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Mayor Andrew Gillum launches statewide bus tour in final push for Democratic nomination
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PERMIT NO. 1179
PAGE 12 VOL. 47 NO. 29 50¢
THURSDAY, AUGUST 23 - WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2018
A M E S S A GE F ROM OU R PU BL IS H E R
(Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
Three weeks after judge’s deadline, 565 migrant children are still separated from families By Ryan Velez The Huffington Post reports that despite a judge’s order to reunite migrant children who were separated from their families at the border, the actual progress of this move is more of a crawl, if it could even be called that. In court filings, lawyers reported that 565 children, including 24 who are younger than five, remain in government-contracted shelters, separated from their parents. To put this in perspective, that’s only 7 less than the number reported (Cont’d on page 10)
OPINION
What kind of fool do you think I am? “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ Luke 12:20 (NIV)
“There is a huge disparity where Black folks are receiving more severe punishments than any other group.” - Chief Assistant Public Defender Gordon Weekes. (Photo by Arri Henry/The Westside Gazette Newspaper)
By Nichole Richards As proven by the election of Barack Obama in 2008 and 2012, one of the most powerful votes in America is the Black vote. Since the Voting Rights Act of 1964, which outlawed voter suppression tactics and enforced the 15th Amendment, Black communities have assumed a great deal of political sway. Unfortunately, it is rarely tapped in to. This places the responsibility of educating the community of their political power on the shoulders of Black institutions and pillars, such as our churches, newspapers barbershops, and salons. Two such institutions in Broward County took on this charge, holding an informative gathering where state and local candidates had the opportunity to speak directly to Black voters. The Westside Gazette Editorial Board’s 2nd Annual Sweet Potato Pie, Politics, and Ice Cream event was held at the historical Mount Hermon AME Church in Fort Lauderdale on August 18th.
This highly attended event allowed voters to engage candidates in faceto-face dialogue concerning issues of importance to the Black community. Despite it being the first day of early voting in Florida, candidates took the time to literally serve the community with “a slice of a pie, a scoop of ice cream, and a side of political conversation.” The attendees ranged from School Board aspirants to Congressional and Judicial candidates, all eager to literally “sit at the table” with the community. Despite the wide range of interests represented by the political hopefuls, particular topics dominated the general conversation. What stood out most as a community concern was criminal justice and the roles judges play in ensuring equity in the courtroom and in our personal lives. “There are some real problems in our judicial system,” emphasized Gordon Weekes, the Chief Assistant Public Defender at Broward County’s Public Defender’s Office, “There is a huge disparity where Black folks are
The Rev. Omarosa Manigault-Newman Comments and Commentary
by Dr. Ron Daniels
Omarosa is taking the media by storm and captivating the nation with the tell-all revelations in her book Unhinged – which provides insights into the machinations of the most reckless, ruinous, racist and (Cont’d on page 10)
By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Contrib. While there’s at least a perceived growing number of Democrats who say they want to replace California Rep. Nancy Pelosi as the
Democratic leader in the House of Representatives, South Carolina Rep. Jim Clyburn has emerged as a favorite among his peers to become (Cont’d on page 12)
receiving more severe punishments than any other group.” Weekes, who has served Broward County as Assistant Public Defender for over 20 years and is currently seeking the Public Defender seat in 2020, was referencing the thorough 2016 investigation conducted by the Sarasota Herald-Tribune where reporters uncovered an undeniable racial bias in Florida’s sentencing system. According to the study, white judges in Florida sentence Black defendants far harsher than their white counterparts. The ideal solution is to elect more minority judges who provide a cultural perspective and, thus, fair, balanced sentencing. “There are 90 judges in Broward County,” stated Stephanie Moon, an African American candidate for Circuit Court Judge- Group 38, “Only nine of them look like us.” Moon has over 20 years of practicing law at the state and federal level. She is seeking the seat of Judge Ilona M. Holmes, who is set to (Cont’d on page 16)
FERGUSON, Mo. (AP) — Four years after the deadly police shooting that triggered racial unrest in Ferguson and helped give rise to the Black Lives Matter movement, a black city councilman scored an election upset and ousted the white prosecutor criticized over his handling of the case. Wesley Bell’s stunning defeat of seven-term St. Louis County prosecutor Bob McCulloch in Tuesday’s Democratic contest all but assures Bell of victory in November. The Republicans have not put up a candidate. “People did not think it could be done,” the 43-year-old Bell said in an interview Wednesday. “The (Cont’d on page 3)
By Bobby R. Henry, Sr. In a sermon from Luke 12:13 -21, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. enlightens us to the value of arranging our life in directives presented by God to please Him, which are Love God first, family second and be productive in the society. Dr. King uses where Jesus gives the Parable of the Rich Fool, the story of a well-to-do man who was contingent exclusively on his financial affluence to secure all of his comforts. If unguarded and left to the whims of earthly intellect, we would be like chlorine trifluoride, a substance so flammable that it does not require an ignition source to combust, especially in this political firestorm. Chlorine trifluoride like many Politrickians are capable of activating incineration of practically any material, including many considered to be fire-safe: retardants, asbestos, glass, concrete and sand. To at least help to control and be a fire retardant before and during the political firestorm, make sure you’re a registered voter, know who to vote for, then go vote and if for some reason you can’t vote take three other people to the polls to vote! After all, you can participate in a “GET BACK VOTE”, that is the kind of vote that you can get some payback with. Payback from all of the misery and disappointment that you see and you wish you could help change. “Dear God. In the name of Jesus please don’t let me be called a fool, unless I’m called a fool for you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.” WHO’S THE MORE FOOLISH THE FOOL OR ONE WHO FOLLOWS THE FOOL?
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PAGE 2 • AUGUST 23 - AUGUST 29, 2018
www.thewestsidegazette.com
A Proud Paper For A Proud People
Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin Dies at 76 By Stacy M. Brown (NNPA Newswire Contributor) Aretha Franklin, arguably the greatest voice in music history, has died. The Queen of Soul was 76. “She will be so missed as a mother, sister, friend, cousin,” said longtime friend Roger Friedman, who also covered the Queen of Soul for decades and originally broke the story about her cancer fight on showbiz411.com. “Her legacy is larger than life,” Friedman said. “It’s not just that ‘Rolling Stone’ called her the No. 1 singer of all time, or that she’s the Queen of Soul. Long live the Queen.” Franklin passed away at her home on Thursday, August 16. “The NNPA profoundly mourns the passing of our be-
loved ‘Sister Leader’ and Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin,” said NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. “Her creative genius was matched by her steadfast courage as a freedom-fighting singer and leader for civil rights. Black America and all people of goodwill throughout the world will miss her, but her legacy will never be forgotten.” Dr. Chavis continued: “Long live the spirit and legacy of Queen Aretha Franklin.” Dorothy Leavell, the chairman of the NNPA and publisher of the Crusader newspapers in Chicago and Gary, Ind., said that she was saddened by the loss of the music icon. “I send a message of sadness and respect for our beloved Queen whose musical genius [shined brightly] and resound-
ed around the world,” Leavell said. The fourth of five children, Aretha Louise Franklin was born on March 25, 1942, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Baptist preacher Reverend Clarence La Vaughan “C.L.” Franklin and Barbara Siggers Franklin, a gospel singer, according to her biography. Franklin’s musical gifts became apparent at an early age. Largely self-taught, she was regarded as a child prodigy. A gifted pianist with a powerful voice, Franklin got her start singing in front of her father’s congregation. By the age of 14, she had recorded some of her earliest tracks at his church, which
were released by a small label as the album “Songs of Faith” in 1956. She also performed with C.L.’s traveling revival show and, while on tour, be-friended gospel greats such as Mahalia Jackson, Sam Cooke and Clara Ward. Hitting her stride in 1967 and 1968, Franklin churned out a string of hit singles that would become enduring classics, showcasing Franklin’s powerful voice and gospel roots in a pop framework. (Read full story at: www.thewestsidegazette.com)
Aretha Franklin sings at President Barrack Obama's Inauguration January 20, 2009.
