The Westside Gazette by westside gazette

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID

proudly celebrating our

FT. LAUDERDALE, FL 33310

PERMIT NO. 1179

GROWING THE VOICE OF OUR FUTURE

anniversary! 1971-2019

PAGE 2

VOL. 48 NO. 1 50¢

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7 - FEBRUARY 13, 2019

“Dr. Brenda Snipes: a history of excellence” “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;” (2 Corinthians 4:17) what you did and that conscious is speaking to you honestly, I think you can be OK and that’s where I find myself. I am not sick, I don’t feel distressed, I don’t have headaches; I never did. I don’t have any now and I don’t have any illnesses that I know about. I’m still going about my daily routine.” Dr. Brenda Calhoun Snipes has been a number of things in her well-lived and productive life. She is a loving wife and doting mother. She has been a committed educator and a deeply passionate mentor of teachers. Dr. Snipes is a highly skilled trainer and coach to teachers and students. She has been and remains a passionate leader of her people; she is an award-winning administrator and a reluctant but

By Rasheed B’aithe and Bobby R. Henry, Sr. We want to first thank you Dr. Snipes for allowing us to come together and tell your story. We do know that you have been under some malicious scrutiny, vicious personnel attacks and some slanderous accusations. Through it all we wanna know who sister Brenda Calhoun Snipes is and how is she weathering this storm. “You know I think I’m really surprised of myself about how I am weathering the storm. I think when you have a conscience that reminds you of who you are, where you are, and what you have done and

Statewide Moment of Silence in 67 Counties’ Schools to Honor

Photo Credit: Conner LaCoste

Superintendent Runcie invites all districts to join remembrance on February 14th

2019 Marks the 100th Anniversary of the Elaine Phillips Massacres that claimed over 200 lives of Black men, women and children By Deangelo Manue (BlackNews.com) HELENA, ARK. -2019 marks one hundred years since one of America’s deadliest massacres that claimed over two hundred lives of Black men, women, and children. In 1919, over a hundred sharecroppers and local farmers met with the Progressive Farmers and Household Union of America at a local church in a small rural community to discuss how to obtain fairer settlements from landowners. The Black farmers were tired of being cheated out of their crops - this made the white landowners upset, the birth to the bloody slaughter began. An article was written and published in Helena World newspaper said a white deputy was shot and killed by one of the Black farmers. Not everyone agreed with the article that was published claiming that the Black farmers shot first. The local sheriff formed a posse of 500-1000 and provided weapons and ammunition to the posse. The posse came from Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama, and Missouri to join forces to slaughter Blacks. The

(Cont’d on page 12)

governor called in 500 federal troops, who arrested nearly 260 African American men (Cont’d on page 5)

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Broward County Public Schools Superintendent Robert W. Runcie has invited Florida’s 66 other school districts to virtually join Broward County Public Schools in the one-year commemoration of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School tragedy. At 10:17 a.m. on February 14, 2019, schools across Florida will join all Broward County Public Schools in observing a moment of silence to

MSD High School Victims

honor the 17 students and staff whose lives were lost, and recognize the 17 others injured one year ago. The tribute is scheduled in the morning, when most students will be in class, at 17 minutes after the hour. Superintendent Runcie extended the invitation to Florida’s other 66 school superintendents after conferring with State Sen. Bill Montford, who is CEO of the Florida Association of District School Superintendents (FADSS). Sen. Montford’s FADSS office is directly involved in notifying and helping to coordinate the participation of public schools statewide.

“This heartfelt tribute will honor those who were so directly and terribly impacted by this horrific tragedy – including the entire MSD and Parkland community of families,” said Superintendent Runcie. “As our entire state felt the incalculable loss suffered by so many a year ago, now our entire education community can be a meaningful part of the ongoing process of healing by pausing at 10:17 a.m. on February 14th to respect and remember.” “Broward County’s loss has had a profound impact on the education community statewide. No matter where we are in the state, at 10:17

a.m. on February 14th we will be standing with Broward Public Schools and paying tribute to the victims, their families, and the MSD community,” Sen. Montford said. Broward County Public Schools has designated February 14, 2019, as “A Day of Service and Love.” Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School students will serve breakfast to first responders and participate in service projects benefiting the community. Other schools throughout the District will also participate by engaging students in activities that serve their local communities.

The American Dream Remains Deferred for Black Millennials By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Correspondent

Keli Hammond, who holds a bachelor’s degree in Advertising from Temple University and a certiﬁcation in Change Leadership from Cornell University, noted that race has a way of humbling dreams quite fast.

The American Dream is described as a national ethos: a set of ideals in which freedom includes the opportunity for prosperity and success, and upward social mobility for the family and children, achieved through hard work in a society with few barriers. That’s the Wikipedia definition. For African American millennials, the dream remains deferred – and in some cases, is a

nightmare. “The American Dream, the idea that anyone can succeed through hard work, is one of the most enduring myths in this country. And one of its most prominent falsehoods,” Reniqua Allen, the author of “It Was All a Dream” wrote in a recent New York Times Op-Ed. “As I entered my 30s, still navigating what achieving the dream would mean, I wondered what other black millennials were feeling. I wanted to figure out what

my generation of Black Americans thought about the promise of the American dream and how we can attain it,” Allen said. Keli Hammond, the owner and CEO of Washington, D.C.based B Classic Marketing & Communications and author of “Craved: The Secret Sauce to Building a Highly-Successful, Standout Brand,” said Black millennials have an uphill climb to achieve the American Dream. (Cont’d on page 3)

Northam Apologies for Racist College Photo, later denies being in it developing story: Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam’s medical school is currently investigating the racist photo in yearbook. NAACP statement on page 3

78°

Thursday Feb. 7th

Partly Cloudy

Sunrise: 7:01am

The Westside Gazette Newspaper

@_WestsideGazett

TheWestsideGazetteNewspaper

Sunset: 6:08pm

Fri

Sat

Sun

Mon

Tues

78° 69°

77° 70°

78° 70°

79° 68°

81° 69°

WESTSIDE GAZETTE IS A MEMBER: National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) Southeastern African-American Publishers Association (SAAPA) Florida Association of Black Owned Media (FABOM)

PAGE 2 • FEBRUARY 7 - FEBRUARY 13, 2019

Deeply Rooted

www.thewestsidegazette.com

Growing the Voices of Our Future YOUTH PHOTOJOURNALISTS SUBMISSIONS: WEEK #2

Necessities for Children

My teammate and I share our thoughts on cheerleading competition this weekend at The University Of Florida gymnasium in Gainesville, Florida.

Pure Passion. Pure Joy. Sarah deBoer-Hjort, MAS, President & CEO, Master Advertising Specialist

Questions and Answers Leja Williams-- How long have you been a cheerleader?

Passion. Purpose. Persistence. Many of us have never gone a day without food and water, clothes, bed to sleep in, roof over our head, ability to attend school or medication when sick. We live a blessed life, rarely giving our time and continued support to those who are in need, even in our own community. Having traveled to Kenya in 2011 as part of a medical team, I achieved ESL CELTA certification and traveled back to Africa in early 2016 for a 10-week teaching internship with Mully Children’s Family. Necessities for Children is a 501c public charity status with a mission to provide intervention and support to homeless, struggling and disadvantaged children through tangible assistance, including food, clothing, shelter, healthcare and education. No longer content to do just a little bit when possible, in May 2018, I resigned from a corporate job to devote my entire time and skills towards making a difference in the lives of struggling youth. Anti-bullying and cyber-bullying have been a specific focus on our education to youth. Through collaboration with ABSOLOOT and Life Sports Fitness, we offer a Kits for Kids and Reading Program aimed to educate youth through comic books on Anti-bullying and environmental awareness. Daily, we strive to motivate youth and adults alike to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children, get involved in their local community, and be a leader by example to those around.

Leja Williams, 14

Anya McLeod-- I’ve been cheering since I was 5 up until now and I want to continue for as long as I can.

LW-- How was this high school cheerleading competition different from your all-star cheerleading competitions? AM-- Well to me, there wasn’t really a difference between high school and all-star because we all want to win and try our best and that’s it. LW-- How do you feel we did as a team at competition? AM-- I feel we could’ve done better. We tried our best and we can try a little bit harder next year. Listen to the full interview online at: thewestsidegazette.com

Sarah deBoer-Hjort, MAS, can be reached @ www.necessitiesforchildren.org

FMU appoints Adrienne Cooper

provost and executive vice president

By Opal Comfort MIAMI GARDENS, FL --Florida Memorial University’s Board of Trustees ratified Interim President Jaffus Hardrick’s

recent appointment of Adrienne Cooper, Ph.D. as the University’s provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs. Dr. Cooper will assume the office of the provost on February 4. She comes to South Florida’s only historically Black university after serving more than five years as associate provost at BethuneCookman University in Daytona Beach. “FMU’s Board of Trustees and the South Florida community have invested high hopes in the excellence of FMU, its students, Continue reading online at: thewestsidegazette.com

Brielle Henry, 9

Food Desert A community garden was created in Overtown Miami to help people get fresh fruits and vegetables because there are no grocery stores close to where they live.

Fresh Fire Fitness

Layla Davidson, 12

This past weekend The New Mount Olive Baptist Church had their Fresh Fire Fitness class to kick off the new year. The church is intentional about getting the community spiritually and physically fit.

Fundraising At the Young at Art museum, Mrs. Houston or Mom Sonya Houston, has a degree in marketing and a degree in business. As you can see, she is sharing her extensive knowledge of how to generate funding for various programs and causes. Children of Jack and Jill listen as she teaches them what to do to reach their goals quickly. Read Cosey’s full story online at: thewestsidegazette.com

Cosey Proctor, II- 14

Deeply Rooted

www.thewestsidegazette.com

FEBRUARY 7 - FEBRUARY 13, 2019 • PAGE 3

Florida is the Epicenter of HIV Nationally, Why Are State Of�icials Cutting Medical Care

The Hastings Monthly Report February 2019

Dear Friend, The government shutdown that began on December 22, 2018 significantly impacted Florida and our entire nation. The President created this manufactured crisis, saying he was ‘proud’ to keep the government shutdown for ‘months or years.’ His all-or-nothing demand for a border wall created major security vulnerabilities across our state and country, not to mention holding the paychecks of more than 800,000 federal employees’ hostage as their families and communities fell into crisis. On January 25, the President announced that he would sign the clean spending bill that Democrats had advocated for since before the shutdown began 35 days prior. The Trump shutdown will go down in history as a waste of time and precious resources that needlessly put hundreds of thousands of American families in peril.

