The Westside Gazette

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Congresswoman Shelia Jackson Lee Mulls 'High Crimes And Misdemeanors' for Trump

Supporting Black Business Builds Black Power In 2017

Black Have A Lot To Lose With Trump's Budget

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Westside Gazette Broward County's Oldest and Largest African American Owned and Operated Newspaper VOL. 46 NO. 9

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THURSDA Y, APRIL 6 - WEDNESDA Y, APRIL 12, 2017 THURSDAY WEDNESDAY

There is baggage living in this [Black] skin We are where we’re supposed to be

Black Lives Matter Alliance Broward hosts Award-winning ‘Generation Revolution’ film screening

By Arri Henry If you thought the injustices of brown and Black people was an American issue, think again.

“Institutionalized racism with employees that aren’t racist,” is a global problem. Usayd Younis and Cassie Quarless, a radical filmmaker and producer/ director respectively, capture the brave resistance of several young UK organizations who share passion for social and political change in a featurelength film entitled “Generation Revolution”. The documentary is raw. Uncensored. Unapologetic. Eye opening.

Attendees at the screening packed the Classic Gateway Theatre on East Sunrise Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale — often making comments aloud or applauding as dramatic events unfolded on screen.

The documentary is raw. Uncensored. Unapologetic. Eye opening.

(Photo credit genrevfilm.com)

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Sponsors of hate today must be held accountable

By Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. (President and CEO, NNPA) Over the next several days, across the United States, people will pause in solemn remembrance of the 49th anniversary of the tragic assassination of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in Memphis, Tenn., on April 4, 1968.

Back then, I was a young, college student and staff member of Dr. King’s Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) in North Carolina on that tragic day in 1968.

There is no question that it has been a long and difficult road for our communities, during the past half century, as we continue to fight for equal rights and to eliminate racial hatred, discrimination and bigotry.

Many in North Carolina may recall my beginnings in activism when, as a 13-year-old, I fought to integrate the public library in Oxford, N.C., and was the first African-American to successfully struggle to get a library card there. Later, I worked for the SCLC, CORE,

NAACP, and the United Church of Christ Commission for Racial Justice. Today, I proudly serve the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) as President and CEO. Over the years, our work has taken different shapes and has required many different approaches and levels of intensity to ensure we continually push our leaders and fellow citizens further down the path of freedom, justice and equality.

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President Donald Trump’s proposed budget, titled “America First: A Budget Blueprint to Make America Great Again,” targets a number of programs for severe cuts or outright elimination—programs that often help poor, working-class and Black families.

The budget plans to cut almost $4 billion in Pell Grants.

More then half of African American college students receive Pell Grant awards each year. Trump’s budget also eliminates Meals on Wheels, a program that delivers roughly 218 million meals to the poor and elderly each year, according to a Meals on Wheels fact sheet. Minorities account for nearly 30 percent of seniors that receive home-delivered meals.

Trump’s budget includes $1.5 billion to build a wall along the southern border of the United States. Despite Trump’s “America First” rhetoric, there’s no specific allocation to solve the lead water crisis in Flint, Michigan, a $150 million fix, based on some estimates.

“We can’t spend money on programs just, because they sound good. Meals on Wheels

Trump’s budget also purges the Legal Services Corporation, which assists poor Americans with legal services, at a cost of $502 million per year. Twothirds of Legal Services Corporation’s clients are AfricanAmerican.

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By Bobby R. Henry, Sr. How often have we asked ourselves, “What have I done to be in such a predicament?” My health is dreadful; my love life is in shambles and my home is in foreclosure!!!

We struggle with our situations and are left with many sleepless nights. Comfort and peace seem to last for fleeting seconds while miseries linger for what seems like eternity.

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Genius Black student set to graduate at 19

By Susan Johnes Naturally Moi

Blacks have a lot to lose with Trump’s new budget

By Lauren Victoria Burke (NNPA Newswire Contributor)

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 (NKJV)

Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., says that the Foundation for the Carolinas has spent tens of millions of dollars over the years supporting groups that sponsor hate and advance an anti-immigration and population control agenda that threatens our communities.

At 19 years, most students are still doing class work but not for Ronald McCullough, a 19-year-old individual who has dedicated all his teenage life to reading. According to media reports, the Black student will be graduating from Clark Atlanta University on May 22nd.

Ronald was admitted to the University at the age of 16 years. He will graduate with honors in B.A in Biology at 19 years, two full years ahead of his classmates.

In a statement released by Clark Atlanta, McCullough said he was not considering himself as a genius, but his love for learning led to such an

MCCULLOUGH incredible achievement. The teenager admitted that a lot of people had brilliant expectations for him and thus he never wanted to disappoint them.

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Combating Stigma: One of the keys to an HIV-Free generation

What is unmasking, and did Susan Rice do anything wrong?

By Ken Dilanian, NBC News President Trump’s proposed budget cuts or eliminates federal funding for Meals on Wheels, Pell Grants and Community Development Block Grants.

Photo taken at the 2013 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) at the National Harbor in Prince George’s County, Md. (Gage Skidmore/Wikimedia Commons) sounds great,” said Mick Mulvaney, Trump’s budget director, during a press briefing at the White House in March.

Mulvaney suggested that Meals on Wheels, and other programs that offer free meals to students at school, were ineffective.

Pleading Our Own Cause

White House National Security Advisor Susan Rice spoke at American University concerning the progress... Image: Susan Rice Discusses Situation in Syria At new America Foundation

WWW.

It doesn’t have the ring of “Benghazi,” or “Whitewater,” but Republicans are seizing upon what they see as a new scandal: “Improper unmasking.”

The issue: Did President Obama’s national security adviser, Susan Rice, do something wrong when she requested that the identities of some Trump aides be “unmasked,” or revealed to a small group of cleared government officials, after those names turned up in surveillance reports of foreigners in the waning days of the last administration?

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Vanessa Johnson, National Training and Leadership Director, Positive Women’s Network-USA Everyone involved in the mission to end HIV/AIDS wants to get as many people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) into care as possible. Yet stigma remains a key barrier to achieving that goal.

The Black AIDS Institute and the Positive Women’s Network (PWN) USA held a Brown Bag Lunch Webinar in March 2017 to help change that.

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NNPA honors legendary Houston Forward Times publisher Lenora 'Doll' Carter Carter enshrined in the NNPA gallery of distinguished newspaper publishers African drummers leading Carter family members into historic Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel at Howard University in Washington, D.C. Several of

Carter’s friends and members of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) gave brief remarks and touching tributes, as the NNPA en-

Civil Rights leader ttttorne orne al Jef leaderss meet with AAtt orneyy Gener General Jefff Sessions

“I asked [Attorney General Sessions] to counsel the president against the creation of such a task force and a commission, because that commission will be seen to intimidate our communities,” said Ifill. “In the absence of any evidence of voter fraud, he should be counseling the president away from such a course. We don’t need an investigation into something that doesn’t exist.”

Ifill continued: “We should not be crediting the fantasies of this president at the cost of African Americans and Latinos feeling secure that they’re not being intimidated from voting and participating in the process.”

According to the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University School of Law, a non-partisan public policy and law institute, “claims of voter fraud are frequently used to justify policies that do not solve the alleged wrongs, but that could well disenfranchise legitimate voters.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

By Stacy M. Brown (NNPA Newswire Contributor) The Black Press Week ceremony dedicated to the late

Lenora “Doll” Carter, former publisher of the Houston Forward Times, proved almost as impressive as the honoree.

The celebration began with

From l to r: Marc Morial, the president and CEO of the National Urban League; Wade Henderson, the president and CEO of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights and The Leadership Conference Education Fund; Sherrilyn Ifill, the president and director-counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund; Kristen Clarke, the president and executive director of the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights under the Law; and Melanie Campbell, the president and CEO of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation hold a press conference following a meeting with Attorney General Jeff Sessions at the Justice Department in Washington, D.C., in March 2017. (Freddie Allen/ AMG/NNPA)

By Lauren Victoria Burke (NNPA Newswire Contributor) Earlier this month, leaders from six civil rights groups met with Attorney General Jeff Sessions at the Justice Department to discuss a range of issues that are critical to the Black community.

The meeting was attended

by Kristen Clarke, the president and executive director of the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights under the Law; Sherrilyn Ifill, the president and director-counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund; Marc Morial, the president and CEO of the Na-

tional Urban League; Melanie Campbell, the president and CEO of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation; Reverend Al Sharpton, the president of the National Action Network; and Wade Henderson, the president and CEO of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights and The Leadership Conference Education Fund.

The leaders expressed their concerns about the future of the civil rights gains made under the Obama Administration.

They also expressed concerns about the recent rash of hate crimes, the consent decree in-

volving Baltimore’s police department and the impact that any potential, “mythical” voting fraud investigation could have on voters’ rights.

During an interview with Fox News earlier this year, President Donald Trump announced that Vice President Mike Pence would lead a commission to investigate allegations of voter fraud.

ThinkProgress.org reported that President Trump claimed that he would have won the popular vote if it were not for three to five million illegal votes. President Trump has never offered any evidence to support this claim.

Karen Carter-Richards, the publisher of the “Houston Forward Times” and Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., president and CEO of the NNPA, hold a plaque dedicated to Lenora “Doll” Carter and her contributions to the Black Press.

The plaque will be added to the NNPA’s Gallery of Distinguished Newspaper Publishers at Howard University in Washington, D.C. (Freddie Allen/AMG/NNPA) shrined the former Houston publisher and community leader into its Gallery of Distinguished Newspaper Publishers.

Chelsea Lenora White, one of Carter’s granddaughters, delivered a stirring solo performance that included an emotional rendition of the classic “Reach Out and Touch (Some-

body’s Hand)” by Diana Ross.

“Doll and I were the last of the Mohicans,” said Chicago Crusader Publisher Dorothy Leavell, one of Carter’s close friends. “She loved beautiful things and she loved the Black Press.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

JM Family, Southeast Toyota and JM Lexus announce the 2017 African-American Achievers Milestone celebration to say ‘thank you’ to African-American Achievers for 25 Years of Impact

Davis, McCraney, Pinkney and Lockhart .

Submitted by Christie Caliedo DEERFIELD BEACH, FL — In anticipation of the 25th anniversary of the African-American Achievers awards ceremony on Wednesday, April 26 at 6:30 p.m. at the Broward County Convention Center, JM Family, Southeast Toyota Distributors and JM Lexus announce the 2017 AfricanAmerican Achievers: Tarell Alvin McCraney – Arts & Culture; Shaun M. Davis, CPA – Business & Entrepreneurism; Enid Curtis Pinkney – Community Service Anthony Lockhart, Ed.D. – Education “Through the AfricanAmerican Achievers awards, we say thank you to unsung heroes for their accomplishments and contributions to South Florida,” said Colin Brown, president and CEO of JM Family. “As we celebrate 25 years of this special program, we are grateful for the dedication of our past and present honorees. Their continued determination and selflessness is an inspiration to our community and the next generation of leaders making a difference.”

In recognition of this year’s Achievers and their efforts to improve the quality of life in our community, JM Family and its subsidiariesSoutheast Toyota Distributors and JM Lexus- will make a contribution of $10,000 in each Achiever’s name to the South Florida charity(ies) of his or her choice. This year’s contributions will bring the total donation made by JM Family on behalf of its African-American Achievers to more than $490,000.

