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Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies fatherhood mentoring program holds eighth annual graduation program: 'There’s No Hood like FATHERHOOD!'
Let’s do our part in recording our History correctly “Only give heed to yourself and keep your soul diligently, so that you do not forget the things which your eyes have seen and they do not depart from your heart all the days of your life; but make them known to your sons and your grandsons.” Deuteronomy 4:9 (NASB)
By Charles Moseley
Twenty-three fathers participated in the eighth annual fatherhood mentoring program graduation ceremony.
By Bobby R. Henry, Sr.
There is an African proverb which states, “It takes a village to raise a child.” These words of wisdom are also applicable when describing a special fatherhood mentoring program sponsored by Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies (HMHB) here in Broward County. Recently, 23 fathers participated in the eighth annual fatherhood mentoring program graduation ceremony on Jan. 27, 2016 at Joseph C. Carter Park in Fort Lauderdale. The graduates participated in a 12-week program designed to help them become better equipped to face the challenges of fatherhood. Volunteers from all walks of life joined together to share information and resources which program participants then in turn could apply to their particular situations as fathers.
As we step into the presence of our glorious past through our recorded histories, we should make sure that it is the correct recorded History. I raise this point for several reasons, but mainly so we don’t perpetuate the mistruths that seem to have become customary and so readily adopted by us-for whatever reason, i.e. convenience, apathy or shame. This misrepresentation of the truth has led to the miseducation of the Negro; in all its aspects. From the ratification that has allowed Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life to be regulated to the circumference of a city block in what has morphed from a lifetime Dream to a nightmare. Our Black History is so diverse that it has been embedded in us with whips and chains held in the hands of those who capitalized on the slave trade and who fathered many of our ancestors. (Cont'd on Page 5)
(Cont'd on Page 5)
5000 Role Models of Excellence Project participates in the Annual Native Floridian, returns home MLK Parade and makes profound and heart wrenching statement after pursuing her dream Students carried caskets to symbolize impact of gun violence on community and called for an end to the violence Gwen Belton Communications Director MIAMI, FL—Over 200 participants from the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project led the 39th Annual
Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade on Jan. 18, 2016, and called on the community to “Stop The Violence” that is destroying families and communities. Representing 10 Miami-Dade county Public Schools, the Role
Former Detroit mayor said Michigan governors knew about Flint’s water problems By Frederick H. Lowe Special to the Trice Edney NorthStarNewsToday.com (TriceEdneyWire.com) Kwame Kilpatrick, the former mayor of Detroit, claims Michigan governors Jennifer Granholm and Rick Snyder knew about Flint’s water problems long before they received national and international attention because of the water’s high lead content. “Gov. Snyder is misleading people by saying he recently found out about the issue,” Kilpatrick wrote in a Facebook post from a federal prison where he is serving 28 years. “More than likely, he is being viciously, aggressively and deliberately untruthful.” Kilpatrick is appealing his sentence. Granholm was Michigan’s governor from 2003 to 2011. He added that Gov. Gran-
Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick claims Michigan’s governors knew about Flint’s water problems since 2004. holm, Snyder’s predecessor, also was well aware of the issues with the Flint Water Department and their inability to produce contaminant-free water moving forward. He noted the state couldn’t afford the equipment and the technology to do so. Snyder has been governor since 2011. (Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)
Pleading Our Own Cause
Models carried signs calling for an end to the gun violence that has claimed the lives of numerous South Florida students. To symbolize the deep impact of gun violence on the community, students in white gloves carried child-sized caskets and rolled adult caskets along the entire route of the annual MLK parade. The various signs read: “This is not What Dr. King Wanted,” “Young Gifted and Dead,” “Let Me Live,” “Put Your Guns Down,” “No More Murders,” “Our Community Is Not a War Zone,” and “Stop Killing our Kids.” As the white caskets passed, the solemn look on the faces of the people in the crowd and their applause signaled their solidarity and support of Role Models message. Congresswoman Wilson, founder of the
WWW.
5000 Role Models of Excellence Project, released the following statement: “We organize forums, town hall meetings and symposiums on gun violence all the time; but who is in attendance, grieving parents, family members and supportive organizations, and never the shooters. We must reach those who are committing these crimes. We hope that the heart wrenching sight of little boys carrying caskets that symbolize the hundreds of children killed by gun-violence presents a vivid picture to the killers, shooters, murderers and gang bangers of the effects of their actions. Let this be a wake-up call and persuade them to put down their guns and end this senseless violence,” said Congresswoman Wilson.
Actress Martina Sykes, daughter of a preacher and a native Floridian, has returned home after pursuing her dream of becoming a star! Words of wisdom and lessons learned along the way have helped her to remain focused as she’s navigated Broadway. Sykes is no stranger to the stage. This talented singer/actress has been blessed to grace many stages across the country. Most notably in the Tony awardwinning musical Hairspray, and critically acclaimed productions of Little Shop of Horrors and the classic Broadway hit, Rent. Most recently, Sykes has taken on multiple roles in the Hit Broadway Smash - Motown The Musical. Among the many
Sykes stops by Bethany to help celebrate Transforming Lives Month. Sykes plays the parts of Mary Wells (the legendary singer and trailblazer) and Gwen Gordy (sister of Berry Gordy, Jr. - founder of Motown).
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characters she plays, the parts of Mary Wells (the legendary singer and trailblazer) and Gwen Gordy (sister of Berry Gordy, Jr. - founder of Motown) are included. Motown - The Musical debuted in Chicago, and is currently touring the United States. The Miami premiere of the musical is coming to the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of MiamiDade County now through Feb. 7, 2016. Sykes affirms, “This musical is not to be missed, if you’re a fan of Motown.” She encourages the audience to clap and sing, scream and shout, and simply engage fully in the production, and have fun! (Cont'd on Page 9)
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Westside Gazette Not leaving anyone out: TTackling ackling HIV criminalization as a cutive director of Women With Vision (WWAV), a New Orracial justice and public health priority aleans organization of African-
Darnell Moore of Mic.com and Black Lives Matter. By Victoria Law From TheBody.com The Black Lives Matter movement has catapulted the problem of state violence against African American peo-
ple onto the national consciousness. Across the United States, organizers and activists have disrupted business as usual to remind people about the systematic violence against Black people, whether in the form of police brutality, over-policing or mass incarceration. And for HIV advocates involved in the movement, HIV criminalization is another aspect of the structure of racial violence. “We have to see HIV criminalization as similar to the bullet coming out of a police officer’s gun,” declared Darnell Moore, a senior editor at Mic and Black Lives Matter organizer. “If we are thinking about state and state-sanctioned violence, then we have to see HIV criminalization as another route to do this.” Deon Haywood is the exe-
American women organizing in response to HIV/AIDS in communities of color. She has been organizing around the intersections of race, gender and HIV for the past 20 years. She remembers long, lonely years when politicians, health officials and the general public ignored these issues “because it was just Black people screaming about it.” She says that criminalization — of HIV, sex work and Black people — is now on the public radar, but she emphasizes the need for an intersectional analysis rather than a silo approach. “You cannot talk about one form of criminalization without talking about the others,” she told TheBody.com. “You can’t talk about HIV criminalization without talking about race, without talking about access and without talking about privilege.”
2016 Capacity Building Conference Strategic Pathways to Growth
Friday, March 4 and Saturday, March 5, 2016 Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center 1 Eisenhower Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
A premier two-day event promising new insights and an inclusive opportunity to connect in a stimulating setting. Featuring local and nationally recognized experts. Perfect for established business owners and current Broward County vendors.
DAILY CONFERENCE SCHEDULE Friday, March 4 Day One - Featuring dynamic speakers and various breakout sessions including: • • • • • •
Best Practices in Building Strategic Alliances Protect and Increase Bonding for Your Business Growing Broward County: Interactive Q&A with Agency Directors Expanding Your Reach: Hot Projects on the Horizon FDOT Support Service Programs: Assisting Small and Disadvantaged Businesses Safeguard Your Business: The Law and Liens, Contracts and Bonds – Oh My!
Saturday, March 5 Day Two – Featuring a duo of essential modules designed to provide a holistic boost to your business: •
Business Financing Clinic • Equity Investment Capital: The Ins and Outs of Equity Financing for Your Business • Short Term Capital and Lines of Credit • Long Term Working Capital
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Office of Economic and Small Business Development This event supports the Broward County Board of County Commissioners’ vision and value of “a vibrant economy with a diverse, skilled workforce, in a County offering unique advantages that attract all types of businesses to create equitable, countywide prosperity” and “ensuring economic opportunities for all people and businesses in Broward”.
Sponsor & Exhibitor Opportunities Available For details and to register, visit CapacityBuilding.Broward.org
FREE ADMISSION! Registration Required.