The W orld Stopped to Celebrate World Her Majesty The Queen
By Roger Caldwell On Thursday, August 16, 2018, her majesty “The Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin left this plane, but the world was blessed to experience and enjoy her talent and genius. Graced with the glimpse of the divine, the world and America stopped and paid its tributes to one of America’s greatest national treasures. At 76, her majesty died of pancreatic cancer, and the great Stevie Wonder said, “I have known about her condition, but I prayed she would beat this thing. I hope people will grow
up and grow out of this foolishness. Let go of the hatred – let go of bigotry – let go of selfishness. I love you Aretha.” Stevie Wonder flew to Detroit, one day before she died and she could not speak, but he spoke to her, and he believed that she understood everything he said to her. “Celebrate her life,” said Stevie. President Obama and his wife Michelle said, “In her voice, we could feel our history, all of it and every shade – our power and pain, our darkness and our light, our quest for redemption and our hard-won respect. She helped us feel more connected
to each other, more hopeful, and more human, and sometimes she helped us just to forget about everything else and dance.” At five-years-old, Aretha played the piano and sang like a seasoned professional, according to Smoky Robinson, and her father was a great pastor. She grew up in her father’s church, Rev Clarence L. Franklin, who was a religious celebrity. He was on the radio, television, and great men such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and many of the great Black musicians of the time came over to their home in Detroit. From a numbers point of view, Aretha Franklin was worth $60 to $80 million dollars, and expected a large portion of her performance payment in cash. The federal government always thought that she never paid all of her taxes, because many of her transactions were in cash. She received 44 Grammy nominations and won 18 Grammy Awards. There were 42 studio albums released with 73 charting hits on the Billboard’s hot 100 R&B songs and 75 million albums sold worldwide. She was a voice of a generation and many of her songs became anthems for the civil rights movement. (Read full story at: www.thewestsidegazette.com)
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AUGUST 23 - AUGUST 29, 2018 • PAGE 3
Progressive Organizations Announce Coordinated Commitment of Resources to Andrew Gillum’s Historic Run for Governor Coalition investing $3.5 million, reaching more than three million voters
Recently, a coalition of eight local and national progressive organizations announced a collective commitment of resources in the final week of Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum’s historic primary campaign for Governor, investing over three million dollars to reach over three million voters with their efforts. The coalition includes leading Florida grassroots groups Dream Defenders Action, FLIC Votes, New Florida Majority, The New Florida Vision PAC, and Organize Florida and national progressive organizations Center for Popular
Democracy Action, The Collective PAC, Indivisible Action, NextGen America, Our Revolution, and People For the American Way. Through door-to-door canvasses, phone-banks, texting, mail, digital, radio and TV ads, these organizations are activating voters who may not have participated in past primary elections, including young voters, Black voters, Latino voters and the growing community of Puerto Rican voters. These organizations are working to elect Andrew Gillum by expanding the Florida primary electorate and talking to often-ignored De-
mocrats in August. Through their comprehensive efforts, these organizations will not only elect Andrew Gillum as the Democratic nominee for Governor, but also help Florida Democrats win up and down the ballot in November by targeting low-propensity voters over two months before the general election. Gillum’s years of public service and unapologetically progressive platform earned him the support of the coalition as he runs to become Florida’s first Black and youngest Governor in a Democratic field of otherwise extremely wealthy
candidates. Collectively, the organizations listed are committing the following resources between now and the August 28 primary: · Total Funds: $3.5 million · Total Voters Reached: Over three million · Geographic Spread: Statewide efforts with emphasis on Orange, Miami-Dade, Broward, West Palm, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Duval, and Leon counties · Tactics: Door-to-door canvasses, phone-banks, texting, mail and digital, radio and TV ads
Black Prosecutor Wesley Bell
“I think the Ferguson events certainly had something to do with this,” University of Missouri-St. Louis political scientist David Kimball said. “Certainly that case got a lot of attention and generated a lot of criticism of McCulloch, so I’ve got to believe that was a factor.” Rashad Robinson, a spokesman for Color of Change PAC, one of the civil rights groups that backed Bell, called his victory “a powerful rejection of Bob McCulloch and his decision not to pursue justice in the communities he was elected to serve.” Color of Change sent text messages to more than 95,000 voters and put up a billboard on Bell’s behalf. Bell is a lawyer who has worked as a municipal prosecutor and judge for small towns near Ferguson. He said he felt the pain of Brown’s death especially hard because he has a son about the same age. He did not protest but instead began hosting conversations about community policing and decided to run for City Council.
“I saw my place as being one to help bring people together,” Bell said. At the time of Brown’s death, Ferguson, where about twothirds of the 21,000 residents are black, had just once black person on its six-member City Council. Bell and another African-American, Ella Jones, were elected in 2015 as the protests continued to rage. During his campaign for prosecutor, Bell said, he went out of his way to make it about larger criminal justice issues, not about McCulloch’s handling of the Brown case. When a campaign worker posted “bye bye Bob” on the Facebook page leading up to the election, Bell made him take it down. Bell, who, like McCulloch, is the son of a police officer, outlined a far different approach for the prosecutor’s office under his leadership. He said he will appoint independent special prosecutors for allegations of wrongdoing by officers. He said he will support police “200 percent” as long as they act appropriately.
(Cont'd from FP) message we would tell people is, ‘You don’t have to believe it, yet, just support it.’” Bell said what resonated with voters was his platform of reforms such as holding police more accountable, revising the cash bail system and ending prosecution of low-level drug crimes. “The easy narrative is to say it’s just about Ferguson,” he said. Still, the change began four years ago. On Aug. 9, 2014, Michael Brown, an unarmed black 18year-old, was shot to death by white Ferguson officer Darren Wilson after a street encounter escalated into a fight. Wilson said he fired in self-defense, while some witnesses claimed Brown had his hands up. The killing led to months of often violent protests.
A St. Louis County grand jury declined to indict Wilson. Many protesters and others accused McCulloch of steering the panel to its decision. McCulloch, 67, declined an interview request Wednesday but has emphatically denied any effort to sway the grand jury. The uprising in Ferguson fired the political ambitions of some of the black activists. Bruce Franks Jr., who led several protests in Ferguson, defeated a longtime incumbent to win election to the Missouri House in 2016. Another protest leader, Cori Bush, lost Tuesday in her bid to unseat nine-term U.S. Rep. William Lacy Clay, but received 37 percent of the vote. Bell got 57 percent to McCulloch’s 43 percent in St. Louis County, which borders the city of St. Louis and is the biggest county in Missouri, with a population of about 1 million.
Mayor Andrew Gillum
“But if we find an officer has violated the law, he should be held accountable,” Bell said. He wants to reform the cash bail system that keeps impoverished defendants behind bars, often for months, while they await trial, and plans in-
stead to free more of them with monitoring devices. He said he will not file charges in low-level, nonviolent marijuana cases and will dismiss pending charges. And he said he will never seek the death penalty.
PAGE 4 • AUGUST 23 - AUGUST 29, 2018
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A Proud Paper For A Proud People
NBC Links bring Cece Winans & Donnie Simpson to the 2018 Emerald Luncheon
WINANS
North Broward County Chapter of The Links, Incorporated is a non-profit organization committed to making a difference in the Broward community through unselfish leadership and performing as a compassionate champion of needed community services. In furtherance of addressing overwhelming community need, North Broward County Chapter of The Links, Incorporated is pleased to present the
Emerald Luncheon Friendraiser to be held Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, 12 noon, at Signature Grand, 6900 W. State Road 84, Davie, Fla., 33317. The afternoon will include a preevent reception for our sponsors and special guests featuring champagne, hors d’oeuvres and a meet-and-greet with award-winning singer/ songwriter/ author/actress, CeCe Winans and hosted by legendary radio/tv icon, Don-
School Board Member Dr. Lawrence S. Feldman’s 10th Annual Back 2 School with your Board Member Backpack & Supply Giveaway Event
nie Simpson. All donations are tax deductible. Checks should be made payable to The Links Foundation, Inc., and mailed to North Broward County (FL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, P.
