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THURSDA THURSDAYY, NOVEMBER 24 - WEDNESDA WEDNESDAYY, NOVEMBER 30, 2016

Children say goodbye to their First Lady

By Ayanna Alexander, Howard University News Service WASHINGTON, D.C. — Children from all over the nation, some who had never ventured past their street corners and others who had never traveled outside their cities, stood in the White House and cried, the tears streaming down their face.

They also laughed and giggled and hugged.

They were a diverse group, Black, Hispanic, Native American and gay, ages 12 to 18. They had traveled to Washington from as far away as Arkansas and San Francisco to receive awards for their special arts organizations.

They also got a chance to say goodbye to the first lady, Michelle Obama, a woman who they said made them feel like they too are a part of America.

“I’m more than happy,” said Noemi Negron, 15, after giving Obama a huge hug and mugging for the cameras. “As a woman of color, it just makes me so happy to see Michelle up there fighting for everybody’s rights. She thinks everyone should be equal and that’s how

Final Obama White House Events

Michelle Obama hugs one of the awardees at the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Awards ceremony at the White House. Children from across the nation laughed, hugged and cried as they said goodbye to the first lady, who leaves office with her husband in January.

(Photos by Cheriss May)

it should be and. I think she’s so amazing.”

Ian Aquino, an autistic nineyear-old, hugged Obama four times and wore an ear-to-ear smile throughout the two hour program.

The children were there to receive awards from the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program, which uses the arts to address the needs of youth with special needs.

Aquino, for example, is with Subway Sleuths, a New York City program for autistic children. Negron is part of Inquilinos Boricuas En Accion’s Youth Development Program in Boston, which helps lowincome youth prepare them for college and careers.

The program included speeches, including one from Cuban Ambassador Jose Ramon Cabanas Rodriguez and music.

A string quartet of young men smartly dressed in Black performed as part of the event.

They represented the Sphinx Overture, a program that provides free music education, violin lessons and instruments to students in underserved communities in Flint, Mich.

Give in to the holiday spirit by sharing the spirit of giving As the holiday seasons are upon us, we would like to remind our readers that when we give we are blessing and are blessed at the same time. The holidays can be quite depressing for some and overwhelming to others. In our haste to enjoy and have a good time why not share with someone who is in need of what we have no matter what it is?

Joy, peace and love are nonrefundable and not sold in store.

Be the act of giving. Love is not a costly product but it may cost to love. No matter the cost the final outcome always, always outweighs the price. God bless you and happy Thanksgiving. As we usher in the seasons of joy and happiness, let’s be mindful to share what we have with those who have not.

“The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, (B)to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’” Matthew 25:45 (NASB) “Dear God you’ve given us so much and because of that, we have so much to give. Allow us to open our hands freely that those who do not have may without restrictions receive what we have to give. In Jesus name amen.”

THERE’S TRULY NO GREATER GIFT THAN THE GIFT OF LOVE

Lee Daniels to be honored and A community of journalists and politicians deliver an emotional Jussie Smollett to host Heroes in the Struggle Gala Reception and goodbye to Gwen Ifill

By Lauren Victoria Burke Award presentation to benefit (NNPA Newswire Contributor) the Black AIDS Institute A low key but solid strain of references to current affairs was heard in the eulogies for much loved and respected journalist Gwen Ifill at her funeral on November 19.

The name of the next president of the United States was never spoken, but the subtext of her death six days before the end of an unstable political season was a repeated refrain. Several eulogists noted that her passing was the end of a career featuring clarity and objective reason, qualities that journalism is desperately in need of at this moment.

Ifill was a former reporter for “The New York Times” and “The Washington Post” before joining NBC News and then PBS in 1999 as host of “Washington Week” and the “NewsHour.”

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A community of journalists and politicians mourn the loss of veteran journalist Gwen Ifill.

(Photo by Lauren Victoria Burke/NNPA)

The many scandals of Donald Trump: A cheat sheet

By David A. Graham The Atlantic

The 2016 presidential campaign saw a long string of stories showing scandals involving Trump.

Pleading Our Own Cause

The Donald J. Trump Foundation apparently admitted in filings with the IRS it broke federal rules against selfdealing, The Washington Post’s David Fahrenthold reports.

According to federal law, charitable organizations like the Trump Foundation cannot use their funds to help their leaders’ families or business interests. But during the presidential campaign, Fahrenthold laid out in a series of stories several ways in which the Trump Foundation seemed to have done just that. In some cases, the president-elect allegedly used the foundation as a slush fund to resolve his

WWW.

legal issues.

For example, in lieu of paying a fine to the city of Palm Beach, he agreed to make a charitable donation. In total, Fahrenthold found nearly $260,000 of such maneuvers.

In other cases, the foundation purchased lavishly priced items—including over-sized portraits of Trump and a football helmet signed by struggling minor-league baseball player Tim Tebow—and appears to have given them to Trump as gifts.

Trump, the foundation, and his campaign would not admit any violations during the campaign. But on Monday, the Trump Foundation’s 2015 tax forms were posted on a website that tracks nonprofit filings.

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Filmmaker Lee Daniels (l) will be honored and Jussie Smollett will host the 2016 Heroes in the Struggle Gala Reception and Awards Reception. (Black AIDS Institute) The Black AIDS Institute is honored to announce that award winning producer, writer and director Lee Daniels (Empire, Lee Daniels’ The Butler, Precious, Monster’s Ball) will headline an illustrious list of inductees into the Heroes in the Struggle Hall of Fame at a star-studded Gala Reception and Award Presentation, hosted by Jussie Smollett (Empire), at the Director’s Guild of America, in Los Angeles, on World AIDS Day, December 1, 2016.

Former Director of the Office of National AIDS Policy, Douglas M. Brooks; Director of External Affairs for ViiV Healthcare, Marc Meachem; Executive Director of SisterLove, Inc., DazonDiallo; and Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, Mark Ridley-Thomas will be honored as well. The 2016 corporate Hero is Gilead Sciences. Each has played a leadership role in HIV in 2016.

Heroes in the Struggle Hall of Fame Heroes in the Struggle is a photographic tribute to Black Americans and allies who have made heroic contributions to the fight against HIV/AIDS. Over 75 individuals from all walks of life—celebrities, doctors, policy makers, advocates, caregivers, and people living with HIV/AIDS—have been inducted into the exhibit since its inception in 2000. Since its debut, the Heroes in the Struggle exhibit has traveled the world, raising awareness, challenging individuals and institutions to get involved in their communities, and generating critical conversations about HIV stigma, testing, prevention, treatment and care.

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PAGE 2 • NOVEMBER 24 - NOVEMBER 30, 2016

After game interview with coaches

Bethune Cookman Head Coach Terry Sims Well, first and foremost, I have to take my hat off to my football team and my staff. The guys did a great job not quitting and continuing to stick with our game plan and stick with what we set forward to do early in the week, go out and execute.

We came out early and they put the first drive together and drove the ball down the field. We held them to a field goal and our offense got on the field. We got hot the first three drives of the game and scored, and we started to sputter a little bit. We started to have penalties sneak in there.

Just lost our heads for a little bit but looking at the outcome of the game the guys got focused again after halftime and went back out and finished up our job.

Q. Coach Sims, what do you have to say to some of those seniors?

Well, job well done, and I thanked those guys yesterday at the luncheon because that was the group that helped keep our football team together.

Going through all this, having

16 guys out at one time, down to our fourth string quarterback at one point in time. They never hung their heads. Our days of practice were the same when we were 0-5 as they were when we started camp and those guys hung in there. They led this football team. The result is days like today.

Q. Would you describe that as one of, if not your best, defensive performances of the year?

People that know me, I’ll say that’s what they’re supposed to do. If they don’t score they can’t win and that’s what I expect from our defense because they’re a stout, sturdy bunch so we expect that from them and they went out today and they did bail us out a little bit. We had a brain fart a little bit earlier because we didn’t cover the tight end. We dropped coverage. We let them score, didn’t get momentum back for a little bit. We put that behind us and the team pushed forward.

Florida A&M University Head Coach Alex Wood Coach Wood: We’ve concluded obviously my second (Florida) Classic. I can’t remember what the number is since we’ve been playing a lot of games here. We just couldn’t overcome some of the miscues that we had in three phases of the game: offense, defense and special teams. They had a couple of miscues as well. We we’re only able to come up and get three points in two of those situations. Touchdowns were what we desired. It didn’t happen. Again, overall defensively we just gave up too many explosive plays in the second half there. During the course of the ballgame, I think to really mount a competitive comeback but the shanked punt and then we penalized ourselves there late in the third or early in the fourth, and they moved it half the distance to the goal line and scored. When you do things

If I don’t have the answer,

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like that it’s hard to beat a team that’s already in front of you, that’s already beating you, that’s already ahead pointwise. That’s kind of where it’s at. I think our kids fought hard.

They played hard. We prepared hard last week for this game like we do every year and for every game. It’s disappointing to finish on a losing note, but we’ll be back and we’ve got a bright and promising future at Florida A&M football.

Q. What did you say to your seniors after the game?

Well, as always, we thanked them for their contribution to our program. We thanked them for being on track and graduating. They helped us boost our APR at Florida A&M University. Some are going to graduate here in a couple of weeks. We only have 12 seniors.

Half of them will graduate in a couple of weeks, and the other

half will graduate at the end of spring and the summer. So, we thanked them for that and all their leadership and their community service while they were at FAMU and just the pot of the things that they brought to our program.

Q. What are your thoughts on this season?

Well, we got off to a rough start as you know. We started off—we were 0-for-4 at one point. We got our first win against Savannah [State] and were able to win some games, I think back-to-back even in some cases and get ourselves to four wins. Again, today going into the game we were at fourth in the MEAC, they picked us to finish eighth, so we were glad about that. We were hoping to solidify that spot so there is improvement. Was it where we wanted to be? No. But I’m really encouraged about some of these young players in this program.

Ryan Stanley being one, and Devin Bowers being back as well. Just really encouraged about some of the young players and then the opportunity to go and recruit and continue to build our program.