TALLAHASSEEPositive Healthcare (PHC) today filed suit against the Florida Agency for Healthcare Administration (AHCA) to enjoin the agency from recklessly moving thousands of patients to a for-profit health plan. Thousands of vulnerable individuals living with HIV in Florida are at risk of losing the life-saving, sensitive care and services they need if AHCA’s actions are allowed to proceed. PHC a non-profit, managed healthcare plan administered by AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the largest provider of care to people

Continue reading online at: thewestsidegazette.com

living with HIV and AIDS in the world, has provided life-saving coverage for thousands of individuals living with HIV in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, Florida since 1999. After Former Florida Governor Rick Scott and his team at AHCA decided not to renew the PHC contract the organization was forced to take legal actions to protect its patients and to reverse AHCA’s decision. In December 2018, a state Administrative Law Judge ruled in PHC’s favor, finding that AHCA failed to follow proper procedure in reviewing and scoring bids to contract as health plans for

patients with HIV and saying the agency should re-do the process to select HIV specialty plans, but in a stunning rebuke to the ALJ, the Scott administration refused to accept the judge’s ruling and moved ahead to exclude PHC from remaining a health plan for people living with HIV/ AIDS, and moving forward with forprofit, Simply Healthcare as the sole HIV/AIDS plan for patients in South Florida In December 2018, PHC asked the Continue reading online at: thewestsidegazette.com

NAACP Stands by Call for Virginia Governor to Resign

Zedrick D. Barber II Attorney for Teiron ‘Ice Billion Berg’ Robinson ﬁlling lawsuit against Oceanview Building B Condominium Association, Inc. SUNNY ISLES, FL -- The Barber Firm is proud to announce that it represents Teiron Robinson aka recording artist “Ice Billion Berg” in an action for invasion of privacy, intentional infliction of emotional distress, private nuisance, wrongful eviction, tortious interference of contract, trespass to chattel, and conversion against the Oceanview Building B Condominium Association, Inc. and its affiliates who govern the premises where Mr. Robinson resides in Sunny Isles, Florida. Robinson, who had been occupying a unit on the premises since the beginning of the year, returned home January 27, 2019, to find two unknown and unwanted men inside of his residence. They identified themselves as security and entered the unit without any prior notice to and without consent from Robinson. These men had absolutely no reason nor right to be inside of Robinson’s dwelling. They soon exited but not before questioning whether Robinson “belonged” there. Perhaps, this is because he’s young, Black and wears his hair locked in a building where most residents don’t look like him. The men later returned while Mr. Robinson was bathing. They told Robinson that he was not supposed to be there, demanded that he leave and stated that they would call the police to have him arrested for trespassing if he didn’t. Though he had no duty to, he presented every document that could possibly prove the legitimacy of his presence and lawful possession of the property. None of it mattered. Security still demanded that he leave his home. Seeking to avoid an unnecessary altercation and further embarrassment, Robinson allowed security to escort him away peacefully. He, along with his realtor, and several others on his behalf, made several attempts to contact management from the condominium’s homeowner’s association but to no avail. Continue reading online at: thewestsidegazette.com

BALTIMORE --“We are deeply disappointed in Gov. Ralph Northam ‘s decision to not resign today. His failure to take accountability for his actions is sickening. He says he used shoe polish on his face to mimic Michael Jackson, yet denies he ever used Black face. This is unacceptable for any leader. He contradicts his earlier decision to admit responsibility to now say he had nothing to do with the photo. Implicit bias is bias, and it’s clear that someone who cannot distinguish from using shoe polish on his face to imitate a Black person from Black face, clearly suffers from this or is delusional. This image is example of the historical effects of institutional racism and the lack of awareness of the discrimination against of Black people. Racism of any kind cannot be excused nor overlooked. We stand by our call for his resignation. He will now have to answer to his constituents in Virginia who will find it difficult to make peace with his choice. “ --Derrick Johnson, NAACP President and CEO

American Dream Remains Deferred for Black Millennials from Front Page “Unfortunately, this is a very true reality. Race is a touchy subject in this country – always has been, always will be,” Hammond said. “It’s funny because, even thought it’s part of our social construct, it’s still incredibly uncomfortable when it’s talked about.” Hammond, who holds a bachelor’s degree in Advertising from Temple University and a certification in Change Leadership from Cornell University, noted that race has a way of humbling dreams quite fast. “Although I believe that millennials in general are struggling to identify with the American Dream, for Black millennials it can often feel like a dream you can’t achieve,” she said. “We weren’t afforded the same job opportunities or raises, we don’t have the same networks, we’re not given the same leeway if we make a mistake, and we don’t have the same access to capital or generational wealth – it’s hard every day,” Hammond said. In a survey customized exclusively for NNPA Newswire, Branded Research asked 452 African Americans which aspect of the American Dream is most important. A total of 30 percent said having a comfortable retirement; 21 percent said homeownership; 21 percent said setting up their children for success; 15 percent said owing a business; 7 percent said a college education; and 6 percent said having a nuclear family. When broken down by gender, 22 percent of men and 34 percent of women said having a comfortable retirement was most important. Twenty-two percent of men identified homeownership as most important as compared with 21 percent of women. When broken down by age, 24 percent of those between 18 and 24 identified setting up their children for success was most important and 21 percent of the same age group said having a comfortable retirement and owning a business is paramount. Twenty-eight percent of African Americans between 25 and 34 identified home ownership

as most important followed by setting up their children for success (27 percent); and having a comfortable retirement (19 percent). Overall, African American consumers are most likely to say that the most important aspects of the American Dream are having a comfortable retirement, homeownership and setting children up for success. African American women are more likely than African American men to say that having a comfortable retirement is the most important aspect of the American Dream. Younger African Americans value homeownership, setting up children for success and owning a business while older African Americans value a comfortable retirement most. “The American Dream isn’t what I strive for [because] my goal is to be successful in my chosen creative path of singing and to travel the world doing that – not to be tethered to a job I don’t like, to pay a mortgage I don’t want in order to live permanently anywhere,” said New York musician Risa Branch. “I finally paid off my student loans. I want the freedom to be wherever I want to be,” Branch said. “If I did get the surplus funds to buy a house, I’d rent it out and use the investment to fund a more mobile lifestyle.” Hammond argued that Black millennials want equality, opportunity and freedom. “We want the same business and home loans, we want the same job offers, we want the same – everything,” she said. “I’m college-educated, well-read, and well-traveled. I’m a business owner and a homeowner, and even with all of that, I’m keenly aware that I am still very much an underdog,” Hammond continued. “Freedom means you don’t struggle financially or live paycheck-to-paycheck. Freedom means you’re able to relax sometimes and not worry about all the ways that you have to work to dispel racial myths and stereotypes.”

“You must give your own story to the world.” —Carter G. Woodson, US Historian

Each Person Is a Story Waiting to Be Told Carter G. Woodson, the American educator and historian who inspired Black History Month almost a century ago, knew that no history is complete without the stories of marginalized individuals. At VITAS® Healthcare, we believe that, especially near the end of life, everyone should have the opportunity to give their own story to the world.

SINCE 1980

For more information on VITAS, please contact VITAS Representative, Chely Thimothee-Paul at 954.486.4085. VITAS.com

PAGE 4 • FEBRUARY 7 - FEBRUARY 13, 2019

EVENTS Lauderhill Living Events

What’s Happening in Dania Beach

- Sunday, Feb. 17 – Sola Rum-Food- Wine Festival at Lauderhill Performing Arts Center, 3800 N.W. 11 Pl., Lauderhill, Fla. - Saturday, Feb. 23 – 2019 Lauderhill Taste Tour, from 12 to 4 p.m. For more info call (954) 714-3128 or visit www. lauderhill.fl.gov - Saturday, March 16 – Slow Roll and Ride a Bike with a Lauderhill Cop. Register at 9 Roll Out at 10 a.m., at Lauderhill Performing Arts Center, 3800 N.W. 11 Pl., Lauderhill, Fla.

-Art in the Hall, Saturday, Feb. 9, from 5 to 8:30 p.m., at 100 W. Dania Beach Blvd., Dania, Fla. For more info call (954) 924-6801. - At home Dania Beach First-Time Homebuyer Courses Meeting Dates: *Monday, Feb. 11 from 6 to 8 p.m. * Monday, Feb. 25 from 6 to 8 p.m. * Thursday, Feb. 14 from 6 to 8 p.m. * Thursday, Feb. 26 from 6 to 8 p.m. * Saturday, Feb. 16 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. * Saturday, March 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For additional info call (954) 924-6801 Register at https:// www.ApprovedByHUD.org/ upcoming-events - Free Dania Beach Tarpon Soccer Club, for boys and girls ages 3-17, Wednesday, Feb. 20 & 21, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., at Frost Park, 300 N.E. Second St., Dania Beach, Fla. For more info call Anthony at (954) 924-3838 or Hisham at (954) 665-6682. - Dania Beach Believes in Fitness – Calling Volunteer Coaches. For more info call (954) 924-3838.

Event AHF presents Safer Is Sexy Int’l Condom Day Burlesque Show, Wednesday, Feb. 20 from 7 to 10 p.m., at Gallery of Amazing Things, 481 S. Federal Hwy., Dania Beach, Fla. For ticket info 21+ Event www.icdfl.eventbrite.com ticket access code: AHFGA

Event Vivid Dreams Publishing and Production Company presents Embracing Our Roots Book Affair & Pop-UpShop, Saturday, Feb. 9, 10, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., at Lauderhill Mall, 1267 FL – 7 Lauderhill, Fla. (Giveaway & raffles), music, refreshments & fun for the whole family.

Events N.P.H.C. Broward County Council Divine Nine New -Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Chi Psi Omega Chapter presents Fifty Shades of Pink, Saturday, Feb. 16 at 5 p.m., at The Old River House, 301 S.W. Third Ave., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Attire: Pink Chic. Tickets are available through Eventbrite. -Pompano Beach Alumni Chapter/North Broward County Alumnae Chapter presents Suits & Stilettos, Saturday, Feb. 16 at 7 p.m., at The Event Center, 6101 N.W. 31 St., Margate, Fla. For tickets: www.NBCACDST.org - Red Shoe Luncheon, Saturday, Feb. 23 from 12 to 4 p.m., at Gulfstream Park, Sport of Kings, 901 S. Fed. Hwy., Hallandale, Fla., open to the public. To purchase tickets www.DSTSOUTHBROWARD.org Eventbrite -South Broward Alumnae of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. cordially invites you to join in celebrating A Decade of Diamonds in honor of our 10 year Anniversary, Saturday, April 20 from 6 to 11 p.m., at Charles F. Dodge City Center, 601 City Center Way, Pembroke Pines, Fla., formal attire. For tickets go to www.DSTSOUTHBROWARD.org

Meeting

FAMU NAA Broward Chapter Executive Board Meeting, Thursday, Feb. 7 at 6 p.m., at the Lauderdale Lakes Library, 3580 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Summit MDC to Host Fourth Annual Black Male Leadership Success Summit, Friday, Feb. 15 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at MDC’s North Campus, Science Complex, Room A104, 11380 N.W. 27 Ave., Miami, Fla. For more info contact Kathy Maalouf, Vice Provost, Student Affairs at kmaalouf@mdc.edu

Celebration History Fort Lauderdale Celebrates Black History Month with Dillard Center for the Arts Student Art Show and sale started Monday, Feb. 4 thru 28, 2019 from at New River Inn at History Fort Lauderdale, 231 S.W. Second Ave., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. For cost and additional info call (954) 463-4431.