O. Box 9023, Coral Springs, Fla., 33075. Individual and/or group tickets are $100 .00 and may be purchased through w w w . P a y P a l . m e /
NorthBrowardLinks Further information, email: info@northbrowardlinks.org or EmeraldLuncheonAds@gmail.com We appreciate your support.
98-year-old man walks six miles to visit paralyzed wife in the hospital
TRAVELING BASEBALL -- Thaddeus Christian Hamilton, a 12-year-old South Florida native from Lauderhill, has been tearing up the travel baseball circuit in South Florida for the past few years, and now the talented outfielder/right handed pitcher will have a chance to test his skills on the international stage. (Read full story at: www.thewestsidegazette.com)
SENATOR PERRY E. THURSTON, JR. AND MAYOR ELECT KEN THURSTON HOSTED THE 7TH ANNUAL BACK TO SCHOOL FREE HAIRCUT EVENT -- Senator Perry E. Thurston, Jr. (D-Fort Lauderdale) and Mayor Elect Ken Thurston (Lauderhill) held their 7th Annual Back to School Free Haircut Event this past Monday, August 13th, 2018. Hosted by Gold Cutz Barbershop, 207 SW 27th Ave., Fort Lauderdale, Fla 33312. The fresh cut increases the children’s confidence before the first day of school. The event was a success; over 100 young boys received new haircuts on Monday, August 13th taking the first step in preparations for their first day of school. While the children and parents waited, Broward Health provided free health screenings and school supplies. The event was educational and rewarding for the community. Senator Thurston and Mayor Elect Thurston hope that this not only kickstarts the school year, but it leaves a lasting impact on the kids, parents, and community.
By Lawrence S. Feldman School Board Member Dr. Larry Feldman’s “10th Annual Back 2 School with Your Board Member Backpack & Supply Giveaway” event took place August 9 at Campbell Drive K8 Center, Avocado Elementary and Robert Russo Moton Elementary. Three-hundred students received backpacks for their first day of school, thanks to the generosity of Christ Fellowship and Communities. All backpacks were outfitted with supplies collected by Nova Southeastern University and Read 2 Succeed. in Schools. (Read full story at: www.thewestsidegazette.com)
ALEX SAYS THANKS Your generosity helped us raise over
$5.6 MILLION for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Thank you for supporting CMN Hospitals and the children they serve.
publix.com/children
Alex, esophageal duplication cyst
Luther Younger, a 98-yearold Korean War veteran, walks about six miles each way, rain or shine, to visit his paralyzed wife in the hospital, according to Spectrum News Rochester. Luther and his wife, Waverlee, have been married for over 50 years. “I ain’t nothing without my wife,” Younger told Spectrum News. “It’s been a rough pull. It’s been tough.” “They both live with me,” the couple’s daughter, Lutheta Younger, tells Yahoo Lifestyle. “I moved them out of their house, moved them in with me.” Along with her sister Joyce Johnson, the two have been taking care of Waverlee and Luther, in the same way her mother always took care of her and her siblings, Lutheta says. (Read full story at: www.thewestsidegazette.com)
COMMUNITY MEN WELCOME STUDENTS BACK TO SCHOOL WITH HIGH FIVES, WELL WISHES -- An energetic crowd of men, including several community leaders, cheered and gave high-fives to students at two local schools on their first day back from summer break. Village Academy hosted the fourth annual “100 Men Welcome Back” to bring the men together to show students a supportive community is behind them. (Read full story at: www.thewestsidegazette.com)
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Symposium
Fundraiser
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Elder Financial Abuse & Wellness Symposium on Thursday, Aug. 23 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex, 3000 N.W. 199 St., Miami Gardens, Fla. For more info contact Hilary Marshall (305) 622-8062. ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
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Broward Supplier Diversity Day on Thursday, Aug. 23 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at 1000 Coconut Creek Blvd., Coconut Creek, Fla. Register at: www.BrowardSupplierDiversity.eventbrite.com ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
Workshop
Alonzo Mourning's Summer Jam TopGolf Fundraiser on Sunday, Aug. 26 from 1 to 4 p.m., at 17321 N.W. Seventh Ave., Miami Gardens, Fla. Fore more info contact MFF (305) 467-0095 or jmers@mourningfamilyfoundation.org ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
Volunteer Opportunities
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BCPS Supplier Diversity Outreach Program – FAMU Credit Union Black Loan Program Workshop on Friday, Aug. 24 from 12 to 2 p.m., at BCPA TSSC Annex Bank Lobby, 7770 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Sunrise, Fla. For more info call (754) 321-0505 or SupplierDiversity@browardschools.com
City of Fort Lauderdale Volunteer Opportunites: - Saturday, Aug 25 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. - Edible Food Forest at Snyder Park 3299 SW 4 Ave, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. For more information call Robert Figueroa at (917) 652.1050. - Saturday, Sept 1 from 8:30 to 11 a.m. - Urban Garden The Northwest Gardens PATCH (People’s Access to Community Horticulture) is a community Market Garden which grows fresh, healthy and pesticide-free fruits and vegetables. The team will meet at 824 N.W. 14 Ave., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. For more info go to http://www.handsonbroward.org
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Urban League of Broward County wants you to join us at Strong Youth Strong Communities (SYSC) for an interactive session with Pro Football Hall Of Famers Darrell Green, Aeneas Williams and Anthony Munoz on Saturday, Aug. 25 from 1-4 p.m., Youth Summit and from 5 to 10 p.m., Tailgate & Miami Dolphins pre-season game at Urban League of Broward County Community Empowerment Center, 560 N.W. 27 Ave., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
Events
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Florida State Minority Supplier Development Council Upcoming Events: · University of Miami, Florida Blue & Vizient Vendor Opportunity PowerNet on Tuesday, Aug. 28 from 9:30 to 12 p.m., at University of Miami – Watsco Fieldhouse, 1245 Dauer Dr., Coral Spring, Fla. · 43rd Annual Awards Gala on Friday, Sept. 21 from 6 to 10 p.m., at Hilton Miami Downtown, 1601 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, Fla. Black-tie attire: Men Tuxedos and Women Gowns. ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
Outing
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Annual Labor Day Outing hosted by the North Broward Democratic Club on Monday, Sept. 3 at 1 p.m., at Pompano Beach Community Park, South Pavilion, 820 N.E. 18 Ave. (N.E. 10 St., & U.S. 1), Pompano Beach, Fla. For a high resolution image of the flier of further info contact Joanne Goodwin at (954) 783-7789.
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Happening at African-American Research Library and Cultural Center
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AUGUST 23 - AUGUST 29, 2018 • PAGE 5
A Proud Paper For A Proud People
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Celebration ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
The Board of Directors of the St. John Community Development Corporation (St. John CDC) will host Overtown on Friday, Aug. 24 from 6:30 to 11 p.m., at Jungle Island, Bloom Ballroom, 111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Miami, Fla. To purchase tickets at www.stjohncdc.org ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
Food Giveaway
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Free Food Giveaway on Wednesday, Aug. 29 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., at 1530 N.W. 6 St., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (Bring Bags). ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
Rally
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State Representative Shevrin Jones and State Representative Nicholas Duran to host a Red For Education Rally on Sunday, Aug. 29 at 12 noon at Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex, 3000 N.W. 199 St., Miami Gardens, Fla All Democratic Gubernational Candidates are confirmed to attend. For additional info call (305) 804-4287.
EDUCATION MATTERS -EVERY CHILD DESERVES A CHANCE
African-American Research Library and Cultural Center, 2650 Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderale, Fla. For more info call (954) 357-6210. * BCPA: Property Tax Exemption Filing Assistance on Fridays, Sept.7, Oct. 5, Nov. 9, Dec. 7, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Broward County Property Appraiser’s Office (BCPA) will assist with Homestead, Senior and other property tax exemptions. Visit the BCPA website for details on what to bring/other requirements, or call the Appraiser’s Office at (954)357-5579.