Q. What would a fifth win have done for this program?

Well, it would’ve meant a winning record inside the MEAC. Now we’re going to be 4-4 ; it would’ve meant a winning record which would’ve gotten us a winning record somewhere in that group of

Johntay Manigault up the beat for the Marching 100 at halftime. games. That’s what that would’ve meant.

After making a great catch at the FAMU 20 yead line.

Wildcat receiver Jami Wilson makes a great catch near the FAMU 20 yard line.

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Community Digest

NOVEMBER 24 - NOVEMBER 30, 2016 • PAGE 3

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

Events

The City of Miami Gardens community partners engage our residents with special events and activities: · Thanksgiving Dinner on Thursday, Nov. 24, 2016 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Hope Church of Christ, 295 N.W. 199 St., Miami, Fla. For more info call (786) 309-8160. · Miss Miami Broward Carnival Pageant Seventh Annual Toy Drive on Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016 from 12 p.m., until at Sweet Hand Kathy’s Restaurant & Bakery, 20316 N.W. Second Ave., Miami Gardens, Fla. For more info (786) 3560869 or (786) 290-6100.

Celebration

The Areawide Council on Aging of Broward County will celebrate its 36th Annual Installation Dinner on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2017, from 6 to 7 p.m., at Renaissance Fort Lauderdale-Plantation Hotel, 1230 S. Pine Island Rd., Plantation, Fla. For cost and additional info contact Cheryl Morrow at (954) 745-9567, ext. 10296 or Denise at (954) 745-9567, ext. 10216.

SUPPORT THE BLACK PRESS, IS THE VOICE IN THE BLACK COMMUNITY. CALL FOR YOUR SUBSCRIPTION TODAY -- CALL (954) 525-1489

Happenings at African-American Research Library and Cultural Center

African-American Research Library and Cultural Center, 2650 Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderale, Fla. For more info call (954) 357-6210. * The Theatre of Creative Consciousness of the Arts, Inc. (TCCA) invites you to join them in their mission to fight the wide spread of HIV/AIDS in urban communities of South Florida, hard hit by the epidemic, Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016 at 3 p.m. For additional info call Alfreda Upshaw at (954) 5339281. * Women of Color Empowerment Series Advocates for Change, Monday, Dec. 5, 2016 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., An Evening with Maggie Anderson Author of “Our Black Year”, Free with RSVP to: www.southfloridawomenofcolor.com or (954) 900-3494. * The Christmas Chocolate Nutcracker on Friday, Dec. 9, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets on sale at the AARLCC Bookstore for more info go to www.ashanticulturalarts.com or (945) 482-1553 or (954) 3576282. * Glenda All Into One, Inc., Free Family Event Health Education, Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2016 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served. For more info contact Glenda Oliver at (954) 593-7551 or Kimberly Watson at (954) 632-2135.

Florida Department of Health in Broward County

By Bob LaMendola How’s this for a holiday gift: Enjoy good times, good parties and all your favorite food and drinks – without packing on extra pounds.

The key is no secret. Use moderation at all those dinners, family gatherings, faith-based events and other festivities.

“With some planning, smarts and a bit of self-control, you can have a fantastic time without overindulging,” says Dr. Paula Thaqi, Director of the Florida Department of Health in Broward County.

Need a little help? Join the Department’s “Maintain, Don’t Gain! Holiday Challenge,” a seven-week program from Nov. 14 through Dec. 31 offering ways to avoid weight gain. You can join any time. Last year, 1,600 Floridians took advantage.

You get: 1. Seven weekly email newsletters. 2. Tips to host healthier dinners, manage holiday stress and survive a holiday party. 3. Weekly challenges with prizes. 4. Support through social media. 5. Healthy holiday recipes. 6. Motivation and support from other participants.

For information and to register, go to www.healthiestweightflorida.com/activities/holiday.html.

In the meantime, here are 10 tips for healthy holiday eating from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other experts: 1. Don’t deny yourself. It’s OK to indulge a bit. Skipping all the fun increases your desire to binge.

2. Don’t go to a dinner party on an empty stomach. Eat a healthy breakfast or lunch with fruits and vegetables, plus protein such as tuna salad, nuts, eggs, yogurt or cheese.

3. View holiday events as less about food and more about spending time with family and friends.

4. If it won’t insult the hosts, bring a healthy dish to share.

That gives you a treat if the other food is waist-busting. Try baking with whole grains and applesauce in place of white flour and oil.

5. At the buffet, sample your favorites and skip the rest. Let others be first in line. Eating last may help you cut down on seconds.

6. If you’re not hungry but tempted by sight and smell, nibble on small portions of favorites.

7. Set a mental goal of filling half your plate with fruits and veggies, one-quarter with protein and one-quarter with whole grains.

8. Walk away from the buffet table to mingle while you eat.

Eat slowly and savor every bite. Hang out with talkers, not eaters.

9. Hold off on getting seconds. Our bodies may take 20 minutes after eating to feel full..

10. Drinking water with food helps you feel fuller, quicker.

Also, limit alcohol, which has calories and can lower your willpower.

If you overdo it, a nice walk helps you feel better. The next day, resume healthy meals.

More information: CDC at www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/ nutrition/pdf/r2p_away_from_home_food.pdf

Event

SOS Children's Villages Florida is hosting their annual Spirit Light up the Village event on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016 from 3 to 5 p.m., at Village, 3681 N.W. 59 Place, Coconut Creek, Fla. For additional info contact Dawn Seay at (954) 420-5030 ext. 2003

Exhibit

“Invisual: The works of Goldstein and Nicola” Art Exhibit, thru Monday, Dec. 12, 2016. November at the Bailey Contemporary Arts showcases powerful work from two very different artists tackling the same phenomenon: invisibility. Dates and hours of admission available online. For additional info call (954) 2840141.

Touch Weekly Event

Don’t miss the Sistrunk Healthy Community Zone first year celebration and YAA ArtHouse Backyard Kick off, Saturday, Dec. 17, 2016 from 2 to 6 p.m., at YAA ArtHouse & Megaphone, 821 N.W. 12 Terr., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Come out and celebrate the Holiday Spirit and our Sistrunk Community.

Join us for: • Healthy Community Zone (HCZ) Vendors • YAA ArtHouse presenting art activities and pictures with Santa • The Megaphone Stage showcasing: Local Community Performances • YMCA YFITA • Local food • Gift Giveaways • And much more!

If you are interested in being part of the performance please contact Marie Huntley at Mhuntleyocl@gmail.com or Arely Lozano-Baugh at Abaugh@YMCASouthFlorida.org or call (954) 523-4733.

The Westside Gazette Wishes You And Your Family A Happy Thanksgiving

Class Activities

Attention the Classes of 1971 and 1973 · Annual Toy Drive on Wednesday, Dec. 14, 15, and 16, from 6 to 7 p.m., at the Black Firefighters Hall, 309 S.W. 26 St., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. We will began our Annual Toy Drive. Accepted donation of wrapped and labeled toys for girl and boys, preschool to second grade. · Class Christmas Holiday Party on Saturday, Dec. 17, 2016. Further info TBA.

Volunteers Needed

The American Cancer Society’s Annual Relay for Life Event of Carter Park, Lauderhill, Lauderdale Lakes & North Lauderdale, seeking both adults & High School student, service hours available for high school students. For detail call Delicia at (954) 401-9398 or Pamela at (954) 445-0244.

Pleading Our Own Cause STAYCONNECTED-www.thewestsidegazette.com

Showcase

Musical Paintbrush Productions of the Arts, Inc., presents the Second annual South Florida Showcase 2016, Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016 at 1:30 p.m., at African American Research Library and Cultural Center. Tickets are on sale at www.eventbrite.com.

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.

Meeting

Mount Bethel Change Ministries, NA/AA Meeting, Every Friday, at 6:30 p.m., at 901 N.W. 11 Ave., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. For more info call (954) 763-5644 or (954) 400-8222.

PAGE 4 • NOVEMBER 24 - NOVEMBER 30, 2016

Opinion

The Westside Gazette, under the Management of BI-ADs, Inc., reserves the right to publish Views and Opinions by Contributing Writers may not necessarily reflect those of the Staff and Management of The Westside Gazette Newspaper and are solely the product of the responsible individual(s) who submit comments published in this newspaper.

‘Waiting on the Church’

By Pastor Rasheed Z Baaith “Then tidings of these things came unto the ear of the church…” (Acts 11:22a) All over the world, in countries great and small, in cities, rural areas and on

Don’t stop believing

By Rep. Frederica S. Wilson (D-FL) The French author, historian and philosopher Voltaire once wrote that “faith consists in believing when it is beyond the power of reason to believe.” It is a sentiment I am certain several of my congressional colleagues have felt when week after week, I doggedly sought their support in the effort to secure the safe return of hundreds of Nigerian schoolgirls who on

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street corners, in homes and businesses, people are speaking in stentorian voices or in low murmurings about their fears of what may happen or not happen in their future.

We are living on a globe full of anxiety. Yet, as unnerving as that may be, it is also a time of great opportunity April 14, 2014, were abducted from their boarding school by the terrorist group Boko Haram.

And who could blame them, really? Even with the help of U.S. troops, search endeavors proved futile and not a single piece of evidence that the girls were still alive emerged during a period of more than two years.

Boko Haram, in the meantime, pledged its allegiance to ISIS; was designated the world’s deadliest terrorist group; and added the neighboring nations Cameroon, Niger, Chad, and Benin to its hostage list. As a result of its insurgency, 2.6 million people have become refugees, millions more are at risk of starving to death, and an untold number of others have been kidnapped and sexually abused, tortured, or killed in a myriad of heinous ways. The humanitarian crises and despair the region has experienced will undoubtedly take generations to repair.

And still I hoped. Thankfully, many House lawmakers on both sides of the aisle did, too. In addition to participating in a social media campaign, we have held hearings, briefings, press conferences and vigils to help ensure the world would not forget the stillmissing girls. We have also crafted legislation that would provide aid to the Nigerian government and the Multi National Task Force fighting to defeat Boko Haram.

Our advocacy has not been in vain.

On April 14, 2016, as the world marked the two-year anniversary of the girls’ abduction, Boko Haram released a video featuring several of their captives as an opening salvo to begin negotiations for their return. In May, Chibok girl Amina Ali Nkeki was discovered wandering in the Sambisa Forest, where the rest of her schoolmates are believed to be held.

