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15-Year- Old Jordan (above) Edwards was shot Officer Roy And killed by Texas, On Oliver In Balch Springs, Oliver Was April 29, 2017. (Below) On August Convict ed Of Murder 28. (Source: Vox)
(Left to right) Florida Democr Georgia Democr atic nominee atic guberna torial Ben Jealous nominee Stacey Abrams, is running Andrew Gillum, for Governo r of Marylanand Former NAACP
Congratulation s to all who competed to run for office
Gwen Graham Presiden t d. (Photo archives ) 34-31 percent to win coming in Democr contamination.the first on election By Lauren Do nothing Gillum’s He will now atic Victoria pro-Trump out of selfish victory sets night. Burke, NNPA Newsw ambition Congressman face historic opportu up a ire Colum or vain DeSantis nity for Ron be three conceit. nist Rather, in in the general sitting African there to Wildly outspen humility on Novemb election By Stacy others above value er Governors American and the daughte t by a billionaire M. Brown caught many 6. Gillum’s victory yourselves, in the U.S. , NNPA Newsw looking to challeng for the first not r of a former time in history. political observe Tallahassee your own ire Contri Florida Govern er by surprise interests Former but each of . The 39-year rs lawmaker butor or, Mayor shocked the Mayor Andrew you Stacey AbramsGeorgia Gillum, old was politica of the others. to the interests Civil Rights Democratic polling in l establis 39, place is the gubernatorial nominee for Philippians fourth of leaders less than others reacted 2:3-4 (NIV) primary in hment to win the Govern Georgia and a month ago. 28. recent polls Florida on with a But primary after a decisive July or relief – if August showed only tempora sense of 24 an victory. Abrams Gillum defeated movement a Texas jury ry – after By Bobby to second place.upward be the would former Congres R. Henry, and his Gillum woman first African police officer sentenced a former Sr. supporters swoman American to be a Govern to 15 years that upward completed Wednesday in prison We have any state or from movement for one more should she by of an unarme the shooting death to cross. River win. We (Cont’d on d African-Americ page 8) teen in a Dallas proud and are certainly an elated that suburb. brother “The child Andrew Gillum got 15 years murdering cop just has made the first step likely serve in prison … he’ll Florida’s history, and into all Shaun King. 15,” said activist we have now to insure that his Jordan [Edwar“It doesn’t bring journey, which ds] back, is ours also, the closest is complet e. thing to justicebut it’s seen.” is there for The possibility we’ve the first governor Black A day earlier Urges Senato of Florida when the rs jury found to be elected; however, former Police same Oppose Kavan to Halt Hearings and we as Roy Oliver voters have augh’s guilty, King Officer to do Confirmation our part was an “answer in the making said it of history NEW YORK VOTING!! “A bittersw to our prayers.” by: – The NAACP and Educati family and eet moment for his Legal Defense The onal Democratic Fund, for released an fought non-sto all of us who’ve will have Party in-depth report Inc. (LDF) today to unify and p for justice,” rights record analyzing wrote on all that the civil Twitter. “We’d King is necessa pour Court nomine of President Trump’ ry for Jordan be Gillum to rather s Suprem e, Judge win alive, but e advance of Brett Kavana this was so important.” book has not this race. The Kavanaugh’s been complet which are nomination ugh, in Presiden t Donald Journalist yet, althoug schedul ed Trump introduc hearings, nominee to Jamil Smith h LDF opposes ed to begin this week. es Judge a connect White House the Supreme Court is done. Now the preface noted Brett M. ion the confirm on Monday during an Kavanau Kavanaugh event in Emmett Till. from Jordan to ation of to be written the story has gh as his in Washing to the East Judge ton. (Mark detailed reviewthe Supreme Court Room Wilson/G made known. , recorded and “I look at based etty Images)of the Let the story of Judge Kavanaof the limited availab on our that his Emmett Till, his face and see continue. addition to le record ugh’s long lynched 63 and because the Suprem Court would career in public Yes, even years e Directo of (Cont’d on the gravely life unprece though which this r-Counsel. page 8) critical civil we voted dented context imperil for the ones nomina “Even more alarmin rights protecti who in and threate “Judge Kavana tion arises. be the better we felt would ons under g are the circums n progress ugh’s record tances candidates, which this on matters have demonstrates of racial justice,” Senate seeks we a respons confirm Judge said Sherrily to Ifill, LDF’s ARTS & ENTER That account ibility, too. n the momen Kavanaugh. From President ability is TAINM ENT t Justice make sure and to Kennedy that (Cont’d on have the concern our choices page 8) s and needs for ALL of the her authori citizens in his/ Dare to rememb ty. er……… It is now It’s July too late to Segrega 17th in down to Chicago, Port States tion in the United what should bow California, is prevale been or summer nt and African cargo as quickly what might have Friday nighta cool American happened have soldiers munitions At approxi as possible. at a pushed if I would are being naval 30 mately 10:17pm have… by their somethi (Cont’d north of miles load commanders ng went terribly on page 8) , San Francis tons of dangero to The year co. and us missiles Explosion after explosiowrong. is 1944 and explosives fierce, it shook War II n! is in full World munition ships. onto two large the ground So the force swing. of an earthquwith Not one knocking of ake, Thursday been properly these men has out window shaking s and trained to building Sept. 6 th munitions, handle as as far east yet they Boulder Scattered are given orders and expected to T-storms What happen City, Nevada. Sunrise: amounts of load huge newspaper 7:02am Sunset: 7:35pm the highly reports, you more mind-boed next is even dangerous filled with ggling than Fri chaos, anger, are now treading in explosion Sat Sun waters itself. Reading the more importa blame, finger Mon Tues ntly guilt. pointing the None of these , and officers in (Cont’d on the page 4) 88° 88° 89° 90° 76° 76° 89° 77° 77° 78°
NAACP Lega Fund Releasesl Defense Detailed Report on Judge Bret t Kavanaugh ’s Record
New Year
After successf
PORT CHICAGul off-Broadway & San Francisco run, O 50 play com es to Fort Laud
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“God’s message is one of love, hope and freedom. He sent His Son to be a messenger who speaks our language—sometimes with messages of correction, but always those of hope. We can trust His message.” (Daily Bread) By Bobby R. Henry, Sr. When I was in second grade at Rock Island Elementary School, our teacher gave us an assignment that required us to write about what we wanted to be. In that assignment I wrote that I wanted to be a messenger – so now here I am 56 years later serving in that capacity; to whatever degree I am grateful for that. I’ve toyed with several expressions as to what message I wanted to convey; however, a message that carries the most weight and the one that is to be enduring and enlightening doesn’t come from me. While reading as I try to do daily, I was exposed to a story about a lady who received a message from a friend, but before she read the message, she was apprehensive because a message could be either good or bad. Now, here I am. After experiencing my first Kwanzaa, I relay its inherent message and the hope of overcoming some of the dismay that beleaguers us as a people and as a society of different cultural people. As we draw and pulldown from our ancestors, let us remember to not hold on to the wisdom and strength that they have left us with, but to share it and pass it on to others, especially our youth.
