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Community Healing Forum

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John Howard Has Made His Final Layup

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Top 10 Local Black-owned Farms That Y ou You Should Support

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THURSDA THURSDAYY, SEPTEMBER 15 - WEDNESDA WEDNESDAYY, SEPTEMBER 21 21,, 2016

A call for help ends in death: Community wants answers

By Bobby R. Henry, Sr. and Novice Johnson When Deborah Frazier called BSO to come intervene in a domestic dispute, she never thought that less than five minutes after the officers arrived, her brother would be dead. Gregory Frazier (56 years old) was shot several times and pronounced dead on the scene.

“He had a pocket knife,” Deborah said, “a rusty one at that, they came in and ordered him to get down and he kept saying, leave me alone. If I had known they would have shot him like that, I would have never called.”

Deborah Frazier and her family are in pain, but they are not the only ones.

Over four hundred concerned citizens assembled at Mt. Bethel AME Church in

Pompano Beach Monday night seeking answers after Broward Sheriff’s Office deputies shot and killed Frazier. He allegedly have a knife while eating his chicken wings and french fries late Friday night.

A group of clergy and a city commissioner rallied together quickly to have this joint forum to try and create some transparency.

Broward Sheriff Scott Israel tried to give his angle on what his deputies were confronted with when they received and responded to a domestic disturbance late last Friday. He said, according to 911 calls Gregory Frazier was threatening family members with a knife.

“Our deputies responded to 911 calls from frantic people that depicted a very violent encounter,” said Israel.

Someone in the crowed church murmured, “is that a

“I never thought that I would be one of the family members that Mr. Crump would be representing,” said Xavier. reason to execute him without negations?”

What ever happened to negotiations and lesser forms of

As proposed by School Board Vice Chair Dr. Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall, School Board honors the International Longshoremen’s Association Local #1416 and Nu Chapter of Chi Eta Phi Nursing Sorority, Inc.

intervention?

The Frazier family acknowledged they called 911 because they felt Frazier was a threat to them.

Neighbors however, said that this was not the first time that officers have been called to the house because of Frazier.

Xavier, Frazier’s only son is certain that deputies could have reasoned with him rather

than killing him. He was confident that the situation had deescalated when deputies arrived.

“I never thought that I would be one of the family members that Mr. Crump would be representing,” said Xavier.

Attorney Benjamin Crump, who has represented Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown and several of the other Black and Brown families who have been murdered by police and those wanna be law enforcement.

Attorney Crump and local Attorney Johnny McCray are working with the Frazier family and they sided with the audience in demanding accountability from all parties who will be investigating.

The sentiments of the audience was that this was just another killing of a Black man by policemen who shot first and asked questions later.

“In a situation where he was posing no threat to anyone at that time, the police did not help the situation,” Xavier Frazier said. “They killed my father.”

(Cont'd on Page 9)

Nation’s first Black Director of National Parks, 95-year-old Ranger to highlight CBC session

By Audrey Peterman A 95-year-old “Rosie the Riveter” who helped to build ships in World War II and tells her original story at that California park today; a former director of the National Park Service; the current Superintendent of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park; the White House Council on Environmental Quality’s National Parks Youth leader; a national award winning young underwater explorer and a professor of geography focused on African Americans’ relationship to the public lands system.

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Miami-Dade School Board Vice Chair Dr. Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall (third from left) with honorees ILA Local #1416 President Ellis Canty, Sr., ILA members, Nu Chapter of Chi Eta Phi Nursing Sorority, Inc. President Faye Booker and nurses, at recent Board Meeting.

As proposed by School Board Vice Chair Dr. Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall, the Miami-Dade School Board honored exemplary community organizations: International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) Local #1416 and Nu Chapter of Chi Eta Phi Nursing Sorority, Inc. The ILA is responsible for loading and unloading ships from across the globe and facilitating the quick turnaround of cruise ships. Long-

shoremen must be approved by the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and are hired based on their seniority.

The non-profit organization emphasizes labor strength, progress and dedication to its members and retirees.

Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc. founded in 1932, is an organization of professional registered Nurses. Nu Chapter was organized with the purpose of becoming involved in the health problems of the community and

Pleading Our Own Cause

to encourage the youth to attain higher education and character.

“It is always my honor to recognize the great leaders in our community who have gone beyond their organizations’ mission of service to the community and provided educational resources and scholarships to our children.

These are the partners within our district that help us give our children the world,” stated Dr. Bendross-Mindingall.

WWW.

Federal Courts blunt voter suppression efforts

By Barrington M. Salmon, NNPA Newswire Contributor in five states

Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II, president of the North Carolina NAACP called North Carolina’s restrictive voter law the worst in the nation since the ‘Shelby’ decision.

Photo taken during and NAACP demonstration on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. in June 2015.

(Freddie Allen/AMG/NNPA)

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In the span of 30 days, federal judges have scuttled voter suppression laws in North Carolina, Texas, Wisconsin, Kansas and North Dakota, giving voting rights advocates a few, much-needed victories for the blood and sweat wrought in their court battles and protests since the controversial United States Supreme Court decision in Shelby v. Holder.

The day after the Supreme Court gutted the Voting Rights Act in Shelby v. Holder, Republicans in North Carolina, led by the Speaker of the House, introduced H.B. 589, one of the most restrictive pieces of election legislation in the country, which local advocates called the “monster bill.”

(Cont'd on Page 9) MEMBER: National Newspaper Publishers Association ( NNPA), and Southeastern African-American Publishers Association (SAAPA) Florida Association of Black Owned Media (FABOM)

PAGE 2 • SEPTEMBER 15 - SEPTEMBER 21, 2016

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Curator and Researcher Mary Elliott shares insight into new Black History Museum

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Contributor The new Smithsonian National Museum of African-American History and Culture contains an exhibit that features slave cabins, one that cu-

rator and museum specialist Mary Elliott called powerful.

Almost as powerful, however, is Elliott’s recounting of the vital input and assistance by one local citizen who inspired many seniors and others to participate in the new museum.

“To get all the stories together about the slave cabins, we brought in the help of a genealogist and we used our local research here and reached out to the community,” Elliott said.

“And, when we were dismantling the cabin, the community

came out and it was Black, white, young, older men and woman who were there. But, there was one young woman, whose name was Eileen, and she was very important.”

Elliot said that Eileen was just over 50 and she really help-

Black businesses adjust to gentrification in Shaw

Uprising Muffin Company

By Victoria Jones Howard University News Service WASHINGTON, DC - On a hot Friday morning, Uprising Muffin Company, the new Black-owned coffee shop on Seventh Street next to the Shaw Howard Metro stop, is humming. The store, structured on the Starbucks model but

with muffins at its core, is doing a brisk business as Shaw residents wander in with laptops and commuters from the nearby Metro station stop in. Business is good.

One block north on the corner of Georgia and Florida avenues, however, things aren’t going so well. Central Communications, a neighborhood staple for 18 years, is bare-

ly holding on. Sales are down by about 80 percent, one employee said, and the store’s cell phone sales, primarily pay-asyou-go brands, have not taken off.

This, these days, is the story of gentrification in the once heavily Black Shaw neighborhood. Shaw is a microcosm of Washington neighborhoods in the once “Chocolate City” as

upscale whites and other nationalities have flooded the city in recent years.

The changes have been good and bad for Black residents and businesses.

In the Shaw neighborhood, for example, the white population increased from 7.9 percent in 2000 to 33.1 percent in 2010, according to the U.S. Census.

During the same time span, census figures show, the median household income in the neighborhood has gone from $25,000 to $71,000. In 2014, it was $83,000, In 2000, the residents with a bachelor’s degree or higher was 20 percent. It is now 58 percent.

Longtime Black homeowners have benefited greatly as houses they bought in the ‘40s have increased in value 10-fold.

Black renters, on the other hand, have been pushed out by dramatically rising housing prices.

While some businesses are struggling, others are seeing some of their best pay days ever.

Lee’s Flower and Card Shop on U Street near 11th Street is one. Owner Stacy Banks, said she has seen profits double over the past five years.

Mary Elliott, curator and museum specialist for the Smithsonian National Museum of African-American History and Culture, pauses next to a slave cabin exhibit during a recent media tour. (Freddie Allen/AMG/NNPA) ed museum staffers connect with the elders in the community.

“It’s a hard history and sometimes people don’t want to talk about it, but she helped us to get the stories out,” said Elliot.

“She was a real dynamic person.”

After taking the cabins to Virginia for conservation work and hosting a listening session that included Eileen and Eileen’s grandmother, Elliott learned that Eileen died.

“She was younger than the elders that she helped get the stories from. Eileen had so much energy and spirit and was so passionate about the fact that the story was being told and correctly,” Elliott said. “She may not be here on the 24th when

this museum opens and that’s heartbreaking, but I smile because her spirit will definitely be here.”

It’s been a long, arduous and incredible road to get to the Sept. 24, 2016 grand opening and Elliott has helped to research, conceptualize and design the “Slavery and Freedom” inaugural exhibition.

She also contributed to the exhibition script, consulted with expert scholars, and identified and secured collection donations including the antebellum slave cabin that will be featured in the museum, according to the museum’s website.

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Black PL WHA face higher rates PLWHA of incarceration, longer sentences

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Eight –year-old starts his own bakery

By Black Business.org Jalen Bailey, an eight-yearold boy from Fresno, Calif. is running his very own homebased bakery called Jalen’s Bakery where he sells everything from cookies to bread to pastries. He says his plan is to buy a house for himself and his mom, Sharhonda Mahan.

Bailey and his mom live alone in a small rental house, and he feels that as the little man of the house, he has to step up and provide a better place for them to live.

“I just love to bake” As a natural entrepreneur and although still very young, he actually got started with baking while in pre-school when he used to help his mom bake goods to give away to others for Christmas.

Their story, which has gone viral on social media, was recently featured in People magazine, and Baily told them: “I just love to bake. It’s fun! I want to buy a house with a pool and a big back yard and a kitchen, so me and my momma can bake and make memories.”

Maxx Boykin, Co-Chair, BTAN Chicago Advocacy and Co-Manager, HIV Prevention Justice Alliance.

Jalen Bailey and his mom Sharhonda Mahan, he said he wants to buy his mom a house.

How he got started His mom comments, “I used to bake sweet potato pies to get extra money for the holidays, and he was always in the kitchen, asking if he could help.”

But she says her son quickly progressed to other ideas. “It got to where he could make his first peanut butter cookies all by himself,” she says. “He said,

‘Mom, I got this. I don’t need any help’.”

Making the first steps When she realized just how serious he was, she sent him to a business workshop for kid entrepreneurs where he learned everything he needed to know about sales, marketing, and how to reach a target audience. Soon after, he ob-

tained a business license from the city and legally formed his very own company.

Now, Bailey and his mom are taking and delivering orders every day from local customers, but their goal is to soon be able to ship orders nationally and even internationally.

For more details about Jalen’s Bakery,visit www.jalensbakery.com

The hyperpolicing of Black bodies doesn’t merely occur as people walk, drive, breathe or engage in other daily activities while Black. Two recent studies document the extent to which Black people are criminalized for having HIV/AIDS—and how disproportionately they are penalized compared to white PLWHA, who experience criminalization as well.

