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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6 - WEDS. DEC. 12, 2018

Judge Ilona M. Holmes:

Excellence Personified

Sen. Kamala Harris Expected to Announce 2020 Intentions

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Correspondent California Democratic Sen. Kamala Harris has never been known to pullpunches.

Harris is viewed by those who know her as someone who’s “as tough as they come.” And, she knows that any bid for president in 2020 against the bombastic Donald Trump will take a bit of rhinoceros Official photo of United States Senator skin to deal with.

Kamala Harris (D-CA).

“It’s a very serious decision,” Harris told MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” co-host Mika Brzezinski during an onstage conversation at the Know Your Value conference in San Francisco. “Over the holiday, I will make that decision with my (Cont’d on page 4)

begin their judicial career next year. It is quite an achievement for Broward’s Black community, making Judge FORT LAUDERDALE, FL -- At Holmes’ departure bittersweet. the start of the new year, Broward “I feel that I have accomplished what I wanted to do,” County will be Judge Holmes said, “My losing one of its best representations of Black “My focus was to focus was to get more people like us to serve. excellence. After nearly 24 years, Judge Ilona M. get more people Our representation as Holmes will be retiring like us to serve.” judges should mirror our demographics in the from Broward’s Circuit -- Judge Holmes county. It’s only right.”

Court in January 2019.

O n She will be replaced

by Stephanie Camille Moon, a former November 30th, Judge Holmes’s state and federal prosecutor, and one (Cont’d on page 5) of the eleven Black judges slated to

By Nichole Richards Contributing Writer

Abandoned in a Dumpster at birth, this 29-Year Old Black Entrepreneur Now Owns A $62 Million Telecommunications Firm

NAACP demands JNC to reconvene and reconsider Black applicants and calls on Governor elect DeSantis to publicly demand a new slate of candidates reflecting the diversity Florida NAACP says lack of Blacks on State Supreme Court shortlist is shameful and a disgrace; NAACP to monitor all future appointments

by Governor-elect DeSantis.

“After more than 35 years of having a Black State Supreme Court Justice, the Rick Scott Florida Supreme Court Judicial Nominating Commission has failed the people of Florida. No recent Governor has allowed appointees to return a slate that doesn’t reflect the diversity of Florida. It’s a shame and disgrace we are still fighting for equality at all levels of government for Black people and particularly representation on the State Supreme Court. Governors Askew, Graham, Chiles, Bush and Crist all ensured there was a Black appointed to the State Supreme Court.

The NAACP Florida State Conference calls for the Florida Supreme Court Judicial Nominating Commission to reconvene and reconsider the initial six African American

Freddie Figgers, CEO of Figgers Wireless

NATIONWIDE (BlackNews.com) -- 29-year old Freddie Figgers was abandoned in a dumpster at birth and was adopted when he was just two days old by two loving parents. He is now the founder and CEO of Figgers Wireless, a telecommunications firm valued at over $62.3 million dollars, that you may have never heard of.

Born a genius Freddie got his first computer when he was 9-years old. It was broken when he received it, but he quickly figured out how to make it fully operational. That was the start of his innovative future. Later as a child, after learning that his Dad had Alzheimer’s, he invented a shoe for him that had a GPS applicants. We also call on Governor-elect DeSantis to tracker and a two-way communicator that he stand up to Governor Scott and the Florida Supreme sold for millions.

Court Judicial Nominating Commission appointees and He got his first job at the age of 12 as a demand what all other prior Governors did with a slate computer technician, and by age 15, he had that reflects the diversity of our state. already started his own cloud computing We also encourage Governor-elect DeSantis to make services. appointments including agency heads, senior staff and From there to here statewide boards that reflect the diversity of Florida Soon after, Freddie became the ensuring Blacks and minorities are represented at all youngest person in history to hold an FCC levels in the new Administration. With more than three license, allowing him to launch his own million Black residents, we know there are qualified cell phone company. That company is now individuals who can serve this state. The NAACP and Figgers Wireless, the only Black-owned people of Florida are watching,” says Adora Obi Nweze, president of NAACP Florida State Conference and (Cont’d on page 3) member of the National Board of Directors.

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A M E S S A GE F ROM OU R PU BL IS H E R

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Congratulations to all who participated in one of our greatest rights -if qualified, to run for office “Nevertheless, the people refused to listen to the voice of Samuel, and they said, “No, but there shall be a king over us,” 1 Samuel 8:19 (NASV)

By Bobby R. Henry, Sr. The Bible refers to Saul as the people’s choice because the people demanded a king. They wanted God to give them a powerful king who would lead their army. God did not approve.

However, God gave them the kind of king that they wanted. Saul had all the qualities that they desired for their king.

Yes, even though we voted for the ones whom we felt would be the better candidates, we have a responsibility to the ones we didn’t vote for as well. We are accountable to make sure that our non-choices have the concerns and needs for ALL of the citizens in his/her authority.

It is now too late to have a pity party re what should have been or what might have happened if I would have…

The governance of our respective communities is in our hands to hold firm to the diligence of true government for the people and by the people.

(Cont’d on page 9)

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

PAGE 2 • DECEMBER 6 - DECEMBER 12, 2018

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Audrey Aaron is On the Scene for Crystal Chanel of Press Release Marketing Rule No. 2: DON’T COME EMPTY HANDED Organizing a party takes work, ie time, effort, and money.

Guests, who go above and beyond to show their appreciation, always stand out.

There are 2 major ways to get this gesture right: Bring something that will benefit the entire party (prepare a popular dish or offer to mix your signature drink…think “crowd pleaser”) OR bring a personal and meaningful gift for the party host (a bottle of wine, flowers, even a book). Personally, I prefer the latter. Keeping in mind Rule No. 1, the invitation came from

the host. Showing appreciation leaves a lasting impression.

Rule No. 3: CONSIDER YOUR ATTIRE Your attire should reflect the type of party you’re attending and contribute to its ambiance.

Tight and overly revealing garments are typically considered inappropriate.

Likewise, dressing too far down can almost come across as insulting. Consider things like time of day and venue.

Ultimately, you want to aim for something that says: “Happy Holidays!” Festive colors like red, gold, and silver are always good. Fabrics like satin and

sequin are appropriate. When in doubt, ask the host. The right attire invokes the holiday spirit, serves as party décor, and makes for amazing pictures!

Rule No. 4: THEY SAY GIN WILL MAKE YOU SIN As much as I enjoy a good holiday party, I am mindful that with season greetings can come seasonal stress. Accordingly, and as they should, people see parties and gatherings as a chance to escape and unwind, and there are usually plenty of adult beverages to help with that. However, there is a fine line between a good buzz and

Holiday Party Etiquette 101 for 2018 The Holiday season is officially here, and the party invites have already starting pouring in. Last year, “On the Scene” veteran, Crystal Chanel, gave some great party-going tips, and because they are still completely relevant, I’m going to borrow /reiterate her rules.

Rule No. 1: ALWAYS ACCEPT THE INVITATION Unless you are sick, working, or have another commitment at exactly the same time, accept. Party invitations should be received with a fair amount of flattery.