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Collier City Library August Events ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
Jan Moran Collier City Learning Library, 2800 N.W. Ninth Ct., Pompano Beach, Fla,. For more info call (954) 3577670. - Monday, Aug. 27 from 6 7:30 p.m. Oasis: Cyber Crime Fighters. - August: Tuesday and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. ESOL Conversation Class. ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
Florida Juneteenth Fest Events ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
- Adult Literacy Open House at Tyrone Bryant Library on Thursday, Aug. 23 at 6 p.m., 2230 N.W. 21 Ave., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. -Transinclusive Masquerade Prom on Saturday, Aug. 25 at 6:30 p.m., at Rodeway Inn & Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport & Port Everglades Cruise Port Hotel, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. For cost visit Eventbrite. - Free English Cafe: A Friendly Casual Place to Practice Speaking English on Thursday, Aug. 30 at 6:30 p.m., Tyrone Bryant Branch Library, 2230 N.W. 21 Ave., Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
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Pompano Beach Library Events
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Pompano Beach Library, 50 W. Atlantic Blvd., Suite 2, Pompano Beach, Fla. For info call (954) 357-7595. - Saturday, Aug. 25 from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. - First Time Home Buyers Work Shop 2018 in the (Mutli-Purpose Room) - Tuesday, Aug. 28 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. - Intro to Microsoft Word 2010/2013 Session 2 Continuation of Class from August 21. Pre-Requisite: Attend Session 1 in the (Computer Center) - Thursday, Aug. 30 from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. - Coffee and Conversation with a Librarian - Speical guest: Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) in the (Conference Room) - Thursday, Aug. 30 from 2 to 3 p.m. - English Cafe, limited to first 12 people each week in the (Conference Room) ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
Weekly Newsletter Upcoming Events
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- Caribbean Healthy Food Focus Group will take place mid-August to early September. You are welcome to participate if: * 18 years of older * Read and speak English * Lived in Broward County for at least 5 years * Live in zip codes: 33311, 33313, 33319 * From any the following countries: Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica, Dominican-Republic or Trinidad & Tobago * If application, choose the country you most identify with. Space is limited. Must complete the full 2 hour focus group session to receive a $25.00 gift card. "Only one member per family can participate. Light refreshment will be served. - August: Tuesday and Thursdays from 10 to 11:30 a.m. ESOL Conversation Class. ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
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Victory Baptist Church IBM Conference on Monday, Sept. 17, 18, 19, at 2241 Davie Rd., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. For additional info call (954) 2849413.
On Sunday, Aug. 26 is our Fourth Annual Show, American Roots of Jamaican Music at the Pompano Beach Cultural Center, 50 W. Atlanta Blvd., Pompano Beach, Fla. (See Live Video on www.thewestsidegazett.com)
Publix is Proud to Support Community News WHERE SHOPPING IS A PLEASURE ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
Miramar Today Events
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- Crime Prevention for Business on Thursday, Aug. 23 thru Thursday, Sept. 13 from 7- 9 p.m. For info call (954) 6024351oremailohall@miramarpd.org - The Circle of Fathers presents: Gun Violence & Its Effect on Communities Town Hall Discussion & Men's Conference on Saturday, Aug. 18 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Miramar City Hall, 2300 Civic Center Place, Miramar, Fla. For more info call (786) 504-4235. -Miramar presents Miramar High School Ulimate Class Reunion Weekend: * Friday Night Football Friday, Aug. 24 at 7 p.m., Miramar vs Miami Northwestern at 3601 S. Douglas Rd., Miramar, Fla. * Firday, Night Mix N Mingle on Friday, Aug. 24 11 p.m., at Grand Cafe, 12389 Pembroke Rd., Pembroke Pines, Fla. * Saturday, Aug. 25 - Outing from 3 to 8 p.m., at Perry Park/ Wellman Field, SW 68 Ave., & SW 34 St., Miramar, Fla. * Sunday, Aug. 26 - Brunch After Dark Ultimate 90s Party Reunion from 4 to 12 p.m., at D'Lux Lounge, 2333 Hollywood, Fla. Ticket available at Eventbrite.For more info call (954) 522-9030. * Free NCLEX Review on Tuesday, Sept. 4 thru Tuesday, Sept. 25, from 6 to 9 p.m., at Miramar Commission Chambers, 2300 Civic Center Pl., Miramar, Fla. * City of Miramar presents Hispanic Heritage Festival on Saturday, Sept. 22 from 6 to 11 p.m., at The Miramar AMP at Miramar Regional Park, 16801 Miramar Pkwy, Fla. Food and beverages available for purchaes. * MMC presents Selena: Los Chicos Del 512 on Friday, Sept. 21 at 8 p.m., at Miramar Cultural Center ArtPark, 2400 Civic Center Plaza, Miramar, Fla. To purchase tickets: Online: Miramar CulturalCenter.org by phone (954) 602.4500 in person visit our Box Office Tues -Fri- from 12 to 6 p.m. and two hours period ot each performance.
TODAY'S BLACK NEWS IS TOMORROW'S BLACK HISTORY
Attention All Red School House (RSH) Former Students - If you attended RSH during 1968-2008. - We need your success stories! - Where are you now? What are you doing now? - We also need pictures of any RSH activities. Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018 at 6 p.m. We are celebrating 50 Years of service to the community! Banquet style, Formal Attire! -- Ticket on sale NOW Commenorative Book ads also available. Contact Miss Gwen at (954) 462-5627 redschoolgwen@bellsouth.net
FLORIDA 2018 ELECTIONS
Register Now! The Women of Color Empowerment Institute, Inc., announces the Eight Annual Women of Color Empowerment Conference from Friday, Sept. 7 thru Sunday, Sept. 9, at Fort Lauderdale Marriott Habor Beach Resort & Spa, 3030 Holiday Park, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Building Relationships Uniting Leaders. For more info call (954) 7689770. Register today at: www.nationalwomenofcolor.com
TO HAVE YOUR UPCOMING EVENTS POSTED CALL (954) 525-1489 FOR MORE INFO FAX (954) 525-1861 OR EMAIL:
* STATE PRIMARY ELECTION - TUESDAY, AUG. 28, 2018 * GENERAL ELECTION REGISTRATION - TUESDAY, OCT. 9, 2018 * GENERAL ELECTION DAY - THURSDAY, NOV. 6, 2018 wgproof@thewestsidegazette.com
PAGE 6 • AUGUST 23 - AUGUST 29, 2018
Opinion
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A Proud Paper For A Proud People The Westside Gazette, under the Management of BI-ADs, Inc., reserves the right to publish Views and Opinions by Contributing Writers that 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 submits comments published in this newspaper.
The Gantt Report
The Secret Relationship Between Blacks and Blank Author Thomas Wolfe wrote a bestselling novel entitled, “You Can’t Go Home Again”. The book was about a writer so it caused me to glance at it. Recently, I’ve been trying to do what Wolfe wrote that I couldn’t do - I opened an office in my home town of Atlanta! I knew the city had changed since my school days and college days, but one thing appears to have remained the same. Atlanta is a big rich town; most Blacks just live in the poorest parts! Fifty Cent’s TV show and the Blacks playing starring roles have “Power” but the same type of people that ran Atlanta 30 or 40 years ago for all practical purposes, still run the so-called “Black man’s Paradise”!
In my younger days, people like Ivan Allen, Sam Massell and even Trump - like axe handle carrying Lester Maddox called a lot of shots in Atlanta even after Maynard Jackson and others were elected to public office. (Maynard did do great things during his tenure such as making many Black millionaires by getting more Blacks involved in government purchasing transactions) Today, some Black elected officials are acting more like political swamp creatures than fighters for the people. In Atlanta, and in many, many other urban communities, Black residents and citizens are being misled, misinformed, bamboozled, judicially jacked and politically punked by greedy developers with highly paid lobbyists!
