Westside Gazette

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID FT. LAUDERDALE, FL 33310

PERMIT NO. 1179

Westside Gazette Broward County's Oldest and Largest African American Owned and Operated Newspaper VOL. 46 NO. 3

oud PPaper aper ffor or a Pr oud PPeople...Sinc eople...Sinc Proud eople...Sincee 1971 THURSDA 50¢ A PrProud Y, FEBRUAR Y 23 - WEDNESDA Y, MARCH 1, 2017 THURSDAY FEBRUARY WEDNESDAY

GoodwillAmbassadors of Broward County are Recognized

Will the Historic Sistrunk Corridor (Community) be sold short once again?

By Winifred Graham

The Broward County Elementary Singing Principals, also known as the Goodwill Ambassadors of Broward County, will be honored by a reception and the placement of commemorative plaques, History of the Singing Principals and Picture Collages on the walls of the Old Dillard Museum on Feb. 22, 2017. The students of Walker Elementary Magnet School, as well as some of the former members of the “Singing Principals”, will perform at the reception.

History: In May of 1959, a Broward County Principal, Russell Rowe, accepted an “invitation from the Associate Superintendent of Broward County Schools to sing at the end of the year Administrator’s Banquet at the Reef Restaurant in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

“Russ” as he is fondly called sang and played “Yellow Bird” on his guitar.

(Cont'd on Page 3)

SINGING PRINCIPALS

Trump and the Black Caucus plan to meet for the first time

There is a lot of talk now concerning the YMCA and the Mizell Center Community Building located on the Sistrunk Corridor.

The Mizell Center is located on the site of the old Provident Hospital that was once home of the only hospital in Broward County that would allow Black physicians to practice. Dr. Von D. Mizell was one of the founding physicians of Provident Hospital.

This facility is one of very few buildings still left in our community that pays homage to our history. So why is the City of Fort Lauderdale Commission allowing the building to be torn down?

Residence are beginning to question the process, the people and the reasons behind it.

No one is opposed to redeveloping our community. After decades of neglect it is long overdue. However, redevelopment does not have to come at the expense of wiping out the footprint of our historic community nor should it be. Random demolition of historic buildings in our community should not be done without full acknowledgment, consideration, and consent of the residents and the businesses of the community who have endured the hardships after decades of planned and purposed negligence.

(Cont'd on Page 10)

By Lauren Victoria Burke (NNPA Newswire Contributor) Following a bizarre exchange with American Urban Radio Networks White House Correspondent April Ryan, the Congressional Black Caucus is in talks with President Donald Trump to set up a meeting.

Trump asked Ryan, a veteran Black journalist, if she could set up a meeting with him and the CBC, as if Ryan was an employee of the White House or a special assistant to the CBC. Ryan responded by saying, “I’m a journalist.”

The confusing exchange was one of several moments at an unscheduled press conference Trump held at the White House on February 16.

“Since the White House has reached out in an appropriate

By Bobby R. Henry, Sr.

First Black crew member to join International Space Station

By Shantella Y. Sherman (AFRO/NNPA Member)

The CBC, which is now at its largest membership in history, traditionally requests a meeting with the new president after the inauguration. Photo of CBC members taken during a press conference outside of the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. in September 2016.

(Freddie Allen/AMG/NNPA) manner to request a meeting with the caucus, I am now in discussions with them about

setting one up,” Congressional Black Caucus Chairman, Rep. Cedric Richmond (D-La.) said

in a statement after the press conference concluded.

(Cont'd on Page 5)

City of Lauderdale Lakes dedicate street to Dr. Gwendolyn Hankerson LAUDERDALE LAKES, FL — On Feb. 18, 2017, the City of Lauderdale Lakes was flanked by a jubilant Hankerson family and supported by a host of Lauderdale Lakes residents as the ceremonial ribbon to Northwest 29th Street in Lauderdale Lakes was cut to acknowledge the renaming of the street after Community Activist Dr. Gwendolyn Hankerson.

(Cont'd on Page 3)

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has selected astronaut Jeanette Epps to join the crew of the International Space Station in 2018. Epps will become the first Black crewmember to represent the U.S. on the station.

The journey will mark the first time Epps has traveled to orbit, allowing her to follow in the footsteps of the women who, she said, inspired her to become an astronaut.

While other Black astronauts have flown to the Space Station for brief stays during the outpost’s construction, Epps will be the first Black crewmember to live and work on the station for an extended period of time. Her journey aboard the Soyuz spacecraft and stay at the station places her as the only American and female among a crew made up of mostly Russians and men.

“I’m a person just like they are. I do the same work as they do,” Epps told a group of STEM students at her Syracuse alma mater, Danforth Middle School.

“If something breaks, anyone of us will have to be able to go out the door. We have to be jacks of all trades. It’s not a job that’s like any other.”

While working on her doctorate, Epps was a NASA graduate student Researchers Project fellow, authoring several journal and conference articles about her research. After

Members of the Hankerson family.

Pleading Our Own Cause

WWW.

The Westside Gazette Newspaper

@_Westsidegazett

thewestsidegazette.com

(954) 525-1489

Thewestsidegazettenewspaper

NASA astronaut Jeanette Epps will be the first Black crewmember to live and work on the International Space Station for an extended period of time.

(NASA) completing her graduate studies, Epps worked in a research lab for more than two years, co-authoring multiple patents, before being recruited by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). She was a CIA technical intelligence officer for about seven years before being selected as a member of the 2009 astronaut class.

“Anything you don’t know is going to be hard at first,” Epps said in a video statement about the launch. “But if you stay the course, put the time and effort in, it will become seamless eventually.”

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

www.thewestsidegazette.com Westside Gazette Building A Better Broward: Children’s Services Council of Broward County hosts 2017 Youth & Family Summit PAGE 2 • FEBRUARY 23 - MARCH 1, 2017

Maya Harris, Building (l) Brian Johnson (r).

By Arri & Byler Henry of Generation Next Over 1000 attendees, representing various progressive programs and agencies in Broward, gathered to celebrate the success of their collective work

in improving the overall quality of life for all children in the county and to strategically plan how they can continue to work together to close gaps plaguing our youth.

A few noteworthy ac-complishments highlighted at the summit include:

• A decline in youth arrests from 13,467 (1998-99) to less than 5,000 in 2015-16 • Teenage pregnancy rates have decreased from 41.6% to 16.4% • Youth alcohol use has dropped to 31% from 44% in the past few years • In the past 10 years, high school graduations rates have improved to 78.7% from 60% (County: Broward) Sue Gallagher, Chief Innovation Officer of Children’s Services of Broward, admits that there is still a lot to do despite these positive changes. “We still

see evidence of the legacy of Jim Crow in Broward County,” she reveals to the crowd with images of racial discrimination projected on screens overhead.

A map of the county showing highly concentrated minority

communities and socio-economic inequality displayed as well.

“Black children are being removed from the home of at a higher rate than white children and Black youth are being arrested 5x more than white youths,” she adds.

Attendees were encouraged to work on finding the reasons for these disparities and to provide opportunities so that every child (regardless of race) has a fair and equitable opportunity to success.

Deeper Dive Conversations, allowed the large group to break up into several sessions during the summit. Middle and high school students kicked off each conversation with a 20-minute debate with topics like Restorative Justice, Urban Agriculture and Quality Child Care. Brian Johnson, CEO of the Minority Builder’s Coalition moderated a high-energy Free Tuition debate with Cypress Bay High School’s Maeghanan Fitzgerald and Sharan Sawlani against

an impressive middle school pair, Preston Lloyd & Nicole Vayman of Falcon Cove. Johnson highlighted post-secondary pathways to better prepare young people during their transition into adulthood. “My mother prepared me at 17 years old to be a responsible adult by counting down the days until my 18th birthday.”

A major highlight of the day was the address given by keynote speaker, Maya L. Harris, a civil-rights lawyer and one of Hillary Clinton’s senior policy advisors. “Presidents come and go. Congress and other officials will change with elections but it’s the dedicated individuals who are on the ground and doing this daily that makes the difference in the lives of our children,” Harris states as she commends the hard-working men and women who made up the audience of children and family advocates.

From Freedom’s Journal to the NNPA, Black Press is still relevant

By Harry Colbert, Jr. (Insight News/NNPA Member)

Shirley Thimothee-Paul MSN, RN

SASEBO, JAPAN — Capt. Jeffrey Ward, (c) commanding officer of amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), and representatives of the ship’s Heritage Committee participate in a cake cutting following an African American/Black History Month celebration on the ship’s mess decks. Bonhomme Richard, forward-deployed to Sasebo, Japan, is serving forward to provide a rapid-response capability in the event of a regional contingency or natural disaster.

(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jeanette Mullinax/Released)

Why do I sleep?

But to be caressed by the souls of the Kings and Queens of yesterday, to be replenished in mind and body so that my eyes can SEE my path and purpose.

Why do I wake?

But to fulfill that purpose covered by the light of God, unburdened by the fear of man and obstacle of the guided SHEEP. Walk good, those that have awakened with two eyes plus one.

Your purpose is divine and can only be quashed by you.

No one is better equipped to tell your story better than you.

And logic stands to reason that no one is better equipped and more passionate about telling our story than us. The stories of Blacks in America are equally as triumphant as they are tragic. And many, if not most, of these stories would be lost to time, if not for the Black Press. And in an age where Black people are both progressing exponentially and under attack daily, the need for the Black Press has never been more apparent. And in a day where all media is under assault from the highest level, we must exalt the nations more than 200 Black newspapers, as they continue to serve as the defenders and the vanguard progress, enterprise and liberty.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

Harry Colbert, Jr. says that in a day where all media is under assault from the highest level, we must continue to support our nations 200 Black newspapers.

www.thewestsidegazette.com

Westside Gazette

South Florida Black Business Directory Release Party circulating in Goulds, Fla., specified this is hot, is the reason why she is a member of this endeavor.

The group’s goals for the directory are to help increase jobs, allow people to restore their own communities, schools, parks, and decrease the level of unnecessary violence within the Black communities. “We need to redefine what it means to be Black to counter the negative images created by the people who benefit from us

Miami Dade Chamber of Commerce Smalll Business Chair speaks to audience.

By Dr. Hyacynthia M. Leonce Do you buy “Black”? Do you support the Black community with your dollars? Did you ever wonder how you can find a Black business without having to go through the hassle of a google search? Well one group has found a way to make that simple and accessible to you. The South Florida Black Business Directory (SFBBD) was “born to help the dollar circulate” in the Black community - a fast, easy and simple directory for your convenience.

The South Florida Black Business Directory Release Party was held on Feb. 19, 2017 at MindWareHouse, 111 N.E. First St., Eighth Miami, Fla, for the general public to celebrate the inaugural edition of their business directory; a VIP Private Reception was held for sponsors, local elected officials and special invited guests. More than 250 people attended to celebrate the launch of the new free directory, including Miami Gardens Mayor Oliver Gilbert, West Park Vice Mayor Brian Johnson, Opa Locka Commissioner Matthew Pigatt, business lead-

ers and community stakeholders. Vincent Bordenca, from Alliance Merchant Services, traveled from Canada for the event.