Typically, any holiday party invites are exclusive, so be mindful of taking invites for granted. If you must, respectfully decline as soon as possible.

The holiday season can be a time of joy and merriment. But for some it can also be stressful and overwhelming. If that’s the case, you are not alone. Just dial 2-1-1, 24-hours a day, seven days a week to speak to someone that cares and can help you.

excessive booze, and nothing could ruin a great party experience like someone who has crossed that line. Avoid

irresponsible drinking. You don’t want to be that person who said or did something that would be regrettable once the party has passed.

Rule No. 5: NETWORK IN MODERATION We all know, you truly never know when a single conversation could open a world of opportunities for you. However, in any social environment, beyond light and easy introductions to people you may not know, avoid presenting your full elevator pitches, business plan or brand bio. Yes, be yourself and keep any future opportunities in mind, but don’t add a work feel to a casual and fun environment. It’s the holidays and #TisTheSeason.

Oh, and as a 2018 bonus, consider the role of technology.

Check your email, social media, and text messages for party invites. Communication via technology is only increasing.

It’s faster and more cost efficient than regular mail, so don’t miss out because you didn’t check an inbox.

For anything other than a selfie, ask your host for permission to post to social media, especially if the party is at their home or if there are children at the party.

And last, once you arrive

at the party, put your phone away.

Sure, take a few selfies, do a couple of fun Snapchat posts, but don’t forget to be present at the party! This is the most wonderful time of the year!

I’d like to wrap this up by inviting you to attend Crystal Chanel’s Wine Tasting and Holiday Soul Concert on Saturday, December 8, 2018 at Gigi’s Music Café located at 4385 NW 88th Ave., Sunrise, Fla., 33351. There will be live music featuring singer Moonchild and friends, bottle specials, give-aways and door prizes. We hope to see you there.

Happy Holidays!

Audrey Aaron, Marketing Executive Press Release Marketing, LLC Writer - Editor - Business Development www.justpressrelease.com @PressReleaseLLC on Instagram

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DECEMBER 6 - DECEMBER 12, 2018 2018 • PAGE 3

Artblend Gallery at Spectrum Miami Art Fair – Miami Art Week 2018 Artblend Gallery of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. will be the predominant exhibitor at this year’s Spectrum Miami Art Fair. The award-winning fine art gallery will boast an exhibition space over 3000 square feet with an impressive collection of artists from around the world.

Notable artist Yvette Michele

will be among the top artists to be featured. To learn more about the gallery and the exhibiting artists, please visit www.artblend.com and www.yvettemichele.com Spectrum Miami and Red Dot Miami present an exceptional and elevated worldclass experience for both

exhibitors and art enthusiasts during this year’s Miami Art Week, beginning Wednesday, Dec. 5 through Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018. It ist he only venue featuring Two Shows in One Location during Miami Art Week covering more than 100,000 square feet of exhibition space and will be even more accessible for visitors on foot and by car, all within walking distance from Wynnewood’s trendiest restaurants, bars and retail boutiques.

Hundreds attend BCPS Ed Talk 2018/19 Community Forum

The event presents some of today’s most coveted national and international galleries and artists from the U.S and around the world. Redwood Media Group exclusively produces the two art shows housed in one location considered to be the only multi-show production of its kind during Miami Art Week.

The ultimate destination for the fine art industry professional and contemporary art enthusiast who collectively seek a more accessible experience with exhibits showcasing the world’s most progressive portfolios by some of today’s elite artists, galleries, and emerging talents. With more than 35,000 attendees flocking to see the artwork of the 1,000+ artists showcased by over 200 exhibitors, these are two non-stop,

MICHELE not-to-be missed destination Miami Art Week shows.

The annual Opening Night Preview Party for Spectrum Miami and Red Dot Miami will take place from 6 to 10 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 5, at Mana Wynwood, 2217 N.W. Fifth Ave., Miami, Fla., 33127, and

will feature innovative contemporary art together with Louis Jadot Wines, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and DJ entertainment.

Complimentary General Admission five-day Pass that includes the Opening Night Preview Party can be obtained by emailing; info@artblend.com

J.I.V .E. Juice becomes First Black-Owned J.I.V.E. Juice Brand to be sold in Whole Foods

By BlackNews.com

Recently, (Dec. 1, 2018) hundreds gathered from across the community to attend Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) seventh annual Ed Talk, which took place at Charles W. Flanagan High School in Pembroke Pines.

Students, parents, teachers, school and District staff, business leaders, elected officials, and community members joined School Board members and BCPS Superintendent Robert W. Runcie for discussions on

important topics, including the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School commemoration planning, safety and security updates, District recovery and mental health, and the District’s Strategic Plan focus on college and career readiness.

“As we approach the oneyear mark of what has been a heartbreaking year, we continue to focus on building strength as a community and finding ways to heal together,” said Superintendent Runcie.

“We must work together to support our students, both academically and through socialemotional connections, to ensure they have the resources necessary to be successful in school and throughout their lives. It was wonderful to see such a diverse group of people come together today during Ed Talk, to share their experiences and feedback with us.”

For more information on Ed Talk, visit browardschools.com/edtalk.

Award-Winning Author releases new Children’s Bo ok About the Fun in Learning Book

Jermiko Thomas, author of An Adventure With STEM UTICA, NY through Amazon and Kindle.

(BlackNews.com) — A new The book is focused on showing children’s book will be launch- children how much fun they ing this month titled, An Ad- can have learning about science, venture With STEM, and will technology, engineering and be available for purchase math. It is the second children’s

Abandoned in a Dumpster (Cont'd from FP) telecommunications company in the country that manufacturers their own 4G LTE and soon 5G VLOTE smart phones and offers their own talk, text and data plans. The cellular service is available in throughout the USA, Figgers Wireless provides services to clients in every area along with one of the largest insurance companies in America their network expands to healthcare, aviation, government, business, and consumers.

The company is already accepting pre-orders for their newest release, the Figgers F2 VOLTE phone that will be 5G compatible for the Christmas shipping. The F2 works on any carrier in the world, which has a 5.7-inch full lamination screen and offers a stunning visual effect. The phone’s silky technol-

ogy innovation combines superfast screen response speed with zero-night time glare and blue light filter technology. Even more, the phone’s wireless charging technology allows users to leave their phone in their pocket, or purse and when within a 5-meter range of the Figgers Super Charger the phone automatically starts charging without any cords or cables. Freddie Figgers now owns several US and international patents.

Other Ventures Figgers has launched other brands such as his own credit and debit card line FiggCash that issues a premium luxury metal titanium card for all credit types issued through Visa and MasterCard. Freddie Figgers also has Figgers Health that has innovative healthcare products, and The Figgers Foundation that gives annually

book to be released by awardwinning author, Jermiko Thomas.

An Adventure With Stem is about a boy named Lucas who doesn’t have a desire to learn and would rather spend his time playing. Moe the toad wants to help his friend Lucas to find enjoyment from learning. Once Moe goes missing, Lucas and his friend Walter set out on a mission to find the lost toad. Along the way, the boys must use the four pillars of STEM – science, technology, engineering and math on their mission to find Moe. The boys meet many

HOUSTON, TX — Just in time for the busiest shopping season of the year, J.I.V.E. Juice is now available at Whole Foods 365. J.I.V.E Juice (Juice Is Very Essential) is the first juice company owned by an African American to be placed in Whole Foods.