In a country where 6.1 million people, including one in 13 Black adults have been disenfranchised because of felony convictions, we are still fighting for rights. Systemic racism, poverty, and ecological devastation are crippling us! Our democracy is under attack, flamed by a growing antiimmigrant reaction in the form of racial intolerance on undocumented immigrants. Since 9/11 we have been led to believe that immigrants make our country unsafe and limit our jobs and resources to Americans. We have a community where almost 99,000 citizens, 42 percent, are living at the poverty rate. 56 percent are Black and 37 percent are White and all are being poisoned by their water system. Speaking truth to power: poor people in the United States are poor for the reason that the prosperity and possessions in our country belong to a small number of rich people while federal programs are designed not to meet the needs of the poor. Everybody has the right to live. The U.S. Constitution was established to “promote the general Welfare and secure the Blessings of Liberty to Ourselves and our Posterity.” (Cont’d on page 5)
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Women Are Changing the Face of the Once MaleDominated Funeral Industry ON THE WEB
Guy Wheeler and Rev. Eddie Moise By Lorenzo Robinson Our purpose is to work collectively to move in the direction of making our world a better place not only for ourselves but also for the future. My purpose is still being composed, but I feel that I am here to build bridges. Bringing the same gender loving community to work closely with the heterosexual community this week has forged a path of collaboration with entities that normally don’t connect or work cohesively. During this week of Kwanzaa celebrations, we have connected with The Pride Center, a gay and lesbian community center, the Westside Gazette, a Black-owned newspaper, New Jerusalem Baptist Church, Stonewall National Museum, BTAN, and the World AIDS
Sistrunk a Fair, an Art connection Fort Lauderdale Art and Design week is a festival designed to showcase arts and culture within the greater Fort Lauderdale area. Art Fort Lauderdale is going on its 3rd year, taking place on the international waterways. In a joint effort to connect communities through the arts, the Sistrunk a Fair was created. Welcome to Sistrunk Fort Lauderdale’s Northwest community AKA SISTRUNK is the historic African American community of Fort Lauderdale. Named after Doctor James Franklin Sistrunk, the first Black
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physician in Broward County. It is home to Old Dillard High School, the first public school for Black children in Fort Lauderdale. The high school is now a muse that holds many artifacts that tell the history of the northwest community of Fort Lauderdale that was once known as ‘Colored Town’. The Sistrunk a Fair is spearheaded by Art N Soul CEO Al Huggins who has worked in the art industry for over a decade. The event seeks to shine light on not only the history of Broward County but on the artists.
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Museum. We are grateful for the collaboration and commitment to this week of Kwanzaa Celebrations. In 1966 Dr. Maulana Karenga started the spiritual celebration known
as Kwanzaa, which means first fruits of the harvest in Swahili. The spiritual celebration is comprised of seven Principles and each (Cont’d on page 5)
Melvin Davis of the Eta Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. gives the community a Kwanzaa overview.
The Sistrunk a Fair is creating a platform for artists of color that are from the neighboring communities to showcase their talents. With the help of Emmanuel George, the two seek to uncover the hidden talents within the communities of Broward County and bring them to the forefront of the local art industry that has kept many of the artists of color in the shadows for years. The Art business is one of the major industries in the world today. Unfortunately, it is only made up of a small percentage of artists of color. The launch of the Sistrunk a Fair seeks to change the outcome by creating an art destination for artists of color to be able to share their stories. Sistrunk a Fair consists of two main exhibitions. One exhibition will be held at the African American Research Library, titled “We Love Art TOO.” It will house over twenty pieces of artwork from local and national artists. The other exhibition will be held at the Old Dillard Museum. It is entitled “The Beauty of
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Black Broward,” curated by Emmanuel George, will high light local Black artists from Broward as they pay homage to Broward’s Black history through art, mobilizing the audience to move throughout the Sistrunk community and learn what they may not know. This event will also bridge the gap between the local Black community and its surrounding neighbors, through the usage of art, creating a dialogue among all on the importance of art. Sistrunk a Fair will also focus on the future of Broward’s Black communities as all the development and gentrification continue to take place.
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FORT LAUDERDALE, FL — Prosecutors intend to seek the death penalty for the former student charged with killing 17 people at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School last month even though attorneys for Nikolas Cruz indicated he would plead guilty if his life was spared. Cruz, 19, is scheduled for formal arraignment Wednesday on a 34-count indictment, including 17 first-degree
murder charges. The office of Broward County State Attorney Michael Satz filed the formal notice of its intentions Tuesday, though the action does not necessarily mean a plea deal will not be reached. The only other penalty option for Cruz, if convicted, is life in prison with no possibility of parole. Ira Jaffe, whose son and daughter (Cont’d on page 11)
Nikolas Cruz appears in court for a status hearing before Broward Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer on February 19, 2018 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Cruz is facing 17 charges of premeditated murder in the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Mike Stocker— Pool/Getty Images
The lawn outside the US Capitol is covered with empty shoes to represent the 7,000 children killed by the gun violence since the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School.
