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PERMIT NO. 1179
Black Families Believe Racial Inequality Growing In U.S. Schools
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Teen Summit 2017
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Local Miami Gymnasts Shines At AAU Gymnastics Age Group National Championship
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Westside Gazette Broward County's Oldest and Largest African American Owned and Operated Newspaper VOL. 46 NO. 23
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Seven-year-old running her own food truck
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Tributes pour in celebrating the life of Martha Rivera Chavis
The Black and Minority Business Blog Kyleigh McGee, a 7-year old African American girl from Little Rock, Arkansas is running and operating her very own food truck.
Florida ACLU files Lawsuit The suit claims that Miami-Dade County improperly held an 18-year-old in a county jail under the mayor’s controversial immigration order.
CHAVIS By Stacy M. Brown (NNPA Newswire Contributor) Mayor Carlos Gimenez (Photo courtesy of Miami-Dade County) By Paul Scicchitano (Patch Staff) MIAMI, FL — A lawsuit was filed against Mayor Carlos Gimenez and Miami-Dade County on Wednesday claiming that officials violated the rights of an 18-year-old man by improperly holding him in a county jail under the mayor’s controversial immigration detainer order.
Civil rights rollbacks at Education Department trigger challenges By Charlene Crowell Decades of vigilant struggles and sacrifices, civil rights legislation enacted in the 1960s won federal promises to ensure that discrimination is illegal and would not be tolerated.
THURSDA Y, JUL Y 13 - WEDNESDA Y, JUL Y 19, 2017 THURSDAY JULY WEDNESDAY JULY
Martha Rivera Chavis was not just the wife of civil rights leader Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., but by all accounts, from those who knew the Dominican Republic-born activist, Rivera Chavis strived just as hard as her beloved husband for freedom, justice and equality for Blacks and other minorities.
“I met Martha in 1993 when she was head of the Women in NAACP [WIN] committee and she simply brought new life to that organization,” said Zach McDaniels, who served as the strategic adviser for Dr. Chavis, when he organized the Million Man March. “Martha shook up the NAACP, she had a very vibrant spirit and to be around her and in her presence, was always something special,” said McDaniels who also worked as a director of community affairs for famed Baltimore attorney Billy Murphy. Rivera Chavis passed away in her home in Montclair, N.J. at 3 a.m. on Thursday, July 6. She was 53. “Our mother’s spirit, passion and love will always be with us,” Rivera Chavis and Dr. Chavis’ children, Franklin, Ana Elisabeth, John Mandela, and Reginald Louis Chavis, said in a statement. Chavis and his wife met in the late 80s, after the civil rights leader spent time in Angola, where Americanbacked rebels mined civilian areas. At the time, Angola had one of the highest percentages of individuals with missing limbs, victims of the country’s brutal civil war, a fact that moved both Dr. Chavis and his wife.
Too much in common not to love one another “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.” 1 John 4:7 (NASB) By Bobby R. Henry, Sr. Reality will make you take a closer look at yourself and the people around you even if you don’t want to. Death is an inevitable part of life and one of the most realist things you would ever be a part of. It is so real that it is final on this side. This past week my family saw two of our love ones transition from this life into the everlasting life within hours of each other. Witnessing that made me really take a close look at family relationships. I don’t know about you, but my families are far from being perfect. As we all know imperfection can bread flawed and blemished people that produce defective relationships, creating dysfunctional families. Our families are not alone in this quagmire of normal abnormalities and dysfunction which creates a snowball effect, I would imagine that dysfunctional families create a dysfunctional world. If you don’t believe me just take a look around and acknowledge all sorts of different things that have plagued your families; oh, excuse me, I mean your cousins’ families. It’s true that families are to love one another and in love it means we accept each other’s fallibilities supposedly unconditionally. What's so sad about this is that we don’t realize it until we are at a homegoing service of a loved one and all of a sudden you remember, wow that’s my love one lying there lifeless. Too late! (Cont'd on Page 5)
Broward Schools to sue over controversial new schools law
(Cont'd on Page 3)
The City of Hollywood comes under fire again for street names linked to the Confederacy and the Klu Klux Klan
Retrial date set in Bill Cosby sexual assault case
Broward County Schools Superintendent Robert Runcie. (Joe Rimkus Jr., Miami Herald file photo) By Kirsten M. Clark Herald/Times Tallahassee Bureau Bill Cosby (l) will stand trial, again, on Nov. 6.; photo taken on Tuesday, June 13, 2017. Cosby and Andrew Wyatt, his spokesman. (POOL PHOTO) By Stacy M. Brown (NNPA Newswire Contributor) Bill Cosby will face another criminal prosecution. A trial date of Nov. 6, 2017 has been set by Montgomery County Judge Steven O’Neill, the District Attorney announced via Twitter on Thursday.
Ol’ southern racism fuels economic inequality in Louisiana By Carmen Green, MPH (The Drum/NNPA Member) Economic mobility is the ability for someone to go from low, or no income to middle income in one lifetime, or for the next generation to earn money at a higher tax bracket. (Read full stories at: www.thewestsidegazette.com)
By Jasman Rogers Photos taken by Angie GB On last Wednesday’s Hollywood City Commission meeting, over 50 community members who want the streets renamed were faced with dozens of counter protests who demanded the street names remain as they are. These counter protestors waved American flags, Confederate flags, and other flags representing white nationalism, while chanting “Trump” and “white lives matter.” One of the counter protestors was heard saying “I don’t care about Black lives,” while others were heard calling a State Representative Shevrin Jones a “nigger” and “monkey.” Rep. Jones, who represents Hollywood, spoke at the rally in favor of
Pleading Our Own Cause
changing the street names. He said,"we are fighting against a time in history that divided our country and today we stand here united as one front. Not only to let the commissioners know that if Louisiana can do it ,if Mississippi can do it, if Tampa can do it, then Hollywood can do the same thing.” During the public comments section of the commission meeting, community residents and their supporters expressed that they are tired of coming to the commission repeatedly demanding the same thing. Their demand is simple: remove the offensive street names and rename them with the names they were originally given. (Cont'd on Page 5)
WWW.
The bitter fight over new K-12 public school reforms that the Republican-led Legislature approved this spring entered a new stage on Wednesday when the Broward County School Board voted unanimously to challenge the law's constitutionality in court. Broward is the first school district to vote to sue over the passage of House Bill 7069, which became law Saturday above passionate objections from school administrators, teachers’ unions, and parent groups statewide for its many provisions friendly to charter schools. In some cases, at the expense of traditional public schools. “I’m in favor of taking aggressive action as soon as we possibly can,” Broward School Board member Rosalind Osgood said during a special board meeting convened solely to authorize Superintendent Robert Runcie to file the legal challenge and to spend up to $25,000 on initial legal fees. “We’re on life support now, and we have to literally fight for the life of
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public education in this state,” Osgood said. “If we don’t stand up now, if we miss this opportunity, we’ll never recover from it.” It’s unclear how soon the lawsuit will be filed. Broward County’s allegations of unconstitutionality primarily surround how HB 7069 gives charter schools a leg up over traditional public schools through less restrictive regulations and extra taxpayer funding that make it easier for them to expand. Most troublesome to Broward and other school districts is a provision that forces them to share with privately managed charter schools millions in local tax dollars earmarked for construction and maintenance. In 2017-18 alone, Broward could have to share up to $12 million with its charters, while Miami-Dade County Public Schools will have to share as much as $23.2 million, according to data compiled by the Florida House. Over five years, that will cost Miami-Dade schools $250 million, the district predicts. (Read full story at: www.thewestsidegazette.com)
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The NNPA salutes century-old, Black-owned newspapers “When the paper first started, there were bomb threats and journalists were beaten and threatened all of the time,” Williams said. “[Today], we have to continue to carry that mantle and be the voices of our communities.” The New Pittsburgh Courier has earned a number of honors including the historic and coveted John B. Russwurm Trophy and the A. Philip Randolph Messenger Award, said Rod Doss, the editor and pub-
lisher of the newspaper. “When we talk about the legacy of the Pittsburgh Courier, its tremendous history is unique across the country,” said Doss, a native of the “Steel City” and graduate of Pittsburgh Technical Institute. Doss continued: “We stand on the shoulders of [Black Press legends] John B. Russwurm and Robert Sengstacke Abbot and, in the heyday of the Black Press, we had a legacy that was unparalleled,” he said, before no-
ting how the Black Press survived and thrived despite attacks against it even by African American journalists, who fled the Black Press for integrated mainstream publications. “But, I’m telling you, that the heyday is still right now.” Brenda Andrews, the publisher of Virginia’s New Journal and Guide, said papers like hers, the New Pittsburgh Courier, the Chicago Defender and the AFRO, joined to make history during the eras of Jim Crow and the Civil Rights Movement. (Read full stories at: www.thewestsidegazette.com)
Auto companies find success with diversity programs
L to r: Pluria Marshall, Jr., publisher of The Los Angeles Wave; Shannon Williams, president of the Indianapolis Recorder, Brenda Andrews, the publisher of Virginia’s New Journal and Guide; Rod Doss, the editor and publisher the New Pittsburgh Courier; Jake Oliver, the publisher of the Washington AFRO and the Baltimore Afro-American participated in a panel on Black newspapers that are 100 years-old during the NNPA’s annual convention at the National Harbor in Prince George’s County, Md. (Freddie Allen/AMG/ NNPA) By Stacy M. Brown (NNPA NewswireContributor) While the Black Press celebrates 190 years, it’s impossible to ignore the African Americanowned newspapers that have the unique distinction of being in business for more than a century. Organizers of the National Newspaper Publishers Association summer conference held at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center at the National Harbor in Maryland, made sure to honor those legendary publications and their owners. Jim Washington, the publisher of The Dallas Weekly, an NNPA member newspaper that’s been publishing for more than 60 years, moderated the panel discussion that paid homage to publications like The Los Angeles Wave, which was founded in 1912; the Indianapolis Recorder (1895); the New
Pittsburgh Courier (1907); The New Journal and Guide (1900); and the Baltimore Afro-American (1892). The Ford Motor Company sponsored the panel discussion. “It only makes sense that we are here to connect with these publications,” said Erin Howlette, the senior account director for UniWorld Group; in that position, Howlette focuses on targeted initiatives for the Ford Motor Company. “I think it’s amazing that they’ve been in business for 100-plus years,” said Howlette. Howlette spoke right before the panelists offered their thoughts on family-owned businesses and the success they’ve experienced in the Black Press. “We have several components of this convention: legacy, innovation and empowerment and this is called ‘legacy,’” Washington said as he introduced the panel. Pluria Marshall, Jr., the publisher of eight newspapers in greater Los Angeles including the Wave, said that despite the paper’s longevity, it remains a battle to get folks to take notice.
“It’s interesting that you run across people that we all know and they can say they never heard of you,” said Marshall, who is also president and CEO of Marshall Broadcasting Group, one of the largest African American owned television companies. “Somehow folks outside don’t know us and they ask whether we’re on the web and we’ve been on the web for a couple of decades. Marshall continued: “It’s a constant struggle and I try to give whoever I’m talking with some reference point.” Shannon Williams, president of the Indianapolis Recorder, said that being the caretaker of a historic Black newspaper remains a privilege. “It’s a tremendous sense of pride. I always tell my staff that we’re documenting history,” said Williams, who also formed the Recorder Media Group, an in-house firm that provides various marketing and communications efforts, photography and event-planning services as well as brand development techniques for businesses and organizations.
Lisa Brown, the diversity and inclusion consultant for Volkswagen Group of America, said that the automotive industry has to market to the Black community and do business with Blackowned firms. By Bria Nicole Stone (NNPA Newswire Contributor) As tech companies struggle to recruit and hire African Americans and other minorities, companies in another billiondollar industry have embraced the importance of diversity and inclusion strategies that are critical to the future success of their businesses. A recent report published by General Motors found that African Americans account for a higher share of the auto-maker’s workforce in the United States compared to their share of the total U.S. workforce.