In August, Boko Haram released a second “proof of life” video with a demand for the release of its fighters captured by military troops in exchange for the girls. Nearly two months later, with the help of the Swiss government and the International Red Cross, the Nigerian government successfully negotiated the release of 21 Chibok girls. And, on Nov. 5, army troops rescued another Chibok girl in a pre-dawn raid. I couldn’t have asked for a better birthday gift.

These developments underscore how it is more important than ever that we keep hope alive and keep fighting until every one of the girls has been released and Boko Haram has been defeated. Lame duck sessions are traditionally do-nothing affairs, but this is a bipartisan issue that we can all support.

On Sept. 22, the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations passed H.R. 3833, legislation I introduced to help combat Boko Haram and secure the girls’ safe return.

The measure directs the U.S. secretaries of State and Defense to jointly develop a five-year strategy to aid the Nigerian government, members of the Multinational Joint Task Force created to combat Boko Haram, and international partners who’ve offered their support to counter the regional threat posed by Boko Haram. The strategy also would address the crushing humanitarian and education crises created by Boko Haram. Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) has successfully passed a similar bill.

I urge House Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to bring both measures to the floor for a full vote. It would be an extraordinary opportunity to show President-elect Donald J. Trump, and indeed the world, that despite our differences, we can do the right thing.

It also would be an important first step toward helping our incoming president achieve his goal to end ISIS’s reign of terror. In a YouTube message issued this week to Mr. Trump, Boko Haram—ISIS’s self-proclaimed brethren—said, “To us, the war has just begun.”

Let’s show both groups that we can and will work together to end their reign of terror in West Africa.

for the Church. It is opportunity the Church was created for.

The Church’s mission is to those who need assurance, comfort, love and welcome where there has been no welcome. It is to introduce to these same folk, whatever the maladies of their life, to a God who loves them no matter who does not and no matter what their past life has been. And now God has blessed the Church with a crop of these people in every corner of the world.

That the Church will harvest this crop remains to be seen. Because while the world is waiting on the Church, the Church is waiting on itself.

It is waiting for itself to be consistent in its theology, be headed by a fearless but compassionate leadership, become aware that in spite of all the talk of peace coming from the Church, the Church is involved in a very real war.

It is a war between good and evil, right and wrong; between traditions that need to be adhered to and traditions that need to be left alone; it is in a war between those preachers who believe whooping and screaming crosses the bridge of communication between them and a generation completely turned off by this pastoral convention. And we preachers who do not.

The Church is a war with itself because it judges young men by the way they wear their hair and young women by the fact of their past as evidenced by their being mothers too early in life or how short their dresses are.

It is as if everyone in the church above the age of 30 has been sin free all their lives. I don’t know about others but I haven’t been. Nor have they.

And why isn’t worship more joyful in our churches? I’m not speaking of being loud; I’m talking of being joyful.

Of worship being celebratory and not commotional.

Why should it be joyful? Because we say we love a God who loves us in return, we say our treasure is in Heaven because our God is our salvation.

That knowledge should make us joyful, our hearts should be full and our spirits unburdened.

But even more because we have come into church after a week of work and toil and difficulties and our God gives us a release. The world needs that kind of sanctum. It needs a spiritual abode where worship is freedom, not a conditional liberty.

Uncle Reece sings we have to go hard when we worship and worship until we pass out. The world is waiting on the Church to be real, waiting to see the Church they’ve read about in the Bible be the Church they go to on Sunday. It is too often disappointed at what they witness.

Think about it.

What have Blacks learned in 2016 about the importance of voting?

B y Roger Caldwell Every vote counts….I hope. In Florida, Presidential nominee, Hillary Clinton, lost the state by less than 130,000 votes, and it could be smaller than that when the final votes are counted. This is significant because many Blacks stayed home, thinking their one vote wouldn’t make a difference in the 2016 presidential election. Many are now protesting around the country, but they are a day late and a vote short.

President Obama won 93% of the Black vote in 2012, and Hillary won only 88% of the Black vote in 2016.

Every registered Black voter that did not vote in the election was a vote for Trump. In the barber shop that I frequent, none of the three barbers voted in the election.

In almost every Black barber shop around the country, there are frequent discussions about politics, but in 2016, many Black men disappeared at the polls. At Black beauty salons, more Black women voted, but it appears less voted in 2016 than in 2012.

Blacks spend hours talking about the injustices in America, but when it is time to vote to make changes, why are they not showing up at the polls to vote?

There are many different reasons why Hillary lost the election, and all the blame cannot be placed on Blacks.

But if more young Blacks between the ages of18 to 25 years old voted consistently, and more 25 to 45-year-olds, we could determine the outcome of more local, state, and federal races.

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Marijuana Amendment author should now make good on promises Dr. Jessica Spencer Policy Director, VOTE NO on 2 Campaign I’m angry, sad, and nervous about what this means for Florida, but the deed is done and Florida voters have chosen to take Amendment 2’s author, John Morgan, at his word. All we can do now is implore Florida’s legislature to take him at his word as well. We may have lost the battle, but hopefully we won’t lose the war.

When I debated Mr. Morgan on WESH 2 News in mid-October he made three bold promises to voters which the legislature should now take as evidence of the authors’ intent. Morgan began the debate by assuring the moderator (Adrian Whitset) and myself: “[Amendment 2] is not the legalization of recreational marijuana.

What this is, is a cure – a help for really, really, really sick people.”

There’s nothing the legislature can do about the lack of conclusive evidence that marijuana cures, or even effectively treats, any ailment. They can, however, take Morgan at his word and ensure marijuana goes only to the “really, really, really sick,” by further defining “other debilitating medical conditions”, effectively shutting down the unscrupulous, pill-mill-style doctors who will take advantage of any and all ambiguities.

Morgan’s second promise was made knowing I would cite the Department of Health’s analysis from the Fiscal Impact Estimating Conference.

Namely, their estimation that Amendment 2 would bring nearly 2,000 pot shops to Florida. “They’re going to say there’s going to be a pot shop on every corner …” he began; and in attempt to stop me in my tracks, he promised: “Any municipality can ban it from their cities or county.”

If this was really his intention, he should’ve included a similar clause in his amendment. Regardless, the legislature should take John Morgan at his word by writing legislation that expressly gives municipalities the right to limit, restrict and outright ban pot shops in their communities. The same goes for edibles. The legislature needs to take Morgan up on his offer and specifically ban pot candy. Morgan promised: “It doesn’t have to be in candy form. The legislature can say ‘no’ to that.”

Hopefully by now, you’ve recognized their penchant for shifting blame to the legislature. Yes on 2 claimed throughout this year and last that their amendment was necessary only because the legislature failed to do their job (by “failed” they mean the legislature refused to pass a wide open “medical” marijuana law like Amendment 2). And so, I wasn’t at all surprised how readily Morgan was able to summon his cowardly response to my every objection: “It can only happen if the legislature lets it happen.”

That’s also why I would wager that this bothersome habit of theirs will extend beyond their campaign. Just as they got away with blaming the legislature for their very existence, they will now try and get away with blaming the legislature for all the unintended (and/or intended) consequences of Amendment 2.

In essence, if the state of Florida is witness to the same types of headlines you find in California (“Marijuana candy sickens 19 at quinceañera;” “Toddler rushed to hospital after eating pot candy”), don’t expect Morgan, or his bumbling fraternity of legal pot pushers, to share the blame. After all, when the moderator asked whether the amendment specifically forbids pot shops from opening next to schools, Morgan conceded with an emphatic “No!” But added: “That’s why we elect officials.”

That’s why we elect officials indeed. And that’s why my advice to the legislature is to unapologetically err on the side of caution and regulate this as tightly as they possibly can.

Because, whether the legislature likes it or not, the people behind Amendment 2 are going to do their best to shift all the blame away from the authors of the amendment, and onto the men and women who are now responsible for implementing it.

Dr. Jessica Spencer serves as the policy director of the ‘VOTE NO on 2’ campaign. Additional information may be found at www.VoteNo2.org.

Happy Thanksgiving To Your Family From Our Family at the Westside Gazette

Happy Holidays

Election discussions at Thanksgiving tables must look ahead

By Audrey Peterman “The moving finger writes, and having writ moves on . . .”

The words of the Persian philosopher Omar Khayyam ring as true as they did when he uttered them around the 11th Century and are eminently applicable for us today.

This Thanksgiving season, many Black families gathered around the celebratory table may still be in shock about the unexpected outcome of the elections, and some may even find dissension among us based upon our choice for President. A close relative told me over the past summer that many young Black men registering to vote for the first time were choosing to register Republican, and proudly vowing to vote for Trump. Several other people I know said they were choosing not to vote in “protest.”

So as we gather to give thanks to God, the sustainer of our world and our lives, it will be important to remember that the elections are behind us. We cannot go back and change the outcome, so there’s no point fighting over who did what. What’s important now is that we focus on how we can move forward together, upholding the ideal of “liberty and justice for all” that our country professes, and for which our ancestors gave their all as enslaved people, as soldiers in the US Armed forces and in so many other capacities for almost 500 years.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

The Gantt Report

Political Dummies

By Lucius Gantt After Hillary Clinton and many other Democratic candidates around the country suffered devastating defeats in 2016 elections, someone asked President Barack Obama what he wanted to do when President Elect Donald Trump replaces him in the White House.

I thought Obama would say that he was going back to Chicago to resume his career as a community organizer.

Reports say Barack was a formidable community worker. He was so good at it a movie was made about those times that masqueraded as a BarackMichelle love story!

No, the President didn’t say that!

Barack Obama said he and his beautiful wife Michelle Obama wanted to work hard to rebuild the Democratic Party.

LLH! LLH! LLH! If you don’t know what “LLH” stands for its “Laughing Like Hell”!

President Barack Obama is very educated. In fact, the world knows he was so smart he became the very first Black President of the prestigious Harvard Law Review at his alma mater, Harvard University.

In my opinion, a desire to rebuild the Democratic Party in the United States was one of the dumbest post-Presidential career decisions ever made by a Presidential lame duck in political history!