The 2017 honorees were selected by an independent panel of community leaders, including former Achievers from Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties. The selection committee reviewed more than 200 nominations received from throughout South Florida after an extensive public outreach campaign.

Arts & Culture: Tarell Alvin McCraney While McCraney’s most notable accomplishment may be the 2016 Oscar-winning movie “Moonlight,” which was

based off his work and life experiences, helping change people’s lives through the performing arts, is his natural gift. A graduate of the Yale School of Drama, McCraney is an internationally acclaimed actor, playwright and professor who inspires and mentors youth, especially in his beloved hometown of Liberty City. He finds thoughtful, modern ways to spark his students’ creativity and interests while also identifying areas that are underexposed to the beauty of the theater. McCraney utilizes playwriting and performing arts curriculum at the African Heritage Cultural Arts Center, plus the Youth Artist Leadership Summer Program, an initiative he helped design, to empower young female artists and bring their dreams to life.

Business Entrepreneurism: Shaun M. Davis When it comes to starting and growing a business, Davis, founder and managing partner of S. Davis & Associates, P.A., knows what it takes to succeed.

Davis’ passion for math as a student, combined with his dream for a successful future, evolved into one of the largest African-American-owned certified public accounting and consulting firms in the southeast. Davis’ drive and determination have made him an outstanding mentor to minorities interested in starting their own business. He was a former chair and member of the State of Florida Board of Accountancy and most recently, elected as Board Chair for the Urban League of Broward County where he leads the way in breaking the cycle of poverty through programs benefiting thousands of lives each year.

Community Service: Enid Curtis Pinkney Pinkney is a passionate historian who worked tirelessly for justice and equality by preserving the role of AfricanAmericans in Miami’s rich history. Pinkney, dubbed the “Cemetery Lady,” was instrumental in saving the historic Lemon City Cemetery and the Native American burial ground

downtown known as Miami Circle. She championed the conservation efforts of several historical sites like the Hampton House Motel, which was one of the few places black entertainers, athletes and celebrities could stay during the days of segregation in the 1960s. Pinkney was elected the first Black president of the Dade Heritage Trust organization and is the founder of the African-American Committee, which focuses on the contributions of the Black community. Pinkney has received many honors and awards for her impressive contributions and, at 85, is still working hard to share her appreciation for history with future generations.

Education: Anthony Lockhart Lockhart’s talent for transformation was most recently tested when he accepted the monumental task of improving the rating at Belle Glade’s Lake Shore Middle School, which repeatedly ranked among the lowest in Palm Beach County.

Through hard work, a heart for education and an inspiring vision as school principal, Lockhart lifted Lake Shore from an Frating to a C in just one year, making it the most improved in 2016. Building on an impressive record of success, he has a knack for connecting with students and rising above whatever struggles come his way.

For his achievements, Lockhart has been recognized with several distinguished awards including Boca Raton High School’s Administrator of the Year and most recently, Palm Beach County’s Principal of the Year for 2016.

Also part of the evening’s festivities, one South Florida high school senior, to be named soon, will receive the 2017 Jerome Edmund Gray Youth Achiever Award. This honor, which was named in memory of 1995 African-American Achiever Jerome Edmund Gray, Esq., includes a four-year, needs-based scholarship to Florida State University.

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APRIL 6 - APRIL 12, 2017 • PAGE 3

Broward Mayor delivers State of the County Address at Ninth Annual Broward Workshop Business Forum $25,000 homestead exemption earmarked for low income senior citizens,” said Sharief.

The Broward Workshop hosts “The State of Our County” forum annually to address current and future issues related to Broward County business.

Mayor Sharief noted that job creation remains strong as employers provided 20,400 jobs in February, a 4.5% increase from the same time last year.

The unemployment rate of 4.5% is the same as in 2016.

Passenger travel at Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport totaled more than 2.8 million people, a sharp 9.4% increase from 2016 as total passenger traffic by the end of year is expected to exceed a record setting 32 million people. Improvements at the airport con-

tinue with Concourse A at Terminal 1 expected to open early June, adding five new gates at completion with international capability and a new U.S. Customs and Border Protection Facility and centralized TSA security check-point.

Broward County’s Port Everglades had a record-setting month in cargo in December 2016, logging 104,590 TEUs (20-foot equivalent units, the industry’s standard measurement for containers), moving through the Port. “This is the highest producing month in the Port’s nearly 90 year history and a 15 percent increase over December 2015,” noted Sharief.

The number of people taking cruises from Port Everglades topped 3.8 million in 2016, as Broward welcomes the newest

The Windsor D. Fer guson Memorial A war ds Ferguson Awar wards

iversity of Wisconsin or the University of Minnesota. The Windsor D. Ferguson Memorial Awards summer.

He is a member of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), American Institute for Chemical Engineers (AIChE), and the American Society for Microbiology (ASM).

He is the first in his family to attend college and a graduate of Miami Northwestern Senior High School.

“Sam’s outlook is promising as he aims to reach his career goals. His success so far is a testimony that with Christ, the impossible becomes the possible.

We congratulate Sam for a job well done and pray that he exceeds all goals”, Mother Rosemary Ferguson.

The Windsor D. Ferguson Memorial STEM Awards at Tuskegee University will be presented on Sunday, April 9, 2017 during the Tuskegee University President’s Essay Contest and Scholarship Awards Program.

By Kimberly Maroe

Broward Mayor Barbara Sharief delivers State of the County Address.

HATCHETT

By Cheryl F. Jones The Windsor D. Ferguson Memorial Awards Tuskegee University STEM Student Award Recipients: Congratulations to Channing Hatchett, a senior Animal Science student from Fulton, Md.; and Jabril Lilly, a junior Mechanical Engineering student from Miami, Fla. and Sam Merlus, a sophomore Chemical Engineering and Chemistry double major student from Miami, Fla.; recipients of The Windsor D. Ferguson Memorial STEM Award at Tuskegee University.

Hatchett’s career goal is to become a Veterinary Pathologist to focus on understanding different illnesses and diseases.

This will require four years of vet school and an additional

LILLY

Broward Mayor Barbara Sharief says job creation is high, unemployment is stable and county property taxes are lower than the year before. She made the comments at the 9th Annual Broward Workshop “State of Our County” Address with an estimated one thousand people in attendance.

“Our $4.5 billion balanced budget this year finances major improvements at the airport and Port Everglades and major capital projects that will provide jobs for years to come,” said Mayor Sharief.

“In addition, Commissioners cut the ad valorem tax rate by 1% to give property owners with a homestead exemption a tax break and added an additional

MERLUS

three years for specialization.

Currently, she is enrolled in the Animal Science: Vet Science option (3+1 program) and her senior year includes 1st year vet school courses.

Hatchett is an honor student, a Tuskegee University Scholar, and has been on the Dean’s List. She served as Secretary of MANRRS, Secretary of the PreVet Club, and a member of the Pre-Alumni Club. She volunteers at the Tuskegee University Goat Farm and the Tuskegee University Teaching Hospital. She has gained summer experiences at Michigan State University, Purdue University, Smithsonian National Zoo, and Henry Doorly Zoo. The Windsor D. Ferguson Memorial Awards summer she will intern at Banfield Pet Hospital.

She will graduate in May 2017 and continue her studies in Tuskegee’s vet school. “Hatchett expressed a willingness to give back, “…while serving the society with honor, compassion, and purpose.” I believe her work will make a difference. My beloved Phil was an emotional support for me when my husband passed. When Phil died, I gained a greater appreciation for pets and those in the veterinary field because I experienced the impact of their purpose. May God continue to bless and keep her as she reaches and exceeds her career goals”, Mother Rosemary Ferguson,widow of Bishop Windsor D. Ferguson, Sr. Lilly's dreams of becoming a successful entrepreneur, owning multiple businesses so that he can give back to inner-city

communities and help his family as well. After earning his undergraduate degree, he plans to pursue a Master’s Degree in Business Management. Lilly is a Tuskegee University Merit Scholarship recipient. He earned a Computer Science Associate in Arts from Miami Dade College, prior to enrolling at Tuskegee. He graduated from William H. Turner Technical Arts High School in Miami. The Windsor D. Ferguson Memorial Awards your career goal of becoming an entrepreneur, giving back to your community and your family. We pray that God blesses you along your journey”, Mother Rosemary Ferguson.

Merlus’s career goal is to become the Secretary of Energy, with ideas to create plans for water stability in Haiti and waste management in China, combat infectious diseases found on abiotic surfaces, and create more jobs for the workforce.

He is an honor student, a Tuskegee University Scholar, and has been on the Dean’s List.

Merlus is an undergraduate research student for the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and a Teaching Assistant for Tuskegee’s Chemistry department. He produced scientific presentations for the American Chemistry Society, Tuskegee University, University of Michigan, and University of Minnesota. Merlus will conduct scientific research at the Un-

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee Mulls 'high crimes and misdemeanors' for Trump

By Stacy M. Brown (NNPA Newswire Contributor) After just two months in the Oval Office, President Donald Trump has already proven to be a liability to the free world, keeping Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) up many nights wondering what the New York City real estate developer will do next.

However, the veteran Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) member isn’t just losing sleep ; she’s investigating the possibility of drafting articles of impeachment against the 45th president.

“High crimes and misdemeanors,” an animated Jackson Lee told a gathering of Black Press reporters, editors and publishers at Howard University last week.

She pointed to Trump’s alleged ties to Russia and the possible role that Russian officials played in distributing fake news stories and leaking, damaging emails that disrupted and derailed Hillary Clinton’s bid to become the first woman to become the President of the United States.

“High crimes and misdemeanors” is a phrase used in Section 4 of Article Two of the United States Constitution.

The statute states that, “The President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors.”

According to the Constitutional Rights Foundation (CRF), a non-profit, community-based group, working to educate young people about the importance of civic participation in a democratic society, the framers of the U.S. Constitution borrowed the phrase “high crimes and misdemeanors” from the English Parliament; the phrase was originally used to describe “grounds to impeach officials of the crown.”

The post on the CRF website continued: “Officials accused of ‘high crimes and misdemeanors’ were accused of offenses as varied as misappropriating government funds, appointing unfit subordinates, not prosecuting cases, not spending money allocated by Parliament, promoting themselves ahead of more deserving candidates, threatening a grand jury, disobeying an order from Parliament, arresting a man to keep him from running for Parliament, losing a ship by neglecting to moor it, helping ‘suppress petitions to the King to call a Parliament,’ granting warrants without cause, and bribery.

Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) (right) expressed concerns about President Donald Trump’s potential ties to Russia, as NNPA Chair Denise Rolark Barnes (left) and NNPA President and CEO Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., look on. Jackson Lee spoke during a 2017 NNPA Black Press Week event at Howard University in Washington, D.C. (Freddie Allen/AMG/NNPA) The CRF post noted that some of the charges were crimes, but others were not.

“The one common denominator in all these accusations was that the official had somehow abused the power of his office and was unfit to serve,” the CRF post said.

Jackson Lee said that the very fact that the FBI has acknowledged an investigation into Trump’s Russian ties should be enough. She also blasted Trump, for insinuating that Barack Obama, the nation’s first Black president, was “just another thug.”

“First, he spent five years trying to delegitimize Obama saying he wasn’t born here. Now, he lies and says the first Black president committed a felony, that he wiretapped him. That he’s just another thug,” Lee said, adding that the “government is under siege in Washington; this isn’t a government right now, it’s feigning to be one and it’s a place of havoc.”