Blacks account for 18.1 percent of the total U.S. workforce at General Motors, according to the company’s 2017 “Diversity & Inclusion” report. GM also reported that 35 percent of all of the company’s U.S. hires were minorities in 2016. In the report, Mary Barra, the chairman and CEO of General Motors, said that, “at a time when the auto industry, technology and customer preferences are changing rapidly, diversity and inclusion are more vital to GM’s success than ever before.” Meanwhile, “tech companies like Google, Facebook and Intel have shown little progress since first releasing their diversity numbers in 2014,” according to the Silicon Valley Business Journal. Google’s own workforce demographic data released in 2014 showed that only 2 percent of the tech giant’s staffers were Black. In fact, the San Francisco-based software firm Atlassian reported that Blacks account for just 2 percent of the tech industry’s entire workforce. Some tech companies don’t even recognize they have a problem. A survey by Atlassian showed, “that 83 percent of tech employees believe their company is already diverse, and 79 percent think the average team at their company has a diverse set of team members,” according to the Silicon Valley Business
Ken Barrett, the global chief diversity officer for GM, said that diversity and inclusion programs make good business sense. This photo was taken at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. (Freddie Allen/AMG/ NNPA, photos credit) Journal. In March, Apple shareholders rejected a plan to accelerate the company’s efforts to increase diversity among its senior management and its board of directors, TheVerge.com reported. TheVerge.com article continued: “This is the second year in a row that Apple shareholders have shot down the proposal, with just over 95 percent of the vote opposing it this time around—slightly more than last year.” (Read full stories at: www.thewestsidegazette.com)
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JULY 13 - JULY 19, 2017 • PAGE 3 Westside Gazette Thanks, but no thanks: CBC rejects second meeting with Trump New Passport Office opens in the Broward By Lauren Victoria Burke (NNPA Newswire Contributor) Congressional Black Caucus Chairman Cedric Richmond (DLa.) rejected an offer from the White House to meet with all 49 members of the caucus, citing steps that the Trump Administration has taken, “that will affirmatively hurt Black communities.” In a letter addressed to President Trump, Richmond wrote that, “Your Administration has yet to provide a response to the policies we presented. Additionally, your Administration has not followed through on a pledge you made to us to facilitate meetings with relevant Cabinet officials.” The letter also noted that roughly 60 percent of the proposed cuts in Trump’s budget plan will slash programs that serve the most vulnerable Americans. “For example, you propose a $4 billion cut to Pell Grants that help low-income college students pay their tuition,” the letter said. “You also proposed the complete elimination of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which helps seniors and other helpless populations heat their homes in the winter and cool them in the summer.” The letter continued: “[Attor-
CBC Chairman Cedric Richmond (D-La.) wrote that President Trump has taken steps that hurt the Black community. (Official Photo) ney General Jeff Sessions] issued guidance to federal prosecutors to accelerate the failed war on drugs that will continue to wreck the Black community and exacerbate our nation’s shameful scourge of mass incarceration. Attorney General Sessions has also explicitly stated his unwillingness to utilize consent decrees to protect the civil rights of Americans and has called for an agencywide review of these agreements. These short-sighted decisions represent willful ignorance by relying on ideology instead of data and compassion.”
The letter also said that some Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have lost funding through TRIO programs under Education Secretary Betsy Devos’ leadership. Although Richmond speaks for the entire caucus, some CBC members are divided on the next move. In the letter, Richmond suggested that Trump reach out to individual CBC members. Some CBC members would like a smaller group to meet with Trump. Others, such as Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.) told the NNPA Newswire that “it’s up to the individual member” when asked about the invite. Rep. Al Lawson (D-Fla.), who is a freshman member to the United States Congress, but a veteran lawmaker from Florida, spoke with NNPA Newswire in June and said that he wants to meet with Trump. “I talked to Omarosa [Manigault] about the opportunity to meet with [President Trump] and talk about some issues that are very important to me in Florida,” said Lawson. “I think it’s important to meet. I might not agree with his issues and his politics but we’re here to work. This is someone who is going to be here for the next three and a half years. You have to work with him.” (Read full stories at: www.thewestsidegazette.com)
Tributes pour in celebrating the life of Martha Rivera Chavis (Cont'd from FP) When Chavis met Martha Rivera, she was 23 and employed as a French-to-Portuguese translator for Angola’s United Nation’s ambassador. Angola’s U.N. Ambassador Manuel Pacavira introduced the couple at a New York City restaurant and Chavis said that although she was 16 years his junior, he was impressed with Martha’s sense of history and her knowledge of the contemporary movement in African, Latin America and the Caribbean—each striving for independence, freedom and equality. “I was impressed that this young sister from the Dominican Republic had an African conscience. A lot of times when you come from a place, you know where you are and you know your roots, but Martha knew what was going on in the contemporary world,” Chavis said. Rivera Chavis graduated from Paris-Sorbonne University, the main inheritor of the old Sorbonne, which dates back to the 13th century and counts as one of the first universities in the world. She spoke fluently in five languages: Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian and English. She also worked as a translator for the Angolan ambassador. “We had the dinner with the ambassador in early September and by the 20th of September, we got married,” Chavis said. “It was not only love at first sight, but marriage at first sight.” The couple brought home 10 Angolans, including six with missing limbs. The injured foreign visitors remained in the Chavis’ home for more than a year with the couple traveling with them to Capitol Hill to bring to light the atrocities that were happening in Angola and other parts of Africa. “Martha didn’t just show sympathy, she empathized and wanted to do something about it,” Chavis said. She supported Chavis’ decision to leave his lifetime post as executive director of the United Church of Christ’s Commission for Racial Justice to become executive director of the NAACP, even though it meant uprooting the family from Cleveland to Baltimore. “The thought of leaving a secure position meant a lot of soul-searching for both of us, and Reginald F. Lewis had convinced me to do it and Martha encouraged me to go for the NAACP job,” Chavis said. “She would become a strong advocate for the NAACP and, at the time, the organization was struggling to attract younger people to come back and here I was with my young wife, in her late 20s. When I won, I would never forget the famous picture of Martha and me in The New York Times.” Chavis continued: “She sang ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’ with all of us and she always remembered that and I would always use those words, those verses, in my speeches and sermons.”
Rivera Chavis would become head of WIN; she supported the women of the Million Man March and then spoke along with actress Jada Pinkett and others at a later Million Women March, which she helped to organize. She also became friends with African American icons C. Delores Tucker, Dorothy Height and Coretta Scott King. “Martha will be known for her passion. She was extremely passionate about her family about her culture and most of all about Dr. Chavis,” said Kent Matlock, the chairman of Matlock Advertising and Public Relations in Atlanta, Ga. Matlock noted how pivotal a role Rivera Chavis played in the unprecedented “FairShare” deal made between the NAACP and Denny’s Restaurants after the chain had been charged with racial discrimination at several of its properties. The deal in which Denny’s pledged to hire and promote minorities and increase purchases from minority-owned business was estimated at more than $1 billion over seven years. “Martha was a strong civicminded person,” Matlock said. “I trace it back to her [Dominican Republic] roots. She was highspirited and committed. She had an understanding way about her and was very accepting of other people. The world was a better place with her in it.” NAFEO president and CEO Dr. Lezli Baskerville issued a statement saying she knew
Rivera Chavis to be a loving and doting wife and mother. “I knew her also as a courageous, strategic, freedom fighter who valiantly helped to shaped and lead campaigns for freedom, justice and human dignity for all persons in her birth country, on the African continent, Cuba, and in her adopted country of these United States,” Baskerville said. A memorial fund has been established for Rivera Chavis, who will be buried in the Dominican Republic. Those wishing to contribute can visit https:nnpamartharchavismemorialfund.mydagsite.com.
County Central Courthouse
Brenda Forman at new Passport Office. By Byler E. Henry “My mission is to make improvements in areas that need them and to make the office more user friendly through updated technology and a community relations campaign to inform our residents about the services that we offer.” This statement was made seven months ago immediately after Brenda Forman was elected as Broward County Clerk of the Courts. Broward County’s first African American Clerk and third one statewide, Forman is also the first woman to hold the position in Broward as well. Born in rural Alabama and raised by her Grandmother after her mother’s untimely death, Forman is staying true to her mission. “My Grandmother taught us that we could do anything in life we wanted to do, as long as we did the right thing and put God first in our lives.” Forman, the Broward County Clerk of the Courts, greeted visitors personally on opening day of the new passport office on the first floor of the newly constructed downtown Fort
Lauderdale Courthouse, located at 201 S.E. Sixth St. “When I was elected, I knew that I wanted to expand our services and make the Courthouse more user friendly for the citizens of Broward County.” Mrs. Forman says, “The Bro-
ward County Clerk’s Office, on behalf of the United States Department of State, has opened the office as a convenience for those visiting the Courthouse who would like to apply for or renew a passport.” If you are in the area, U.S. Citizens may apply for passports on the 1st floor in room 1160 of the Broward County Judicial Complex West Tower, on Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding holidays. Passport photo services are also available at the Courthouse location. Forman says, “I am very pleased with the turnout on our first day of operation, and I am sure that once the word gets out, more visitors and employees will utilize the new passport office. Stop by, it is open to the public and you do not have to schedule an appointment.” For U.S. passport and international travel information and fees, visit the official Travelstate.Gov website. Please see interview with Brenda Forman by Blyer E. Henry at: www.thewestsidegazette.com/ quabo
New Passport Office opens with Hot 105’s Rodney Baltimore renewing his passport on opening day.
New NNP A Chair talks about the Every Student Succeeds A ct NNPA Act New NNPA Chair presents bold vision for group’s role in U.S. Education Policy By Lynette Monroe (Program Assistant, NNPA/ ESSA Media Campaign) Dorothy Leavell, the newlyelected chairwoman of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), said that she wants the NNPA to be the principal source of information for the Black community concerning the implementation of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The NNPA is a trade group that represents more than 200 Black-owned media companies in the United States that collectively reach more than 20 million readers in print and online every week. President Barack Obama signed ESSA into law in 2015.
ESSA, which reauthorizes the landmark Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, received bipartisan support in the United States Congress. ESSA replaces the No Child Left Behind Act and gives states more flexibility in crafting highquality educational programs for their students. The NNPA received funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to increase awareness about ESSA with a focus on engaging Black parents. Leavell, who is also the publisher of the Crusader Newspaper Group, stressed the need for parents to get more involved in their children’s education. “We are endeavoring to ensure that our community is aware of the advantages and opportunities that go hand-in-
hand with parental engagement,” said Leavell. Leavell has been a member of the NNPA for more than 50 years and previously served as president of the NNPA from 1995-1999. Leavell said that she’s looking forward to working with Dr. Benjamin Chavis, the current president and CEO of the NNPA and Dr. Elizabeth Primas, the program manager for the NNPA/ESSA media campaign, to facilitate conversations about parental engagement. The new chairwoman added that the NNPA supports efforts to reduce the current academic achievement gap between Black and White students and to help Black students compete on a global scale.
Newly-elected Chairwoman of the NNPA Dorothy Leavell wants the group to be the primary source of information about ESSA for the Black community. (Freddie Allen/AMG/NNPA)
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Seminar
Lauderhill Vice Mayor Ken Thurston hosts a Grant Writing Seminar on Thursday, July 13, 2017 from 6 to 8 p.m., at City Hall, 5581 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Oakland Park, Fla. Call (954) 357-6580. Jan Sullivan will be the guest speaker, and light refreshments will be served. For additional info call (954) 777-2040.