For instance, take a look at the secret relationship between Blacks and Blank! I don’t know Home Depot billionaire Arthur Blank, who also owns the Atlanta Falcon football team and the Atlanta United soccer team. He may be a good person but he is a great business man. Blank got around $200 million from city government to help build a billion dollar stadium for his teams and to keep those teams in Atlanta. I ain’t mad at Arthur Blank. I’m upset with elected officials that feel they need to help wealthy businesses and business people with land grabs, tax incentives and customary winks and smiles. What do government officials get for helping Blank, real estate developers, corporations and other entrepre-
FOUNDED IN 1971
“Killing Children”
pedophilic priests had their own network. We watched as a child’s body was discovered on a compound in Arizona after being killed by religious extremists of some sort. During an exorcism ritual of some sort, the adults in the child’s life believed the child was possessed by evil spirits of some kind. There was indeed a possession by evil spirits, but it wasn’t the child who was possessed. It was the adults. For a number of parents, we dream of our son or daughter receiving an athletic scholarship to a major university. We’re thinking they will enhance their chances at having a good future because of graduating from college. In addition there is the possibility they will play so well, they may become a professional athlete,- but we’re learning that road has its own dangers to our children as well. The University of Maryland is showing us just how dangerous it is. One of our young men died after football practice very recently. The cause was dehydration, exhaustion and most of all a lack of medical care. This doesn’t read as an accident, it reads as a coach believing this young man was chattel and he could treat him as he pleased. If this was the coach’s idea of being tough, it didn’t work on the young man. It killed him. Finally, there is this: a father and husband killed his two young daughters and their pregnant mother last week. He buried them, then went on television, cried fake tears, afterwards confessing to the crimes. I cannot help but wonder what were those children thinking as their father squeezed away their lives? Where, they must have wondered was their mother? What thoughts of sadness, confusion and pain they must have had, and what were the last thoughts of their mother about her babies and this awful man that was killing them all? These must be the Biblical last days. How else can we explain the horror of these times we live in?.
By Lucius Gantt
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“For death is come up into our windows, and is entered into our palaces, to cut off the children from without, and the young men from the streets.” (Jeremiah 9:21) We have been taught that children are a gift and a reward from God (Psa. 127:3). But we do not treat them as if they were a valued gift, we treat them as if they were trash, things to be discarded at will. Everywhere we look we see our children being abused, destroyed in one way or another or killed. We see how the Roman Catholic Church has allowed pedophilia to become an accepted element of their church culture. The report just released in Pennsylvania listed the fact that 300 priests had sexually abused over 1,000 children over the past 70 years. And not only had the church’s leadership been aware of the sexual abuse by these renegade “priests”, the authorities had written the church a ready plan on how to deny the truth. The report says one event of abuse happened while a child was hospitalized. What kind of human being would do that? From the unspeakable to the blaspheme. The Papacy has reacted to the report as it always has when sexual abuse cases involving priests and children become public. The office issues a letter of apology, speaks of the church’s determination not to let this happen again and of their deep sympathy to the victims. That may not be enough this time. I certainly hope not. The question becomes how many more times is this going to happen and how long will the church allow it to happen? Allowance is not too strong a word. We read how priests known for their sexual abuse with children were transferred all over the Catholic world. Even worse, no one ever warned the places they were being sent about what was coming. Those priests were allowed to continue destroying the innocence of children in whatever way they pleased. The report says these
“Suffer not the little children….” By Kary Love Seems like every day brings a report of some new atrocity resulting from US wars somewhere in the world. It’s getting to the point it is a fulltime job just to keep up on them. Doesn’t pay very well, and it’s depressing, it’s a dirty job, but somebody has to do it. Don’t they? Remember when America was the country that liberated prisoners from concentration camps rather than putting kids separated from their parents in camps? When America stood for the idea the kids ought not to be legitimate targets in war? When wars were fought to give the kids a future, not waste them today? When America liberated the slave from the master and established liberty and justice for all? No? Me neither, not in my lifetime. But at least there was the pretense that the big, bad American militaryindustrial-congressional behemoth tried to advance justice. Sure, there was collateral damage because war is hell, but overall the benefits justified the errors. That was the mythos anyway. But now kids on school buses are killed by US bombs provided to our “allies,” the most trustworthy, human rights-advancing, freedom loving, Saudi Arabians in their “war” on Yemen. “Are we, at last, sir, devoid of all decency?” Seems like it to me.
I am puzzled. 9-11-01 was carried out by 19 hijackers, 15 of whom were Saudis. Maybe the Saudi government or some of its members or minions were involved. But the USA invaded Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya, and threatens Iran? Some magical sleight of hand is exercised and Saudi Arabia is our friend and we arm them to kill kids in Yemen, one of the five poorest nations in the world—average annual income $449? I have nothing but questions on this, no answers. Is it heroic to bomb kids? Are these my new and improved and exceptional “heroes”—kid bombers? Do I thank the Saudis for their service? How about the US military personnel who fuel their planes, and provide the munitions? Or the mercenary contractors? Whom do I thank? Do I thank the Congress that takes my tax dollars to bomb kids? Do the congress people get their cut? The President who signs the “deals” to carry it out (hint: he may not have divested himself of his many military contractor/weapons-manufacturing investments and now he makes policies that help them and him profit every day)? The Courts who refuse to hear legal challenges to the apparent illegality of nondeclared wars contrary to the express language of the supreme law of the land? Whom can I thank? Surely, someone is deserving of my thanks. After all, future terrorists have been “neutralized.” Hearts and minds have been won. I am safer so I can go shopping at the mall. Whom do I thank for this “service”? “Suffer not the little children to come unto me,” Jesus is reported to have said. Apparently, He liked kids. Well, these kids, hopefully, have come unto him, though not without suffering. I really would like to know, whom do I thank?
neurs other than a photo op and a cup of cold Black coffee? Well, some elected officials get tickets to football and soccer games, some get dinners and lunches at high end restaurants, some get alcoholic beverages at top bars and night spots, some get rides on private aircraft; some get first class trips to international locations and some elected officials will sell the people they represent out for cheap suits and Paylesstype shoes! What do the people get? The people get gentrification, the people get gerrymandering and the people get huge tax increases to pay for the tax cuts and tax incentives given to rich individuals like Mr. Blank and others. Do the corporations that benefit from government assistance and cooperation contribute to the community? Yes, but they contribute far less than what your government contributes to the companies. Do the developers that seek government incentives hire people from the community or contract with Black businesses, professionals and vendors? Yes, but never as many people as they should hire and contract nowhere the number of Black businesses and Black professionals that they should do business with! The communities I grew up in and the neighborhoods I frequented 20 or 30 years ago look and feel nothing like they did in the past. Atlanta is a city permeated with carpetbaggers, transplants and new residents that moved to the city from places around the world. Community activism is harder to find than a needle in a haystack! In my teen years, my economic and political philosophy was molded and mentored by The SCLC, The Nation of Islam, The Black Panther Party, The Weathermen, Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) and the group I belonged to, The Black Federation Alliance. Black activists are scarce in today’s Atlanta. You don’t have to be conscious, militant or radical to scare Atlanta’s political elite. All you have to be is brave, smart, honest and true to the game. The city should welcome talented, experienced Black businesses and workers who are smart, experienced and proven with a history of political or business successes. I appreciate when a few celebrated Black officials call meetings to discuss problems associated with gentrification and other political related issues, but the meetings are a little more than what lobbyists call “dog and pony shows” because gentrification, land use and other development issues were recommended and planned 10 or 20 years ago. Your political leaders should be able to tell you what West End, East Lake, Buckhead, Fourth Ward, downtown and other neighborhoods in Atlanta will look like in the year 2028. There are Black people in Atlanta that know how government works, know how to get legislation, ordinances and governmental laws passed and know how to get good people elected into office that are not afraid to stand up and speak out for the people. I set up an office in Atlanta in a prestigious part of town, I met with Georgia’s Democratic leaders and with leaders of other parties and I have frequented SCLC, Concerned Black Clergy and other meetings in Atlanta, and I passed out information about my political consultation, government relations, financial trading and commodity trading businesses to every Atlanta “leader” that would take the information. However, most were scared to know that some Black people were super knowledgeable about politics. The majority of Atlanta’s Black politicos want a title or a job. I and most other Blacks that come home to help my Atlanta hometown don’t want a title or a job. We want money. Keep the titles, jobs, publicity and recognition. The Black professionals that can help the City of Atlanta want the same thing the politicians give to people like Arthur Blank: we want to get paid and we want to earn any compensation we get!