A M ESSAG E F RO M O U R PU BL I SH ER
A piece of Bread will give you a peace of mind Give us this day our daily bread Mathew 6:11(KJV)
NAACP Critical of Ben Carson’s Attempt to Change HUD’s Mission Statement BALTIMORE – The NAACP is deeply concerned by Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Ben Carson’s move to dilute the agency’s long-standing mission. The Department of Housing and Urban Development Act which established HUD as a cabinet-level agency declared a purpose: “[T] o provide for full and appropriate consideration, at the national level, of the needs and interests of the Nation’s communities and of the people who live and work in them.” This purpose is sustained through the agency’s mission to “build inclusive and sustainable communities free from discrimination.” Secretary Carson’s action not only threatens HUD’s founding purpose but also reveals plans of regression. “Dr. Carson’s attempt to diminish HUD’s mission comes on the heels of the 50th anniversary of the Kerner Commission’s report which affirmed that discrimination and segregation had long (Cont’d on page 5)
By Bobby R. Henry, Sr.
The NNPA will honor Senator Kamala Harris with the NNPA’s 2018 Newsmaker of the Year Award during Black Press Week. (Official Photo) By Ryan Velez At least 125 people have tested positive for HIV, Syphilis or both in the latest outbreak of the two diseases, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Milwaukee public health officials. According to their report, 10% of those infected are students in the Milwaukee Public School System, with
the young adults having contracted one or both diseases. The report says at least 45% of the infected are male. Milwaukee Public Schools is liaising with the health department to find a quick and fitting way to address the issue. In a statement, the school system said in part, “Because schools have a significant number of students in the 15-18 age group, we are working with (Cont’d on page 5)
WASHINGTON, D.C.-- The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) will honor Senator Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) with the 2018 Newsmaker of the Year Award during the NNPA’s 2018 Black Press Week. The Newsmaker event will take place at the Rayburn House Office Building on Wednesday, March 14 at 7pm. (Cont’d on page 5)
With everything that is going on in our country, never mind the rest of the world. We need a moment to exhale. On an average day’s news coverage, it can easily amount to a year’s worth of the country’s worst news stories. This does not include the occurrences that go uncovered. If those were included, I would seriously consider joining Chicken Little in her hellacious ranting about the impossible, “the sky falling”. (Cont’d on page 3)
Police Responding to 911 Call For Suicide Crisis Intervention Fatally Shot The 18-Year Old Victim, Beloved Son Of Fireman By BlackNews.com TEMECULA, CA -- Matthew Tucker and his family were residents of Temecula. Those who knew Matthew adored the teen. He is known for having a smile that ‘lit up a room.’ Matthew, a natural comedian, loved to ‘make everyone laugh.’ He was selfless and would give his last dollar if someone needed it more. He spent his summers riding horses at his grandparent’s ranch in Wyoming. His passion for animals led him to find work in a local feed store. He had a promising future. At just 18-years old, Matthew Tucker was transitioning to the family’s six-
figure revenue-generating business. On Wednesday, May 4, 2016, at approximately 5:21 pm, Matthew Tucker was emotionally distraught over a failed romantic relationship, angst stricken, and momentarily contemplating suicide, he dialed 911. Behind accidental injury, suicide is the second leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 15 and 34. The percentage of those having serious thoughts of suicide is highest among adults aged 18-25. Matthew was distraught, depressed, momentarily suicidal and in need of
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MATTHEW TUCKER crisis intervention. His family trusted officials from the local sheriff’s office (Cont’d on page 3)
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Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service January 21, 2019
Celebrate his legacy.
“Life’s most urgent question is
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For more information about VITAS® Healthcare services in Broward County, please contact community liaison, Chely Thimothee-Paul, at 954.486.4085 or Chely.Thimotheepaul@VITAS.com • VITAS.com
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By Frederick H. Lowe The National Memorial for Peace and Justice and the Legacy Museum opens today to teach us a part of American history never printed in high school textbooks. The museum is a memorial
to the 4,400 African Americans murdered in terrorist lynchings, which included beatings, drownings and being burned at the stake by whites between 1877 and 1950 in 12 Southern States including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North
Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. Their names are engraved on duplicate sets of columns, two for each county where a lynching was documented. Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) initially reported that 3,959 African Americans were victims
of terrorist lynchings in the 12 states but added to the number as more victims became known. The lynchings forced blacks (Cont’d on page 10)
WARNING: Graphic photo inside
By Bobby R. Henry, Sr.