Feast
Reunion Celebration St. Luke Baptist Church 100th Anniversary. Join a week of Family Reunion Celebration on Monday, July 10 thru Saturday, July 15, 2017 at 7 p.m., at St. Luke Baptist Church, 210 N.W. Sixth Ave., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The community is invited to worship with us throughout the month of September as we bring the 100th Anniversary to a close on the Fourth Sunday in September still under the leadership of Rev. W.J. Gaskins, pastor for 23 years. For cost/ additional info contact Hattie at (954) 7350404 or Linda at (954) 7911701.
Event
Live Art With Yvette Michelle Booth on Wednesday, July 19, 2017 at 8 p.m. at the W Hotel Fort Lauderdale in the Living Room, 401 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Mobile Unit
Workshop
Free Immunizations
Celebration
Broward Health Community Services offer FREE immunizations to kids at the Cora E. Braynon Family Health Center, 200 N.W. Seventh Ave., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. * Wednesday, July 12, 2017 - from 3 to 6 p.m. * Wednesday, July 26, from 3 to 6 p.m. * Wednesday, Aug. 2, from 3 to 6 p.m. * Wednesday, Aug. 9, from 3 to 6 p.m. * Back to School Immunization Mini Fair on Friday, Aug. 18, 2017 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
July is National Minority Mental Health Month. All events will be held at Urban League West Palm Beach Headquarters,700 N Australian Ave, West Palm Beach, Fla. * Thursday, July 13, 2017 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., -"Maternal Mental Health Lunch & Learn Twitter Chat @dmenpowers /#Mindset. * Thursday, July 20 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., -"Multi-cultural Myths" Lunch & Learn Twitter Chat @dmempowers/ #Mindset * Monday, July 24 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. - Mental Health Masterclass * Sunday, July 30 - from 3 to 4 p.m., - "Fearless Faith: Body, Mind, & Spirit" Twitter Chat @dmempowers/Mindset
Fair Join Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale on Saturday, July 15, 2017 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., for the Fifth annual Smoke on the Water BBQ Feast Competition at Esplanade Park, 400 S.W. Second St., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. This event is FREE to attend and open to ages. For additional info call (954) 468-1541.
FLO4YOU!” Experience & Spoken Words Workshop on Saturday, July 22, 2017 at 1 p.m., at Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 S.W. Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. For cost and additional info call (954) 462-0222.
Volunteers Needed! We’re looking for outgoing and friendly volunteers to help with AARLCC’s annual book festival Tuesday, July 18th, and Friday, July 21 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Saturday, July 22 from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. If interested, call Karen Hoddy at (954) 357-6282.
Broward Health Mobile Unit, this summer, For a Healthier Summer will bring the Broward Health Mobile Unit to the neighborhood parks of the Broward Municipal Services District on select weekdays. The initiative, presented in conjunction with Broward Health, will provide FREE HIV and hepatitis C testing, health-care assessments, and other health services to all ages. The bus will be available based on the following schedule. For more info call the park of your choice. * Wednesday, July 12 - from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., at Roosevelt Gardens, 2841 N.W. 11 St., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. *Wednesday, July 19 - from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., at Lafayette Hart, 2851 N.W. Eighth Rd., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. *Friday, July 21- from 10:30 a.m.to 6:30 p.m., at Sunview Park, 1500 S.W. 42 Ave. For more info call (954) 357-6520. *Wednesday, Aug. 2 - from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., at 10:30 a.m.t o 6:30 p.m., at Delevoe Park, 2520 N.W. Sixth St., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. * Monday, Aug. 7 - from 10:30 a.m.to 6:30 p.m., at Franklin Park, 2501 Franklin Park, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. * Thursday, Aug. 10 - from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., at Lafayette Hart Park, at Franklin Park, 2851 N.W. Eighth Rd., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. * Wednesday, Aug. 20- from 11:30 a.m.to 7:30 p.m., at Sunview Park, 1500 S.W. 42 Ave., Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
The Friends of Southwest Regional Library will host a Book Fair on Saturday, July 22, 2017 with gently used magazines, hardcover and paperback books for adults and children, books on CD and more, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., at 16835 Sheridan Street, Pembroke Pines. For more info call (954) 357-6580.
* Employment Resources Workshop on Thursday, July 27, 2017 from 9 to 11 a.m., at the African -American Research Library and Cultural Center, 2650 Sistrunk Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Broward Municipal Services District (BMSD) Broward County business owners and BMSD residents are invited to attend this FREE workshop designed to provide information on assistance programs.
Sessions Art Prevails Project presents Saturday Sessions at the Megahone, every first Saturday, from 5 to 8 p.m., at 808 N.W. 13 Terr., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. A free community event. For more info email artprevails@gmail.com
Conference
Aging & Disabiltiy Resource Center of Broward County presents The 25th Annual Minority Elderly Conference on Friday, Sept. 8, 2017 in the Conference Center at Broward Health North, 201 E. Sample Rd., Deerfield Beach, Fla. Preregistration is required. Sessions are offered in English, Spanish, and Creole. For time and cost and additinal info call (954) 745-9567, Ext. 10247. The Aging and Disability Resource Center will hold its 28th Annual Swing for Seniors Golf Tournament on Friday, Oct. 27, 2017 at 9 a.m., at the Inverrary Country Club, in Lauderhill. For cost and additinal info contact Denise Jones at (954) 745-9567 x10216. email: jonesd@adrcbroward.org or visit the ADRC website at www.adrcbroward.org. EDUCATION MATTERS -Every Child Deserves A Chance
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JULY 13 - JULY 19, 2017 • PAGE 5
Westside Gazette
Black families believe racial inequality growing in U.S. schools By Bria Nicole Stone (NNPA Newswire Contributor) Black families overwhelmingly believe that their schools are underfunded, and that racial inequality is growing, according to a poll conducted by The Leadership Conference Education Fund and the Anzalone Liszt Grove Research firm. The Leadership Conference Education Fund, which is the education and research arm of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, developed the poll to “explore how Black and Latino parents and families view the American education system’s success in educating their children,” according to a press release about the survey. The poll revealed that 90 percent of Black parents and families believe schools in Black communities are underfunded compared to White communities. The poll also showed that almost 75 percent of Black parents and families believe that the education Black students receive is worse than what White students. A report about the poll said that, “Among Black parents and family members whose child’s teachers are mostly White, only 42 percent believe that schools are trying their best to educate Black students, 16 points below the share of those whose children have mostly Black teachers.” Liz King, the senior policy analyst and the director of education policy for The Leadership Conference Education Fund, said that there has been a lot of research that’s come out lately that suggests an implicit bias that educators, who are mostly white, have towards Black and Latino children. The press release about the poll said that the findings come at a critically important time for public education in the United States as states are currently developing education plans as part of their obligations under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). “These plans are states’ opportunities to make a clear declaration about their belief in the education of all children and a commitment to ensuring children get the education they deserve,” the press release said. Republicans in the United States Congress continue to chip away at ESSA, making it harder for states to clearly define those commitments. In March, Republicans voted
to rollback accountability measures established by the Obama Administration, Education Week reported. “The Obama-era accountability rules, finalized late last year, set ground rules for how schools must be rated for schoolimprovement purposes, specified the requirements of (and flexibility for) states dealing with high testing opt-out rates in individual schools, and outlined how states would have to handle the ‘school quality’ indicator in accountability systems,” according to the Education Week blog post. Opponents of the Republican-led rules change said, “that
Long time community resident, Benjamin Israel, who has been fighting for the streets to be renamed said, “It amazes me how people can get up here and talk about how much it will cost to change the streets. How much did it cost for 620,000 Americans to be slaughtered?... why should they be heroes? They were out to destroy the government of the United States and they were out to promote slavery in perpetuity… At some point we’re going to have to do the right thing…” Community organizer, Tifanny Burks, continued to decry the excuse about the cost of the renaming the streets. She exclaimed, “People keep mentioning the economic impact as if my ancestors were not enslaved beyond their will for more than 200 years,... like slavery did not rob [economics] from my ancestors… we need to be on the rights side of history and not talking about how money is going to inconvenience people.” Those who opposed the renaming also expressed their reasons, many citing history. Moses Rogers, who identified
of public school students in America. Researchers recommended opening the decision-making processes around educational policies to Black and Latino families, especially decisions regarding priorities and funding; integrating implicit bias and cultural responsiveness training into teacher preparation and professional development; preparing, hiring, supporting and retaining strong Black and Latino teachers; designing accountability systems that focus on high academic achievement, especially for Black and Latino children; and supporting and improving any school where
Political pot prisoner Ed Forchion ends hunger strike, cently traveled from Hawaii to secures Bail Detention Hearing speak at a town hall meeting on
New Jersey’s most prominent cannabis and bail reform activist, Ed Forchion aka NJ Weedman, who has languished for months in a Mercer County cell, finally gets his day in court. By Makeda Smith TRENTON, NJ --- For over 125 days, New Jersey’s most prominent cannabis and bail reform activist, Ed Forchion aka NJ Weedman, has languished in a Mercer County cell, held with no bail. OnWednesday, July 12 and Thursday, July 13 at 1 p.m., Forchion finally gets his day in court per a Bail Detention Hearing at Mercer County Court, 400 South Warren St. in Trenton. Media and supporters are encouraged to attend. It is sure to be a pivotal
The City of Hollywood comes under fire
(Cont'd from FP)
the move was unnecessary, would create confusion in states about whether and to what extent their ESSA accountability plans comply with the law, and could endanger crucial protections for disadvantaged students.” In the report, researchers with the Leadership Conference Education Fund said that the findings of the “New Education Majority” poll, should be a clarion call for advocates and policymakers who must come to terms with the fact that a successful education policy must be responsive to the needs of Black, Latino and Asian children, who make up a majority
himself as a part of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, said “We are about heritage and not hate… if you do erase history, you’re bound to make the same mistakes… [the Confederate soldiers] were fighting for what they believed in which was liberty.” The city commission acknowledged the application for renaming the streets that was filed by community resident, Laurie Schecter. When asked why she felt compelled to pay the $2,000 per street name and file the application, she said “it’s the right thing to do.” With the knowledge of the application being filed, some on the city commission were in favor of the streets being renamed, while others wanted more input from the communities where the streets are. Mayor Josh Levy closed out the meeting by stating, ““We don’t value discrimination in this day and age… this body and our city will look to its moral compass and do the right thing,” which will hopefully translate into a swift vote for new street names.
moment as new bail law reformists and cannabis activists around the world will be taking notice. Forchion, who is a jury nullification advocate, will represent himself in court. As one of the more vocal casualties of New Jersey’s controversial New Bail Reform Law, Forchion’s case has garnered international attention as the ethics of the law are being publicly debated. Under the state’s new law, which went into effect Jan. 1, officials cite that certain conditions can warrant pre-trial detention, like danger to the community, flight risk or threat to a witness. Opponents, includ-ing a wide contingency of bail bond agents, argue that the law denies defendants their constitutional right to bail. NJ Weedman, the noted “Super Hero of the Potheads” recently ended a two week plus “Hunger Strike for Bail” at the prompting of celebrity bondsman / bounty hunter, Duane “Dog” Chapman, star of the reality TV show, “Dog the Bounty Hunter.” Forchion initiated the strike to call national media attention to the New Jersey New Bail Reform Law. With the divisive law inciting a massive uproar, Chapman is positioned as one of its outspoken challengers. Chapman and his wife re-
bail reform in Edgewater, NJ and made trips to the Statehouse in Trenton as well, speaking in front of a panel regarding the New Bail Reform. Governor Chris Christie refused to meet with them. Cites Forchion, “This isn’t about cannabis - it is about the constitution. For over 200 years The US Constitution guaranteed bail and now Governor Chris Christie has eviscerated it with the NJ Bail Reform Act. I am a political prisoner who has been unconstitutionally detained since March 3, 2017.” Forchion’s long standing battle for marijuana law reform has been documented for over two decades. Considered by many as the “grandfather of marijuana reform in New Jersey,” Forchion is a bone cancer patient who states he needs marijuana for his symptoms. This most recent detainment stems from an early March arrest related to witness tampering. Forchion, after learning the name of a confidential informant, posted the information, with his lawyer’s clearance, on Facebook. The original charges against Forchion were related to a raid last year on the popular New Jersey eatery, NJ Weedman’s Joint. Forchion coowns the restaurant with his partner, Debi Madaio. To keep abreast of Ed Forchion’s battle, follow his page on Facebook at “Ed Forchion.” Concerned citizens can support the cause with contributions to his PayPal account at NJWeedmans_Joint@yahoo.com. A barbeque fundraiser and birthday celebration is scheduled for Ed Forchion on his birthday, at 4:20 p.m. on July 23 at NJWeedman’s Joint at 322 E. State St. in Trenton, N.J. Follow NJWeedman’s Joint on Facebook at “NJWeedman’s Joint” for updates and details. Check out the footage of medical marijuana mom activist Debi Madaio as she campaigns for Forchion’s support at the Bounty Hunter’s Bail Reform Town Hall Meeting with Duane “Dog” Chapman at https://youtu.be/4N7R4hiiyM .