Founded by Tamala Austin, author of Love My Body Again: 21-Day Meditation to Create Your Best Body Now and a certified health coach, J.I.V.E. Juice provides organic coldpressed fruit juices and smoothies to support a healthy lifestyle. Austin turned to juicing, nutrition, meditation and exercise following a diagnosis of high blood pressure, eventually launching a growing juice delivery service throughout the Houston metro.

“I truly believe that your health is your wealth, so we are thrilled to bring our healthy

products to the many Whole Foods fans in Houston,” Austin said. “I am also honored to be the first African-American owner of a juice company represented at Whole Foods and appreciate their interest in healthy products and delicious juice and smoothies.”

Currently, J.I.V.E Juice is available at the 101 North Loop

The Holidays Can Be Hardest After a Loss Grieving the death of a loved one is hard, no matter the season. But with VITAS Healthcare in your community, you have support when you need it most.

Visit VITAS.com/resources to learn more about oping with grief during the holidays— and year-round.

(Read full story at: www.thewestsidegazette.com) scholarships, supports relief efforts for natural disasters, and other humanitarian deeds.

Freddie Figgers has a simple philosophy on his foundation.

“American Consumers spend billions of dollars with large corporations that that only provide a product or service, to suck the life out of you with their profits, but those companies don’t financially impact the average person in our communities. I believe turning caring into action, and if you see a problem find a solution to deliver an impact to change someone’s life. I started my Foundation with my personal salary and believe in giving back. I remember where I came from and simply what shall a man profit if he gains the whole world but loose his soul in the process. I’m going to impact this world and change today for a better tomorrow, because money is nothing but a tool, but with that tool we can impact and change everyday people lives with opportunities.”

Tamala Austin, founder of J.I.V.E. Juice

800.93.VITAS VITAS.com

West Whole Foods location in Houston. Customers can enjoy top sellers such as Green Delight, Morning Glory, Energy Blast, Apple Berry Fiber and Sweet Beats. With vegetarian and vegan options, the goal is to help people “learn how to (Read full story at: www.thewestsidegazette.com)

PAGE 4 • DECEMBER 6 - DECEMBER 12, 2018

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NAACP Legal Defense FFund und to Supreme Cou rt: More than 60 National Civil Rights Court: Rule on police obligation to administer aid organizations and Stakeholders call White’s estate seeks punitive on Congress to seize opportunity to damages for excessive force, indifference to serious mediDiversify Top Staff cal needs, and assault and battery. Police Chief Kimberly Jacobs and the city of Columbus are named as defendants for failure to train and supervise.

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Correspondent The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. (LDF) has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to take up the question of whether police officers are constitutionally obligated to help a person injured during arrest.

Officials said the question arises from the case of Jason White, a decorated veteran who was killed by two Columbus, Ohio, police officers in 2013 during a mental health crisis triggered by his service in Iraq.

Both officers were trained as first responders, but after shooting White multiple times, neither tried to help him.

Instead they stood over him and waited 15 minutes for an ambulance as White bled to death, LDF officials said.

(Read full story at: www.thewestsidegazette.com)

The Westside Gazette Family, Wish Your Family A Very Happy Holidays Season

Family members of Jason White.

WASHINGTON – The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, along with more than 60 national civil and human rights organizations and stakeholders, sent a letter calling on Members of Congress to prioritize diversity in hiring top staff.

“The next two months provide an amazing opportunity to address the lack of diversity among top congressional staff, as it is a time of great staff transition when new and returning Members will fill hundreds of staff openings,” said Spencer Overton, President, Joint Center. “This is especially true for newly elected Members who are building an entire personal office staff, House OVERTON committee Ranking Members who are transitioning to Chairs and doubling their committee staff, and new committee Chairs and Ranking Members in both chambers who are building their committee staff. New and returning Members (Read full story at: www.thewestsidegazette.com)

Sen. Kamala Harris Expected (Cont'd from FP)

RACIAL JUSTICE ORGANIZATION REACTS TO INDICTMENT OF AMBER GUYER FOR MURDER OF UNARMED BLACK NEIGHBOR -- “The grand jury’s indictment of Amber Guyger is an important reminder that police derive their authority from the people and it is the people, functioning as members of grand juries, who must insist that police authority be exercised in a lawful manner and who must hold police accountable when they fail to do so. Guyger’s indictment sends a strong message that law enforcement officers are not above the law. It is past time for all Americans to demand constitutional and effective policing that respects individual rights and promotes the sanctity of life. Holding law enforcement accountable for deadly and unlawful police shootings promotes public safety and is the best path for increasing trust between officers and the communities they serve. Guyger’s shooting of Botham Jean shocks the conscience and reminds us that racism continues to infect policing in our country.”

family.”

As she told NNPA Newswire in September during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference, she’s keenly aware of the challenges a barrier-breaking campaign will entail.

“Let’s be honest. It’s going to be ugly,” Harris said. “When you break things, it is painful. And you get cut. And you bleed.”

Harris and her colleague from New Jersey, Sen. Cory Booker have long been seen as a possible Democratic ticket in 2020, though no one has speculated which might run as president.

“This is a critical time,” Booker told NNPA Newswire in September at the conference. “The CBC is the conscience of Congress and we have not yet achieved the American Dream which is increasingly out of reach for many.

The Dream is still deferred,” he said.

Harris, who, like Booker, has gone from rising star to serious presidential contender, said there is plenty of work ahead.

“It’s about where we came from and where we’ve got to go,” she told NNPA Newswire. “This is a pivotal moment. I think we all know when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. talked about the Dream, it wasn’t about being asleep,” Harris said. “It was about being awake.”

In her interview with MSNBC, Harris expressed frustration over the slow progress of the Secure Elections Act, which she introduced in March, along with co-sponsor Republican Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma.

The bipartisan legislation would give the Department of Homeland Security responsibility for ensuring secure elections and shoring up election infrastructure against

cyber-attacks and would establish an independent advisory panel of experts to develop guidelines on election cyber security.

Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell, who currently serves as the leader of the Senate, has not yet brought the legislation to the floor for a vote.

Harris said she has been told that is at the White House’s request.

“First of all, let’s be clear about the fact Russia did interfere in the [2016] election of the president of the United States,” Harris told Brzezinski.

“Flawed though it may be, we designed a beautiful system of democracy, and one symbol of that is that we have free and open elections.

“When a foreign government chooses to manipulate our democracy knowing that would compromise our strength and our perception of our strength, you would think leaders would say ‘No, we are going to do everything we can to strengthen and to give ourselves the immunity we need to be free from that kind of manipulation.’ Yet, it’s not happening.”

YOUR HOLIDAY HELPER Order your holiday dinner online.

That’s everyday easy.

publix.com/order Please place orders at least 48 hours in advance.

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DECEMBER 6 - DECEMBER 12, 2018 • PAGE 5

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Supreme Court Hears Important Civil Forfeiture Case

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Correspondent The Supreme Court this week is considering limiting the practice of civil forfeiture, which law enforcement has used since the War on Drugs mostly against African Americans, Hispanics and those in poor communities.