Thirty-two states and two territories have HIV-specific statutes that make it a crime for PLWHA to engage in sexual activity without disclosing their serostatus to their partner or to expose another person to HIV without his or her consent. The National HIV/AIDS Strategy recommends that states and localities review their HIV-specific laws to ensure that they reflect the latest science; many don’t.

Two studies—one commissioned by the Williams Institute, a think tank at the UCLA School of Law that conducts independent research on sexual-orientation and gender-identity law and public policy, and the other presented at the International AIDS Conference in Durban, South Africa, in July 2016—link the criminalization of HIV to higher rates of incarceration for PLWHA of color, and community activists confirm it.

“Yes, there is a connection,” says Maxx Boykin, BTAN Chicago co-chair and co-manager of the HIV Prevention Justice Alliance.

“The over-policed communities are the same communities that have the highest rates of HIV in this country.”

The studies also suggest that racial disparities exist in the way the laws that criminalize PLWHA are imposed.

The Williams Institute report, entitled “HIV Criminalization In California: Penal Implications for People Living With HIV/ AIDS,” looked at how criminal laws are used to target PLWHA in that state. It examined the cases of 800 PLWHA who came into contact with the California criminal-justice system between 1988 and June 2014 under three HIV-specific criminal laws—solicitation while HIV positive, exposure to HIV with intent to transmit, and sex-offense sentence enhancement for HIV-positive status in nonconsensual sex crimes—and one non-HIV-specific law: misdemeanor exposure to any communicable disease.

Researchers found that while white men made up 40 percent of the people diagnosed with HIV in California, only 16 percent of them had had contact with the criminal-justice system related to their HIV status. Black men made up 16 percent of PLWHA but 19 percent of those who had contact with the criminal-justice system. They were also more likely than white men to come into contact with the system repeatedly based on their HIV status: 25 percent vs. 10 percent. Overall, white men were more likely to be released and not charged. Black women made up only 4 percent of the population of PLWHA, yet an astounding 21 percent of them had come into contact with the criminal-justice system. Researchers say that more work needs to be done to identify what is driving the racial and gender disparities.

In July, Trevor Hoppe, Ph.D., assistant professor of sociology at the State University of New York at Albany, presented his paper HIV: Does Race Impact Sentencing Under Criminal HIV Exposure and Disclosure Laws in the United States? at AIDS 2016. Hoppe looked at five states—Arkansas, Florida, Michigan, Missouri and Tennessee—and found that Black men were given an average sentence of 110 months after being convicted on an HIV-specific criminal law, while white men averaged 74 months for violating the same statute. He found the greatest racial disparity in Arkansas, where Black men’s sentences were double those of white men—279 vs. 140 months. “In Arkansas, Black men were sentenced to a dozen more years,” says Hoppe.

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Florida’s Broward College and Indian River State College named among 10 finalists for 2017 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence

SEPTEMBER 15 - SEPTEMBER 21, 2016 • PAGE 3

Statement on Voting Rights wins in Kansas, Georgia and Alabama

Florida one of only three states in US with multiple finalists One million prize for excellence in four areas: learning, degree completion, employment and earnings, and access and success for minority and low-income students; winner to be announced in March 2017

WASHINGTON, DC – Florida’s Broward College and Indian River State College were named recently as two of 10 finalists for the 2017 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation’s preeminent recognition of high achievement and performance in America’s community colleges.

The one million dollars prize fund will be awarded in March 2017 in Washington, D.C. to the winner and up to four finalists with distinction.

The prize, awarded every two years since 2011, recognizes outstanding institutions selected from an original pool of more than 1,000 public community colleges nationwide.

With a singular focus on student success, the prize assesses community colleges’ achievements in four areas: student learning, certificate and degree completion, employment and earnings for graduates, and access and success for minority and low-income students. * Broward College (63,000 students) (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)

“Broward College has made incredible strides in achieving higher levels of college students success since they were last named a finalist for the 2013 Prize,” said Joshua Wyner, executive director of the Aspen Institute’s College Excellence Program in Washington, D.C. “Their new educational model, called pathways, matches courses with what students need when they leave Broward College for high-demand jobs or four-year transfer. As a result, the college has made significant advances in the number of students who complete their degrees, how long it takes them to do so, and reducing excess credits.”

Broward College earned a place on the top 10 finalists’ list for a second time after being named a finalist in 2013. The institution stands out as one of the nation’s top community colleges for many reasons, including: · Virtually no gap in three-year graduation/transfer rates between all students (47 percent) and underrepresented minorities (46 percent), compared to the national average (34 percent) for minorities · Clear career-oriented

The moral origins of Donald Trump’s improbable rise to power

TRUMP

By Armstrong Williams NNPA Newswire Columnist As if to compound the insult to American power represented by the world’s vociferous rejection of the Bush doctrine, the U.S. found itself in 2008 facing the biggest economic disaster since the great recession. The collapse was so stark, so sudden, and so unavoidable that several of America’s largest and most venerable financial institutions collapsed overnight. The recession in America led to a global recession, as liquidity dried up, debts got called in, and entire nations went bankrupt.

This blow to Americans’ confidence would provide fertile ground for doubt, resentment and rebellion. It quickly became apparent that the economic status quo that existed before the Iraq War and the Great Recession was giving way to a ‘new normal.’ The country limped along in this new normal; American businesses experienced very slow economic growth amidst massive economic dislocation. The Federal Reserve used every trick at its disposal to ward off total catastrophe. It was successful in its aim, although the resulting ‘Franken-economy’ it created began to resemble a monster that moved and walked, but was somehow strangely also dead.

To wit: even though employment ‘recovered,’ labor force participation dropped to a thirty year low. People came back to jobs that paid less, offered fewer benefits and demanded more of their labor. American workers

were hailed by economists for their increasing productivity, although, to most workers, it just seemed like a pay cut. Never had industrial performance and the state of the labor market seemed less congruent; and this strained an unspoken assumption about the trickle-down benefits of capitalism.

The twin monsters of insulted national pride and injured economic prospects began to foment a visceral, growing resentment to the economic and political establishment that first found expression in the Tea Party (on the political right) and the Occupy Wall Street movement (on the political left). Both movements were essentially defeated – the former was co-opted by the Republican Party, and the latter was crushed by the police (at the bidding of ‘liberal’ elected officials).

The pressing unanswered question of why Wall Street got bailed out while Main Street floundered was never successfully answered either by a Republican Congress or a Democratic White House. The midterm elections of 2010 promised to bring about major changes as a Tea Party insurgency came to power in Congress. However, the insurgency did not prove strong enough to enact its agenda – slashing government debt and spending on entitlements, and reducing regulatory burdens on small businesses.

Not able to advance its’ own agenda, The Republican Congress settled for a role as a spoiler caucus, mainly concerned with preventing the Obama Administration from putting its’ own proposals forward.

Over the past six years, the Congress has done prac-tically nothing in the way of helping the American people out of the mess they are in. The lack of commitment to a national project for reconstruction seemed strange in a country that had just demanded such brave sacrifice from its warriors.

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program pathways for all students · Mandatory academic advising when students reach half- and three-quarter-completion milestones to ensure they are on the path to graduation or have what’s needed to transfer to a four-year university * Indian River State College (24,000 students) (Fort Pierce, Fla.) “Indian River State College’s efforts to get and keep students on clear program pathways aligned with labor market needs serves as a model for community colleges across the country,” said Joshua Wyner, executive director of the Aspen Institute’s College Excellence Program in Washington, D.C. “IRSC students have access to advisors that guide them from their first day through graduation, helping them define goals, map the most direct routes to achieving them, and continually chart their progress.”

Indian River State College earned a place on the top ten finalists’ list for a second time after being named a finalist in 2015. The institution stands out as one of the nation’s top community colleges for many reasons, including: · 49 percent of students graduate or transfer within three years (compared to 39 percent nationally) · Associate degree earners who go on to the upper-level at IRSC or transfer to other institutions (and attend fulltime), earn a bachelor’s degree at a rate of approximately 73 percent within four years · Policies focused on making sure students complete classes and graduate, including widely utilized early interventions by instructors and financial aid advisors Community colleges today enroll nearly half of all US undergraduates—seven million students—working toward degrees and certificates. This includes rapidly growing numbers of low-income and minority students. While fewer than 40 percent of all community college students graduate, Aspen Prize finalist institutions demonstrate that every community college can help more students achieve success while in college and after they graduate.

This fall, the Aspen Institute will conduct a rigorous review process that includes examination of extensive data on performance and improvements in learning, graduation, workforce, and equitable outcomes for all students as well as multiday site visits to each of the ten finalist institutions. Then, a distinguished Prize Jury of higher education experts will select a grand prize winner and up to four finalists with distinction.

The 2015 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence was awarded to Santa Fe College in Gainesville, Fla. In 2013, Santa Barbara City College (California) and Walla Walla Community College (Washington) were co-winners. In 2011, Valencia College (Florida) was the inaugural Prize winner. According to the Prize rules, former winners were not eligible to reapply this cycle.

The Aspen Prize finalists selected today reflect the diversity and richness of American community colleges.

The 2017 Aspen Prize finalists: Two colleges have been named finalists in four consecutive prize cycles (indicated with *) and two others were fi-

nalists for a second time (indicated with #) · Anoka-Ramsey Community College – Coon Rapids, Minn. · Broward College – Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Contact: Don Cook, (954)201-7238 dcook@broward.edu · Chaffey College – Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. · Indian River State College – Fort Pierce, Fla. Contact: Andy Treadwell, (772) 462-4804, atreadwe@irsc.edu · Lake Area Technical Institute – Watertown, SD* · Northeast Community College – Norfolk, NE · Odessa College – Odessa, Tex. · Pasadena City College – Pasadena, Calif. · San Jacinto College – Pasadena, Tex. · West Kentucky Community and Technical College – Paducah, KY* For more information, visit h t t p : / / highered.aspeninstitute.org/ aspen-prize/ For more information, visit www.aspeninstitute.org.

WASHINGTON, DC – Last week, the United States Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit issued an order preventing Kansas, Alabama, and Georgia from requiring documentary proof of citizenship for people registering to vote. Advancement Project, the multi-racial civil rights organization released the following statement: “This is another victory for communities of color and for anyone who believes in making access to the ballot easier, not harder,” said Judith Browne Dianis, executive director for Advancement Project’s national office. “The now-denied measure allowing Kansas, Alabama and Georgia to restrict the path to voter registration came with politically dubious timing. Opponents of voting rights and those attempting to silence communities of color are openly trying their best to keep us from the ballot. This should send a clear message that communities of color, advocates and allies are fighting back and yielding results from North Carolina to Georgia, Wisconsin and across the country.”

“Attempts to curtail the rights of people of color have a long, ongoing, painful and well-documented history in our country,” said Edward A. Hailes, Jr., general counsel and managing director for Advancement Project’s national office. “Schemes like requiring documentary proof of citizenship are just one more attempt to silence people of color. These attempts are increasingly seen by communities of color for what they are: racially-motivated political attacks on people of color. With each victory, we inch closer to justice. A victory like this is important on its own merits, but it’s also a reminder of the importance of voting as one more tool to uproot harmful, racially-motivated policies threatening our communities.”

Earlier this year, the executive director of the Election Assistance Commission (EAC), Brian Newby, unilaterally approved an onerous additional step for people attempting to register to vote in Georgia, Kansas and Alabama with the federal form. Applicants would have been required to provide additional documentary proof of citizenship.