Too much in common not to love one another (Cont'd from FP) In the midst of these heart-wrenching experiences, uncontrollable emotions fly like projectiles from heat-seeking missiles that could truly destroy families forever. I don’t know about you, but have you ever watched a loved one or a close friend lying in a casket and thought to yourself, “one day that will be me?” It is doing those moments that we truly realize we have a lot more in common that should draw us closer rather than create a disconnect. Unless our commonalities are so screwed up that our likenesses are downright despicable, then we as family become our own worst enemies. Before it is too late and our tongues have cleaved to the rooves of our mouths, let us not leave this place with any malice or ill feelings toward our love ones or anybody. Let our commonalities be of love and peace and not of any animosities. Then we can truly say, “We have too much in common not to love one another.” “Dear God, in Jesus' name, teach me how to live my life that I can be at peace with all of your children. In Jesus' name. Amen.” GOD’S LOVE SHOULD BE OUR COMMONALITY
The Westside Gazette Support
Black or Latino children are not being effectively educated. Given the context of ESSA implementation, King said that the federal government, states, school districts and schools have a great opportunity to put policies into place that are responsive to the needs and values of the new majority of public school children. “We need to ensure that every single school is organized around excellence for every sin-
gle child,” said King. “Parents in this poll spoke to the value of a state’s rating of a school’s success in educating children well, a central piece of ESSA’s accountability requirements, as well as the need to ensure that educators have the [resources] and preparation to support every child’s success and to overcome historic barriers to opportunity.”
Florida Department of Health files rules for new medical marijuana law By Phil Ammann Florida health officials have announced new statewide medical marijuana rules. Lobby Tools reports Monday that the newly renamed Office of Medical Marijuana Use at the Florida Department of Health published its Notice of Adoption to carry out legislation passed during the 2017 special session. The emergency rulemaking process was authorized under SB 8A, which sought to implement the constitutional amendment passed in 2014, and exponentially grow Florida’s medical marijuana market beyond what was originally approved. “This will enable the department to quickly implement the time-sensitive requirements of the legislation,” spokesperson Mara Gambineri said in an email Monday. “Following emergency rulemaking, the Department is committed to working collaboratively with the public through traditional rulemaking to establish a patient-centered medical marijuana program.” Opponents, like state Sen. Jeff Brandes, said the bill created a regulated “state-sanctioned cartel.”
SB 8A allows medical marijuana to be used for the treatment of additional illnesses, including HIV and AIDS, glaucoma, post-traumatic stress disorder, ALS, Crohn’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and similar conditions. Bills passed in 2014 and 2016 limited the conditions to epilepsy, chronic muscle spasms, cancer and terminal conditions. The 2017 law bans smoking medical marijuana but does allow vaping, edibles, oils, sprays and tinctures. Orlando attorney and Democratic activist John Morgan, who was behind the constitutional amendment allowing medical marijuana, argues that smoking was part of his amendment. Morgan plans to sue the state.
Yes, diabetes discriminates! Why Black patients should be more concerned than whites
The sad truth is that diseases do not affect all people the same way, and diabetes is one that discriminates. African Americans have higher blood sugar levels than whites with diabetes. Like it or not, this fact is something that black diabetes patients need to be concerned about. Blacks have higher sugar levels According to a recent study, Blacks have a higher hemoglobin A1C (blood sugar level) than whites for two reasons: #1 - Biological factors: the study showed that the mean A1C was 9.1 percent for Black people and 8.3 percent for whites, a difference of 0.8 percent. The reason for this is unknown. #2 - Sociological factors: Black diabetes patients are more likely to have less access to medical care and health insurance. For reasons yet unknown, the biological difference in blood sugar levels between blacks and whites is higher than normal. The study authors say that “the difference between the two groups (Black and white) should have only been 0.4 percent.” More research needed The findings indicate that more research needs to be done in order to determine exactly why the difference is higher than normal. However, the difference does clearly highlight the need for black people with diabetes to be more concerned than whites with their diabetes. Blacks must, particularly, be more concerned with managing their diabetes through regular health care visits and treatment. More help also needed in Black communities But regarding the sociological factors, more funding is needed so that people in low income communities also have access to better doctors, medical care facilities, and health insurance to help cover their expenses! Read more about these findings at www.medlineplus.gov/ news/fullstory_166546.html DISCLAIMER: The content or opinions expressed on this web site are not to be interpreted as medical advice. Please consult with your doctor or medical practitioner before utilizing any suggestions on this web site.
PAGE 6 • JULY 13 - JULY 19, 2017
Opinion
The Westside Gazette, under the Management of BI-ADs, Inc., reserves the right to publish Views and Opinions by Contributing Writers may not necessarily reflect those of the Staff and Management of The Westside Gazette Newspaper and are solely the product of the responsible individual(s) who submit comments published in this newspaper.
Letter to Editor
He is heavy and he is not my brother!!! By James J. Hankins Civics 101: DO YOU WANT TO IMPEACH TRUMP? Please find the names of your U.S. Representative. Put their picture with their name on your refrigerator. So, you will know what that person represents. If he or she is a Republican, try to “flip” that individual's political view. We need to flip 24. When we as Democrats gain the majority in the U.S. House in 2018, we can take steps to impeach TRUMP. We can force the U.S. Representatives and Senators to vote yes or no on C-Span television for all of us to see. They won’t be able to hide the outcome because this revolution will be televised!!!
Republican Anti-American job bill By Kevin Palmer For some Republicans, the America first political slogan is code for loyalty to any lobbyist who makes the highest contribution. That could explain why Georgia Senator Johnny Isakson sponsored a bill that is clearly anti-American. In June 2015, Senator Isakson introduced bill S.1547. Partner with Korea Act, which will set aside 15,000 high paying jobs each fiscal year for Korean immigrants. Specifically, The Partner with Korea Act “amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to create an E-4 treaty trader visa category for up to 15,000 nationals of the Republic of Korea
(South Korea) each fiscal year that are coming to the United States solely to perform specialty occupation services.” According to the OnlineVisas.com website, examples of specialty services “include those professions involving science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). STEM professions overwhelmingly require a minimum bachelor’s degree or an advanced degree.” Apparently, Senator Isakson has lost faith in American college graduates. Sadly, when politicians become dependent on lobbyists, service to country gives way to self-preservation. That is how American politicians like Isakson convince themselves that employing college educated Korean immigrants is more important than employing college educated American citizens.
Letters to the Editor
Healthcare Bill Health insurance is more than a policy; it's peace of mind. It’s knowing your family will be cared for and not having to worry about going broke when you get sick. That’s why I strongly oppose the Senate health care bill. The more I learn about it, the less I like. Robbing health care from millions of Americans to give yet another tax cut to the rich and powerful is just plain cruel. Our health care system needs to be improved—we all agree on that. But this bill would do exactly the opposite—for no other reason than greed. I urge Senators to vote no on the Senate health care bill. Thank you, Ali Rafiaie Wellington, Fla
Throw the doors of The diminishing role of opportunity wide open America on the world stage for our youth “Today’s American Dream Act” Offers Path to Good Jobs, Education and Homeownership Rep. Robin Kelly (D-Ill.) says that Republicans have barricaded, chained and padlocked the doors of opportunity for our youth. By Congresswoman Robin Kelly (D-Ill.)
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These are dark times in Washington. It’s no secret that President Trump and his team are working overtime to turn back the clock on our rights and divest from our communities. If you want to know where the President stands on the welfare of the African American community, look no further than his immoral budget. It eliminates programs that feed hungry kids, support veterans and help families buy their own home. Republicans are slamming the doors of opportunity for our youth. For people of color, those doors appear to be barricaded, chained and padlocked. We must resist. We must reverse their damage and prevent them from doing it again. Let’s push forward and throw wide the doors of opportunity for all. President Barack Obama led our recovery from the worst economic recession since the Great Depression. Together, we saved our economy and created more than 14 million jobs, more than ten times the number created under the previous President George W. Bush. But today, we are seeing that jobs are being lost; wages aren’t keeping up and bills are piling up. Tragically, my Republican colleagues’ solution is more tax credits for the super-rich. My solution is different. It’s called the ”Today’s American Dream Act” and will empower families with the security of a good job, a good education, home ownership and access to healthcare. I introduced this comprehensive, 25-section bill so our young people can live the American Dream by training them for good jobs, creating more good jobs and innovating the future. Business leaders, especially in the technology and advanced manufacturing sectors, regularly tell me that they have thousands of open jobs, but don’t have the qualified candidates. For example, Manufacturing Renaissance Chicago reports that there are 15,000 unfilled advanced manufacturing jobs in Chicagoland; these jobs pay an average annual salary of $70,000. My bill would help people get the training they need for good-paying jobs by investing in apprenticeships, training and retraining programs and expanded student aid for career and technical education. (Read full story at: www.thewestsidegazette.com)
By Roger Caldwell Trump and his team are systematically dismantling America’s role in the world. Huge trade agreements between the Europeans countries, China and Japan are being discussed and consummated at the 2017 G-20 Summit, and America is not engaged in the decision-making process. “In just a couple months the new US administration has abandoned the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), criticized NAFTA, provided no clear signal of a desire to resume negotiations for a Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) and raised the possibility of unilateral tariffs and a border-adjustment tax” says Stuart Eizenstat, opinion contributor –The Hill. It is obvious that Trump and his team have initiated a major international clash with the majority nations in the G-20. As world leaders of the G20 work together to support free trade, the Trump administration is blaming US manufacturing job losses on free trade. In 2016, America, under President Obama, initiated a joint action agreement with 195 nations to combat climate change, and in 2017, Trump has decided to walk away from that agreement. There is no way of predicting hour to hour what Trump and his team are going to support and do next. Weeks before the G-20 summit, there were reports that the Trump team had forgotten to book a hotel for the summit. The statement was true, and the White House had apparently waited too long before making reservations for Trump and his traveling staff for the summit. This is not the first time this has happened because Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, had problems with accommodations earlier in the month. Many international leaders are asking why this keeps happening, but only nine key positions of 124 have been confirmed at the State Department. Although all the hotels were booked, Trump stayed at the official Senate guest house, and his staff stayed at the US Consulate General in the city. Protests are a small part of the G-20 summit, but in Hamburg, Germany, there are thousands of demonstrators, and many have been violent. Posters denouncing Trump and the G-20 can be found in shop windows and hanging from balconies around the city. “In a Pew survey of people in 37 countries around the world published at the end of June, the most popular terms used to describe Trump were arrogant, intolerant, and dangerous. On average only 22% of respondents expressed confidence in his ability to lead. Across Europe, the survey found some of his lowest ratings, especially among nations that have traditionally been staunch American allies” says Simon Shuster of theat: Time. (Read full story www.thewestsidegazette.com)
Jeremy Ring's statement on TrumpAdministration’s request for the private voter data for Floridians
It’s up to us to make America great again ‘When Was America Ever Great,’ You Ask? Here’s My Answer. Raynard Jackson says that liberals must stop obsessing about America’s racial past and focus on America’s promise. By Raynard Jackson (NNPA Newswire Columnist) This week, with the celebration of Independence Day and President Trump’s international trip to the G20 Summit, I couldn’t help but reflect upon a recent conversation I had with one of my “Hollywood” friends. This friend is a self-proclaimed liberal and sees absolutely no value in anything Republican! I remember having many conversations with him during last year’s presidential campaign and talking to him about Trump’s tagline, “Make America Great Again” (MAGA). Even though, I’d heard his retort before from liberals, both Black and White, I was still shocked when he asked, “When was America ever great?” When I’ve heard this response from liberals in the past, it’s usually followed with ad hominem attacks on America, beginning with slavery, then Jim Crow, segregation, police killings of unarmed Blacks, etc. These assertions are undeniably factual, but to end there is like reading the first chapter of a book that opens with a murder and concluding that the whole book is about that one event. Slavery and racism are still the biggest blemishes on America’s history, but because we are Americans and showed resolve, we also have one helluva redemption story to tell. We have come a long way from the days of slavery and Jim Crow. Here are a few questions for my liberal friends. If America is so racist, how did we elect a Black man as president? If America is so racist, how did we have two consecutive Black secretaries of state (Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice)? If America is so racist, how did we have two consecutive attorneys general (Eric Holder and Loretta Lynch)? If America is so racist, how are African Americans making millions of dollars in sports, music, business and technology?