“WE ARE NOT MAKERS OF HISTORY. WE ARE MADE BY HISTORY -- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Deeply Rooted LOCAL HAPPENINGS IN BROWARD - MIAMI-DADE AND PALM BEACH COUNITIES Events Going Overtown Events: - The Black Archives, History & Research Foundation of South Florida Inc., presents Brown Bag Lunch Series, Session 1: Wednesday, Feb. 6, and Session 2: Education Collection – Focus on Booker T. Washington High School, Wednesday, Feb. 13 from 12 to 1 p.m., at The Black Archives Historic Lyric Theater Cultural Arts Complex, 819 N.W. Second Ave., Miami, Fla. For more info call (786) 708-4610. - The City of Miami and Department of Housing & Community Development Consolidated Plan Meeting, Wednesday, Feb. 6 at 4:30 p.m., at United Way of Miami-Dade, 3250 S.W. Third Ave., Miami, Fla., and Wednesday, Feb. 13 at 5:30 p.m., at Miami City HallCommission Chambers, 3500 Pan American Dr., Miami, Fla. - Black Lounge presents, Talk & Movie The Great Debaters, Friday, Feb. 8 from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m., at OPAC, 1074 N.W. Third Ave., Miami, Fla. - Overtown Youth Center Super Saturdays, S.T.E.M. Tutoring Recreation Fun, Feb. 9, 23, Saturday, March, 9, and Saturday, April 13, 27 and Saturday, June 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Oventown Youth Center, 450 N.W. 14 St., Miami, Fla. - Community Day, Overtown Neighborhood Reunion & Historic D.A. Dorsey House Public Opening, Saturday, Feb. 9, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at The Black Archives Historic Lyric Theater Cultural Art Complex, 819 N.W. Second Ave., Miami, Fla - Fifth Annual BlackTech Week presents The 2019 Black Cannabis Summit, Saturday, Feb. 9, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at Space Called Tribe CoWork and Urban Innovation Lab, 937 N.W. Third Ave., Miami, Fla. Register at www. blacktechweek.com - Coffee Talk, Sunday, Feb. 10 at 3 p.m., at ICONS featuring Marvin Ellis at the The Black Archives Historic Lyric Theater Cultural Art Complex, 819 N.W. Second Ave., Miami, Fla. - Clear Miami presented Catalyst Miami Begins, Tuesday, Feb. 12 from 5:30 to 9 p.m., at Miami Dade College, Wolfson Campus, 300 N.E. Second Ave., Miami, Fla. - Community Relations Board Meeting Tuesday, Feb. 12 from 7 to 8:30 p.m., at Shenandoah Park, 1800 S.W. 21 Ave., Miami, Fla. - Overtown children & youth coalition (OCYC) Professional Development Workshop, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., at UHealth Mailman Center for Child Development, 1601 N.W. 12 Miami, Fla. - Future of Travel 2019 Tech Summit, Tuesday, Feb. 12, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., at Historic Lyric Theater, 819 N.W. Second Ave., Miami, Fla. - Valentine’s Day Tasting, Thursday, Feb. 14 from 6 to 7 p.m., Abaco Wines & Wine Bar, 140 N.E. 39 St., Suite 206, Miami, Fla. - The Black MI 2019 Leadership Summit, Friday, Feb. 15, from 10 a.m. t o 3:30

p.m., at Miami Dade College N. Campus, 11380 N.W. 27 Ave., Miami, Fla. - Registration Open for Catalyst Community Delegation to Tallahassee, Friday, Feb. 15. bit.ly/tallydelegation - Free Co-work, Friday and Happy Hour, every Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Space Called Tribe, 937 N.W. Third Ave., Miami, Fla. - Free Gospel Sunday Concert, Sunday, Feb. 17 at 5 p.m., at Adrienne Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, Fla. - Caribbean Market Place, every Saturday, at 5925 N.E. Second Ave., Miami, Fla. - Overtown Community Oversight Board Meeting, every Third Thursday of the month, at Overtown Performing Arts Center, 1074 N.W. Third Ave., Miami, Fla. - Folklife Fridays, every First Friday, 1600 N.W. Third Ave., Miami, Fla. - Education Committee Meeting, every Second Thursday of the month at Overtown Youth Center, 450 N.W. 14 St., Miami, Fla. - Miami-Dade County, every Third and Fifth Tuesday of the month at 111 N.W. First St., Second floor, Miami, Fla. -OCYC General Membership Meeting, every Third Wednesday at UM Life Science Building, 1951 N.W. Seventh Ave., Miami, Fla. - City of Miami Commissioners Meeting, every Second and Fourth of the month, at 3500 Pan American Dr., Miami, Fla.

Breakfast “Relay for Life” Annual Prayer Breakfast, Monday, Feb. 18 from 8 to 11 a.m., at Joseph D. Carter Park, 1450 E. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Events City of Fort Lauderdale Volunteer Opportunities: Special Opportunities: -Saturday, Feb. from 8:30 a.m. to noon – Book Sorting event – Gulfstream Elementary School. For more info contact Jorg Hruschka at JHrusckha@fortlauderdale. gov Save the Dates for these free education programs: -Saturday, Feb. 16 and 23 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., C.E.R.T. Disaster Response Training. Limited seating: Reserve your spot contact FTL.EM@ fortlauderdale.gov Wednesday, March 6 and Wednesday, April 3 from 6 to 8 p.m., Neighbor Leadership Academy 5. Limited seating. To register or for more info contact Angela Hughes at ahughes@fortlauderdale.gov

Education is for improving the lives of others and for leaving your community and world better than you found it.

-- Mariam Wright Edelman

www.thewestsidegazette.com

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

Happening at the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center AARLCC, 2650 Historic Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. -AARLCC Movie Matinee Black History Month: Black Hollywood: * Fox Brown, Wednesday, Feb. 6 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. * Queen of Katwe, Friday, Feb. 23 at 2 p.m. * Roots, Tuesday, Feb. 26 at 4 p.m., Rated R ages 18 and up.) - Going Hard in the Paint: Athletes and Protest, Thursday, Feb. 7 from 4 to 5 p.m. - Black Hollywood 70s Vintage Hollywood Glamour, Friday, Feb. 8 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. - Write In & Write Out, Saturday, Feb. 9 at 9 a.m. - Block Party, Saturday, Feb. 16 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Sankofa, Saturday, Feb. 23 at 2 p.m. - Black History Month Essay Contest, Deadline – Saturday, Feb. 9 at 5 p.m., students in grades four through 6 – here’s your call to activism. - Free Wellness Workshop for Seniors/Caregivers through May 2019 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more info call (954) 357-6282. - Sci-Fi & Comic Convention, Saturday, May 11. -- Write In & Write Out: Reclaiming Wholeness through Creative Writing, Saturday, Feb. 9 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. - #Destination Fridays – 70s Vintage Black Hollywood, Friday, Feb. 8 from 6 to 9 p.m. - Black History Month Essay Contest, Deadline – Saturday, Feb. 9 at 5 p.m., students in grades four through 6 – here’s your call to activism. Living Healthy (2 sessions): Learn how to handle difficult emotions, meditate; exercise safely and easily; eat well; solve problems; and communicate better with family. Session 1 – Thursday, Jan. 31; Thursday, Feb. 7 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Session 2 – Tuesday, Feb. 5 and 12 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Diabetes Self-Management (1 session): Learn how to handle emotions; acquire healthy eating habits; exercise for strength and endurance; use medications correctly; and communicate better with health providers and family members. - African Diaspora and Indigenous Burial Sites, Saturday, Feb. 26 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. - Thursday, March 7, 14, 21, 28; Thursday, April 4, 11, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. - AARLCC’s Social Dance Club, Monday thru Thursday, from 1:30 to 3 p.m.

IT IS EASIER TO BUILD STRONG CHILDREN THAN TO REPAIR BROKE MEN

-- Frederick Douglass

Miramar Today Events • Celebrate Black History Month with the Miramar Cultural Center, Artspark: Celebrate Black History Month With MCC: •Saturday, Feb. 9 – Dr. Michael Eric Dyson •You’re invited to Free coffee with Commissioner Darlene B. Riggs every Monday in January and February. Every Monday in January from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., at 12312 Miramar Parkway, Every Monday in February from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., at 2101 S.W. 101 Ave., #102 • Harlem Renaissance- a Red, Black, and White Affair Seniors Night of Honor in Miramar, Friday, Feb. 8 from 4 to 8 p.m., at Miramar Cultural Center Banquet Hall, 2400 Civic Center Pl., Miramar, Fla. For more info call (954) 602-3154. • City of Miramar presents Zumba- dance yourself into shape at Miramar’s Free Zumba Class, Thursdays from 6 to 7 p.m., at Miramar Town Center, 2300 Civic Center Pl., Miramar, Fla. • Join the 47th Citizens Police Academy, free 14- week program, Tuesday, Feb. 12 thru Tuesday, May 14. •Mayors’ Chess Challenge, Saturday, Feb. 16 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Vizcaya Park, 14200 S.W. 55 St., Miramar, Fla. • Meet & Greet with Vice Mayor Yvette Colbourne – Vice Mayor Yvette Colbourne will be available to meet with Miramar residents to hear about your needs and assist with any concerns. Join her on Thursdays at Sunset Lakes, 2801 S.W. 186 Ave., Miami Fla., and Mondays at the Multi-Service Complex, 6700 Miramar Pkwy., Miramar, Fla., by appointment only. For more info call Lynn Nazario or Angela Aguiar at (954) 603-3143 to make an appointment. • The City of Miramar presents Game Night Party & Play on the Plaza, Friday, March 15 from 7 to 11 p.m., at Miramar Town Center Plaza, 2300 Civic Center Pl., Miramar, Fla. For more info call (954) 602-3178 • The City of Miramar presents Puppy Palooza, a free event, Saturday, Feb. 23 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Miramar Town Center, 2300 Civic Center Pl., Miramar, Fla. For more info call (954) 602-3178. • Kids Zone Health Screenings - early bird registration, Saturday, March 2 from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Miramar Town Center, 2300 Civic Center Pl., Miramar, Fla. For more info call (954) 6023198 or email elaroche@miramarfl.gov • Attention Miramar Residents – are you a furloughed federal employee? We’re Here to Help! For more info call (954) 602-HELP (4357). • Mayor Wayne Messam invites you to join My Brother’s Keeper – Young Men in High School. For more info at (954) 602-3198 or elaroche@miramarfl.gov