"The VOTE is Precious. It Is Almost Sacred. It's The Most PPowerful owerful NonViolent TTool ool W Non-Violent Wee Have In A Democratic Society And W e've Got We've To Use It." -- John Lewis - August 24, 2013
Is the Black Vote Still Being Treated Like a Political Piñata? Democrats and Republicans Must Do More to Engage African Americans Jeffrey Boney says that, on the surface, African Americans are marketed to as if their sacred vote means so much, but historically that often changes once their votes are cast. (Jeffrey Boney) By Jeffrey L. Boney (NNPA Newswire Political Analyst) When it comes to politics in this country, there is one thing that seems to be a constant—the Black vote is important and always tends to make a difference. Although Blacks make up roughly 13 percent of the overall population in the United States, Black voters remain a powerful voting bloc that can change the trajectory of any election. Now, it is no secret that Black people overwhelmingly vote for Democratic candidates in nearly every national election, with identical results being shown in local and state elections. Even in elections where a race is considered to be nonpartisan, such as for a Mayor or City Council seat, Black people have historically voted for the candidates that have self-identified or campaigned as a Democrat. While this has been the norm for decades, Black people have been on the receiving end of neglect and disparate treatment by candidates who win with the overwhelming support of the Black vote. It is an interesting phenomenon to watch, as Black people are strategically sought after and courted for their vote, with the hope of securing their collective support for specific candidates or certain issues. Black people are typically courted with the same archaic methods to get them registered and to the polls, while providing limited resources for voter outreach and education. On the surface, African Americans are marketed to as if their sacred vote means so much, but historically that often changes once their vote is cast. The way African American voters are treated, it is as if they have become a political piñata. You know what a “piñata is right? According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a “piñata” is “a decorated container filled with candies, fruits, and gifts that is hung up at parties or celebrations and hit with a stick by blindfolded persons until it is broken and the things inside it fall out.” (Read full story at www.thewestsidegazette.com)
Kanye, You're Idiot !
An
By Nicole Nutting Every week the Trump administration delivers up a bountiful harvest of both pearls and onions. This week was no exception, presenting ample evidence of the schizoid nature of American political thought. Two interviews in particular, by their very contrast, illuminate the great divide in public opinion. In a run-up to a “Unite The Right” rally this weekend in the nation’s capitol, Chris Cuomo had comedian D.L.Hughley in the CNN studio. Hughley cut right through the apologist babble with this total no-brainer, “White men don’t get to define racism.” The lucky Americans who are dealt a winning hand, by virtue of gender and skin color, simply don’t have the frame of reference to understand the nuances. Unfortunately, the dominance reflex causes them to assume they do. By now it seems pointless to argue whether or not our president is a racist. “If it walks like a duck, talks like a duck”—you know the rest, and we’ve been seeing the evidence since before he was elected. In the other corner we had Kanye West, an avowed Trump supporter, who was a guest on the Jimmy Kimmel show. Kimmel asked West directly, “What do you think Trump has done for Black people?” The response was....crickets. West couldn’t name a single thing, and the show went quickly to break. The Trump detractor could actually articulate the problems, but the Trump supporter couldn’t name the benefits. Allegiance must be deaf, dumb, and blind. Most liberals can’t understand why ANYONE would support this president. That a person of color would be in favor of this administration is just inexplicable. This week’s pearl goes to the sentient D.L. Hughley, hands down. Hopefully Kanye West likes onions, although if he does, he may not know how to spell the word!
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Children on the Front Lines Marian Wright Edelman says that we owe all of the children who have fought for civil rights a debt of gratitude. In this photo, Marian Wright Edelman, president of the Children’s Defense Fund, speaks during the Children’s Defense Fund Gala Awards at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. (Freddie Allen/AMG/NNPA) By Marian Wright Edelman (President, Children’s Defense Fund) “I can make a difference!” Every July thousands of students from Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) Freedom Schools® sites across the country participate in the CDF Freedom Schools National Day of Social Action. This year’s action focused on the need to vote for children and the fact that every vote matters. Though children and teenagers in Freedom Schools are too young to vote themselves, they held rallies and marches urging adults to get registered and vote for leaders this election cycle and in every election who will stand for children. Young people are refusing to sit on the sidelines as they see even children’s most basic needs under assault by many in the Trump Administration and Congress. I am so proud of the Freedom Schools scholars who have learned they are following in the footsteps of children and youths who were the foot soldiers and infantry of the Civil Rights Movement. Some of their stories from the Movement are well known: six-year-old Ruby Bridges in New Orleans walked through White mobs to attend school— even praying for those jeering at her; the Little Rock Nine; the four little girls killed in the bombing of Birmingham’s 16th Street Baptist Church. Thousands of children were on the frontlines of history. Whether sung or unsung heroes, we owe all of them a debt of gratitude. For example, in April 1951, Black students at Robert Russa Moton High School in Prince Edward County, Virginia—led by 16-year-old Barbara Rose Johns—walked out of class to protest conditions at their segregated school. Moton was built
for 180 students but had 450. Some classes were held in old farm buildings. Students lacked all the basics such as science labs, a gym, or a cafeteria found at all-White Farmville High, just a few blocks away. When Barbara Johns complained how unfair this was a teacher told her she should do something about it. She did, leading her fellow students in a strike. As she later said, “It was time that Negroes were treated equally with Whites, time that they had a decent school, time for the students themselves to do something about it. There wasn’t any fear. I just thought—this is your moment. Seize it!” That strike was a critical push in the start of America’s desegregation movement. The Moton students’ demonstrations resulted in a court case ultimately bundled with four others before the U.S. Supreme Court as Brown v. Board of Education. The Brown case was named for lead plaintiff Oliver Brown, whose nine-year-old daughter Linda in 1950 was barred from attending all-White Sumner Elementary School near their Topeka, Kansas home with her White neighborhood playmates, and instead forced to enroll in an allBlack school miles away. The landmark victory in Brown overturned the “separate, but equal” doctrine established under Plessy v. Ferguson. Years later Linda Brown, who died in March of this year, (Read full story at: www.thewestsidegazette.com)
PAGE 8 • AUGUST 23 - AUGUST 29, 2018
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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
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!
Pentecostal Temple Revival Center 2050 N. W. 27 St., Oakland, Fla. 33311 Church: (954) 733-0727 Email: @bishopwill.brantley
WORSHIP SERVICES Sunday Worship ............................................................. 8 a.m. & 11 a.m. Sunday School ........................................................................... 9:30 a.m. Wednesday (Prayer Service & Bible Study) ............................... 7:30 a.m. Saturday (Women Bible Study) ............................................................ 8 a.m. "Baptized Believers working together to do the will of God"
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Bishop Will Brantley WORSHIP SERVICES Sunday Worship ............................................................... 8 a.m. & 11:30 a.m. Sunday School ..................................................................................... 10:00 a.m. Tuesday (Prayer Service) ............................................................................ 7:30 p.m. Thursday (Bible Study) ................................................................................ 7:30 p.m. Friday (Alter Prayer) .................................................................................... 6:00 p.m. "But the hour cometh, and now is when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him." "God is spirit; and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." John: 4-23-24
Shaw Temple A.M.E. Zion Church 522 N.W. Ninth Avenue Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33311 Church: (954) 462-1413 or (954) 647-8254 Email: AMEZ522@yahoo.com
Rev. Dr. William Calvin Haralson, Pastor SERVICES Sunday School .................................................................................. 10:15 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship ............................................................ 11:00 a.m. Bible Study (Wednesday) ............................................................... 7:30 p.m.