What exactly is the SFBBD? Per, their website “The purpose of the South Florida Black Business Directory is to create unity, make the concept of urban networking popular and to promote collaboration amongst Black people. The South Florida Black Business Directory will provide a central platform for the thousands of Black-owned businesses and organizations in South Florida.”

Jimmy Nicerson, co-founder, came up with the idea for this directory “because of all of the injustices happening [in our community] we should buy Black, spend Black and be proud of what we have. Once Nicerson felt that this was what he should do for the South Florida community, he enlisted his friend and colleague Crystal Chanel. “We created this directory to facilitate a “movement” that will change mindsets and impact generations. We have mastered being consumers and not owners and our goal is

GoodwillAmbassadors of Broward County (Cont'd from FP) At the next year’s Administrator’s Banquet, Russ gathered a few Principal friends to join in the fun and perform with him. With a copy of the words to their songs and a quick rehearsal in the Men’s Room a few minutes before the performance, the “Singing Principals” was born.

After this humble beginning, two brave female principals joined the group in the early seventies and the Singing Principals continued to accept invitations to sing from professional and civic organizations.

The enthusiasm displayed at each performance was contagious and other Principals “caught the fever”.

The first large audience that the Singing Principals performed for was at a Convention in Miami, Fla. for the National Association of Elementary School Principals. That performance resulted in a standing ovation of 6,000 convention attendees .

The advent of the eighties brought changes in style, costumes, and performances of the Singing Principals. The first

Singing Principals concert to the public, “An Evening with the Singing Principals” was in March, 1984 at South Plantation High School. After that, the Singing Principals found themselves on the road performing to larger audiences throughout the United States. Performances were presented in Nashville, Tennessee, New Orleans, Louisiana and San Francisco, California. However, it was in Dallas, Texas in 1981, when Broward County became the largest fully accredited school system in the nation, that the Singing Principals performed and were acclaimed the “Goodwill Ambassadors” for Broward County.

On May 22, 1999 at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts Amaturo Theater, the 40th year reunion concert was presented. All Principals who had ever been Singing Principals, were invited to attend the concert and came down the aisles of that facility to the stage to sing once more a song that was sung by the Singing Principals for the past 40 years.

to help our communities use our $1.7 trillion spending power to buy back in our communities”, stated Nickerson who is cofounder/CEOJNICK Management Group.

Co-founder Crystal Chanel communicated that the firsttime Nicerson came to her with the idea she was not ready and was taking care of some medical issues. About a year later, Nicerson revisited the idea with her. At that time, she was having a party where Jimmy attended. In one of the conversations they were having he asked, “don’t you see the vision?” He was pointing out to the crowd of Black people enjoying the party. He then explained to her again the purpose of the directory. Chanel stated that for some reason she “caught” the vision at that point and they began the endeavor of putting the directory together in the Summer of 2016. She conveyed, “The directory is the first step in redirecting the trillions we spend back into Black communities and its businesses. Collectively, we need to refer to the directory www.sflbbd.com before we make a purchase decision” says Co-Founder Chanel.

Chanel was asked what’s the one thing she would like for people to take away from tonight’s event and she specified “It’s bigger than a celebration; we got to go to the website search for black business, go beyond searching a business, and patronize and support, a Black business.”

They then enlisted the help of Don Wiggins of The Wiggins Agency, the third co-founder.

Don was asked why he felt the need to join the venture. He relayed, “I have God in my life, I love my people, and God has given me so many gifts…I just want to die empty. I want to make sure I help people and empower entrepreneurs to be successful and help businesses grow.”

Andre, an attendee of the event, was asked if his business was one of the businesses on the web site and he stated “I’ll support it, but I don’t want to be limited by it. But I’ll support because I understand what it means…I understand what means to support the Black business is.”

Latoya of Good News Goulds, a monthly newsletter

City of Lauderdale Lakes dedicate street to Dr. Gwendolyn Mayor Hazelle Rogers preHankerson (Cont'd from FP) Led by Commissioner Beverly Williams, the ribbon cutting ceremony was done in an effort to publicly announce the approval of a resolution dated back to May 13, 2014 when the City Commission of Lauderdale Lakes voted unanimously to honor the memory of Dr. Gwendolyn Hankerson by asking Broward County to provide alternate naming of Northwest 29 Street from State Road Seven to Northwest 33 Avenue as Dr. Gwendolyn Hankerson Street for all that she has done in the City of Lauderdale Lakes.

Commissioner Beverly Williams said, “Dr. Hankerson was an inspiration to our City; extremely hardworking and made such a powerful difference in many of the lives here in Lauderdale Lakes and Broward County.”

During the street dedication,

sented the Hankerson Family with a Proclamation honoring their beloved relative and took part in cutting the ceremonial ribbon to officially open the Dr. Gwendolyn Hankerson Street to the public. The day was topped off with a beautiful reflection message given by Terri Hankerson and Alice Hankerson-Harris; daughters of the late Dr. Gwendolyn Hankerson, and a light brunch with plenty community fellowship.

Dr. Hankerson was the first Black to run for office in Lauderdale Lakes. Although she was twice unsuccessful, Hankerson remained active in local politics, she campaigned for successful candidates. She served on numerous Advisory Boards in the City and also fought for literacy, mentored students and helped organize community events. Commissioner Beverly Williams said “Our City was lucky to have her and dedicating

this street is a small token of our appreciation for the tireless work she put in.”

For more information on the street dedication, contact Lauderdale Lakes Public Information at (954) 535-283 or Email: info@Lauderdalelakes.org.

FEBRUARY 23 - MARCH 1, 2017 • PAGE 3 loving them more than we love ourselves”, stated Vice Mayor Brian Johnson, City of West Park.

Any Black business owner can contact the South Florida Black Business Directory to advertise their business. It’s currently only on-line and free for a basic listing. However; if you want a link to your business website there a fee for that and other services.

“As a publisher of a Black newspaper, we know all too well how important it is for Black people to support Black businesses; to include Black owned media. There is still a digital divided that separates

us from the internet. We do support Black-owned businesses and recognize the importance of doing so. Before there was an internet, there were Black publications that push Black folk to doing business with Black folk”, stated Bobby R. Henry, Sr. publisher of the Westside Gazette.

The event was open to the public and with many of the attendees being from the 700 small businesses listed in the directory. Proceeds from tickets sales will support the maintenance of the community created directory and the yearlong programs, events and trainings.

BankU nited & Miami Dolphins vis BankUnited Dolphins’’ Jar Jarv Landr y pr esen uth Florida studen andry presen esentt So South studentt with $1,000 a war d awar ward 4 Downs for Finance Essay Contest wraps up sixth year MIAMI GARDENS, FLA. — BankUnited, a proud corporate partner of the Miami Dolphins, recently presented 17year-old Ali Choueiki of North Miami Beach Senior High School with a $1,000 cash prize and a meeting with Miami Dolphins football player Jarvis Landry as part of BankUnited’s sponsorship of the 4 Downs for Finance financial literacy program.

Choueiki wrote the awardwinning essay that earned him a $1,000 cash prize and meet and greet. The reception and check presentation took place recently in the Dolphins' locker room at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.

In writing about the importance of saving money, Choueiki notes that as a high school senior with numerous financial responsibilities such as senior class events, a phone bill, food and leisure activities, “there are times where I have to

Dolphins WR Jarvis Landry, BankUnited President & CEO Rajinder P. Singh and Ali Choueiki. dig into my savings account.

Also, I am planning on going to college out of state, so whenever I have any financial issues I can use the money I have saved,” Choueiki writes.

4 Downs for Finance encourages Florida students to

access age-appropriate money tips throughout the football season and submit an essay on a financial literacy topic.

Rajinder P. Singh, BankUnited president and CEO, was on hand to present the award to Choueiki.

This is why Trump is lying about Still, American history of the voter fraud and crime disenfranchisement of African American (and other minority)

Lauren Victoria Burke says that the Trump Administration would appear to be laying the groundwork to justify a new law that would make it harder for people to vote. This photo was taken during a political rally in Laconia, New Hampshire in July 2015. (Michael Vadon/Wikimedia Commons)

By Lauren Victoria Burke (NNPA Newswire Contributor) There are two subjects in particular that the Trump Administration lies about the most: crime and voting.

During a recent interview on “This Week” with George Stephanopoulos, President Trump’s senior advisor Stephen Miller lied about voter fraud during the 2016 elections.

Miller said that, “And you have 14 percent of noncitizens, according to academic research, at a minimum, are registered to vote, which is an astonishing statistic.”

That statement is simply false. Miller couldn’t produce a single shred of evidence when Stephanopoulos pressed him on the subject.

But Miller was just repeating what his boss said shortly before the election.

At a rally in Cleveland, Ohio on October 23, 2016, presidential candidate Donald Trump said that, “14 percent of noncitizens are registered to vote.”

President Trump entered office lying about voter fraud and threatening an investigation. Civil rights leaders have called for an investigation of voter suppression during the 2016 presidential election. More recently, the lying crossed over into the topic of an increased “crime wave” that doesn’t exist.

Now, the lies about a vast American crime wave and recordlevels of illegal voting seem to be coming together.

On January 23, during a meeting with members of Congress and the White House, President Trump lied about voting again. Trump and his 31 year-old aide Stephen Miller, who was sent out on all the Sunday morning talk shows on Feb. 12, appear to be lying for two reasons. First, Trump can’t come to terms with the fact that Hillary Clinton received almost three million more votes than he did, and second, the Trump Administration would appear to be laying the groundwork to justify a new law that would make it harder for people to vote, particularly minorities.

Trump’s Attorney General, former Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions had a history of prosecuting African Americans, who were registering too many other African Americans to vote as an Assistant U.S. Attorney. Having provided no explanation or apology for his past prosecutions, particularly that of the late Albert Turner Sr., there’s no reason to believe that Sessions won’t pick up where he left off in Alabama in the 1970s.

Even though, Sessions’ past statements and actions as a prosecutor in Alabama are clear, the public perception of Sessions the man is mixed.

Turner’s son, Albert Turner, Jr., issued a statement endorsing Sessions that said, “I believe that he is someone with whom I, and others in the civil rights community, can work if given the opportunity.”

voters is also clear. In the late 1800s, it was a poll tax, literacy tests and other requirements that Black voters were unlikely to meet. Today it’s voter ID, closing polling places, cutting Sunday voting and purging voting rolls.

The continued strategy used by present day Republicans is still the “Southern Strategy” — they’ve just added Hispanics to the list of targets. The Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids started only two days after Attorney General Sessions was sworn-in.

“The crackdown on illegal criminals is merely the keeping of my campaign promise. Gang members, drug dealers & others are being removed!” Trump tweeted on February 12.

Trump tweeted about his “crackdown on illegal criminals” a day after El Paso ICE spokeswoman in El Paso Leticia Zamarripa stated that, “ICE regularly conducts targeted enforcement operations during which additional resources and personnel are dedicated to apprehending deportable foreign nationals.”

Many immigrant rights advocates knew the raids were not routine before anyone communicated anything.