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

Memo to Hillary supporters: Trump won, stop whining and grow up Raynard Jackson says that Hillary and her supporters felt like they were entitled to the office of the presidency. They thought that they deserved the office, because she was a woman with the last name of Clinton.

By Raynard Jackson (NNPA Newswire Columnist) A few years ago, I wrote one of the most difficult columns that I have ever had to write.

In this particular column, I had to publically deal with my sexuality and I had to finally confess to the public that I was heterosexual.

I was tired of living in the shadows and finally mustered up the courage to out myself. I was heartened that all my friends and family supported me and told me how courageous I was.

Many of my celebrity friends called me and told me how proud they were of me and they understood that it took a lot of courage to publically admit that I like women.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

www.thewestsidegazette.com

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

Church Directory

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dr. Marcus D. Davidson, Senior Pastor WORSHIP 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!

Obituaries James C. Boyd Funeral Home ALLEN Funeral services for the late Arthur Lamar Allen, Jr. - 43 were held Nov. 19 James C. Boyd’s Memorial Chapel with Min. Jerry Jones officiating.

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.

HALL Funeral services for the late William Alphonso Hall – 71 were held Nov. 19 at James C. Boyd’s Memorial Chapel with Elder Michael Addison officiating.

WHITE Funeral services for the late Richard White, Sr - 57 were held Nov. 19 James C. Boyd’s Memorial Chapel with Min. Dennis Carter, Jr., officiating. Interment: Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens (Central).

McWhite's Funeral Home ANDREWS Funeral services for the late Joseph S. Andrews - 56 were held Nov. 20 at Deerfield Beach SDA Church with Pastor Dolphy Cross officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Mount Calvary Baptist Church

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

Reverend Anthony Burrell, Pastor SCHEDULE OF SERVICES SUNDAY

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mount Hermon A.M.E. Church 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

NOVEMBER 24 - NOVEMBER 30, 2016 • PAGE 5

Lets Us Come Before Him With Thanksgiving Psalm 95.2

BROWN Funeral services for the late Keith Brown 48 were held Nov. 19 at Koinonia Worship Center with James Walden officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

GLASS Funeral services for the late Pamela Glass 45 were held Nov. 19 at New Mount Olive Baptist Church. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

GREEN Funeral services for the late Vernon C. Green – 67 were held Nov. 20 at Lighthouse SDA Church with Pastor Dr. D. Burden officiating.

JAMES Funeral services for the late Sedrick L. James - 60 were held Nov. New Hope SDA Church with Elder Vernice Beandole officiating.

WILLIAMS Funeral services for the late Soyna Denise Williams - 50 were held Nov. 19 at McWhite’s Funeral Home Chapel with Broderick Rouse officiating.

Deliver an emotional goodbye to Gwen Ifill (Cont'd from FP) Ifill’s co-anchor on the PBS “NewsHour,” Judy Woodruff, said her on-air partner was needed “more than ever” in light of current events. Her cousin, NAACP Legal Defense Fund President Sherrilyn Ifill, mentioned the importance of the immigrant experience.

Gwen Ifill was the daughter of immigrants from Barbados.

After Sherrilyn Ifill spoke the words, “she was the daughter of immigrants” the crowd in the packed church delivered a standing ovation.

Before those words former Attorney General Eric Holder told the crowd full of journalists of the importance to live in the principles Gwen Ifill demonstrated in her journalistic career. Warning against losing principles and avoiding asking tough questions and instead choosing to sell out those principles for “access maintenance.”

Ifill died at age of 61 on November 14 at a hospice in Washington, D.C. after battling endometrial cancer for a year. The faces and themes of her funeral were a tribute to a well-con-nected, busy life full of shared experiences with close friends.

Ifill’s jarring death was another substantial loss in the African American journalistic community just 86 days after the sudden death of former NNPA Editor in Chief George Curry on August 20. Many of Ifill’s friends and co-workers were seen crying during and after the sometimes sober but often jovial service at the historic Metropolitan A.M.E church a few blocks from the White House.

The funeral was the second part of a series of tribute events for Gwen Ifill. The veteran journalist was a member of Metropolitan A.M.E. since 1989.

Leaders of the historic church honored her by announcing the

dedication of a pew in the seventh row of the church.

Ifill was eulogized by her friends including Woodruff, Holder and former New York Times senior editor Richard Berke and “Face the Nation” host John Dickerson. She was also eulogized by the first African American woman to be hired as a reporter at “The Washington Post,” Dorothy Gilliam.

First Lady Michelle Obama, Mayor Muriel Bowser, Attorney General Loretta Lynch, Homeland Security Secretary Jeh John-son, White House Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett and Assistant to the President Broderick Johnson also attended.

Also in attendance during the memorial on November 18 and at her funeral the next day, were interim DNC Chair Donna Brazile, journalist Charlayne Hunter-Gault, Vernon Jordan, New York Times columnist David Brooks, Federal Housing Finance Association Director and former Congressman Mel Watt, Rep. Marcia Fudge (D-OH), NBC News’ Chuck Todd, Ifill’s close friend Michelle Norris and Michele Martin, former CNN anchor Bernard Shaw, former ABC News producers Lynne Adrine, Rocci Fisch and Karen DeWitt, FCC Board member Mignon Clyburn, Omorosa Manigault, journalist Roland Martin, former NPR executive Madhulika Sikka, journalist Richard Prince, Children’s Defense Fund President Marian Wright Edelman and PBS correspondent Jeffrey Brown.

The funeral ceremony ended with a “ceremony of the sistahood.” The ceremony was a silent prayer circle of seven of Ifill’s female friends who held hands around an urn containing Ifill’s ashes. At the end of the ceremony, the participants cried and hugged marking the end of the almost three-hour service.

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

Rev. Cal Hopkins.

M.Div) Senior Pastor/Teacher

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

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

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

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

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

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

Q&A: What Does Reverend Deal Say This Week?

“The Pharisees believed in the resurrection Sea Scrolls. of the dead” They believed Question: How long was the gap between the Old Testament and the New Testament and were there any social or religious changes between the Testaments?

Answer: The time between the Old Testament and the New Testament was approximately 400 years. Writers call this gap of 400 years ‘the silent years: when God stop talking’. Between Malachi and Matthew (although many believe that the Gospel of Mark was the first book recorded in the New Testament) due to the transformation of leadership Judaism was shaped into many religious sects. There were the (1) Sadducees – wealthy and the upper-class. They wanted status instead of following the word of God. The Sanhedrin Council were comprised by many. (2) Pharisees – followed the word of God. Believed in the resurrection.

Many believe that Jesus was a Pharisee. Nicodemus was a Pharisee. (3) Essenes- the group that produced the Dead

in the resurrection as well.

Some say that John the Baptist falls under this sect. (4) Zealots – believed in fighting for their Jewish religion.

They were fanatics, extremist and militant. The word Zeal comes to mind. A group of assassins entitled’ Sicarii: cloak and daggers’ were members of this sect.

Other sects were the Publicans, Scribes, Nazarenes, and Nazarites (Sampson’s sect).

With prayer, meditation and biblical research from Nehemiah to Christ will unfold certain truths you did not know.

Reverend David Deal is the senior pastor at Every Christian Church is Fort Lauderdale, Fla Rev Deal can be reached in care of the Westside Gazette, 545 NW 7 Terrace, Fort Lauderdale, Fla or email at David.Deal55@gmail.com

Kids Talk About God

How can you give thanks in everything?

By Carey Kinsolving and friends “Let us be thankful for the fools,” wrote Mark Twain. “But for them the rest of us could not succeed.”

Is there more to thankfulness than this rather cynical view expressed by one of America’s most beloved humorists?

Yes, say a cadre of kids with some rather remarkable ways to apply the apostle’s mandate to give thanks in everything.

“When I broke my jaw, I am glad I didn’t die,” says Jordan, age 9. “When my friend broke his leg, I am glad he didn’t break three bones instead of two. When I burst open my head, I am glad I didn’t break my head.”

Jordan, I hope you and your friends don’t break the cash reserves of your health insurance company.

Another Jordan, 8, has found a way to be grateful for asthma: “I don’t have it all the time.” Jordan is also thankful for her sister. “She is annoying, but I love her.”

Don’t wait for something spectacular to express gratitude, says Dorothy, 8: “I give thanks that I’m here today. I can give thanks that I’m able to be there to help my mom in her time of need.” Dorothy, I think your mom is grateful for your helpful spirit.

“You can also thank God before you eat,” says Justin. “Give us this day our daily bread” is a prayer Jesus taught his disciples.

Some kids may think it’s hard to give thanks for certain meals.

However, Stephen, 7, says, “If you have some spinach or some food you don’t like, just think of all the people who would like to have that food.”

Believe it or not, a third Jordan, 8, has found reasons to give thanks: “You can give thanks for everything by looking at the best of everything, by praying and by singing his praises.”

Stick with the three P’s of providence, prayer and praise, and you’ll never allow bitterness to take root in your heart. An attitude of gratitude sees even adverse circumstances as part of God’s greater plan for character development.

If you’ve trusted the Lord Jesus as your savior, be grateful that the God who created this universe has accepted you into his glorious kingdom. Hold up the shield of faith to quench the fiery darts of ingratitude, doubt and anger that can ruin the peace to which God has called you.

Leah, 10, explains how providence and praise work together: “You should be thankful in the good times that God has given (Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

NEW JERUSALEM MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH, INC. -- Accepting resumes for Pastor Candidates must be called by God and demonstrate the qualities of 1Timothy 3:1-8.Subject to background checks.

Resumes accepted from Nov. 16, 2016 thru Dec. 16, 2016 @ 5:00 PM Please send all resumes to: New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church, 1107 N.W. 29TH Avenue,Fort Lauderdale,Florida 33311-- Attention: Steering Committee

PAGE 6 • NOVEMBER 24 - NOVEMBER 30, 2016

www.thewestsidegazette.com

Westside Gazette

The Haitian American Corner: "Haiti Cherie , nou pap sa bliye’w". Which translates to, “Haiti, we can never forget you”.

By Shirley Thimothee-Paul, RN MSN

James Pierre, member of the Haitian American Hurricane Matthew Relief Effort, addressing the crowd of over 2000 in the provence Jeremie; where many are still left with nothing after the Hurriaine Mattew.