This step, struck down by the court on Friday, would have imposed another barrier to voter registration and added more confusion to the voter registration process. www.advancementproject.org

PAGE 4 • SEPTEMBER 15 - SEPTEMBER 21, 2016

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Community Digest

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

Old Dillard Museum Upcoming Events

What’s New in the Community · Old Dillard Museum & Dillard Center for the Arts presents Cannonball Jazz Birth-day Concert, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., at Dillard Center for the Arts, 2501 N.W. 11 St., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Featuring world renowned jazz drummer from the legendary Cannonball Adderley Quintet. · The Black Archives presents ‘ICONS” hosted by Derek T. Davis – Old Dillard Museum featuring Garth C. Reeves, Sr., Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016 at 4 p.m., at Historic Lyric Theater Cultural Center, 819 N.W. Second Ave., Miami, Fla.

Reception

Upcoming Studio 18 in the Pines Art Exhibitions and Opening Receptions, art exhibition takes place at Studio 18 in the Pines, 1101 Poinciana Drives Pembroke Pines, Fla. Art exhibition are open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. · 12th Annual Art Competition Reception Sept. 23 · Concept to Create featuring the Studio 18 Artists' Reception Oct. 28 · Studio 18 in the Pines Holiday Sale Reception Dec. 9 · Children’s Holiday in the Pines Reception Dec. 15 (Held at the City Hall, 10100 Pines Blvd.).

For additional info call (954) 961-6067 or visit www.ppines.com/studio18

Fair

Event

Dillard High School fans, if you are, you certainly want to be a part of the 2016 Commemorative Band Journal. The journal will be featured on Homecoming Day 2016. If you would like to be a part of this unique endeavor call (754) 3220838 or (954) 261-8727 for further info.

Classes

Local food fair off in Pembroke Pines, Sunday on, Sept.

18, 2016 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Pembroke Pines Preserve, 3115 S.W. 52 Ave., Pembroke Park, Fla.

Pleading Our Own Cause

STAYCONNECTED-www.thewestsidegazette.com (954) 525-1489

"FORD" HELP IS ON THE WAY "FRUITS" " FRUITS" & "FRUITS" CALL -- (954) 557-1203

Event

Friday Night Tunes A Concert Series at Joseph C. Carter Park, from 7 to 10 p.m., 1450 W. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Concert schedule, Friday, Sept. 16, Gary King and the Dream (Blues/ Soul/Jazz, Friday, Oct. 21, Speaker Box Band (Motown) and Friday, Nov. 18, AllStar Band featuing Jai Rose (Blues/Funk), Food Truck on site. For more info call (954) 828-5363.

SpiritLed Ministries is having a Pink War, an event targeted at Breast Cancer, Saturday, Oct. 1, 2016 at 10 a.m., at The Light Center, 1100 N.W. Fourth St., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Pink War is an annual event sponsored by Dr. Daine Lazare and SpiritLed Ministries. We're challenging a minimum of 100 women to support our cause by coming to our event and wearing pink. For more info call (954) 376-3349.

Event

Celebration Better Living Classes Fall term begins, Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2016 the last day to register for Fall Term, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016 all activities are open to the public and will be held at Universal Truth Center, 21310 N.W. 37 Ave., Miami Gardens, Fla. For additional info call (305) 624-4991 or visit our website utruthcenter.org.

Ceremony

Screening

Florida Department of Health in Broward will give free breast cancer screenings to qualified women up to age 65 who do not have coverage for the tests, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Lillian S. Wells Women’s Health Center, 1600 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Space is limited and appointments are recommended. Call (954) 762-3649 to find out if you qualify and to register.

Concert Series

The City of Hallandale Beach, Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at OB Johnson Park/Hepburn Center, 1000 N.W. Eighth Ave., Hallandale Beach, Fla. For more info call (954) 457-1452.

Meeting Let’s Talk Art: Creating Pompano Beach’s Art Scene, a town hall meeting hosted by Whitney Rawls and The CAC, Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016 at 5 p.m., at Magnetic Pompano Beach – Pompano Citi Center, 1955 N. Federal Highway, Pompano Beach, Fla. This is a free event. RSVPs appreciated at www.magneticpompano.org or call (954) 839-9578.

Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church kick off Spirit Fest Celebrating the Third Anniversary of Pastor Theo Johnson, September 21-25, 2016 - five days of praise and worship, song, poetry and laughter, all activities will be held at Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church located at 10701 S.W. 184 St., Perrine, Fla. For time, cost and additional info call (305) 251-5753.

Good News Of Christ Ministries is coming to your neighborhood "Food For Friends" everything must go, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, at Village Academy, 400 S.W. 12 Ave., Delray Beach, Fla. Please bring a cart of bags!

For and additional info contact at (561) 665-0151.

Reunion

Health Fair

Bethel Apostolic Temple Community Development Corporation and the Bethel Apostolic Temple Health Ministry to host their Third Annual Health Fair, "Prompting Healthy Living", Saturday, Sept.

24, 2016 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at 1855 N.W. 119 St., Miami, Fla. This event is free and open the community breakfast will be served. For more info call (305) 688-1612 or visit www.bethelatmiami.org

TODAY'S BLACK NEWS IS TOMORROW'S BLACK HISTORY

The North Dade/ Miami Carol City H.S., Class of 1967, is celebrating our 50th Class Reunion next year! You are cordially invited to join us on a Cruise aboard the Royal Caribbean’s Carnival Conquest Sept.

24-30, 2017 for a six-day cruise bound for Jamaica and the Dominican Republic among other islands. For additional info contact Charles Jackson (305336-6293) or Cheryl Watts Brown (305-333-7613).

Meeting

Monthly meeting for Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. is the second Saturday of the month at 10 a.m., at African Heritage Cultural Art Center, 6161 N.W. 22 Ave., Miami, Fla. For further info call (786) 320 2891.

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.

September 2016 Youth Services Programs * Saturday, Sept 17 - ”Wags & Tales” - Come and read to Augy - get a free book to keep!

Sponsored by the Humane Society of Broward County, Animal Assisted Therapy in the Youth Services Dept. from 2 to 3 p.m. Pre-registration is advised; call (954) 357-6209. * Wednesday, Sept. 21”Out of This World” Family Movie Night! Enjoy snacks and a great Sci-Fi movie! All ages welcome. (One adult per family group must remain at the program for the duration of the program.) From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. * Wednesday, Sept. 28 ”Out of This World” Family Movie Night! Enjoy snacks and a great Sci-Fi movie! All ages welcome. (One adult per family group must remain at the program for the duration of the program.) From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Call the welcome desk at (954) 357-6210. For more info about Broward County Libraries, visit Broward.org/ Library September 2016 Programs “Discover Space” at the AARLCC Gallery Pre-arranged Group Tours available during library hours: Youth tours (954) 357-6209.

Adult tours (954) 357-6224.

On Display — Discover Space: A Cosmic Journey. This exhibit provides fun activities with topics relevant to astronomy, space and our solar systems. Children and adults can learn about various stars, planets, meteorites, solar systems by interacting with touch screens attached to multimedia kiosks, telescopes, etc. · Saturdays in September Knight with the Queen: Free chess lessons for ages 7 & up, from 1 – 3:30 p.m. · Mondays in September Adult Literacy Classes, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. · Saturday, Sept. 17 -Traditional African Wellness seminar with a discussion on community economic planning & development, from 3 – 5:45 p.m. · Saturday, Sept. 24 Business Resource: “Thinking of Owning a Business?” SCORE Seminar, 10:15 a.m. - 2 p.m. · Saturday, Sept. 24 -Book signing: Holme Days: Bitter Bites. Home school family learns a thing or two about friendship, family, and faith in spite of failure, 3 - 5 p.m. · Monday, Sept. 26 -Business Resource Seminar: Creating the Ultimate Business Plan, 6 - 7:30 p.m.

Youth Services Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays in September After School Homework Help, 3 – 5 p.m.

The following classes are funded by the Broward Public Library Foundation · Saturday, September 17 Microsoft Word I, 10:30 - 12:00 p.m. · Monday, September 19 Microsoft PowerPoint I, 6 - 7:30 p.m. ` · Saturday, September 24 Microsoft Word II, 10:30 - 12:00 p.m. · Monday, September 26 Microsoft PowerPoint II, 6 - 7:30 p.m.

For additional info for FREE classes being offered at other library locations please call (954) 357-6236 or inquire at the Computer or Reference info Desk. Need FREE help with resume writing? Inquire at the Computer or Reference Info Desk.

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

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Westside Gazette

SEPTEMBER 15 - SEPTEMBER 21, 2016 • PAGE 5

Airbnb is making real progress for travelers of color

By Laura W. Murphy, president of Laura Murphy & Associates When I was asked by Airbnb to lead their effort to fight discrimination and bias, I was skeptical. After spending decades fighting for the protection and advancement of civil rights and civil liberties, I’ve seen many companies merely

pay lip service to addressing these issues.

I also wondered how one single company could have a real impact on racial discrimination. The sad truth is that bias is deeply embedded in our culture, especially in the area of housing and public accommodations. Laws designed to prevent housing discrimination are unevenly enforced, and it

remains a persistent civil rights challenge in many communities.

My time serving as the District of Columbia’s first Director of Tourism left me all too familiar with the tactics used by hotels, restaurants and tour companies to ignore or even facilitate racial discrimination. nd as an African American woman, I also grew up feeling the

sting of racial bias. I still remember my parents’ stories about The Negro Motorist Green Book and how Black families had to stay with other Black families when Jim Crow laws encouraged most hotels to deny accommodations to Black travelers.

Given that context, was it realistic to expect Airbnb to surpass others in the travel and lodging business and be a leader

in overcoming entrenched industry practices and widespread bias?

What initially persuaded me that change is possible at Airbnb was my first conversation with Airbnb’s CEO Brian Chesky.

“Airbnb will never be able to fulfill its mission without seriously combating discrimination on its platform. We must solve this,” he said. I knew that

2016 Miami UNCF/Florida Memorial University Masked Ball set for Oct. 8 Top Miami public and private sector leaders unite to support fundraising efforts

MIAMI, FL -- United Negro College Fund (UNCF) and its member institution Florida Memorial University (FMU) will host the second annual Miami UNCF Masked Ball to help raise funds for scholarships and UNCF-member institutions that enable UNCF to help deserving Miami students get to and through

college.

Civic, business and educational leaders across South Florida will gather at 7 p.m., Oct. 8, 2016 at the Hyatt Regency Miami. Calvin Hughes, a news anchor at Local 10 News, will serve as master of ceremonies.

The event will feature a parade of dignitaries and masks, elegant dining and entertainment by the Infinity Show Band.

The Miami UNCF Masked Ball will honor local community members and businesses that support UNCF’s efforts while providing opportunities for networking with top Miami public

and private sector leaders. The host committee is led by Russell Benford, deputy mayor, MiamiDade County; Roslyn Clark Artis, Ph.D., Ed.D., president, FMU; and Michael L. Lomax, Ph.D., president and CEO of UNCF. The UNCF Masked Ball is one of the organization’s signature fundraising galas and premier social events of the year.