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Mount Hermon A.M.E. Church’s Greek in Durham, N.C. In May nessed an increase in attenUnity Day 2016 schools 1980, he received an academic dance during the Sunday Morscholarship to attend Alabama ning Worship Experience! St. The Mount Hermon A.M.E. Church Family (Fort Lauderdale), and our dynamic Pastor, Rev. Henry E. Green, Jr., cordially invites the entire community to attend our 22nd Annual Greek Unity Day Observance. Through this program we annually acknowledge and recognize Black Greek lettered organizations for their numerous contributions and accomplishments. This year, the Rev. Dr. Michael A. Cousin, Sr., has been invited as the Messenger for the program. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Dr. Cousin currently serves as the pastor of Saint Stephens AME Church in Detroit, Mich., and previously served as pastor of Mount Hermon AME Church (Fort Lauderdale). During his tenure as our pastor he established and introduced the concept of Greek Unity Day to our church, and to this community. Dr. Cousin is the fourth son born to Bishop Philip Robert Cousin, Sr. and to Dr. Margaret Joan Cousin. A native of North Carolina, he spent his formative years attending the public
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State University in Montgomery, Ala., earning a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Political Science, with a minor in English. While attending Alabama State University, he was involved in the Student Government Association, Alpha Kappa Mu National Honor Society, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. In 1987, Dr. Cousin was awarded the Martin Luther King, Jr. Fellowship to attend Boston University School of Theology in Boston, Mass., earning a Masters of Divinity Degree. While attending seminary, he served as the pastor to the Youth at Charles Street AME Church located in Roxbury, Mass. In May 2009, Dr. Cousin earned his Doctorate of Ministry from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois. Over the course of 34 years of pastoral ministry, he has been blessed to serve nine congregations from Troy, Alabama to Detroit, Mich. Since his appointment as the pastor of St. Stephen AME Church in Detroit, Mich., the church has wit-
Stephen has once again opened its doors to its neighbors through its weekly activities. He presently serves as the chair of the Fourth Year Class on Ministry of the Board of Examiners of the Michigan Conference as well as Chair of the Finance Committee for both the Michigan Conference and the Fourth Episcopal District. He is the proud parent of two sons: Michael Alphonso Cousin, Jr. and Timothy Charles Cousin. The Mount Hermon Church family extends its sincere thanks and gratitude to all of the fraternities and sororities for your support of this event. We know that it is because of your continued participation and support that Greek Unity Day has been successful for 22 years. Greek Unity Day 2016 will begin at 10:15 a.m., Sunday, Feb. 21, 2016 at Mount Hermon A.M.E. Church, 401 N.W. Seventh Terr., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. For additional information contact Committee Chairperson Dr. Sylvia Sloane Jones at (954) 701-0744.
PUBLIC NOTICE Please be advised, notice is hereby given pursuant to F.S. 97.055 that the Voter Registration Books for the Presidential Preference Primary and Municipal Elections, to be conducted on Tuesday, March 15, 2016 will close on Monday, February 16, 2016. New Voter Registrations and Party Changes must be completed on or before February 16, 2016. Dr. Brenda C. Snipes Supervisor of Elections Broward County
BCPS to offer the SAT Exam free to all high school juniors District partners with College Board for SAT School Day By Nadine Drew As part of its mission to increase students’ access to college and to encourage and support a college and career-going culture, Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) offers all high school juniors the opportunity to take the SAT, at no cost to students, on SAT School Day – April 12, 2016. SAT School Day, in partnership with the College Board, provides equal access to all juniors in preparation for college admissions and scholarship opportunities. The District’s SAT School Day initiative aims to remove barriers that may prevent students from taking the test, including a limited number of testing days and locations, financial concerns, lack of test prep opportunities and transportation to weekend testing sites. “We want every student to be able to participate in the SAT process as part of their post-secondary pursuits,” said Superintendent Robert W. Runcie. “SAT School Day is the next step to making sure that every student is college and career ready. In partnering
with the College Board to build a culture of college and career readiness, we are investing in every student’s future.” By providing students with the opportunity to take the exam free of cost during the regular school day, the District has removed challenges and barriers that might further reduce students’ chances of participating. The new SAT School Day initiative addresses disparities among students preparing for and taking the critical college access exam and furthers the District’s goal to strengthen paths that not only lead to graduation, but also prepare students for college and career. “Many more Broward students will have a path to college thanks to Superintendent Runcie’s decision to bring the SAT School Day to every public school in the county,” said College Board President and CEO David Coleman. “We are gratful to everyone at Broward County Public Schools whose dedication to students has made it possible to deliver these benefits.” Test scores can weigh heavily in admissions to colleges and universities. They can also play a big role in awarding scholar-
ships. For example, BCPS students currently take the PSAT/ NMSQT in 10th grade, which offers students an opportunity to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program, an academic competition for recognition and schoarships. Through this partnership with the College Board, BCPS students will have access to online personalized learning through Khan Academy and other college planning tools that provide comprehensive information to guide students preparing for the SAT, and researching colleges and universities. “A college and career-going culture ensures that students are academically prepared, emotionally resilient, and that the admission tests and financial forms are completed before graduation,” said BCPS Chief Academic Officer Daniel Gohl. “Broward County Public Schools is focused on ensuring that all students complete the steps needed to have the choice of going to college.” BCPS is one of 20 school districts in Florida taking part in the SAT School Day Program in partnership with the College Board.
NABJ mourns the loss of member and Past President, Michael J eeney J.. F Feeney Award,” NABJ President Sarah Glover said. “He was a tenacious journalist who possessed a passion and energy for telling stories reflective of diverse communities — stories which otherwise might not have been told.”
FEENEY By Aprill Turner WASHINGTON, DC — The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) mourns the loss of member Michael J. Feeney, a former reporter for The New York Daily News, immediate past president of the NABJ, and a past recipient of NABJ’s Emerging Journalist of the Year Award. Feeney, 32, died Jan. 31, 2016 after going into cardiac arrest while being treated for a staph infection in his kidneys, according to an obituary published in The Daily News. “I am shocked to learn of Michael’s passing. He was a respected leader within NABJ having served with distinction as chapter president of the New York Association of Black Journalists for years. His leadership led to that chapter receiving the NABJ Chapter of the Year
Glover first met Feeney in 2003 at the NABJ Region II Conference in Atlantic City, as he traveled with other Delaware State students to their very first NABJ conference. (Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)
After working closely with the City of Fort Lauderdale and the Department of Transportation (DOT), Senator Chris Smith is happy to announce that the DOT has come to the final decision not to conduct any roadway improvements at the Woodlawn Cemetery location. No roadway improvements will be carried out by the cemetery and there will be no removal or relocation of any burial sites. In addition, Senator Smith has introduced legislation directing the DOT to rename part of Interstate 95 as “Potter’s Field Memorial Highway.” By doing so, Senator Smith would like to openly recognize the cemetery’s historical significance in the community and the loved ones buried in the Woodlawn Cemetery who are no longer with us today.
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Event
The Class of 1972, Valentine Social, Saturday, Feb. 13, 2016 from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m., at the Women Club, 314 N.W. Second, St., Pompano Beach, Fla. Wear red with any color. Tickets on sale. For additional info call David Saunders at (954) 2426718.
Festival
Eta Nu Education Foundation Third Annual Black History Festival presents by Omega Psi Phi Fraternity - Eta Nu Chapter and The City of Pompano Beach, Thursday, Feb. 18-21, 2016 at the E. Pat Larkins Community Center, 520 Martin Luther King, Jr., Blvd., Pompano Beach, Fla.
Celebration
Sen. Chris Smith The City of Lauderdale Lakes Eight Annual Black History Parade, celebrating Heritage & History, Saturday, Feb. 13, 2016 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., at starting location Willie Webb Senior Park, 3601 N.W. 21 St., Lauderdale Lakes, Fla. Ending location, Community Carnival.
Tour
Discussion
NSU’s Alvin Sherman Library will host a viewing and discussion of the documentary “The Loving Story,” Film Viewing and Discussion, Sunday, Feb.14, 2016 at 2 p.m., at Cotilla Gallery, Alvin Sherman Library, 3100 Ray Ferrero, Jr. Blvd, Fort Lauderdale – Davie, Fla For more info contact Public Library Services (954) 262-5477. This is a free event.
Meeting Monthly meeting for Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. is the second Saturday of the month at 10 a.m., at African Heritage Cultural Art Center, 6161 N.W. 22 Ave., Miami, Fla. For further info call (786) 320 2891.