"Reaching beyond the four walls touching lives, touching communities".
* In Memoriam * Happy Birthday Remembrance * Death Notice * Obituaires * Cards Of Thanks
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Obituaries
James C. Boyd Funeral Home
McWhite's Funeral Home
LOGAN Funeral services for the late Earl Logan - 66 were held August 18 at James C. Boyd Memorial Chapel with Kenneth St. Louis officiating. Interment: Westview Cemetery.
ANDREWS Funeral services for the late Mary Ellen Andrews – 79 were held August 18 at McWhite’s Funeral Home with Pastor Rasheed Baith officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.
TERRELL Funeral services for the late Davidson Terrell – 87 were held August 18 at James C. Boyd’s Memorial Chapel with Min. Betty Pope officiating.
BIVINS Funeral services for the late Lelia Mae Rabb – Bivins - 60 were held August 18.
WASHINGTON Funeral services for the late Harriet Darlene Washington – 53 were held August 18 at James C. Boyd’s Memorial Chapel.
Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice. Psalm 112:5
Harris Chapel United Methodist Church
HAYES Funeral services for the late Valgene Alexander Hayes, Jr. - 59 were held August 18 at McWhite’s Funeral Home Services with Apostle Janice Dillard officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens. HIRD Funeral services for the late Delroy Mc-Donald Hird - were held August 11 at McWhite’s Funeral Home Chapel. Interment: Forest Lawn Central.
Power and Money: The Reputation of the Black Church is On the Line
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.
Mount Calvary Baptist Church 800 N.W. 8th Avenue Pompano Beach, Florida 33060 Church Telephone: (954) 943-2422 Church Fax: (954) 943-2186 E-mail Address: Mtcalvarypompano@bellsouth.net SCHEDULE OF SERVICES SUNDAY
New Member Orientation ........................... 9:30 a.m. Sunday School ................................................ 9:30 a.m. Worship Service ........................................ 11:00 a.m. WEDNESDAY Prayer Meeting ............................................... 6:00 p.m. Bible Study ..................................................... 7:00 p.m.
"Doing God's Business God's Way, With a Spirit of Excellence"
Mount Hermon A.M.E. Church Rev Henry E. Green, Jr. PASTOR 401 N.W. 7th Terrace, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 Phone: (954) 463-6309 - FAX 954 522-4113 Office Hours: Tues. - Fri. 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Email: infor@mthermonftl.com
SUNDAY CHURCH SERVICES Worship Service ................................................................................... 10 a.m. Church School ..................................................................................... 9:15 a.m. BIBLE STUDY: Wednesday ................................................................... 10 a.m. Gems & Jewels Ministry Senior Wednesday Wednesday (Bible Study) ............................................... 12 Noon & 7- 8 p.m. Daily Prayer Line ...................................................................................... 6 a.m. (712) 432-1500- Access Code296233#
Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church 1161 NW 29th Terr., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. 33311 (954) 581-0455 ● Fax: (954) 581-4350 www.mtzionmbc1161.com
Dr. James B. Darling, Jr., Pastor/Teacher WORSHIP SERVICES Worship Service ............................................................................................................ 10:15 a.m. Sunday School ................................................................................................................ 9:00 a.m. Communion Service (1st Sunday) ........................................................................... 10:15 a.m. Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting ........................................................................... 6:30 p.m. Wednesday Night Bible Study ................................................................................... 7:00 p.m. Saturday (2nd & 4th) Christian Growth & Orientation ................................... 8:30 a.m. But be doers of the Word - James 1:22 nkjv - “A Safe Haven, and you can get to Heaven from here”
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
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!”
Victory Baptist Church Independent Pastor Keith Cunningham 2241 Davie Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 Church Telephone: (954) 284-9413 Visit: www.victoryweb.org Sunday School ...................................................................................... 9:45 a.m. Worship Service Sunday Morning……………………… ................................. 11:00 a.m. SundayEvenn igServcie………………………………………. ......................................... 6:00 p.m. Wednesday Evening Bible Study & Prayer…………………. ..................... 7:00 p.m. Saturday Morning Soul Winning/Visitation………………… .................... 10:00 a.m. Men’s Fellowship (Every 2nd & last Tuesdays)……………………… ............. 6:00 p.m. Ladies Fellowship (the last Saturday of each month)…………………………. 5:00 p.m. Youth Fellowship (Every Friday)…………………………. ................................... 6:30 p.m. Discover GOD Let Us Help You Find The Way To Jesus Christ
The United Nations is mourning the death of former Secretary-General Kofi Annan Mr. Annan was the seventh man to take the helm of the global organization and the first Secretary-General to emerge from the ranks of its staff. The current UN chief, Antonio Guterres hailed him as “a guiding force for good” and a “proud son of Africa who became a global champion for peace and all humanity.” “Like so many, I was proud to call Kofi Annan a good friend and mentor. I was deeply honored by his trust in selecting me to serve as UN High Commissioner for Refugees under his leadership. He remained someone I could always turn to for counsel and wisdom — and I know I was not alone,” Mr. Guterres said in a statement. “He provided people everywhere with a space for dialogue, a place for problem-solving and a path to a better world. In these turbulent and trying times, he never stopped
working to give life to the values of the United Nations Charter. His legacy will remain a true inspiration for all of us.” Kofi Annan was born in Kumasi, Ghana, on 8 April 1938. He served as UN SecretaryGeneral for two consecutive five-year terms, beginning in January 1997. Mr. Annan joined the UN system in 1962 as an adminis(Read full story at www.thewestsidegazette.com)
By Dana C. Jones With some of the Democrat core ideologies being the antithesis of the Black church, you would think that the church would align with Republicans. The reason it doesn’t is twofold: economics and representation. Money holds a greater influence over how people identify because poor people cannot relate to rich people and vice versa; especially if that person was born into their respective circumstances. Therefore, a rich person — that may not have influence — cannot adequately advocate on behalf of the poor. With the money poorer people do have, they are willing to invest it — however blindly — into an entity that has history of providing, race relatability and representation. With the church being one of the only places Black people are widely in major positions of power, the congregation will invest in something that they can physically see themselves, will either get a return on the investment and make them feel good by helping something that is bigger than themselves. No matter where that power comes from — even if it’s in a church — it can corrupt the person. Anti-corruption being a main point for Democrats, happens in the Black church. There are several instance of pastor stealing money from the church, even by way of the elderly congregation. This nor-
mally happens by using their spiritual prowess to their advantage. The elderly being more religious, are more willing to both give wholeheartedly to the church, which makes them easy targets to be swindled for their money. Even if they give more money than they can afford on their own accord, the church allows it to happen. People will spill some of their deepest issues and situations to the pastors and preachers in their church so they can find spiritual guidance. The church has several pastors with different specialties, one dealing in money. Since the trust is already rooted, the church is aware of p people’s financial situations both through tithing and members explicitly explaining their problems. Tithes are a tax, 10 percent of your yearly income, that you pay to the church as a member. Since they are aware of the income, morally, they should not let their members give more than they can in tithes and then pressure them to give more for offering. My friend’s grandmother had a similar situation where she gave so much to the church, despite her debts and pleas to stop from her family, because of her unwavering faith. There are also instances where the pastor can steal money directly from the (Read full story at www.thewestsidegazette.com)