A promise made by many that have left the once beautiful island of Haiti.

Thousands of people wait outside the gates of an area designated for the relief effort in the town of Beaumont, deep in the southern part of Haiti, tragically pummeled by hurricane Matthew. The buzz of the excited crowd is almost tangible as we quickly unload the buses and trucks of medication, food and donated personal items.

Armed security personnel form a path to make way for us to enter. One by one we make way to set up the clinic, pharmacy and giveaway room. Always expecting the unexpected, we are excited and apprehensive all at once, like a performer eager to please the crowd but terrified

that something may go wrong.

Only this crowd isn’t filled with entertainment seekers; it’s filled with the beautiful people of Haiti. A people that have for far too long been described not by their strengths and gifts but by the needs they possess as a result of a multitude of both natural and unnatural occurrences.

Despite the obvious desperation in the numbers, these beautiful people have maintained hope. Surrounded by devastation, illness and filth, they follow the lead of Tico Armand, a Haitian professional model, host and motivational speaker, as she sings the words to an old Christian song “Louez- Louez” glorifying Jesus and the forgiveness of our sins, barely able to hold back tears of joy and pain.

Young and old singing with hands held high, clapping as

Getting Healthy inside out: Physical fitness and nutrition

By Marcos Restrepo We have a problem! It is not a secret that many Black and Latino communities are known to have the worst health outcomes in many counties and cities across the United States.

Broward County residents also face health disparities.

Some disparities such as not having access to quality health care are complicated and not an easy to fix. Other disparities we can tackle as individuals and communities. Residents must lead the way in the fight for health equity across our County.

With that in mind Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Broward County (HMHB) through the Closing the Gap Program spons, has been promoting healthy eating and “Sister Stroll” or walking groups because they are an easy way to get people active.

According to the American Heart Association, walking at least twice a week can reduce the risk of high blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels and make your heart stronger.

These are only a few of the many advantages you get from walking. Walking is free; you

only need a good pair of sneakers and a bottle of water; you can keep your own company or invite others along. People are often surprised that they can walk a mile in twenty minutes or less.

What we don’t know can hurt us.

We need residents to help create and lead walking groups and participate in nutrition workshops in Broward County.

HMHB staff leads walking groups at several parks including Roosevelt Gardens Park, Joseph C. Carter Park (aka Sunland Park) and Rev. Samuel Delevoe Park, as well as parks

in the city of Hollywood. Residents of all ages have the opportunity to meet and learn about healthier lifestyles and have fun while doing it.

At the American Public Health Association Conference held in Denver in November 2016, former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. David Satcher noted that we need to deal with our internal issues of equity, adding that “as long as we have such disparities we cannot be the healthiest nation in the world.”

Lack of education, low income and limited access to quality health care impact our

health. Inequity leaves many communities burdened with preventable chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease.

HMHB and other organizations are working to improve health outcomes with health education programs, but those efforts need to multiply to reach more people.

Nutrition education sessions are a great way to reduce health disparities. We can prevent or control diabetes, reduce the risks of heart attacks through small changes to food intake such as reducing the amount of fat, sugar and starch.

HMHB staff has been working with other local not for profit organizations to offer Broward residents physical fitness and nutrition workshops at no cost. Women of child-bearing age, pregnant women, grandparents, dads and others are invited to take action and contact HMHB at (954)765-0550 or visit our website at www.hmhbbroward.org to learn more about our walking groups and nutrition activities.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

they are welcomed by James Pierre, an award winning Haitian journalist of South Florida and native of the now devastated Jeremie. His presence is a true gift to those who remember him as a child, impressed by his comfort amongst the crowd and undying love of country.

A small army of love-filled angels packed with soldiers from all over the world. Nurses, Doctors, Teachers, Entrepreneurs and Artists like Angie Bell, another South Floridian, well known poet and activist, who has taken on the challenging task, along with Tico, of leading the group of Haitian American Mathew Relief Effort to a successful mission. Most of the crowd was probably unaware of the greatness amongst them but visibly grateful to those that took thecause no matter the titles, successes and status, we kept a promise.

“Mesi pitit mwen, Bondie va beni’w” … “thank you my child, God will bless you”, says an elderly woman, while she kisses my face and cries after being seen because she was left with her dignity by being told that there is nothing wrong with being unable to read, write or remember her age; that she is still here and God has not forgotten her or anyone else for that matter. Because what Haiti has produced through genera-

tions of those who have gone abroad to seek more opportunity is a family of like hearts and minds that cannot turn a blind eye to what has happened to our country, and who will stop at nothing to bring change to her. We believe that distance is nothing compared to the love in the hearts of Haiti’s diaspora.

Now our second trip in less than four weeks. We tackle the crowd one by one, crying with the parents of the children in pain, laughing with the elderly, sharing words of wisdom and encouraging one another to go on.

Experiencing what we all know is the true purpose of man: to give, to share, to support and love one another.

The hours passed in what felt like seconds and a crowd of over 2000 dies down as most have been seen by the medical group,whichprovided medication, care packages and a meal. We’re packing up the vehicles with the little that’s left, feeling good about the many that were served but disheartened by the many that are still left in much need. You see, Haiti has a long way to go before she is where she is supposed to be, but what Haiti has seen in her army of angels is that a promise is a promise and Haiti Cherie nou pap sa bliye’w, not today not ever!

Westside Gazette

www.thewestsidegazette.com

NOVEMBER 24 - NOVEMBER 30, 2016 • PAGE 7

115th U.S. Congress contains 50 Black Reps., a record

By James Wright Special to the jwright@afro.com

AFRO

While the election of Donald J. Trump has cast a cloud over the Nov. 8 elections, Blacks can celebrate the 50 Black members of the U.S. Congress, the highest number in history. When the 115th session of the U.S. Congress convenes on Jan. 3, 2017, there will be 47 Blacks in the U.S. House of Representatives and three in the U.S. Senate.

U.S. Rep. G. K. Butterfield (D-N.C.), chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, is looking forward to the increased numbers of Black legislators.

“We look forward to continuing our work as the ‘Conscience of

Kamala Harris (D-Calif.)

Cory Booker (D-N.J.) the Congress’ to empower America’s most neglected citizens and address their legislative concerns,” Butterfield

said. “Since 1971, the CBC has consistently been the voice for people of color and vulnerable communities, and we remain committed to our work to ensure that all U.S. citizens have an opportunity to achieve the American dream.”

The CBC will have the highest number in its history with 48 House members and two of

Val Demings (D-Fla.) the three Black U.S. senators, Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Kamala Harris (D-Calif.). Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Rep. Will Hurd (R-Texas) have chosen not to join the CBC. The new members of the CBC include Harris, the first Black woman elected to her body since Carol Moseley Braun of Illinois served from 19931999; Lisa Blunt Rochester (DDel.), a former Delaware secretary of labor; Val Demings (DFla.), who served as Orlando’s first Black female police chief; Al Lawson (D-Fla.), who replaces Rep. Corrine Brown (DFla.); Donald McEachin (DVa.), represents a newly created district in the Old Dominion; Dwight Evans (D-Pa.) takes the place of former Rep. Chaka Fattah; and Anthony Brown (D-Md.), the former lieutenant governor of the Free State.

Brown told the AFRO in a voice message that he thanked his supporters on Election Day and “pledged to work hard for the people of the Fourth Congressional District in Maryland.” Brown will replace Rep. Donna Edwards, who didn’t run for re-election to her seat and lost her bid to replace Sen. Barbara Mikulski. Mikulski’s seat was won by Chris Van Hollen, a Democrat.

Rochester, on her Facebook page, talked about her historymaking election and pledged to work hard for her constituents when sworn into office.

“I’m honored to be the first woman and person of color to represent Delaware in the halls of Congress,” she said. “This is only the beginning of our journey and I cannot do it alone. I am looking forward to working with you to create a better world for our children.”

Evans said that the upcoming Trump administration will not stop him from working on a bipartisan basis to get things done. “The results of the presidential election isn’t defeat; it’s a call to keep fighting because the best work that we’ve done – we’ve done together,” he said. “While we try to stomach this new landscape

Historic victory in Pompano Beach The heavens declare the Glory of God and the firmament His handiwork as Broward County Resident Stephanie Pollard and her children experienced at the Grand Canyon this month. (Inset) Nine-year old Max now knows he wants to be an engineer after visiting the Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon.

The thr ee elections that shaped Obama’s Legacy three

PERKINS

By Novice Johnson

Frustration and hatred toward the federal government led 59 million Americans to select an unqualified, narcissist real estate investor from Queens, N.Y. to lead the federal government.

By Lauren Victoria Burke (NNPA Newswire Contributor) The first backlash election of the presidency of President Barack Obama’s time in office was 2010 when Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives lost 63 House seats. It was the greatest loss of seats by a party in the House since 1938.

The second backlash election was 2014 when there was a 72year low in voter turnout. In 43 states, less than half the eligible voting population voted. In New York the turnout was only 28.8 percent. One has to go back to 1942 to find lower voter turnout.

The third backlash election is obvious. It was the election on Nov. 8, 2016 of born-onthird-base reality TV narcissist Donald Trump. Trump’s surprise victory arrives with the predictable edicts that, “it had nothing to do with race” even though Trump’s boasting and scapegoating of immigrants and stereotyping of African Americans was an often repeated mantra.

Now we have swastikas written on high school walls. On Nov. 11 Black students at the University of Pennsylvania were targeted for racist harassment the day after it was reported that the Ku Klux Klan plans to rally in cele-bration of Trump’s victory on Saturday, Dec. 3 2016 in North Carolina.

When President Lyndon Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, what

followed was a backlash. Soon there was the campaign of Alabama’s proudly segregationist Governor George Wallace.

Then, there was Nevada Senator Barry Goldwater and Richard Nixon’s talk of “law and order.”

All of these policies pointed squarely in the direction of African Americans. America had seen it before. After the Emancipation Proclamation there were Jim Crow laws and the “Black Codes” and other ways to attempt to place African Americans back in their place of second and third class citizenship.