Showcase

School Board Member Dr. Steve Gallon, III presents ‘Living Our Legacy’ Third Annual District 1 Black History Showcase, Tuesday, Feb. 19, at 6:30 p.m., at Miami Carol City Senior High, 3301 Miami Gardens Dr., Miami Gardens, Fla.

www.thewestsidegazette.com

Deeply Rooted Artists Explore Identity and Cultural Perception Exhibition February 15-April 12, FREE Opening Reception: Friday, February 15, 6-8pm, artist talk 7pm | Free POMPANO BEACH, FL-- The Historic Ali Cultural Arts is proud to present Without Labels, an exhibition exploring views of identity and cultural perception. The exhibition features the photographs of Jamie Robertson and works on paper by Shawna Moulton an opening reception will be held Friday, Feb. 15, 6 to 8 p.m., artist talk 7 p.m. the event is free and the exhibition runs until April 12, 2019. For more information, www.alliarts.org. “We are delighted to showcase the works of these talented artists, who through their research and art, answer their own questions about

identity and cultural perception,” said curator Juliana Forero. “As each artist peels away different cultural labels to discover their own identities, they invite the viewer to take that same journey of reflection and exploration.” Jamie Robertson’s Making Reference is an ongoing photographic series of selfportraits influenced by representations of Black Women in art history and popular culture. Ethnographic photographs from the Caribbean, South America and North America along with paintings from those regions serve as reference points for Robertson’s selfportraits. Continue reading online at: thewestsidegazette.com

R&B Group 112 in concert, Ala Reception and Art Opening, plus a Community Block Party are among the activities planned by the City of North Miami for Black History NORTH MIAMI, FL – The City of North Miami’s 2019 Black History Month celebration is set to honor community leaders, celebrate organized Black movements in art,

100th Anniversary of the Elaine Phillips Massacres from Front Page over three days. One hundred and 22 African Americans were prosecuted for these events, 73 were charged with murder and 12 were convicted. Some of the older Black people in the community said the numbers were much higher than 200. When my father, Kirk Manuel, and I started researching the topic, some of the oral history told to us by older people in the community said that bodies were dumped in a lake called Old Town in Lakeview. They told us the lake turned red from the blood of the bodies. Our family roots go back five generations to Phillips County, Arkansas. Through oral history, we learned about the massacre. Both of my paternal grandparents’ family lineage traces back to Pillow Plantation where both were born and worked. My father said my grandparents didn’t leave the plantation until the early 60s and he told me that my grandmother, Obera Manuel, picked and chopped cotton, but once she left the plantation, she became a local civil rights activist in the 70’s and 80’s. After watching a Vice Documentary about Dr. Antoinette Harrell’s work, a Peonage Detective who specializes in peonage and sharecropping research, we

made an appointment to meet Pillow told him to leave the her in Louisiana to share our plantation, thinking my great family history with her and to grandfather had nowhere to discuss the massacres. While go with 11 kids. My greatvisiting her, we encountered a grandfather had already supernatural experience that purchased land and a home we never experienced before. before this incident because A hundred years of pain and he knew that day would suffering, murders, rapes, come. and lynching came through We told Dr. Harrell about me and my father on that the research we found on the visit. We brought pictures Pillow Plantation and how to show Dr. Harrell, who the Pillow family played a started feeling some type of role in not only the Elaine energy coming directly from Massacre but the political pictures of my ancestors. We control in Phillips County learned something about our to this very day. The Pillow ancestors through this visit. Plantation was founded “Dr. Harrell asked my by Confederate Brigadier father about my grandfather. General Gideon Pillow, who Did he own a switchblade? was the head of Fort Pillow in Did he smoke cigars?” She Henning, Tennessee, which felt that he was in a room is the site where 229 African filled with smoke. She felt American Union soldiers that he was involved in were massacred at the battle bootlegging. My father called of Fort Pillow in 1864. my grandmother to confirm The year 1919 was what she was saying was marked as the red summer accurate. My grandmother and the local newspaper confirmed the things that Dr. essentially made the town a Harrell told us. We talked ticking time bomb by printing about the story of how my every national event from great-grandfather, Reese the Will Brown story, to any Bailey, worked on Pillow news article that included Plantation until one-day old an alleged rebellious Black man Pillow wanted to beat person against whites being one of my uncles for taking a lynched, in that time, radio peach from the peach orchard. and newspapers informed the My great-grandfather told old community of what’s going man Pillow, “If you hit my on in the world, while racial child, you will have to call your boys and hang Continue reading online at: me, Pillow.” Old man thewestsidegazette.com

and explore the power of libraries to transform communities. This year’s North Miami observance is themed, “Building Strong Communities.” It will kickoff Friday, Feb. 8, with a Welcoming Reception and Art Opening from 6 to 8 p.m., at the North Miami Public Library, 835 N.E. 132 St., North Miami, Fla. The NoMi Library and the Friends of the North Miami Public Library invite the community to join them in welcoming American Continue reading online at: thewestsidegazette.com

FEBRUARY 7 - FEBRUARY 13, 2019 • PAGE 5

Oliver Diez named M-DCPS Teacher of The Year, Laura Haim Rookie teacher

Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho ﬂanked from left to right by School Board members Dr, Steve Gallon III, Dr. Dorothy Bendross Mindingall, Dr. Lawrence S, Feldman, United Teachers of Dade President Karla Hernandez-Mats (L) and 2020 Francisco R. Walker Teacher of the Year Oliver Diez and School Board Chair Perla Tabares Hantman, School Board Vice-Chair Dr, Martin Karp, and School Board members Mari Tere Rojas, and Lubby Navarro.

By Daisy Gonzalez-Diego Oliver Diez, a music teacher at Palmetto Elementary School, was named the 2020 Francisco R. Walker Miami-Dade County Teacher of the Year at a ceremony held this evening at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Miami Airport & Convention Center. During his nearly 20-year tenure with Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS), the youthful-looking Diez often has been mistaken for a high school student. On an amusing note, he is sharing the stage with Christopher Fisk, who was Diez’ student 13 years ago and happens to be this year’s Rookie Teacher of the Year Runner-Up. Fisk is a Social Studies and Language Arts teacher at Miami Northwestern Senior High. Due to Diez’ creative and innovative approach, his students have been able to perform and play musical instruments as early as first grade. He does not allow age to hold a musician back from pursuing and unlocking their limitless potential. Diez’ contribution to his community goes beyond the walls of his classroom. His students radiate throughout the community performing in multiple ensembles under his tutelage at local, state and national venues. This year in March, his chorus and band will be performing at Carnegie Hall in New York. Continue reading online at: thewestsidegazette.com

YOU. CAN. WIN.

It’s a game that you can win $5000 CASH. Answer questions. Go on quests. Show what you know to earn points. Every point is an entry to win top cash prizes. Hundreds of prizes. ConservationPays.com 800.270.9794

PAGE 6 • FEBRUARY 7 - FEBRUARY 13, 2019

Deeply Rooted

www.thewestsidegazette.com

The Westside Gazette, under the Management of BI-AD’s, Inc., reserves the right to publish Views and Opinions by Contributing Writers thay 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.

“White Privilege” – MSD

Politics Over Morals

By Don Valentine Let’s not ignore the “White” elephant in the room. When you are affluent and white you have access to tools and privileges that most of us don’t come across so easily. Exhibit A: The Marjorie Stoneman Douglas high school students. God, help them, they survived a heinous and life-changing tragedy. My commentary is not meant to be strident, but to make a point regarding a news story that is still getting national attention and huge local coverage one year later! Contrast this to the last time you heard a story about the mass shooting at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood airport, the Orlando gay nightclub shooting and the recent Sebring mass killing in a bank. The prominent Black politicians in Broward, Dade and West Palm Beach counties have, thankfully, taken a wise position in recognizing the imbalance. They have collectively and independently decided not to give a lot of effort in support of these rich white kids from Parkland. They know that if it had happened in a school near Sistrunk, Miramar, or Carol City and the students were all Black - that news cycle would have lasted no longer than a week. However, in the most affluent city in Broward county, where the students have money in their savings account for a flight to Washington along with hotel and food accommodations to meet with a congressional committee, the story takes on a different scenario as we have seen with the MSD students. Let me ask an academic question. What are the chances of Vern, Laquanda, Kevon and the like being able to make this trip to meet with a congressional committee, not to mention getting national publicity for a year and counting? I am guessing it is “SLIM AND NONE,” with Slim not even making it to the meeting !

Governor Northam Starts Black Month with Photo of Blackface By Roger Caldwell When the Republicans are calling for a Democratic governor to step down from his office because of a racist photo, something must be horrific and shocking. Virginia Governor Ralph Northam during Black History month (February 2nd, 2019) acknowledged that a photo in his 1984 Eastern Virginia Medical College yearbook was him dressed in a KKK outfit or blackface. Most Americans of any race or culture would consider this offensive, and someone must

be held accountable for this breach of trust. Many would expect anyone connected in any way to this despicable display of sickness would automatically resign from office. But in the state of Virginia, they must operate on a different set of principles. On Friday Senator Tim Kaine made a statement that read, “The racist photo from Governor Northam’s 1984 yearbook is horrible. This causes pain in a state and a country where centuries of racism have already left an open wound. I hope the Governor – whose career as

#FirstThem Movement Highlights White Predators Tariq Nasheed/Via Twitter By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Correspondent

What More Can Be Done Under ESSA to Support Highly Qualified Teachers

One of The Every Student Succeeds Act’s (ESSA) primary mandates involves building systems of support for educators through the use of additional funding and initiatives provided in Title II. By Akil Wilson As of Monday January, 14th,, the country’s 2ndlargest public school system was being paralyzed by a teachers’

The #MeToo movement began a little more than two years ago, and some of the most famous and powerful men – like Matt Lauer, Charlie Rose, and Louis C.K. – have lost their high-profile jobs, or have seen their careers derailed. Producer Harvey Weinstein is currently fighting charges of sexual assault and recent documentaries have revisited decades-old allegations against singers R. Kelly and the late Michael Jackson. And while some, like Louis C.K., have made comebacks, Bill Cosby, who sits in prison serving a sentence of up to 10 years because of a previously settled and decades-old allegation, remains the only high-profile person jailed as a

strike. The Los Angeles Sentinel reported that the walkout was followed by a plunge in student attendance, with about 144,000 students out of more than 600,000 students absent. On Tuesday that number grew to 159,000 students without instruction. This work stoppage was the latest in what has become a wave of similar protests in our nation’s public school systems. Teacher concerns transformed into organized protests when, in early 2018, the West Virginia teacher’s strike made headlines, lasting over 2 weeks. Local (Read full story at www. thewestsidegazette.com)

History

an Army officer, pediatrician and public official has always manifested a commitment to justice and equality for all – now takes the time to listen to those he has hurt and reflect on how to move forward.” Even though Senator Kaine acknowledged that this act was despicable and horrible, he did not ask the governor to resign. He and his fellow senator of the state of Virginia, Senator Mark Warner released statements that called for the governor to listen to the people, and consider the communities he hurt.