“The President is lying when he says deporting immigrants is about fighting crime,” wrote Rep. Luis Gutierrez on Feb. 10. ”The President wants to show off and it appears he has unleashed the Department of Homeland Security to kick-out large numbers of immigrants and anyone they encounter, without much oversight, review or due process.

Gutierrez, who represents parts of Chicago, continued: “There is very little official information on what appears to be a new Trump deportation initiative. Homeland Security is deporting moms… under the smoke screen of criminal or anti-terror actions.”

Republicans have lost the popular vote over two presidential elections since 2000. The demographics in the country are becoming more Black and Brown and researchers estimate that the share of White voters will fall a few percentage points every four years.

Trump, Stephen Miller and many others in the Republican Party are well aware of the math.

PAGE 4 • FEBRUARY 23 - MARCH 1, 2017

www.thewestsidegazette.com

Westside Gazette

Community Digest

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

Mardi Gras

Events

The Eta Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., presents Mardi Gras 2017, Friday, Feb. 24, 2017 from 9 a.m. to 4 a.m., at Paladium Nightclub, 5688 W. Sample Rd., Margate, Fla. To purchase tickets go to ETANU.ORG. For pre-sale packages and vip contact Reggie Carter at (336) 225-2075 or Lenroy Ellis (954) 793-6600.

Program

Broward County Public Schools host Supplier Diversity & Outreach Program Meet the Prime Lunch-n-Learn Workshop Series, Friday, Feb. 24, 2017 from 12 noon to 2 p.m., at TSSC Annex Bank Lobby, 7770 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Sunrise, FLa. To RSVP contact Vincent Jones vai email at Vincet.jones@browardschools.com RSVP by Feb. 21, 2017 space is limited to (2) individuals per company.

Youth Services RE-IGNITE THE FIRE – An Explosive ‘Fire Night’ Youth Services on Sunday, Feb. 26.

2017 at 6 p.m., at Zion Rest Church of God by Faith, 2889 N.W. Sixth St., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. For cost and additional info call (954) 678-8221.

Celebration

Annual Black History Month Celebration, "It Takes A Village", Sunday, Feb. 26, 2017 at 8 a.m., at New Hope Baptist Church, 1321 Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. For more info contact Valecia Cespedes, at (754) 422-4505, Valceia2327@gmail.com

Celebration

Pompano Beach Downtown Innovation District Upcoming Events. The address to Ali Cultural Arts, 353 Hammondville, Rd. Pompano Beach, Fla. Bailey Contemporary Arts, 41 N.E. First St., Pompano Beach, Fla. For ticket info log onto pompanobeacharts. org and click on Ali/BaCa or Event at the Ali Cultural Arts. * Saturday, Feb. 25, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Printmaking Workshop at the Bailey Contemporary Arts. * Saturday, Feb. 25, from 9:30 to 11:30 p.m. - Ali After Hours featuring "The Larry Dogg Band" at Ali Cultural Arts.

Festival

Eta Nu Education Foundation Fourth Annual Black History Festival on Thursday, Feb. 23 thru 26, 2017 at E. Pat Larkins Community Center, 520 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Pompano Beach, Fla. · Opening Reception Black History Exhibits - Thursday, Feb. 23 from 6 to 9 p.m. · Black History Exhibits – Friday, Feb. 24 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. · Black History Exhibits * Health Screenings * HBCU College Information * SWAT – Students Working Against Tobacco, Feb. 25 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. · Black History Exhibits – Sunday, Feb. 26 from 12 to 5 p.m.

Workshop Free Oratorical Workshop for children at Broward College, on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017 from 3 to 6 p.m., at Performing Cultural Arts Theater at Broward College, 7200 Pines Blvd., Pembroke Pines. Fla. For additional info call Elania McCann-Brinson at (786) 3938052.

Event Pride Fort Lauderdale is celebrating 40 years with a massive one-day party on Fort Lauderdale Beach on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2017 from 12 to 8 p.m.

Free admission. For additional info call (954) 767-2444.

TODAY'S BLACK NEWS IS TOMORROW'S BLACK HISTORY

Good News and Better News, a workshop experience in the common sense gospel on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2017 at 10:30 a.m., at the Village United Methodist Church, 1004 Rock Island Rd., North Lauderdale, Fla. The duo, nationally known as Cring & Clazzy, dubbed “the biggest two-piece band in America,” will be offering their program of humor, stories, song and music to rally the spirits.

For more info call (954) 7213920.

Touch Weekly Events

· The Neighborhood Ambassador Event series, Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017 from 6 to 8 p.m., at The Dania Beach Boat Club Tiki Bar, 90 N. Bryan Rd., Dania Beach, Fla. This is a unique networking and volunteer program available for those interested in all things Dania Beach. Ambassadors will receive e-invitations to all upcoming events in the City, special offers from local businesses, CRA enewsletters with redevelopment information and updates, special event volunteer opportunities, a ‘Guide to Being in the Know’ booklet with special Dania Beach Insider info and more!

RSVP to: Kpayen@daniabeachfl.gov or call (954) 924-6801. · Free Diabetes Education Workshops and Wellness Classes, Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2017 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Osswald Park, 2220 N.W. 21 Ave., Fort Lauderdale. Fla. The Urban League is excited to hose the Living Well Program’s Diabetes Self-Management Workshop. It is an interactive 6-week course that includes low impact physical activity and educational classes to teach you how to manage diabetes. For additional info call Kareisha Davis at (954) 625-2566. · FREE Fun Family Event Healthy is the New Hot on Saturday, March 4, 2017 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at John Mullin Park, 2000 N.W. 55 Ave., Lauderhill, Fla. Free lunch by Chef Vicky, music, giveaways, face painting, bounce house, Non-Profit fitness challenge, obstacle course challenge and FREE HIV testing. · Oasis Project Dania Beach Improvement Community Clean-up, Saturday, March 18, 2017 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at The Dania Beach PATCH, 1201 W. Dania Beach Blvd., Dania Beach, Fla. To make an appointment contact Julie Macias at (954) 703-4536 x 822. · Join for a free, fun event providing developmental and behavioral screening for children 4 months to 5 years of age, Saturday, March 18, 2017 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Community Health Expo, Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, 5555 N. Fed. Hwy., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. To register now www.surveymonkey.com/ r/HMGBrowward. · Food Distribution Event The Be Well Plus Center is hosting its monthly food distribution on Thursday, March 23, 2017 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., : 330 S. State Road 7, Suite 200, Plantation, FL 33317: 330 S. State Road 7, Suite 200, Plantation, Fla., and this event is open to everyone. Items may include grains, rice, beans, canned goods, produce, etc.

EDUCATION MATTERS Every Child Derserves a Chance

Event

The Tobacco Free Partnership of Broward County and Fort Lauderdale Beach Sweep are teaming up with the Florida Panthers for a night of hockey to highlight the importance of a tobacco-free community and clean beaches, Sunday, Feb. 26. 2017 at 7:30 p.m. For additional info call (954) 7977793.

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

Workshops

Events

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

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

For more info contact Kareisha Davis, at (954) 625-2566.

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

Celebration

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

Les Bonnes Amies Club, Inc. (The Good Friends) is seeking former princes and princesses, contestants, program participants, and scholarship recipients to join us in celebrating seven (7) decades of service to the Broward County community. Contact Mrs. Deloris Sumlin at (954) 548-7981 or Deloris-sumlin@yahoo.com

Pleading Our Own Cause STAYCONNECTED--www.thewestsidegazette.com (954) 525-1489

Happenings 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.

February 2017 Programs ”The Great Expression: Redefining Negro Culture Through the Arts” in the AARLCC Gallery An exhibit focusing on the Harlem Renaissance Prearranged Group Tours available during library hours: Youth tours, (954) 357-6209.

Adult tours, (954) 357-6224. * Saturdays, Feb. 25Knight with the Queen, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Free chess lessons for ages 7 – 80. * Saturday, Feb. 25SCORE: Introduction to starting a business, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. All are invited to this free introduction to business training workshop. * Saturday, Feb. 25Fashion Design Contest fashion show, 2 to 5 p.m. Ages 1425 are eligible to design and create a fashion piece inspired by and representative of the Harlem Renaissance Era. Must register and get guidelines from Ms. Dayna at (954) 357-6153.

Youth Services * Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays in after school homework help, 3 – 5 p.m.

All Through February: ”What Do You Know About the Harlem Renaissance Era?” Trivia Quiz with 10 questions about the Harlem Renaissance.

The winner is the person who correctly answers the most questions. Prize: $50 gift card.

All ages. * Saturday, Feb. 25 Black History Month Essay Contest awards ceremony, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Join us as we celebrate the winners of this year’s Black History Month Essay Contest. Festivities include youth performances and light refreshments. All ages.

For more info on Children and Teen programs, call the Youth Services desk at 954357-6209.

TO HAVE YOUR UPCOMING EVENTS POSTED PLEASE CALL (954) - 525-1489 FOR MORE INFO FAX -(954) - 525-1861

OR EMAIL: wgproof@thewestsidegazette.com ****************************

Empowering women and girls to make the best choices.

Shaping the future of HIV/AIDS epidemic in the Black community and beyond.

READ THE WESTSIDE GAZETTE AND BE INFORMED

www.thewestsidegazette.com

Westside Gazette

FEBRUARY 23 - MARCH 1, 2017 • PAGE 5

Goldman Sachs’ small business program alumni create jobs, increase revenue

By Stacy M. Brown (NNPA Newswire Contributor) LOS ANGELES — Eight hundred Southern California businesses have joined thousands of entrepreneurs across the country in an initiative to create jobs.

The business owners are participants in Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses, a scholarship-based program that convenes them to learn critical business skills and create growth plans for their companies.

Just one of these local entrepreneurs is Patricia Watts, of FCI Management.

“I’m a year out of the program and we’ve added about three employees,” said Watts, who in 1998 established FCI, a Long Beach-headquartered company that develops and implements energy and water efficiency solutions for corporate, residential, commercial and industrial clients as well as for public and private schools, universities, and government and municipal agencies.

“We also had about a 15 to

16 percent growth in revenue,” Watts said.

Watt’s story is not unique.

The Goldman Sachs “10,000 Small Businesses” curriculum is designed by Babson College, the leading business school for entrepreneurship. Just six months after their graduation, 69 percent of alumni see revenue growth. Approximately 48 percent of the alumni create new jobs within that same timeframe. As a comparison, 23 percent of U.S. small businesses added new jobs in 2015.

Community colleges across

Re pub lican la wmak er s a ttac k publican lawmak wmaker ers attac ttack s educa tion la w Obama’ Obama’s education law As educators work to improve ESSA, Republicans vote to weaken the law

By Stacy M. Brown (NNPA Newswire Contributor) Without hesitation, Jill Lauren said that the most critical program that should be included under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) is proper reading instruction beginning in kindergarten.

“We know that children learn to read by using either a whole language or phonics approach.

Some kids seem to pick up reading, as if by magic, while others need every sound and syllable rule explicitly taught,” said Lauren, who holds a bachelor’s of science and master’s degree in learning disabilities from Northwestern University.

Known as an expert in reading and writing, Lauren has trained teachers around the country to utilize a variety of structured, multi-sensory approaches to the instruction of reading and written language.