By Anthony Pardal CORAL SPRING, FL – Last week, we learned that the Trump Administration has requested that state governments turn over to them their voter rolls, which include the private data of tens of millions of Americans. Today, Jeremy Ring issued the following statement calling on Governor Rick Scott to reject the Administration’s request and to protect the private voter information of Floridians: “As a candidate for Chief Financial Officer, as a Floridians, and – above all – as an American, I am strongly opposed to the Administration’s request, and frankly downright offended at Governor Scott’s refusal to immediately reject and condemn it. The Governor’s number one job is protect Floridians and yet he sits idly by while the Trump Administration seeks to breach the privacy of millions of Floridians and potentially shatter one of the foundations of our democracy – the privacy of the vote. Where is Rick Scott to protect Floridians? Instead of leading, Governor Scott has sat back while 41 others states – led by both Republicans and Democrats – have outright rejected the Administration’s request. I join these states in their opposition to the Administration’s request. In 2014, then-State Senator Ring helped establish the Agency for State Technology (AST), which handles sensitive data on Florida residents. Last week, Ring called upon Gov. Scott to save the program from proposed budget cuts which would effectively gut it as an entity of the state government. Today Jeremy Ring renews that call and urges Governor Scott to advocate for the privacy of Floridians and their sensitive data by rejecting the Trump Administration’s request for voter data.
The Gantt Report The Gantt Report Live TV show
(Read full story at: www.thewestsidegazette.com)
Trump’s proposed budget cuts threaten Civil Rights Under Trump, Federal Agencies Scale Back Civil Rights Protections Charlene Crowell says that President Trump’s proposed budget cuts could hinder civil rights enforcement at the Education Department. By Charlene Crowell (NNPA Newswire Columnist) Decades of vigilant struggles, sacrifices and civil rights legislation enacted in the 1960s won federal promises to ensure that discrimination is illegal and would not be tolerated. Unfettered access to housing, voting rights, fair credit, public accommodations and more were marked and celebrated as hard-fought victories for Black Americans and other people of color. In later years, additional protections were added as amendments to safeguard the rights of the elderly, disabled, and the LGBT community. Now in 2017, a growing number of interests are openly questioning whether the Trump Administration intends to uphold these laws. More specifically, a series of federal agencies with offices dedicated to civil rights are at risk. Through budget cuts and staff reductions, these agencies will either outright deny or severely limit the ability to challenge discrimination that continues today. Case in point: the Department of Education’s scaling back of civil rights enforcement. Proposed Trump Administration departmental budget cuts will result in the loss of the equivalent of 46, full-time positions. For remaining staff, caseload levels will rise. (Read full story at: www.thewestsidegazette.com)
By Lucius Gantt “The Gantt Report Live” is not a television show, but it should be and it will be if I feel like putting the show together. I felt it was necessary for me to write a column about a Gantt Report TV show after reading news and internet accounts about a proposed Black Television News Channel (BTNC). Well. BTNC is nothing new. Former Congressman and great college quarterback J.C. Watts has been trying to start a Black news network for 10, 20, maybe 30 years. Watt’s media dream will come true because he is dedicated and committed to making his news network dream a reality and I admire him for that. Also, there are so many more broadcast and internet streaming opportunities and all of those media companies need more media content. Now, Watts is a great businessman, not a great journalist. He is a member of the political party of the day and he has gotten a media man, Robert Brillante, who has money and about 30 years of cable TV management experience on his team. Former Tallahassee Mayor John Marks has also been identified as a partner in the proposed network venture. Years ago, I was introduced to J.C. Watts by former Florida Public Service Commissioner Julia Johnson in Washington, D.C., who I was doing media work for at the time. John Marks is a longtime friend and Brillante is a political and media colleague since my lobbying days and stint as a producer/host on the “Sunshine Network”, now The Florida News Channel. The recent news coverage of a proposed Black news network has centered around the fact that the network could be headquartered in Tallahassee, Florida and how some kind of partnership could be made with Florida A&M University and FAMU journalism students. (Read full story at: www.thewestsidegazette.com)
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BUSINESS
Westside Gazette
JULY 13 - JULY 19, 2017 • PAGE 7
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First it was a vision, next it was a conversation, then it became a plan and in 1968 with only 25 children, it became a reality.... That vision was to provide a safe, caring and learning environment for children while their parents were working. Through lots of hard work,patienceand perseverance, my mother, Mrs. Julia Shaw, opened the doors of The Red School House with only 25 students in September of 1968. The early years of Red School were built on the shoulders of her family. My grandmother, Mrs. Julia Killens, owned the land (and later sold the land to my parents) that Red School currently exists on. Although the whole family worked at the school at one time or another, the school was mainly run by the women of my family. Mrs. Jewel Ryan (The first Director and Red School’s Curriculum Specialist); Mrs. Florie Styles, Ms. Deloris Shaw, Mrs. Marie Ross, Ms. Sarah Strong, Mrs. Josephine Dudley…to name a few. Many of our former employees (family & friends) are deceased. In 1998, my mother, Mrs. Julia Shaw, passed away, leaving me to take complete reign of the business. Some of my family (My children and
sister) are an asset to the business. Red School will turn 49 years old, September, 2017. We are still as strong today as we were on the first day of conception in September 1968, because the main key is putting God first. Our purpose has become our passion - to make a difference in our community, to care for children in providing a safe and nurturing environment, to provide educational excellence for each child. In this child care industry you must “care about children” and maintain a personality for being a professional and responsible worker, with a warm & loving spirit (children can sense a mile away). Presently, we have dedicated Teachers (some were former students) who are an asset to the Red School Family. We are humbled in saying that we are preparing for our 50 year celebration, beginning August 21, 2017, and we will climax the celebration in September, 2018. For the next 12 months many events will take place as we show our appreciation to our community and all of our 5 generations of families that have supported and patronized us. We are truly grateful and blessed beyond measure.
PAGE 8 • JULY 13 - JULY 19, 2017
AF amily T hat Prays T ogether, Stays T ogether Family That Together, Together
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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"
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Westside Gazette 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
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, WORSHIP SERVICES & BIBLE STUDY Sunday .................................................... 7:15 a.m. 9:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. Sunday School ............................................................................ 10:00 a.m. Wednesday Noonday Service .................................. 12:00-12:30 p.m. Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting ............................................ 6:30 p.m. Wednesday Night Bible Study ................................................... 7:00 p.m. Where the kingdom of God is increased through Fellowship. Leadership, Ownership and Worship F.L.O.W. To Greatness!
James C. Boyd Funeral Home
Rev. Stanley Melek, M.Div E-MAIL:stanley.melek@flumc.org 2351 N.W. 26th Street Oakland Park, Florida 33311 Church Telephone: (954) 731-0520
SERVICES Sunday Worship ................................................. 7:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. Sunday School .............................................................................. 9:00 a.m. Wednesday (Bible Study) ........................................... 11a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
BUTLER Funeral services for the late Mother Shirley Dean Butler 74 were held June July 6 at New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church with Bishop Tony D. Mitchell officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens. GALLIMORE Funeral services for the late Gwendolyn Dale Henry-Gallimore - 60 were held July 8 at James C. Boyd’s Memorial Chapel with Bishop L.L. Ward officiating. MACK Funeral services for the late Sabenia Mack – 73.
Mount Calvary Baptist Church 800 N.W. 8th Avenue Pompano Beach, Florida 33060 Church Telephone: (954) 943-2422 Church Fax: (954) 943-2186 E-mail Address: Mtcalvarypompano@bellsouth.net SCHEDULE OF SERVICES SUNDAY
New Member Orientation ........................... 9:30 a.m. Sunday School ................................................ 9:30 a.m. Worship Service ........................................ 11:00 a.m. WEDNESDAY Prayer Meeting ............................................... 6:00 p.m. Bible Study ..................................................... 7:00 p.m.
"Doing God's Business God's Way, With a Spirit of Excellence"
Mount Hermon A.M.E. Church Rev Henry E. Green, Jr. PASTOR 401 N.W. 7th Terrace, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 Phone: (954) 463-6309 - FAX 954 522-4113 Office Hours: Tues. - Fri. 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Email: infor@mthermonftl.com
SUNDAY CHURCH SERVICES Worship Service ................................................................................... 10 a.m. Church School ..................................................................................... 9:15 a.m. BIBLE STUDY: Wednesday ................................................................... 10 a.m. Gems & Jewels Ministry Senior Wednesday Wednesday (Bible Study) ............................................... 12 Noon & 7- 8 p.m. Daily Prayer Line ...................................................................................... 6 a.m. (712) 432-1500- Access Code296233#
Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church 1161 NW 29th Terr., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. 33311 (954) 581-0455 ● Fax: (954) 581-4350 www.mtzionmbc1161.com
Dr. James B. Darling, Jr., Pastor/Teacher WORSHIP SERVICES Worship Service ............................................................................................................ 10:15 a.m. Sunday School ................................................................................................................ 9:00 a.m. Communion Service (1st Sunday) ........................................................................... 10:15 a.m. Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting ........................................................................... 6:30 p.m. Wednesday Night Bible Study ................................................................................... 7:00 p.m. Saturday (2nd & 4th) Christian Growth & Orientation ................................... 8:30 a.m. But be doers of the Word - James 1:22 nkjv - “A Safe Haven, and you can get to Heaven from here”
Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church, Oakland Park "The Miracle On 33rd Street" 420 N.E. 33rd Street Oakland Park, Florida 33334 Church: (954) 563-3060 Email: mtzion420@gmail.com
Rev. George A. Hardy, Pastor SERVICES Sunday Church School ................................................................... 8:45 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship ........................................................... 10:00 a.m. Tuesday Night (Family Prayer & Bible Study) ........................... 7:00 p.m. Wednesday (Prayer Conference Line) ................................................ 8:00 p.m. (Dail (786) 233-6715 - Acess Code 703513) Oakland Park CDC (Senior Activity Center) Daily ............10 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.