GAO Report on Federal Ad Spending in Black Newspapers Coming in July By Stacy M. Brown (NNPA Newswire Contributor)
A Norristown jury found comedian Bill Cosby on three counts of aggravated indecent sexual assault. Some legal experts said that Cosby might get another trial. (POOL PHOTO)
Bill Cosby found Guilty on all charges in Sex Assault Trial, remains free on $1 Million Bail By Stacy M. Brown (NNPA Newswire Contributor) NORRISTOWN, PA.— Convicted comedian Bill Cosby will remain on house arrest until he’s sentenced this summer following his conviction on three counts
of aggravated indecent sexual assault. Judge Steven T. O’Neill ordered Cosby to get written permission from adult probation officials, if he wants to leave his Philadelphia area home to visit his doctor or to meet with lawyers. Those are the only movements he’s allowed, and they must be within a five-county radius of Montgomery County. Cosby has been fitted with a tracking device, so that court officials can monitor (Cont’d on page 10)
TALLAHASSEE, FL – Recently, Governor Rick Scott announced the selection Marvin Davies, Dr. Reverend Willie Oliver Wells Sr., and John Dorsey Due Jr., to the Florida Civil Rights Hall of Fame. Governor Scott chose these three from a list of 10 distinguished nominees selected by the Florida Commission on Human Relations for making significant contributions to the improvement of life for minorities and all citizens of the great State of Florida. Marvin Davies was born in Bradford County in 1934 and died on April 25, 2003. After serving in the United States Army, Davies attended Florida A&M University where he received his degree ranking (Cont’d on page 5)
But Abram said to Sarai, “Behold, your maid is in your power; do to her what is good in your sight.” So Sarai treated her harshly, and she fled from her presence. Genesis 16:6 (NASB)
A long-awaited report that details what federal agencies spend on advertising in African American-owned newspapers is finally near completion, according to officials in the General Accounting Office (GAO). The report comes as the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), a trade organization made up of more than 200 Black-owned media companies that reach more than 20 million people each week, celebrates 191 years of the Black Press. It also comes ahead of critical midterm election season in which the NNPA announced a historic voter registration drive that has a goal of registering 5 million new, Black voters. (Cont’d on page 5)
NNPA President Benjamin Chavis speaks outside the U.S. Capitol during a joint press conference between NNPA and NAHP in March 2016. The press conference was attended by Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (far left). (Freddie Allen/AMG/NNPA)
There has, here lately, been those who have blatantly abused- to the point of death in some instances- their power of authority which is altered based on segregated and racist beliefs. To name and list those who exploit, manipulate and take advantage of laws and create loop holes would take up too much time, space and energy, which would leave no room for anything else, so I won’t. What I will do, however , is to make a point about how a few misuse and selectively enforce the law, not for the betterment of all but the benefit of a few. No, I‘m not one who has earned all the required knowledge to be degreed with a Juris Doctor diploma; unfortunately I, along with millions more have suffered and still suffer at the hands of those who have and who manipulate laws for personal gains due to ‘selective amnesia’. In the arena of sports, rules are created to give equal footing to all teams to attempt to be fair. One would think that when rules apply all play under the same rules in that field of play. We know that the rules that apply to kickball do not apply to swimming and we do not expect to get Florida driver’s licenses by passing a scuba diving course. (Cont’d on page 5)
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MESSAGE FROM THE PUBLISHER from Front Page We are a country filled with leaders and followers afflicted with moral justification. I defined that as people who have justified their disinterest, which, when revealed, shows coldhearted conduct made to look normal as some ethical resolution. Our country appears to deal with its poor people by locking them up. We have the highest incarceration rate in the world. Poor communities, especially communities of color, are being locked up, sent away and killed by law enforcement. Equal protection under the law should be an immutable right shared by all citizens, including the right to move freely without bullying, imprisonment, exile or death by law enforcement, employed for all of our protection. Fifty years ago, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and many others called for a “revolution of values” in America. They invited people who had been divided to stand together against the “triplets of evil”—militarism, racism, and economic injustice— to insist that people need not die from poverty in the richest nation ever to exist. They sought to build a broad coalition that would audit America. Together, they would demand an accounting of promissory notes that had been returned marked “insufficient funds.” Today, that effort is still incomplete. In the words of Maulana Karenga in the Tamishi La Tutaonana(The Farewell Statement) of Kwanzaa: ‘It is only appropriate that we end with the tamshi la tutaonana(TAMM-shi la Tu-
ta-u-NA-na). For it is a clear and concise statement of values and vision we must cherish and maintain if we are to liberate ourselves and reshape reality in our own image and according to our own needs and interests. Strive for discipline, dedication and achievement in all you do. Dare to struggle and sacrifice and gain the strength that comes from this. Build where you are and dare to leave a legacy that will last as long as the sun shines and the water flows. Practice the Nguzo Saba, daily! UMOJA(Unity); KUJICHAGULIA(SelfD e t e r m i n a t i o n ) ; UJIMA(Collective Work & Responsibility); UJAMAA(Cooperative Economics); NIA(Purpose); KUUMBA(Creativity) and IMANI(Faith). And may the wisdom of the ancestors always walk with us. May the year’s end meet us laughing and stronger. May our children honor us by following our example in love and struggle. And at the end of next year, may we sit again together, in larger numbers, with greater achievement and closer to liberation and a higher level of human life. HARAMBEE! HARAMBEE! HARAMBEE! HARAMBEE! HARAMBEE! HARAMBEE! HARAMBEE! “As a new day dawns and awakens me, my fears are casted on the far horizon of which I cannot see. My fears and I are so separated because God so loves me.” - Bobby R. Henry
A Kwanzaa Story from Front Page
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principle is a celebration for one day starting on December 26th through January 1st. The first principle of Kwanzaa is Umoja (Oo-moe-ja) which means unity for Black people including family, friends, and colleagues. The second principle is Kujichagulia (Kooji-cha-goo-lia) which means self-determination meaning we as a Black community speak for ourselves and determine ourselves. The third principle is Ujima (Ooji-ma) which means collective work and responsibility, we as Black people must work together to build and create a better existence for us. The fourth principle is Ujamma (Oo-ja-ma) which means Cooperative Economic meaning we as Black people need to support each by buying and supporting Black businesses. The fifth principle is Nia (Nee-ah) meaning purpose and that we as Black people are to understand and share our history and heritage to the next generation will know the rich lineage from when they come. The sixth principle is Kuumba (Koo-umba) which means creativity and that we as a Black people are to make our environments
more beautiful than when we inherited it and to share our creative talents; sculpting, painting, singing, musicians, and writing. The final principle is Imani (I-man-ni) which means faith and for the Black community to keep their faith in the Creator and our people. We may at times feel that we are all alone in the world, but we are all connected through the blood of the Creator. Kwanzaa is a week-long spiritual celebration, but it should be a lifestyle to create and cultivate a better existence for our people. If we implement Kwanzaa Principles in our daily lives we would be able to see a better future for our people. So let’s start to create a better life for us by starting to live our lives through the Kwanzaa principle and our community will start to restore and reclaim our once brilliant Black existence. Lorenzo Robertson, Emerging Interventions Manager The Pride Center at Equality Park
View more photos of the Kwanzaa event on our website: www.thewestsidegazette.com
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(Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
Three weeks after judge’s deadline, 565 migrant children are still separated from families By Ryan Velez The Huffington Post reports that despite a judge’s order to reunite migrant children who were separated from their families at the border, the actual progress of this move is more of a crawl, if it could even be called that. In court filings, lawyers reported that 565 children, including 24 who are younger than five, remain in government-contracted shelters, separated from their parents. To put this in perspective, that’s only 7 less than the number reported (Cont’d on page 10)
OPINION
What kind of fool do you think I am? “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ Luke 12:20 (NIV)
“There is a huge disparity where Black folks are receiving more severe punishments than any other group.” - Chief Assistant Public Defender Gordon Weekes. (Photo by Arri Henry/The Westside Gazette Newspaper)
By Nichole Richards As proven by the election of Barack Obama in 2008 and 2012, one of the most powerful votes in America is the Black vote. Since the Voting Rights Act of 1964, which outlawed voter suppression tactics and enforced the 15th Amendment, Black communities have assumed a great deal of political sway. Unfortunately, it is rarely tapped in to. This places the responsibility of educating the community of their political power on the shoulders of Black institutions and pillars, such as our churches, newspapers barbershops, and salons. Two such institutions in Broward County took on this charge, holding an informative gathering where state and local candidates had the opportunity to speak directly to Black voters. The Westside Gazette Editorial Board’s 2nd Annual Sweet Potato Pie, Politics, and Ice Cream event was held at the historical Mount Hermon AME Church in Fort Lauderdale on August 18th.