Hosted by a diverse group of corporate sponsors and individuals, it involves celebrities, dignitaries, civic leaders, volunteers, public officials, alumni and others who support UNCF’s mission of investing in Ameri-

Curator and Researcher Mary Elliott shares insight With a lifelong interest in into new Black History Museum Black history, Elliott’s extensive (Cont'd from Page 2) A graduate of Howard University and Catholic University of America’s Columbus School of Law, Elliott helped produce local history exhibits in the Washington, D.C. area and produced several public history programs.

Now, as the opening of the historic museum rapidly approaches, Elliott told the NNPA Newswire what she’s most excited about and how she’s handling all of the excitement surrounding the historic grand opening.

“I really appreciate the collective effort to get the story out and let people know what they are going to see before they get here. People ask me, ‘Are you excited?’ And, truthfully, I get reflective,” said Elliott, who has served as a contractor and consultant to various organizations including the National Visionary Leadership Project, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, the Reginald Lewis

Museum of Mary-land African American History and the Humanities Council of Washington, D.C. “I think about family, relatives, ancestors, those I knew personally and those before them,” Elliott said. “I think about my church family and my community and I get so full, because I cannot wait for people to see the museum not just as a building, but to hear people say about our history that, ‘I never looked at it that way, wow,’ and to have them think a little differently about their approach to American history and understanding the African-American experience.”

Elliott has more than 20 years of experience in researching and presenting AfricanAmerican history and culture.

Her personal research focuses on African-Americans from antebellum slavery through the Jim Crow Era, with a specific concentration on migration and community development.

research revealed that her own family is connected to Booker T. Washington, one of the foremost African-American leaders of the late 19th and early 20th centuries who founded the Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute that became Tuskegee University.

“I was really passionate about the research I was doing on my family and then I realized that this was even bigger,” said Elliott. “I started to see this amazing picture of African-American legacy and I found all of these primary resources and that really illuminated it for me and I thought it was as if someone took our history, tore it up into little pieces, and blew it into the wind.”

Elliott continued: “You had to go and track it down and put these pieces back together and see what the picture really was.”

When first invited to apply to work for the new museum, Elliott initially scoffed at the idea.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

ca’s future by getting students to and through college.

“The partnership and support of UNCF-member institution Florida Memorial University encompasses the determining spirit of UNCF,” Lomax said. “Translating into $250,000 raised last year at the inaugural Masked Ball, UNCF and Miami community sponsors remain steadfast in making quality education accessible for minority students. The investment we are making in better futures for them tonight will pay dividends for all of us when they become the next generation of leaders that Miami and the country need in the future.”

Traditionally during the fall season FMU hosts a scholarship gala to raise much-needed funds to support its academically promising students. “We are delighted to partner with UNCF to bring its signature Masked Ball event to South Florida,” Artis said. “Our goal is to continue the Florida Memorial University tradition of hosting a scholarship fund-raising event, and we look forward to an evening that benefits the phenomenal students we serve.”

The event is chaired by Gabriel Castrillon, general manager of the Hyatt Regency Miami.

“The Hyatt Regency Miami is a

proud sponsor of the second annual Florida Memorial University / UNCF Miami Masked Ball,” Castrillon said. “This event was a big success last year. This year’s fundraiser financial goal is $375,000. Once again, we are aiming to help like-minded community organizations and to assist Florida Memorial University and UNCF provide scholarships to higher education-bound minority youth.”

MASKED is an acronym meaning Mankind Assisting Students Kindle Educational Dreams. This year the UNCF MASKED Award will be presented to Carnival Foundation for its support of UNCF’s mission of providing educational opportunities and to acknowledge that Carnival Foundation serves as beacon of hope in keeping the doorway of opportunity wide open for deserving minority youth.

For sponsorship or ticket information, please visit UNCF.org/Fort Lauderdale.

Laura Murphy, a senior advisor to Airbnb and former director of the legislative office of the ACLU, says that everyone who uses Airbnb will be subject to a more robust and stringent nondiscrimination policy and will have to commit to treat fellow users with respect. only with such determination and commitment from the CEO and others at the highest levels would real institutional change be possible.

Brian was also forthright in admitting that his company was slow to address these problems.

He and his cofounders, Joe Gebbia and Nate Blecharczyk, started Airbnb with the best of intentions, but he agreed that there was an unacceptable lack of urgency to his previous attempts to address it, and vowed that such unconsciousness will not happen again.

So I, along with key senior leaders at Airbnb, began a process designed to be as rigorous, comprehensive and inclusive as possible. In addition to Airbnb’s management team, I held conversations with employees at every level of the company.

Some of them had already created informal working groups to identify possible solutions. We also held consultations with hosts and victims of discrimination. Nearly all of them wanted to use the site again, and for many, Airbnb remains an important source of supplemental income.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

Lola Falana The beautiful & talented Ms Lola Falana turned 74 on Sept. 11, 2016. Loletha Elayne “Lola” Falana was born in Camden, N.J. She’s a former singer, dancer, and actress.

Falana was the first Black woman to model for a line of cosmetics that was not targeted solely at Blacks, in the successful Faberge Tigress perfume ads.

Health problems: In 1987, Falana suffered a major setback; a relapse of multiple sclerosis. Falana’s relapse was severe; her left side was paralyzed, she became partially blind, and her voice and hearing were impaired. Recovery lasted a year and a half, during which she spent most of her time praying. Falana attributes her recovery to a spiritual experience which she described as “Being able to feel the presence of the Lord.”

She converted to Roman Catholicism and worked her newly found spirituality into her daily life. Though she performed again in Las Vegas shows in 1987, her practice of religion and faith became the center of her life. In 1995 she recorded the pro-life song Don’t Cry, Mary with Catholic artist Joseph Lee Hooker.

After another bout with multiple sclerosis in 1996, Falana returned to

Philadelphia and lived with her parents for a short time. No longer performing, she now tours the country with a message of hope and spirituality. When not on tour, she lives a quiet life in Las Vegas working on the apostolate she founded, The Lambs of God Ministry. The ministry is focused on helping children who have been orphaned in Sub-Saharan Africa, and works closely with the group Save Sub-Saharan Orphans.

Her last known musical performance was in 1997, at Wayne Newton’s theater in Branson, Missouri.

In pop culture: The SCTV character “Lola Heatherton,” played by Catherine O’Hara, was derived from the first name of Lola Falana and the last name of Joey Heatherton.

On Barbershop 2: Back in Business, barber Eddie (Cedric the Entertainer) admonishes his boss Calvin (Ice Cube) for making him take down his picture of Lola Falana from the wall of his booth.

On Family Matters, Eddie (Darius McCrary) wants new high-tops that cost $70, but Carl (Reginald Vel Johnson) “would not pay $70 for shoes if Lola Falana was in them”.

© 2016 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS

LOCAL LISTINGS FOR STARTS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 CHECK THEATERS AND SHOWTIMES

PAGE 6 • SEPTEMBER 15 - SEPTEMBER 21, 2016

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.

Community Healing Forum

“Everywhere you turn”…

By Pastor Rasheed Z Baaith

The Association of Black Psychologists (ABPsi) South Florida chapter presents a Community Healing Forum to be held on Wednesday, Sept.

28, 2016 from 6 to 8 p.m., at the African American Research Library in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The community forum aims to create a safe space for citizens to express their concerns about the spate of police involved shootings of African American men. The recurring use of lethal force by police in incidents across the nation, including the Sept. 9th shooting in Pompano Beach, have evoked anger and fear in our community.

The psychologists of ABPsi South Florida wish to offer their expertise to create a context for discussion of these recent events, to allow concerned citizens to express their anguish, to disseminate mental health referral sources, and to allow members of law enforcement to collaborate in developing action plans to alleviate citizens’ concerns.

We believe that a community living in fear cannot rise to its full poten-

“The war horse is a false hope for salvation, and by its great might it cannot rescue.” (Psalm 33:17) tial. We are troubled by the criminalization of law abiding African American men and support their right to live in safety and their right to be protected by the police.

A distinguished panel of speakers will address the audience: Frank Adderley, Chief of Police for the City of Fort Lauderdale, prominent Defense Attorney Frantz McLawrence and University of Miami Psychologist Dr. Joan Muir. Following a brief presentation by each speaker, there will be an extensive period for comments and questions from the audience.

We anticipate an evening of open dialogue to promote healing in our community and to release the energy needed to take positive action. We look forward to your attendance.

Ischaji Nyerere Robertson, Psy.D. President

Matt Lauer mistreats Hillary during the Commandering at the Commander-in-Chief foin-Chief forum rum that the moderator would discuss

By Roger Caldwell Every day the media spends an insurmountable amount of time on Hillary’s email scandals. I was expect-

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Westside Gazette

each candidate’s vision, knowledge, and leadership goals for the position.

Commentator Matt Lauer of NBC News devoted a good portion of time questioning Hillary about her email scandals. This made very little sense because in July, the FBI recommended no charges be brought against the Democratic presidential nominee.

Clinton has been in America’s public eye for over three decades, and she has never been convicted of any wrong doing, or criminal activity. In this 2016 campaign, Americans and the media appear to be determined to convict Hillary in a public court, even though she has been cleared of any wrongdoing.

Instead of Lauer asking questions about her management style, and how she would correct the problems in the federal government bureaucracy, he drilled her about her email scandals.

Many political experts were disappointed in his moderating skills because he is an excellent interviewer with a wealth of experience and knowledge.

Lauer was well aware that both candidates had less than 30 minutes to answer his questions, and he spent 11 minutes grilling Clinton on her email scandals. If I did not know that Lauer was an NBC reporter, I would have thought he was working for FOX. Many critics were horrified with Lauer’s performance because after grilling Hillary, he seemed to rush through other important topics. He interrupted Clinton as she attempted to give answers to his questions, and kept reminding her that their time was running out.

To be honest, some of Lauer’s problems started with the format of the show.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

It would seem and there probably is no place we can look, where there is not confusion, uncertainty, division, and war in diverse realities taking place. Not just here but all over the world.

On the national political scene there is an animosity between candidates not seen in modern times. The vitriol and lies being spread by the candidates has poisoned the American political system to the extent the system has been changed forever. And the country still has more to endure.

Donald Trump has always said whatever despicable things that crossed his mind. He has marginalized, insulted, and affronted whomever he wanted.

Hillary Clinton is beginning to follow suit.

Part of the problem of running against an opponent like Trump is becoming frustrated by his boorish behavior that few in the electorate seem offended by. As a result of that behavior and the response or lack thereof, one may feel “if it’s okay for him, then it’s okay for me.” But that is dangerously short sighted thinking. If your raison d’être to be president is you’re not only a more qualified candidate but a better human being as well, then your speech is limited by that professed standard. No matter how

Raynard Jackson says that the GOP has to start working with Black Republicans who have significant political experience and institutional memory about the party if they are serious about moving the Black community towards the Republican party in this and future election cycles.

By Raynard Jackson, NNPA Newswire Columnist I am really getting fed up with the constant drumbeat of criticism of Donald Trump’s campaign, especially the criticism coming from Black Republicans. They seem to be willing to give President Obama, Hillary Clinton and our party’s leadership a pass, but when it comes to Trump, all of a sudden, they seem to have found an untapped reservoir of righteous indignation.

Yes, Trump has given his opponents plenty of reason and opportunity to criticize him, but in some ways Trump reminds me of NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan.

Anyone who followed Jordan’s career knows that he was not a good teammate. He was intensely critical of many of his teammates, especially when they made mistakes. Some people thought he was arrogant and sometimes even condescending to his teammates. Let’s just say he had an extremely healthy dose of his own selfworth.