Broward County Black PrEP Tour on Friday, Feb. 05, 2016 from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., at 1825 Griffin Rd Dania, Fla. Hosted by: Black AIDS Institute in association with BTAN-Broward County, Florida Department of Health, Broward County, Broward House, Broward Health, Broward Greater Than AIDS, Broward Regional Health Planning Council Engage in discussions about: Issues affecting PrEP education and implementation in Black communities, Paying for PrEP, Overcoming medical racism and mistrust, Biomedical research related to PrEP. Lunch Provided TO REGISTER VISIT w w w . b r o w a r d prep.eventbrite.com
Happenings at African-American Research Library and Cultural Center *Friday, Feb. 5, at 6:30 Presenting Randy Corinathia, Kristine Alicia Live * Friday, Feb. 5, 2016, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. - Destination Fridays: Jamaica and Bob Marley will be the theme for Destination Fridays event, There a fee for adults age 21 and over. Dressed to jam in your Bob Marley t-shirt and your reggae colors. Ticket can be purchase at the door or go through Eventbrite. ReggaeFit team and channel your inner Bob Marley for the Lip Sync Smack-down, if you wish to practice in advance with the edited-for-time Bob Marley song clips or would like some more info about the contest, contact Steve Vink at (945) 357-6190 or email svink@broward.org. The Grand Prize winner will receive a gift card. The schedule of Destination Fridays, event in 2016 March 18 – India (Bollywood); April 8 – Cuba; May 6- Haiti; Sept. 9 – Madrid, Spain; Oct. 7 – New York City (Harlem Ren-aissance). For additional info call (954) 357-6210. * All students grades Fourth-12 who are living in or going to school in Broward County are invited to submit an original essay to the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC)’s Black History Essay. The competition is divided into three categories: grades 4-6, grades 7-9 and 10-12, contest winners will be awarded prizes (sponsored by Best Buy). For more info call the Youth Services at (954) 357-6209. * Saturday, Feb. 13, 2016 at 2 p.m., Carol Williams is Burn-ing Down the Country House * Friday, Feb. 19, 2016 from 2 to 5:30 p.m., Haitian Born Author Lahiny Pierre Shares Two Bold Books Building Brid-ges: Spiritual Legacies * Monday, Feb. 15 the Library will be closed in Observance of President’s Day Holiday Pre-arranged Group Tours available during library hours. Call (954) 357-5950. * On Display- Reflections of an African American Artist Monday Wednesday Adult Literacy Class, 5:00 to 7:30pm. Call (954) 357-6157 for more info * Monday and Wednesday -from 5 to 7:30 p.m., Adult Literacy Class. for more info call (954) 357-6157 * Saturday, Feb. 6, from 2:00 to 5:00pm. Reflections of an African American Artist Opening Reception featuring artist Sharon Thomas Duca. * Saturday, Feb. 6, from 2 to 5 p.m. How to Build the Brand Called “You” Seminar, (If you are in transition, tired of being sick & tired, aspiring entrepreneur, or wish to simply perfect your craft, then this seminar is for you). * Monday, Feb. 8, at 6 p.m. The Big Read: A Wizard of Earthsea, the classic fantasy novel by Ursula K. Le Guin. Call (954) 357-6170. * Saturday, Feb. 13, at 2 p.m., Book discussion and signing of burning down the country houseFeaturing author Carol Williams. * Friday, Feb. 19, from 2 to 5:30 p.m. Haitian Born Author Lahiny Pierre Shares Two Bold Books, Family Values and Freedom Conscience: Sovereignty vs. Paternalization. For more info visit: www.lahinypierre.com Youth Services (954) 357-6209 For more info on Children and Teen programming call the Youth Services desk at (954) 57-6209.
NOTARY PUBLIC ON PREMISES 545 N.W. 7th Terrace, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Monday - Friday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more info call (954) 525-1489
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Let’s do our part in recording our History correctly (Cont'd from FP) Our History did not just wash up on the shores of America. Our souls, like stars, sparkle against the backdrops of coastlines of every continent and can be seen glistening in every wave that breaks against the shores. “We are family”- outcasts to some, welcomed by a few despised my most and yet we are still here. The improper chronicling of our History by anyone is unacceptable and yet we allow it to be accepted as “the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.” We must be mindful that our History is much more valuable when it is the truth, well documented. I had the pleasure of collecting some History from three of our Trailblazers - Ms. Lillian Smalls, Ms. Mary Rizer and Mr. Beauregard Cummings here in Fort Lauderdale. The need to capture moments from our elders is invaluable. They shed some light on the renaming of the “Black Beach” (John U. Lloyd Beach State Park) in Dania, Fla. after Mr. Von D. Mizell and Ms. Eula Johnson that may settle any confusion that might keep a bitter dispute from disrupting the harmony of our community. Both of these heroes were engaged in the fight to desegregate the beaches in Fort Lauderdale. So rightfully the renaming should bare both of their names. The order in which the names should appear on the marker/monument, to which they all agreed to, was to base it upon the order in which they led the fight. Since Mr. Mizell started the fight in 1954 and Ms. Johnson continued and completed it in 1961, Mr. Mizell’s name should be first and Ms. Johnson’s second. This conversation could lend itself to the opening of conversations to address some of the misreported account to our History. So, Senator Chris Smith, before your Bill is passed, PLEASE have some dialogue with others who were here during that time while you still can. Our History is much too valuable to be misrepresented and passed on with falsehoods. Let’s begin Black History Month with a truthful account to our part of America and the world’s great History; believe it or not accurate Black History matters. “Remember the days of old, Consider the years of all generations. Ask your father, and he will inform you, Your elders, and they will tell you…” Deuteronomy 32:7 (NASB)
Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies fatherhood mentoring program (Cont'd from FP) Trecia Matthews-Hosein, director of Program Services, HMHB, outlined why family members and other well wishers were on hand to celebrate an evening filled with high emotions as each fatherhood mentee was recognized for completing the program. “We’re very excited to be here to celebrate 21 great fathers that are graduating tonight from our Fatherhood Mentorship Program. It has been a wonderful 12 weeks of workshops, educational activities for fathers, supporting them to be better dads. “We invite the community to come out and volunteer and share information with fathers in the community. We’re definitely trying to raise up men to become better fathers and be more committed fathers for their children and also financial resources are always welcome,” she added. Fort Lauderdale Vice-Mayor Robert McKenzie (District 3), is a strong advocate of the program and has been personally involved as a coach for the last three years and provided the keynote speech last year, was on hand to lend his support to this year’s graduates. “It’s very important that we reconnect these fathers with their families and getting them involved in their kid’s lives. A friend of mine brought me to the program three years ago and I’ve been involved ever since. It’s not about relationships that may not be working; it’s all about establishing a relationship with their children.” The Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Fatherhood Mentorship Graduating Class of 2016 included the following; Thomas Albury III, Paul Blackman, Ellie Grett, Condero Daniels, Jeffrey Duncan, Tim Fuller, Ronnie Griffin, Travis Harrison, La’tre Helton, Simeon Jenkins, Ricardo Madin, Robert McBride, Elkivano Pierre, Rohan Ruddock, Enos Smith, Troy Smith, Antwon Striggles, Nathaniel Strawbridge, Adrian Taylor, Pernell Taylor, D’vontae Thomas, Nick Webster, and Dennis Williams. Several graduates of the program and their families expres-
sed their gratitude to the volunteer coaches and mentors who offered their time and to those professionals representing companies and organizations for providing helpful information to assist fathers who participated in the program. Fatherhood Mentoring graduate Thomas Albury III has five children and is working toward advancing his career as well as “being a championship father to my kids.” “This program helped me out a lot, even though I thought I already knew a lot. I was introduced to the program by my father. I gained a lot of information from the program that I didn’t know about being a father and how we should treat our kids as we bring them up. “The first advice I’d give dads in the community is to come join us here at Carter Park 6 to 8pm on Wednesdays because the information is valuable, the resources are great and it keeps you on the right track,” Albury stated. Deangelo Foy also was a part of the 2016 Fatherhood Mentoring Class. He heard about the program from word of mouth.
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Standing on sacred ground By Julianne Malveaux NNPA News Wire Columnist Three unarmed Black men encountered a group of white men walking down a dirt road in Slocum, Texas on July 29, 1910. Without warning, and with no reason, the white men opened fire on the Black men. And for two days white men simply slaughtered Black people. Eight deaths have been officially acknowledged, but historians who have studied the Slocum Massacre say that it is likely that dozens more were killed, with some saying as many were killed in Slocum as in Tulsa in 1921 (and those numbers range into the hundreds). The New York Times quoted William Black, the sheriff at the time of the massacre: “Men were going about killing Negroes as fast as they could find them, and so far as I was able to ascertain, without any real cause. I don’t know how many were in the mob, but there may have been 200 or 300. … They hunted the Negroes down like sheep.” History mostly swallowed the horror of the Slocum Massacre. Some descendants of those massacred pushed for official acknowledgement of the horror, but there have been efforts to cover up the carnage, with some in Slocum pretending that the Massacre never happened. It took more than a century, until 2011, for the Texas Legislature to formally acknowledge the massacre. A roadside marker commemorating the tragedy was just placed on Jan. 26, 2016. A local member of the Anderson County Historical Commission opposed the marker because, “The
Recognizing Our Glorious Black History BARBARA JORDAN - Barbara Jordan was the first AfricanAmerican elected to the Texas legislature since 1883. She also was the first African-American womanelected from the south to Congress, where she served three terms, sponsoring and supporting many pieces of legislation extending federal protection of civil rights. This stamp was issued on Sept. 16, 2011.