This highly attended event allowed voters to engage candidates in faceto-face dialogue concerning issues of importance to the Black community. Despite it being the first day of early voting in Florida, candidates took the time to literally serve the community with “a slice of a pie, a scoop of ice cream, and a side of political conversation.” The attendees ranged from School Board aspirants to Congressional and Judicial candidates, all eager to literally “sit at the table” with the community. Despite the wide range of interests represented by the political hopefuls, particular topics dominated the general conversation. What stood out most as a community concern was criminal justice and the roles judges play in ensuring equity in the courtroom and in our personal lives. “There are some real problems in our judicial system,” emphasized Gordon Weekes, the Chief Assistant Public Defender at Broward County’s Public Defender’s Office, “There is a huge disparity where Black folks are
The Rev. Omarosa Manigault-Newman Comments and Commentary
by Dr. Ron Daniels
Omarosa is taking the media by storm and captivating the nation with the tell-all revelations in her book Unhinged – which provides insights into the machinations of the most reckless, ruinous, racist and (Cont’d on page 10)
By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Contrib. While there’s at least a perceived growing number of Democrats who say they want to replace California Rep. Nancy Pelosi as the
Democratic leader in the House of Representatives, South Carolina Rep. Jim Clyburn has emerged as a favorite among his peers to become (Cont’d on page 12)
receiving more severe punishments than any other group.” Weekes, who has served Broward County as Assistant Public Defender for over 20 years and is currently seeking the Public Defender seat in 2020, was referencing the thorough 2016 investigation conducted by the Sarasota Herald-Tribune where reporters uncovered an undeniable racial bias in Florida’s sentencing system. According to the study, white judges in Florida sentence Black defendants far harsher than their white counterparts. The ideal solution is to elect more minority judges who provide a cultural perspective and, thus, fair, balanced sentencing. “There are 90 judges in Broward County,” stated Stephanie Moon, an African American candidate for Circuit Court Judge- Group 38, “Only nine of them look like us.” Moon has over 20 years of practicing law at the state and federal level. She is seeking the seat of Judge Ilona M. Holmes, who is set to (Cont’d on page 16)
FERGUSON, Mo. (AP) — Four years after the deadly police shooting that triggered racial unrest in Ferguson and helped give rise to the Black Lives Matter movement, a black city councilman scored an election upset and ousted the white prosecutor criticized over his handling of the case. Wesley Bell’s stunning defeat of seven-term St. Louis County prosecutor Bob McCulloch in Tuesday’s Democratic contest all but assures Bell of victory in November. The Republicans have not put up a candidate. “People did not think it could be done,” the 43-year-old Bell said in an interview Wednesday. “The (Cont’d on page 3)
By Bobby R. Henry, Sr. In a sermon from Luke 12:13 -21, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. enlightens us to the value of arranging our life in directives presented by God to please Him, which are Love God first, family second and be productive in the society. Dr. King uses where Jesus gives the Parable of the Rich Fool, the story of a well-to-do man who was contingent exclusively on his financial affluence to secure all of his comforts. If unguarded and left to the whims of earthly intellect, we would be like chlorine trifluoride, a substance so flammable that it does not require an ignition source to combust, especially in this political firestorm. Chlorine trifluoride like many Politrickians are capable of activating incineration of practically any material, including many considered to be fire-safe: retardants, asbestos, glass, concrete and sand. To at least help to control and be a fire retardant before and during the political firestorm, make sure you’re a registered voter, know who to vote for, then go vote and if for some reason you can’t vote take three other people to the polls to vote! After all, you can participate in a “GET BACK VOTE”, that is the kind of vote that you can get some payback with. Payback from all of the misery and disappointment that you see and you wish you could help change. “Dear God. In the name of Jesus please don’t let me be called a fool, unless I’m called a fool for you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.” WHO’S THE MORE FOOLISH THE FOOL OR ONE WHO FOLLOWS THE FOOL?