“Teachers of pre-K to [third grade] need to know how to teach both methodologies of reading instruction,” said Lauren. “Every child entering third grade should be reading on grade level, meaning we have four years to properly teach kids how to read.”

Lauren continued: “Without the essential skill of reading on grade level, the rest of a child’s school years will be troubled, and statistics show that most youth offenders, as well as adult inmates, struggle with literacy.

This educational failing is a national tragedy.”

Lauren’s concerns come as Education Week reported a push by Republicans in Congress to overturn accountability regulations for ESSA could have far-reaching consequences for how the law works in states, and the potential end of the much-contested rules is dividing the education community.

Groups supporting the move

The House of Representatives recently approved a joint resolution that would overturn ESSA accountability rules issued by the Obama administration. In this photo, Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R-Wisc.) takes his oath of office following his election as Speaker on Oct. 29, 2015.

(Wikimedia Commons) argue that it would free schools from unnecessary burdens, while opponents contend that overturning the rules could hurt vulnerable students and create turmoil in states and districts trying to finalize their transition to ESSA, the 2015 law that replaced the No Child Left Behind Act. The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), comprised of 211 African American-owned media companies and newspapers, recently received a $1.5 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to support a threeyear, multi-media public awareness campaign focusing on the unique opportunities and challenges of ESSA. Bridging the academic achievement gap in education K-12 for African-American students and others from disadvantaged communities is of critical importance over the next

Trump and the Black Caucus plan to meet after the White House press for the first time conference today.”

(Cont'd from FP) During an interview on MSNBC on February 17, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) said that, “Steve Bannon cannot be in the room,” when the CBC meets with President Trump.

“He’s a stone cold racist.”

Bannon is currently the president’s chief strategist and served as a high-ranking executive at Breitbart News, an online publication known for trafficking in right-wing, alternative news that Bannon himself defined as “the platform for the alt-right.”

The term “alt-right” is increasingly used to describe a new and emerging movement of racists and White supremacists.

Chairman Cedric Richmond (D-La.), said the following in response to President Trump’s comments regarding a meeting with the Black Caucus: “President Trump has been in office for almost a month and the Congressional Black Caucus — which at a historic 49 members is almost a fourth of the House Democratic Caucus and represents millions of African Americans — did not hear from the White House until we introduced ourselves on Twitter

The statement continued: “For whatever reason, the letter the Congressional Black Caucus sent to then President-elect Trump and incoming White House officials on January 19 was not enough to get their attention. As the letter explained, President Trump’s ‘New Deal for Black America’ is ill-informed and insufficient and he would be wise to tap into the decades of expertise held by the Congressional Black Caucus when it comes to addressing issues that affect African Americans.”

The CBC, which is now at its largest membership in history, traditionally requests a meeting with the new president after the inauguration. Ironically, some of the meetings the CBC had with President Obama, specifically on the topics of jobs and the challenges of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, have had tense moments.

President Obama did not meet with the Congressional Black Caucus during his first year in office. Meetings between Obama and the CBC were scarce even though most of the members and the President were members of the same party.

several years, said Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., the president and CEO of the NNPA. “The ESSA law was established to help increase the effectiveness of public education in every state,” said Chavis.

“Our task is to inform, inspire, and encourage parents, students, teachers, and administrators to fulfill the intent and objectives of ESSA with special focus on those students and communities that have been marginalized and underserved by the education system across the nation.”

Under ESSA, states will adhere to more flexible federal regulations that provide for improved elementary and secondary education in the nation’s public schools.

ESSA, which also reauthorizes the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), received bipartisan support and was signed into law by President Barack Obama on December 10, 2015. The regulations are administered by the U.S. Department of Education and ESSA goes into full effect at the beginning of the 2017-2018 school year.

Last week, the House of Representatives approved a joint resolution that would overturn ESSA accountability rules issued by the Obama administration.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

the country run the program in partnership with Babson College faculty, creating a direct connection between business experts and urban communities.

Southern California is the only region in the country where two community colleges jointly run the program. Los Angeles City College and Long Beach City College partner together in the region, creating a scale of impact that is unique nationally.

“We have reached 800 business owners and we have a graduation rate of 99 percent,” said Vivian Shimoyama, the regional executive director for the Southern California Region for “10,000 Small Businesses.”

“Eighty-five percent of the business owners who participate collaborate with the other owners and they are growing their businesses together,” Shimoyama said. She added that “the program has had a great impact on not only increasing revenue, but on creating jobs.”

The Goldman Sachs “10,000 Small Businesses” program offers practical business management education for entrepreneurs. Those accepted into the program experience access to the education, business support services, and peer-to-peer networking that helps grow their companies, Shimoyama said.

For Watts, the program was a key step to understanding growth opportunities for her business.

“The year before I started the program, I ended up at the end of the year in the red with

Epps, in the NASA video interview, shared when she was first introduced to the idea that she could be an astronaut. “It was about 1980, I was nineyears-old. My brother came home and he looked at my grades and my twin sisters’ grades and he said, ‘You know, you guys can probably become aerospace engineers or even astronauts,’” Epps said. “And this was at the time that Sally Ride [the first American woman to fly in space] and a group of women were selected to become astronauts — the first time in history. So, he made that

a loss,” Watts said. “However, this year, one year later, we ended up with a profit that was significant, because it was almost a $1.5 million swing from loss to profit,” she said.

While participants in “10,000 Small Businesses” hail from a wide array of industries, they engage in the program from their shared experience as entrepreneurs. Southern California alumni include businesses focused on marketing and design, health and fitness, food service, staffing, education, manufacturing, and other industries.

Through the peer-to-peer learning environment, the participants focus on over-coming universal business challenges such as human resources, access to finance, and leadership.

“You know how people always say you should work on your business not in your business? I learned that I have

not done a good job in training my leadership team to take on [some other responsibilities],” Watts said. “I learned that I have to look at my staff differently and that I have to make them accountable. I have to look at my financials month to month to see where there are gaps and to fill them and incorporate and bring in the right skill set of people.”

With an eye to the future, Watts is ready to keep growing her business.

“I’m looking forward to continued growth as a national company. I have an office in New York and an office in Atlanta and I’m looking to grow the company nationally and I’m looking at growing our business in the federal sector,” Watts said, adding that, “I’m always optimistic, the most optimistic person you’ll ever meet and my motto is ‘failure is not an option.’

Open enrollment window for BCPS Head Start/ Early Head Start Programs begins March 6

Parents and guardians can submit applications for Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) Head Start/Early Head Start programs during the open enrollment window, which takes place March 6 – 31, 2017.

The BCPS Head Start/Early Head Start program serves three- and four-year-old children, and offers a full school day of educational enrichment activities with research proven curriculum focusing on the development of the whole child.

In addition, Head Start and Early Head Start services include dental, health, nutrition, mental health and family support. The Early Head Start program also provides services to pregnant women, infants and toddlers.

To apply, families must meet the income eligibility requirements, as determined by the Department of Health & Human Services 2017 Poverty

First Black crew member to join International Space Station (Cont'd from FP)

“10,000 Small Businesses” faculty member Farshad Rafii shares ‘actions for growth’ insights during a recent cohort in Southern California. (Goldman Sachs)

comment and I said, ‘Wow, that would be so cool.’”

Epps will join veteran NASA astronaut Andrew Feustel at the Space Station. On Feustel’s first long-duration mission, he served as a flight engineer on Expedition 55, and later as commander of Expedition 56.

“Each space station crew brings something different to the table, and Drew and Jeanette both have a lot to offer,” said Chris Cassidy, chief of the Astronaut Office at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, in a statement. “The space station will benefit from having them on board.”

Guidelines. Families of children with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

To complete an application (see application sites listed below), parents or guardians must provide the following documentation: · Proof of age (child’s original birth certificate or passport) · Child’s Medicaid card (if eligible) · Proof of guardianship

(if applicable) · Parent photo identification · Proof of all household income for the past 12 months (income is defined as the total money earned or received before deductions for all family members) · Proof of residence in Broward County For more information, contact the BCPS Head Start/Early Intervention Department at (754) 321-1961.

PAGE 6 • FEBRUARY 23 - MARCH 1, 2017

Opinion

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

Letter to the Editor

Building the Movement to fight extremism

By Clarence V. McKee, president, McKee Communications

Last week:

We recently learned that in Broward County Blacks

sentenced for felony drug possession received sentences 65 percent longer than whites — 40 percent longer for burglary, 39 percent longer for battery, and 15 percent longer for robbery. Now a Sun Sentinel analysis shows that in 2015, Broward’s Black students were suspended at about 3.4 times the rate of white students, up from about 2.3 times in 2010. The rate for white students went from over 10,200 in 2010 down to 3,870 in 2015. If the criminal justice and education systems are any example, Broward does not appear to be color blind.

Will Trump do a better job than Obama with HBCUs? According to White House insiders, the Trump Administration is planning an executive order to address some of the issues facing HBCUs. Photo taken during a speech at the 2013 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) at the National Harbor in Prince George’s County, Md. (Gage Skidmore/Wikimedia Commons)

By Lauren Victoria Burke (NNPA Newswire Columnist) Despite a cavalcade of political distractions and a legal battle over immigration, President Trump appears to be focused on funding Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Less than three weeks in office the Trump Administration is in the process of writing an executive order on HBCUs; there’s also loud talk of increased funding, and the White House is planning an event with HBCU college presidents later this month.

On February 8, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer told reporters that, “the President has a strong commitment to them [HBCUs] and understands that over the last eight years they’ve been woefully neglected and I think he really wants to show a commitment in funding to HBCUs. You’ll see not just a push this month, but in his budget and going forward.”

On February 9, new Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos visited Howard University President Wayne Frederick for a, “robust discussion around the many challenges facing higher education and the important role of HBCUs.” It was DeVos’ first official event at a university as Secretary of Education.

House Republicans, led by Rep. Mark Walker (R-N.C.), are working in parallel with the White House on the issue and will host an all-day HBCU forum on February 28 in Washington, D.C. at the Library of Congress.

The event will include House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wisc.), Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Rep. Alma Adams (D-N.C.) who is the co-chair of the HBCU Caucus in the House. Thurgood Marshall College Fund President Johnny Taylor and United Negro College Fund Senior Vice President Cheryl Smith will also attend.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

Reverend William J. Barber II, the president of the North Carolina state chapter of the NAACP, says that Americans are quickly learning that moral resistance is a civic duty under President Trump. Photo taken during a NAACP demonstration on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. in June 2015. (Freddie Allen/AMG/NNPA)

By Reverend Dr. William J. Barber, II (President, North Carolina NAACP) On Friday, January 27, 2017, President Trump wrapped up his first week of executive orders with a temporary ban on refugees and travelers from several Muslim countries. Effective immediately, this order impacted tens of thousands of people, leading to the detention of travelers in airports across the United States. Mass protests erupted, a federal judge issued a temporary injunction against the ban, and team Trump responded by attacking the judiciary branch and the media alike.

Moral resistance, Americans are quickly learning, is a civic duty under President Trump.