It is obvious that the community that this picture impacted the most was the Black community, and the Black community leadership was very vocal, and they expect the governor to resign. This is not a situation that the Black press will allow to be sweep under the rug, and there is

The Gantt Report

A Dream Deferred — Is the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Just Another Elusive Dream?

Blackface Politics By Lucius Gantt

result of the movement. And, according to many legal experts, Cosby’s conviction remains questionable at best, and a set-up at worst. Now, a new movement is afoot that seeks to reveal that the #MeToo movement – a movement that was started by a black woman – has unfairly targeted Black men. The fledgling #FirstThem movement wants to ensure that those who are alleged to have committed sexual assault or abuse aren’t targeted just because they’re Black – something those involved said is a major problem and counts as a serious injustice. The founders of that movement, which has gained

The uproar over 1984 medical school yearbook photos on a page belonging to Virginia Democratic Governor Ralph Northam doesn’t surprise me at all. Go to Facebook, InstaGram or any other social media web site and you’ll see a long list of reactionary Uncle Toms, Jezebels and fake friends ranting and raving about what a bad thing the recently elected Virginia Governor had done when he posted pictures of white people in blackface

(Read full story at www. thewestsidegazette.com)

Dr. Elizabeth V. Primas By Dr. Elizabeth V. Primas, Program Manager, NNPA ESSA Awareness Campaign

As a seemingly twisted way to ring in 2019, the Trump administration has sent a loud and clear message that it’s okay for educators and school leaders to keep Black children

In 1951, Langston Hughes laid bare the anxious aspirations of millions of Black people in America with his poem, “A Dream Deferred.” In 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. reminded America of the promissory note written to its citizens guaranteeing life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, in his “I Have a Dream” speech. In 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson attempted to make good on that promise by signing the Civil Rights Act into law. And in 1965, President Johnson sought to ensure equitable access to these unalienable rights by signing the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) into law. As a part of Johnson’s

(Read full story at www.thewestsidegazette.com)

(Read full story at www. thewestsidegazette.com)

For Black Children, attending School is an act of Racial Justice Every time a Black child is sent home for a minor offense, they are sent the message that they are unwanted or don’t belong. But Black children do belong, and they deserve to be safe, included, and to have access to a quality education. By Kayla Patrick, The Education Trust

Rev. Dr. Derrick J. Hughes First Baptist Church Piney Grove Lauderdale Lakes, Florida On January 11, 2019, just three days after he was sworn in as governor, Ron DeSantis suspended Broward Sheriff Scott Israel and replaced him with former Coral Springs Police Sergeant Gregory Tony stating “...suffice it to say the massacre might never have happened had Broward had better leadership in the sheriff’s department”. While the school shooting at Parkland’s Marjory Stoneman Douglas on February 14, 2018, was an unspeakable, heinous act committed by a deeply disturbed young man, I would like to express my deep concern with the suspension of Sheriff Israel. The Florida Constitution states, “There shall be elected by the electors of each county, for terms of four years, a sheriff”. This is exactly what was done when Broward County residents overwhelmingly voted for Sheriff Israel in November 2016. In fact, he topped his opponent by almost 50 percent! To Sheriff Israel’s credit, there has been a drop in the crime rate and the reduction of criminal charges for young offenders. He also worked to diversify the agency to be more representative of the communities it serves. From advocating for stricter gun control laws to equipping deputies with body cameras, he has had a solid reputation as sheriff. “Malfeasance, misfeasance, neglect of duty, drunkenness, incompetence, permanent inability to perform official duties, or commission of a felony” are the only circumstances under which the Florida constitution finds that the governor may suspend officials. I do not believe Sheriff Israel’s handling of the Parkland shooting meets any of the aforementioned reasons. In addition to Sheriff Israel’s suspension, Gov. DeSantis has publicly stated that he is looking at “options” related to Broward County Schools Superintendent Robert Runcie. On January 30, 2019, he stated, “[The suspension of Robert Runcie] came up during the campaign. I went back and actually looked at the statute and it seems pretty clear to me that the statute applied to countywide elected officials and that it didn’t apply, on its face, to appointed officials”. He also indicated he planned to make a decision in the upcoming weeks regarding holding members of the Broward School Board accountable for the school shooting. The writing is on the wall. It’s clearly a plan to remove current Board members and replace them with the people willing to do his bidding: remove Robert Runcie from office. Under the Superintendent’s leadership, 96 percent of innovative District schools have earned an “A”, “B”, or “C”. Our community has approved two much-needed referendums within the past four years, which secured funding to provide highquality education and safe learning environments for our youth. Broward also boasts the 4th lowest administrative costs in the State of Florida, out of 67 districts, meaning (Read full story at www. thewestsidegazette.com)

www.thewestsidegazette.com

BUSINESS

Deeply Rooted

UNITY IN THE COMMUNITY DIRECTORY

Fred Lovell, Lic. Opt. "Over 30 Years In Optics"

FEBRUARY 7 - FEBRUARY 13, 2019 â&#x20AC;¢ PAGE 7

PAGE 8 • FEBRUARY 7 - FEBRUARY 13, 2019

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

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

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

Dr. Marcus D. Davidson, Senior Pastor

WORSHIP SERVICES & BIBLE STUDY

Sunday .................................................... 7:15 a.m. 9:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. Sunday School ............................................................................ 10:00 a.m. Wednesday Noonday Service .................................. 12:00-12:30 p.m. Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting ............................................ 6:30 p.m. Wednesday Night Bible Study ................................................... 7:00 p.m. Where the kingdom of God is increased through Fellowship. Leadership, Ownership and Worship F.L.O.W. To Greatness!

www.thewestsidegazette.com

Williams Memorial CME “PRAYER IS THE ANSWER” Rev. Cal Hopkins (M.Div) Senior Pastor/Teacher 644-646 NW 13th Terr., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. 33311 (954) 462-5711(Ministry Office Line) (954) 462-8222(Pastor’s Direct Line) Email: wm_cme@bellsouth.net ( Church} pastorCal50@yahoo.com (Pastor)

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!”

Mount Nebo Missionary Baptist Church 2251 N.W. 22nd St., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 P.O. BOX 122256, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 (954) 733-3285 * Fax: (954) 733-9231 Email: mountnebobaptist@bellsouth.net

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"

Rev. Danny L. McKenzie, Sr. Senior Pastor WORSHIP SERVICES & BIBLE STUDY

Sunday .............................................................................. 7:30 a.m. & 11 a.m. Sunday School .................................................................................... 9:30 a.m. Tuesday Night Bible Study .............................................................. 7:00 p.m. Fifth Sunday ..................................................................................... 10:00 a.m.

"Reaching Our World One Person At A Time"

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

Rev. Dr. James B. Darling, Jr., Pastor/Teacher WORSHIP SERVICES

Sunday School ............................................................................................................... 10:15 a.m. Sunday Worship Service ............................................................................................. 10:15 a.m. Communion Service (1st Sunday) ........................................................................... 10:15 a.m. Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting .......................................................................... 6:30 p.m. Wednesday Night Bible Study .................................................................................. 7:00 p.m. Saturday (2nd & 4th) Christian Growth & Orientation .................................. 8:30 a.m. But be doers of the Word - James 1:22 nkjv - “A Safe Haven, and you can get to Heaven from here”

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

ORDER OF SERVICES Sunday Worship ........................................................ 7:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. Sunday School ....................................................................................................... 9:30 a.m. Tuesday (Bible Study) ......................................................................................... 6:45 p.m. Wednesday (Bible Study) ............................................................................... 10:45 a.m.

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

SERVICES

Sunday Worship ................................................. 7:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. Sunday School .............................................................................. 9:00 a.m. Wednesday (Bible Study) ........................................... 11a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Living Waters Christian Fellowship

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

Shaw Temple A.M.E. Zion Church 522 N.W. Ninth Avenue Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33311 Church: (954) 462-1413 or (954) 647-8254 Email: AMEZ522@yahoo.com

Rev. Dr. William Calvin Haralson, Pastor SERVICES

Sunday School .................................................................................. 10:15 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship ............................................................ 11:00 a.m. Bible Study (Wednesday) ............................................................... 7:30 p.m.

"Reaching beyond the four walls touching lives, touching communities".

Meeting at Central Charter School Building #5 4515 N. St. Rd. 7 (US 441) Lauderdale Lakes, FL 33319 (954) 295-6894

lwcf2019@gmail.com (Church) llerrub13@gmail.com (Pastor)

“Jesus said, let anyone who is thirsty come to Me and drink.” (John 7:37)

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

SUNDAY CHURCH SERVICES Worship Service ..................................................................... 7:30 & 10:30 a.m. Fifth Sunday ONLY .................................................................................... 10 a.m. Church School ........................................................................................ 9:15 a.m. BIBLE STUDY: Wednesday ....................................................................... 10 a.m. Gems & Jewels Ministry Senior Wednesday Wednesday (Bible Study) .................................................... 12 Noon & 7 - 8 p.m. Daily Prayer Line ...................................................................................... 6 a.m. (712)432-1500 Access Code296233#

James C. Boyd Funeral Home JACKSON Funeral services for the late Wanda Denise Jackson – 58 were held February 2. NICOLAS Funeral services for the late Philisna Nicolas - 96 were held February 2 at James C. Boyd’s Memorial Chapel with Le Reverend Pasteur Coulange officiating. Interment: Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens (Central).

McWhite's Funeral Home MARTIN Funeral services for the late Vinell Williams Martin - 85 were held February 2 at McWhite’ s Funeral Home with Rev. Timothy Jackson officiating.

MUSTAFA Funeral services for the late Nasheed Najah Mustafa - 78 were held February 2 at McWhite’ s Funeral Home. Interment: Forest Lawn Central.