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Pie & Politics: (Cont'd from FP) retire at the end of this term. Broward County Court Judge – Group 19 candidate, Jackie Powell, echoed the same sentiments, stressing the need for the racial demographic of judges to mirror the reality of the county. “It is important that we are fairly represented,” she stated, “We should be able to bring our cultural experiences and cultural knowledge in the courtroom in order to sentence fairly.” H. James Curry, candidate for Circuit Court Judge Group 46, who has 25 years of experience in the Juvenile Justice system, knows all too well the role race plays in the courtroom. Studies have shown that, Black and Latino students have much higher rates of disciplinary action against them than white students, which greatly contribute to their eventual over-representation in jails and prisons. “The racial bias is real in the judiciary system,” Curry stated, “I aim to dispel that with my understanding of community values and culture. I will make fair judgements.” In addition to fair racial representation, candidates emphasized the need for judges to have a fine-tuned moral compass and true commitment to justice. So far this year, 13 judges have announced their departure from the bench. Although some will retire, others have submitted abrupt resignations following highly publicized substance abuse issues, DUIs, consistent absences, and courtroom misconduct. This places a great deal of pressure on judges to not only judge fairly and exercise compassion, but stand as positive representations of the judicial system to the public. Alan B. Schneider, candidate for Circuit Judge, Group 8 and an attorney with nearly 30 years experience, emphasized his moral commitment to justice with quotes from Deuteronomy 16:18-20 that discuss the responsibility of the people to appoint judges who judge honorably and without partiality. “’Justice, justice you shall pursue’” quoted Alan B. Schneider, candidate for Circuit Judge, Group 8, “That is in my heart and that is my commitment to this county.” Shari Africk-Olefson, candidate for Broward Circuit Court judge and an accomplished lawyer, author, business woman, and civic activist, added the dedication to justice extends beyond the courtroom. “It is important that a judge show impartiality in all aspect of their lives and remain committed to courtesy and respect, “ Africk-Olefson said. Although criminal justice dominated the dialogue, perhaps attributed to the number of judicial candidates in attendance, city and county commissioner candidates were eager to discuss their ideas on how to improve the day-to-day lives of citizens. Ray Martin, a candidate for the City of Lauderhill Commissioner, Seat 4, stressed his desire to turn the city around, focusing on crime reduction and increasing home ownership. A native of Lauderhill, Martin aims to serve his hometown with the same dedication as he served the country. Martin is a retired U.S. Army Major of 22 years. “When I mention the crime in Lauderhill I get the response ‘Oh, that’s just Lauderhill,” Martin explained, “But in the military we learned you are only as strong as your weakest link and I want to strengthen Lauderhill.” Candidate for County Commission, District 4, Shari McCartney echoed the importance of public safety. As the former mayor for the City of Oakland Park, McCartney understands the commitment it takes to change a city and hopes to employ the same tactics to the county as a whole. “As mayor of Oakland Park, I got things done,” she said,
“Together, we turned that city around. I want to do the same for District 4.” McCartney prioritizes modernizing her district’s infrastructure, improving public transportation, and, most importantly, keeping taxes low while ensuring fiscal responsibility. Considering the national attention Broward County Public Schools District has received since this year’s tragic February 14th mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, naturally the dialogue shifted towards the importance of school safety and the steps necessary to ensure Broward Schools provide adequate support for students, teachers, and administrators. “We have some significant challenges in our schools,” stated Mike Olbel, School Board Candidate, District 7, “However, I see them as opportunities to demand and make changes.” Olbel is vying for the seat occupied by School Board member and current Chair, Nora Rupert. District 7 covers Lighthouse Point, Hillsboro Beach, Pompano Beach, Deerfield Beach, Margate and Coconut Creek. Also in attendance was current School Board Countywide, Seat 8 incumbent, Donna Korn, who is running in one the most heated School Board races against challenger Ryan Petty. Petty’s daughter, Alaina, 14,was tragically killed in the Stoneman Douglas shooting. Petty accuses the board of “being ready to move on” without making significant changes while Korn’s campaign has brought to light racist tweets made by Petty between 2008 and 2013. Still, Korn, a former teacher, pledges to focus on district-wide issues. “We have to ensure resources are allocated to all schools,” Korn stated, “And not concentrated in one area.” Korn is also an advocate for expanding mental health services support in the district’s schools. Broward Public Schools Superintendent, Robert Runcie, received rousing applause from the audience after sharing an overview of the challenges and accomplishments realized during his tenure as Superintendent. He attributed the success to everyone involved, “From the Board Members to the custodians, the energy, passion, dedication, knowledge and skills of all those involved made the success possible, even the students. His recapitulation of the state of the district in 2011, when he was hired until now was sobering and celebratory. He humbly recounts that he had to hit the ground running. “There was a pending penalty of $66 million for class size violations and a deteriorating financial condition. This was quickly fixed and the district has not seen a class size penalty in years. The district’s financial position has improved and it now has its highest grade from Wall Street bond rating agencies since the start of the recession in 2008.The district graduation rate which was 70.6% in 201011 has risen to 82.3% in 201617 (a 16.5% increase).” Calls for Runcie’s resignation have dominated the school board race as parents of slain students and the Parkland community accuses him of unsatisfactory response to the shooting. He poignantly recalled that tragic day at MSD, as he enumerated the various security measures that are being implemented in all schools for the safety of students and staff. “Given the tragedy that fell upon our community earlier this year, safety and security is our biggest priority. However, public education is multifaceted and we cannot lose sight of our mission and promise to provide all kids with a high quality education. Broward’s trajectory of progress is strong and moving in the right direction to deliver on that promise. What is
needed now, more than ever, is stable leadership to guide this ship through the storm and keep this momentum going.” Tennille Doe-Decoste, candidate for Broward County School Board, District 4 seat, which includes Parkland ‘s Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School could attend. DoeDecoste, a mother of 3, was dropping off her son, a recent Stoneman Douglas graduate, at his first year of college. DoeDecoste’s son lost his best friend, Joaquin “Guac” Oliver, in the mass shooting. The event received positive accolades from its attendees. Ms. Lorraine Jones, a recent transplant form Georgia, was excited about the turnout. “I have only been in Broward for less than 90 days and was looking for a place to serve,” said Jones, “I am happy to see this event well attended and I’m looking forward to taking information back to everyone I know.”
“It is good to hear candidates and have an opportunity to ‘take them to carpet’ so to speak,” added Ms. Karen WilliamsBaugh, “It was a rare opportunity to speak directly to leadership, ask on the spot questions, and receive on the spot answers. I am not sure if events like this have happened in MiamiDade.” Ms. Williams-Baugh has worked as an educator for nearly thirty years and currently teaches in the MiamiDade Public School system. Attendees represented an array of political backgrounds. George Farrell, Chairman of the BlakPac, an organization that supports conservative minority candidates, encouraged more events like these and emphasized the need to take advantage of early voting. “I loved the event,” he said, “I believe it will increase the early voting turnout by several percent. Do not wait until August 28th. It is important we vote early to avoid provisional
ballet issues and voter suppression. That is what they want. “ Although registration for the August 28th primaries has passed, the deadline for the November 6, 2018 general election is October 9th. What has become most important is voter turnout, an area where Black voters need to improve in. Black voter turnout dropped dramatically post-Obama; however, it has never risen above 40 percent in any midterm election since 1964. “Nearly 300,000 people have been removed from the rolls because they didn’t vote in the last three elections,” Congressman Alcee Hastings stated, “Its wrong but it is legal. We have to encourage our community to participate in the democratic process.” Congressman Hastings, one of the staunchest critics of Trump, is seeking re-election to Congress this year. Dr. Barbara Sharief, County Commissioner, District 8, stressed the importance of voting, adding financial contributions to candidates, no matter
how small, make a big difference. “We saw what giving $1 did for the Obama campaign. Money doesn’t win campaigns, but votes do.” Commissioner Sharief pointed out. She referenced gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum’s struggle to raise money as a he runs against millionaires and billionaires able to fund their own campaigns. Gillum would be the first Black governor of Florida should he win. The successful event provided an opportunity for the community to engage in bipartisan dialogue and get to know candidates on a more personal level. It reemphasized the power of the Black community to change the trajectory of their cities, counties, states, and the country as a whole. “The flavor of this entire country depends on us,” said Bobby R. Henry, Sr., Publisher of The Westside Gazette, “It is up to us to take this country in the positive direction it should go.”