The 2016 presidential election was a massive backlash to Obama’s legacy itself. One can only assume that Donald Trump will focus on dismantling Obama’s policy achievements.

The irony could not be deeper: The obstruction plan-

ned and created by Republicans on the night of President Obama’s first inaugural to block his agenda is the same obstruction that created so much frustration and hatred towards the federal government, marketed so well by congressional Republicans. It would be the product of that hatred of government that would lead 59 million Americans to select an unqualified, narcissist real estate investor from Queens to lead the federal government.

Just as no one believed eight years ago that a Black man would occupy the White House on January 20, 2009, few will be able to believe what they’re seeing when they watch a professional birther and serial liar taking the oath of office on Friday, Jan. 20, 2017.

When Beverly Perkins was a little girl, growing up in Pompano Beach, she worried about memorizing her speeches for Sunday School and Church plays. She worried about performing in her Ballet and Tap recitals in Pompano Beach.

When she wasn’t studying and doing her homework, she was practicing her cheerleading routines at Pompano Beach High. It was always about Pompano Beach, the hometown that she loves.

When she finished college, she worked as a journalist; she

even produced her own television show, always shedding light on the great things happening in her hometown. She was employed by Congressman Alcee Hastings, where her love for community service continued to grow. As all of her experiences came together, little did she know that one day she would make history in the community where she was raised.

After an unsuccessful first try at winning a seat on the Pompano Beach City Commission, Perkins learned from her mistakes, realizing that with a little patience, persistence and commitment, she would achieve her dream of becoming a commissioner in her hometown. History was made on Nov. 8, 2016, in Pompano Beach, when Beverly Perkins became the first Black female to win a city commission seat.

Little Black girls in Pompano Beach will be watching as Perkins takes her place as a commissioner. And, as they go to school, and church and rehearsals, maybe they won’t say “I think I can.” Perhaps they will look at Beverly Perkins and say, “I know I can.” Her historic installation was held Nov. 21, 2016.

Lisa Blunt Rochester is the first Black and female to represent Delaware in Congress. (Courtesy Photo) in our government, rest assured we will keep making our communities stronger together, block by block. Because democracy demands that we listen to each other – and when we do so, we can make great strides for all Philadelphians, all Pennsylvanians, and all Americans.”

Paul Brathwaite, former executive director of the Congressional Black Caucus, told the AFRO that the record number of Black members of the U.S. Congress is “a remarkable occurrence that should be recognized and celebrated.”

“The great thing about these new members is that they just don’t represent African American communities,” he said.

“Twenty percent of Delaware is Black and they elected Lisa Blunt Rochester and that is a remarkable statement of our country. It shows the strength that these candidates possess and the confidence that Americans have in them.”

Rep. Bennie Thompson (DMiss.) represents the district with the highest percentage of Blacks, 65 percent, while Rep. Mia Love (R-Utah) has the lowest, 1.4 percent, according to 2015 U.S. Census Bureau data.

Brathwaite noted that there will be nine U.S. senators of color in the 115th Congress and that will be a record, also. He said that in order for the CBC to be effective in the Republicandominated Congress, it needs to be politically astute. “They need to be strategic in coming with an agenda,” he said. “They will need to work more closely with the Hispanic and Asian/ Pacific Islander caucuses to deliver for their constituents.

The good news is that those caucuses have increased in both the House and the Senate and that will help the CBC leverage its power.”

PLEASE HONOR US WITH YOUR PRESENCE AT THE ETA NU EDUCATION CENTER GRAND OPENING — Please join the men of the Eta Nu Chapter, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. in celebrating the grand opening of our spectacular Eta Nu Education Center on Thursday, Dec. 8, 2016, at 4:30 p.m. at the Eta Nu Education Center, 913 Hammondville Road, Pompano Beach, Fla. We are a historically compassionate, community service- driven organization which has faithfully supported families in the Pompano Beach community since June 11, 1969. Since our inception, we have humbly worked to provide educational opportunity and scholarships to deserving students, youth mentoring and tutorial programs, food drives, health and safety education initiatives, foster care children adoption support programs, and many other uplifting civic activities. The blessed advent of this new state of the art educational training center will further augment our ability to help those in need. Our four plus decades of honorable service to the Pompano Beach community is embodied in Omega Psi Phi's four cardinal principles: Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift. We believe strongly in making a positive difference. Please come out and meet our families and friends as we move forward together in our mission to build progressively robust community partnerships focused on a stronger, more vibrant Pompano Beach. We look forward to spending time with you so please join us and get involved. This event is by invitation only. Please confirm your attendance. Contact Wayne Comer at (954) 2750760 for more information.

PAGE 8• NOVEMBER 24 - NOVEMBER 30, 2016

Westside Gazette

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October was a bad month for Black workers, in general. Not only did the share of Black workers in the labor force slide, the share of Blacks who held jobs (employment-population ratio) also declined. The employmentpopulation ratio for Blacks decreased from 56.8 percent in September to 56.5 percent in October.

The white unemployment rate improved slightly from the 4.4 percent mark set in September to 4.3 percent in October. The labor force participation rate for White workers ticked down from 62.9 percent in September to 62.8 percent in October. The employment-population ratio slipped from September’s 60.2 percent to 60.1 percent in October.

Among adults 20 years and older, Black men suffered the biggest setback in October. The unemployment rate for Black men jumped from 8.2 percent in September to 8.7 percent in October. The participation rate for Black men remained unchanged from September to October (67.5 percent) and the employment-population ratio also decreased from 62 percent in September to 61.7 percent in October.

The jobless rate for white men hasn’t changed since July (4.1 percent) and the share of White male workers that were employed (69 percent) hasn’t changed since August. The labor force participation rate decreased from 72 percent in September to 71.9 percent in October.

The jobless rate for Black women over 20 years-old ticked up from 7 percent in September to 7.1 percent in October. The labor force participation rate for Black women remained at 62.3 percent the same mark set in September, but the employment-population ratio weakened slightly edging down from 58 percent in September to 57.9 percent in October.

Last month, the unemployment rate for white women was the lowest of all adult working groups at 3.8 percent, but the participation rate for white women took a step down from 57.5 percent in September to 57.4 percent in October. The employment-population ratio for white women was 55.3 percent, the same mark set in September.

Elise Gould, a senior economist at the Economic Policy Institute, said that there was some good news in October’s jobs report noting that the economy added 161,000 new jobs and that “nominal wage growth increased 2.8 percent over the year” which could indicate that workers are starting to gain some leverage in the labor market.

The national unemployment rate improved from 5 percent in September to 4.9 percent in October. The healthcare sector added 31,000 jobs in October and 415,000 jobs over the past 12 months, according to the Labor Department.

“The economy continues to move in the right direction, but considerable slack remains and the recovery has yet to be fully realized in all parts of the economy or for all workers,” said Gould.

Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Va.) agreed.

“While we celebrate this progress, we also remain committed to making meaningful investments in our nation’s families and in our economy to ensure that our growing prosperity is broadly shared,” said Scott.

“There is no doubt we have made great economic strides under the Obama Administration, but we must build on this progress. There is more work to do to ensure that we build an economy that works for every family in America,” said Scott.

“That’s why Committee Democrats continue to fight for the Working Families Agenda so we can boost wages, help people better balance work and family life, and level the playing field by ending discrimination in the workplace.”

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PAGE 10 • NOVEMBER 24 - NOVEMBER 30, 2016

Westside Gazette

Film Review: Loving

allowed to bail her out. She spent five days behind bars. A subsequent trial did not go well, and the opinion of Judge Leon M. Bazile was harsh: “ … The fact that he [God] separated the races shows that he did not intend for the races to mix.”

The Lovings, on the advice of their lawyer, pled guilty and were sentenced to a one-year prison term, which was suspended for 25 years as long as

Joel Edgerton (r) and Ruth Negga (second from right) star in “Loving.” (Focus Features)

By Dwight Brown (NNPA Newswire Film Critic) For a long time it was a forbidden love. Through slavery, the reconstruction era, on into the 20th century, particularly in the South, interracial romantic relations were looked down on and marriages were illegal.

Anti-miscegenation laws were on the books in 16 states below the Mason-Dixon line. Marry someone not of your race and face jail time. Though several legal cases challenged those laws, none turned the tide until Loving v. Virginia in 1967.

The small town of Central Point, Virginia, 52 miles northeast of Richmond, was a bit of a utopia in the 1950s. Unlike other parts of the South, Black and White folks worked and lived together. Interracial friendships were normal. Lov-

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ing relationships less so, but not unheard of.

Mildred Jeter (Ruth Negga, “World War Z”), an AfricanAmerican with some Rappahannock Native American blood, and Richard Loving (Joel Edgerton, “Black Mass,” “Zero Dark Thirty”), a White construction worker and brick mason were sweethearts. Folks knew it. Nobody said much. In 1958, she was just 18 and he was 25 when the two discovered she was pregnant. Knowing that Virginia’s Racial Integrity Act of 1924 banned interracial marriage, the two got hitched in Washington D.C. Upon their return to Central Point, someone told the police that the two were cohabitating and married. One night cops raided their home and arrested them both, citing their non-compliance with Section 20-58 of the Virginia Code (which says it is illegal to marry out of state and return to Virginia) and Section 20-59 (which makes miscegenation a felony offense).

Mildred and Richard were jailed. He was bailed out and not

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they left Virginia. They did, moving in with her relatives in D.C. But the fight for justice wasn’t over. It was Mildred, the quieter of the two, who set the wheels in motion to return to Virginia and bring their case to a higher authority.

The sensitive script by filmmaker Jeff Nichols (“Mud”) and his restrained direction set a tone that makes what’s on view seem so normal you’d think it could have happened to people down the street. His recreation of Central Point and its citizenry could almost play out today. Regular people, living and working together, defying ste-

www.thewestsidegazette.com reotypes about racial polarization and making things work.

According to conventional wisdom, perhaps it shouldn’t be happening. In real life it did and does. Legalizing a relationship that had lived under the radar causes the friction.

Richard’s mother Lola (Sharon Blackwood) says in the most matter-of-fact-way: “You never should have married that girl.”

Richard: “I thought you liked her?” Lola: “I like a lot of people.

You never should have done it.”