Eddie Bernice Johnson, another Texas Democratic, said that the reality is that Democrats, currently, don’t have the votes for impeachment.

“But, I think about impeachment every single day,” Johnson added.

Cedric Richmond, the chairman of the CBC, spoke to the NNPA Newswire during a Black Press Week luncheon on Capitol Hill last week.

Richmond said that there hasn’t been anything official brewing, yet, when it comes to impeachment proceedings.

There’s, “nothing going on,” Richmond said.

Celebrity Cruises’ ship Celebrity Edge in 2018 and Silversea Cruises’ newest cruise ship Silver Muse later this year.

Business growth in Broward County remains strong says the Mayor, who created the “Broward Means Business” initiative in 2014. “According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics there are nearly 68,000 private businesses in our County, an increase of over 2,000 from the third quarter of last year,” said Sharief.

Looking ahead Broward County is moving forward with plans to expand the Broward County Convention Center and build a headquarters hotel.

“Challenges in the future include funding for adequate public transportation and affordable housing to accommodate expected population growth. Keeping our port, airport and all county buildings safe and secure remains a number one priority,” said Sharief.

Featured speakers this year included George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Miami Division and Jerry Parrish, Ph.D., Chief Economist & Director of Research, Florida Chamber Foundation. Broward Vice Mayor Beam Furr and Commissioners Chip LaMarca, Nan Rich and Michael Udine attended the morning breakfast, which annually draws hundreds of people from all facets of business and industry.

The Broward Workshop is a private, non-profit, non-partisan business organization established in 1981, consisting of the chief decision makers representing 100 of Broward County’s major businesses and professions.

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We are where we’re supposed to be (Cont'd from FP) If it were all up to you, you would not have allowed yourself to be fixed or attached to unpleasant quandaries-now would you?

When unwanted hullabaloos find their way into your life, what do you do? Do you cry, whine, or strike out in anger at everything or anybody in harm’s way?

“I have told you this, so that you might have peace in your hearts because of me. While you are in the world, you will have to suffer. But cheer up! I have defeated the world.” 16:33 (CEV) What is it about human power that causes our soul, body and mind to produce the might and audacity to overcome overwhelming, out of the ordinary circumstances?

It is the very embodiment of our existence, our human spirit, that which has been poured, injected and infused into us through an umbilical cord connected before we were even conceived as a thought.

This is a transformation from the Immaculate Conception.

Through this connection we are never too far from the Source that will give peace to any disquieting condition.

Where do we begin? “Let not your heart be troubled”; there comes a time when you have to surrender, you have to let go and let God take control.

Acceptance – As a noun: the psychological mindset that something is authentic and should be understood as factual.

Accept that you are incapable of creating the tiniest grain of sand and your control of time is nil; you can’t even stop your own eye from blinking, let alone preventing a thought.

Greet – As a verb: to take in hand or welcome with sentiments of affability.

Welcome each challenge with the faith that it is supposed to be and it will turn out as it should.

Reassurance- As a noun: reinstate self-confidence.

Remember that the only thing absolute is death. You may be down but you’re not out and troubles don’t last always.

Eager – As an adjective: Capable of impatient curiosity or forceful aspiration or intolerant expectation.

“Be careful (Eager) for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” Philippians 4:6 Enjoy – As a verb: Take pleasure in Whatever your lot in life is, find the meaning of it and embrace it for the goodness that comes from being and having faith that, that is the will of God..

“Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;” Hebrews 11:25 (KJV) Find peace and rest comfortably in the essence of your existence, the will of God. “Then hear thou from the heavens their prayer and their supplication, and maintain their cause.”

2 Chronicles 6:35 Here is where I’m supposed to be, cause where ever it is, God will take care of me. -- Bobby R. Henry, Sr. THE LOVE OF GOD WILL NEVER TAKE YOU WHERE THE GRACE OF GOD WILL NOT PORTECT YOU.

PAGE 4 • APRIL 6 - APRIL 12, 2017

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Program

Construction Management Development Program: Free Live Training at Broward County Public Schools (BCSP) · Wednesday, April 5, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Course 2: Plan Reading & Estimating · Wednesday, April 12, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Course 3: Constructing & Submitting an FDPT Bid · Wednesday, April 19, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Course 4: Project Planning & Scheduling · Wednesday, April 26, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Course 5:Fundamental Business Operations.

Happenings at African-American Research Library and Cultural Center

African-American Research Library and Cultural Center, 2650 Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderale, Fla. For more info call (954) 357-6210.

Concert Grammy Award Winner Nicholas Payton will be performing live with Braylon Lacy and Joe Dyson on Saturday, April 8, 2017 from 2 to 7 p.m., at the African Heritage Cultural Arts Center , 6161 N.W. 22 Ave., Miami, Fla. This is a free event, for more info log on to ahcac@miamidade.gov

EDUCATION MATTERS Every Child Deserves A Chance

* Magical Kenya is April's Destination Friday, April 7, 2017 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., ages 21 and over event. Payable at the door or through Eventbrite.

TODAY'S BLACK NEWS IS TOMORROW'S BLACK HISTORY

DILLARD HIGH CLASS OF 1967 50 YEAR CLASS REUNION JUNE 1-4, 2017 FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA

Workshop

Chi Psi Omega Chapter of AKA, through its Target IV Environmental Ownership Committee, is hosting a technology workshop for the community. “Digitally Green”, 10:30 a.m., Saturday, April 8, 2017, Tamarac Library, 8701 W. Comm. Blvd., Tamarac.

Facilitated by representative from Deloitte and Touche.

Light refreshments will be served and door prizes given..

Summit

Miami Dade College (MDC) North Campus to host Black Male Leadership Success Summit on Saturday, April 8, 2017 from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at MDC North Campus, Conference Center, Room 3249, 11380 N.W. 27 Ave, Miami, Fla. For more info contact Carlton Daley at (305) 237- 1179, cdaley@mdc.edu

Health Fair

Celebration

Dania Beach CRA announces the Fifth Annual Arts & Seafood Celebration on Saturday, April 8-9, 2017 on Saturday, April 8 , from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, April 9, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., at Frost Park, 300 N.E. Second St., Dania Beach, Fla. For additional info call (954) 924-6801.

TO HAVE YOUR UPCOMING EVENTS POSTED CALL (954) - 525-1489 FOR MORE INFO FAX (954) - 525-1861 OR EMAIL: wgproof@thewestsidegazette.com

Community Job and Health Fair on Saturday, April 8, 2017 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Lake Worth Community High School, 1701 Lake Worth Rd. Lake Worth, Fla.

Event

You are cordially invited by Artist Yvette Michele & the resident artists of FAT Village to Inaugural Collector's Night on Thursday, April 13, 2017 from 7 to 10 p.m., at 117 N.W. Fifth St., Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Event

Events

Hidden Figures: Life of the legend behind the story; the daughters of Hidden Figures main character, Katherine Johnson will at Broward College, North Campus, Saturday, on April 22, 2017; doors open at 2 p.m.; event will be from 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. in Omni Auditorium, 1050 Coconut Creek Blvd., Coconut Creek, Fla.

Event Celebration kick off of New Visions Community Development Corporation 20th Anniversary with Dr. Donte Hickman Community Developer from Baltimore Md. and Comedian Felecia Moore at the Educational Happy Hour and Networking; free food and drinks on Friday, April 28, 2017, 5:30 p.m., held at Floridian Ballroom, 17850 N.W. Second St., Pembroke Pines, Fla. For more information call (754) 301-2750 or to RSVP email rsvp@mtbbc.org

Voter Drive

Chi Psi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated is hosting Voter Registration Drive, Saturday, April 15, 2017 from 3 to 7 p.m., 701 S.W. 71 Ave., North Lauderdale, Fla.; during North Lauderdale Days Celebration.

The drive is open to the entire community for new registrations and updates.

For additional information, visit www.chipsiomega.org.

The Broward County Chapter Of the National Alumni Chapter of Bethune-Cookman University cordially invites you to attend the Enter to Learn….

Depart to Serve Annual Awards Luncheon Honoring BCU Alumnus who have exemplified service and ideals of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune.

Saturday, April 22, 2017 12:00 noon Urban League of Broward 560 N.W. 27th Avenue Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 Tickets: $40.00 per person Table of 10: $400 Please make checks payable to: Bethune-Cookman College Proceeds will benefit Scholarships and BCU Programs Contact: G. Dudley (954) 309-1496 or J. Shorter (954) 914-9026

Congratulations! Ms. Addie Sanders Owens, president of the Northwest Federated Womans Club on being chosen as a 2017 Senior Hall of Fame honoree. A breakfast will be held Friday, May 19 2017, FROM 9 to 11:30 a.m. at the Renaissance Hotel, Plantation, Fla., where she will be honored along with other nominees. For more information contact Mor-row; Cheryl morrow@adrcbroward.org; (954) 745-9567.

Meeting Miami Chapter, Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc., meet every second Saturday at 10 a.m., at African Heritage Cultural Arts Center (AHCAC), 6161 N.W. 22 Ave., Miami, Fla. For more info call (786) 320-2891.

Fundraiser

Calling all Churches to Church Row!!! Relay for Life , the grassroot fundraiser for American Cancer Society, will take place on Friday, May 19 20, 2017 from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., Joseph C. Carter Park in Fort Lauderdale at 1450 W. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Carter Park – Relay for Life community bonds together to hosts an overnight event full of music, food, and entertainment.

For more info contact Rosalind Hankerson (954) 667-9025 Rosalind.CarterRelay@gmail.com

Events

· I Care! I Live! A free workshop for parents (grandparents & friends) of teen drivers on Wednesday, April 19, 2017 from 7 to 7:30 p.m., at ELE USAL Florida 8238 Wiles Road, Coral Springs, Fla. · FREE Community Open House on Thursday, April 20, 2017 at 5 p.m., at the Diplomat Golf & Tennis Club, 501 Diplomat Parkway, Hollywood, Fla. There will be an Easter Egg Hunt, activities for kids, refreshments. · Autism Speaks to boys and girls ages 5 to 18 with autism are invited to participate in this free event on Saturday, April 22, 2017 from 9 to 11 a.m., at Sunrise Civic Center Aquatic Complex, 10610 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Sunrise, Fla. To promote swimming and water safety. Children of all swimming abilities are welcome.

There will be pool games and contests, as well as educational information from various agencies and experts. Participants will receive an event tshirt. · Family Fit Fest, get ready to run, dance, catch, and throw with Baptist Health South Florida and the Miami Dolphins on Saturday, April 22, 2017 from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at Nova Southeastern University, 7500 S.W. 30 St., Davie, Fla. · Family Run and Resource Fair, come join us for a FREE family fun and resource fair on Saturday, April 22, 2017 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Rev. Samuel Delevoe Memorial Park, 2520 N.W. Sixth St., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. There will be games, raffles, entertainment, refreshments.

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APRIL 6 - APRIL 12, • PAGE 5 Westside Gazette Boys at DeSoto East Middle School tapping into their inner-greatness through daily sengille, Nymon Johnson, Ter- selves, first. I’ve found that mentoring rance Lowe, James Linscome, when one is true to himself, it

By Donald Lee DESOTO, TEX. — Today I’d like to take this moment to send a shout out to a few very special young men. These young gentlemen, of their own volition, have started to meet with me each morning in my office to get that day started off right at DeSoto East Middle School, where they are students.