Roy Mizell & Kurtz Funeral Home DEAN Funeral services for the late Victor Larrone Dean - 55 were held February 2 at Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church with Dr. Robert Stanley officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

RICHARDSON Funeral services for the late Elizabeth Marion “Auntie” Richardson - 91 were held February 2 at Mount Bethel Baptist Church with Bishop C.E. Glover officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

MINOTT Funeral services for the late Merline Minott - 75 were held February 1 at McWhite’ s Funeral Home Chapel with Interment: Fred Hunter Cemetery.

SUNDAY SERVICE: 10 a.m. Rev. Anthony & Virginia Burrell

Obituaries

Honor your loved ones in the Westside Gazette Call -- (954) 525-1489

* In Memoriam * Happy Birthday Remembrance * Death Notice * Obituaires * Cards Of Thanks

When a loved one passes, everyone can share their memories. Keep Their Memory alive with a Guestbook on www.thewestsidegazette.com Share pictures, stories, even videos. The perfect Tribute for Someone Special.

My Hermon Celebrates Greek Unity Day Silver Anniversary Kappa Alpha Psi Mt. Hermon Fraternity will be AME Church, unthe featured organider the astute, dyzation for this Silver namic leadership Anniversary celeof Rev. Dr. Henry bration. Each year E. Green, Jr., will we select a member celebrate the 25th of one of the frateryear of Greek Uninities or sororities ty Day on Sunday, to serve as the keyFeb. 17, 2019 at its 10:30 a.m. serRev. Barnes, Jr. note speaker for this occasion. This vice. Historic Mt. Hermon is located year, Rev. Willie N. at 401 NW Seventh Terrace in Barnes Jr. , the visionary pasFort Lauderdale, Florida. The tor of Historic Greater Bethel concept of Greek Unity Day AME Church, Overtown, has was birthed in 1983 during the been invited as the messenger leadership of Rev. Michael A. for the program. Rev. Barnes Cousin. Rev. Cousin had a vision to commemorate and ac- is a member of Kappa Alpha knowledge the contributions Psi Fraternity, Inc. Rev. Barnes, a native of of Greek organizations in Broward County including Eta Lakeland, Fla., is a 2009 Suma Phi Beta Sorority. The wor- Cum Laude graduate of Floriship experience has evolved da A&M University where he into the most highly attended earned a bachelor ‘s degree in and respected celebration of Public Relations with a minor Greek Unity locally and na- in Religion. Additionally, he tionally. The underlying, in- earned his masters in diviniherent purpose of Greek Day ty from Yale University and is is to celebrate and acknowl- currently enrolled in a PH.D edge the humanitarian, social, program at Central Florida economic and political impact University in Orlando. The of all organizations composing Mount Hermon family and the Divine 9: Alpha Kappa Al- the Greek Unity Day commitpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Eta tee cordially invite all Greeks Phi Beta, Sigma Gamma Rho and the community to attend and Zeta Phi Beta Sororities, this honored worship and and Alpha Phi Alpha, Kappa commemorative celebration. Alpha Psi, Iota Phi Theta, Phi For more information contact Beta Sigma and Omega Psi Dr. Sylvia Sloane Jones at Phi Fraternities. mthgreeknityday@gmail.com. The distinguished men of

www.thewestsidegazette.com

In 1971, eight (8) minority business and community leaders identified the need for ensuring a level playing field for minority owned construction companies. Together, they paved the way for MBC to become a leader in creating pathways for success for minority contractors and other construction professionals. Our founder and first Executive Director was E. Pat Larkins, a local businessman and city commissioner who worked with

this team of like-minded professionals to craft and mobilize our mission : Ensuring that highly skilled minorities and women are fairly represented within the local, state and global construction industry. After more than four decades, Minority Builders Coalition Inc. is one of the largest and most influential construction trade organizations in South Florida. MBC members are general contractors, subcontractors, architects, engineers, material suppliers, cor-

Deeply Rooted

porations, service providers and more. Our mission is to: • Support the growth/ viability of disadvantaged businesses – particularly minority, women, and veteran owned firms as well as race and gender neutral certified small businesses throughout South Florida • Increase employment opportunities for local job seekers • Enhance physical quality of homes for seniors and low/moderate income persons in our communities

MBC remains committed to the visions, intentions and legacy of Mr. Larkins and our founders. The Minority Builders

FEBRUARY 7 - FEBRUARY 13, 2019 • PAGE 9

Coalition, Inc. is a nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax de-

ductible by law. Follow Minority Builders Coalition on Facebook and/or visit the website at www.minoritybuilders.org

NOTICE TO QUALIFIED FIRMS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Basketball Properties, Ltd. (the “Manager”) will be accepting sealed Statements of Qualifications for: REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS QUALIFICATION OF GENERAL CONTRACTORS FOR THE RENOVATION OF A +/- 8,600 SQ.FT. CLUBHOUSE AT THE AMERICANAIRLINES ARENA RFQ NO. 2019-01 The Manager is requesting Statements of Qualifications from General Contractors to qualify for the purpose of submitting proposals to perform the renovation of the space in the AmericanAirlines Arena (the “Arena”) currently known as the Dewar’s Clubhouse (the “Renovation”). Sealed Statements of Qualifications must be received by 3:00 p.m. on Friday, March 11, 2019, (the “Submittal Deadline”) at Gate 4 of the Arena, located at 601 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, FL (“Gate 4”). The official clock at the Manager’s reception desk shall govern. Statements of Qualifications received after this time will not be considered. The Statements of Qualifications will be publicly opened at Gate 4 immediately after the Submittal Deadline. THE PROJECT The project generally consists of site work and the Renovation of approximately 8,600 square feet of existing space on a strict construction schedule (the “Project”). The Manager intends to contract with a highly qualified firm(s) to perform the Renovation in a timely and efficient manner that enables the Manager to maintain an active sports and entertainment Arena schedule. The Renovation shall be performed according to high-quality standards that will enable the structure to remain a first class facility. The successful firm shall be required to adhere to Miami-Dade County’s small business participation measures applicable to the Project and to submit monthly progress reports and compliance documentation to Miami-Dade County’s Small Business Development Office. AVAILABILITY OF RFQ DOCUMENTS Interested parties may pick up a Request for Qualifications for the Project (the “RFQ”) at Gate 4 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Statements of Qualifications shall be submitted using the form(s) provided in the RFQ. EXPERIENCE Firms submitting Statements of Qualifications shall satisfy all of the following: - Shall have been in continuous business in Miami-Dade or Broward Counties for the past five years; - Shall have had a Miami-Dade and/or Broward office for a minimum of the past five years; - Shall have been continuously incorporated for a minimum of the past five years; - Shall have been in business as a general contractor for a minimum of the past ten years; - Shall have served as the general contractor and successfully completed a minimum of three projects within the past five years each of which (a) had a cost of $3,000,000 or more, (b) were within the United States, and (c) consisted of construction or renovation of commercial buildings of a size, scope and complexity similar to the Project; - Shall demonstrate successful completion of first class entertainment or lounge facility renovations and improvements in a timely manner within expedited time frames; and - Shall demonstrate the successful construction or renovation of at least one concrete building in South Florida located within a High Velocity Hurricane Zone. MANDATORY PRE-QUALIFICATION CONFERENCE A mandatory pre-qualification conference will commence promptly at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 13, 2019 at Gate 4. All firms planning to submit a Statement of Qualifications are required to have their proposed project superintendent attend this conference. Failure of a firm, including the firm’s superintendent, to be present for the entire conference, beginning at the time stated above and concluding at the dismissal of the mandatory pre-qualification conference by the Manager, shall render a firm to be deemed non-responsive and their Statement of Qualifications shall not be considered for award. Decisions of the Manager shall be final. The official clock at the location of the mandatory pre-qualification conference shall govern. Statements of Qualifications shall be submitted in accordance with the procedures set forth in the RFQ. Any questions concerning this Notice or the RFQ shall be submitted to the Assistant General Manager, AmericanAirlines Arena by email at RFQSubmissions@heat.com by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 22, 2019. All firms are advised that the Manager has not authorized the use of the name, likeness or other intellectual property rights of the Manager, the Arena or the Miami Heat and that any such use by unauthorized persons is strictly prohibited to the fullest extent permitted by law. All firms are advised that the Manager will not supply or sell materials to firms in connection with submission or preparation of Statements of Qualifications. The Manager reserves the right to reject any and all Statements of Qualifications, to waive any informality in a Statement of Qualifications and to make awards in the best interests of the Manager and the Arena.

The Manager is requesting Statements of Qualifications from General Contractors to qualify for the purpose of performing Miscellaneous Construction Services on an as needed basis at the AmericanAirlines Arena (the “Arena”). Sealed Statements of Qualifications must be received by 3:00 p.m. on Friday, March 11, 2019, (the “Submittal Deadline”) at Gate 4 of the Arena, located at 601 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, FL (“Gate 4”). The official clock at the Manager’s reception desk shall govern. Statements of Qualifications received after this time will not be considered. The Statements of Qualifications will be publicly opened at Gate 4 immediately after the Submittal Deadline. THE SERVICES The purpose of this RFQ is to seek highly qualified contractors to add to the existing pool of qualified general contractors under continuing contracts with the Manager to perform various construction projects at the Arena, which may include, but not limited to, facility renovations and improvements; interior remodeling/refreshing; cabinetry work, locker and bathroom repairs and renovations and other miscellaneous Arena facility maintenance, repairs, end of product life replacements, and improvements on a strict construction schedule (the “Services”). The Manager intends to contract with multiple highly qualified firms to perform the Services, on an as needed basis, and in a timely and efficient manner that enables the Manager to maintain an active sports and entertainment Arena schedule. The initial term of the continuing services contract(s) is anticipated to commence upon execution and continue until April 4, 2022. The Services shall be performed according to high-quality standards that will enable the structure to remain a first class facility. The successful firm shall be required to adhere to Miami-Dade County’s small business participation measures applicable to the Services and to submit monthly progress reports and compliance documentation to Miami-Dade County’s Small Business Development Office. AVAILABILITY OF RFQ DOCUMENTS Interested parties may pick up a Request for Qualifications for the Project (the “RFQ”) at Gate 4 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Statements of Qualifications shall be submitted using the form(s) provided in the RFQ. EXPERIENCE Firms submitting Statements of Qualifications shall satisfy all of the following: - Shall have been in continuous business in Miami-Dade or Broward Counties for the past five years; - Shall have had a Miami-Dade and/or Broward office for a minimum of the past five years; - Shall have been continuously incorporated for a minimum of the past five years; - Shall have been in business as a general contractor for a minimum of the past ten years; - Shall have served as the general contractor and successfully completed a minimum of three projects within the past five years each of which (a) had a cost of $300,000 or more, (b) were within the United States, and (c) consisted of construction, maintenance and repair, renovation or refresh of commercial buildings of a size, scope and complexity similar to the Arena;

- Shall demonstrate successful completion of first class facility improvements, repairs, and renovations in a timely manner within expedited time frames; and - Shall demonstrate the successful construction, or significant renovation or repair of at least one concrete building in South Florida located within a High Velocity Hurricane Zone. MANDATORY PRE-QUALIFICATION CONFERENCE A mandatory pre-qualification conference will commence promptly at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 13, 2019 at Gate 4. All firms planning to submit a Statement of Qualifications are required to have their proposed project superintendent attend this conference. Failure of a firm, including the firm’s superintendent, to be present for the entire conference, beginning at the time stated above and concluding at the dismissal of the mandatory pre-qualification conference by the Manager, shall render a firm to be deemed non-responsive and their Statement of Qualifications shall not be considered for award. Decisions of the Manager shall be final. The official clock at the location of the mandatory pre-qualification conference shall govern.