Correction In the Thursday, Jan. 28, 2016 Edition the caption for "Chi Psi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority" article should have read Chi Psi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and partners.
citizens of Slocum today had absolutely nothing to do with what happened over a hundred years ago. This is a nice, quiet community with a wonderful school system. It would be a shame to mark them as racist from now until the end of time.” E.R. Bills, author of The 1910 Slocum Massacre: An Act of Genocide in East Texas, says that there are more than 16,000 historical markers in the state of Texas. “The Slocum Massacre historical marker will apparently be the first one to specifically acknowledge racial violence against African Americans.” His book meticulously documents the Slocum facts, and asserts, “Many white folks got away with murder”. Only 11 were arrested for their role in the massacre. Seven were indicted but none were prosecuted for their crimes. The 11 were only the known criminals. According to Bills, many murderers buried dead bodies on their land to perpetuate the cover up. The Slocum historical marker stands on sacred ground. There is much other sacred ground in these United States, ground that is soaked with the blood of lynched and murdered African Americans. Yet there are few markers of our nation’s historical madness. The Equal Justice Initiative, an Alabama-based organization that has documented the magnitude of our nation’s lynching history, hopes to build markers and memorials on lynching sites, much like the one in Slocum. We need these memorials to remind us of an era of racial terror, and to consider the contemporary consequences of that terror. This year the association for the study of African American life and history (ASALH) has chosen Hallowed Grounds: Sites of African American
Julianne Malveaux says that we assert that Black Lives Matter because so many Black lives were obliterated in Slocum, and because for far too long it was convenient and comfortable to forget a heinous massacre. Memories as their Black History Month Theme. While ASALH has not focused specifically on markers and memorials for sites of lynching and massacres, the focus location is important. They mention plantations, historic homes, and historic streets (like Beale Street in Memphis, Sweet Auburn Avenue in Atlanta, and
125 Street in Harlem) as important places to embrace and celebrate. Many of our nation’s major cities have experienced gentrification in the past decade or so. Washington, DC is no longer Chocolate City – more like neapolitan or chocolate chip. The 125 Street of the Harlem Renaissance has diversified, as young whites with deep pockets are pushing the prices of historic brownstones into the seven or eight figure price range. No matter. The places are still sacred ground, and should be recognized as such. It is important to acknowledge these places with statues, markers, and memorials, lest we forget. Those who don’t know history are doomed to repeat it. We assert that Black Lives Matter because so many Black lives were obliterated in Slocum, and because for far too long it was convenient and comfortable to forget a heinous massacre.
Who knew Ruby Dee used to work at A T&T?! AT&T?!
AT&T celebrates acclaimed actress, writer and activist Ruby Dee along with past and current Black trailblazers with this year’s AT&T 28 Days throughout the month of February. The program spotlights pivotal figures and moments during Black History Month. AT&T 28 Days will honor those whose achievements uplift the community – from popular artists and ambassadors, to college presidents and business leaders. Dee began her career as an employee for an AT&T legacy company in 1943. She spent her days soldering wires on an assembly line at and repairing panels during WWII.
(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)
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Opinion
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Can Bernie win the Democratic nomination for President? By Roger Caldwell Bernie Sanders has surprised all of the pundits and political experts in America. When Senator Sanders decided to run for president, no one thought his radical profile could galvanize millions of Democrats, but he is doing what everyone thought was impossible. To begin with Bernie is a Democratic Socialist, and he is not ashamed of what he believes. He is authentic and he is fighting to get big money out of politics, and he wants to strengthen Social Security. As a socialist, Bernie believes in social insurance, Medicare, public schools, and colleges should be free. His thinking is radical, and the young voters, families, and the older progressive Democrats like Bernie’s ideas and philosophies.
When Bernie made the announcement that he was running for president, the early polls had him behind by 30 points. The political elites thought that Bernie was a 74 year old senator, who was too old to have any new ideas, and Hillary would not be challenged. But Bernie wins elections, and when he ran for the U.S. Senate everyone laughed at him, but eventually he won. Now as Bernie is campaigning for the President of the United States, he is talking about starting a political revolution. There are many different interpretations of what this really means, but everyone would agree that the political system in America is broken and it needs to be fixed. When President Obama started his campaign everyone thought, there was no way a Black man could get the
nomination, and eventually become the president of America. But, he defied the odds twice, and he became the 44th president for two terms. Many of the same qualities that make President Obama a great president, I also see in Bernie. To begin with, both men have a high level of integrity, and they attract large numbers of supporters at their campaign events. Democrats support both men, because of their progressive ideas, and forward thinking. Both men are visionaries, and America needs leaders who are willing to fight for equal justice and fair wages for all the citizens. Bernie is on the right side of history and he believes that the wealthiest country on earth should provide all its citizens with a single payer universal healthcare system. As a socialist, he
How many Februarys will it take for America Super Bowl 50...What to believe Black children are the future, too? a chance? By Ikhlas Saleem In 1986 Whitney Houston covered the George Benson hit, The Greatest Love of All, which he originally recorded for a film biography of Mu-
hammad Ali. Stephen Holden of The New York Times wrote that Houston’s cover gave the “message of self-worth an astounding resonance and conviction… a compelling assertion of Black pride, family loyalty and spiritual devotion, all at once.” Now that I work in education, this is a song I often reflect upon when feeling emotionally tasked, particularly the opening lines: I believe the children are our future; Teach them well and let them lead the way; Show them all the beauty they possess inside; Give them a sense of pride to make it easier; Let the children’s laughter remind us how we used to be. My grade-school friend, Yasmine Muhammad, who was blessed with the talent—and in this case burden— of a great singing voice, was requested to sing this song at every awards ceremony, academic gathering and sometimes basketball games because, why not? I didn’t know it then but what an incredible message to continuously impart upon children—particularly children that were and are descendants of slaves, carrying almost 400 years of baggage of a dignity lost and a future almost impossible to dream. So now in 2016, I can reflect and celebrate my ancestors that carried the burden of a back breakin’, cottonpickin’ South, while spending their nights in hope of freedom trying to make sense of a language that was not their own, while being reminded that their futures lie in nothing but death or labor of the American South. (Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)
By Don Valentine We all agree that race relations could be better digested via mutual discussions of the topic. Do you have the Courage to broach the topic? Football is a subject most people have an opinion about. The Super Bowl in particular is a “ubiquitous” event that over 150 million Americans can talk about. A wise man said that “a real relationship happens when you have a real conversation.” The quarterback for the Carolina Panthers, Cameron Newton, has put the topic on the table. Last week he addressed the elephant in the room by pointing out that he is a Black quarterback. Now do you have the courage to spark a conversation with a coworker about why they are so upset about his “dabbing”? Do you have the courage to explain to white coworkers/friends how our cultural trends differ from theirs? Do you have the courage to explain that Black people have to alter some or a lot of behavior to assimilate with white society? Do you have the courage to ask your white co-worker the tough question about why they fear talking about racism? Consider the disdain most white people have for this topic. This subject is the proverbial “Kryptonite” for a lot of people. Have you ever heard, “I don’t care if your Black, White, Green or Purple”? That statement will likely precede a hypocritical comment defending how benign that person is to color. If you have to justify why you’re not a racist there is good chance you really are a racist. I posit that this game gives each of us the chance to close the racial divide by one conversation at a time. If we don’t have this discourse things will not change. Therefore, I ask you, “Do you have the courage to engage the issue?” Don Valentine, freelance writer
Honored in Yosemite, poisoned in South Florida? By Audrey Peterman Last week Frank and I were thrilled to be selected as Ambassadors for Yosemite National Park in California. The gorgeous “range of light” in the High Sierra Nevada Mountains is about as far as you can get from where we live at sea level in South Florida. But there’s only one America and one National Park System, and we are proud to leave a legacy in Yosemite as the Buffalo Soldiers left for us when they patrolled the park and protected it against ranchers and timbermen in 1904. I landed back to Earth with a thud when I learned the same week that the governor of the State of Florida signed a bill that could take us down the same path of water pollution and poisoning as the citizens of Flint, Michigan are experiencing right now. Literally putting the fox in charge of the hen house, Rick Scott’s bill will place the biggest polluters in charge of themselves, on the “honor system” to report the amount of pollution they discharge into our waters and be responsible for cleaning it up.