“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
Senior Pastor
Obituaries Harris Chapel United Methodist Church
Williams Memorial CME
SPAN Funeral services for the late Mother Pearl Maxine Flakes Span - 76 were held July 8 at Lighthouse Worship Center with Right Rev. Dr. Jimmie L. Williams officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.
McWhite's Funeral Home BYNUM Funeral services for the late Nicholas D. Bynum - 31 were held July 8 at Mount Bethel Baptist Church with Bishop C.E. Glover officiating. Interment: Forest Lawn Central. MILTON Funeral services for the late Darryl Lee Milton – 51 were held July 8 at McWhite’s Funeral Home Chapel. POWELL Funeral services for the late Rose Mary Powell - 64 were held July 8 at McWhite’s Funeral Home Chapel with Tommie Johnson officiating. SANDS Funeral services for the late Maxie Sands, Jr. - 69 were held
July 7 at McWhite’s Funeral Home Chapel with Elder Grey Harris officiating. Interment: South Florida National Cemetery Lake Worth, Fla. WILKERSON Funeral services for the late Dale W. Wilkerson – 58 were held July 8 at McWhite’s Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Terry Sutherland officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens. WILLIAMSON Funeral services for the late Monica Rose Williamson – 75 were held July 8 at Emmanuel House of Prayer with Pastor Wilfred Gooden officiating. Interment: Baileys Memorial Gardens.
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!
‘The body must follow the head’ Question: Do I have to go to church in order to get to heaven? Answer: Not necessarily, but by not attending church you are setting yourself up not to get to heaven. Church isn’t a requirement to earn salvation and get to heaven. Salvation is a gift from God and it is earned by your faith and belief that through Jesus we are saved (John 3:16). So, going to heaven depends on your confession and your belief in God and His Son Jesus (Romans 10:9-10). The bible teaches that saved people should fellowship together (Hebrews 10:24-25). Church is the vehicle where fellowship will take place. God expects us to assemble together. The benefits of joining a church and attending on a regular basis are unlimited. In church you will surround yourself with other spiritual minded people. Authentic friendships are discovered. Husbands and wives are found in church. Church causes accountability of ‘what says the Lord’. Other Christians will encourage you to stay strong in a world that is ruled by sin. You will learn what your spiritual gifts are and how these gifts are to be used in society. You will realize that the unsaved way of life was ‘garbage’ compared to the Christian way of life. Scripture teaches that Jesus is the head of the church. The Bible also instructs that if Jesus is the head then we are the body. Where the head goes the body must follow. How can we claim that Jesus is the head of our lives and not worship Him in service? Satan wants you to believe that you can make it on your own. There are some bad experiences one might have in some churches. Join a spiritual based church. Get involved by joining one of the many committees that church has to offer. Be active in church and learn what your life purpose is. Reverend Deal is the senior pastor at Every Christian Church in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Reverend Deal can be reached at the Westside Gazette, 545 N.W. Seventh Terrace, Fort Lauderdale, Fla 33311, or by email @David.deal55@gmail.com
Roy Mizell & Kurtz "True Blood" Actor Nelsan Ellis dead at 39 Funeral Home REED Funeral services for the late Nathaniel Hawthorne Reed, Jr. - 87 were held July 8 at Mt. Nebo Missionary Baptist Church with Pastor Jimmy English officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens. RIZOR Funeral services for the late Mary Black Rizor – 87 were held July 8 at Mount Hermon AME Church with Pastor Simon K. Osunlana officiating. Interment: Gilliam Family Cemetery, Qunicy, Fla. THORNTON Funeral services for the late Artis Thornton -76 were held July 8 at Roy Mizell & Kurtz Worship Center with Dr. James B. Darling, Jr. officiating. TYUS Funeral services for the late Bertha Tyus 73 were held July 9 AT Mount Pisgah Seventh-Day Adventist Church with Pastor Kevin Bryant officiating.
"T each me to do Y our will, "Teach Your for Y our ar e my God. Your are May Y our gracious Spirit Your lead me on level ground." Psalm 143:10
By Jocelyn Noveck AP National Writer NEW YORK (AP) — Actor Nelsan Ellis, best known for his memorable portrayal of Lafayette Reynolds on HBO’s “True Blood,” has died at the age of 39. Ellis’ manager, Emily Gerson Saines, confirmed the actor’s death in an email Saturday. The Hollywood Reporter, which was first to report Ellis’ death, quoted her as saying the actor died from complications of heart failure. The Illinois-born actor, who studied at Juilliard, played the role of Lafayette, a gay short order cook, on the HBO drama from 2008 to 2014, and more recently appeared in the CBS detective series “Elementary.” He also was a playwright and a stage director. Ellis appeared as Martin Luther King, Jr. in Lee Daniels’ “The Butler,” and as singer Bobby Byrd in the James Brown biopic “Get On Up.” He also appeared in “The Help,” and his castmate Octavia Spencer mourned his death on Instagram. “My heart breaks for his kids and family,”
the actress wrote. On Twitter, some fans posted one of his more famous scenes as Lafayette, where the character marches out of the kitchen to confront some bigoted diners. HBO released a statement saying the network was “extremely saddened” by Ellis’ death. “Nelsan was a long-time member of the HBO family whose groundbreaking portrayal of Lafayette will be remembered fondly within the overall legacy of ‘True Blood,’” the statement read. “Nelsan will be dearly missed by his fans and all of us at HBO.” “True Blood” creator Alan Ball called Ellis “a singular talent whose creativity never ceased to amaze me. Working with him was a privilege.” In a 2012 TV interview in Chicago, Ellis recalled that it took four auditions for him to nail the role of Lafayette. At first, he said, he was playing the role as a caricature, and was told to “go back to the drawing board and figure it out.” (Read full story at: www.thewestsidegazette.com)
www.thewestsidegazette.com
JULY 13 - JULY 19, 2017 • PAGE 9
Westside Gazette Author/Actor Keith C. Wade celebrates So uth South 'Book Life' with a film/novel combo Author Wade releases, A Warrior’s Path Alpha, a sci-Fi film/novel combo
WADE FORT LAUDERDALE, FL — Two-time author, actor and theater professor Keith C. Wade is releasing the world premiere of his highly anticipated film/novel combo, “A Warrior’s Path Alpha”, at this year’s 15th Annual South Florida Book Festival, entitled “Book Life” which is a three day event that takes place at the African American Research Library & Cultural Center (AARLCC), 2650 Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lau-
derdale, Fla. This year’s festival will celebrate “Book Life” by exhibiting a variety of authors, journalists, experts and speakers who will host a multitude of mini events inclusive of book signings, presentations, workshops, panel discussions and so much more. Wednesday, July 19, 2017, at 5:30 p.m. convenes with a red carpet meet and greet where fans can meet the author, the actors and the Warrior’s Path team. Wade is the featured author hosting a book presentation for the first book of his highly anticipated science fiction trilogy. He has been working on this immersive film/novel series for the past decade and was able to have his close friends, actors JoMarie Payton and Debbie Gibson, star alongside him in the film portion of A Warrior’s Path Alpha. Guests are encouraged to take pictures and network with each other before the book presentation officially begins. The event will include a preview of the film trailer followed by a Q&A session with Wade and Payton. This question and answer session will inspire aspiring writers, and bring about new Sci-Fi
Who can (and can ’t) travel can’t) under the new travel ban
(Photo: Paul J. Richards/AFP/Getty Images) President Trump’s first travel ban targeting majorityMuslim countries in January unleashed chaos around the world, as foreigners were stopped from boarding flights overseas and detained or deported after reaching U.S. airports. That broad ban was quickly halted by federal courts. But at 8 p.m. ET Thursday, a scaleddown version goes into effect with the blessing of the Supreme Court. Immigration experts expect less disruption because far fewer travelers will be affected: those from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen without close ties to the United States. Here’s who will be allowed in and who will be barred: Visitors admitted - Legal permanent residents (green card holders) of the U.S. - Foreign nationals already approved for a short-term visa, or have already begun their visa application process. - People already approved for refugee status. - Anyone who has a close relative living in the U.S. That includes a parent, spouse, child, adult son or daughter, son-inlaw, daughter-in-law or sibling. - People who have a standing job offer from a U.S. company. - Students accepted by a U.S. university. Visitors barred
- Anyone who lacks what the Supreme Court said is a “bona fide relationship” with a U.S. person or entity. - People who have relatives in the U.S. who aren’t “close” enough, such as grandparents, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, and fiancées. - First-time tourists. The State Department said Thursday it created its list of qualified relatives based on a definition of family found in the Immigration and Nationality Act. That is why the administration will treat a daughterin-law as a relative but not a grandparent or fiancée. A senior administration official said refugees who have been approved to enter the country by July 6 will be allowed to do so, but those planning to arrive after will be subject to the ban. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to fully explain the guidance being provided, said foreigners who already have interviews scheduled at U.S. consulates for visas will be able to continue that process. But, they may end up being refused entry if they cannot show strong ties to the U.S. © 2017 USATODAY.COM
It's Summer Time!
fans in the urban community while describing the dedication, work ethic and stigma associated with being a Black male Sci-Fi writer. A Warrior’s Path Alpha is an adventure that allows fans to become deeply entangled in the reality based fictional story centered on the character of Keith Wade. Readers and viewers alike will experience time travel, Africa in the year 2375 and the misfortune involved when an insecure, middle-class husband and father-to-be sees too much… Will Keith Wade be able to prove that he isn’t a deranged psychopath and that he is in fact simply being guided through the warrior’s path by a 102-year-old woman? Come meet Wade at “Book Life for the answers and to purchase a copy of “A Warrior’s Path Alpha”. Click the link to reserve your space: www.sfbf2017.eventbrite.com.
Florida m em bers of th e mem embers the Wom en of A T&T omen AT&T
South Florida members of the Women of AT&T Florida Chapter collected and donated dozens of toiletries that will go to victims of human trafficking in Florida. South Florida members of the Women of AT&T (WOA) Florida Chapter recently donated more than 100 bags of
toiletries and clothing items to the Human Trafficking Coalition (www.1HTC.org). The items include deodorant, sham-
poo, conditioner, feminine hygiene products, soap, shower caps, body lotion, tissues, toothpaste, and more. Statewide, the WOA Florida Chapter collected several hundred items to benefit the women, children and men served by the Human Trafficking Coalition. According to the Department of Justice, Florida ranks third in the nation for the number of calls received by the hotline of the National Human Trafficking Resource Center. Between 14,500 and 17,500 people are trafficked into the country each year, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Approximately 80 percent of human trafficking victims are women and girls, and up to 50 percent are minors. Women of AT&T is an AT&T Employee Resource Group organized to effect change in the community and to connect and inspire members to achieve their personal and professional goals.