By Clarence V. McKee

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.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

Defending the devil

By Lucius Gantt In 2016, there were more than a few philosophical and sometimes violent confrontations between African American citizens and law enforcement officers.

There are good cops and bad cops and also good and bad Black people.

Every American has a right to disagree, complain or protest about the way they are treated by people who are employed as, and are supposed to be, public servants. Americans can also exercise their rights to be for or against “patriotism”.

When Blacks protest the so-called National Anthem, the United States flag or the badges worn by people that may wear flags on their uniforms, those Blacks are despised, denigrated and, in some cases, even hated.

Yes, the emotions and feelings, of Blacks and cops oftentimes differ widely.

I believe both Blacks and members of law enforcement should hate the middle man far more than they hate each other.

Who is the man in the middle? The man in the middle is the Prosecutor or the State Attorney!

State attorneys are the devil’s defenders!

Prosecutors decide if Blacks have been profiled, falsely arrested, indicted and or over-charged.

They also decide if policemen have committed assault and murder or if they have committed no criminal offense at all!

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

Black Republican surrogates like Pastor Mark This is why we have to invest in effective teachers Burns need a permanent timeout Julianne Malveaux

Obama Administration says No to pot In a not-so-subtle slap in the face to proponents of so-called “medical” marijuana in Florida and other states, a key agency of the Obama Administration has “just said No” to marijuana — for medical or recreational purposes.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has announced that marijuana will remain a Schedule 1 drug and continue to be illegal “for any purpose” under the Controlled Substances Act, as is the case with heroin and cocaine. Such drugs have been determined by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to have no medical use.

The announcement further states marijuana meets the three requirements for placing a substance on the Schedule 1 list: 1) it has a high poten-

frustrated you become or how unfairly you feel you’ve been treated.

Neither Clinton nor Trump seems to observe the Bible’s admonition that “A gentle tongue is a tree of life…” A scorched earth policy is the flavor of the season.

Locally there is mourning and lamentation. The murders of a family in Lauderhill and the shooting of a Black man in Pompano by BSO deputies are situations fraught with regret, guilt and anger. The question of “Why” never seems to be answered. Nor perhaps can it be.

We just witnessed an Olympics where whatever sheen was on gold medals was tarnished by athletes behaving badly and not wanting to take responsibility for that behavior. They disgraced themselves and us by lying.

Yet Colin Kaepernick deciding principle is more important than popularity gives hope and inspiration. It’s a rare belief for an African American professional athlete today.Kaepernick’s belief that the only way to bring needed attention and change to America around the issues of police–community relationships and discrimination is for people like him to speak out should be admired. He did it on his own, trying not to put anyone’s career at risk but his own; and Kaepernick is risking a lot.

The Gantt Report

But these same teammates that talked to the media, privately and anonymously, about Jordan were filled with effusive praise for His Royal Airness when it came to the number of championship rings he helped them to win.

So to my Never-Trumpers, in general, and the Black ones in particular, can you really make a philosophical and substantive argument that Hillary Clinton would be a better president than Trump; especially when it comes to the Black community?

Hillary wants to give amnesty to those in the country illegally, but no one ever talks about the devastating negative impact of this policy or the effect of current immigration policies on the Black unemployment rate for low and under-skilled Blacks. Trump is the only candidate to make this argument during this whole election cycle.

Clinton wants to continue to relegate Blacks to non-performing schools versus allowing parents to take their tax dollars to whatever school they deem best for their child, even though Clinton, Obama, and most members of the Congressional Black Caucus opted for private schools for their kids. That’s not racist? Trump is a huge supporter of school choice.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com) controlled clinical trials that scientifically evaluate safety and efficacy.”

The DEA announcement is especially timely for Floridians who will have an opportunity to reject a ballot initiative in November, Amendment 2, which would legalize “medical” marijuana in the state.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

NFL predictions

By Byler E. Henry tial for abuse; 2) there is no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States; 3) there is a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision.

Further undercutting medical and recreational marijuana proponents, the DEA cited a Health and Human Services (HHS) evaluation that shows marijuana has no “currently accepted medical use” because “the drug’s chemistry is not known and reproducible; there are no adequate safety studies; the drug is not accepted by qualified experts; and the scientific evidence is not widely available.”

Stating that “there is no evidence that there is a consensus among qualified experts that marijuana is safe and effective for use in treating a specific, recognized disorder”, the DEA concluded, “the known risks of marijuana use have not been shown to be outweighed by specific benefits in well-

Are you ready for some football? It’s football season again and it kicks off with a Super Bowl rematch, the Broncos and the Panthers.

This will be a good season and I can’t wait until Super Bowl 51, which will take place in Houston this year.

So who will get there? Who will hoist up the Lombardi Trophy? Before I pick the winner, here is how the playoff picture will look. In the AFC there are a lot of good teams who are ready to make their way to Houston. I can see the Dolphins having a better year under new Head Coach Adam Gase.

Last year they were 6-10; I can see them improving but just missing the wild card spot. I have Broncos grabbing the wild card spot, with their defense having an impressive year.

Most of their defensive pieces are still in place - Von Miller, DeMarcus Ware, Derek Wolfe, T.J. Ward, Aqib Talib,

says that the good charter schools are great, but the bad ones rival the worst public schools.

By Julianne Malveaux, NNPA Newswire Columnist While millions of children (and teachers) welcome the call to go back to school in August and early September, all is not well in classrooms and school districts around the country.

Even though every school district is not facing challenges, many urban school districts – where the majority of African American and Hispanic students are enrolled – face challenges that may either disrupt education in the classroom or affect the terms and conditions of work for teachers. Meanwhile, some school districts are experiencing teacher shortages and an unhealthy reliance on substitute teachers. Teachers are leaving the profession more rapidly than before. And teachers of color, especially men of color, are woefully underrepresented in the ranks of K-12 teachers. Indeed, African American men represent just 2 percent of all teachers. Eighty-three percent of all teachers are white, despite the fact that inner-city classrooms, particularly, are overwhelmingly Black and brown.

In Chicago, teachers have returned to school without a contract for the second year in a row, and the Chicago Teacher’s Union will take a strike vote, proposing a strike in October. Meanwhile, the CEO says that unless the CTU agrees to concessions, there will be classroom cuts. The Chicago Public School district has already “tightened its belt” by laying off more than 500 teachers and 500 school-based workers.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com) Shaquil Barrett, Brandon Marshall, Shane Ray, and Chris Harris Jr. On the offensive side of the ball Emmanuel Sanders and Demaryius Thomas are still the wide receivers and C.J. Anderson is still their running back. They have a new signal caller under Center since the sheriff Peyton Manning retired, Trevor Siemian. He was on the field for the preseason but has not thrown an NFL regular season pass yet. The second wild card spot is tricky and there are a lot of teams who could fight for it. I’m going with Big Ben and the Steelers to grab that second wild card spot. Although Martavis Bryant is suspended for the season and Le’Veon Bell is suspended for four games, don’t count out Big Ben Roethlisberger to get the job done. For the division winners, I have the Bengals winning the AFC North, Texans winning the AFC South, Patriots winning the AFC East, and the Chiefs winning the AFC West.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

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

Church Directory

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

Dr. Marcus D. Davidson, Senior Pastor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where the kingdom of God is increased through Fellowship.

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

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

SERVICES

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

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

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

Harris Chapel United Methodist Church Rev. Stanley Melek, M.Div E-MAIL:stanley.melek@flumc.org

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.

Obituaries Bartel Funeral Home, LLC

Mount Calvary Baptist Church

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

Reverend Anthony Burrell, Pastor SCHEDULE OF SERVICES SUNDAY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Email infor@mthermonftl.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

(712)432-1500 Access Code296233#

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rev. Cal Hopkins.

M.Div) Senior Pastor/Teacher

The WITNESS of “The WILL” Sunday Worship Experiences ................................................................ 7:45 and 11:00 a.m.

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

Tuesday Night Triumph {Prayer, Praise and Power} Prayer Meeting ................................................................................................................ 7:00 p.m.

Bible Study ........................................................................................................................ 7:30 p.m.

We STRIVE to PROVIDE Ministries that matter TODAY to Whole Body of Christ, not only the Believers, but also for those stranded on the “Jericho Road”!

“Celebrating over 85 Years of FAITH and FAVOR! Come to the WILL ... We’ll show You the WAY: Jesus the Christ!”

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

Rev. Dr. Jimmie L. Brown Senior Pastor

2351 N.W. 26th Street Oakland Park, Florida 33311 Church Telephone: (954) 731-0520

SEPTEMBER 15 - SEPTEMBER 21, 2016 • PAGE 7

JONES Funeral services for the late Frank Dallas Jones – 69 were held Aug. 28 at St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church, Dillion, S.C. with Rev. Sylvester Sarratt officiating.

Interment: New St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, Dillion, S.C. JONES Funeral services for the late Joseph “Buck” Jones - 60 were held Aug. 28 at St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church.

Dillion, S.C. with Rev. Sylvester Sarratt officiating. Interment: New St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, Dillion, S.C.

James C. Boyd Funeral Home CHERFILS Funeral services for the late Lance Cherfils, Sr. – 29 were held Sept. 10 at James C. Boyd’s Memorial Chapel with Elder Michael Addison officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

KING Funeral services for the late Paul King – 69.

LEE Funeral services for the late Charnez Bernice Lee – 39.

SAYLES Funeral services for the late Brian Sayles – 49.

FULLER Funeral services for the Roy A. Fuller – 57.

JAMES Funeral services for the late Pencie Cola James - 102 were Sept. 10 at National Church of God with Bishop Charles Ross officiating. Interment: Forest Lawn Memorial Central.

PARKER Funeral services for the late Deacon Arthur Roy Parker, Sr. - 77 were held Sept.

10 at Worldwide Christian Center with Rev. Dr. O’Neal Dozier officiating.

WESLEY Funeral services for the late Van Wesley, Jr. – 78 were held Sept. 10 at Apostolic Christian Faith Center with Bishop Bostic officiating.

WILKERSON Funeral services for the late Albertha “Bunchie” Greene Wilkerson – 83 were held Sept. 10 at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses with Brother Vincent Harrell officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Roy Mizell & Kurtz Funeral Home

WALKER Funeral services for the late Y o l a n d a Quintelle Walker - 45 were held Sept.

7 at Boyd’s Memorial Chapel with Min. Herman C. Dorsey officiating.

GADSON Funeral services for the late Lois Gadson – 77 were held Sept. 10 at Roy Mizell and Kurtz Worship Center with Dr. James B. Darling, Jr. officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

McWhite's Funeral Home

HARDEN Funeral services for the late Henry Harden – 78 were held Sept. 10 at Roy Mizell & Kurtz

“Husband and wife shall be one flesh” Question: Does God ordain a common law marriage?

Answer: No. Scripture does not ordain a common law marriage. First, we need to determine what a common law marriage is. A common law marriage, informal marriage, or a marriage by habit and repute is when a couple is legally considered married, without that couple having re-gistered their relation as a civil or religious marriage (Wikipedia encyclopedia).

During my young adult years I thought that a couple had to “shack up” or live together for a period of time to be considered common law married. Incidentally, the State of Florida does not recognize common law marriages. A common law marriage is a MANMADE LAW. Jesus told His disciples to “Render to Caesar the things which be Caesar’s, and unto God the things which be God’s” Luke 20:25.