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This feels like a deliberate poke in the eye to our entire state. Beginning July 1, agricultural and other polluters need only apply “best management practices” such as reducing the amount of fertilizer they use, presumably lowering the amount that will run off into Lake Okeechobee and other water bodies. When these new procedures are eventually found to be ineffective, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection will be required to develop new “rules” they can “voluntarily” follow. Black communities around Lake Okee-chobee that get their drinking water from the lake will be at vastly increased risk. So will the entire Everglades ecosystem and the marine environments of the Caloosahatchee and St Lucie Rivers, where excess water if often drained out to sea. According to the South Florida Water Management District, “Lake Okeechobee is designated a Class I water that provides drinking water for urban areas, irrigation water for agricultural lands, recharge for aquifers, freshwater for the Everglades, habitat for fish and waterfowl, flood control, navigation, and many recreational opportunities.” But the same week I received several e-mails from the District defending their decision to back pump water into the lake. “On Jan. 27, South Florida experienced its wettest January day in 25 years. Glades communities south of the lake saw particularly intense shortterm rainfall - 6 inches in 24 hours overwhelming the local flood control system. (Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)
wants the federal government to expand their services and save Americans money by managing the healthcare system. There would be no advertisements, billing would be controlled by the government, and the pharmaceutical companies would be forced to provide the citizens with economical drug prices. Finally Bernie’s bold idea of free college education is supported by all families with children, and all college students. Bernie believes that there should be a tax on Wall Street and this tax should help subsidize the price of higher education. State governments had always subsidized state colleges in their budgets, but it was stopped in the 1980’s. (Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)
Will America ever create an opportunity economy for all? By Charlene Crowell As communities of color continue to suffer from financial stress, a new research report provides insights as to how the racial wealth divide is in large part created by policy trends that favor the well-todo at the expense of the majority of the nation. New research by the Corporation for Enterprise Development (CFED) notes that although economists have long declared the Great Recession over, Black and Latino consumers in particular are losing wealth, disproportionately suffering from subprime credit scores and turning to high-cost predatory lending to piece together their financial lives. The report helps to identify underlying causes, explaining that, “The federal government spends nearly nine times as much on tax programs designed to encourage upper-income households to save, invest and build wealth as it does on the Earned Income Tax Credit. . . .All-told, the top 0.1 percent gets more money from these ‘upside down’ tax programs than the entire bottom 80 percent combined.” The CFED report concludes that, “We need to create an opportunity economy where anyone who works hard can get ahead, where every American has a clear and critical stake, and where policies and programs are designed to encourage upward mobility.” Consider the following key economic measures: (Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)
Black History Month serves not only to educate, but to inspire Marc H. Morial President and CEO National Urban League Those who have no record of what their forebears have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes from the teaching of biography and history. – Carter G. Woodson Carter G. Woodson was born in Virginia, 10 years after the fall of the Confederacy. Working as a sharecropper and a miner, he rarely had time to attend school until the age of 20. He would devote the rest of his life to study, becoming known as “The Father of African-American History.” Through his studies, Woodson found that African-American contributions to history “were overlooked, ignored, and even suppressed by the writers of history textbooks and the teachers who use them.” He concluded that racial prejudice “is merely the logical result of tradition, the inevitable outcome of thorough instruction to the effect that the Negro has never contributed anything to the progress of mankind.” Black History Month, which Woodson founded as Negro History Week in 1926, was his effort to combat that tradition. Chosen to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglas, considered heroes by most Black Americans, the second week in February was set aside to cele-brate Black history. (Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)
The Gantt Report
Eyes that can’t see By Lucius Gantt Many Africans, African Americans and others of African descent have eyes but can’t see! Africa is the center of the world, where mankind began and the cradle of civilization! The Mother Land is not a continent of nappy haired naked people running around with spears in their hands and bones in their noses but we can’t see that! The devil will tell you everything about Africa is bad and at the same time work undercover and behind the scenes to pirate African resources, African commodities like oil, gold, diamonds, coffee, rubber, uranium and platinum. Satan even dominates and controls the refining of the African Shea nuts that you find in all of your cosmetics and in some of your food stuffs like chocolate. Yes, many of us have a twisted idea about our royal ancestors and our glorious past because the tricky devil has taught us to hate ourselves, each other, our history and out culture! Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti said it best when he recorded one of my favorite songs. “English man gets an English name, Russian man gets Russian name, Chinese man gets Chinese name, German man gets German name, Spanish man gets Spanish name but Africans have eyes but can’t see. (Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)
Flint’s water crisis and GOP’s class war By Jesse Jackson Sr. (TriceEdneyWire.com) - Why did Flint suffer a water catastrophe that now requires that children be treated as if they had been poisoned? It wasn’t because the people were negligent. From the moment Flint began taking its water from the polluted Flint River, residents warned about water that came out of the faucet brown, tasted foul and smelled worse. They began packing public meetings with jugs filled with water that looked like brown stain. It wasn’t because the democracy failed, because in Flint democracy had been suspended. The city, devastated by the closing of its auto plants and industrial base, has been in constant fiscal crisis. Republican Gov. Rick Snyder, one of the crop of proud conservative governors promising to cut taxes for the rich and get government out of the way, appointed an emergency manager to run the city. Elected officials had no say. It wasn’t because the city manager and the state environmental agency and the governor weren’t warned. Warnings were issued from the beginning. General Motors even suspended using the water because it was too corrosive for the auto parts it was making. Nevertheless, city and state officials assured the worried residents of Flint that it was still safe to drink. (Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)
Beyond the Rhetoric: Filthy rich and dangerous Harry Alford says that despite personal attacks his advocacy remained strong, and he purposely remained under the “radar” of the real power brokers. By Harry C. Alford NNPA News Wire Columnist Part One of a Two Part Series My early days of being an activist seem so simple now. A hot head reporter or radio personality would challenge my actions and I would simply shut him/her down with my quips and verbal jockeying. An IRS series of audits, police interrogations, being pulled over by the state police, for no reason, were some of those tactics back then in Indiana. A strange car following our sons home from school was about the lowest tactic. Our opponents, politicians and local business owners found that we were afraid of nothing. We took a vow of near poverty. That meant we had nothing serious to lose and they had nothing to leverage us into submission or contrition. When we (my wife, Kay and I) decided that the above state was not beneficial to our twin son’s upbringing, we left Indiana for Washington, D.C. and began to live an upscale lifestyle. (Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)
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Church Directory
Worship T his and Every Sunday at the Church of Your Choice This
Bethel Missionary Baptist Church 2211 N.W. 7th Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33061 Church: (954) 583-9368 Email: bethelmbchurchfl@att.net
Reverend Jimmy L. English PASTOR WORSHIP SERVICES Sunday Worship ............................................................. 8 a.m. & 11 a.m. Sunday School ........................................................................... 9:30 a.m. Wednesday (Prayer Service & Bible Study) ............................... 7:30 a.m. Saturday (Women Bible Study) ............................................................ 8 a.m. "Baptized Believers working together to do the will of God"
Westside Gazette New Mount Olive Baptist Church 400 N.W. 9th Ave., Ft. Lauderdale 33311 (954) 463-5126 ● Fax: (954) 525-9454 CHURCH OFFICE HOURS Monday - Friday 8:00 - 4:00 p.m.
"Historically the First Church in the City of Tamarac!”
Rev. Dr. Ileana Bosenbark, Senior Pastor WEEKLY SERVICES & EVENTS SUNDAY Worship Service (Communion 1st & 3rd Sunday) ........................................................... 10 a.m. F.A.I.T.H. Academy for Children (Spiritual Formation) K-12 ................................ 10 a.m.
TUESDAY F.A.I.T.H. Academy for Adults (Spiritual Formation) - Office Complex ...... 10:30 a.m.
WEDNESDAY Worship & Arts Ministry Rehearsals (Open Auditions) - Sanctuary .............................. 7 p.m.
First Baptist Church Piney Grove, Inc. 4699 West Oakland Park Blvd. Lauderdale Lakes, FL 33313 Office: (954) 735-1500 Fax: (954) 735-1939 fbcpg@bellsouth.net
Rev. Dr. Derrick J. Hughes, Pastor SUNDAY SERVICES Worship Services .......................................................... 7:30 & 10:45 a.m. Children's Church ........................................................ 7:30 & 10:45 a.m. Communion (First Sunday) ......................................... 7:30 & 10:45 a.m. New Members' Class .................................................................... 9:30 a.m. Church School .............................................................................. 9:30 a.m. Baptist Training Union (BTU) .................................................... 1:00 p.m. Wednesday (Bible Study) ...................................... 11:15 a.m.. & 7:00 p.m.