At the heart of arguments in the nation’s highest court are two questionable forfeitures.

The first occurred in October of 2016.

Alexander Temple, a Maine resident, was pulled over on Interstate 95 in New Hampshire for a routine traffic stop. Police

in that state seized $46,000 from Temple, claiming they felt it would be used for illegal activity.

Even Though Temple was released without ever facing a single criminal charge, the police kept the cash.

The second is Tyson Timbs, a recovering opioid addict from Indiana who pled guilty to dealing drugs in 2013. After he was

The profile of suspects who have their assets seized, a researcher observed, “differ greatly from those of the drug lords, for whom asset forfeiture strategies were designed.”

Judge Ilona M. Holmes: (Cont'd from FP) last day on the bench, her courtroom received visitor after visitor, stopping by to wish her well and to express their appreciation for her and the various roles she has played in their lives, both professionally and personally. She beamed and glowed. It is obvious Judge Holmes is beloved.

Hailing from North Philadelphia, an undeniably tough environment, Judge Holmes was enamored by law at a young age and always wanted to be a lawyer.

“I used to watch Perry Mason on television and tell my parents, ‘I can do that!’” she laughed, referencing the legal drama that aired on CBS when she was a little girl. While living in Philadelphia, she attended the city’s prestigious and highly competitive Philadelphia High School for Girls, also known as Girls’ High.

After the passing of her father, Judge Holmes’s mother, recognizing the vulnerability and risks of raising children alone in North Philadelphia, moved the family to South Florida, where she graduated from Deerfield Beach High School. She attended Florida Atlantic University and graduated from Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School Law, an historically black institution in Houston, Texas. She became a lawyer at just 23 years old, kickstarting a successful and high-profile legal career spanning 36 years.

“I became a judge 23 years and 8 months ago.” She stated, and added, laughing “Yes I’ve been counting.”

During her tenure as a lawyer, she served as the Assistant State Attorney in Dade County (now Miami-Dade) under Janet Reno, the former Dade County State Attorney and U.S. Attorney General. In 1991, she became the Assistant U.S. Attorney in Fort Lauderdale and was appointed by former Governor Lawton Chiles to the circuit court in 1998, replacing Judge Carole Taylor. Judge Holmes has held that position, unopposed, since.

Among the many accolades, awards, and plaques received throughout her career, Judge Holmes has also gained a level of notoriety from presiding over some of the most notorious cases in South Florida. Since 2007, she has been involved in major violent felony cases, including rape and capital murder.

“I tried Civil cases for a few years, but criminal cases are my forte,” she said, “I love criminal trials.”

Of course, trying these types of cases have come with repercussions as Judge Holmes has handed down life in prison and death sentences to very violent people. As a result, she has become a target of hate mail and death threats.

“I have received more death threats than any judge in Broward County.” She stated.

This has profoundly affected how she can maneuver throughout the county as she must remain hyper aware of her surroundings among many methods of precaution. It is a sacrifice she is willing to make.

“I can compartmentalize well,” she explained when asked how she dealt with the emotional toll presiding over criminal cases can have, “I understand the responsibilities of my

job. I also use humor as my armor.”

Her humor and friendliness are well-known throughout the county, but her “no nonsense” approach in the courtroom has come to define her career. She has garnered a reputation for toughness, efficiency, and objectivity.

“In my courtroom, there will be order,” she said, “My standards are high and will always remain high.”

Those standards extend to her staff of whom she is extremely proud. She emphasizes it is important to surround yourself with good and loyal people dedicated to hard work and high standards of excellence. Although she is honored by her awards, she is most proud of her staff and the relationships she has built during her long, successful career.

“All the awards and plaques do not mean as much to me as this,” she states as she gestures towards her staff, “Working with them is my joy.”

And her staff happily return the compliments. They do no hesitate to discuss the various ways Judge Holmes has touched each one of their lives and how she has made them a better person as a result.

Roger Dehart, Holmes’s current court bailiff of 3 years, is quick to point out how working with Judge Holmes has had an impact on his life. Moved by the stories of human trafficking that came across the Judge’s docket, Dehart walked over 1,000 miles from the Broward Courthouse to Washington D.C. to bring awareness to the plight of human trafficking victims.

He credits Judge Holmes’s tenacity and support as a motivating factor in his decision to walk.

“I admire her for her intelligence,” Dehart said, “She can recite laws off the top of her head! I felt like I was in law school. She also goes way above and beyond. She has had a huge impact on me and my personal life and has set the standard in my career.”

Judge Holmes’s former court bailiff of three years, Delvin Brooks, expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the guidance she provided while he served in her courtroom. He is now a detective with the Miami Police Department, a career move he credits Holmes influenced.

“I learned a lot in her courtroom,” Detective Brooks said, “She continues to provide guidance and the appropriate connections so that I can do my job well.”

Lisa Wilson, a court reporter that has been with Judge Holmes since 2017, agrees. Wilson’s first capital murder case was with Judge Holmes.

“I came in here and I fell in love,” Wilson adds, “She’s genuine and she looks out for her staff. Her standard of excellence is high, and her expectations have made me a better person.

It will be difficult to go to another judge.”

“She has become my mother at the courthouse,” Cassandra Barrance jokes. Barrance has been with Judge Holmes the longest, serving as her court clerk for 13 years. She recounts the story of the first time she met her and admits she was nervous.

“Her reputation made me a bit nervous, but she ended up teaching me a lot and she has molded me to be a better mother and daughter.” Barrance’s children have even come to admire and look up to Judge Holmes.

Her oldest daughter now wants to be a judge.

“She not only inspires me, but my daughter, as well,” adds Tiffany Bacon, Judge Holmes’s Judicial Assistant, “Judge will stick up for you. She teaches you and she corrects you. I am grateful for her.”

Judge Holmes acknowledges her reputation as a “tough as nails” judge precedes her and does not regret it. She considers it necessary to set that standard for the many Black judges that will come after her.

“If I was lazy and incompetent, that would have closed the door for many of us.” She said, adding how important it is for Blacks to have a seat at the table, particularly in the criminal justice system where they are disproportionately represented in the prison populace.

After a successful and significant career, Judge Holmes has great plans for retirement.

She hopes to continue leading an engaging life, becoming more involved in her church, The Faith Center, located in Sunrise, Florida. She was ordained as a minister by the congregation’s pastor, Bishop Henry Fernandez, of which she has a close, spiritual bond.

Judge Holmes also teaches judges from all over the world in ethics, judicial discretion, and other pertinent topics with the National Judicial College, an institution based in Reno, Nevada that provides relevant and innovative training to judges.

“I definitely want to continue to teach,” Holmes said, “I really enjoy it.” She would also like to return to school to complete a doctorate in Public Administration.

Contrary to rumors, Judge Holmes emphasizes she is not interested in running for State Attorney but does plan to continue impacting the judicial system in various, indirect ways.

“I thank God for allowing me to have this success,” she said, “I’m still young. I am ready for what He has planned for me next.”