But even as mass protests remind us that the Constitution was not unelected last November, history suggests that our resistance must prepare for a long-term movement. Things are going to get worse in America before they get better. We will win, but it’s not going to be fast and it’s not going to be easy. Lest we lose perspective, we need to soberly face the challenge before us.

The beginning of Trump’s administration marks a turn from the immoral rhetoric of a divisive campaign to the immoral action of an anti-democratic administration. Those who never imagined Trump could win the Republican primary—even less the White House—are right to be outraged at the hubris with which he disregards observable facts, projects delusions of grandeur, and attacks those who disagree with him. Trump is intentionally outrageous. But outrage, he knows, is a difficult emotion to sustain. Repeat an alternative fact often enough, and it begins to sound banal.

From Hitler to Franco to Suharto, fascist regimes in the 20th century seemed implausible in their beginnings. Nevertheless, their strong men defied the political establishment and appealed to “the people,” even as they undermined the democratic process, a free press, organized labor and the arts. In no instance, did this happen all at once, and in every case there were opponents who expressed outrage at some point (80 percent of Germans disapproved of the Kristallnacht attack on synagogues).

But outrage did not stop fascism.

The consistent scapegoating of some minority group inevitably turned national attention to security, law and order. Every fascist regime has blessed

The cloud is darkening over President Trump’s cover-ups

By Roger Caldwell

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

www.thewestsidegazette.com

Westside Gazette

On Thursday February 16th, President Trump gave his first press conference as Commander-in-Chief, and it was a media circus. Everyone in America should be aware, when the president speaks, for every two stories, one is a fabrication or lie.

For this eighty minute press conference, President Trump made up stories. He knew was not true for about forty minutes. Many will ask why he does this, and very few people will acknowledge that he is bipolar.

On one level people who are bipolar are genius, but on another level they need mental health help. He will not be the first president that was sick in office, and he will not be the last.

In President Trump’s mind, he believes that his administration is running like a “FINE-TUNED MACHINE.” Again Americans will ask does President Trump really believe that his administration is running smoothly, but based on his mental health issues, everything is great.

In his mind’s eye, his first month in office has been a success. From his point of view, his only problem is President Obama has left him “a mess” at

home and abroad. He believes in the next few months, there will be a major transformation in America, and the citizens will start to understand that he is right.

Instead of working to bring order to a disorganized White House dysfunctional mess, every weekend the president is hanging out, and working at his Winter White House at Mar-a-Lago. Three straight weekends trips to Mar-a-Lago is like getting a new job, and immediately requesting time off.

According to Emily Jane Fox of Vanity Fair, “President Trump’s first month in office has been dogged by one-misstep after another – botched executive orders and attacks on the judiciary, punctuated by bizarre, and often inappropriate boasting about the size of his electoral victory and inauguration crowd.

He has done little to address the cavalcade of scandals that have already become a defining feature of his presidency.”

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

The value of white privilege and the American Dream Racial Wealth Gap Could Close with Systemic Public Policy Reforms, says New Research Charlene Crowell says that, according to new research, historical and systemic privileges afforded to Whites and denied to Blacks are the true root causes of the racial wealth gap.

By Charlene Crowell (NNPA Newswire Columnist) As 2017’s Black History observances unfold in communities across the country, new research on racial wealth gaps refutes the age-old advice for people of color to pull themselves up by their proverbial bootstraps. According

its corporate leaders and invested in infrastructure projects; in turn, socalled religious leaders consistently bless the marriage of God and country.

The only thing that can stop fascism is a broad coalition of people determined to stand together against extremism.

Trump’s message could not be clearer. He insists he is returning government to “the people” while delegitimizing the press, the electoral process, and the clear feedback he is receiving from the American people via protests and favorability ratings. His Tweet-storms against the nation’s most respected media outlets are as dangerous as his unsubstantiated claim that 3-5 million people voted illegally in the 2016 election, his executive order that led to the detention of visaholders, his nomination of the wealthiest cabinet in US history, and his prosperity pastors who preach a heretical gospel of national security. Each lie and extreme action is an offense against democracy itself.

What will protect us, four years from now, from a fascism that delays normal elections during war time?

When extremists took over state government in North Carolina in 2013, we had to face the reality of anti-democratic populism in 21st-century America. Yes, we were outraged. But when 17 moral leaders were arrested in an act of civil disobedience on the first “Moral Monday,” we committed ourselves to a fight with every nonviolent tool available to us in the courts, in the streets, in the legislature and at the ballot box. We spent some long nights in jail, and we suffered some hard defeats in the midterm elections.

But this past November, when Trumpism swept the South, extremists in North Carolina lost control of two of the three branches of government.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

African American community fight for education Rights The African American community needs to understand that you have to fight for your educational rights to have a respectable position in United States or get buried under White Supremacy.

The Unites States spends annually 750 billion dollars on defense Budget.

But investing in manpower is also important.

US Students and their unions should force President Donald Trump to invest annually50 billion dollars on Scholarships to Students to go through College Education and Job Skill Development Programs.

One million students would get 50,000 dollars in scholarships per year.

Or 2 million US undergraduates undergoing educations in various colleges and Universities can get 25,000 dollars scholarship amount per year.

In India education in colleges is free and highly subsidized. Trump says he loves India; in that case he should follow subsidized Education policy of India. India is progressing because it spends heavily on School and College Education.

It is Time for US undergraduates to stand up for themselves, do massive protests in all cities of USA and force Donald Trump to give minimum 50 Billion Dollars of Scholarships to US Students to pursue Education, so that they can get good Salary paying Jobs.

Out of 50 billion dollars, 20 billion dollars should be reserved for the African American Community as they are lagging behind in the economy.

What are you waiting for? Do protest rallies and get your Educational & Jobs aims fulfilled in a peaceful manner. #LetUSMakeAmericaGreatAgain. to researchers at Demos and the Institute for Assets & Social Policy at Brandeis University, historical and systemic privileges afforded whites and denied to Blacks are the true root causes.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

The Gantt Report The Trump trick

By Lucius Gantt Sometimes a woman’s girlfriend will tell her, “I saw your man last night at the club hugging and kissing another woman!”

When the woman confronts her man and asks questions about the allegation the man might say, “It wasn’t me. I let my friend use my car. I was at the church Bible study praying for you and me!”

Even though one lie leads to another, the liar’s best weapon is a bigger and better lie!

President Donald Trump is quick to say he is very smart, he knows how to do a deal, he is great and he will make America great again.

In my mind, so far, he has appeared to be the dumbest President the world has ever known.

Can I prove it? You tell me.

A smart president knows and understands whenever any elected official picks a fight with “Washington”, Washington, D.C. wins! Nixon tried it, Lincoln tried it and some would say even Clinton tried it and they and others all got beat up in a political way.

Presidents with a brain also know, in private, you can disagree with the press, you can despise the press or you can even hate the press.

However, no President with any sense will pick a fight with companies that buy ink by the barrel.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

Solar energy trade group responds to Dr.Malveaux’s latest column Letter to the Editor: In her Feb. 9 column, “Why Isn’t President Trump Tweeting about the Solar Panel Industry?” Dr. Julianne Malveaux makes serious allegations, and on behalf of the solar industry we want to set the record straight.

Consumer protection is a top priority for us — not just in word but in deed. We do not target communities of color; we embrace them. Solar works for all Americans — 1.3 million of them have solar already. We will reach out to Ms. Malveaux to get any details she has and we will address any issues we discover.

The solar industry has proactively taken a host of steps to protect consumers through an initiative commended by the Better Business Bureau. We’ve sat down with state offices and the Federal Trade Commission alike to ensure solar consumer protection. We’ve worked hard both to ensure consumers have accurate information as they consider solar for their homes and set up a complaint resolution process if anything goes wrong.

All of our member companies, which total nearly 1,000, must follow our Solar Business Code, which governs interactions with consumers. We’ve even created disclosure forms to give consumers a snapshot of the key terms of their contract.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

Dear Westside Gazette: We have Donald Trump, the inexperienced real estate mogul who somehow got into office even though he lost the popular vote in the election by three million votes.

As you have seen for the beginning of his term, our fragile government is in total chaos. My own message to the public a couple years back was to caution American voters to stop handing over governance to business people.

They don’t think at all like working people. The very first thing they want to do is to hand out corporate welfare to the corporations and billionaire classes and to make government weak when it comes to consumerism for the people.

The last thing we needed was a businessman in office and I think people are only now beginning to see why. There will be mid-term elections coming up, and working men and women must learn who their true friends are in government. Look no farther that the Democratice party who traditionally votes on matters of import to the working class people, 50-100 percent of the time. Not so with the Republicans. Wake up America. Give me Trumpka over Trump anyday.

Sincerely, Lawrence Hill 5612000477

www.thewestsidegazette.com

BUSINESS

Westside Gazette

FEBRUARY 23 - MARCH 1, 2017 • PAGE 7

UNITY IN THE COMMUNITY DIRECTORY THE BEST BOIL PEANUTS ON THE PLANET WHAT PLANTE? 2lb PAPERSHELLS PEACANS $4 2 lb SOFTSHELL Call for it (954) 557-1203

OFFICE: (954) 733-7700 ext. 111 CELL: (754) 234-4485 4360 W. Oakland Park Boulevard Lauderdale Lakes, Florida 33313 ken@acclaimcares.com

Bobbyette The Queen of Dry Clean Dry Cleaner & Laundry Bobbyette Motley Proprietor 47 Years Experience

133 N. State Road 7 Plantation, Fla. 33317

Benjamin Motley, Mgr. FOR PICK-UP SERVICE CALL (954) 701-6201

(Corner of Broward Blvd. & State Rd. 7)

(954) 587-7075

4334 N. State Rd. 7 - Lauderdale Lakes, Florida, 33319 - (954) 733-6200

FRED LOVELL, Lic. Opt. (Over 30 Years in Optics)

* $29.50 - Single Vision * $44.50 - Bifocal * $89.50 - Progressive -+ 400 sph -+ 2.00 cyl /add + 3.00) * ( -+400 sph-+ -+2.00 (-+

Thank God for History Geometry Trigonometry, Our President Obama Tree!

New Black-owned smart shoe line has bluetooth capabilities that can connect to smart phones and tablets

(c) Entrepreneur Jide Ipaye, founder of the Keexs smart shoe

24 Hour Good Neighbor Service Se habla espanol

Johnnie Smith, Jr Jr..

Enrolled Agent ax P rofessional F ranchise T Tax Professional *T ax P reparation *Accounting *P ayroll *Tax Preparation *Payroll 3007 W W.. Commercial Blvd., Suite 204 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 Tel. (954) 730-2226 - Fax: (954) 730-2036 Cell (954) 303-5779 johnnie.smith@hrblock.com www .hrblock.com www.hrblock.com

STS TAX SERVICES INC. in association with

Freeman - R.L. Macon Funeral Home "AN INSTITUTION

WITH A

SOUL"

RICHARD L. MACON LICENSED FUNERAL DIRECTOR NOTARY OWNER 738 DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. BLVD. POMPANO BEACH, FL 33060 (954) 946-5525

Move over Nike and make room for Keexs, an Africa-inspired brand and the first smart shoe in Africa with a Bluetooth connection to your smartphone and mobile devices. Even more importantly, the new sneakers brand creates jobs and also helps poor people in Nigeria.