Miramar new amphitheater - a world class venue and entertainment destination The City of Miramar celebrated the grand opening of a new, world-class Amphitheater at Miramar Regional Park, 16801 Miramar Parkway held on July 4 with a free community concert. The amphitheater is part of the plan for Miramar to become a premier entertainment destination and the city’s welcoming and inclusive approach to multicultural entertainment professionals and audiences. The City of Miramar and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Conventions and Visitor’s Bureau have partnered on an initiative to position Miramar as a place for multicultural tourism in South Florida with an emphasis on the African Diaspora. The Miramar Amphitheater will serve as a catalyst to attract multicultural family gatherings, concerts, festivals, arts and more. The Miramar Amphitheater is a 5,000 capacity (3,000 covered under a 28,000 sq ft column supported tensile canopy with 2,000 seats located behind the canopy on promenades) and is designed with a large elevated stage, theatrical lighting, projection screens and refined sound system that is well suited for live concerts, film and television production, theater, corporate and social gatherings, and more. The Miramar Amphitheater
Teen Summit 2017 Submitted by Detective Tracy Figone Public Information Officer The Fort Lauderdale Police Department would like to announce the 2017 Teen Summit, hosted by the Fort Lauderdale Black Police Officers Association. The Teen Summit will be held at Stranahan High School on Friday, July 14, 2017 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Stranahan High School, 1000 S.W. Fifth Pl., Fort Fort Lauderdale. The Teen Summit is a community outreach event that gives teens the opportunity to obtain valuable information about topics such as social media use, life skills, etiquette, and police interaction. Participants will be entertained by local music artists well as dance and step teams. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. It is the hope of the Fort Lauderdale Police Department and the Fort Lauderdale Black Police Officers Association that the youth who choose to take advantage of this enriching opportunity will leave with valuable skills and information. We believe that the lessons learned during the Teen Summit will give participants the knowledge and confidence to make sound decisions which will ultimately help reduce juvenile offenses, leading to future success. The Fort Lauderdale Police Department strongly encourages our community youth and youth groups to attend and take advantage of this rewarding opportunity.
New Amphitheater at Miramar Regional Park.
includes ticket distribution set up, electronic signage and is surrounded by beautiful fountains, wetlands, and greenery. The amphitheater and promenade adorns 4.1 acres of green space with a total project cost of $7.4 Million to construct including amenities. The Miramar Amphitheater at Regional Park is a great winning addition to the entertainment cast of Miramar. The City of Miramar is a destination of choice for sports, theatre, arts, and recreation with award-winning facilities including the Ansin Sports Complex, Shirley Branca Memorial Park, Miraar Cultural Center and Miramar Regional Park. All of Miramar’s entertainment assets are easy to reach from Miami to Palm Beach and draws from over 6.7 million people across the region.
PAGE 10 • JULY 13 - JULY 19, 2017
RISE to get honored with an award from ESPN
By D’Joumbarey A. Moreau Equality, unity, and opportLEGAL NOTICES
unity. These are three of the fundamental principles that make athletic competition great. Even though these three values are generally expressed
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. July 6, 13, 20, 27, 2017
MISCELLEANOUS St. James’ Residence Apartments for the Elderly
400 S. Olive Ave. West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Pursuant to HUD requirements this serves as a notice that the wait list will be closed and applications will not be accepted effective July 14,2017 until further notice (561) 833-5269
TTY - 800 955-8771
during athletic matches, they are not always recognized within our natural society, and that’s where the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality steps in. Also known as R.I.S.E., a nonprofit organization which was founded by Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, has helped bridge the gap between those three principles-(equality, unity, and opportunity) being reflected within our everyday life. Ross believes that his organization can help create and bring a change in the current climate that our nation deals with now. In a mere two years of presence within the community, Ross’ efforts have paid off to help others and it’s being nationally recognized. Due to Ross’ works with RISE, on July 11 in Los Angeles, RISE will receive ESPN’s Stuart Scotty ENSPIRE award at the third annual Sports Humanitarian Awards. In addition to the award, ROSS will also receive a $100,000 grant from ESPN because of the organization’s direction in changing race relations and pushing social development. At the Sports Humanitarian Awards event, ESPN will honor different sporting leagues, sports franchises, individuals and members of the sporting community who are using their influence to help create and leave a lasting positive influence on the population. More specifically, the award which RISE is getting is named after one of ESPN’s legendary on-air talents, Stuart Scott.
www.thewestsidegazette.com
Westside Gazette “We are honored that RISE is a recipient of the Stuart Scott ENSPIRE Award, named after a man synonymous with bringing all walks of life together through the unifying power of sports,� said Stephen M. Ross. “I want to thank all of the players, sports executives and league officials who have united to make a positive impact around such an important issue.�
The award stands for people and organizations which have taken opportunities and used a creative approach to helping the disadvantaged using the power of sports. Ross himself took a huge risk by starting RISE which has a number of high-profile athletes and sports executives under its umbrella including Draymond Green, Larry Fitzgerald, LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Ryan Tannehill, Adam Silver, and Roger Goodell.
With the help of these athletes and under the vision and leadership of Ross, the program has spread like wildfire. After it’s beginning in October 2015, RISE has expanded into states throughout the country including Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, New York, Michigan, New Jersey, Texas and Washington D.C. to name a few. Their leadership program has reached over 30,000 students, coaches and athletic staff as well as over 100 professional athletes. Additionally, getting fan sup-
port is huge and RISE managed to also have over 25,000 fans engage. Let’s also not forget nearly the 12,000 people who pledged. “They were groundbreaking and got ahead of race relation conversations that needed to be had,� Miami Dolphins safety Michael Thomas said. “For RISE to give these athletes a platform to voice their opinion on how they were feeling was awesome. The nation really got behind it ,and this is something that will continue to grow.�
MIAMI RED 13
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LIBRA-You may feel an extra burst of energy this week. This is a good time for you wrap up any miscellaneous details on a project that you’ve been working on. Your vibrations are very conducive towards generosity and general well-being that you’ll want to extend to friends and family. Communication is a skeleton key that fits many doors. 5, 7, 10 SCORPIO-Start setting goals. Do a periodic cleaning of your home and get rid of the junk that has been cluttering your life! Start saving your money for a big vacation that you and that special someone have been planning! Do something extravagant. Clinging to the old will inhibit my growth this week. 2, 39, 45
GEMINI-One of your most unique gifts is the power to change your mind. You know how to change the way you think, and it gives you great versatility. This week you may be called upon to change the way you think about someone you love. Be kind! I am on the watch for those who need me. 32, 36, 45
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MIAMI RED SEZ --- 703
ARIES-Things speed up again this week and you are in a highly creative mood. An outspoken female in your circle may illuminate a thorny question for you. You’ll be surprised and pleased by what you hear. Take her aside and thank her. I keep myself free of all resentment. 3, 40, 51 TAURUS-Hello home life. After a busy next few weeks all you want to do is savor the feelings of domesticity at home. Or perhaps go shopping to spruce up your living space. Whatever you decide do it with a close friend. You’ll both enjoy the week more if you are together. The grandeur of my presence reflects the sunshine of my soul. 11, 14, 17
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SAGITTARIUS-Flexibility is needed to deal with a work issue. You’re sure you’re right but compromise will be necessary to overcome someone’s objections. Don’t think they are being spiteful. They simply see things differently than you do. Your insights this week are special and specialized. CANCER-Focus intently on the personal this week. Others Don’t expect agreement. Slow and easy is the best way for me may seem scattered or impersonal, but that’s not for you. Keep to travel this week. 7, 8, 10 your thoughts and feelings to yourself until others are more receptive to your steady vibrations. Money and happiness are CAPRICORN-If you need a good week to put away the memorabilia of a past love; this week’s that week. Tuck away closely related this week. 20, 30, 50 his or her photograph. If it’s over and now it’s time to move on, don’t stall your love life dwelling on what was. Get ready LEO-A personal decision is made, and you are happy for the for what can be. I slow down and take the feelings of others person who makes it. This person may be younger than you, in consideration. 1, 26, 33 but you’ve got a karmic bond between you. Enjoy the excitement of shared moments. Use your imagination to create a AQUARIUS-Your harmony with your business or domestic better world for both of you. The pictures in my head give the partner should improve as you take steps to strengthen communication. Slow down and give everyone a chance to get greatest joy this week. 9, 44, 52 on the same page. Plan well before you act. Enjoy hanging loose. I trust my gut instincts concerning all matters. 2, 39, 40 VIRGO A relationship may be heating up this week. Make sure you PISCES-A little child will lead them is certainly something you know what you want, then go ahead. Minor challenges on the should keep in mind this week. Wisdom from a little person, home front are easily dealt with if you keep your sense of a son, daughter, younger brother or sister can be very helpful humor. Secrets are important. Keep them. My goodwill is my to you. Lighten up on yourself. Self-criticism is not a good idea this week. I loosen up and enjoy my life without worry. 24, 25, best weapon. 3, 30, 31 26
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Westside Gazette
JULY 13 - JULY 19, 2017 • PAGE 11
More than $750,000 Broward Education Foundation Scholarships awarded to help students fulfill college dreams
Maricella Madoo, South Plantation High School; Shianna Peterson, Fort Lauderdale High School; Jammal and Amber Davenport; Thuy-Thuong Nguyen, Cooper City High School.
Whit e sstudent tudent made ‘co-v aledict orian’ White ‘co-valedict aledictorian’ with Black student, despite having lower GP A, la wsuit claims GPA lawsuit
SHEPARD By Justin Wm. Moyer An African American woman has filed a federal lawsuit against a Mississippi school district, claiming a white student was named “co-valedictorian” with her daughter, despite the white student having a lower grade-point average. The day before Jasmine Shepard graduated from Cleveland High School in Cleveland, Miss., in May 2016, the school awarded her and a white student the title “co-valedictorian,” according to the suit filed Tuesday in federal court in the Northern District of Mississippi. This
was a first in the 110-year history of the school, the suit said, and the decision was made. “Prior to 2016, all of Cleveland High School’s valedictorians were white,” the suit says. “As a result of the school official’s unprecedented action of making an African American student share the valedictorian award with a white student, the defendants discriminated against.” An attorney for the Cleveland School District called the lawsuit “frivolous” and said the students “had identical grade point averages.” “As such, under school board policy, they were both named valedictorian of their graduating class,” Jamie Jacks wrote in an email. “The district’s policy is racially neutral and fair to students.” Sherry Shepherd, Jasmine Shepherd’s mother, said it was easy to calculate the students’ grade-point averages because the community is so small. “These children have been attending school with each other since middle school,” she said. “We know the schedule, we know what they take, and we have a good idea where the discrepancy lies.” The “co-valedictorian” designation also came “on the heels of a federal judge’s ruling that the Cleveland School District had failed to desegregate its schools approximately 50 years”
after being ordered to do so, the suit says. The judge, in her ruling last year, ordered the schools to be integrated. “The delay in desegregation has deprived generations of students of the constitutionallyguaranteed right of an integrated education,” U.S. District Court Judge Debra M. Brown wrote last year. “Although no court order can right these wrongs, it is the duty of the district to ensure that not one more student suffers under this burden.” The school district in Cleveland, a town of 12,000 where railroad tracks largely separate white and Black families, initially fought the judge’s order but later dropped the challenge. In an interview, Sherry Shepard, who maintains a “Justice for Jasmine” Facebook page, said her daughter was forced to speak after the white valedictorian at graduation, and also was slated to walk behind her before she objected. “A child, when they earn honors, they are entitled to receive them,” Sherry Shepard said. “There is no inclusion in the Cleveland school district. When the district wants something, they just take it.” The suit asks for unspecified monetary damages and for Jasmine Shepard to be declared “sole valedictorian.” The white valedictorian was identified in the suit only as “H.B.” Sherry Shepard called her “the kindest-hearted, sweetest person.”