Throughout her career, Judge Holmes has unabashedly placed God first, even allowing lawyers to quote scripture in their arguments, a controversial practice in the courtroom.

As a result, God has used Judge Holmes to “share his glory” (Romans 8:30). She is truly set apart.

sentenced to probation and ordered to pay a fine, the state seized his $42,000 Land Rover in an act of civil forfeiture.

That despite the fact that Timbs proved that the funds he used to purchase the SUV were not from drug sales, but from a life insurance policy he received from his father.

“I’m feeling very good,” Timbs told ABC News as he entered the High Court this week.

“This has been a very difference experience for me with so much attention.”

Timbs attorney Wesley Hottot argued the seizure of the Land Rover violated the 8th Amendment’s protection against excessive fines, a Constitutional guarantee that should be upheld in all states.

(Read full story at: www.thewestsidegazette.com)

Coalition wants end to Broadcasting Music that Encourages Violence Against Blacks While r ecognizing se xual misconduct as recognizing sexual vior is a or efr de vian devian viantt beha behavior att the ffor orefr efron ontt o off on mass media, se xual misconduct and sexual violence against Black w omen is being women ed on r adio pr omo ted and normaliz radio promo omoted normalized ar ge st ations tha sta thatt ttar arge gett African American audiences ver al gr oups said in a ne ws audiences,, se sev eral groups new release elease..

Dr. E. Faye Williams/ National Congress of Black Women

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Correspondent Organizations and movements representing African Americans in general, and Black Women in particular, said they’ve continued to unite in defense of Black youth whom they said are being inundated with misogynistic messages from Urban Radio stations that target the Black community.

While recognizing sexual misconduct as deviant behavior is at the forefront of mass media, sexual misconduct and violence against Black women is being

promoted and normalized on radio stations that target African American audiences, several groups said in a news release.

As this music remains in heavy rotation on radio stations that target Black youth, they continue to be financed with commercial advertising support from major corporations like McDonalds, Subway Restaurants, State Farm Insurance, JC Penney, Adidas and others, according to the organizations, which include the National Congress of Black Women; The National Black Leadership Alliance; Dr. Jacquelyn Jordan, who represents Black Nurses; Dr. Calvin O. Butts, Chair of the Social Action Committee Progressive National Baptist Convention; and Dr, Evelyn

Jenkins, NCBW Prince George’s County, MD. The coalition also includes Sapphire Harris, Chair of People With Disabilities; Marcia Harris, of Educate2Empower; Lakisha Davis-Small, the founder of Stop Stealing Our Souls; Kwabena Rasuli Chair, of the Clear The Airwaves Project; and Johnnie Scott-Rice, the Chair of the Board of United Black Fund and DC Chapter of NCBW. “We are asking these corporations to remove their commercials as long as these stations continue to play music that demeans, denigrates and promotes violence against women, with Black women as the primary target,” the coalition said in a news release.

(Read full story at: www.thewestsidegazette.com)

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PAGE 6 • DECEMBER 6 - DECEMBER 12, 2018

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Whit e police of ys he w as ffir ir ed ffor or no ting Comcast Announces Agreements with White offficer sa say was ired nott shoo shooting two new African American Majority Blac k male suspect Black Officer Stephen Mader WEIRTON, VA — Stephen Mader, a white police officer from the Weirton Police Department who was fired after de-

ciding not to shoot a Black male suspect, has filed a federal lawsuit against the department and won a settlement for wrongful termination last February. A recent story from ProPubli-

ca unveils the whole story that surrounds what happened that night in 2016.

Stephen Mader, a 25-yearold rookie police officer and a former Marine vet who has served in Afghanistan, responded to a domestic dispute in Weirton, West Virginia on the mid-

Baltimore Organization helping fathers, families with sustainable employment, life skills The Center for Urban Families acts as a leading voice in the national conversation on responsible fatherhood and an advocate for child support reform in Maryland. It also counts as a resource that helps nonprofits across the country strengthen low-income families and a support network for Baltimore’s most vulnerable citizens.

Twenty years ago, Christy Lee Shockley was a single mother living in a shelter and unable to keep a job. The trauma she had experienced in her childhood caught up to her and she needed support to realize her potential.

In 1998, Christy saw her chance and bravely enrolled in

the first cohort of the Center for Urban Families’ “STRIVE Baltimore program,” where she learned the necessary skills for work, like how to dress for work, how to smile and be present, and how to advocate for professional growth.

And it worked.

Twenty years later, Shockley holds three college degrees, is excelling at work as a government executive, and has three

children with her husband of 20 years.

Even more, she has taken lessons learned from STRIVE and her own experiences to mentor young women who face the challenges she once did, according to a news release issued by the Center along with the organization’s 2018 Impact Report.

“We are all the sum total of our life experiences,” Shockley said. Christy said. “My story is one of resilience and perseverance. I tell it proudly, and I do it while smiling.”

Shockley has discovered her voice, found success, and is an economically independent and successful woman. And she credits that jump-start to the Center for Urban Families in Baltimore.

(Read full story at: www.thewestsidegazette.com)

LOS ANGELES—The Black AIDS Institute (BAI) has named Raniyah Copeland as its next President and Chief Executive Officer. Copeland will assume the role on January 1,

2019 Copeland began working at BAI in April of 2008 as the Training and Capacity Building Coordinator and currently serves as the Director of Programs. The announcement was

made during the organization’s star studded Heroes In The Struggle gala at the California African American Museum (CAAM) this past Saturday.

Copeland, says, “We are

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Correspondent

Owned Independent Networks

MADER night of May 2016. There he encountered R.J. Williams, a Black man and the ex-boyfriend of the 911-caller, who was drunk and was hiding his hands on his back.

Mader commanded Williams to show him his hands several times but he refused. When Williams finally showed his hands, a silver and black pistol was resting in his right hand, pointing at the ground. What happened next was unexpected and shocking to many.

“Put the gun down,” Mader said.

“I can’t do that,” Williams said.

“I don’t want to shoot you, brother,” Mader said. “Put the gun down.”

“Just shoot me,” Williams said repeatedly.

Mader chose not to shoot and kill Williams despite Williams seemingly being a threat to his life considering he was holding a gun. Instead, he tried to diffuse the situation.

Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) recently announced it has selected two new African American majority owned independent networks to be broadly distributed on Comcast Cable systems beginning in January 2019.

PHILADELPHIA, PA — Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) recently announced it has selected two new African American majority-owned independent networks to be broadly distributed on Comcast Cable systems beginning in January 2019. After a thorough evaluation of dozens of proposals, Comcast selected AFRO and CLEO TV, both of which will provide quality entertainment that highlights and features TV and movie content about African American and Black communities.

“The offerings from both AFRO and CLEO TV serve as an excellent complement to the growing catalog of programming choices we offer about

global black communities,” said Keesha Boyd, Executive Director, Multicultural Products at Comcast Cable. “We remain committed to delivering a wide array of programming by partnering with independent networks, such as the two we’re announced, to better serve our increasingly diverse customer base.”

AFRO, a channel from Afro=tainment, is a 24-hour polycultural Black network mainly broadcasting top-rated Nollywood and black movies, dramas, sitcoms, music, talk, and late night comedy shows.