For viewers looking for overthe-top racism, burning crosses, extreme violence, etc., be forewarned, that is not Nichols’

approach. In his own way, he will bring you to the forefront of racial prejudice, set up protagonists worthy of your empathy, develop antagonists who try to bring them down and dig head first into an intrinsic, systematic bigotry that festered in the South for years and years. In his vision, that horror is no match for a romance that is stronger than an evil.

Casting Ruth Negga was brilliant. If you go on YouTube and search for live footage of Mildred Loving, you’ll see that Negga captures her low-key simple essence and elegance superbly.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

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Flipping the script

Westside Gazette

How one man is transforming lives on stage and in the classroom

Story and photos by Arri Henry IG: @heavensent928 “Hey Mr. Wade.”

“What’s up Mr. Wade!”

Whether it is popularity or simply being well-respected, Professor Keith Wade can barely take ten steps on campus without being greeted by the students of Florida Memorial University.

Rocking a fitted navy colored blazer, a crisp coral collared shirt, jeans and a pair of hitops, he’s calm and cool as he enters the classroom where his Ensemble Acting workshop students seem to eagerly await his appearance. Almost without being instructed, the students stand and repeat tongue twisting phrases like “Unique New York, Beyond Successful Dissle Siffer” as an enunciation exercise which adequately prepares them for today’s discussion on Acting Stereotypes of the Black Male.

Prof. Wade boldly breaks down the stereotypes of the “Mandingo”, “Coon” and the “Thug”; revealing an ugly, overly oppressed past that forces Black men into these categories

in reality and on screen. The students are engaged, appalled and inquisitive throughout the mind-blowing discussion. Many shouted out their opinions. It’s an open floor.

The discussion heats up quickly, a student brings up Tyler Perry during the Coon/ Sambo explanation, which questioned if a man who is obnoxiously very happy, laughing, lazy, irresponsible or dressed in heels is worth the laugh. Many of his students now think differently of the popular Madea character. It’s lectures such as these that challenge and transform his students every time they attend Wade’s class.

Many admitting that he has shifted their perspectives for the better.

“It’s hard not to come to class, the insight that he delivers is phenomenal,” explained one FloMo freshman.

More students confess that being apart of Wade’s class has forced them out of their comfort zones and prepared them for public speaking and acting because of his enthusiastic teaching style. He’s serious about his craft, intentional in his words

yet hilarious to be around most of the time. Some of Wade’s pupils are already transitioning into the professional acting industry. Barry Jenkins took five students directly from the professor’s class to star in his critically acclaimed film, MOONLIGHT. But before Keith Wade became a real life black Clark Kent, professor by day, actor by night, he openly describes his nights of homelessness as a child.

“My mother and I would sleep in her car, bathe in the restroom at the M Ensemble Theatre Company where she worked and over the course of time, the staff invited to me to work backstage which ultimately propelled me into my love for acting and directing.”

Inspired by legends such as Sidney Portier and the late Ossie Davis, he imparts that selfrespect is a minimum when choosing a role. When he’s not teaching or performing, Wade is writing, editing, directing or indulging in a comic book. He’s a kid at heart who is discovering that his most important audience of his career may be the students at Florida Memorial

Pembroke Pines Charter Middle School - West Robotics Club Tech Titans Team awarded first place and qualify for state tournament in February 2017

West Robotics Club Tech Titans Team; back row: Michael Castellano, Principal; Harry Zarcadoolas, Stanley Pierre (captain), Adesola Adimula, Fermin Vasquez/teacher and team sponsor/coach; front row: Jason Jaquith and Gustavo Salama.

By Valerie Lockwood Moran PEMBROKE PINES, FLThe Pembroke Pines Charter Middle School- West Robotics Club Tech Titans team- was awarded first place for Best Design at the First Annual Junior Orange Bowl Vex IQ Qualifier in Miami Springs 2016 Competition. The PPCS West Campus entered five teams in the day long-where teams from Broward and Dade County participated in team vs team matches.

“Our Tech Titans team worked hard and won Best Robot Design from a pool of 51 teams,” said Robotics Sponsor Fermin Vasquez, eighth grade physical science and seventh grade life science teacher at the Pembroke Pines Charter Middle School.

“The Tech Titans team is comprised of eighth graders Stanley Pierre, Jason Jaquith, Gustavo Salama, Adesola Adimula and Harry Zarcadoolas.” The teams competed in Teamwork, Robot Skills and Programming Challenges. The robotics teams are

also judged on Best Design and STEM research project.

“Our Robotics Club teams entered the First Annual Junior Orange Bowl Vex IQ Qualifier Competition with a goal of earning a spot in the February 2017 State of Florida Tourna-ment in Tampa, Fla. “We are so happy for our students; they achieved their goal. Our student government has planned a pep rally to inspire our Tech Titans towards further success in February,” said Michael Castellanos, principal, Pembroke Pines Charter Campus.

Established in January of 2015, the PPCMS Robotics Club is comprised of two groups: the sixth grade students who make up the PPCS-West Science Olympiad Team and the 7th and eighth grade students who compete as a team in the VEX IQ Robotics Challenges. Currently the team has 41 members.

The Pembroke Pines Charter School System was created and built by the city of Pembroke Pines and is home to four elementary schools, three middle

schools and one high school housed on five educational campuses throughout the city. Students can begin their education in a Pembroke Pines Charter elementary school, study in a regional library, graduate from the high school and continue their education at Broward College, located on a charter school campus at the academic village.

A nationally designated AllAmerica city, Pembroke Pines is a hub of traditional and international flavor, ranging from its residents and businesses to its food and shopping. Easily accessed from I95, the Florida Turnpike, I-75 and the Palmetto Express-way in South Broward County, Pembroke Pines enjoys a reputation as an innovative and progressive community which boasts a strong commitment to education, business, and the environment.

For additional information about the city of Pembroke Pines or its charter school system please visit www.ppines.com.

University in Miami, FL. Observe Keith Wade’s talent in the world premiere screening

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Inside Kanye West’s Breakdown: Rapper feels like ‘he’s under spiritual attack,’ Source says ber, so this time of year always brings him a lot of pain. He keeps that pain internalized, but sometimes will talk about how hard this time of year is for him. He works through the pain every November,” the source adds. West’s mother, Donda, who died in November 2007 at the age of 58.

But although the father of two is physically exhausted from lack of sleep, he is also emotionally and spiritually tired — and is processing things internally.

“He feels like it’s a trying time for his spirit, but that can be a good thing.

He isn’t one to run away from these things. He leans in and listens, and comes away a stronger, better man. But it hurts him; his spirit is vexed. But that’s where growth comes from,” the source says.

From People “Sometimes, darkness creeps in, and Kanye wrestles against nstonepeople it. He talks about that a lot. It’s exhausting, and it takes Kanye West was hospi- everything he’s got. He’s just so tired now; he’s very low energy talized for exhaustion on Mon- and feels like there’s a grieving in his spirit. It’s very hard to exday, and a source tells People plain, but something has happened recently, where he’s not the he “feels like he’s under spiritual ‘Ye that everyone knows.”

On Monday evening Kardashian West, 36, was expected to attack.” make her first public appearance since the life-threatening Paris Hours after West, 39, canrobbery last month. But on Monday evening, the KUWTK star celed the remaining 21 dates of made a last-minute decision to skip the Angel Ball at the Cipriani his Saint Pablo tour, the rapper Wall Street in New York, which honored her late father, Robert went to the hospital following Kardashian. the advice of his doctor, a source says.

“He is exhausted and currently dealing with sleep deprivation. He went to the hospital at will under the advice of his physician. He’s fine,” a source previously confirmed to People.

In the wake of his wife Kim Kardashian West being held at gunpoint and robbed of millions of dollars’ worth of jewelry on Oct. 3, the musician and clothing designer is “in a very reflective place right now.”

“He feels like he’s under spiritual attack, and has been for a while. It’s not just the big things; it’s smaller, quieter things, internal things. You might think that it’s about Kim’s robbery, and while that didn’t help, that’s not what’s going on here. He’s dealing with a lot more subtle issues,” the source tells People.

“His mother died in Novem-

www.thewestsidegazette.com Westside Gazette CBC Chairman G. K. Butterfield and Rep. Robin Kelly condemn discriminatory housing practices of Facebook Advertising and implement innovative and unfortunately there have PAGE 12 • NOVEMBER 24 - NOVEMBER 30, 2016

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Congressional Black Caucus Chairman G. K. Butterfield (NC-01), and Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02) condemn Facebook and CEO Mark Zuckerberg for its use of “Ethnic Affinities” advertising that allows

users to exclude groups based on race and ethnicity in clear violation of the Fair Housing Act of 1968.

“We have witnessed exclusion and discriminatory practices among popular social media platforms once before,” said

I Harvest Drive

This year per Christine McMahon, NJHS Sponsor (National Junior Honor Society) and Language Arts Teacher,

Chairman Butterfield. “Racism and discrimination in any form should never be tolerated.

Members of the Congressional Black Caucus are outraged and challenge Facebook and all social media platforms to take the issue of discrimination seriously

By Dr. Hyacynthia M. Leonce Vice Mayor Maxwell B. Chambers of the City of Miramar participated in the Harvest Drive on November 10, 2016 at Glades Middle School in Miramar, Fla. The Harvest Drive is per their website: “a yearlong project that culminates in events taking place at several public schools every Thanksgiving. Families receive a complete Thanksgiving meal and a week’s worth of grocery staples, as well as personal and household necessities during Thanksgiving season.

Fundraising efforts and collections are under way throughout the fall season. In years, past, students from over 150 public and private schools, as well as churches, temples and many other community organizations, have held drives and supplied the Harvest Drive with the non-perishable food that is distributed to our families. The unique characteristic of the program is that, in addition to the business and community donations, children are at the helm of all collections.

In addition to helping others, the purpose of the Harvest Drive is to teach children at an early age that their contributions can make a difference in the lives of others.

High school clubs fundraise and collect large quantities of food obtained at local grocery stores throughout the County.

Middle and elementary school students collect food and funds throughout their classrooms and other school wide activities.