Also Romans 10:3 says ‘For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God’.

Marriages between a man and a woman have been ordained by God. Marriages are

Reverend Deal not completed for convenience purposes. Lust and fornication is nowhere in sight. A marriage is a sacred and a ceremonial union that represents the oneness of the Almighty God. Genesis 2:24 says ‘Shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh’.

Rev. David Deal is the senior pastor at Every Christian’s Church in Fort Lauderdale.

Write to Reverend David Deal in care of the Westside Gazette, 545 N.W. Seventh Terrace, Fort Lauderdale, Fla 33311, or email to David.deal55@gmail.com

Georgetown is trying to make good on their slave owning past, but is what they are offering good enough?

Georgetown, much like Yale and Brown and many other IVY League Universities had slave labor and now Georgetown much like Brown who back in 2003 launched a threeyear study of its relationship to the trans-Atlantic slave trade and eventually created an on-campus Slavery Memorial is also trying to make good on their slave owning past.

Not sure of the total amount of slaves Georgetown actually owned in its entirety, but they are offering the descendants of nearly 300 slaves preferential treatment in its admissions process. Meaning they will give them an extra look, if they apply to the school like they give members of the Georgetown community’s kids and grandkids.

In 1838, the school sold 272 slaves who were working on plantations in southern Maryland to pay down its debts.

The President of Georgetown, John DeGioia officially recognized the school’s past Thursday afternoon in a press conference. “We must acknowledge that Georgetown participated in the institution of slavery. There were slaves here on the hilltop until emancipation in 1862.”

Georgetown, not stoping at the preferential treatment, will also have a Mass of ReconciliWorship Center with Dr. James B. Darling, Jr. officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

ation where it will apologize for its history. “We cannot do our best work if we refuse to take ownership of such a critical part of our history,” DeGioia said at the press conference.

Since last September, DeGioia has had a 16-member Working Group of Slavery, Memory, and Reconciliation consisting of students, staff and alumni to make recommendations on how the school can amend its historical ties to slavery. To help find and connect with the descendants, the group created The Georgetown Slavery Archive, which provides genealogical information and other materials about slavery at the university to help find and connect with the descandants. The documents also show the names, ages and relationships of the 272 slaves sold in 1838.

Some descendants rightfully so, want to be more involved in what Georgetown is doing and how the school can rectify their past, and have reached out to the school and provided additional information, according to Adam Rothman, a history professor at Georgetown who is also a member of the working group.

DeGioia has visited with descendants in recent months, and said that the school will support reconnecting the descendants of the slaves who were split up when they were sold.

“We have very good records in our archives, more than 100 boxes,” he said.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

PAGE 8 • SEPTEMBER 15 - SEPTEMER 21, 2016

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Are you ready to vote? Are you registered? These may seem like simplistic questions, especially for those who are aware, but every year some folks are denied access to the polls, because they didn’t register on time, or they moved and their address does not match the address the registrar of voters has, or SOMETHING. The Presidential election is likely to be a nailbiter, and there are local races that are also close. Your best bet is to make sure you know what the requirements for voting are in your state. Check out www.vote.com; the site lists the requirements for all 50 states.

A few states allow voter registration on the day of an election, but most states require you to register between 11 and 30 days before the vote. Some states allow online registration, most allow registration by mail (with requirements about the date a registration is postmarked), and almost all allow in-person registration.

The terms and conditions of voting are still being negotiated in some states so it makes sense to stay on top of voting

rules. A federal appeals court recently kicked discriminatory North Carolina voting terms to the curb, saying that that state discriminated against African Americans with “surgical precision.” Efforts to reduce the number of days available for early voting, or to eliminate Sunday voting, disproportionately affect African American voters.

North Carolina Republians are deliberate and mindful in their attempt to sideline African American voters, since most African Americans are Democrats.

They want to deliver their state to Donald Trump and they want to ensure that Senator Richard Burr and Governor Pat McCrory, both Republicans, are also re-elected.

North Carolina isn’t the only state with electoral shenanigans. Texas, Kansas, Georgia and Alabama have also implemented restrictive measures that are being appealed by civil rights groups, the League of Women Voters, the NAACP and others.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

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We know you want to meet your fundraising goals. We also know some readers may be anxious wondering, “how will the calendar year end? Will we be in the red or in the black come December 31st?” While we don’t have a magic wand we do want to suggest two aspects of fundraising management you should keep an eye on.

1. Donor retention. In 2015 the donor retention rate was 46%. This means that 46 percent of those who made a gift in 2014 made a gift in 2015. Using these numbers, if you had 1,000 donors last year, you may end up with 460 this year if you don’t take proactive measures. Related to this, for every 100 new and previously lapsed donors who gave, 96 donors were lost through attrition. You may feel good about acquiring 100 new donors, but if you don’t also look at your donor attrition numbers you may have a false sense of hope. Are your projections based on 100 percent of last year’s donors renewing their gifts? What are the donor acquisition strategies you have put in place, or can put in place before the end of the year?

The Fundraising Effectiveness Project conducts research on fundraising effectiveness and helps nonprofit organizations increase their fundraising results at a faster pace. FEP is a collaboration between the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and the Center on Nonprofits and Philanthropy at the Urban Institute. The project seeks to help nonprofit organizations measure, compare, and maximize their annual growth in giving. They encourage nonprofits to measure their “growth in giving.”

They define growth in giving as the net of gains minus losses. You can learn more and download tools at http:// afpfep.org/.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

www.thewestsidegazette.com

Westside Gazette

A call for help ends in death: Community wants answers

Gregory Frazier holding his only grandchild.

(Cont'd from FP) As Attorney Crump rifled off the names of Black people who have been killed by policemen in the last few years, it begged the difference to justifiable homicide versus murder.

“It just seems like we get killed and it’s on the house and nobody’s held accountable,” Crump said.

“I never knew my father would become part of a pattern of a horrible trend across this

country to shoot first and ask questions later,” Frazier said.

How is it that so many Black and Brown humans be killed by our law enforcement without as much as, “halt or I’ll shoot” command or to use a taser first before ending a life with a gun?

Attorney Crump presented a photo from CBS4 News that shows the lawn chair where he and others say Frazier was sitting down and eating when deputies showed up.

He is confident that Frazier’s posture was one of no

threat to deputies.

Israel’s comeback was contradictory in what he said, that’s not the case and that Frazier was armed with a knife.”

“He was not seated,” Israel said. “He was in close proximity to our deputies.”

One question from Attorney Johnny McCray to Sheriff Israel was “why don’t the deputies have body cameras?

Sheriff Israel said neither of the two deputies who fired were wearing a body camera. He said the Florida Department of Law Enforcement will investigate the shooting.

“In six months to a year every deputy in Broward County under my directions will have body cameras,” Israel said.

“If the deputies can justify what they did, then that will appear in the FDLE report,” Israel said. “If they can’t justify it, then they’ll be headed towards an eventual prosecution.”

The Frazier family Attorneys will ask for an autopsy to learn where Frazier was shot and the trajectory of the bullets to determine how far deputies were from Frazier.

The two officers involved in the shooting have been placed on paid leave by BSO until the investigation is complete.

Sheriff Israel tried to ease the sentiments of the church by stating, “I would not let any person in this church think that we are not on the same team.

We want the same thing that you want truth and justice.”

Why did they have to shoot so many times; Why doesn’t the police academy train officers to disable the person -shoot for the shoulder or leg, and will justice be served, are among the questions the community wants answers to.

Federal Courts blunt voter suppression efforts in five states Fourth Circuit ruled against N.C. Republican lawmakers striking down the “monster” voting law in that state. The court found that North Carolina’s restrictive voting regulations “target African Americans with almost surgical precision.” Gov. Pat McCrory said that he would appeal the ruling.

Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II, president of the North Carolina NAACP and one of the lead plaintiffs who sued the state of North Carolina in North Carolina NAACP v. McCrory, said he isn’t claiming victory yet, focusing instead on the damage these legislative actions have wrought.

“The court ruled on the most sweeping, retrogressive voter suppression bill that we have seen since the 19th century and since Jim Crow, and the worst in the nation since the ‘Shelby’

decision,” said Barber, during a lunch break at the Repairers of the Breach Moral Political Organizing Leadership Institute and Summit. “The [voter law] in North Carolina was intentional discrimination of the highest order. They were retrogressing racially through redistricting.”

Barber continued: “After ‘Shelby,’ we’re in a different place in that there was no protection for civil rights. Shelby took us back across the Edmund Pettus Bridge. If preclearance was in place, they wouldn’t have passed these laws. They spent between five million - six million dollars fighting us. To have the loss of the Voting Rights Act is an affront to the country.”

Nation’s first Black Director of National Parks

Board; Rachel Stewart, leading young underwater explorer, and Clarence Fluker, National Parks executive at the White House Council of Environmental Quality.

As moderator, I plan to ask each panelist to share their iconic experience with the national parks; the value that national parks bring to communities and what policies the CBC might enact to achieve a system that is more inclusive of the Black population.

The report, An Untapped Resource: Our National Public Lands and the New America, issued last month finds “strong bipartisan support for public lands among voters from minority communities, despite an information gap that keeps many from accessing them. Ninety-two percent of African American, Asian-American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) and Latino voters approve of President Obama’s steps to protect public lands, and 93 percent believe it is important for the next president to do so as well.” Our recommended policies can be found at www.next100coalition.org For more information about the session please visit the CBC Foundation website at www.cbcfinc.org.

(Cont'd from FP) The measure included a strict ID requirement, a shorter early voting period; the elimination same-day registration; the prohibition of the counting of outof-precinct provisional ballots; elimination of a pre-registration program for 16- and 17-yearolds; and making challenging voters easier.

Republicans have used the boogey man of voter fraud to justify introducing tough and onerous measures, but in the years since the Shelby v. Holder decision, GOP lawmakers have revealed their true intentions: to siphon off enough Democratic votes to ensure that (GOP) retains control of the levers of power across the national political landscape.

In late July, the United States Court of Appeals for the

(Cont'd from FP) These sterling leaders constitute the panel “Building Communities for Conservation: The Legacy of African Americans in the National Park System” at the 46th Annual Legislative Conference of the Congressional Black Caucus. Sponsored by Congressman Alcee Hastings, the session will take place Friday, Sept. 16, 2016, 10 a.m. - 12 noon in Room 144A of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

With a 97-percent pro-environmental voting record from the League of Conservation Voters, Congressman Hastings is the antithesis to the Republican Party’s environmental leadership. (The Chair of the Senate Natural Resources Committee Lisa Murkowski has a 4 percent record while chair Rob Bishop of the House Committee on Natural Resources earned zero-percent. Both Republicans are leading the charge to dismantle the public lands system of National Parks, forests and

wildlife refuges and return them to the states for predictable exploitation.)

For the second year in a row Congressman Hastings is elevating African Americans’ relationship with the National Park System as a policy issue for the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC). Congressman Hastings, a lifelong friend of my husband Frank since they met at Howard University in the 50s, whose district includes the Everglades, readily agreed to sponsor a panel on “African Americans and the Environment” at the CBC conference in 1997, as we write in Legacy on the Land. He has won multiple awards from the National Parks Conservation Association for his pro-parks leadership.