Straight outta... Nigeria The new sneakers brand was created by Nigerian entrepreneur Babajide “Jide” Ipaye. He started his company by raising $20,000 through crowd-funding, after studying shoe production in the Netherlands. The shoes are fun and colorful, featuring African-inspired prints and sell for $59 online and in stores across Lagos. The manufacturing is located in Lagos, which creates jobs for many people in Lagos. In addition, Ipaye donates 10 percent of company profits to projects that help eliminate poverty.

IT meets footwear Keexs is advertised as the first “Innovative and Social Oriented footwear brand in Africa.”

Founder Ipaye founded and has been running an IT company in Nigeria for ten years. He wanted to incorporate technology into his passion for footwear. He went to the Netherlands to learn how to make sneakers at SLEM institute, the world’s leading school for innovative footwear design and manufacturing. The result was

Keexs.

Giving back It was important for Ipaye to create a company that would help others. His new shoe line is doing just that by creating jobs in the city of Lagos, where his manufacturing plant is located. But he wants to attract more investors and build a manufacturing facility in Nigeria.

For more information on Keexs, go to www.keexs.com

PAGE 8 • FEBRUARY 23 - MARCH 1, 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

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

Dr. Marcus D. Davidson, Senior Pastor WORSHIP 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!

Williams Memorial CME “PRAYER IS THE ANSWER”

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

Rev. Dr. Jimmie L. Brown Senior Pastor

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!”

SERVICES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mount Calvary Baptist Church

800 N.W. 8th Avenue Pompano Beach, Florida 33060 Church Telephone: (954) 943-2422 Church Fax: (954) 943-2186 E-mail Address: Mtcalvarypompano@bellsouth.net

Reverend Anthony Burrell, Pastor SCHEDULE OF SERVICES SUNDAY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Email infor@mthermonftl.com

James C. Boyd Funeral Home ALI Funeral services for the late Rasheedah H. Ali – 68 were held Feb. 17 at New Mount Olive Baptist Church with Dr. Marcus D. Davidson officiating.

DELVA Funeral services for the late Jean Elirant Delva – 88 were held Feb. 18 at Bethel Church of God Ministries with Pastor Jacques Morrisset officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

FINDLAY Funeral services for the late Lakettia LaJuan Findlay – 36 were held Feb. 18 at James C. Boyd’s Memorial Chapel with Rev. Joyce Wright officiating.

JANES Funeral services for the late Inez Elizabeth Williams – Janes - 95 were held Feb. 18 at St. John United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Simon K. Osunlana officiating. Interment: Forrest Lawn Memorial Gardens (Central).

RADLOFF Funeral services for the late Melody Ann Cynthia Radlof – 45.

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

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

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

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

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

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

(712)432-1500 Access Code296233#

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WALKER Funeral services for the late Sadie Walker 75 were held Feb. 18 at Mt. Hermon A.M.E Church with Rev. Henry E. Green, Jr. officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

YOUNG Funeral services for the late Willie James Young, Jr. - 71 were held Feb. at New Mount Olive Baptist Church with Rev. Anthony Burrell officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

McWhite's Funeral Home BALOM Funeral services for the late Daniel Lee Balom, Jr., - 64 were held Feb. 18 at Mt. Tabor Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Wendell H. Paris, Jr., officiating.

Interment: South Florida National Cemetery, Lake Worth, Fl.

BRADLEY Funeral services for the late Glory “Big Mama”Bradley75 were held Feb.18 at Church of the Living God The Pillar and Ground of the Truth with Elder Dennis L. Fulmore officiating. Interment: Pine View Cemetery.

MOODIE Funeral services for the late Lucille Moodie - 67 were held Feb.18 at McWhite’s Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Oral Walters officiating.

MONROE Funeral services for the late Lucille Monroe - 80 were held Feb. 18 at Calvary Missionary Baptist Church.

Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Q&A: What Does Reverend Deal say this week?

'God will pardon your sins' Question: Knowing what Judas Iscariot did to Jesus, can he make it into heaven?

Answer: What did Judas do? According to the scriptures (Matthew 26:14-16) Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus Christ for 30 pieces of silver; and in (Matthew 26:48-49) Judas revealed to Jesus' captors who Jesus was by a kiss. Ultimately, Jesus was led to His crucifixion by a kiss. The outcome of Judas' actions against Jesus caused Judas to hang himself. Did Judas make it into heaven? According to Matthew 12:31; all sins are forgiven except the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost. So, God will pardon our sins. Let’s continue to search the scriptures. Isaiah 55:8-9 says: God’s thoughts are not our thoughts and God’s ways are not our ways. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are God’s ways higher that our ways….’ In other words only God knows if Judas made it into heaven. One of God’s attributes is His omniscience. We serve an all-knowing God. The Bible speaks about how scripture had to be fulfilled concerning Judas (Acts 1:16-18). In saying that, Judas was responsible for the outcome of his actions. This is the ‘Free Choice’ or ‘Free Will’ that God gave all.

Further search of scripture one can extrapolate that Judas did not make it into heaven. In John 17:12; Jesus called Judas “the son of perdition”. The meaning of the word perdition is: a state of final spiritual ruin or damnation, hell’ (Dictionary.com) In John 6:70-71; Jesus talks about choosing his twelve disciples and that one of the twelve chosen is a devil’.

In closing John 8:21-24; Jesus talks about the impossibility of following Him if one dies in their sins….If you believe not that He is, you shall die in your sins.

Reverend David Deal is the senior pastor of Every Christian Church in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Reverend Deal can be reached in care of the Westside Gazette, 545 Northwest Seventh Terrace, Fort Lauderdale, Fla or Email at David.Deal55@gmail.com

What happened when a Black and white church merged in Florida

Roy Mizell & Kurtz Funeral Home BROWN Funeral services for the late Daisy M. Garoin Brown - 73 were held Feb. 18 at Williams Memorial CME Church with Rev. Calvin Hopkins officiating. Interment: South Florida VA National Cemetery, Lake Worth, Fl. BULTER Funeral services for the late Bertha Lee Bulter - 92 were held Feb. 18 at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church with Dr. James B. Darling, Jr officiating.

Interment: Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens Central.

NESBIT Funeral services for the late Ruby Louise Hunter-Nesbitt - 79 were held Feb. 18 at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witness. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

SENATUS Funeral services for the late Fredalice Senatus - 79 were held Feb. 18 at New Covenant Deliverance Cathedral with Elder

Members of the children’s choir at Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church perform on stage during the morning service January 22. 2017.

(Bob Self/For The Washington Post)

By Julie Zauzmer during the morning service at Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist JACKSONVILLE, FL — Church on Jan. 22. (Bob Self/ The topic of the public lecture For The Washington Post) at the seminary was “The Bible In 2015, the church that and Race,” and the discussion Latham boasted of was two had turned to “racial reconcili- congregations, not one. There ation,” buzzwords used for was the booming Black church new efforts to heal old rifts. in the heart of the inner city, What would it look like, one led by a charismatic preacher pastor wanted to know, for a in the staunch tradition of church to actually become “ra- Black Baptists. And there was cially reconciled”? Was it even the quiet white church, nestled possible? in the suburbs half an hour to Cynthia Latham had been the south, holding onto a sitting silently in the back. Now tightknit community of Southshe stood up. ern Baptist believers.

“I am a member of Shiloh And then the Black church Metropolitan Baptist Church,” and the white church merged. she said slowly and proudly. The resulting congregation at “And we are a reconciled con- Shiloh — Black and white, urgregation.” ban and suburban — appears Pastor H.B. Charles gives to be the only intentional joint the sermon from the stage of church of its kind in the United the multipurpose auditorium States.

Fifty-four years after the Corey Thomas officiating. InterRev. Martin Luther King Jr. ment: Sunset Memorial Gardens. famously pronounced that Sunday morning is “the most segWILLIAMS regated hour in this nation,” Funeral serShiloh Baptist embarked on a vices for the late journey to address whether Robert Logan that centuries-old divide can Williams II – 25 be changed. were held Feb. 18 (Read full story on at Roy Mizell & www.thewestsidegazette.com) Kurtz Worship Center.

www.thewestsidegazette.com

Westside Gazette

FEBRUARY 23 - MARCH 1, 2107 • PAGE 9

Monthly subscription box teaches children about Black History Year round — not just in February!

— Heritage Box celebrates one year of delivering culture, history, and pride! — NATIONWIDE — What if year round we could impart our history to our children? We

LEGAL NOTICES

would raise a proud, self -aware and empowered generation!

Heritage Box delivers such a tool for families. Heritage Box provides families with a tool that will keep children engaged

PUBLICATION OF BID SOLICITATIONS

MISCELLEANOUS

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

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

SECTION 8 HOUSE 3/2 FULLY REMODEL CALL (954) 261-5311

THE SCHOOL BOARD OF BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA NOTICE OF MEETINGS 3/7/17 KCW Bldg., 600 SE 3rd Ave., Ft. Laud.

9:30 a.m.

•Special Presentations 10:30 a.m. or •Special School Board Meeting (Expulsions) immediately following the Special Presentations

10:35 a.m. or

•Regular School Board Meeting

immediately following the Special Meeting

3/21/17 9:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m. or

KCW Bldg., 600 SE 3rd Ave., Ft. Laud.

•Special Presentations •Special School Board Meeting (Expulsions)

immediately following the Special Presentations

10:35 a.m. or

•Regular School Board Meeting

immediately following the Special Meeting

3/28/17 10:00 a.m.

KCW Bldg., 600 SE 3rd Ave., Ft. Laud.

•School Board Workshop

Regular School Board Meeting – Public speakers listed on the agenda will be heard at 5 p.m. on March 7, 2017 and at 12 p.m. on March 21, 2017 or as close to those times as possible. Workshops – Public speakers will be permitted three minutes each to address a topic at the conclusion of Board Members' discussion on the topic.

The times for items on the agenda are only estimates. The actual start times for these topics may vary up to an hour or more depending on the nature of the items and the length of the Board discussions and public comments.

The School Board of Broward County, Florida, prohibits any policy or procedure which results in discrimination on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, marital status, race, religion, sex or sexual orientation. Individuals who wish to file a discrimination and/or harassment complaint may call the Director, Equal Educational Opportunities/ADA Compliance Department at 754-321-2150 or Teletype Machine (TTY) 754-321-2158. Individuals with disabilities requesting accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008, (ADAAA) may call Equal Educational Opportunities/ADA Compliance Department at 754-321-2150 or Teletype Machine (TTY) 754-321-2158.

Telephone conferencing or other telecommunications technology may be used in conducting this public meeting to permit absent Board Members to participate in discussions, to be heard by other School Board Members and the public, and to hear discussions taking place during the meeting.

THE SCHOOL BOARD OF BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA NOTICE OF MEETINGS MEETINGS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR CANCELLATION Date Meeting Place 3/14/17 Charter Applicant’s KCW Bldg., Board Room 1:30pm Informational Meeting 600 SE 3rd AVE., Ft. Laud 3/2/17 Diversity Committee – KCW Bldg., Board Room 6:30-8:30p General Meeting 600 SE 3rd Avenue, Ft. Laud.