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A MESSAGE FROM OUR PUBLISHER
15-Year-Old Jordan Edwards (above) was shot And killed by Officer Roy Oliver In Balch Springs, Texas, On April 29, 2017. (Below) Oliver Was Convicted Of Murder On August 28. (Source: Vox)
(Left to right) Florida Democratic gubernatorial nominee Andrew Gillum, Georgia Democratic nominee Stacey Abrams, and Former NAACP President Ben Jealous is running for Governor of Maryland. (Photo archives)
By Lauren Victoria Burke, NNPA Newswire Columnist
By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Contributor Civil Rights leaders and others reacted with a sense of relief – if only temporary – after a Texas jury sentenced a former police officer to 15 years in prison Wednesday for the shooting death of an unarmed African-American teen in a Dallas suburb. “The child murdering cop just got 15 years in prison … he’ll likely serve all 15,” said activist Shaun King. “It doesn’t bring Jordan [Edwards] back, but it’s the closest thing to justice we’ve seen.” A day earlier when the same jury found former Police Officer Roy Oliver guilty, King said it was an “answer to our prayers.” “A bittersweet moment for his family and for all of us who’ve fought non-stop for justice,” King wrote on Twitter. “We’d rather Jordan be alive, but this was so important.” Journalist Jamil Smith noted a connection from Jordan to Emmett Till. “I look at his face and see Emmett Till, lynched 63 years (Cont’d on page 8)
Wildly outspent by a billionaire challenger and the daughter of a former Florida Governor, Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, 39, shocked the political establishment to win the gubernatorial primary in Florida on August 28. Gillum defeated former Congresswoman
Gwen Graham 34-31 percent to win the Democratic contamination. He will now face pro-Trump Congressman Ron DeSantis in the general election on November 6. Gillum’s victory caught many political observers by surprise. The 39-year old Mayor was polling in fourth place less than a month ago. But recent polls showed an upward movement to second place. Gillum and his supporters completed that upward movement by
coming in first on election night. Gillum’s victory sets up a historic opportunity for there to be three sitting African American Governors in the U.S. for the first time in history. Former Georgia lawmaker Stacey Abrams is the Democratic nominee for Governor of Georgia after a decisive July 24 primary victory. Abrams would be the first African American woman to be a Governor from any state should she win. (Cont’d on page 8)
NAACP Legal Defense Fund Releases Detailed Report on Judge Brett Kavanaugh’s Record Urges Senators to Halt Hearings and Oppose Kavanaugh’s Confirmation NEW YORK – The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. (LDF) today released an in-depth report analyzing the civil rights record of President Trump’s Supreme Court nominee, Judge Brett Kavanaugh, in advance of Kavanaugh’s nomination hearings, which are scheduled to begin this week. LDF opposes the confirmation of Judge Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court based on our detailed review of the limited available record of Judge Kavanaugh’s long career in public life and because of the unprecedented context in which this nomination arises. “Judge Kavanaugh’s record demonstrates
President Donald Trump introduces Judge Brett M. Kavanaugh as his nominee to the Supreme Court during an event in the East Room of the White House on Monday in Washington. (Mark Wilson/Getty Images)
that his addition to the Supreme Court would gravely imperil critical civil rights protections and threaten progress on matters of racial justice,” said Sherrilyn Ifill, LDF’s President and
Director-Counsel. “Even more alarming are the circumstances under which this Senate seeks to confirm Judge Kavanaugh. From the moment Justice Kennedy (Cont’d on page 8)
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
After successful off-Broadway & San Francisco run, PORT CHICAGO 50 play comes to Fort Lauderdale Dare to remember……… It’s July 17th in Port Chicago, California, a cool summer Friday night at a munitions naval 30 miles north of San Francisco. The year is 1944 and World War II is in full swing.
Segregation in the United States is prevalent and African American soldiers are being pushed by their commanders to load tons of dangerous missiles and explosives onto two large munition ships. Not one of these men has been properly trained to handle munitions, yet they are given orders and expected to load huge amounts of the highly dangerous
cargo as quickly as possible. At approximately 10:17pm, something went terribly wrong. Explosion after explosion! So fierce, it shook the ground with the force of an earthquake, knocking out windows and shaking building as far east as Boulder City, Nevada. What happened next is even more mind-boggling than the explosion itself. Reading the
Congratulations to all who competed to run for office Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Philippians 2:3-4 (NIV) By Bobby R. Henry, Sr. We have one more River to cross. We are certainly proud and elated that brother Andrew Gillum has made the first step into Florida’s history, and now we have to insure that his journey, which is ours also, is complete. The possibility is there for the first Black governor of Florida to be elected; however, we as voters have to do our part in the making of history by: VOTING!! The Democratic Party will have to unify and pour all that is necessary for Gillum to win this race. The book has not been completed yet, although the preface is done. Now the story has to be written, recorded and made known. Let the story continue. Yes, even though we voted for the ones who we felt would be the better candidates, we have a responsibility, too. That accountability is to make sure that our choices have the concerns and needs for ALL of the citizens in his/ her authority. It is now too late to bow down to what should have been or what might have happened if I would have… (Cont’d on page 8)
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newspaper reports, you are now treading in waters filled with chaos, anger, blame, finger pointing, and more importantly guilt. None of these officers in the (Cont’d on page 4)
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As of our press time the results from a jam-packed Democratic field, in the battle for the Florida gubernatorial nomination, has not been determined.
VOL. 47 NO. 30 50¢
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LOCAL
Broward rallies to turn Florida blue
A MESSAGE FROM OUR PUBLISHER
A misinformed, separated voting people equals a mess FT. LAUDERDALE, FL -- Over the weekend, local leaders, organizations, political candidates and county residents rallied at the African American Research Library & Cultural Center (AARLCC) on Sistrunk Blvd. to encourage residents to vote in the 2018 primary election. U.S. Congressman Alcee Hastings and Gubernatorial Democratic candidates Andrew Gillum and Philip Levine were in attendance. (At presstime, voting results had not yet been determined). Photo credit: (left)Arri Henry/The Westside Gazette Newspaper and (right) Courtesy of Al Ellison.
