano Beach, nual Statewide Workshop on Florida community since 1969. Sept. 21-24, 2017 in JacksonTheFloridaStatewide Organi- ville, Fla. No stranger to awards

and recognition, this stellar assembly proved to be yet another positive and successful example of the consistent excellence the chapter is renowned for. Here are the most recent state level honors bestowed on the legendary champions of social action: Graduate Chapter of the Year, Social Action Chapter of the Year, and Scholarship Chapter of the Year. Brother Rufus Curry, Jr. was honored with the Colonel Charles Young Award for his outstanding military service.

Brother Melvin Davis, Sr. was honored with the Founder’s Award. In addition to his critical work at the local chapter, Brother Davis also serves as the District Seven Social Action Chairman. The commitment to service and excellence is an important part of the Eta Nu lineage; they will always be driven and motivated to serve.

generation of game changers.”

Immediately following the breakfast, the BrightStar Credit Union “Walk of Fame” Alumni star unveiling for the honorees will take place at the Broward County Public Schools District Office, 600 S.E. Third Ave., Fort Lauderdale.

In addition to Publix Super Markets Charities, Memorial Healthcare System, BrightStar Credit Union, JM Family Enterprises, Inc. and Bank of America, other sponsors also include D. Stephenson Construction, Inc., Comcast, Wells Fargo and Charter Schools of Excellence.

The Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) world-renowned Marching “100” is headed to the prestigious Tournament of Roses Parade in 2019. The University’s band has received an invitation to participate in this Rose Bowlconnected event in Pasadena, California.

The Marching “100” has mesmerized audiences around the globe for more than 70 years.

Throughout its history, the

internationally acclaimed band has performed in multiple high profile events including the Super Bowl, the Grammy Awards, the 1989 French Bicentennial Celebration in Paris, France, and the inaugurations of U.S. presidents.

As one of the most famous and recognized New Year’s Day events in the nation, an opportunity to participate in the Tournament of Roses Parade provides a unique platform to en-

FAMU’s first appearance in the parade.

“Congratulations to Band Director Dr. Shelby Chipman, our dedicated music department faculty and staff, and, of course, our outstanding student musicians. With the support of the entire FAMU family and friends around the nation, we will mark the Tournament of Roses Parade as another chapter in the storied histories of FAMU and the Marching ‘100,’”said FAMU’s Interim President Larry Robinson, Ph.D. Chipman added, “Our students continue to be recognized for excellence, hard work and their dedication to being the best in musicianship, performance and academics. We look forward to this exciting opportunity and putting on an unforgettable show.”

Tournament of Roses parade officials say they chose FAMU because of the group’s exceptional talent, dedication and showmanship. Sixty million people will view the parade worldwide and as many as 700,000 people will watch the performance in-person.

The band has already started its fundraising efforts to finance the trip. Supporters can contribute by contacting the FAMU Foundation Office at (850) 412-5755 or Dr. Shelby Chipman at (850) 599-3024.