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – The steep cost of higher education is forcing many of today’s graduating high school seniors to delay their dreams of attending college. But because of Broward Education Foundation and its generous donors, 207 Broward County Public School seniors will attend college this fall with scholarships ranging from $500 to four year Florida Prepaid plans. At its Scholarship Award Ceremony, presented by BrightStar Credit Union, Broward Education Foundation awarded more than $750,000 worth of scholarships. Keynote speaker, scholarship donor and Broward County resident Jammal Davenport delivered a moving message that inspired and energized students, parents, donors and mentors in the audience. Davenport recalled the challenges he faced growing up, raised by a single teenage mother surrounded by negative social influences. He persevered despite the adversities he faced, gra-
duated from college and today gives back through the “Sprouting Scholar Award” scholarships him and his wife Amber established with Broward Education Foundation. They created the scholarships for those who possess academic potential to be exceptional students. “Some scholars have not sprouted to their fullest potential, not because they cannot perform academically but because they simply have not had the best start to success. Students are a harvest of knowledge waiting to sprout in better conditions,” said Davenport. Broward Education Foundation awards scholarships to qualifying students who fall short of their financial need to pursue a post-secondary education. The scholarships are made possible by the generous support of companies, organizations and individual donors. “We are driven by the immense need to help our students fulfill their dream of attending college. With the generous sup-
port of business and community leaders like Jammal and Amber, we continue to make a profound impact on the students who need it most in our community,” said Broward Education Foundation Board Chair Christina Fischer. “Many times students just need help along the path to success. That’s what we do at Broward Education Foundation. Through our game-changing initiatives, we give our Broward County Public School students the best opportunities to excel in and out of the classroom. We congratulate all of our scholarship recipients and wish them the best of everything in college and in life.” Over the last 34 years, through a partnership of Broward Education Foundation, the School Board of Broward County, local universities, businesses and community leaders, more than 5,500 scholarships totaling nearly $12 million have been awarded to provide Broward County Public School students who have the desire to pursue a postsecondary education with the opportunity to fulfill that dream.
Local Miami gymnasts shines at AAU Gymnastics Age Group National Championships
Eight-year-old Miami gymnast, Nya Harris-Middleton, recently returned from competing at AAU Gymnastics Age Group National Championships in Kingsport, Tennessee. The five-day competition involved more than 1,500 athletes from around the United States. Harris-Middleton, who attends Gym Kidz North Miami Beach, placed third on the vault, fifth on bars, fourth on floor and fifth All-Around. Harris-Middleton has been taking gymnastic lessons since age four and competing since she was seven. An honor roll
student at Phyllis Ruth Miller Elementary School, HarrisMiddleton works very hard balancing school studies and gymnastics practice with her team three days a week. She is often seen somewhere practicing her cartwheels and other gymnastic exercises. I had a lot of fun this week. I am happy about my accomplishments and can’t wait to get to level three”, Nya HarrisMiddleton said. “I have had the pleasure of coaching Nya for three years. Nya’s hard work ethic and positive attitude are a winning com-
bination. Although she is very young, her focus and determination have progressed her greatly through gymnastics at a fast rate”, says her gymnastics coach Tawana Daniel. “Not only is she dedicated to the commitment of her training, whenever she’s in the gym her carefree, easy going attitude is a great infectious stress reliever for her teammates. Nya continually strives for greatness, whether she’s in practice or at a competition. She is a pleasure to coach and I am honored that I have the opportunity to watch her grow in the sport”. “I’m extremely proud of the way she competed,” states her mom, South Florida PR specialist Yvette Harris. “What I love about Nya is that she works hard and really has fun with gymnastics. She competed on beam first and fell off. She could have just given up, but in true Nya form, she jumped right back up on the beam and finished perfectly. She embraced it and went on to do well in all of the other areas of the competition. Her mental attitude and work ethic is strong. I learn from her daily.” This is the second year Harris-Middleton competed at AAU Gymnastics Age Group National Championship. She is looking forward to training this summer to qualify to move to level three.
Miami Dolphins host F ourth Annual Fourth Heads Up F ootball Mom’s Clinic Football
A2MIA: The ride that changed one man’s life
A2MIA bike riders: Qua (fourth from r), along with some of the celebrity bike riders. By Yolonda Bell Meet Niquá “Qua” Jones. The 46-year-old, native of Atlanta, GA., has participated in a 713mile bike ride from Atlanta to Miami, Fla. for two years in a row. The journey, which started off as a challenge by his brother, music producer Polow Da Don to one of their artists, Vivian Vega, was one that Quá also accepted. Quá, also an outstanding songwriter and producer in his own right, had been discouraged by the music industry and was at a point in his
life where he needed a spiritual rejuvenation. The frustration, disappointments and pain he experienced in “The Industry” took Quá away from what he loved most for a long time but he never lost sight of his dream. Traveling by bike on a road trip for 14 days was just the motivation he needed! It was at the end of his journey that he found that pivotal peace and self-awareness. Quá was able to get back into his music and move forward in truth, something he has always dreamed of.
For the full interview, see www.thewestsidegazette.com/ quabo The A2MIA 2017 bike ride is a journey defined to create awareness for personal growth and achievement through devaluing the excuses and building a proactive mentality. The riders will push through the daily challenges to strive for higher self-esteem and exoneration of negative factors in order to pursue and achieve any goal they set out to CONQUER. www.asmia.com
DAVIE, FL – The Miami Dolphins, in conjunction with Heads Up Football, welcomed a record 300 parents at their fourth annual Mom’s Clinic at the Baptist Health Training Facility at Nova Southeastern University. This year, the clinic welcomed both mothers and fathers for education on football safety. “We are here educating families. Having both decision makers is a work in progress to a better and safer game. One thing we are trying to do is inform these parents, who then can make sure that their kids are playing safe and tackling properly and training them more on what signs to see,” Dolphins Manager of Youth Programs & USA Football Master Trainer Troy Drayton said. “This event has grown a lot, when you think about when we first started we had about 7580 people and now we are 300 people strong. We are getting into the roots of change, and for us that is what we want to do.
One of our pillars of Youth Programs is health and safety and aligning with USA Football and its initiatives is an important element for us.” The interactive clinic presented parents with information about young athletes’ nutrition, heat and hydration, equipment fitting and interactive drills that demonstrated proper Heads Up Football tackling techniques. The parents took part in multiple football drills. Parents were taught the correct and safe way to tackle and protect their bodies. Susan Harrington, a mom of three boys, said, “What I experienced in this is definitely amazing and it is really informative. I took notes on the whole session.” Guest speakers at this clinic included Miami Dolphins Athletic Trainer Shannon Osborne, who shared information on nutrition and heat and hydration. Additionally, Miami Dolphins Equipment Manager Joe
Cimino showed the proper way helmets and shoulder pads should fit to help reduce injuries. Miami Dolphins K Andrew Franks came out to support this event and modeled the appropriate fit for football equipment during Cimino’s presentation. “I think it is really important understanding the aspects of how to make the sport itself safer,” Franks explained. “Setting these standards early is really important for youth football in general.” “From a player’s standpoint, having your parents around supporting you – the parents have the most contact with their kids and how they play and how to influence those safety protocols.” Following the presentations, participants took part in performing drills taught by USA Football Master Trainer Chris Merritt, Drayton, Youth Programs Ambassador & USA Football Master Trainer Twan Russell and Miami Dolphins alumni Donald Brown, Chris Conlin, Lorenzo Hampton and Ed Perry.
PAGE 12 • JULY 13 - JULY 19, 2017
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Westside Gazette
Governor Scott signs Representative Quantity over quality? Minorities shown to get an excess ing for low-back pain, cervical Bobby DuBose’s Bill to help victims of ineffective care cancer screening and vitamin D screening. A significant body of research of wrongful incarceration By Michelle Andrews has shown that U.S. minorities
Governor Rick Scott signed into law legislation and Representative Bobby DuBose addresses assembly.
Sometimes more isn’t better Minority patients face a double whammy: Not only are they more likely to miss out on effective medical treatments than white patients, but, according to a new study, they’re also more likely to receive an abundance of ineffective services. The study, published in the June issue of Health Affairs, examined 11 medical services identified as “low value” by the Among the low-value serABIM Foundation’s Choosing Wisely initiative. That pro- vices that researchers studied, gram pin-points unnecessary, Black and Hispanic beneficioverused medical tests and aries were significantly more treatments in an effort to reduce likely to receive many of them waste and avoid needless risk than were whites. For example, 17.4 percent of Black patients in the health care system. Researchers analyzed Medi- and 12.8 percent of Hispanics care administrative data from with advanced dementia re2006 to 2011 for beneficiaries ceived feeding tubes during the in the traditional Medicare pro- study period, compared with gram who were 65 or older a- just 4.6 percent of white pamong Black, white and His- tients. Similarly, while 14.9 percent of white patients received panic groups.
cardiac testing before cataract surgery, the figures for Blacks and Hispanics were higher, 17.3 and 20.5 percent, respectively. Black and Hispanic patients were more likely to receive other ineffective services as well, including antipsychotics for those with dementia, imaging for an enlarged prostate and bonedensity testing. In a couple of instances, white patients were more likely to receive unnecessary services, including imag-
tend to receive fewer medical services that are considered effective, such as flu shots or aspirin following a heart attack, said William Schpero, a Ph.D. student at Yale School of Public Health who was the study’s lead author. That disparity is typically attributed to problems with access to the health care system, he said. However, visiting the doctor frequently was no guarantee of better care, the study suggested. Researchers found that greater use of the health care system was often associated with significantly higher rates of low-value care for many services. “Our findings show that improving access is a necessary but not sufficient part of the policy solution,” said Schpero. “Improving quality is important as well.”
By Robert A. Bogle, IV TALLAHASSEE, FL – On Friday, June 16, 2017, Governor Rick Scott signed into law legislation known as the “Victims of Wrongful Incarceration Compensation Act.” “It is disgraceful that Floridians wrongfully incarcerated weren’t able to obtain justice,” announced Democratic Leader Pro-Tempore Bobby DuBose. “This bill is for the people like William Dillon, who after 26 years in prison for a murder he did not commit, could not seek compensation because he had a past conviction for drug possession and Herman Lindsey, the 23rd person exonerated from death row in 2009 from a crime he did not commit. These non-violent offenders who have served time due to blunders by the state deserve retribution for the mistakes that have cost them so dearly.” Previously under Florida law, inmates wrongfully incarcerated were unable to receive compensation if they had been convicted of any felony. This is known as the Clean Hands Provision. Of thirty states with similar laws regarding wrongful incarceration, Florida was the only one with such a provision, which produced vastly unintended consequences. The Victims of Wrongful Incarceration Compensation Act amends the Clean Hands Provision, only prohibiting those wrongfully incarcerated from receiving compensation if he or she has been convicted of a violent felony or more than one non-violent felony. “Allowing those who have been wronged by the state access to the compensation they deserve will provide them with an opportunity to reintegrate themselves into society and better themselves and their community,” declared Democratic Leader Pro-Tempore Bobby DuBose. “I sincerely thank Governor Scott for signing this into law and helping to bring justice for families across Florida.”
SEIU members and community adv ocates sho wed up in for ce advocates show force
From the SEIU SEIU members and community advocates showed up in force last week for healthcare, determined to be heard by their representatives. Our members know that losing healthcare
truly is a matter of life and death for many Americans. With the disastrous Senate vote looming on a bill that would take healthcare from 22 million, Florida residents shared their difficult and heartbreaking stories of why solid
health insurance makes all the difference. In Fort Lauderdale, Tonya spoke about her son and grandson (her remarks begin at 4:10 on the video), who both have hemophilia—a hereditary disorder that reduces the body’s
ability to clot blood. Without expensive medicine her grandson and others like him can die or be severely crippled by this disease. Just this year, her son cut his foot on some glass. What would have required a bandaid for others sent him to the emergency room for a dose of medicine that cost over $50,000 dollars. Without healthcare ensured by the ACA, Americans like Tonya’s grandson and son don’t stand a chance. In Tampa, Orlando, West Palm Beach, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale, our people rallied because they know Americans shouldn’t face premiums that are $1,000 of dollars higher; people with pre-existing conditions deserve coverage, not death; and our nation’s children and elderly people are entitled to decent care. Keep calling your Senators at (866) 426-2631 and stay tuned for more actions urging the Senate to vote no on healthcare repeal. Sign up now so you can be on the front lines defending healthcare!