3/13/17 Diversity Committee - Chair, Lauderdale Manors Learning Cntr 4-6p 1400 NW 14th Court, Fort Laud.

Vice-Chair & Staff Mbr Mtg 3/2/17 Diversity Committee KCW Bldg., Board Room 5:30-6:30p Site Visit Sub-Committee 600 SE 3rd Avenue, Ft. Laud.

3/6/17 Diversity Committee – Various Lauderdale Manors Learning Ctr 4-6p 1400 NW 14th Court, Fort Laud..

Sub-Committee Meetings 3/8/17 Diversity Committee – Various Lauderdale Manors Learning Ctr 3:30-5:30p 1400 NW 14th Court, Fort Laud.

Sub Committee Meetings 3/15/17 Diversity Committee – Various Lauderdale Manors Learning Ctr 2-4p 1400 NW 14th Court, Fort Laud.

Sub Committee Meetings 3/20/17 Diversity Committee – Various Lauderdale Manors Learning Ctr 4-6p 1400 NW 14th Court, Fort Laud.

Sub Committee Meetings Wingate Oaks – Rm 3/27/17 ESE Advisory Pre School Sub1211 NW 33rd Terr., Ft. Laud.

9:30a Committee 3/2/17 Facilities Task Force General Plantation High School-Media Ctr 7pm Meeting 6901 NW 16th St., Plantation 3/29/17 Human Relations Committee Lauderdale Manors Learning Ctr. 3:30-5:30p 1400 NW 14th Court, Ft. Laud.

General Meeting 3/17/17 Negotiation Parameters KCW Bldg – Pre Function Room 10am Committee Meeting (Purpose: the 600 SE 3rd Ave, Ft. Laud purpose of this meeting is to review appraisals for School Board owned real property, and to establish a beginning offer for the properties, for the purposes of marketing the properties for sale.)

3/16/17 6p/7p 3/13/17 6p 3/1/17 9a 3/29/17 9a 3/1/17 9a

North Area Advisory Council Steering /General Meeting Parent/Community Involvement Task Force Regular Mtg QSEC Review of Contractors Pre-Qualification/ReCert.

QSEC Review of Contractors Pre-Qualification/ReCert.

Superintendent's Ins. & Wellness Advisory Committee (SIWAC)

Atlantic Tech. High School 4700 Cocnt Crk Blvd., Cocnt Crk McFatter Tech College (Bistro) 6500 Nova Dr., Davie TSSC - Rm. #323 7720 W. Oklnd Pk Blvd., Sunrise TSSC - Rm. #323 7720 W. Oklnd Pk Blvd., Sunrise TSSC Annex 7770 W. Oklnd Pk Blvd., Sunrise

(Purpose: to discuss proposal responses for 18-008V, Group Term Life & Accidental Death (AD&D) Insurance for School Board Employees, as well as any other matter the Committee deems important.)

3/22-23/17 9a

Superintendent's Ins. & Wellness TSSC Annex 7770 W. Oklnd Pk Blvd., Sunrise Advisory Committee (SIWAC) (Purpose: to evaluate 18-009V, Group Medical Benefits for School Board Employees, as well as any other matter the Committee deems important.)

3/29/17 9a

Superintendent's Ins. & Wellness TSSC Annex 7770 W. Oklnd Pk Blvd., Sunrise Advisory Committee (SIWAC) (Purpose: to evaluate 18-010V, Voluntary Supplemental Insurance for School Board Employees, as well as any other matter the Committee deems important.)

3/30/17 Supplier Diversity & Outreach TSSC – Ste 323 4p 7220 W. Oklnd Pk Blvd., Sunrise Program Adv. Committee Mtg The School Board of Broward County, Florida, prohibits any policy or procedure which results in discrimination on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, marital status, race, religion, sex or sexual orientation.

Individuals who wish to file a discrimination and/or harassment complaint may call the Director, Equal Educational Opportunities/ADA Compliance Department at 754-3212150 or Teletype Machine (TTY) 754-321-2158. Individuals with disabilities requesting accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008, (ADAAA) may call Equal Educational Opportunities/ADA Compliance Department at 754-321-2150 or Teletype Machine (TTY) 754-321-2158.

Notice is hereby given that two or more Board Members of The School Board of Broward County, Florida, may be participating.

The Heritage Box Inventor Spotlight box

YEAR ROUND, not just in February during Black History Month. Each box is designed to build self-pride and enhance children’s understanding of their heritage.

The monthly boxes are specially curated for children to ensure they receive age appropriate books and activities. Each month is an exciting cultural adventure that all children will love!

In 2016, their families received travel boxes on the following Zimbabwe, Botswana,

Tanzania, South Africa and Kenya. They also received themed boxes on Ancient Africa, Kings and Queens of Africa, Invasion of Africa, PreColumbus exploration of the world by Africans. They look forward to continuing their exploration of Black people’s history and visiting more African countries this year!

In honor of Black History Month, their new subscribers will be receiving an Inventor Spotlight box which has been receiving rave reviews from our subscribers!

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

PAGE 10 • FEBRUARY 23 - MARCH 1, 2017

www.thewestsidegazette.com

Westside Gazette

Black Girl Magic: 'Hidden Figures' Outshines 'La La Land' at U.S. Box Office

By Lauren Victoria Burke (NNPA Newswire Contributor) Looks like the myth that Black films can’t make big money in Hollywood is about to become a thing of the past.

In early February, “Hidden Figures” passed “La La Land” as the top-grossing (domestically) Oscar-nominated film in Hollywood this season. “Hidden Figures” focuses on three women who worked at NASA in the 1960s at a crucial time when America was competing with the Soviet Union for dominance in space during the Cold War. According to BoxOfficeMojo.com, the domestic box office total for “Hidden Figures” was $137,336,830 as of Feb. 17; the domestic box

office total for “La La Land” was $130,154,066.

The movie starring “Empire” fan-favorite Taraji P. Henson made $12,948,935 at the foreign box office, while the musical, featuring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, raked in $167,671,768 outside of the United States. “La La Land” was released on December 9 and “Hidden Figures” opened on Dec. 23 2016.

“Hidden Figures” was based on the book by Margot Lee Shetterly, which detailed the careers of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson played by Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monae, respectively.

After working as a human computer at the National Advisory Committee for Aero-

The story of Roosevelt Jackson Sr., related to the Negro league. Last month, the Obama Foundation included Mr. Jackson’s story on the foundation’s webpage under Chicago Where it Began 2008 Campaign: Yes We Can. The foundation tweeted the story and posted it to their Instagram account in celebration of Black History Month.

In December, Jackson will celebrate 100 years of life. We are planning a grand celebration in South Florida. Pictured is Jackson and his granddaughter Loretta Jackson Brown.

nautics (NACA), the precursor to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Jackson earned her engineering degree, was promoted, and became NASA’s first African American female engineer in 1958.

In 1961, mathematician Katherine Johnson worked at Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va., with Jackson and Vaughan.

Though the character Al Harrison, played by Kevin Costner, was fictional, the depiction of John Glenn asking Johnson to recalculate and reverify the BM re-entry calculations was accurate.

According to NASA.gov, Johnson, “calculated the trajectory for Alan Shepard, the first American in space.”

The NASA.gov article continued: “Even after NASA began using electronic computers, John Glenn requested that she personally recheck the calculations made by the new electronic computers before his flight aboard Friendship 7 – the mission on which he became the first American to orbit the Earth.

She continued to work at NASA until 1986 combining her math talent with electronic computer skills. Her calculations proved as critical to the success of the Apollo Moon landing program and the start of the Space Shuttle program, as they did to those first steps on the country’s journey into space.”

Many have wondered how such a gripping story had never been told before.

“Hidden Figures” author Shetterly grew up in Hampton, Va. She began writing the book in 2010.

Her father, worked as a research scientist at NASA Langley Research Center alongside many of the subjects that would become featured in her book.

Twentieth Century Fox hosted a screening of “Hidden Figures” along with Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Va.) and Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) on Capitol Hill last week.

The director of the film, The-

Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monae odore Melfi was in attendance for a discussion as part of the screening.

The film was also screened

at the White House in December 2016. In addition to being nominated for an Oscar for Best Picture, Octavia Spencer was

nominated for Best Supporting Actress and the story was nominated in the category of Best Screenplay.

Talented 10th Poetry Slam

Contestants in the Talented 10th Poetry Slam pose with Master of Ceremonies Donovan Campbell, WSVN sports anchor/reporter. L to r: Nicholas Jentszch, Nijel Beverly, Kayla Sewell, Alexandria Nicholas, Donovan Campbell, Katherine Turner, Jadon Polydore and Damon Pierce As winner of the Talented 10th Poetry Slam hosted by the City of Hollywood African American Advisory Council, Nicholas Jentszch has been awarded a Kindle tablet from the AT&T Pioneers. Jentszch is a student at Hollywood Hills High School.

Jentszch was one of eight contestants, ages 14-18, who competed in the poetry/spoken word Open Mic Night at Hollywood City Hall on Feb. 8.

The poetry slam was in celebration of Black History Month.

The topic for the competition was education. WSVN Sports anchor/reporter Donovan Campbell was Master of Ceremonies for the event.

Another poetry slam will be held at Open Mic Night at Hollywood City Hall on Feb. 22. The AT&T Pioneers will award the winner of that competition with a Kindle tablet as well.

The AT&T Pioneers is a volunteer network of active and retired AT&T employees dedicated to improving the quality of life in local communities.

Will the Historic Sistrunk Corridor (Community) be sold short once again (Cont'd from FP) In contrast, its bordering neighbor, Flagler Village, the entire community was courted and beckoned for its concerns and property.

Developer BR ArchCo Flagler Village LLC has accumulated a block of properties to build an apartment complex in Flagler Village. Nearly 10 property owners got very healthy prices for their properties. Flagler Village developers paid a total of $23.2 million for all of the parcels in the block enclosed by North Andrews Avenue, Sistrunk Boulevard, Northeast First Avenue and Northeast Fifth Street.

Assessed at $423,000, Josef’s Clock and Watch Shop, just five to six blocks from the heart of historic Black Fort Lauderdale, received $3.85 million.

Robert Larsen got the mother load. A developer paid $5.25 million for Larsen’s home in downtown’s Flagler Village neighborhood — $5 million more than the appraised value of the property. In the same block, John Lacz got $2 million for a two-story office building assessed at $379,000, and businessman Antonio Curatolo received $1.6 million for an auto dealer property assessed at $502,000.

In contrast to the large investments made to aquire land east of the railroad tracks on Sistrunk, the Historic Sistrunk Community property owners have been offered pennies comparatively speaking for their property, and to sweeten the pot, a brand new social service entity, namely the LA Lee YMCA. How is it that the business plan for the Sistrunk Corridor, which called for economic development and not for a additional social services, has suddenly changed to allow a social service organization to build on the corridor land, essentially destroying a Black landmark?

The Sistrunk corridor is in need of economic redevelopment. We need to preserve the historically Black businesses and organizations that have been on the corridor as well as create opportunities for new business that will help economic revitalization.