NNPA OFFICIAL STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF SENATOR Voter Suppression Scheme Snuffed Out In Georgia
JOHN MCCAIN The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) extends sincerest condolences to the family of Senator John McCain. Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr, President and CEO of the NNPA emphasized, “John McCain’s integrity and courage were his greatest virtues. His national leadership example is still needed today not only in the U.S. Senate, but also in every state, city and town across America.” Dorothy Leavell, Chairman of the NNPA and publisher of the Crusader Newspapers, stated, “The death of Senator John McCain reminds us that none of us are immortal, but his life was one of service and love for his country. Giving of one’s service until the end speaks volumes of his integrity and he fulfilled the call from our maker to be of service to others.” Cloves Campbell III, former Chairman of the NNPA and publisher of the Arizona Informant observed, “Senator
(Cont’d on page 9)
The Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law has won a huge voting rights victory in Georgia (Photo: Wikimedia Commons) By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Contributor The efforts of a prominent Washington, D.C. organization has resulted in a major voting rights victory for individuals of color in a small – but significant – Georgia town. District-based Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law led others including the ACLU of Georgia and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund in successfully getting election officials in Randolph County, Georgia, to keep open polling sites in the mostly Black precincts. Officials in the town had voted to close the sites ahead of the midterm elections and as AfricanAmerican female gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams counts as the favorite to win her race to become the state’s first Black female governor. “We won,” said Kristen Clarke, the president and executive director of the Lawyers’
(Cont’d on page 7)
John McCain during an interview, April 24, 1974. Collection of the Library of Congress. (Photo: Thomas J. O’Halloran)
LOCAL
LOOKING INWARD Mourning Family Foundation addresses gun violence with South Florida students and community leaders at youth summit
UN Observes International Remembrance of Slave Trade
By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Contributor A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots — Marcus Garvey
Forum panelists (left to right): Miami Dade School Board member Dr. Steven Gallon, Miami Heat Hall of Famer Alonzo Mourning, Community Activist Valencia Gunder, Tracy Mourning and Broward County School Board member Dr. Rosalind Osgood. (Photo credit: Korey Davis Photography/Mourning Family Foundation)
MIAMI, FL — Gun violence stood at the forefront of the conversation at Miami Dade College Wolfson campus, where local high schoolers were given a platform to address their concerns and vent their frustrations. “We want a seat at the table where adults are making decisions
(Cont’d on page 9)
WASHINGTON, DC, -- The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) announces the launch of a global news feature series on the history, contemporary realities and implications of the transatlantic slave trade, according to NNPA President and CEO, Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. The night of Aug. 22 to Aug. 23, 1791, in Santo Domingo – today Haiti and the Dominican Republic – saw the beginning of the uprising that would play a crucial role in the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade. The slave rebellion in the area weakened the Caribbean colonial system, sparking an uprising that led to abolishing slavery and giving the island its independence. It also marked the beginning of the destruction of the slavery system, the slave trade and colonialism. Each year, on Aug. 23, the United Nations hosts an
(Cont’d on page 7)
Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. Proverbs 29:18 (KJV)
By Bobby R. Henry, Sr. Let me congratulate those candidates who won their respective races, their opponents and those citizens who thought it important, respectful and a requirement to fulfill their obligations to the other citizens in trying to get the best representation for the needs of their communities. It is a very sad and disappointing day when Black people fail at an opportunity to make a difference in the political make-up of any given arena, especially when afforded the privilege to change it by voting and having your votes count. Never mind that we fail at creating a healthier opportunity for us to be successful by doing our preliminary homework. We didn’t “meet before the meeting” to strategize to put the BEST person in the position to win. Is it pride or is it stupidity or just stupid pride? How soon we forget or did we ever learn that, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall?” Proverbs 16:18 When one event can suffice for the solidarity of a community then one should be enough. When we split our numbers, we weaken our strength in fighting. Divide and conquer is an old tool used by an old foe. Let’s do away with the old and bring in the new. (Cont’d on page 9)
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The OPINION
Major Role the Catholic Church Played in Slavery PAGE 11
Amber Guyger
Botham Shem Jean Allison Jean, left, the mother of Botham Jean who was shot and killed by Dallas police officer Amber Guyger in his apartment on Sept. 7, stands with Botham’s brother Brandt, second from left, and sister, Allisa Charles-Findley, along with attorneys Benjamin Crump, second from right, and Lee Merritt, right, during a news conference, Sept. 10, in Dallas to give comments about the officer that was arrested. (Photo credit: Ryan Tarinelli/AP)
By Linda M. Thigpen We are on the precipice of either something great and tremendous in our world of politics or something very scary and dangerous in our state of affairs. To be sure, voting in this midterm general election will be the litmus test for either one or the other. For the first time in our history, voters in Florida, Georgia and Maryland have the opportunity to elect its first African American Governors: Andrew Gillum in Florida, Stacey Abrams in Georgia and Ben Jealous in Maryland. While I celebrate Ben Jealous and Mississippi home girl, Stacey Abrams, I have a particular affinity for Andrew Gillum—as the candidate of choice for Floridians. Andrew Gillum is the best candidate for such a time as this! And, with our help, Democratic Nominee, Andrew Gillum, will be Florida’s next Governor. Also worthy of note is candidate Sean Shaw, potentially becoming Florida’s first African American Attorney General. Let us not forget looming at our doorsteps is Rick Scott, trying to unseat democratic Senator Bill Nelson for a seat in Congress. The ability to yield favorable outcomes in each of the aforementioned races and obtain successes with proposed amendments happens when we are both intentional and strategic in our actions. The power to make it happen is in our hands as (Cont’d on page 10)
Cedars neighborhood—where people walk dogs, enjoy nearby restaurants, and view the latest DALLAS — Botham Shem films at a new cinema. Jean could not have imaged that He certainly could not have his last night on earth would guessed his life would be taken be a Thursday night in the by a Dallas police officer, who comfort of his own home in the had no business in his home. By Jihad Hassan Muhammad Contributing Writer
Her gunfire should have been reserved for protecting and serving, and keeping a neighborhood safe from rogue criminals. Botham, a native of the Caribbean nation of St. Lucia, was no such person. The 26-year-old professional worked at PricewaterhouseCooper. A religious man of God, he would often lead songs with joy at his church. He mentored young people.