Harris Chapel United Methodist Church Rev. Juana Jordan, M.Div E-MAIL:juana.jordan@flumc.org 2351 N.W. 26th Street Oakland Park, Florida 33311 Church Telephone: (954) 731-0520 Church Fax: (954) 731-6290
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.
Mount Calvary Baptist Church
800 N.W. 8th Avenue Pompano Beach, Florida 33060 Church Telephone: (954) 943-2422 Church Fax: (954) 943-2186 E-mail Address: Mtcalvarypompano@bellsouth.net
Reverend Anthony Burrell, Pastor SCHEDULE OF SERVICES SUNDAY
New Member Orientation ........................... 9:30 a.m. Sunday School ................................................ 9:30 a.m. Worship Service ........................................ 11:00 a.m. WEDNESDAY Prayer Meeting ............................................... 6:00 p.m. Bible Study ..................................................... 7:00 p.m.
Reverend Henry E. Green, Jr., Pastor 401 N.W. 7th Terrace, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 Phone: (954) 463-6309 FAX 954 522-4113 Office Hours: Tuesday - Friday 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Email infor@mthermonftl.com
SUNDAY CHURCH SERVICES Worship Service ..................................................................... 7:30 & 10:30 a.m. Fifth Sunday ONLY .................................................................................... 10 a.m. Church School ........................................................................................ 9:15 a.m. BIBLE STUDY: Wednesday ....................................................................... 10 a.m. Gems & Jewels Ministry Senior Wednesday Wednesday (Bible Study) .................................................... 12 Noon & 7 - 8 p.m. Daily Prayer Line ...................................................................................... 6 a.m. (712)432-1500 Access Code296233#
Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church 1161 NW 29th Terr., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. 33311 (954) 581-0455 ● Fax: (954) 581-4350 www.mtzionmissionarybapt.com
Dr. James B. Darling, Jr., Pastor/Teacher WORSHIP SERVICES Sunday Worship Service .............................................................................. 8:00 & 11:00 a.m. Sunday School ............................................................................................................... 10:00 a.m. Communion Service (1st Sunday) ......................................................................... 11:00 a.m. Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting ........................................................................... 6:30 p.m. Wednesday Night Bible Study ................................................................................... 7:00 p.m. Saturday (2nd & 4th) Christian Growth & Orientation .................................. 8:30 a.m. But be doers of the Word - James 1:22 nkjv - “A Safe Haven, and you can get to Heaven from here”
New Birth Baptist Church The Cathedral of Faith International Bishop Victor T. Curry, M.Min., D.Div. Senior Pastor/Teacher 2300 N.W. 135th Street Miami, Florida 33167
ORDER OF SERVICES Sunday Worship ........................................................ 7:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. Sunday School ....................................................................................................... 9:30 a.m. Tuesday (Bible Study) ......................................................................................... 6:45 p.m. Wednesday (Bible Study) ............................................................................... 10:45 a.m.
1-800-254-NBBC * (305) 685-3700 (o) *(305) 685-0705 (f) www.newbirthbaptistmiami.org
To Have Y our Chur ch placed in our Your Church Church Directory call us TToday oday -- (954) 525-1489
145 NW 5th Ave., Dania Beach, FL 33004 (954) 922-2529
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!
St Paul United Methodist Church 244 S.E. Second Avenue Deerfield Beach, Florida 33341 (954) 427-9407 EMAIL EMAIL:: Stpaulmeth@bellsouth.net WEBSITE WEBSITE:: saintpauldeerfield.com
Rev. Dr. Jimmie L. Brown Senior Pastor
SERVICES
Sunday School .................................................................................... 10 a.m. Sunday Worship ................................................................................ 11 a.m. Bible Study (Tuesday) ....................................................... 11 a.m. & 7.p.m.
Obituaries James C. Boyd Funeral Home CUYLER Funeral services for the late Jackie L. Cuyler – 35 were held Jan. 30 at James C. Boyd’s Memorial Chapel with Pastor Jimmie Witherspoon officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens. FAULK Funeral services for the late Kelvin Lorenzo Faulk – 54 were held Jan. 30 at Jesus Christ Deliverance Ministries with Apostle Mishel Clair officiating. Interment: Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens (Central). HARDING Funeral services for the late Jenieve Harding – 53 were held Jan. 27 at James C. Boyd’s Memorial Chapel.
PAUL Funeral services for the late Frantz Kaly Paul -23 were held Jan. 30 at First Haitian Baptist Church with Rev. Jean Etinne officiating. Interment: Pompano Beach Cemetery. RICHARDSON Funeral services for the late Mae Pearl Moore-Richardson –95 were held Jan 30 at McWhite’s Funeral Home Chapel. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens. WASHINGTON Funeral services for the late Rev. George Washington, Sr. –76 were held Jan. 30 at Praise Tabernacle International with Pastor D.H. Dawkins officiating. Interment: Forest Lawn Central.
MORTON Funeral services for the late Baby Boy Ainsley Deon Morton. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens
WILSON Funeral services for the late Annie Lue Hill-Wilson67 were held Jan 30 at McWhite’s Funeral Home with Bishop Brown officiating.
McWhite's Funeral Home
Roy Mizell & Kurtz Funeral Home
HARRIS Funeral services for the late James Harris -62 were held Jan. 30 at McWhite’s Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Dr. William Calvin Haralson officiating.
BENTON Funeral services for the late Charles L. Benton -75 were held Jan.30 at Roy Mizell & Kurtz Worship center with Pastor James B. Darling, Jr officiating.
"Doing God's Business God's Way, With a Spirit of Excellence"
Mount Hermon A.M.E. Church
St. Ruth Missionary Baptist Church
Dr. Marcus D. Davidson,
Faith United Church of Christ 6201 NW 57 Street Tamarac, FL 33319 954-721-1232 uccfaith@bellsouth.net faithbroward.org
February 4 - February 10, 2016 • Page 7
WORSHIP SERVICES Wednesday (NOON DAY PRAYER) ............................................. 12 -1 p.m. Wednesday (PRAYER MEETING & BIBLE STUDY) .................... 645 p.m. Sunday Worship Service ................................................................. 10 a.m. Fifth Sunday Worhip Service ............................................................ 8 a.m.
Williams Memorial CME “PRAYER IS THE ANSWER” 644-646 NW 13th Terrace Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33311 (954) 462-5711(Ministry Office Line) (954) 462-8222(Pastor’s Direct Line) Email: wm_cme@bellsouth.net (Church} pastorCal50@yahoo.com (Pastor)
Rev. Cal Hopkins. M.Div) Senior Pastor/Teacher
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!”