Of the many roles I serve in this Earth, one that I cherish especially is that of security officer in the public school system, where there’s no shortage of young people in need of — and most importantly, wanting — more mentors.

Names such as Ricky Brooks Jr., Jarrod Ford, Ja’Cory Coleman Jr., Donovan Blake, and Nikovian Calhoun. Then there are Shannon Douglas, Kendrick Stevenson, Kevin Mas-

and James Waggoner, just to name a few.

We’ve recently started meeting just before their first class of each day for an encouraging and empowering pep talk. With the endorsement of Brandon Ward, head principal at East, these 12 young gentlemen come to me and we talk about life and things they can do to be more productive as students on our campus and citizens in our community.

I’ve posed challenges to them that each has accepted — challenges such as getting to class on time, improving academically and in how they relate to their peers. They’ve committed themselves to changing how they relate to authority figures at school and their parents and guardians at home.

I’m here for them as their accountability partner, to help ensure that they stay true to them-

becomes easier to be true to others with whom he communicates.

Like everyone else in this world, including me, these young men have issues that they ask for help sorting through. Sometimes improperly dealing with those issues have gotten them sent to the principal’s or assistant principals’ offices.

But for these guys to take ownership of things within their control that they may not have handled the correct way before is huge. They’re learning, or it’s being reinforced, that one of the main characteristics of being a man is accepting the consequences that come with having made poor choices.

One of the things I stress to them, which echoes what my colleagues have also shared with them, is that when we make better choices in life, we

Pictured from front center is eighth-grader Shannon Douglas. Behind him is eighthgrader Kendrick Stevenson; back row, from left, are eighth-graders Ja’Cory Coleman, Donovan Blake and Terrance Lowe, seventh-grader Nymon Johnson, eighth grader Jarrod Ford, Jr. and seventh grader Kevin Massengille. start getting better results.

When we sow respect, we tend to reap respect.

“At times there will be people, adults included, who will have a harsh attitude toward you,” I share with them. “But a sign of being mature, a person of integrity, is that you’ll opt to being the bigger person, the one who uses a soft answer to turn away wrath.”

In other words, fight disrespect with kindness, with meekness. When you do that, it pretty much forces the other person, whether it’s another student or an adult, to positively

The Florida Memorial University (FMU) chapter of the National Association Of Black Journalist(NABJ) hosted their second annual Women’s Empowerment Summit; (l) Jill Tracy Radio Personality, Sheila Donaldson Fashion designer/CEO, Dr. Angela Walker Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine, Jessica Modkins PR executive/CEO (r).

change the way he or she interacts with you.

Each of these young men has accepted the charge to make it a point to be on the A-B Honor Roll by the time school lets out for the summer on June 2. I call them East’s “junior administrators,” meaning when they see other students making poor choices they’ll speak out against those decisions in a meek-spirited way.

When they see other young people doing positive things on campus, they’ll hand out compliments.

Perhaps the thing I’m most proud of about these guys is

that they’ve gotten to where they look forward to our daily “pep rallies,” so to speak.

They’re discovering more and more the greatness within themselves. The gleam in their eyes suggests that they’re pleased with what they’re learning about themselves.

This week’s column, by the way, is not just about what these young people are doing, but it’s also shining the spotlight on the wonderful support these youngsters are getting from East’s faculty and staff.

What’s going on here is a concerted effort by Mr. Ward and other members of his staff to launch the students at East to unparalleled greatness.

CBC Opposes nomination of Judge Gorsuch and the Senate should too

By U.S. Congressman Cedric Richmond (D-La.), (Chairman, CBC) On Jan. 31, 2017 President Trump nominated Judge Neil Gorsuch for Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. If confirmed, Gorsuch’s lifelong appointment to the court would have serious consequences for all Americans, but especially African Americans and vulnerable communities. Judge Gorsuch has displayed hostility to the rights of minorities, women, people with disabilities, and workers, which is why the Congressional Black Caucus submitted testimony recently opposing his nomination. His judicial record on race and related matters and constitutional and equal rights litigation does not merit our support or the support of the Senate.

All interpreters of the law should be committed to fairness and justice, not a specific legal philosophy of judicial interpretation. Judge Gorsuch’s commitment to “originalism,” or, interpreting the Constitution in a way that’s consistent with the intent of those who wrote it, often results in him ruling in favor of the big guy instead of the little guy, the strong instead of the weak, and the majority instead of minorities. From 2007 to 2016, Judge Gorsuch issued 14 published judgments related to employee discrimination cases. Nine of those decisions were in favor of the employer. We need a Supreme Court justice who will judge cases on the merits, not based on his or her personal philosophies.

For example, Judge Gorsuch believes that police officers should be granted qualified immunity, which prevents law enforcement and other government officials from being held accountable for the excessive use of force. In the case of Wilson v. City of Lafayette, Gorsuch decided that a police officer was entitled to qualified immunity from an excessive force claim arising from the use of a stun

gun that ultimately killed a young man. In three other cases involving police accountability, Gorsuch ruled in favor of police searches of vehicles without a warrant, minimizing the Fourth Amendment protections against unauthorized search and seizure.

Judge Gorsuch’s ruling in police accountability cases are particularly troubling given the increasing number of shooting deaths of so many unarmed African Americans by the police, and recent Department of Justice investigations that have found that police departments across the country have had a “pattern and practice” of racial discrimination.

In addition to his poor judicial record on police accountability, Judge Gorsuch has a poor judicial record on workers’ rights.

His record is one of supporting employers over employees, even in the case of employees with disabilities. In Hwang v. Kansas State University, Judge Gorsuch ruled that “showing up” for work is an essential job function and that the Rehabilitation Act should not be used as a safety net for employees who cannot work. This case focused on a professor employed

by Kansas State University who was diagnosed with cancer, and, after treatments that weakened her immune system, requested an extension due to a flu outbreak on the campus.

Judge Gorsuch denied her request and sided with the university, compromising her health and recovery.

He has a similar record when it comes to reproductive rights.

In two cases, he sided with companies that wanted to deny women reproductive healthcare.

The judicial branch has the power to interpret the laws of the land, and thus, impact every American’s way of life. This is especially true for the highest court in the land. Because of the decisions rendered by the Supreme Court, AfricanAmericans have been granted the opportunity to attend the school of their choice, women

Congressman Richmond says that Americans need a Supreme Court justice who will judge cases on the merits, not based on his or her personal philosophies. have been granted reproductive health rights, and workers have been granted safety and security from exploitative labor practices. Judge Gorsuch’s record in each of these areas raises concerns. His commitment to “originalism” also raises concerns. The Constitution is a living and breathing document that is meant to evolve with our society and it should be interpreted as such.

As the Senate evaluates Judge Gorsuch’s judicial record, it is imperative that Senators focus on consistency. Judge Gorsuch has consistently used the bench to protect corporations, and limit the rights of minorities, women, and workers. Consequently, the Congressional Black Caucus opposes his nomination and urges the Senate to do the same.

Congressman Richmond is the 25 th Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, and represents the 2nd District of Louisiana. On Twitter, follow the caucus at @OfficialCBC and follow Congressman Richmond at @RepRichmond.

THE WESTSIDE GAZETTE IS YOUR VOICE IN YOUR COMMUNITY

PAGE 6 • APRIL 6 - APRIL 12, 2017

Opinion Dear Editor: Darryl Solomon Hope Federal Correctional Institution 2680 U.S. Highway 301 South Jesup, Ga. 31599 I am writing the Westside Gazette Newspaper to thank them for providing the news for the Black Community throughout Broward and Dade County to subscribers in the community and in prison throughout the State of Florida and Federal prisons. I have been to federal prisons as far as Leaveworth, KS. USP Beaumont, TX. USP Atlanta, Ga. Ireno, Oklahoma.

Edgefield, S.C. USP Coleman, FL and FCI Jesup, Ga. and for the past 27 years the Westside Gazette News, Mr. Henry and family have allowed me to visualize the growth in greater

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.

Fort Lauderdale and the Broward County area. My family and friends always asks me how I know so much about the developments in our community, I tell them the Westside Gazette Newspaper keeps me focus ed and aware. The Editor has allowed me an opportunity to write a few letters on behalf of being the founder of HOPE IMPACT AND DEVELOPEMENT PROGRAM, where I have created a (10) point plan for our youth encouragement, and receive a letter from Mount Olive Baptist Church Prison Ministry Counselor, asking could they implement the Hope Impact Development (10) point plan in their prison ministry program, for youth encouragement.

I want to thank the Westside Gazette for their great work in publishing the Westside Gazette Paper for their many subscribers.

Don’t poke the Russian Bear

By Don Valentine

Religious commentary:importance of hope

By Deangelo Thompson thompsondeangelo@yahoo.com Copyright © 2015

When the Lakers had Shaquille O’ Neal and Kobe Bryant, they won three championships together. However, these two players had issues and disputes with each other. In short, O’ Neal left the Lakers. Meanwhile, Bryant stayed with the Lakers. He kept hope alive.

In fact, O’ Neal argued that Bryant could not win without him. Bryant did not win right away and the Lakers looked hopeless. But Bryant kept on playing, eventually winning two more championships.

In comparison, O’Neal won one with the Miami Heat. Collectively, Bryant won 5 championships and O’ Neal won 4. What is the take away? In life, you should not let negative situations or negative people stop you from achieving your dreams.

Allow me to illustrate. The New York Knicks looked terrible at one point in time. Fans were angry at Stephon Marbury. It has been alleged that Marbury was suicidal and things looked hopeless for him.

The Gantt Report For the people that posses some global political acuity it is not a surprise about how “Machiavellian” Mr. Putin can be. Putin’s resume is rife with skeletons he is responsible for accumulating. Unfortunately, to our domestic chagrin Secretary Clinton positioned herself against Putin when it came to Ukrainian politics. The recurrent irritation from the Clinton family agitated Mr. Putin to no end. It took him years, but the saying is Revenge is a dish best served cold!

Mr. Putin resolutely instigated the Russian machination into our 2016 election. He could not in his wildest dreams have anticipated the historical impact his country’s shenanigans would have. At the conclusion of this episodic chapter it will go down in history to be as significant as “Watergate”.

Putin’s goal was likely to create some chaos in the election. He like, Trump’s camp and everyone else expected Mrs. Clinton to become President. To his surprise his enterprise hit the jackpot and sent the United States 2017 political experience into turmoil.

The dynamics of the incident have been well documented over the last 5 months. Now you have to look at yourself in the mirror and ask what are you going to do as a U.S. citizen. During the election most people declined to participate. In hindsight that decision gave us a steroid movie star for Governor in California [Arnold]. It gave Minnesota a has been wrestling star for their Governor [Jessie V]. History repeats itself. We did not participate as a majority and we get an erratic reality t.v. star for the President of United States. If your not happy with this decision contact your Senator or Congressman by phone or email. Demand an independent counsel to fully investigate this incursion. Congressman Nunes has demonstrated that he is not acting as a divested committee chief. Fresh, nonpartisan counsel need to get involved in this process. In closing, the question is what will you personally do about it?

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

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Westside Gazette

"Greatness is not measured by what a man or woman accomplishes, but by the opposition he or she has overcome to reach his goals."