Why did he lay in a pool of blood and why did a 30-year-old White police officer, Amber Guyger, kill him? Her claims and the official account are as bizarre as the death is tragic. Police say Off. Guyger worked a 15-hour shift, got off duty and returned to the Southside Flats apartments in the Cedars neighborhood. She lived on the floor below Botham. Still in uniform,
she went to the door of his apartment, on the wrong floor, and with its distinctive red door mat. She claims she mistook Botham’s apartment for her own Sept. 6, entered, and shot the Black male inside in the chest. He later died at a nearby hospital. Dallas police officer Amber Guyger, charged in fatal shooting of unarmed neighbor Botham Shem (Cont’d on page 9)
By Roger Caldwell In the 2018 election, almost every candidate across the country agrees that there is a need for prison reform in the US. It is extremely ironic that a group of Black preachers would be invited to the White House for a meeting with President Trump, and they would make statements that the administration is doing a great job with prison reform. The date of this meeting with President Trump was on August 1, 2018, and according to the Industrial Workers of the World Union
during that date, they were planning the largest prison strike in US history. Inmates at prisons across the country did stage a 19-day strike beginning on August 21th to September 9th 2018. Not one of the Black Preachers discussed a prison strike at the meeting or what happened in April at South Carolina Lee Correctional Institution. There was a riot at the institution, and seven inmates died and 17 were injured. Because of inmates being
killed this year, in many different prisons around the country, there have been hunger strikes, refusal to work strikes, choosing not to (Cont’d on page 11)
NNPA Leadership Awards Honors Legendary Poll Worker and Esteemed Legislators “We are here to recognize our brothers and sisters who are truly national leaders and who stand for freedom, justice and equality not when its popular, but when it’s not so popular to be freedom fighters,” said NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr.
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(NNPA) 2018 National Leadership Awards Reception provided what The National Newspaper one might expect when Publishers Association (Cont’d on page 11) By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Correspondent
Legendary poll worker Laura Wooten
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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15 - NOVEMBER 22, 2018
Major General Marcelite Jordan Harris, First African American Female Major General in US Military, Passes At 75
FROM THE PUBLISHER
Stacey Abrams: ‘It ain’t Over until it’s Over’
By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Correspondent
N A T I O N W I D E (BlackNews.com) -- Major General Marcelite Jordan Harris passed September 7, 2018 at Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, FL, where she was taken while on a Caribbean vacation. Though her death was sudden and unexpected, she was surrounded by loved ones. General Harris was born January 16, 1943 to Cecil Oneal Jordan and Marcelite Terrill Jordan, both deceased. A native of Houston, TX, General Harris graduated from Kashmere High School before enrolling at Spelman College, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in 1964. She received an honorary doctorate of letters from Spelman in 1999 and earned a B.S. in Business Management, University of Maryland University College. General Harris, fierce military leader, devoted wife, loving mother and nurturing grandmother, touched the lives of many throughout her illustrious career. She was married to Lt. Col. Maurice Harris, USAF (deceased) and raised two children - Steven and Tenecia, during her years of active service. Being a mother, wife, and Air Force officer were roles that defined who she was, she told Ebony in 1995. From receiving her commission through Officer Training School at Lackland Air Force Base, TX in 1965 to her crowning glory appointment by President Obama to the Board of Visitors of the Air Force Academy, 20102016, she was on an ambitious and purposeful mission - to be the best. She approached each opportunity with strength and determination as she overcame many racial and gender roadblocks. “It was not easy,” (Cont’d on page 3)
The war on drugs is one thing, but the war to
‘Count Every Vote’ is another
Is Brenda Snipes’ character and job a casualty of war?
By Bobby R. Henry, Sr. This quarrelsome depiction of a fair and just system of elections has left a country divided and civilized people wandering what will be next? As a hopeful Andrew Gillum pledges to hold fast to dreams and galvanize more people of moral dissent, the war on the need for “every vote to be counted”, is taking its toll.
In speech after speech and rally after rally the messages of those who seek leadership from the Democratic Party have been ones of inclusion to help the poor and the disenfranchised. THEY discuss the critical need to ‘Count Every Vote;’ however, the Republicans have spewed venom of disrespect influenced with dog whistles that calls for a deeper division in this country. (Cont’d on page 8)
All Tuesday afternoon on election day and throughout the night, Democratic Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams urged voters to “stay in line” and to “make sure your vote is counted.” By Thursday, two days after Republican Brian Kemp declared victory, Abrams is still calling for every vote to be counted and she’s hoping that the results will at least be enough for a runoff, if absentee ballots don’t push her over the top altogether. “We know our opponent has declared himself victor and we do not accept that,” Abrams’ (Cont’d on page 11)
LOCAL
Federal Judge rules Miami-Dade can be held liable for ICE Detainer Policy MIAMI, FL – A legal challenge to Miami-Dade County’s policy of arresting and jailing people for ICE upon request has survived multiple motions to dismiss filed by both the county and the federal government. On Friday, Judge Kathleen Williams from the U.S. District Court of the Southern District of Florida issued a 69page order in the case of Creedle v. Miami-Dade County et al. writing that the plaintiff, Garland Creedle, “has plausibly alleged that his Fourth Amendment rights were violated when the County arrested him pursuant to a detainer because the County was not authorized under either state or federal law to effectuate an arrest without a warrant or probable cause that he had committed a crime.” Under the county’s detainer policy, county jail officials rearrest people for civil immigration violations at the end of their criminal custody, upon request by ICE. The
City of Miramar Announces New City Manager The City of Miramar is pleased to announce the selection of Mr. Vernon E. Hargray as its next City Manager. Mr. Hargray’s 3-year contract was approved by a 3-2 vote during (Cont’d on page 6)
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WESTSIDE GAZETTE IS A MEMBER: National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) Southeastern African-American Publishers Association (SAAPA) Florida Association of Black Owned Media (FABOM)