Statements of Qualifications shall be submitted in accordance with the procedures set forth in the RFQ. Any questions concerning this Notice or the RFQ shall be submitted to the Assistant General Manager, AmericanAirlines Arena by email at RFQSubmissions@heat.com by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 22, 2019. All firms are advised that the Manager has not authorized the use of the name, likeness or other intellectual property rights of the Manager, the Arena or the Miami Heat and that any such use by unauthorized persons is strictly prohibited to the fullest extent permitted by law. All firms are advised that the Manager will not supply or sell materials to firms in connection with submission or preparation of Statements of Qualifications. The Manager reserves the right to reject any and all Statements of Qualifications, to waive any informality in a Statement of Qualifications and to make awards in the best interests of the Manager and the Arena.

Deeply Rooted

PAGE 10 • FEBRUARY 7 - FEBRUARY 13, 2019

www.thewestsidegazette.com

API’s Energy Research Collaborative Focus is on Diversity By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Correspondent The capacity of petroleum to power transportation and manufacturing has proven a game changer that marked America’s first-Generation Energy, according to American Petroleum Institute (API) President and CEO Mike Sommers. Today’s energy is made up of innovators, problem solvers and disruptors – in the sense that American energy is changing the country’s narrative and altering its trajectory in historic terms, Sommers said. That America’s Generation Energy supplies the foundation for modern life – it provides the fuel, power and products which make everyday life safer, healthier, and more comfortable –probably could not have been summed up better than by what Frank M. Stewart said. “The energy workforce opportunity could lead to an economic emancipation for many in our community,” said Stewart, a consultant for API and president of Frank M. Stewart & Company. Elia Quintana, the director of Stakeholder Relations for API , Dr.

Carlos Rodriguez, and Stewart joined the National Newspaper Publishers Association’s (NNPA) Midwinter Training Conference in Orlando, Fla., in January It’s Quintana’s department that will lead API’s Energy Research Collaborative (ERC) with strategic partners focused on workforce development and engagement with nontraditional allies. With alliances with NNPA, – the Black Press of America with more than 215 African American owned newspapers and media companies – and the National Association of Hispanic Publications, the American Association of Blacks in Energy and others, API hopes to encourage minorities and women to be petroleum engineers, geologists, welders, electricians, accountants, business managers and fill other necessary posts. The ERC also includes Asian Americans in Energy, the Environment and Commerce, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, Hispanics in Energy, National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development, The Society

for Hispanic Professional Engineers, United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and others. The group meets regularly and continues to provide feedback and recommendations to API. “The Black Press, probably more than any organization in the nation has a history of communications with the Black community, reaching policy leaders in the community as well as young folks,” Stewart said. “We believe we have a unique opportunity and the way to reach the community is by [aligning] with the people they trust,” he said. Rodriguez said the same can be said about America’s Hispanic community. “The analogy is also with the Hispanic Press,” he said. “We have a big presence in cities where we have Latino and Black press and from an API perspective, we want to figure out how we leverage that power,” Rodriguez said. API counts as the only national trade association representing all facets of the natural gas and oil industry in support of 10.3 million U.S. jobs and nearly 8 percent of the American economy.

Elia Quintana is the director of Stakeholder Relations for API With at least 40 percent of the industry’s worker base on track to retire by 2035, ERC’s research has shown that a vast number of those positions will be filled by women and minorities over the next decade and beyond. “API is specifically prioritizing on ensuring that the future workforce of tomorrow is being able to impact a diverse community,” Quintana said. “The oil and gas industry

represent 10 percent of the workforce and within that we have 50 percent of the current workforce who will be retiring so we’re making sure to create allies and strategies so that we can fill those jobs,” she said. Quintana, Stewart and Rodriguez agreed that the talents of all are needed to fill jobs –many of which carry a near six-figure income Continue reading online at: thewestsidegazette.com

By Don Valentine Will Downing, the renowned Grammy-nominated jazz and soul singer, will be coming to Miami this Friday. In a recent interview on National Public Radio with host Ray Suarez he gave adulation and tribute by covering songs from the icons of the Soul era. On his recent CD he played songs by everyone from Aretha Franklin to Gladys Knight and Phyllis Hyman. He took a generous humble approach in doing his renditions. During his N.P.R. interview he told Mr. Suarez, “If it’s not broke, don’t fix it. All you have to do is sing the melody. Be true to the song.” Mr. Downing went on to extrapolate that “When it is

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. Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28, 2019

VOL. 46 NO. 18

FEBRUARY 7, 2019

NUMEROLOGY - DOG

HOROSCOPE/NNPA

FEB. 7 - FEB. 13, 2019

sung an octave lower by a man, the interpretation of the lyrics takes on a different vision. That is how I make the song my own!” “The Sophisticated Prince Of Soul” will be joining a stellar jazz ensemble Friday, Feb. 8 at the James L. Knight Concert Hall. This show launches the celebration of Black History Month. It is the 11th annual season of the internationally acclaimed JAZZ ROOTS concerts, “JAZZ IN THE KEY OF ELLISON”. This all-star cast of performers is backed by the talented Andy Farber Jazz orchestra, Grammy®-winning jazz trumpeter/composer Nicholas Payton, Nona Hendryx, plus more Continue reading online at: thewestsidegazette.com

ARIES-Finding a way to do it be�er than others is not 46 going to be hard this week. Share your wisdom with other seekers. All who receive your word will benefit this week. Happiness rules! Don’t waste a moment of this perfect week on any nega�ve thoughts. 36, 38, 55 TAURUS -Strong vibra�ons bring a series of drama�c interac�ons with others this week. Prac�ce your charm. Let it come from the heart, and let your energy carry you upwards to your best, highest self. Keep emo�ons calm. Let the warmth from inside of you touch others and thereby make your world be�er. 13, 29, 34 GEMINI-You’ll be energizing and inspiring others this week as you speak what’s on your mind regarding spiritual ma�ers and masters. The quality of your thoughts is very pure; write yourself a love le�er. Move slowly with explana�ons. 20, 27, 31 CANCER-Rev up your engines. This is a fine week for making progress with projects that you’ve got in the works. Your energy is high and your mind is clear. Use every advantage this week to finish up your works. Look for love in the right places. Know the difference between love and lust. I forgive and set myself free. 19, 26, 39

PROFILES

SAGITTARIUS-You and your mate should increase your saving for the future this week. Future plans should be spotlighted. A rela�onship is likely to take a serious turn. There are no obstacles in my way. 10, 30, 50

32 18

15 28

MIAMI RED SEZ --- 215

JANUARY

FEB.

MAR. APRIL MAY

JULY

13 14 15 16 17 18

AUG

19 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

SEPT.

29 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 44 45

OCT. NOV.

68 69 77 78 79 79 88 89 02 03 04 05 06

DEC.

CAPRICORN

65-23-15

954

08 09 11 12

AQUARIUS

02-15-71

PISCES

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

03-13-19

56-13-34

25-11-85

45-32-16

CANCER

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

12-32-45

09-6185

26-29-59

25-16-39

45-43-15

35-21-18

Pick 2 79/79

Pick 3 898/768

POWERBALL 10-17-18-43-65 13 DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. T-SHIRTS ON SALE NOW

Pick 4 9714/9710

Pick 5 22708/0744

LUCKY NUMBER FANTASY 5 7-11-31-35 3 5-10-12-35-36 POSITIVE WOEN T-SHIRTS ON SALE NOW

CASH4LIFE

LOTTO

2-6-15-20-24-47

FLORIDA MEGA MILLION 2-37-48-66-68- 11

BLACK HISTORY T-SHIRTS ON SALE NOW

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AQUARIUS

For Entertainment purpose Only!

3-17-33-39-40 4

PISCES-You and your partner are on the same wavelength. If you are presented with a contract this week, it’s an ideal week to reach an agreement. What I’ve been wai�ng for has been here all along. 4, 6, 33

P.O.BOX 5304 FORT LAUDERDALE, FL 33310

LATEST LOTTERY RESULT

AQUARIUS-The air can be cleared easily. Admit your need for help. Seek understanding. You’ll help another by seeking help from them. Moving slowly might be the fastest way. 33, 52, 54

C.L.HENRY OR S.H. ROBINSON

WHAT’S HOT? 91-85-75-78-96

CAPRICORN-Don’t take any big gambles this week, the �me is not right for a ﬂight into the unknown. Your mate will understand your fears. New insights create new direc�ons and a new cast of characters. 6, 48, 51

NUMBERS (2-DAY RESULTS Send Self Addressed Envelope and $10:00 to:

271

46 47 48 49 55 56 57 58 59 59 66 67

JUNE

VIRGO-This week romance is begins to percolate. Enjoy your feelings and let your brain relax. Suspend all judgments of others. Being stern won’t work for you this week. I go along to get along. 1, 6, 19

SCORPIO-This week should bring an opportunity to further your educa�on, don’t pass it up. Pay special a�en�on to details at work. A friend needs your support. All things work together for good. 26, 35, 43

LEO-Educate those around you in the area of personal growth. Their improvement will bring beneﬁts to you. Humor in communica�on is the key. Humor in introspec�on is a must. Success that has been following me is trying to catch up. 16, 30, 39

LIBRA-Romance will ﬁnd you this week. Don’t be looking the other way. Your “rap” is especially strong. Make as many of those important phone calls as possible.. Friendships are shock absorbers on the bumpy roads of life. 11, 13, 20

Kids - $9Medium & Large $10 – XL$12 – 2X$13 – 3X$15 – 4X&5X $20

ALL T-SHIRTS SOLD AT THE WESTSIDE GAZETTE NEWSPAPER 545 N.W. 7 Terrace, Fort Lauderdale, FL TO ORDER T-SHIRTS * CONTACT: Sonia Robinson P.O. BOX 5304 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33310 Additional Shipping Charges Call Sonia – (954) 646-0330 or call (954) 525-1489