-- Dorothy Height

Um Um Um… Shaking the Black head

By Lucius Gantt Shout out to all of the media professionals speaking out about how they feel White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer responded to a briefing question posed

by April Ryan, the Washington Bureau Chief for American Urban Radio Networks.

Ryan is an African American reporter and the Sisters went off for days on national news networks, social media and whatever other outlets they could access about how inappropriate Spicer’s comments were.

Well, I agree that Spicer’s comments were somewhat out of line, especially when he talked about Ryan “shaking her head” but veteran Black journalists have heard statements that were far worse from people representing government leaders.

In 1973, while working as a reporter-producer for the National Public Radio (NPR) Network in Washington, D.C., I was often assigned to cover events on Capitol Hill by my friend, my mentor and my boss, the late Rich Adams, a former Public Affairs Director at NPR. Adams worked at NPR from 1971-74.While there he produced the programs “Agronsky and Company” and “Inside Washington” at WUSA-TV. He also wrote a column called “EMS” for FIREHOUSE magazine.

When I covered national politics and politicians, there was unity among Black journalists and media professionals. Washington’s African American journalists were organized and often met to help each other, recognized each other and it didn’t matter where we worked - it just mattered if we were working journalists.

People that know me that are interested in Black media history sometimes ask me how it was back in the day and I would tell them funny stories how “trained” journalists and reporters like myself and others would tease Jim Vance and Ed Bradley about being former school teachers who wound up in front of TV station and network cameras because they could read while the real reporters produced their stories more often than not.

It was all in fun though. We loved each other regardless. We would socialize together and also do other things that shall remain unwritten and unsaid.

In my mind, today’s Black journalists are a new breed of Black journalist. Many of them think they are above independent Black writers, producers and professionals.

I feel like the Original OGs started groups like The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), but we left when we feft white controlled media or media that has white shareholders took over the minds and purpose of the group that was started to bring us together.

How was that done? Ask your new breed journalists to investigate why.

No, many wouldn’t know how or where to look.

However, Marbury moved to China and won three championships in four years coupled with a finals M.V.P. Furthermore, there is something that makes this story even more interesting. Marbury is 39-years-old. Simply put, a lot of players can’t perform in the realm of basketball this well at 39.

Marbury, like Bryant, decided not give up the game of basketball and it paid off. He kept hope alive.

Allow me to use a final illustration.

For example, when the global economy was in recession, a lot of people committed suicide. The suicide rates were high in many countries. However, the global economy is improving and people are getting jobs. It’s clear that suicide was not a good choice. 2 Corinthians 5:10 says, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.”

In summation, in life we will have dark days and difficult challenges.

But we should trust in Jesus in the good times and the bad times. We need to keep hope alive. Zechariah 9: 12 says; “Return to your fortress, you prisoners of hope; even now I announce that I will restore twice as much to you.”

NABJ was bamboozled like many other Black organizations and institutions. Who do you think contributes the most money to your beloved HBCUs, to the NAACP, to the Urban League and other groups?

I’ll give you a clue. Some of the main contributors to Black groups have blue eyes and blond hair.

When it became known that Black journalists met in local, statewide and national groups, newspapers, TV and radio stations and broadcast networks pounced on the media groups like bloodied jawed wolves pounce on a herd of sheep!

They weren’t looking for the best Black writers, the best Black broadcasters, the best Black media professionals or the best Black journalists.

The “best” Black journalists were the journalists, in most cases, that had the most media education, the most media experience and the ability to cover any story, anywhere about anybody!

The non-Blacks that gave money to NABJ and went to NABJ events went there to recruit employees. The kind of workers they wanted back in the day are the same kind they want today, the Black journalists that can be controlled by non-Black journalists!

I don’t want to say too much, but I want you to know the truth whether my opinion is too much or not.

I don’t think too many Black journalists that work for Black owned media will get interviewed or hired by so-called major media, but Black media will welcome Black journalists and hire Black journalists when they get fired from media owned by others.

And, don’t even go to sleep and dream that writers from The Final Call, The Black Panther Newspaper or any Black militant media would get hired by non-Black media even though many are superb journalists.

Anyway, sisters and brothers, support April Ryan and others media professionals of the day when they deserve your support.

When I covered the Capitol years ago, I had to get to the Capitol an hour early to ask any question my boss wanted me to ask because Press Secretaries would never allow the one Black man in the room to ask a question and sometimes I was that only Black man.

April, and others, keep your eyes on the prize. Don’t make yourself a news story; get the news stories that your counterparts can’t get.

I didn’t care what Press Secretaries said to me or about me, while writing at The Associated Press in New York, I wrote three of the top 100 stories in the world in 1973 and years and years later I’m still good, in my mind anyway!

And, since I frequent Black neighborhoods and associate with Black people, I see Black women shaking their heads every day for one reason or another! (Buy Gantt’s latest book, “Beast Too: Dead Man Writing” onAmazon.com and from bookstores everywhere. Contact Lucius at www.allworldconsultants.net.

And, if you want to, “Like” The Gantt Report page on Facebook.)

Supporting Black Business builds Black power in 2017

By Roger Caldwell With President Trump leading America, Black Americans must depend on each other to support and maintain their current standard of living. Developing and building an entrepreneurial spirit is critical to the survival of the race in America in 2017.

As Dr. Boyce Watkins noted, Black Americans need to harness their wealth and spending power. “When you look at Black unemployment, you see that Black unemployment is typically twice as high as white unemployment. Ask yourself this: Why is it that we give away $1.1 trillion in spending power when that $1.1 trillion could, according to most economists, create 12.2 million jobs in the Black community?”

In 2017, there is a need for a Black agenda where economics, politics, health and education are components of the plan. It is important that the Black community understands that our money is our power and we cannot continue giving our power away.

White corporate America spends billions in advertising to attract the Black dollar; the Black community does not use our spending power as leverage to improve the state of our community.

To start with, white companies spend $75 billion in advertising, and only 3% goes to Black publications, Black TV and radio stations, and casting of Black actors. When I turn on the television, the majority of the faces I see are White.

Most White companies will tell our community that they are not racist, but systemic racism happens every day. Blacks tend to not speak out, and when they do, White people get upset, and start talking about all their Black friends.

This conversion is very awkward because White people now place the blame on the Black community for not advancing and being successful in White America. White America is a closed society, and they allow a small minority of Blacks and other cultures in that White world.

Blacks know the cards are not stacked up in their favor, yet they continue facing institutional racism, brutal police harassment and mass incarceration, but we’re expected to smile. We’re not supposed to speak out when we are mistreated and/or discriminated against.

The presidential election has forced Blacks around the country to organize and build new movements to economically empower their communities. In Philadelphia, there is a national grassroots movement that uses the online community to increase Black buying power called “Let's Buy Black 365.”

The goal of the organization is to create jobs and resources to help Black people.

As Blacks in their local communities began to talk more about “Buying Black,” Black businesses will have a greater chance to survive and thrive.

In 2012, the U.S. Census Bureau reported in Florida, there were over 20,000 Black businesses in Orange County. And in other counties surrounding Orange county: Lake county, 2,291, Brevard county, 4,128, Osceola county, 2,913, Seminole county, 3,849, and Volusia county, 3,607. Black Demographic.com determined in 2012 that the total number of Black businesses in Florida was over 250,000.

Without a doubt, there has been a surge in Black businesses across the country, and Florida is in third place nationally in terms of states. But the majority of these new businesses are sole proprietorships; a single-owner business with zero to two employees.

There is power in business ownership in America because it creates jobs for the community and for their particular race. White owned businesses create 55 million jobs, 44% of the working age White population. Asian owned businesses create 3.8 million jobs and 33% of the working age Asian population. Hispanic owned businesses create 3.8% million jobs and 8% of the working age Hispanic population. Blacks only create 1 million jobs, which is 4% of the working age Black population.

At this point, Blacks are at the bottom when comes to creating businesses and jobs in America. As a community, we generate $1.1 trillion in spending, but we have no idea where our money goes. There is power in Black businesses, and it is time for our community to support Black businesses grow in size, and build both national/international brands and conglomerates.

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BUSINESS

Westside Gazette

APRIL 6 - APRIL 12, 2017 • PAGE 7

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Trump’s budget blueprint cuts close to home It’s time for Congress to restore $6 billion in HUD Funding. Charlene Crowell says that the future of our country’s commitment to housing is in jeopardy.

By Charlene Crowell (NNPA Newswire Columnist) From youth yearning for the time to have their own place, to older Americans hoping to age in place, the need to have a home is a shared concern of consumers of all ages and locales. It’s where children are raised and memorable moments dwell. It’s also where many people rest, reflect, and shut out the worries of the day.

Right now, the future of our country’s commitment to housing is in jeopardy. In the recently-released White House Budget Blueprint, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will not resemble its former self. While some programs are proposed to become smaller, others are iden-

tified for extinction. Fortunately, while the President proposes a budget, Congress must hold hearings that offer opportunities to amend what some would deem indefensible.

The irony is that so many HUD programs and services that have enjoyed long-standing, broad and bi-partisan support across the country are among those proposed to end.

For example, since 1974, HUD’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program has provided local and state officials the flexibility to fund local priorities for services, projects and partnerships.

Whether the need was affordable housing, blight removal, community supportive services or a way to leverage capital in redevelopment projects, local concerns have guided how to make the best use of federal funds.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

PAGE 8 • APRIL 6 - APRIL 12, 2017

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

Church Directory

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

Elijah Bell's Funeral Services

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.

REYNOLDS Funeral services for the late Wardell Reynolds "WR" - 67 were held April 1 at Elijah Bells Memorial Chapel words of encouragement, Pastor Monica J. Marshall

James C. Boyd Funeral Home BRADLEY Funeral services for the late Louise M. Bradley - 93 were held April 1 at New Bethel Primitive Baptist Church with Elder John Everett officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Mount Calvary Baptist Church

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

Reverend Anthony Burrell, Pastor SCHEDULE OF SERVICES SUNDAY

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mount Hermon A.M.E. Church 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.

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

Rev. Cal Hopkins.

M.Div) Senior Pastor/Teacher

Senior Pastor

Obituaries Harris Chapel United Methodist Church

www.thewestsidegazette.com

Westside Gazette

BROWN Funeral services for the late Joyce Lynette Brown – 70 were held April 1 at Lighthouse Worship Center Church of God in Christ with Elder Paul Jones officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

DAVIS Funeral services for the late Anthony Jerome “Frog” Davis, Sr. – 56 were held April 1 at James C. Boyd’s Memorial Chapel with Rev. Joyce Wright officiating.

Interment: Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens (Central).

EDWARDS Funeral services for the late Marva Cook-Edwards – 64 were held April 1 at True Tabernacle of God with Rev. Dr. Derrick J. Hughes officiating. Interment: Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens (Central).

March 30 at McWhite’s Funeral Home.

BLACK Funeral services for the late Charmaine Theresa Black – 43 were held April 1 at McWhite’s Funeral Home with Apostle Lenie Tibert officiating.

BROWN Funeral services for the late Eugene J. Brown III – 42 were held April 1 at McWhite’s Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Torry Blount officiating.

HARRIS Funeral services for the late Iris D. Harris – 49 were held April 1 at McWhite’s Funeral Home Chapel.