(Read full story at: www.thewestsidegazette.com)

(Read full story at: www.thewestsidegazette.com)

Black woman named Deputy Black AIDS Institute Names New President & Chief Executive Officer Director of NASA’s Johnson Longtime staffer selected from among 20 candidates after national 10 month search Space Center, making history bringing a collective of the nation’s brightest leaders who are modeling the way to end HIV in Black America through the provision of outstanding, Black-centric clinical care, and best practices shared across the country.”

As she reflects on more than 10 years with the organization she says, “I have grown from planning the details of one of

JOHNSON (Vanessa Wyche photo credit: NASA)

By Teddy Grant

COPELAND our largest programs to leading the strategic direction of all of BAI’s programming, including our newest entry into providing HIV direct services.”

(Read full story at: www.thewestsidegazette.com)

For the first time, a Black woman was named deputy director at NASA’s Johnson Space Center on Wednesday, the Houston Chronicle reports.

Vanessa Wyche, 54, who has spent almost 30 years with the space agency, will be the second in command at the Houston facility where 10,000 civil service and contract workers are employed.

She is the first African American to hold the position.

The Johnson Space Center is one of NASA’s biggest loca-

tions and is run by Mark Geyer, per reports.

“I am incredibly humbled to take on this role at JSC, and also excited to assist Mark with leading the home of human spaceflight,” Wyche said in a statement Wednesday, according to the Chronicle. “I look forward to working with the talented employees at JSC as we work toward our mission of taking humans farther into the solar system.”

(Read full story at: www.thewestsidegazette.com)

Northern California Seeks Relief from Fire and Rain Sacramento Observer Staff Report SACRAMENTO — It is being called the worst disaster in California’s history. The Camp Fire, which has destroyed more than 150,000 acres of land in mostly Butte County, began Thursday, November 8 at 6:33 a.m. Since then, more than 80 people have been confirmed dead while rescue workers and volunteers feverishly search for hundreds of missing people.

More than 15,000 structures have been burned — including about 12,000 homes. About 46,000 people have been under evacuation orders for the last three weeks.

The town of Paradise — about 120 miles north of Sacramento — has literally been

burned to the ground, creating a landscape unique to many search-and-rescue personnel.

Every structure, every home and every car need to be checked for remains.

“We’ve never seen anything like this in California; we’ve never seen anything like this yet. It’s like total devastation,’’ said President Donald Trump who toured the area Nov. 17, joined by California’s outgoing and incoming governors Jerry Brown and Gavin Newsom.

Soon after the fire began, Trump blamed state officials for poor forest management and threatened to cut off federal funding. However, following his visit, he pledged the full support of the federal government.

“He’s got our back,’’ outgoing Gov. Jerry Brown said on

CBS’ “Face the Nation.’’

While the fires have now been contained, the trouble area residents and recovery officials are currently faced with is flooding and potential mudslides from the downpour of rain.

The storm brought 1 1/2 inches of rain in an hour, toppling trees and trapping motorists in flooded roads downstream, said National Weather Service meteorologist Craig Shoemaker.

It is scheduled to rain most of this week, making things very difficult for those who have been displaced. Residents could begin returning early next week, but only if the storm doesn’t hinder efforts to clear roads and restore power, officials say.

Happy Holidays

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Local Events In The Community ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

Ceremony

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Drive

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Event

Miramar Today Events

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The Town of Lake Park will host its annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, Friday, Dec. 7 from 6 to 9 p. m., at Town Green, (located on the corner of Park Avenue and Ninth St. For more info call (561) 840-0160 or visit www.lakeparkflorida.gov ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

Event

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Bethlehem Revisited experience that One Holy Night, Friday, Dec. 7-11 from 7 to 9 p.m., at 8650 W. Sample Rd., Coral Springs, Fla. Free event for all ages. For more info call (954) 752-0333. ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

Yard Sale ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

Pop-Up Yard Sale, Saturday, Dec. 8 and 9 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 3159 N.W. 109 Terr., Sunrise, Fla. For more info call (954) 594-6442. ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

Play

Stage Door Theatre presents The Super Soul Musical & Beloved Broadway Gem... The Wiz, Friday, Dec. 7 thru Monday, Dec. 31 at Lauderhill Performing Arts Center, 3800 N.W. 11 Pl., Lauderhill, Fla. For time and cost and additional info (954) 777-2055.

Commissioner Dale Holness invites you to the Lauderhill Mall Citizenship Drive, Saturday, Dec. 8 and Sunday, Dec. 9 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Lauderhill Mall, 1267 N. State Rd. 7, Lauderhill, Fla. Experienced lawyers and Immigration professionals will help to prepare your citizenship applications.

Free Assistance: · Home address for the least 5 or 3 years · Recent Tax Return / W2s/2 months paystub · Green Card and Passports · ID and Social Security · School/Employment (date the last 5 or 3 years · Children’s information (date of birth, A#, addresses)* · Martial history/Criminal history* · “If applicable For more info call (954) 6373872 Floridanewcitizen@gmail.com

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

THE BEST BOIL PEANUTS ON THE PLANET $3.00 A BAG PAPER SOFT SHELL PECANS $5.00 lbs CALL FORD (954) 557-1203

The City of Fort Lauderdale is set to host their first Kwanzaa inspired marketplace on Saturday, Dec. 29. The marketplace will pay homage to the fourth day of Kwanzaa, Ujamaa, which means co-operative economics.

The Ujamaa Marketplace will feature local minority vendors from the surrounding community. The event will take place rain or shine at Bass Park, at 2750 N.W. 19 St., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. From 1 to 6 p.m., participants can expect to find a nice selection of local goods, information on surrounding businesses as well as networking opportunities.

Vendors are welcome free of charge, but must adhere to City of Fort Lauderdale guidelines. Contact Chiketia Ponder at (954) 828-8498 for more info. ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

Party

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Dillard Class of 1971 Annual Holiday Party, Saturday, Dec. 22 at 7 p.m., at Black Firefighter's Hall, 1621 Sistrunk Blvd., (N.W. Sixth St.,) Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Everyone is to bring a wrapped gift valued at least $20. Further instructions at the event. R.S.V.P. by Sunday, Dec. 16 to Janie (954) 612-2433 or Betty at (954) 6297907. Leave a message. ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

Ceremony

Join for the Swearing-In Ceremony of our Newly Elected Councilmembers, Councilwoman Katrina Wilson and Councilman Reginald Leon, Wednesday, Dec. 12 at 5:30 p.m., at City of Miami Gardens City Council Chambers, 18605 N.W. 27 Ave., Miami

- Saturday, Dec. 8 from 9a.m. to 3 p.m. - Mayor Wayne Messam's Second Annual Aviation Expo 2018 at the Amphitheater at Miramar Regional Park, 16801 Miramar Parkway, Fla. For more info call (954) 602-3198 - Friday, Dec. 7 from 6 to 8 p.m. - Holiday Concert, at Miramar Town Center Plaza, 2300 Civic Center Pl., Miramar, Fla. - Saturday, Dec. 8 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Caregiver Support Group, at 8915 Miramar Parkway, Miramar, Fla. Sessions: Coping With Alzheimer's" Adult Day Care Services will be available.