KIDS TALK ABOUT GOD
What color is God? By Carey Kinsolving and friends “I think God is light blue and white, because I think he watches us from the clouds,” says Brittany, age 9. There’s a sense in which God did watch over his people from the clouds. When the Lord brought Israel from the bondage of Egypt into the wilderness, he led them with a pillar of cloud by day and pillar of fire by night (Exodus 13:21). The heavens speak to us every day, if we have the eyes to see. The Psalmist wrote: “The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament shows His handiwork” (Psalm 19:1). “I always thought God was tan like my skin color,” says Chris, 10. “I don’t know why, but I guess it’s just because my skin color is tan.” Chris, thanks for your honesty. Instead of reading the Bible and asking God to reveal himself, it’s easy to assume God is just like us. “I think God is a gold color, because he shines like gold,” says Justin, 8. “I think God is so beautiful and his son, Jesus, is beautiful, too!” What would you think of someone who rented a safe deposit box to store asphalt? If people sought God with the same zeal they seek and hoard gold, their lives would change radically. That’s exactly what Jesus proposed when he said we should seek the kingdom of God first and let him fill in the details of your life on Earth. “God is a rainbow color because he loves all people,” says Hunter, 7. When you stand before God’s throne, Hunter, you’ll see a rainbow surrounding it (Revelation 4:3). We know the rainbow as a sign of God’s promise not to destroy the Earth again by flood. But in heaven, the rainbow represents more than God’s promise to Noah. It’s part of the glory cloud that surrounds the Lord Jesus. “I think God is all colors, because all the people of the world are different colors,” says Jane, 10. “God could be black, white, peach and maybe light brown. He is God, so he can choose.” Try multicolored, says Carter, 11: “I don’t think God is any certain race or color. I think God has a little bit of every color in him, because he loves us all the same.” Nina, 9, answers the question this way: “People saw a bright light when Jesus came.” Hunter, Jane, Carter and Nina are on the same trail, because pure light contains all the colors of the rainbow. The apostle Matthew reHOPKINS ferred to Jesus when he quoted Funeral serthe prophet Isaiah: “The people who sat in darkness have seen vices for the late a great light” (Matthew 4:16). Rev. Doris Jesus himself said, “I am the Christine Hopkins light of the world” (John 8:12). - 79 were held “God is every color, because Jan. 30 at The House of God he is a spirit, and he changes Church, Inc. Keith Dominion offi- colors,” says Taylor, 10. ciating. Interment: Sunset MemoBut Austin, 10, says: “God doesn’t have a color. He is so rial Gardens. glorious, he doesn’t need one. JENKINS When we go to heaven, we Funeral serwon’t care what color he is.” Author C.S. Lewis said that vices for the late all our questions will seem Gregory Reshortsighted and small during ginal Jenkins the first moment in heaven. 51 were held They will be eclipsed by an Jan. 30 at Mizell overwhelming vision of God’s & Kurtz Worship Center with Pas- infinite glory. tor Barbara Gibson officiating. (Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)
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By Dick Startz University of California, Santa Barbara Brookings Institution
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As we recently celebrated Dr. King’s life, it is worth examining the difference in how our schools discipline Black and white children. In public schools in the United States, Black children are twice as likely as white children to be subject to corporal punishment. The continuing disproportionate corporal punishment of Black children is a reminder that some aspects of the “bad old days” are not fully behind us. The 42,000 reported incidents of Black boys being beaten, and 15,000 incidents for Black girls, by educators in their school reflects two facts. First, Black students are more likely to be located in states that use corporal punishment extensively. Second, in many states Black students are disproportionately likely to be singled out for corporal punishment. While corporal punishment is used in almost every state, seven states account for 80 percent of school corporal punishment in the United States: Mississippi, Texas, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Tennessee, and Oklahoma. For Black students, six of these states (Mis-
sissippi, Alabama, Georgia, Arkansas, Texas, and Tennessee) plus Louisiana account for 90 percent of corporal punishment. One reason that Black students are subject to more corporal punishment is that they live in those states responsible for most of the corporal punishment of all children. Where is corporal punishment racially disproportionate? Essentially, and sadly unsurprisingly, the first answer is that Black students are disproportionately beaten in parts of the Deep South. Black students are twice as likely to be struck as white students in North Carolina and Georgia, 70 percent more likely in Mississippi, 40 percent more likely in Louisiana, and 40 percent more like-ly in Arkansas. Some high corporal punishment states are not particularly racially disproportionate. Texas, notably, uses corporal punishment on Black students and white with equal likelihood. Texas shows up on the lists of where Black students are hit because it is a large state that administers corporal punishment at a moderately high rate. Alabama—where the rate of corporal punishment is 10 times the national average—also shows equal rates of Black and white children experiencing physical violence from educators. (Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)
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Westside Gazette The Lauderhill MLK Taskforce celebrates Black History Month featuring Judge Mablean Ephriam By Leslie Johnson The City of Lauderhill and the MLK Taskforce hosted several activities surrounding the National Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday in January. This year, 60 students from 10 elementary schools participated in the Civil Rights Spelling Bee. In addition, four middle schools competed in the Civil Rights Brain Bowl. Now, we are excited to announce the Black History Month Gala scheduled for Feb. 6, 2016 at 4 p.m. featuring Judge Mablean Ephriam, in the newly opened Lauderhill Performing Arts Center (LPAC). The proceeds from all of the events have benefited college bound high school students via MLK scholarships. Vice Mayor M. Margaret Bates, MLK Taskforce founder explains, “The City and the MLK Taskforce have moved its gala around for 16 years! We have hosted Roland Martin, two of Dr. King’s children, Spike Lee,
Lee Daniels, Julian Bond, and so many other esteemed guests. This very special year, our gala has come home to stay in our permanent venue in the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center (LPAC)! Thanks to our guests and sponsors for always attending our galas and making our event the premier MLK/ Black History Event in Broward County!” Judge Ephriam, host of the out-of-the-box hit television show Justice with Judge Mablean, became known throughout the world during her seven-year stint on Divorce Court. Tickets are on sale now for $65 and may be purchased at www.lpacfl.com or by calling at (954) 777-2055. The LPAC Box Office is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday – Friday, and Noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday. So don’t miss out as seats are limited and this event always sells out. Sponsored by the City of Lauderhill, Humana, Lauderhill Police Department, Law
JUDGE MABLEAN Firm of Becker & Poliakoff, Rhodes Insurance, International Longshoremen Association of Miami, Federation of Public Employees, Weiss Serota Helfman Cole and Bierman, P.L., AT&T, and National Weekly and the Westside Gazette newspaper.
CITY OF LAUDERHILL GRAND OPENING -- Commissioner Ken Thurston, Vice Mayor M. Margaret Bates, Lynn Singleton, president of PFM, Broward County Commissioner Dale Holness, Commissioner Howard Berger, Mayor Richard J. Kaplan, Commissioner Hayward J. Benson and City Manager Chuck Faranda. (Photos by Uriah Bennett)
Native Floridian, returns home after pursuing her dream (Cont'd from FP) Over 40 classic Motown hits will be featured throughout the show including, “My Girl and Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”. Patrons can expect to learn about how Motown transformed the music world and influenced pop culture in America, and throughout the world! Story-lines illustrating day to day operations at Motown and why the company relocated to Los Angeles, will be realized throughout. With performances honoring the careers of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson and Smokey Robinson, it promises to be spectacular show! Like many of her contemporaries, Sykes discovered her love for the arts at the young age. She was only five years old when she began singing and acting in plays at her father’s church. As a teenager, Sykes developed a greater passion for theater while studying at The Pinellas Center for the Arts at Gibbs High School in St. Petersburg, Fla. She recalls, however, that she didn’t always receive the encouragement she needed to pursue her dream of becoming an actress. She persevered, nevertheless. After completing her studies at the University of Florida, she received a timely push from a familiar source. Sykes’ brother, who’s also a Broadway artist, encouraged her to take the leap of faith. It was his prompting that influenced her move, and to take a bite out of The Big Apple. Sykes attributes much of her success and the woman she has become today to her faith in God, and the support of family and friends. She notes, “God wants to see our given gifts manifested in his children, but going after it is also very important”. She adds, “When pursuing your dream, no one or nothing can stop your destiny”. Sykes stresses the importance of having fun amid your dedication to hard work. Adding, “If you’re not having fun, maybe it’s a sign that you should be doing something else”. When asked what advice she would offer to those in pursuit, she states, “don’t discard information that you think isn’t important. Pay attention to it all, because it may be an important piece in helping someone else to push
through, even when it doesn’t seem relevant to you”. Therefore, it is reasonable to profess that sometimes, even our own journey is not exclusively ours. If it be of the creator, then it is to be shared so that it can be a manifestation to others. Sykes is excited about bringing her talents to South Beach. She looks forward to seeing family and friends, and performing in front of the home
crowd in Miami. Motown - The Musical promises to be a treat for all who attend to enjoy. South Florida, let’s support our native daughter and the entire cast of this magnificent and historical production! Tickets may be purchased at the Arsht Center Box Office located at, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. Miami, Fla., 33132. You may also call (305) 949-6722, or order online at www.arshtcenter.org.
February 4 - February 10, 2016 • Page 9
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Miami Heat: Can Wade & Bosh take Miami far? For as good as their two AllStars have been this season, the real question is can they lead this team back to the No. 2 seed of the Eastern Conference.Miami has a world of talent on their team and they’ve been plagued by We shouldn’t get ahead of ourselves and talk about Eastern Conference finals just yet, but we should look to the next immediate goal, attempting to win the East. Miami has a world of talent on their team and they’ve been plagued by injuries in the beginning half of the season. This period right before the AllStar break has been good to them. By D’Joumbarey A. Moreau Guess they listened. Last week we said, the Miami Heat were at a crossroad. This week, the Heat have walked through, made dinner, killed a lion and then did it again, all while walking left in their big fork in the road. They’re not out of the neck of the woods just yet, because this oddly scheduled but weird long road trip isn’t over for at least another week. They’ll have to travel to Houston, Dallas, and then Charlotte but at least, they’re all games Miami could win. Don’t look now but the Heat have a four-game winning streak and they are fourth in the Eastern Conference. The biggest part of the reason for the turnaround during the season is because of the two leaders on the team, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. Heat when it comes to injuries in the last two years alone, they’ve seen their season go from championship expectations all the way to the bottom of the NBA standings just because of injuries. Last year we got to see Bosh and Wade miss a lot of time for their respective injuries and consequently, Miami had a 3745 record and missed the playoffs. This year the Heat haven’t had to worry too much about their All-Stars because they’ve come back healthy and they are back to their normal ways. Chris Bosh has been on a complete tear this year and has played even better than he did last season when he averaged 21.1 points, and 7.0 rebounds a
game. Bosh this year is shooting better, hitting the glass harder, and is passing better, averaging 19.2 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game, while shooting 47% from the floor. Heat President Pat Riley had this to say about Bosh for the way that he’s played this year. “He’s the best big man in the Eastern Conference. Well, I think he’s had the best season of any big man in the East” said Pat Riley. As for the other elder statesmen on this roster, Dwayne Wade, has been holding on strong. Wade was recently named an All-Star starter and his selection was justified because he’s had a productive year averaging 18.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and shooting 46% from the floor. People love to write him off every year, and each year he comes back ready to play. Wade in his last five games alone has been on a tear most NBA players haven’t achieved. We just call it vintage. Wade’s averaged 23.6 points, 6.4 assists, 4.4 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game while shooting 50% from the floor. Additionally, in those last five games Miami went 4-1 including road wins over two playoff teams in Milwaukee and Chicago, and a road blowout win against Brooklyn. “I’m so proud of Dwyane and the way he has led and the fact he’s playing every night and getting himself ready to play every night. He knows as well as I do, nobody is ever 100 percent. I’m so proud of Dwyane and how he’s come back and changed the narrative about himself and worked on his body” said Riley.