JENKINS Funeral services for the late Sheral Jean Jenkins – 64 were held April 1 at Mount Bethel Baptist Church with Pastor Michael Anderson officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

OLIVER Funeral services for the late Frank A. Oliver – 70 were held April 1 at McWhite’s Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Mitchell E. Crutcher officiating.

Roy Mizell & Kurtz Funeral Home

GRANT Funeral services for the late Baby Boy Jay’Ceon Princeton Carter Grant.

BRAZIEL Funeral services for the late Richard Braziel – 66 were held April 1 at New Golden Heights Church of Christ with Dr. W.F. Washington, Sr. officiating.

Interment: South Florida VA National Cemetery, Lake Worth, Fla.

JOHNSON Funeral services for the late. Rudolph Alexander “Rudy” Johnson – 81 were held March 25 at James C. Boyd’s Memorial Chapel with Pastor Monica Marshall officiating.

LASSITEN Funeral services for the late Keenan Joseph Lassiter - 47 were held April 1 at New Hope Baptist Church with Elder C. Byron Lamar officiating. Interment: Lauderdale Memorial Park Cemetery.

LARKIN Funeral services for the late Lynn Soule Larkin – 77.

McWhite's Funeral Home ANDERSON Funeral services for the late Mozell Anderson - 79 were held

WASHINGTON Funeral services for the late Willie Mae Washington - 84 were held April 1 at Mount Nebo Missionary Baptist Church with Missionary Gloria A. Cohen, officiating. Interment: Sunset 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!

‘In the Bible the number six represents incompleteness’ Question: What is the meaning of the number “666?

Answer: In last week’s article we discussed the book of Revelation and the difficulties to interpret. The number ‘666’ is found only in Revelation. Revelation 13:11-18: “And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth………Here is the wisdom. Let him that has understanding count the number of the beast: for it is a number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six”. Most people disagree about the symbols, allegories and visions in the book of Revelation. Some preachers and Biblical interpreters say that the ‘beast’ refers to an evil ruler or government persecuting God’s faithful. Many believe that the ‘beast’ has been set lose and is running rampant today.

But whether past, present or future no one really knows. Some have connected 666 to a famous person. In the Bible six usually represents incompleteness. Seven is represented as completeness.

Read Revelation 13 chapter in its entirety. Get involve with a spiritual based Bible study group. Following God’s word is the most important thing one can do. King David says in Psalms 119:105: Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path’.

Reverend Deal is the senior pastor at Every Christian Church in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Rev Deal can be reach in care of the Westside Gazette, 545 NW Seventh Terrace, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. 33311, or by email at David.Deal55@gmail.com

Legendary Claude Lewis dies at age 82 WASHINGTON, D.C. The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) mourns the passing of NABJ Founder Claude Lewis, also a founder of the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists (PABJ). Lewis died Thursday, March 16, 2017 at Virtua Voorhees Hospital in Voorhees, N.J. He was 82.

Lewis was a highly respected journalist and mentor to many journalists. Born and raised in New York City, he attended public schools and graduated from City College with a degree in English. Lewis worked as an editor and reporter for newspapers and magazines, such as Newsweek, New York Herald Tribune, and The Philadelphia Bulletin.

He taught at Villanova University and also wrote a column for The Bulletin until it folded in 1982. Later, Lewis wrote a syndicated column for the Philadelphia Inquirer.

“This is a very sad day.

Claude was a great mentor for me at The Bulletin. He always had time to talk with a young journalist trying to navigate the newsroom. He was the calm spirit that guided many of us,” said former colleague and NABJ Founder Sandra Dawson Long Weaver.

Known as one of the “original three,” Lewis along with fellow Philadelphia journalists Chuck Stone and Acel Moore laid the groundwork for and later founded the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists (PABJ) in 1973. Lewis and many of PABJ’s early members contributed to the formation of NABJ in 1975 in Washington, D.C. “Founder Claude Lewis was a gentle giant and kind soul whose passion for equality and equal opportunity can be seen in his columns and life’s work.

He had a personal impact on the trajectory of many NABJ members, myself included, showing us all the way,” said NABJ President Sarah Glover.

“Claude lives on in all of us.

I thank him for instilling in me, and my peers, a deep level of tenacity and commitment to the cause.”

Lewis had an extensive career in broadcasting, writing and producing various TV specials and documentaries with NBC and Westinghouse Broadcasting. In 1982, he founded the first national African-American newspaper, The National Leader.

NABJ Founder Joe Davidson worked with Lewis at The National Leader and first met him when both worked at The Philadelphia Bulletin.

“Claude was an important force in journalism in the 1970s. He meant a lot to me personally and to a lot of black journalists professionally,” Davidson said. “He lured me away from The Inquirer to work as managing editor at The Leader. It was an opportunity to serve the Black community with high-quality journalism. I was really proud of the work we did together on that newspaper,” Davidson added.

Lewis covered the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, meeting and interviewing such icons as Langston Hughes, James Baldwin, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr. In 1968, Lewis left a meeting in Philadelphia to join the King family in Memphis immediately after receiving the news that King was shot.

“Claude was a journalist miles ahead of his time, and he achieved recognition long before many recognized him,” said NABJ Founder Paul Brock.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

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On TheAnniversary of Dr. King’s Assassination, a grave injustice Attorney General Sessions is taking steps to undo the civil rights icon’s legacy.

MISCELLEANOUS

Forty-nine years ago on this very day, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was killed in Memphis, Tennessee, fighting for sanitation workers and preparing to lead the poor people’s campaign.

It was exactly one year since Dr. King delivered his Beyond Vietnam sermon from the pulpit of Riverside Church in Harlem, New York. Yesterday, on the eve of this day of memory, it was made public that U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has called for a review of federal agreements with dozens of law enforcement departments, including a 90-day delay of an already agreed upon consent decree with the Baltimore Police Department. It is, in effect, suspending and attempting to eradicate concrete police reform that many of us in the civil rights and activist community fought for and got the Obama Administration to begin. It is the epitome of insult and a slap in the face of justice that the Attorney General would, on this

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.

April 6, 13, 20, 27, 2017

INVITATION TO BID New Mount Olive Baptist Church is seeking Invitation to Bid from qualified CM/GC firms to construct the approx. 31,200 SF New Sanctuary and associated site work. ITB packages will be available for pickup at the church located at 400 NW 9th Ave, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33311 or via email on 4/4/17. If you have any questions please call at (954) 4635126, please reference job.

April 6, 13, 2017

day in particular, try to roll back the clock on police accountability and fairness.

Oftentimes, people like to gloss over the depth of Dr. King’s work or pick and choose the things that they are comfortable with. When I was 13years-old, I became the youth director of the New York chapter of Dr. King’s SCLC Operation Breadbasket. We were required to read his last book “Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?” In that very book, Dr. King challenged police brutality and police misconduct. As one who has kept in mind the principles of this great civil rights leader ever since that assignment until the present day, I am appalled that anyone -let alone the Attorney General - would be against looking at the pattern and practices of police agencies. Correcting these patterns so that departments can be held accountable and they can then better serve the community against crime, and also remove those who commit crime within their own ranks should be a top priority for the highest law enforcement official in the country.

Some of us in, the name of Dr. King, will not be turned around on the bridge that we built...”

According to data compiled by the Washington Post, over 250 people have been shot and killed by police just in 2017 alone. Not only do we need independent oversight of police killings, but we also need oversight of any areas of systemic racism and institutional bias in policing. The effort for reform is not anti-police, but rather anti-police brutality, which is a crime. In our meeting with Sessions last month, my colleagues and I raised this key fact to him. He did not at that time say that he was going to order a review of federal agreements, though it was clear that he was leaning in that direction. It should come as no surprise that Sessions is taking this troubling step just days before a hearing was scheduled for public comment on the consent decree with Baltimore.

Its fate, along with the fate of

Westside Gazette agreements with police departments around the nation, now hang in the balance.

You simply cannot uphold the law by giving license to law enforcement that they can break the law with impunity.

What gives cops a bad name in some areas is when good cops protect bad cops and prosecutors look the other way. Dr. King challenged us with his life and words that it is our job to make the comfortable uncom-

APRIL 6 - APRIL 12 2107 • PAGE 9 fortable, and bring comfort to the uncomfortable. I imagine Sessions may have known of that legacy since Dr. King began one of his greatest triumphant movements, the Voting Rights Act, in his hometown of

Selma, Alabama. He should therefore know that some of us in, the name of Dr. King, will not be turned around on the bridge that we built toward police accountability and fairness.

PAGE 10 • APRIL 6 - APRIL 12, 2017

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Westside Gazette

There is baggage living in this [Black] skin (Cont'd from FP) For Younis and Quarless, it was the last stop on their U.S. tour showcasing the film.

Much like the U.S., the foul smell of police covering up the

death of Black men while in their custody lingers in the air in the United Kingdom. The case of Sean Riggs is worth a Google search and certainly one of the many triggers that sparked the need for radical

change in London. ‘Generation Revolution’ chronicles the rise, at times, dismantling and rebuilding of these activist groups whose members are young, brown, Black and unafraid; whose main ob-

Sponsors of hate today must be held accountable (Cont'd from FP) Under the Obama Administration, we were fortunate to have friends in the White House, the Department of Justice and all across the Administration, who recognized the historic opportunities and worked with us to maximize them. We saw many advances for our communities and the priorities were rightly on addressing criminal justice reforms, labor, income, education, poverty and access to health care. We did not arrive fully there, but we were well on our way to making more progress for all people in America.

With the rise of the so called altright movement and its antiimmigration agenda that many believe helped to elect President Trump, we find ourselves working to maintain the status quo in civil rights rather than advancing this fight. And we have every right to be concerned and frustrated. Yet, as Dr. King believed, we should work to get each President of the United States, including President Trump, to denounce bigotry and hatred, as well as to champion racial equality.

We must tap into that energy to push our agenda and ensure that our nation’s leaders do not support bigotry of any kind and that means identifying individuals and groups that are spon-

soring this hate and holding them accountable.

Unfortunately, here in my home state of North Carolina, the Foundation for the Carolinas has spent tens of millions of dollars over the years supporting groups that sponsor hate and advance this anti-immigration and population control agenda that threatens our communities. All immigrants should be treated fairly and equally without discrimination.

Behind a veil of anonymity created by the Foundation, donors who support this organization are able to indirectly fund extremist groups without any public accountability. The Foundation prides itself on— and even advertises—donor anonymity as a reason to contribute to the foundation.

Large donors are assured that Foundation for the Carolinas has “fewer reporting requirements” than private foundations that they might otherwise choose as a vehicle for their giving. This condition, afforded to some of our state’s wealthiest individuals, has enabled patrons of the organization to operate unchecked—making this lack of transparency as a significant liability for your organization.

According to the Los Angeles Times and others, one

Blacks have a lot to lose with Trump’s new of Education. Trump plans to budget (Cont'd from FP) Trump’s budget also abandons Community Development Block Grants and slashes the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s budget by $6.2 billion.

Trump’s budget also eliminates the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, which costs $3.6 million a year, and helps more than 500,000 homeless people in the U.S. and over 42 million living in poverty in America overall.

Trump’s budget adds $54 billion for defense, a benefit to defense contractors in a Department of Defense that several reports indicate has a massive problem with waste and fraud.

The irony of Trump’s severe budget cuts against the backdrop of the costs to protect the new First Family as they vacation and conduct business for Trump’s empire, hasn’t been lost on the media.