The panelists include Robert Stanton, Director of the National Park Service 1997-2001; Betty Reid Soskin, one of the most famous working park rangers at 95; Cassius Cash, Superintendent of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park; Carolyn Finney, PhD, a member of the Congressionally-chartered National Parks Advisory

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

SEPTEMBER 15 - SEPTEMBER 21, 2016 • PAGE 9

John Howard has made his final layup he always knew what you were good at . . . as far as when to get you the ball and what part of the court to get you the ball. He was very good at doing things like that. He was a true floor general, which is what you want a point guard to be. Another thing about John is he was an A-1 student in the classroom.”

Clarence B. Wright, John Howard and HL Coleman.

By Shakey Daddy Monroe No proclamations are needed. No declarations are necessary. No ceremonies are required.

Simply ask anyone who ever watched John Howard play basketball if he was born to play the game?

Howard, a former Stranahan High School standout, passed away September 8 after battling lung cancer. He was 62.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday morning at Roy Mizell & Kurtz Funeral Home, 1305 N.W. Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderdale.

“He was one of the greatest point guards to ever play in Broward County,” said H.L. Coleman Sr., a former teammate and long-time friend of Howard. “He didn’t get the recognition that some of the guys got (after him).

“But if you really knew the game, you’d know that John was as good as any of the great point guards that came through Broward County. There have been some good guards that’s come through Broward County.

They may have been flashier than John, because he wasn’t flashy. But he got the job done.

He was a good free throw shooter, good passer, good ballhandler and he could score.

John was a coach on the floor.

He was what a point guard is supposed to be. He made everyone around him better.”

Howard, was a first-team, all-county selection his senior season (1972) at Stranahan.

He played for Broward Community College North campus before transferring to Western Carolina University. While at Western Carolina, Howard played with another Broward County prep legend in Kirby Thurston. The six-feet-nine inches Thurston starred at Blanche Ely and Pompano Beach High Schools. Howard was retired from the United State Postal Service.

STUDENT OF THE GAME Several of Howard’s former teammates recalled how effective he was at point guard, even without a flamboyant style.

“He wasn’t a flashy type of player, but he got the job done,” said Carl Roberson, a former Stranahan teammate. “John was a real trooper.

“He made me a student of the game. It was amazing how much he understood the game.

I really learned to appreciate someone like John Howard because he made it easier for me.

He paved the way. In my opinion, he was one of the best point guards to ever play in Broward County. When the ball was in John’s hands, you always knew something good was going to happen.”

You’ll get no argument from former Dillard High standout Sam Singletary about Howard’s ability. Singletary was also a first-team, all-county selection in 1972. Singletary had the unique experience, like Thurston, of playing against Howard and later with him. Singletary and Howard played together at BCC North. After JUCO, Singletary transferred to Morehouse.

“There was no question in

my mind that John Howard was the No. 1 point guard in Broward County in my senior year (1972),” Singletary declared. “Everybody has flaws in their game, John included.

“But everybody probably couldn’t pick the same flaw when it came to John. He brought so much to the table that you couldn’t say . . . he can’t go left or he can’t shoot.

He was so well versed in all his skills.

John made it so easy for me.

He got me easy shots . . . easy passes going to the basket. I think everybody would admit that he made the game easier for everybody, because he didn’t mind carrying the load.”

Singletary also had the exclusive experience of playing with two legendary point guards, Howard and former Dillard standout Claude Gavin.

Singletary called it the best of both worlds. Gavin, is considered by many the slickest ball-handler in the county’s history. Singletary vividly recalled the first matchup between Gavin and Howard during the 1971 season.

“He (Howard) held his own against Gavin,” Singletary said.

“He was shadowing Gavin like a suit. I said to myself . . . John is good. He had a way of breaking his man down and taking that corner.

“I’ve seen John in practice go behind his back and do a few things (like Gavin). He definitely had a little flare. But more important, he was a coach on the court. Yes, John was capable of doing a lot of flashy things, but he was an extension of whatever coach he played for.”

Howard’s leadership on the court is what separated him from other point guards throughout the years, according to Coleman. Howard was known for his quick thinking and ability to keep his teammates under control. He always led by example.

“He studied the game,” said Coleman, whose friendship with Coleman spanned 50 years. “He knew the game and he studied his opponents.

“He would always make sure that everybody was in the right place. One thing about John,

SOME RIVALRIES NEVER DIE Like friendships between Howard and Coleman and Roberson and Singletary, it seems those rivalries among those area schools are also timeless.

The flames are still burning.

There was quite a difference of opinion when it came to how Dillard continued its dominance of Stranahan during

Howard, was a first-team, all-county selection his senior season (1972) at Stranahan. the 1971 season. During the district tournament, Dillard was a heavy favorite to defeat the Dragons again like during the regular season. The tournament was played at Pompano Beach High gym.

“That was the night our bus broke down and we had to ride in the police paddy wagon to the game,” Coleman recalled.

“We weren’t even supposed to be in the game with Dillard.

“They were supposed to blow us out. But it was a tight game till John Howard fouled out and everything went to pieces.”

Singletary took the Fifth (amendment) and refused to comment on how Dillard won.

“I remember that game,” Singletary chuckled. “I’m not going to say it was the best one I’ve seen but it was a good game .. we won.”

Although athletes aren’t allowed to criticize the officiating, Roberson believes it’s safe to comment about the game . . . some 45 years later.

“We had them (Dillard) on the ropes,” Roberson said with a smile. “But he (John) got fouled and the referee didn’t call it and John was bleeding all down his arm from the foul.

“So John was telling the referee that I’m bleeding and I didn’t do this to myself. That changed everything.”

PAGE 10 • SEPTEMBER 15 - SEPTEMBER 21, 2016

Westside Gazette

“Stay-Cation” The Stranahan House Stranahan was pivotal to the origin of this great Broward County city.

A visit to the Stranahan House offers a chance to time travel to the early 1900’s and relish in the evolution of Broward County. Back in 1893, at the age of 27, Stranahan was hired by his cousin to man-

By Don Valentine A mandatory stop for every resident of Broward County is the birthplace of Fort Lauderdale. This historic landmark is

the home of Frank Stranahan, affectionately known as the father of Fort Lauderdale. It rests on the shore of the verdant New River, in what is now downtown Fort Lauderdale.

U.S. Olympic Champion Gabby Douglas gets her very own Barbie Doll!

NATIONWIDE — Gabby Douglas has two gold Olympic medals to her name, multiple world championships, and now her very own look-a-like Barbie doll. Mattel, decided to celebrate her success at the U.S. gymnastics team’s trials with a Barbie of her likeness.

She told People magazine, “I’m so excited. My older sister and I used to play with Barbies and create these dramatic fantasy stories, so it’s such a huge honor.” She also told reporters that she hopes that young girls will take away her number-one lesson, which is to “Stay true to yourself, and go after your dreams.”

“Be yourself and really embrace your inner beauty and your true talent,” she said. “Believe in yourself. Never let anyone tell you can’t do something when you can.”

“Being honored as a Barbie Shero further motivates me to inspire girls by being the best I can be.”

When asked about her upcoming performance in Rio de Janeiro, she replied, “I’m just

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

September 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 2016

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age his camp and ferry at Tarpon Bend, located on the New River. This would grow into his own independent ferry system to cross the New River. This venture thrived and led to Stranahan becoming an eminent force in Fort Lauderdale.

When you take the tour you will find the staff so friendly that you feel like a long lost visiting relative. They are quick to smile and accommodate your

www.thewestsidegazette.com every need. The docent on my tour was a virtual savant on the historical nuances of Fort Lauderdale. She made the tour particularly rewarding by describing a vibrant view of the environment of the day. It ranged from the passion of Stranahan and his wife for the Seminole Indians, to their legacy in the African American community. Stranahan was not only the banker of Fort Lauderdale, but a confidant to the elite

such as Henry Flagler and his associates. All the while Stranahan maintained a common denominator with the proletariat. When the great depression hit Stranahan decided to not foreclose on people’s homes. Those are just a few of the things you will learn on your tour of the home of the Father of Fort Lauderdale. You will absolutely come away with an educational afternoon. www.stranahanhouse.org

www.thewestsidegazette.com

Westside Gazette

SEPTEMBER 15 - SEPTEMBER 21, 2016 • PAGE 11

Top 10 local Black-owned farms that you should support

By Black Business.org There are Black-owned farms all across the country, but according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), they make up only 2

percent of U.S. agricultural land. With these odds, it is very difficult for African Americans and others who want to support Black-owned farms.

To help you find ones that may be located near your home,

here is a list of 10 of the top local Black-owned farms: #1 - Scott Family Farms: this Fresno, Calif. farm specializes in organic produce.

It is a family owned business operated by Will Scott Jr. and

Fourth week of Non-Violence includes 16 U.S. and global cities

DR. MYERS Civic leaders in the U.S. and overseas are helping to launch the Fourth Annual 2016 Week of Non-Violence, Justice and Opportunities, beginning Saturday, Oct. 15-23, 2016, sponsored by Black Women for Positive Change (BW4PC) and the Positive Change Foundation (PCF).

In a joint statement Dr. Stephanie E. Myers and Virginia Delegate Daun S. Hester, national co-chairs of BW4PC said, “Over the past three years, we have organized events in 10 U.S. cities and the United Kingdom, to promote violence prevention among youth, adults and law enforcement. This year we are pleased to see the network of cities expand to 16 cities to promote awareness of violence prevention.” Dr. Myers

and Delegate Hester continued, “Our goal is to ‘Change the Culture of Violence in America, and the World’ and we invite people of all backgrounds, religions and ethnicities to organize local events in their cities. Everyone must work together to help youth and adults learn how to resolve conflicts and manage their anger without violence.”

The National Co-Chair for the 2016 Week of Non-Violence is Kevin Judd, Esq., president of the National Bar Association.

National partners are the National Black Nurses Association; National Bar Association, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement (NOBLE) and Church of God in Christ, Inc. Elected officials supporting the 2016 Week of Non-Violence include: Congressman Elijah Cummings, Md., Congressman John Lewis, Ga.; Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton; WDC, Councilwoman Natalia Rudiak, Pittsburgh, Pa., and former Alexandria, Vir. Mayor William Euille.

As of August 2016, organizations in the following cities are planning local or on-line events including Phoenix, Ariz.; Denver, Colo.; Los Angeles, Calif..; Washington, D.C., Miami, Fla.; Atlanta, Ga.; Chicago, Ill.; Baltimore, Md., St. Louis, Mo.; Albuquerque, N.M.; Columbus, Ohio; Pittsburgh, Pa.; Houston, Tex.; Hampton Roads, Va.; London, UK; Portau-Prince, Haiti (t); Pretoria

HESTER and Johannesburg, South Africa.

“Since 2013, we have reached over 180,000 individuals directly at faith institutions, civic events, schools, youth clubs and through the media with violence prevention messages,” said Karen Carrington and Bernadette Tolson, co-chairs of BW4PC Media and Events in a joint statement. “We encourage more cities to organize non-violence activities to help build trust between youth and law enforcement, and to help youth with anger management, stopping bullying and other forms of conflicts.”