Civic clubs, local businesses, corporations, volunteer organizations and PTAs have generously sponsored the Harvest Drive by providing money to purchase the perishable foods.”

solutions that aim to prevent ill-treatment of its customers and discrimination on its platform.”

“As a representative of Chicago, the origin city of Hansberry v. Lee which helped strike down restrictive housing covenants, I feel a particular obligation to see to it that discriminatory housing practices are not allowed to endure,” said Congresswoman Kelly. “While I don’t believe that Facebook intentionally sought to promote housing discrimination, I do feel they now have a responsibility to right this wrong. Technology shouldn’t be used to divide communities, and episodes like this are preventable. This conversation isn’t limited to Facebook,

been a number of recent reports about technology being misused to divide communities.

Without a doubt the tech sector can benefit from having a more diverse, robust and inclusive design and vetting process as they continue innovating.”

Reps. Butterfield, Kelly, Emanuel Cleaver, II (MO-05) and Yvette Clarke (NY-09) addressed their concerns with Facebook in a letter, which can be read here, and has called upon the company to swiftly address and remedy the discriminatory practice in a manner that continues to allow and support innovation, as well as promotes inclusion and diversity among its workforce and throughout the tech sector.

Children say goodbye to their First Lady

Vice Mayor Maxwell B. Chambers of the City of Miramar participated in the Harvest Drive. said they collected food for 178 families.

McMahon conveyed that they collected information from 13 schools and collected approximately 20 thousand items.

She reported that she has been doing this for 10 years, but this is the first time she is running it alone since the leader was unable to do it this year. When asked why she has done this so long she stated “It’s such a beautiful endeavor, the donations going straight to our community. It’s not a faceless donation since these people are in my community.” I asked how the families are obtained and she relayed that there is a social worker at each school who assesses need and contacts the families, adding that Antoinette

Doughty is the social worker at her school who worked very hard to make this day happen.

McMahon stated that she could not do this alone, having enlisted the aid of several volunteers. She had 50 volunteers from various places including the St. Thomas University students.

In addition, the Miramar police department volunteered their services along with Vice Mayor Chambers. Other faculty members present included Principal Ricardo Santana, who brought his young son to help out, sixth grade Assistant Principal Daniela Fatout, who stated, “this is my first time seeing an actual distribution.

It is good to see the process and the families we are helping.”

Lee Daniels to be honored and Jussie Smollett to host Heroes (Cont'd from FP) Previous Heroes include Nelson Mandela, President Bill Clinton, Magic Johnson and Cookie Johnson, Congresswomen Barbara Lee and Maxine Waters, Danny Glover, Sheila Johnson, Dionne Warwick, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Mo’Nique, Paris Barclay, Jussie Smollett, Jurnee Smollett, Russell Simmons, Bishop T.D. Jakes, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Rev. Michael Beckwith, Patti LaBelle, Jennifer Lewis, U.S Surgeon General David Satcher, Dr. Anthony Fauci and others.

About 2016 Heroes in the Struggle Gala Reception and Awards Presentation Every year, the Institute inducts new individuals into the Heroes in the Struggle hall of fame at a Gala Reception and awards presentation. This year’s event will be held on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016 (World AIDS Day) at the Directors Guild of America (DGA). The evening will begin at 6 p.m. with a VIP reception in the Atrium of the DGA from 6 to 7:30 p.m., followed promptly with the awards presentation in theatre One. The Gala has been completely underwritten by corporate sponsors. Every dollar raised from ticket sales goes directly to Institute programs—which range from raising HIV/AIDS awareness; to training communities in the science and treatment of HIV; increasing HIV testing; helping to link and retain people living with HIV/AIDS or at risk for infection into care and treatment; and mobilizing leaders, institutions and individuals in efforts to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

“These kids represent the very best of America. We’re a country that believes in our young people — all of them", Mrs. Obama said.

(Cont'd from FP) Traeshayona Weekes told the audience that she “had been waiting to wrap her arms around Mrs. Obama all day.”

Weekes is with True Colors: OUT Youth Theater, a Boston theater group for lesbian, gay, transgender and bi-sexual children.

It was not only children who were excited.

“Oh my God, it’s like an explosion in my heart,” said Lizt Alfonso, who was honored as founder of the Lizt Alfonso Dance Cuba School in Chicago.

“It’s such a delight. I was a little nervous because — you see between two countries you have a lot of differences, but no, we’re the same. We’re at the same point, with the same things and it feels so good to me.”

Obama embraced, thanked and took photos with each child.

The presentation was one of her last official duties as first lady.

“So many lasts we’re having, but this one was the best yet,” she said. “I am proud of you guys. You make this job worth doing, but if we don’t invest in our youth as a nation, we lose.”

Obama said the tenor of the day’s program reflected an effort on her part to make the White House inclusive.

“We made it a priority to open up this house for as many young people, because we wanted them to understand that this is their house too,” she said.

“There are kids all over this country and the world that think that places like this aren’t for them, so they’re intimidated by it. We worked to change that.

They should always feel at home within these walls and so many important institutions all over the world.”

“These kids represent the very best of America. We’re a country that believes in our

young people — all of them. We believe that every single child has boundless promise, no matter who they are, where they’ve come from or how much money their parents have.

We believe that each of these young people is a vital part of the great American story. It is important to our continued greatness to see these kids as ours, not as them, not as other,

CBC Chairman G. K. Butterfield said that Facebook and all social media platforms should take the issue of discrimination seriously and implement innovative solutions that aim to prevent ill-treatment of its customers. but as ours. So, don’t ever feel fear, because you belong here.”

The programs awarded for their work also included, Ailey Camp Miami, a Miami summer camp that uses dance to increase self-esteem discipline before entering high school: Baranov Museum Youth History & Film Summer Intensive, a documentary film making in Kodiak, Ark. Next Gen, a San Francisco organization that help teens tell their stories via video, music and film; Screen It!, an Austin, Texas program that exposes to art that promotes socio-cultural aware-ness and development; St. Louis ArtWorks, which provides jobs, art, and workforce development training for primarily for African American teens.

Teen Arts + Tech Program, a free Michigan program that offers urban high school students a chance to develop critical thinking skills in arts and technology; The Reading Road Show - Gus Bus in Harrisonburg, Va., which brings literature to low-income children via two buses free books in various communities; Tribal Youth Ambassadors in Santa Rosa, Calif., which engages Native American youth to educate others about their culture.

The many scandals of Donald Trump (Cont'd from FP) The law firm that prepared the forms checked a box indicating that the foundation had transferred assets to a “disqualified person,” and another box saying it had done so in past years.

The forms don’t indicate what form the self-dealing took, what size, or when and where it occurred. But the foundation has apparently never admitted to such a violation in the past.

Breaking the rules could produce fines, and leaders could be forced to reimburse the foundation for improper payouts.

Allegations of self-dealing are only one of the controversies facing the Trump Foundation. The New York attorney general is investigating whether the foundation solicited donations without the proper permits to do so. The charity may have also improperly given political donations. These gifts are particularly galling because, Trump seems to have begun using the foundation in the late 2000s as a way to inflate his own charitable giving— although he donated little or nothing, he raised money from others, gave it away, and then claimed credit.

When Trump recently settled a fraud case against the socalled Trump University, a real-estate seminar that plaintiffs described as a scam, the New York attorney general demanded assurances that the $25 million settlement would come out of Trump’s pocket and not from the foundation.

The 2016 presidential campaign saw a long string of stories showing scandals involving Trump, both large and small—from questionable business dealings to allegations of sexual assault.

While they did not derail his presidential hopes, many of them remain live issues as Trump begins his transition to the White House.

The breadth of Trump’s controversies is truly yuge, ranging from allegations of mafia ties to unscrupulous business dealings, and from racial discrimination to alleged marital rape. They stretch over more than four decades, from the mid-1970s to the present day. To catalogue the full sweep of allegations would require thousands of words and lump together the trivial with the truly scandalous. Including business deals that have simply failed, without any hint of impropriety, would require thousands more. This is a snapshot of some of the most interesting and largest of those scandals.

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Westside Gazette

NOVEMBER 24 - NOVEMBER 30, 2016 • PAGE 13

Swearing-in ceremonies planned for five Broward County Commissioners Commissioners to Select New Mayor and V ice Mayor Vice

By Kimberly Maroe BROWARD COUNTY, FL - Three new Broward County Commissioners and two incumbent Commissioners will be officially sworn in to office on Tuesday, November 22nd at 10 a.m. at the Governmental Center, 115 South Andrews Ave., Room 422, Fort Lauderdale.

RICH

UDINE

GELLER

RYAN

HOLNESS

Getting Healthy inside out: Physical fitness and nutrition (Cont't from Page 6) Let’s work together to “be the healthiest nation in the world.”

Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Broward County is a tax exempt 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1987 dedicated to reducing infant deaths by strengthening families through a comprehensive approach to prenatal care, parenting, education and support services.

Broward County Commissioner-elect Nan H. Rich, representing District 1, will be sworn in by her husband David Rich.

District 1 includes portions of the cities of Davie, Lauderhill, Plantation, Sunrise, Tamarac and Weston.

Broward County Commissioner-elect Michael Udine, representing District 3, will be

sworn in by his father Morey Udine. Commission District 3 encompasses all or portions of Coral Springs, Parkland, Tamarac and North Lauderdale.

Broward County Commissioner-elect Steve Geller, representing District 5, will be sworn in to office by Chief Judge Peter Weinstein. District 5 includes the cities of Southwest Ranches and Cooper City and portions

of Davie, Plantation, Sunrise and Weston.

Broward County Commissioner Tim Ryan begins his second term representing District 7. District 7 includes parts of Fort Lauderdale, Dania Beach, Davie, Hollywood, Wilton Manors and Lazy Lake.

Broward Commissioner Dale V.C. Holness will be sworn in

by U.S. Congressman Alcee

Hastings. Holness continues on the County Commission representing District 9 which includes portions of the cities of Fort Lauderdale, Lauderhill, Oakland Park, Sunrise, Tamarac, Plantation, North Lauderdale and Lauderdale Lakes.

Broward County Commissioners will also select a new Mayor and Vice Mayor to serve through November 2017.

PAGE 14 • NOVEMBER 24 - NOVEMBER 30, 2016

Westside Gazette

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