The Mizell center is one of only a few buildings left in our community that represents our history in this city. It was and should remain the structural focal point of our community – a place where area organizations can meet and discuss issues that affect our community.

We have had many community meetings going back over 25 years concerning the redevelopment of our community.

This community, time and time again, has said what they want the redevelopment to look like. Most recently was the Urban Land Institute Study which included two days of meetings with a large group of the community members in December of 2014, held ironically at the Mizell Center. Once again the community expressed what they wanted the redevelopment to look like: A. We want to preserve our culture and rich history.

B. We want to repurpose as many buildings as possible on the corridor and not just bulldoze down our historic buildings C. We want to bring more businesses on the corridor D. We want the area to be a cultural destination area for tourists to visit –with various entertainment and restaurant venues E. We want to limit new non-profits from coming to the corridor as they do not generate any tax revenue Was anybody listening? Does anybody care? Here we are again where it seems as if other people know what’s best for them by using us.

www.thewestsidegazette.com

Westside Gazette

FEBRUARY 23 - MARCH 1, 2017 • PAGE 11

HIV diagnoses have decreased in the African American community; prevention and care necessary to continue the decline

Eugene McCray, M.D., Director, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, CDC; and Jonathan Mermin, M.D., MPH, Director, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD), held every year on February 7, has for 17 years been a time to encourage HIV prevention, testing, and access to care and treatment in the African Ameri-can community.

This year, it is a testament to public health and a strong community that the numbers of HIV and AIDS diagnoses among African Americans have decreased along with other racial and ethnic groups over the past decades. While African Americans are still the racial/ethnic group most affected by HIV, the gains made by this community have been great, and they include a 14% drop in HIV diagnoses from 2010 to 2014 that were fueled by a steep decline among African American women and a leveling off of diagnoses among African American gay and bisexual men.

Research has shown that African Americans do not engage in behaviors that could transmit HIV more than other groups, so the impact of HIV likely affected the African American community because of other factors, such as lack of access to health care, poverty, high rates of male incarceration, stigma, and homophobia.

NBHAAD has been important over the years to focus our wide-ranging prevention efforts on African Americans and to reinforce the actions needed to continue to drive down HIV infections. Continuing to decrease new HIV infections requires prevention in many forms. It requires that individuals know their status and take precautions to protect themselves from HIV. But, it also requires individuals living

with HIV take steps not to transmit the virus. And one of the most effective ways to prevent transmission of the virus is to have a viral load that is undetectable, due to consistent care and treatment.

However, an article published in last week’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report showed that at the end of 2013, 49% of African Americans living with diagnosed HIV had a suppressed viral load. A central tenet of CDC’s HIV prevention efforts is encouraging persons living with HIV to get and stay on HIV treatment to reduce their viral loads in order to live well. CDC provides funds and technical assistance to local and state health departments for a spectrum of HIV prevention activities, including testing, expanding the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among individuals at high risk for HIV, and supporting ongoing engagement in medical care and treatment for people living with HIV. In addition, to help individuals navigate the myriad prevention options to lower their risk of acquiring or transmitting HIV, CDC created the HIV Risk Reduction Tool, an interactive program that allows individuals to determine their risk of HIV and the prevention options most effective for their specific circumstances.

On this NBHAAD, let’s take time to recognize our successes in reducing HIV in the African American community, and let’s use NBHAAD to help focus prevention efforts going forward.

By Dr. Jonathan Mermin, MD, MPH, (RADM, USPHS), Director, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis,

STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Eugene McCray, M.D., Director, Division of HIV/AIDS Pre-

vention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, CDC From AIDS.gov

Smithsonian Exhibit comes to Wilton Manor s Manors Submitted by Joyce Mealey Art Gallery 21, in partnership with the city of Wilton Manors, the Central Area Neighborhood Association of Wilton Manors, The Pride Center at Equality Park, Stonewall Museum & Archive and The Humanity Project, will host the traveling Smithsonian exhibit “The Way We Worked” from Friday, March 24, 2017 through Saturday, May 6, 2017.

Through rare videos, fascinating interviews and compelling photos taken over 150 years, viewers will be able to explore how the opportunities provided by work became central to the American dream. Art Gallery 21 is one of only eight locations the exhibit will travel to this year.

In celebration of the exhibit’s arrival, Art Gallery 21 will host “Wilton Manors Works,” on Saturday, March 18, 2017.

“Wilton Manors Works” is an interactive event that aims to increase awareness of the LGBT work experience.

An exhibit of pictures submitted by Wilton Manors residents will be unveiled at 7 p.m., and at 7:30 p.m. there will be a story slam hosted by Michael McKeever, a Carbonell Award-winning playwright.

To participate in the story slam at the March 18, 2017 event, attendees who are interested in sharing will submit their names at the event and be selected at random. Each participant will then share their story, which shouldn’t be longer than seven minutes. People who are interested in judging the story slam will also have their names drawn at random. The story slam winner will receive a prize.

Photographers of all levels are invited to submit their photos for “Wilton Manors Works” on or before Tuesday, February 28, 2017. Printed photos may be delivered to City Hall (2020 Wilton Drive) and marked “Attn: Art Gallery 21.”

Digital photos (minimum size of 6x4 at 300 DPI) may be submitted via email to artgallery21wcwm@gmail.com.

The name, address and phone number of the person submitting the photo must be included.

If you have Medicare and Medicaid, or Diabetes...

Picture all the benefits you can get.

Simply Complete (HMO SNP), designed for dual eligible individuals with both Medicare and Medicaid.

Simply Level (HMO SNP), designed specifically for people with diabetes.

$0 copay for hospitalization $0 copay for primary and specialist office visits $0 copay for prescription drugs Tiers 1 & 2 $0 copay for enhanced dental benefits (including partial and full dentures) Transportation to plan approved locations $200 per year for eyewear $1,500 per year for hearing aids Personal emergency response system SilverSneakers® fitness program $25 monthly for over-the-counter (OTC) items, that’s $300 a year!

$0 copay for primary office visits $0 or low copay for prescription drugs Tiers 1 & 2 $0 copay for enhanced dental benefits $100 per year for eyewear $1,000 per year for hearing aids Transportation to plan approved locations SilverSneakers® fitness program $15 monthly for over-the-counter (OTC) items, that’s $180 a year!

Call us today!

1.800.226.3494 / TTY: 711 mysimplymedicare.com Broward County. Simply Healthcare Plans, Inc. is a Medicare-contracted coordinated care plan that has a Medicaid contract with the State of Florida Agency for Health Care Administration to provide benefits or arrange for benefits to be provided to enrollees. Enrollment in Simply Healthcare Plans, Inc. depends on contract renewal. This information is not a complete description of benefits. Contact the plan for more information. Limitations, copayments, and restrictions may apply. Benefits, premiums and/or copayments/coinsurance may change on January 1 of each year. Benefits may vary by plan. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium.

For full-dual members the Part B premium is covered. Premium, copays, coinsurance, and deductibles may vary based on the level of Extra Help you receive. Please contact the plan for further details. Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system. Star Ratings are calculated each year and may change from one year to the next. The Formulary, pharmacy network, and/or provider network may change at any time. You will receive notice when necessary. From October 1 to February 14, we are open 7 days a week from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., EST. Beginning February 15 until September 30, we are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., EST. We do not discriminate, exclude people, or treat them differently on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in our health programs and activities. ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-877-577-0115 / TTY: 711. ATANSYON: Si w pale Kreyòl Ayisyen, gen sèvis èd pou lang ki disponib gratis pou ou. Rele 1-877-577-0115 / TTY: 711. Paid endorsement.

Y0114_17_30316_U Accepted

PAGE 12 • FEBRUARY 23 - MARCH 1, 2017

Westside Gazette

www.thewestsidegazette.com

Ailey returns to Miami February 23-26, 2017

Jacquelin Harris and Megan Jakel in Robert Battle’s Ella. Photo by Christopher Duggan.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns by popular demand to the Arsht Center on Thursday, Feb. 23 through Sunday, Feb. 26, 2017. Ailey is showcasing a collection of diverse works that shine a spotlight on social issues, celebrating the birth centennials of jazz legends Ella Fitzgerald and Dizzy Gillespie, and presenting the virtuosity of Ailey’s 32 renowned dancers.

“Now more than ever, I’m proud to use the power of dance to unite and inspire people in my hometown, just as Alvin Ailey’s “Revelations” lifted me up as a young student and changed my life,” stated Artistic Director and Miami native, Robert Battle. “Fellow Miamian Jamar Roberts and all of Ailey’s renowned dancers will move audiences with premieres that hold up a mirror to society and our common humanity. We will also revel in the marriage of America’s two great art forms – modern dance and jazz – with an ‘Ailey Jazz’ program bringing to life the music of legends Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, and Ella Fitzgerald. ” In “Untitled America” (World Premiere) MacArthur “Genius” Kyle Abraham’s completed threepart suite shines a light on the impact of the prison system on African American families. Veteran Ailey company member Hope Boykin’s “r-Evolution, Dream”., (World Premiere) was inspired by the sermons and speeches of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to create this large ensemble work melding creative storytelling, new music composed by Ali Jackson (Jazz at Lincoln Center), and historic and original writings narrated by Tony Award winner Leslie Odom, Jr. (Hamilton). During “Deep”, (2016 Season World Premiere) Italian choreographer Mauro Bigonzetti’s soulful ensemble world premiere is set to the music by rising global music stars Ibeyi. “Walking Mad” (Company Premiere) (2001) by revered Swedish choreographer Johan Inger’s is a daring contemporary take on Maurice Ravel’s “Bolero”, which imaginatively employs a long, movable wall that can also be viewed as a symbol of the barriers people construct in their relationships.

“Ella” (Company Premiere) (2008) is Robert Battle’s tour-du-force duet that celebrates the centennial of legendary Ella Fitzgerald’s birth set to her virtuosic scatting in the song “Airmail Special.” Restaged for the centennial of Dizzy Gillespie’s birth, Billy Wilson’s “The Winter in Lisbon” (2016 New Production) (1992) is a tribute to the consummate jazz musician that evokes an atmosphere in which the dancers challenge, tease and romance against a backdrop of rhythm, color and four decades of his brilliant music. “Revelations” (1960) is Alvin Ailey’s American masterpiece acclaimed as a must-see and recognized by U.S. Senate resolution. This performance provides the inspiring grand finale.

Schedule: Thursday, Feb. 23, 8 p.m. — Deep, Walking Mad, Ella and Revelations Friday, Feb. 24, 8 p.m. — Night Creature, In/Side, Untitled America, Ella and Revelations Saturday, Feb. 25, 2 p.m. – Family Matinee — (followed by Q&A with Ailey dancers). The Winter in Lisbon, r-Evolution, Dream., Ella and Revelations Saturday, Feb. 25, 8 p.m. – Deep, Walking Mad and Ella, Revelations Sunday, Feb. 26, 2 p.m. — The Winter in Lisbon, r-Evolution, Dream., Ella and Revelations Tickets start at $29. Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County, Ziff Ballet Opera House, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, Fla. (305) 949.6722, www.arshtcenter.org.