Reuters news agency reported in February that $309,000 a day is being spent to protect Trump Tower in New York City, because First Lady Melania Trump hasn’t moved into the White House. If she only stays at Trump Tower for 200 days, her decision will cost American taxpayers at least $61.8 million, this year. So far, she has spent very few days at the White House.

Trump’s weekend trips to his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida cost American taxpayers about $2 million per trip, according to The Washington Post. The Sun-Sentinel reported that Trump vacationed at Mar-aLago five weekends between January 20 and March 23.

“Judicial Watch, a conservative group that tracked the cost of Obama’s travel expenses, estimated that $97 million was spent during his eight years in office,” “Business Insider” reported.

Trump’s budget calls for $9.2 billion in cuts at the Department

shift at least $1.4 billion to bolster charter schools and private school vouchers. That shift, much, like $54 billion for defense, would benefit for-profit and non-profit groups seeking lucrative contracts in those areas from the federal government.

“With a 13 percent cut to federal education funding amounting to a nearly $4 billion reduction in Pell Grants, and almost $200 million cut from TRIO [a federal outreach program for low-income students] and Gear Up, and no increase to specific funding [for Black colleges and universities], this budget guts the support programs that build a pipeline of deserving students to these colleges and universities,” stated Rep. Alma Adams (D-N.C.) “It also lacks much needed resources for infrastructure improvements on HBCU campuses and measures to increase college affordability.”

Adams is the co-chair of the HBCU Caucus in Congress.

Congressional Black Caucus Chairman Cedric Richmond (DLa.) agreed with Adams.

“Although President Trump promised a ‘New Deal for Black America,’ his budget slashes the federal workforce and cripples domestic programs such as federal student services TRIO programs, LIHEAP, grants for after school programs, Community Development Block Grants, and Community Services Block Grants,” wrote Richmond (D-La.) in response to Trump’s budget. ”All of this hurts the African-American community. In addition, despite his promise to support and strengthen HBCUs, President Trump proposes to give these schools the same amount of funding they received last year.

Richmond continued: “This budget proposal is not a new deal for African Americans. It’s a raw deal that robs the poor and the middle-class to pay the richest of the rich.”

individual in particular, Fred Stanback, has used the foundation to direct his money to extreme causes. Behind the cloak of the foundation, Mr. Stanback has become a leading supporter, funneling tens of millions of dollars, to fringe antiimmigrant groups including the Federation for American Immigration Reform (labeled an extremist group by the Southern Poverty Law Center).

It is my understanding that Mr. Stanback is behind several donor advised funds at the Foundation, which afford him this anonymity.

Over a period of more than 10 years, the Foundation has donated more than $20 million dollars to the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) and to NumbersUSA, a similarly minded and wellknown extremist group. These vehicles have proactively disseminated hateful xenophobic sentiment throughout our region and country, ostracizing some of our most vulnerable citizens.

jections are combating racism and gentrification. Between peaceful protests, powerful testimonials, captured police interactions/altercations and the aiding of homeless people, the film takes you through In addition, the Foundation For The Carolinas’ board of directors reserves “variance power,” which authorizes it “to modify any condition or restriction on the distribution of funds if in its sole judgement (without the approval of any trustee, custodian or agent), such restriction or condition becomes, in effect, unnecessary, in capable of fulfillment, or inconsistent with the charitable needs of the area served by the Foundation…” Despite the board’s discretionary power, it chose to support organizations whose agendas were clearly at odds with the best interests of a diverse nation.

As a civil rights and social justice leader, my view is that we should not tolerate this kind of unjust targeting of our most vulnerable citizens by Foundation for the Carolinas’ anonymous patrons. Public accountability for all nonprofits is necessary. It is our duty to fight for justice for all. It’s time for the Foundation for the Carolinas to come clean and stop sponsoring such hate groups.

Let’s move our nation forward and not backward.

Genius Black student set to graduate at 19 (Cont'd from FP) McCullough, whose mother graduated from the same college, was one of the nearly 200 students who are members of the Isabella T. Jenkins Honors and Scholars Program t Clark Atlanta University.

The program provides students with the ultimate learning experience by nurturing and fostering intellectual independence. They encourage the pursuit of academic excellence, according to the CAU. Ronald made a historical record in the institution by being the best and the brightest. The university administration praised the little man saying he represented the Black excellence.

Moreover, Richard was a disciplined student with unimpeachable character and a contagious drive towards his ambition.

When asked how he managed to balance his books, Richard said that he just woke up in the morning to do the right thing. “I concentrated on just doing what I believed was right for my future, I knew great rewards and opportunities awaited me,” he said in a statement.

McCullough has big plans after graduation. He aspires becoming an astronaut. Besides, the student wants to attend North Carolina A&T and enroll in their biological and agricultural engineering program.

Meanwhile, we can ask ourselves this question: are genius people born or cultivated through education? A genius person has a higher IQ, let’s say over 140. However, they must come up with excellent ideas that are original to be admired by others.

However, you cannot become genius without your considerable efforts. If you are born lazy, of course, you will be stupid unlike those born intelligent.

They will enhance their persistence and expertise in most domains, with the desire of achievement.

Ronald McCullough's case covers the few reported cases of the genius black student. The Blacks are natural born geniuses such that they dominate the economic and political fields, filling the top-ranked leadership and managerial positions.

Usayd Younis (background) and Cassie Quarless directors.

(Photo by Arri Henry) different emotions that ultimately end with the continued passion to fight for equality for all.

The Black Lives Matter Broward Alliance organized the event and concluded with a Q&A between the directors and the audience offering a healthy

Combating Stigma: One of the keys to an HIVbelieve that HIV is the result of Free generation (Cont'd from FP) The webinar, “Combating Stigma,” looked at the role of stigma in the context of HIV and shared tactics to reduce it.

The session was led by Vanessa Johnson, director of national training and leadership development for PWN-USA, and Erica Lillquist, mobilization manager for the Institute.

Before one can look at stigma in terms of HIV, it’s important to get an understanding of the concept in general, Lillquist said. Stigma is a social process in which certain people are perceived to be less valuable than others based on a set of characteristics they possess. For example, someone who is on public assistance and collects food stamps might be stigmatized because some people assume that those who are on food stamps are lazy or unwilling to work.

Stigma can be broken down into three categories: Public stigma refers to the beliefs of the general public that certain people have a lesser value because of characteristics they possess.

Structural or institutional stigma refers to an organization’s culture of negative beliefs toward a group of people based on certain characteristics.

Individual or self-stigma refers to the act in which a person buys into the negative beliefs society has about him or her and internalizes them.

Where Stigma and HIV Meet HIV-related stigma refers to adverse beliefs people have about PLWHA. Much of the stigma surrounding HIV stems from a lack of knowledge about HIV. For example, some mistakenly believe that HIV is a death sentence. Others wrongly

What is unmasking, and did Susan Rice do anything wrong?

(Contd from FP) “Now we know that someone in the Obama administration was eavesdropping and specifically searching a databank looking for the Trump (people),” Sen. Rand Paul proclaimed Tuesday on MSNBC’s Morning Joe. In fact, there is no evidence of that.

Senior Obama administration officials don’t dispute that Rice requested the “unmasking” of certain Americans whose names appeared in intelligence reports resulting from eavesdropping on foreigners — meaning the foreigners were discussing the Americans or talking to them. Usually, those names are blacked out. But the blackout can be lifted if doing so is necessary to help understand the intelligence.

Requesting that is a routine thing for national security advisers to do, according to former senior officials, including Keith Alexander, who directed the National Security Agency.

Rice didn’t and couldn’t “order” the unmasking of any American, current and former officials say. The agencies that hold the raw surveillance tran-

scripts — usually the NSA or the FBI — make that decision.

It’s a process subject to rules and reviewed by lawyers, and it has to be justified by an intelligence purpose.

Rice’s role was first discussed

by Mike Cernovich, who is also known for promoting a false story that a Washington, D.C. pizza parlor was a nest of pedophiles connected to Hillary Clinton. Unmasking was then the subject of a story by Eli Lake, a conservative columnist for Bloomberg View.

It’s hard to imagine FBI Director James Comey or NSA Director Mike Rogers participating with Obama officials in “political” surveillance of the Trump transition, which is the allegation some Republicans are making. Rogers, after all, has acknowledged that he met with Trump about a job in his administration. Comey has been criticized for how he handled the Hillary Clinton email investigation, and for actions that polls show helped Trump.

Alexander told NBC News he routinely turned down requests for unmasking by senior officials in the Bush and Obama administrations.

At the end of the Obama administration, the FBI and the

dialogue that inspired both parties to keep moving forward.

“Activism is better than doing nothing.”

To learn more about the film, visit www.genrevfilm.com. To become involved with the BLM Broward alliance, go to their website at http:// blacklivesmatteralliancebroward.org./

NSA were sifting through intelligence reports on Russian hacking. One goal of their investigation, FBI Director James Comey has made clear, was to learn whether any Trump associates colluded with the Russian effort to interfere in the election on Trump’s behalf.

If Russians under surveillance were talking about or to Trump associates, the names of those people would have been relevant.

Likewise, if two Chinese officials were talking about business relationships with an incoming government official, that person’s identity also might be relevant.

These are hypotheticals.

That’s all we have at the moment, because all the surveillance reports are classified and nobody is talking in detail about them.

That brings up another point: “unmasked” does not equal made public. The surveillance reports containing the names of Trump and his aides were still highly classified and viewable by a limited number of cleared individuals.

Senate leader starts clock ticking to showdown on Gorsuch.

personal irresponsibility, or is transmitted only through sex, according to Johnson.

Not only is stigma hurtful, but it also has dire consequences. Those who are stigmatized could experience loss of income and livelihood because of discrimination. Others could face the loss of relationships. Stigma can also cause PLWHA to drop out of care or avoid getting the care they need in the first place. In fact, the World Health Organization found that fear of stigma is one of the main reasons people avoid getting tested and getting on treatment.

Stigma can also spark fears of disclosing one’s HIV status.

If people believe that they are going to be judged harshly, they are more likely to avoid sharing their status altogether.

Compounding the problem is the fact that other types of stigma often intersect with HIV-related stigma. For example, many in the LGBTQ community feel stigmatized based on their sexual orientation or gender. If someone is gay and has HIV, that person may feel the pressure of stigma in an even more profound way.

Putting Knowledge Into Action There are a number of ways to reduce the effect of stigma.

Here is a summary of some ways discussed during the webinar: Monitor stigma’s effects.

We can’t combat stigma if we don’t know how prevalent it is.

For example, the Stigma Index is a method of measuring and monitoring stigma in 50 countries, coordinated by the Global Network of People Living With HIV. Data found via the index are collected and analyzed by PLWHA and are used to drive efforts to galvanize the community and affect policy.

Promote inclusion. Stigma causes people to withdraw and isolate themselves. By including PLWHA in the effort to eradicate the disease, not only do we gain more insight from those who are most affected, but we also let PLWHA know that they are valued.

Watch your language.

Stigma shows up in a number of ways, including the language that people use to describe HIV/ AIDS. For example, the use of the word “infection” has negative undertones, Johnson pointed out. Rather than use the word “infection,” simply say that someone is living with HIV. Other words, such as “risky behavior” and “AIDS sufferers,” are demoralizing and should also be avoided.

Stigma is unlikely to disappear on its own. But with a concerted effort to monitor it and combat it, we can lessen its effects.