Miami Dolphins: Why they need an offensive line By D’Joumbarey A. Moreau Six. That number was the number of losses that we expected for the Miami Dolphins in the 2015 season. However, that number got switched around and became the amount of wins that this team produced leaving us all in utter disappointment from the wasted season. Even though the roster only managed to win six games, there’s still a lot of optimism around this franchise. The good news is the Dolphins had enough talent to compete with anyone in the league and the proof was in the pudding. Out of their six wins, half of them came against playoff teams. The New England Patriots, Washington Redskins, and Houston Texans all were victimized by a team that finally played to their potential. Thankfully because the season is finally over and all of the hope that filled last year’s roster only becomes this season’s pressure, the Dolphins are going to have to find a new gameplan in order to win. With the Dolphins having such a bad in 2015, it sets them up for a great season in 2016. A true blessing is that
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. 4, 11, 18, 25, 2016
they’ll be in a position to finally have a good draft pick. Sitting at No. 8 in the 2016 NFL Draft there are a number of different options that Miami could take to help make their team better. It might not be a skill position or the household name that everyone wants but the Miami Dolphins have to come away from the draft with an offensive lineman. Miam Dolphins offensive linemen. It Starts With the NFL Draft Go back to the 2010 NFL Draft. The San Francisco 49ers did something that was unheard of and drafted Anthony Davis (tackle), and Mike Iupati (guard). The next season the 49ers, with their new coach at the time, Jim Harbaugh, went on to win 13 games and finished their season in the NFC Championship game. Harbaugh understood the importance of having a great offensive line because they’re the pillars of the team. For the Miami Dolphins, they need to follow some of his wisdom and follow in their footsteps. The offensive line is a five man chain. If you have some of the pieces that are strong and some that are weak, it will only break the chain. However, if you can find five players that are serviceable or above average it could make or break a season. “I really think the Dolphins need to rebuild that offensive line, to be honest.... “I thought he was going to turn the corner after the 2014 season but this past season he regressed.” (Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)
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Miami Dolphins: Jarvis Landry showed out in the Pro Bowl
By D’Joumbarey A. Moreau Six.1966. That was the first inaugural season for the Miami Dolphins. This storied franchise has been around for more than 50 years in the NFL and they’ve won multiple championships in their time. Not many NFL franchises can say that they have multiple Super Bowl wins but
this franchise is different. For as many rings as the Dolphins have captured in their time, they’ve also been the only team in NFL history to have an undefeated season. For as great as that accomplishment is, the Dolphins did something this Sunday they’ve never done in franchise history. With the selections of Jarvis Landry, Mike Pouncey, Bran-
den Albert, Brent Grimes and Reshad Jones, it marked the first time in franchise history the Dolphins had five players in the Pro Bowl. It’s a bit crazy to think the Dolphins almost had as many Pro Bowlers as they did wins, but let’s focus on the positive. Having those many players participate in an AllStar event is a huge honor. The fact that five of their best players on their roster made the roster only shows to everyone that the coaching was the biggest problem. When you watched the Pro Bowl, you didn’t have to worry too much about the lack of coaching. For head coach Jerry Rice, the game plan was simple, get Jarvis Landry the football. (Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)
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Breaking down beliefs of racial hierarchy and ethnicity to unearthing historic and contemporary patterns that are barriers to success, healing those wounds and creating opportunities for all children. Specifically, the TRHT process will prioritize inclusive, community-based healing activities and policy design that seek to change collective community narratives and broaden the understanding that Americans have for their diverse experiences. TRHT will assemble national and local commissions
that will hold public forums on the consequences of racial inequity and work toward mobilizing systems and structures to create more equitable opportunities. In the forums, we will also discuss racial hierarchy and how best to dismantle it. Clearly, there must be broader knowledge of the harm that comes from the devaluation and from the structures of inequality. They create physical harm, they create mental and emotional harm, and when there’s harm, healing is needed.
When an unarmed black person is killed, I have a bodily reaction to that tragedy. I relive losses of my own, such as when I was a teenager in Cleveland. My first cousin was shot and killed by a white thrillseeker in our segregated neighborhood. I recall that we buried her that week, while he enlisted in the Navy and left the city. It was the first funeral I ever attended. Despite all the joyful moments my cousin and
February 4 - February 10, 2016 • Page 11 I shared growing up together, my only lasting recollection is of her body lying in that casket. All of us must become more cognizant of the cost of violence and the harm. We must be willing to invest in the processes that help to bring about healing. TRHT will lead this transformation. Other Truth and Reconciliation efforts around the world aim to reconcile. But America’s genesis is this hierarchy. And so we don’t have to come back, we don’t need to reconcile, this nation needs to transform. The TRHT will chart that course.
Dr. Gail C. Christopher is vice president for TRHT and a senior advisor at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. About America’s Wire America’s Wire is an independent, nonprofit news service run by the Maynard Institute for Journalism Education and supported by the W/K. Kellogg Foundation. Our stories can be republished free of charge by newspapers, websites and other media sources. For more information, visit www.americaswire.org or contact Michael K. Frisby at mike@frisbyassociates.com
By Dr. Gail C. Christopher America’s Wire Writers Group Fifty years ago, the Civil Rights Movement led to a series of laws banning public discrimination. African Americans were no longer barred from certain restaurants, some schools were integrated and fair housing laws created more living options. But today, it’s clear that court rulings and legislation didn’t change the root cause of conscious and unconscious bias - the widespread belief in racial hierarchy still exists. As a nation, we didn’t understand the power of this belief, this misguided notion that some people are either superior or inferior because of the color of their skin. This bias manifests in many ways. Unarmed men and women are killed by police and civilians, the justice system seems tilted toward whites, and there remains unequal treatment for children and adults when it comes to health, education, housing and employment. David R. Williams, a sociology professor at Harvard University, cites studies showing that when whites, blacks and Hispanics visited hospital emergency rooms with the same ailment, white patients received pain medication more frequently than people of color. Does that make the physicians racist? That may not be the case. With the advancements in neuroscience, we now know much more about the power of the mind. We understand that unconscious beliefs are deeply held, that centuries of this belief system have unconsciously shaped how some of us respond. But now, 21st century technology - YouTube, cell phones, dashboard cameras, body cameras - are leveraged to shape new beliefs about our humanity. They are capturing and exposing vivid samples of people of color abused and dehumanized. We must move beyond the absurd notion that some people have more value than others. What’s promising is that recent polling data demonstrates a palpable desire for a positive change in how we view one another and how we shape our society to reflect the inherent value of all people. We have carried the burden and the weight of this mythology of a hierarchy of human value, allowing it to weigh our country down for centuries. We must jettison that belief and move forward with the truth of our equal values as a human family. It’s significant that a polling analysis conducted by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation in conjunction the Northeastern University School of Journalism has found that a majority of whites now acknowledge that racism still exists, and that it creates bias in structures such as the criminal justice system. Furthermore, a majority of Americans believe more needs to be done to eliminate racism. In a poll last year, 53 percent of whites said more changes needed to be made to give Blacks equal rights with whites, up from just 39 percent a year earlier. Those findings underscore that now is the time for the Truth Racial Healing & Transformation (TRHT) process, which the Kellogg Foundation launched on Jan. 28. More than 70 diverse organizations and individuals ranging from the National Civic League to the YWCA USA to the NAACP are partners in the TRHT process. This broad coalition seeks to move the nation beyond dialogues about race
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Westside Gazette
Today ’s family traditions become tomorrow’s family history. Whether you’re passing down recipes and traditions, stories or advice, feeding into future generations is a great way to maintain your family’s legacy. So celebrate this Black History Month by not only remembering African American history makers, but also by passing down your own family’s history. When you add family, tradition, (and a little love) to the ingredients you’ll find at Publix, we think you have the perfect recipe. Thank you for inviting us to the table.
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