- Doing Business With Miramar Fire-Rescue, every Wednesday from 7 to 11:30 a.m., at 14801 S.W. 27 St., Miramar, Fla. For more info call (954) 602-4802.

- Winter Jr. Chef Camp, now thru Jan. 4 Monday - Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., at Vizcaya Park, 14200 S.W. 55 St., Miramar, Fla. For cost and additional info call 883-6800.

DECEMBER 6 - DECEMBER 12, 2018 • PAGE 7

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

Toy Drive

Events

Lauderhill Fire Rescue Third Annual Holiday Toy Drive, Thursday, Dec. 20 from 3 to 7 p.m., and Toy Distribution at Fire Station #57, Friday, Dec. 21 from 3 to 5:30 p.m., at 1980 N.W. 56 Ave., Lauderhill, Fla. Fire & Police Stations will accept donations every day from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., City Hall will accept donations 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Mondays through Thursdays.

Donations can be dropped off through 12/17/18. Here are the drop off locations: - Fire Station 57 (1980 N.W. 56 Avenue, Lauderhill, Fla 33313) - Fire Station 73 (7801 NW 50 Street, Lauderhill, Fla 33351) - Fire Station 30 (1181 NW 41 Terrace, Lauderhill, Fla 33313) - Fire Station 110 (3120 NW 12th Place, Lauderhill, Fla 33311) - Police Station (6279 W. Oakland Park Boulevard, Lauderhill, Fla 33313) - City Hall (5581 W. Oakland Park Boulevard, Lauderhill, Fla 33313)

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All Events will be held at Jan Moran Collier City Learning Library, 2800 N.W. Ninth Ct., Pompano Beach, Fla. For additional info call (954) 3577670. *Basic Computer Instruction on Mondays and Wednesday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Participants will learn the ins and out of the desktop computer including hardware, soft-wear, and the internet. No prior experience is necessary. * Collier City Photo Shoot, Monday, Dec. 10, and 17 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Come and take photo of yourself, your family, and friends as a way to celebrate the holiday season. * Itch to Stitch, Monday and Wednesday, Dec. 10 and 12 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Participants will learn how to crochet holiday gifts. Some supplies will be provided.

The Westside Gazette

Tour

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Explore Las Olas Food Tour Recurrence from 6 to 9 p.m., Recurring weekly on Tuesday, Friday Various at 901 E Las Olas Blvd. (Corner), Meeting Place: NECorner of 9th Ave. & Las Olas Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, Fla. For more info call (800) 979-3370. ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

Event

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Free First Thursdays Starry Nights Presented by NSU Art Museum Recurrence Recurring monthly on the First Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m., at NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale, One E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. For more info (954) 262-0258.

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Yard Sale

Wilton Manors is pleased to announce that the City will be hosting its Annual Island CityWide Yard Sale, at Hagen Park, 2020 Wilton Dr., Wilton Manors. Fla. The Yard Sale is the second Saturday of November 2018 through March 2019 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. For space reservations at Hagen Park and additional info call (954) 3902115 or (954) 390-2130.

TO HAVE YOUR ************ UPCOMING EVENT POSTED HERE FAX (954) 525-1861

OR EMAIL: wgproof@thewestsidegazette.com FOR MORE INFO CALL (954) 525-1489 ************************

Pleading Our Own Cause STAYCONNECTED --

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Open MIC

(954) 525-1489

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Wishes Our Advertisers, Readers, Supporters and Subscribers A SAFE & HAPPY HOLIDAYS! Free Open MIC Tuesday's presented by Marian84 Sports Bar & Grill with Kel Thompson hosting Recurrence: Recurring weekly on Tuesday Marina84 Sport Bar & Grill, at 8 p.m., at 2440 W. St. Rd. 84 Fort Lauderdale, FLa. For more info (954) 734-2424.

CITY OF FORT LAUDERDALE

NEIGHBOR TREE GIVEAWAY!!!

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2018 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM | OSSWALD PARK 2220 NW 21st Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 Proof of Fort Lauderdale residency required (e.g., driver’s license, utility bill, etc.). Two trees per household on a first come, first served basis while supplies last.

Save time with online registration available at: www.fortlauderdale.gov/freetrees For details, contact Mark Williams, Urban Forester, at 954-828-5785 or mawilliams@fortlauderdale.gov.

PAGE 8 • DECEMBER 6 - DECEMBER 12, 2018

Opinion

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.

He Said - She Said

“What to say for the Holidays”

Amendment 4 Has Passed and Implementation Mr. Meade orgaQuestions Start nized the drive to

By Roger Caldwell

By Don Valentine And Nicole Nutting He Said: Nicole, every year I get so frustrated by the refusal of people to acknowledge Christmas. Probably some 80% of the country recognizes the 25th of December as the birth of Christ. Yet, people treat the phrase “Merry Christmas” almost as curse words.

She Said: Whoa Don, don’t get your knickers in a twist—nobody is refusing to acknowledge Christmas!

That was all a fabricated conflict, the Conservatives yanking everyone’s

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chain in backlash to “politically correct” Liberals. The spirit of this season should behoove us to revel in the strength of our diversity, and to extend the olive branch to practitioners of ALL faiths.

Political correctness is just another name for courtesy and good manners.

He Said: Nicole, your premise has merit. I am going to advocate for the inclination of the spirit/theme of the season—love and good will to all. Say what is in your heart, “Merry Christmas”, “Happy Hanukkah”, whatever is meaningful to you. This is the time of the year for kindness, not conflict.

Just extend love to another human being. Nicole, wouldn’t you have to say this is a theme shared by all??

Merry Christmas to you Nicole and all of our readers!

She Said: Don, even a confirmed agnostic such as myself can feel the pull! Or maybe that was the eggnog...

Seriously, this IS the season of light, shining on all of us. The bigger challenge is to carry the spirit of this season throughout the whole year, and come together for the well-being of all. Happy holidays, everyone...and please pass the platter of Love around the entire table!

Rev. Barbara Skinner and Intergenerational Leadership

By Juilanne Malveaux Barbara Williams Skinner, at 75, looks at least two decades younger than her birth certificate suggests. Much of her youthful energy is due to her discipline, which includes a mindful prayer practice, a vegetarian diet, and a focused mind. But as much of her youthfulness, I think, can be attributed to her engagement with emerging leaders, the younger people who are poised to lead and learn. On November 29, she celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Skinner Leadership Institute (www.skinnerleadership.org), the organization she founded to offer leadership lessons to both emerging and established leaders.

While well known in Washington political circles, as the founder (with her now-deceased husband Tom Skinner) of the Prayer Breakfast at the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference, Skinner is not the household word that she should be. She has been a spiritual advisor to many members of Congress and to President Barack Obama, and she has done the “bridge building” work of bringing together African American leaders who have sometimes had contentious relationships. For more than a decade, she pulled corporate, political, and community people together for a retreat that involved both learning time and bonding time. Mrs. Coretta Scott King, Dr. Betty Shabazz, Dr. Maya Angelou, and Dick Gregory were among those who attended the retreat.