Tamara E. Holmes is a Washington, D.C.-based journalist who writes about health, wealth and personal growth.

www.thewestsidegazette.com

APRIL 6 - APRIL 12, 2017 • PAGE 11 Westside Gazette Celebrating New Visions Community Development Corporation 20th anniversary Submitted by JoeAnn Fletcher New Visions Community Development Corporation invites you to join us for our 20th Anniversary celebration as we continue to create communities and impact lives on Friday, April 28, 2017, 5:30 pm at the

Floridian Ballroom in Pembroke Pines. This will be a Fun-filled Friday afternoon happy hour style with free cocktails, comedy, networking and all you can eat hors d’oeuvres. Theme for event is “For the Love of Our Community”. During the reception we will be unveiling the four R's:

Relaunching, Recharging, Revitalizing and Redeveloping. The four R’s are strategies which will help embrace our motto of “Creating Communities, Impacting Lives.”

The dynamic and motivational, Dr. Donte Hickman of Baltimore, Maryland will be the

keynote speaker. Hickman is known throughout the nation for his redevelopment of communities, his uplifting and motivational speeches and most recently for rebuilding the East Side of Baltimore, Maryland after the riots. Also one of the most sought after teacher by

Trailblazer Katherine Johnson’s daughters tell the real tale behind and Joylette, will share the story the Oscar nominated movie, ‘Hidden Figures’ regarding the life of their 98-

The North Broward County (FL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated.

(Photo by Posthumous- Lynda Browne) Submitted by JoeAnn Fletcher The North Broward County (FL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated and Broward College will host an event for college students, youth and families on Saturday, April 22, 2017,

2:30 pm at Omni Auditorium regarding the life of Katherine Johnson who inspired the Oscar-nominated film Hidden Figures.

The movie was based on the true story of three Black NASA female mathematicians and the

overlooked contributions from African-Americans in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) fields. Actress Taraji P. Henson portrayed Katherine Johnson in the movie.

Johnson’s daughters, Kathy

Z’Kijah Fleming wins Tom Joyner Foundation® ‘Full Ride’ scholarship to Historically Black College

Z’Kijah Fleming, ranked No. 1 at Dallas’ prestigious Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School, is this year’s winner of the Tom Joyner Foundation “Full Ride Scholarship” to a Black college. For up to 10 semesters, the future sports marketing executive, will receive a scholarship to cover her tuition, room and board and books. Fleming is an AP Scholar, a Dallas Independent School District Scholar, a member of the mock trial team, volunteers at a local homeless shelter and a Dallas breast cancer walk.

DALLAS ,TX — Z’Kijah Fleming from DeSoto, Texas, a Dallas suburb, is the winner of the 2017 Tom Joyner Foundation® “Full Ride Scholarship” that will cover full tuition, room and board (on-campus only) and books up to 10 semesters. Fleming, who juggled taking care of her mom while she battled breast cancer and her three-year-old brother at the time, plans to attend Howard University in Washington, D.C. where she plans to major in business, focusing on sports marketing to help teams raise their brand awareness and assist with major causes.

Tom Joyner, the Foundation’s chairman and founder, announced his scholarship during the Tom Joyner Morning Show, which airs on 100 stations and reaches a broadcast and digital audience more than eight million listeners every week. Fleming is a graduating senior from the Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School, a STEMfocused curriculum that’s part of the Young Women’s Pre-

paratory Network who was selected from hundreds of applicants from around the country for the scholarship.

Fleming is an AP Scholar, a Dallas Independent School District (DISD) Scholar, a member of the mock trial team, volunteers at the Dallas Life Homeless Shelter, volunteered with the Sisters Network Dallas, breast cancer walk, and during the past school year volunteered Ruby Young Elementary School’s community parade and school-wide performances. She also was the school-wide announcer and wrote for the school paper.

During her interview, Fleming recounted her courageous journey taking care of her mom during her freshman year when her mother, DeAndrea, began chemotherapy for breast cancer.

Every day for nearly a year, she went to the hospital with her mom, then after school, she made dinners of SpaghettiOs, microwave macaroni & cheese, boiled hot dogs and tuna sandwiches, for her three-year-old brother, Gavin. “Over time,”

Fleming said, “Theater rehearsals were few and far between, while any other clubs simply became ideas of the past.” Her mom is now cancer-free. Fleming overcame the challenges.

She has maintained a 4.0 cumulative GPA, earned a 1470 on the SAT and a 31 on the ACT. Tom Joyner, host of the nationally syndicated morning radio show, said, “Z’Kijah is an amazing young lady. She not only took care of her mom while she was battling breast cancer, she also took care of her younger brother – and maintained a 4.0 grade point average. I’m tired just talking about it. I know she’s going to become an outstanding marketing executive.”

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

Rosa Lee Williams March 29, 2017

We all love YOU! We wish you a Happy Birthday Your Daughter Doris Holloway

year-old mother, what it was like growing up with her while she was working at NASA and promote STEAM among our youth.

Also participating is White House Award-Winning Entrepreneur Felecia Hatcher who learned to Code at an early age and is now the Founder and CEO of Code Fever and South Florida Black Tech Week. The award-winning Ethnotricity Dance Company will provide entertainment.

Other panelists include North Broward County Chapter President Earlene Striggles Horne and Broward College North Campus President Dr. Avis Proctor.

This program is made possible through the generosity of the following sponsors: Broward County Pan Hellenic Council, former State Senator Chris Smith, Dr. Rosalind Osgood School Board member District 5, Fort Lauderdale Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated, Natalie and Rick Beasley, Zeta Rho Omega, Kappa Kappa Omega, Upsilon Xi Omega, and Chi Psi Omega Chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. For more information contact JoeAnn Fletcher at (954) 263-1984 or http:// northbrowardlinks.org.

Felicia (Fe Fe) Moore Dr. Donte Hickman day, comedian by night Felicia (Fe Fe) Moore will provide entertainment and keep you on the edge of your seat.

Community leaders, entrepreneurs, bankers, businessmen, contractors, educators, law enforcement, realtors, lawyers and other professions who are interested in gaining education and insight from Dr. Hickman on how to revitalize and rebuild our Broward County communities while increasing our community partnerships should attend this celebration.

This is an event that you don’t want to miss. Bring your co-workers, family and friends as we celebrate 20 years of service unveil and relaunch our community revitalization programs under the leadership of Bishop C. E. Glover, founder and CEO, chairman of the Board of Directors former State Senator Chris Smith and Mrs. Nikki Austin-Shipp, executive director. For information please contact www.newvisionscdc.org or rsvp at rsvp@mtbbc.org or call (754) 301-2750.

PAGE 12 • APRIL 6 - APRIL 12, 2017

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Westside Gazette

7 clever kitchen spring clean hacks—so easy, you wish you’d done them sooner

By Susan Holtham Kitchen lovers, it’s that time of year again. Spend less time thinking about heavy duty deep-cleaning and more time enjoying the fruits of your lowlabor efforts. Get ready to savor the spotless happy place that will be your kitchen after these cost-effective, all-natural tips.

1. Put a bit of vinegar on it Clean up your stainless steel by spraying vinegar mixed with equal parts of water. It’ll wipe out greasy surfaces, fingerprints and reduce lime scale in no time, leaving you with shiny taps and mirrors. Vinegar is acidic so it’s perfect to use anywhere where you want to get rid of smears and stains. Just don’t reach for the balsamic— distilled white vinegar is what you want for the job. The same goes for getting rid of the damp

smell on clothes from your washing machine. With no clothes in the machine, pour half a mug of white vinegar in where the fabric conditioner goes, put it on a run at 90°C and follow up with a rinse.

2. Cake burned pots in bicarb Sodium bicarbonate is a mild alkali and that can cause dirt and grease to dissolve easily in water. Save burned pots by covering the offending area with a thick layer of bicarbonate of soda and leaving it overnight and the brown bits will wipe off. Use a scourer if there’s still a bit of resistance. For the inside of pans, try adding some water to the bicarb, then heating the pan with the solution in it briefly first and leave it for 24 hours to really get things going. Whilst suitable for stainless steel, cast-iron and non-

stick pans, don’t do this on aluminum. For those pans you can remove water tide marks by boiling water with sliced apple, rhubarb or lemon peel. For tough stains, boil three parts vinegar to one part water.

3. Instead of oven cleaner…

Reach for the bicarb (again) to degrease the interior of your oven. Not only will you avoid harsh chemicals, but you’ll also resist the need to invest in a biohazard suit to clean your oven. Spread a paste of bicarb and water all over the inside surfaces of your oven, being careful to avoid the heating elements. Leave it overnight and wipe it all off with a damp cloth. You’ll probably need to give it a little elbow grease (grease + grease = no grease, right?), and spray some white vinegar onto any soda residues.

This will get it to gently foam

up and make it easy to wipe away anything left.

4. Put a cloth on pesky high surfaces Baffled by how the top of the fridge get so dusty? Even more baffled by how to clean it?

With any awkward-to-get-to

high surface, lay a sheet or piece of cloth over the surface over it and when it comes to cleaning time, just carefully remove it, give it a shake outside and a wash. Gone are the perilous days of scrubbing an area that you can’t really see properly, and no one else will ever see, making the whole escapade feel like a total waste of time…

5. Fall in love with jars Storing store cupboard goodies such as rice, quinoa, beans, lentils and barley needn’t be a matter of shoving bags into an already jam-packed giant Tupperware. Show off your staples by investing in some big jars and artfully displaying them on a shelf. No, this is not just a thing for other people with fancy kitchens and a design degree, it’s so easy (and pretty) that once you do it, you’ll wonder why you hadn’t done so sooner. Not only will it highlight on a daily basis what you’ve got in your larder (long lost forgotten pack of chickpea flour anyone?), it’ll urge you to actually use it. Pop a label on with the date and basic cooking instructions and remember to do a little stock rotation, i.e. decant what’s already in there first before adding the new stuff.

6. Throw away chipped crockery Unless you have a real attachment to something—we’re talking about the one mug that got you through uni finals kind of attachment—get rid of any chipped crockery. They’re the double dodgy whammy of being a breeding ground for unwanted bacteria and a weak point that could lead to breakage mid-slurp. Sort through your cupboards and remove them from your kitchen (or make into a candle holder if that tickles). Go on, you can do it.

7. If you haven’t use it for a year, dump it Old spices that take up 90% of your cupboard (the other 10% being your trusty daily use table and sea salt, pepper and old pal chili flakes at the front) will lose their flavor over time. If you bought a mega pack an exotic spice whilst on holiday in India in 2006 and it’s still there, taking up space and reminding you of unrealized Keralan home-cooking dreams, now’s the time to bin it. Same goes for old mystery meats, stews and bread in your freezer.

Sounds tough, but if you haven’t used it up by now, chances are you never will. And that’s okay. It can’t judge you anymore after you’ve removed it from the vicinity. Invite some friends round for a big leftover cook-off and make a note to a) actually get through the bits in your cupboard and freezer in good time b) invite people round more to help you out! Or, give the food you don’t want a new home with the Olio app.

Take a lazy afternoon to give these a go. Once you’ve whipped through them, pour yourself a much deserved [remove where appropriate] cup of tea / coffee / negroni.

Replenish your cupboards with all new spices, seasonings, grains and dream-cleaner bicarb at www.farmdrop.com.