JACKPOT - Triple Play 6-15-21-34-38-41

Advertise Your Business in the space for a SPECIAL RATE Call-(954) 525-1489 or (954) 526-1861

or email YOUR INFO TO

wgazette@thewestsidegazette.com

www.thewestsidegazette.com

and Audrey Aaron FOR PRESS RELEASE MARKETING

Actor Jussie Smollet Responds to Racist, Anti-Gay Attack with Love On Tuesday night, January 28, actor/singer, Jussie Smollett was attacked as he was leaving a Chicago restaurant. Smollet is best known for his role as Jamal Lyons on the FOX hit drama series, Empire, where he plays an openly gay character. Smollett came out publicly as a gay man in 2015 on the Ellen Show, and the unfortunate incident that occurred can only be described as racist and homophobic. According to several reports, he was brutally attacked by white men wearing ski masks, who recognized him shouting “Aren’t you that faggot Empire nigger?” The attackers allegedly put a rope around his neck, beat him so badly as to break one of his ribs, and poured bleach on him as they proceeded to berate him with racist and gender offensive slurs. They eventually left yelling “This is MAGA Country!” referring to Donald Trump’s right wing 2016 presidential campaign slogan: Make America Great Again. According to TMZ, Smollett had received an antigay death threat just one week prior but declined FOX’s offer to provide him with a 24/7 security detail. Immediately after word of the attack reached the public, a wave of support from fellow actors and entertainers, radio personalities, and droves of fans bombarded every imaginable timeline with their love, concern, and support. CEO of Press Release Marketing, Crystal Chanel, joined by popular South Florida Chef, Kiara Hardy (aka Kitchen Killa), appeared on Facebook Live to discuss the matter. In a lighthearted, but informative conversation, Chef Kiara explained why she is not fan of the term “homophobic” as it suggests a fear of gay people, when it’s often so clear that hatred and ignorance are at the root of this violent behavior, not fear. Chef Kiara is a strong and consistent advocate for the LGBTQ Community and took to her own social media to express her disdain around the Smollett attack, and to reinforce the need for Gay/ Straight Alliances, stating that the behavior is not simply sad, it’s intolerable. Chef Hardy just recently teamed up with Front of the House, a premiere plating company out of Miami, Fla to host an intimate fundraiser brunch where all proceeds went directly to Pridelines, a nonprofit organization offering safe environments for all LGBTQ youth, adults, and allies. The Smollett Family issued an official statement a few days after the incident: “We want to be clear, this was a racial and homophobic hate crime… these are inhumane acts of domestic terrorism and they should be treated as such. They will continue to occur until we hold each other accountable. Make no mistake. Hateful words lead to hateful actions. Radical love is the only solution, but passivity will be our downfall.” Filled with obvious emotion, his

Deeply Rooted

family describes Jussie as a light that cannot be dimmed. He proved this to be true when he returned to the stage with remarkable resilience for a live performance in West Hollywood, CA on Saturday night, just 4 days after the attack. He quickly clarified details surrounding the incident, telling the audience that he was badly bruised, but his ribs were neither cracked nor broken. Also, he was not technically hospitalized, but he did go straight to a doctor afterward. Still, he did not downplay any of the racial or anti-gay implications of the attack, and he fully supports law officials investigating the activity as a hate crime. Smollett reassured his fans that he was fully

FEBRUARY 7 - FEBRUARY 13, 2019 • PAGE 11

cleared for that night’s performance and was focused on love being the source of his energy and the intent of his words. “I’m not fully healed yet,” he shared. “But I’m going to be, and I’m gonna stand strong with y’all. The hateful rhetoric that gets passed around, it must stop. But guess what? It stops with the people who believe in love.” Our prayers and love are with Jussie Smollett and so many other nameless, faceless victims of this brand of hatred. Press Release Marketing Writing Team Lead Audrey L. Aaron www.justpressrelease.com @PressReleaseLLC on Instagram

PAGE 12 • FEBRUARY 7 - FEBRUARY 13, 2019

Anthony Graves, Wrongfully Convicted Death Row Inmate, Gives Voice to Voiceless

A New Era of Justice Seekers Since August 23, 1992, Anthony Graves has been behind bars for the gruesome murder of a family in Somerville, Texas. There was no clear motive, no physical evidence connecting him to the crime, and the only witness against him recanted, declaring again and again before his death, in 2000, that Graves didn’t do it. By Jeffrey L. Boney, NNPA Newswire Political Analyst Imagine spending nearly two decades in prison for a crime you never committed. Even worse, imagine spending 12 of those years behind bars on death row. That is the story of former Texas death row inmate Anthony Graves, whose case garnered international attention after he was wrongfully convicted of multiple homicides in 1992. Graves was sentenced to the death penalty. Graves’ sentence was overturned in Continue reading online at: thewestsidegazette.com

Deeply Rooted

www.thewestsidegazette.com

“Dr. Brenda Snipes: a history of excellence” from Front Page capable politician. In everything she has done, wherever she has been called, Dr. Snipes has left a legacy of meritorious distinction. Our community has been the greatest beneficiary of her dedication. Not one to brag or boast, Dr. Snipes has had jobs to come to her without having gone out of the way to get them. “Just about every job that I have had, someone tapped me on the shoulders and said that I want you to apply for this job. And if I applied for it I got it; that’s how I got to Broward County.” Even with that being the case, did you ever know or felt that your work was being sabotage? “If that were the case I had no idea that it was happening even before we got to this point. Like I said, when I got home, and I was able to think a little more clearly, I wondered why some things happened when the actions that we were preforming were not new to us. Since it has happened several people have come to me and asked. I think about little incidents here and there and it could have been somebody that wasn’t functioning at 100% as a member of the team, but I had not looked into it and there were things happening that were not common for us as an organization.” Dr. Snipes represents that generation of Black people, in particular Black women, who were determined to be the very best of whatever they involved themselves in. Their goal was not to attempt anything but to conquer everything. Theirs is the generation that knocked down the walls of exclusion by demonstrating their undeniable capabilities. They did not complain about the way things were- they pushed boundaries by their relentless achievement. Theirs was a pursuit of a quiet recognition. One that not even their enemies recognized. They were hidden figures and leaders in every way. We wanted to see our Black elected officials come out and support other Black elected officials when they were ENGAGED in conflict. Who was there to support you? “Of course, my staff was there,

and I believe they were well-trained.” We didn’t see the kind of support that we saw out front for other elected and appointed officials and it bothered us. When we would engage ourselves with the protesters outside of your office, we only saw three. Did this bother you that there were only three Black elected official who came out and showed support for you? “You know, in a typical election, nobody would have been there anyway, but when all of the ruckus started from the mob- I don’t want to call them a mob- but they had a mob mentality. They were driven to that point, and they came from everywhere else. They were like a traveling band they would come, create stuff, then leave. They came from other parts of the country. I never thought about who was there. I can’t say I heard from anybody during the time that that was going on, but that was something I didn’t concentrate on.” Dr. Brenda Snipes is indeed a leader. I read that leaders are those whose actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more. Indeed. Dr. Snipes has all of these character attributes. She demonstrates them daily. We know that she is task- oriented and her work says so, but we wanted to see others come out and stand with her to claim her competency and her integrity and give her the same respect, earned after over 30 years of service to our communities just as they did for others. She earned that! We are both impressed and encouraged by her. After sitting down with her in a protracted conversation, it became clear to us that being Supervisor of Elections is so much more complex and so much more demanding than most of us even dream. It is a job that is demanding, time sensitive and thankless. It requires a skill set most of us will never have. All the while under continuous and often unfair scrutiny. Even so, Dr. Snipes has made the Broward County Supervisor of Elections an awardwinning organization. And she did it with no recognition by most of us and certainly no laurels from the

immediate past and the now sitting Governor of Florida. In what appears to be an attack on our Black leaders and those who oppose a certain ideology, what are your sentiments on that? “I think that there is something moving. You can’t see it and is moving in a way like it used to move a long time ago when Blacks didn’t even have an opportunity to get out there. Why is it so much wrong with our Black leaders to the point where they have to be taken out? Get them out, throw them away. So, I do think that I see some unnecessary attacks on some Black people. Take my situation for example. There are 67 supervisors of election, all except one are elected, and by 2020 all of them will have to be elected. We break ourselves up into groups by the size of your constituencies. During this past election, it was the top six that had issues getting all the votes counted, getting them reconciled. I remember on the first day I think that we got all our votes counted; Miami-Dade didn’t! Then on the second day Miami-Dade did and I’m not sure how. What we experienced was what five or six others had to mitigatesize and pressure. But, Broward was the only County that had issues and was really thrown to the wolves like I was. Susan in Palm Beach had problems with her counting, and she told them that once she finished counting, she would get them the results. Well, we didn’t say that. So, you see there are times when Black people are handled differently; you may see all these things but when it comes to picking one out, then it’s a Black person whose singled out.” Arnold H. Glasow once said that “a good leader takes more than her share of the blame, a little less than her share of the credit.” Dr. Snipes is that kind of leader. We will miss her leadership and her presence as will the Broward County Office of Elections. This is Black History Month. It is supposed to be a month of acknowledgment of our history’s greatest achievers. I believe we need to recognize and appreciate those among us who deserve and have

earned such distinction. Not only because of what they have done, but because of how well they have done it. We should do so why they are still alive. Our community owes Dr. Brenda Snipes so much more that we can ever repay her. But acknowledging her greatness is a beginning. If Brenda Calhoun Snipes could stand before an audience and tell us about this horribly unfair situation, what would you say to us? “We have experienced an injustice, one that I think the Broward County Supervisor of Elections has been in her capacity as SEO treated differently than other supervisors who serve in this capacity. When we get together as a group, you hear all kinds of things that never made the newspapers. See we have a real hard press in Broward who looks for things that the Broward County SEO didn’t do correctly. They can see the same thing that may have happened in Miami-Dade, Palm Beach or Orange County or wherever, but it just doesn’t come to be front-page news. So, I think that we have to learn to challenge the people who are looking under the rug, just looking under the rug, and who like to use words that cut and slash? I’ve always had an open door, and that is what I would say to people. You don’t have to have an appointment to see me. I might have been deep into something but as soon as I can get out of it, I’m going to come and see what you need. I never played that high and mighty Queen, you know. I got a lot of attributes that are different from many of the people that I coalesced with. I never sat down and told anybody- well I got a doctorate and I only got 10 minutescome on! You get elected, you take an oath to serve people. Come on; just do it. That’s what I did.” Do you want to go back to work? “You know I don’t have to go back to work, and I don’t know if I can say I want to go back. As I go about my daily routine people all over Broward County stop me just to say hang in there and we’re praying for you.” Stay tuned for PART II