If your organization wants to join the 2016 Week of Non-Violence movement they can sign up at: www.blackwomenforpositivechange.org or, email Bkwomen4poschange@gmail.com For press inquiries contact Karen Carrington at (202) 210-4005.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau wins court case against CashCall

By Charlene Crowell, NNPA Newswire Columnist The fight for fair lending got a big boost on Aug. 31 when a federal court rejected a payday loan collector’s attempt to evade consumer laws. The decision against CashCall, a Californiabased online payday and installment lender, upheld the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) authority to investigate and fine lenders for unfair, abusive or deceptive practices.

The court ruling is a key step in a legal battle that began nearly three years ago.

In December 2013 and for the first time, CFPB sued to secure consumer refunds of illegally collected money. According to the filing, “defendants engaged in unfair, deceptive and abusive practices, including illegally debiting consumer checking accounts for loans that were void.”

CFPB charged that California-based CashCall, its subsidiary WS Funding LLC, affiliate Delbert Services Corporation, a Nevada collection agency were all the same ownership. Loans ranging from $850- $10,000 were sold with upfront fees, lengthy repayment terms and interest rates as high as 343 percent. CFPB charged that these loan terms violated state laws in at least 16 states that had in place licensing requirements, interest rate caps – or both.

As early as 2009, CashCall also partnered with Western Sky Financial, another company, to claim that tribal law rather than state law applied to their loans. Readers may recall a series of television ads promoting Western Sky’s quick and easy loans.

The federal court disagreed

and dismissed challenging arguments, finding CashCall to be the true lender. The relationship with Western Sky was tantamount to a “rent-a-bank” scheme. In part the ruling stated affected states “have expressed a fundamental public policy in protecting its citizens.”

CFPB’s late summer court victory is similar to another recent enforcement action by the Maryland Commissioner of Financial Regulation. In that state’s court, CashCall was found to be a lender that tried to evade state usury limits by using the rent-a-bank scheme.

Today, there are 90 million people who live in the District of Columbia and 14 states where excessively-priced payday loans are not allowed. Collectively, these states save more than $2 billion a year that would otherwise be spent on payday loan fees.

That’s a good thing for consumers.

Consumer advocates are celebrating this important victory. It is one that upholds the importance of strong state laws and effective enforcement.

“This important ruling validates the right of states to protect their citizens from predatory loans, whether they are made online or at a store-front”, noted Diane Standaert, director of state policy and an executive vice president with the Center for Responsible Lending. “It reinforces the common sense concept that people should not be harassed for debts they do not owe. Both states and the CFPB must continue to enact protections against unfair lending and collection practices.”

The court ruling also comes when the deadline for public comment on payday lending approaches. CFPB will accept

CROWELL comments from citizens and organizations that have concerns about payday and high-cost, small-dollar loans. An online portal can accept comments at stoppaydaypredators.org/ crl/.

The deadline for public comment is October 7. If anyone doubts how these small-dollar loans cause so much financial harm, consider these facts: • Over $3.4 billion in excessive fees are drained from payday borrowers each year.

• Nearly 1 in 4 payday borrowers rely on either public assistance or retirement benefits as an income source.

• Payday borrowers are more likely to experience bank penalty fees, delinquencies on other bills, and delayed medical care.

All too often across the country, payday storefronts ply their trade in Black and Latino neighborhoods. The noticeable presence of payday lenders in our communities indicate that our people are being targeted to become financial victims. I would challenge anyone to identify areas dominated by highincome consumers have a comparable number of payday stores.

Starting now, choose not to become a payday victim. If there was ever a time to speak up or speak out on predatory lending, don’t miss the Oct. 7, 2016 deadline for comments.

his family. Their produce includes produce popular among the Black community, such as collard greens, turnip greens, black eyed peas and sweet potatoes. #2 - East New York Farms: A project of the United Community Centers in partnership with local residents to increase organic food production within the economically disadvantaged community in the eastern part of Brooklyn.

Since they began in 1998, they have created 65 community gardens in the area. #3 - Swanson Family Farm: this 30-acre farm in Hampton, Ga., connects with local farmers to sell their fresh produce, grass-fed beef, chicken, eggs and other farm-fresh products to local markets. #4 - Mill Creek Farm: this educational urban farm in West Philadelphia uses no chemicals in their farming. Their goal is to provide fresh produce, “building a healthy community and environment, and promoting a just and sustainable food system” for residents of West Philadelphia. #5 - Burnell Farms: Based in Royston, Ga., this farm land is owned by Tammy Jo and Bill

Burnell who started the farm “with just $48 in seeds and a little over $1,000 in cash.” The company’s sole purpose is to improve the health of residents in the north Georgia area. #6 - Metro Atlanta Urban Farm: A certified naturally grown farm and communitydriven organization located in College Park, Ga., that produces more than 25 crops, including eight varieties of tomatoes and three varieties of okra. The farm was created to fill a need to provide low-income families and individuals with access to affordable fresh produce. #7 - Five Seeds Farm: Denzel Mitchell, founder and farm manager, his wife and five children started the farm in 2008 in Baltimore, Md. Their produce is free of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and fertilizers, and includes fruit, vegetables, herbs, eggs, honey and animals. #8 - Bed Stuy Farm Share: A partnership between a local farm and a neighborhood. The farm is located in the New York City area and brings fresh, affordable produce to NYC neighborhoods and residents. It is member-based with members buying a “share” in

the farm that enables the farm to purchase certified organic products. Members receive a share of the harvest, and the community benefits from fresh, affordable produce. #9 - The BLK ProjeK: A South Bronx Mobile Market & Buying Club pilot program started in 2009 by Bronx activist and mother, Tanya Fields who initially just wanted healthier food for herself and her family.

Mobile Market brings high quality food from local producers and resells at affordable prices in the South Bronx area, and includes a buying club that provides a weekly share to residents at a very low price. #10 - Southeastern African American Farmers’ Organic Network (SAAFON): This network of Black, organic farmers in Southeastern U.S. They represent Black farmers in eight states: Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and the Virgin Islands.

Their goal is to help sustain agriculture in African American communities.

PAGE 12 • SEPTEMBER 15 - SEPTEMBER 21, 2016

On the Horizon

Dr. Amy Lansky, Director, Office of National AIDS Policy, The White House From AIDS.gov The next few months are an important time for our community to gather, reflect on the progress of recent years, and continue moving forward. With many opportunities to connect, Office of National AIDS Policy (ONAP) will continue to emphasize the National HIV/AIDS Strategy, and we’re seeking to highlight activities that are bringing us closer to our national goals.

Since last year, when we updated the Strategy through 2020 and released the Federal Action Plan, Federal agencies have been implementing nearly 100 action items in 2016 alone.

We also know that those of you outside the Federal government—people living with HIV, service providers, health department staff, and advocates— are also working to serve your communities best by applying the Strategy to your work.

We want to hear about how YOU are implementing the Strategy! ONAP is looking to highlight innovative work aligned with the Strategy that

improves how you reach your communities and make progress towards the goals. In 150-200 words, send us your stories here

by Friday, Sept. 30. You are encouraged to use our Community Action Plan Framework to help align your submission with a particular Goal, Step, or Recommended Action of the Strategy.

This week ONAP will participate at the 20th U.S. Conference on AIDS (USCA) in Hollywood, Fla. This is another chance to see how communities, local agencies, and people living with HIV are responding to the calls of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy to reach those especially affected by HIV. As with past USCA conferences, ONAP is proud to organize a Federal session with our colleagues from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Health Resources and Services Administration, and Department of Housing and Urban Development, which will highlight collaborations between these agencies and successes from their grantees in implementing the Strategy on the ground.

And as we enter the fall, ONAP will continue to work closely with all of our partners in the Strategy’s Federal Interagency Workgroup (FIW) to ensure we meet the commitments set in the Federal Action Plan. As FIW co-chairs, Dr. Rich Wolitski and I have focused discussions around Federal actions to address the Strategy’s four key areas of focus and key populations [PDF 604 KB]. At our next meeting in early September, the FIW will continue to discuss pressing issues such as disparities facing gay and bisexual men (noting that National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is coming up),

www.thewestsidegazette.com

Westside Gazette and the topics of the Strategy’s developmental indicators: PrEP use, HIV stigma, and HIV among transgender people. All this and more will be included in the annual progress report

on Strategy implementation, to be released on World AIDS Day. In the meantime, I look forward to seeing many of you at the meetings to come, and hearing your many stories of success.

How a bad manicure can put you at risk for HIV — four questions to ask

Manicure in nail salon.

AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses recently published a story about a 22-year-old Brazilian woman who had advanced HIV infection, but not from obvious reasons. Her HIV was traced, 10 years later, to an unsanitary manicure.

What to look for A California dermatologist concurs that HIV can be transmitted from a manicure if the salon does not take the proper precautions in sterilizing their equipment. So, before you book your next manicure or pedicure, take the time to get answers from your salon to these four important questions: #1 - How are the tools disinfected?

Asking how the tools are disinfected is just as important as knowing that proper disinfecting is being practiced at your salon.

Make sure they are washed in anti-bacterial soap, disinfected with Barbicide (specifically designed to clean and disinfect salons, barbershops and spas), and sterilized under high pressure steam. #2 - Do the nail technicians use protective gloves?

Gloves protect both the nail technician and her customer from germs and bacteria that bare hands can carry. #3 - Will they let you bring your own nail polish?

This is the safest way to go, but if they don’t allow outside nail polish, make sure they are using a topical antiseptic and sanitizer that is strong enough to kill germs on the nail bed and the skin surrounding it. #4 - Is the entire salon clean?

If areas of the salon appear dirty and unsanitary, including the floors and the restrooms, it’s best to walk away. Chances are these unsanitary practices are going on in other areas that will come in direct contact with you.

Don’t take a chance on a dirty salon. Don’t be afraid to ask tough questions. Make sure you are in safe hands!

Ending LGBT clinical bias

By Health Resources and Services Administration Cross-posted from HRSA ENEWS Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people continue to experience discrimination in health care – underscoring the need for a dramatic shift in attitudes for a longstigmatized minority and more behavioral health specialists working in primary care clinics.

Not only does providing primary and behavioral health services in a single setting improve patient outcomes, said HRSA public health analyst Kim Patton in a recent webcast, it costs less.

More than 1,100 health professionals listened in June to a panel of experts who said tighter integration of mental health is overdue.

Convened by HRSA’s Denver and San Francisco regional offices, speakers addressed the “Behavioral Health Needs of Transgender and Gender NonConforming Patients” – who are almost three times more likely to suffer major depression and anxiety disorders from fear of “coming out” and all it entails, said Patton and others.

Three out of four experience workplace discrimination, for example, and more than 90 were murdered in 2015.

Repeated studies have shown that the population suffers higher rates of related substance abuse into late life. Yet, “there is a history of medical professionals ... refusing care,” said Tricia Smith of the Los Angeles LGBT Center.

Less than one of three affected people is “out” to their providers, and as many as 20 percent of transgender people have been completely denied medical care based on their identity, she said, citing a 2011 report. And an estimated 28 percent have been verbally attacked in a medical setting.

“They are bringing that into the room with them,” she said.

Eight of 10 transgender people say they want mental health support. Nearly a third smoke; more than a quarter report substance use; 40 percent attempt suicide – “reactions to the severity of marginalization they are experiencing,” Smith said.

Encouragingly, she added, studies indicate transgender children who are supported by their families are significantly more stable and better adjusted than children whose families do not support them. For want of that acceptance, thousands of others suffer.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

No gender bias.