Barbara Skinner was the first Executive Director of the Congressional Black Caucus. Although she was raised by a hard-working, God-fearing mother, Skinner spent much of her young adult life mad at God. She writes movingly of her journey in her new book, I Prayed, Now What: My Journey from No Faith to Deep Faith (Fortune Publishing Group: 2018). Barbara writes about her struggle to embrace God, her relationship and marriage to Tom Skinner, who had been a spiritual advisor to, among others, the Washington Redskins, and about ways to pray for political enemies. She spoke of these things, and many more, at the celebration of the Skinner Leadership Institute, an event that not only celebrated Skinner and her leadership, but also lifted up some of the women around her.

(Read full story at www.thewestsidegazette.com)

“There are an estimated 1.5 million plus Floridians, who are formerly, convicted felons without civil rights, including the ability to vote. Since Governor Rick Scott took office in 2011, his clemency board has reviewed more than 29,611 cases and restored voting rights to less than 3,000,” says Renata Sago of the Orlando Weekly.

On voting day November 6, 2018, with “Amendment 4,” Florida voters abolished the state’s archaic, racist, unconstitutional voter rights restoration process. This was a victory for justice, democracy, racism, and felony disenfranchisement. Now convicted exfelons will have a portion of their stripped civil rights restored, 9becoming productive citizens, who can vote.

A federal judge ruled on February 1, 2018, that Florida’s system of voter rights restoration is unconstitutional.

U.S. District Judge Mark Walker found “the lack of timeliness in administering clemency unconstitutional. He noted the clemency board may defer restoration of rights for years or forever.”

It was obvious in Florida this process has been in place for decades, and it has always been managed and controlled by the governor and the Florida commissioner board. For most ex-felons there was a mandatory waiting period of 5 to 7 years to start the process, and it usually took 10 to 13 years to complete the process. Only 10% of the ex-felons were successful in restoring their voting rights, and the majority stopped trying after 12 years.

In order for an ex-felon to be considered for a hearing with the Executive Clemency Board, here are some of the conditions that must be met; 1) pay in full any restitution owed, 2) no pending criminal charges, 3) wait the mandatory period after those conditions are met, 4) submit the necessary paperwork and clemency application, and 5) name of church, doctor, and education affiliated with on a regular basis.

Without the work of Desmond Meade, President of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition and other organizations and years of work, amendment 4 would have never been on the ballot.

The Demonic suction tube

By Robert C. Koehler Suddenly America’s political cauldron bubbles with hope and possibility — not just because the Democrats have won races across the country, but because voters pushed back in record numbers against the forces of Trump and racism and the long-standing lies of entrenched wealth.

Now the work begins: to hold our political leadership accountable for real change —the sort of change that is too easily ducked by the powerful. The time has come to change who we are as a nation, to transform the national identity.

Here’s a simpler way to put it: “Will the new House Democrats take on the war lobby?”

This question is the headline of an essay by Medea Benjamin and Nicolas J. S. Davies, and it touches the furious heart of who we are. I would put it this

put the amendment on the ballot, and over 5 million (64%) Floridians voted in favor of the amen-dment.

This is a great achievement for Florida, but it is also a model for the country, because there are still over 5.8 million ex-felons around the country, which are disenfranchised and not able to vote, after they have completed their sentence. Many believe that the treatment of ex-felons in the south is a moral issue, which goes back to Jim Crow Laws after reconstruction.

The passage of Amendment 4 was a political, ethical, and moral victory, for Blacks, and people of color in Florida. As many different organizations and different individuals take their victory lap, everyone must remember that the battle is not over.

Republicans still control the Florida Senate, the House, the governorship, and all commissioner seats, except for the commissioner of Agriculture. The newly elected governor Ron DeSantis has already stated that he is no friend of Amendment 4.

On January 8th the constitutional amendment goes into effect, but the implementation details must be worked out in terms of the state bureaucracy. “The Florida state government has failed to implement citizen-driven ballot amendments in recent years,” says Daniel Rivero of WLRN. Even though the amendment has been passed the implementation phase may take a year or more. Many Republicans in the legislature will probably erect barriers to make it difficult for ex-felons to vote, because many of these new voters will probably be Democrats.

Change in America is always incremental and slow, and this voter amendment for ex-felons will probably be put on the back-burner, if the different coalitions do not continue to fight and demand change. This is a historic victory for voting rights in Florida, and the country. Now, phase two –The Implementation.

Greg Sargent writes in the Washington Post (November 30): For years after Deng Xiaoping’s decisive turn toward modernization in the late 1970s, U.S. business executives and diplomats supported not only opening the U.S. market to Chinese goods, but also a range of academic, cultural and even military contacts, on the theory that including China in a U.S.-led global system would induce Beijing’s Communist rulers to open their economy and, over time, political system as well. By now, it is abundantly clear to people across the political spectrum that this bet has not paid off. Where there was once a bipartisan consensus in favor of broad engagement with China, now there is almost (Read full story at www.thewestsidegazette.com)

(Read full story at www.thewestsidegazette.com)

China Policy: Disappointment is no excuse

By Mel Gurtov

The action taken by Governor Rick Scott on August 30, 2018 to suspend Dr. Brenda C. Snipes as the Broward County Supervisor of Elections for Broward County was nothing less than mean-spirited and malicious. The Executive Order issued after 5 p.m. on a Friday was intended by Governor Scott to go unnoticed and without accountability.

When it became clear that the state races for U. S. Senate and for the Governor’s Office were tightening, a number of lawsuits were filed by Governor Scott’s campaign that were designed to slow down voting in Broward County. Governor Scott public requests included some documents that never existed and other documents that the Governor already had access to through his Secretary of State. For instance, while a recount was ongoing, the Governor wanted the number of votes that had already been counted – again the count was continuing every second and therefore, there was no such record.

In order to comply with some of the Governor’s requests, it meant that every director in every department had to ignore their regular duties relating to counting votes. The Governor’s actions were intended to be menacing and the Governor knew or should have known that his actions were going to interfere with the election. The Governor’s requests served only to drain SOE staff time and resources.

The “I” WORD It is always puzzling how people of color are so easily labeled “incompetent.” Even a career administrator, such as Snipes, with a PHD in Organizational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University cannot escape the dreadful “I” word that recklessly rolls out of the mouths of people such as our current President of the United States. This same president tweeted a(Read full story at www.thewestsidegazette.com)

No Country for White men? Why the left should appeal to the Protecting the most White male identit identityy vulnerable from genocide

By Matthew Johnson Liberals and progressives, with the notable exception of Bernie Sanders, too often fail to appeal directly to white men in the United States. I am not suggesting that they fail to appeal to individual white men or that white men are not interested in their platform; I am suggesting that left-wing activists and politicians often do not even attempt to reach out to white men as a group. This is despite the left’s long-time embrace of identity politics.

Why cede so much ground to the right? Why permit Fox News and other conservative media to target white men as their main, sometimes sole, audience? Not only are self-identified white men an extremely large political bloc, they are far from monolithic in their political leanings. Even though 60 percent of white men voted Republican in the midterm elections this year, that still leaves tens of millions of white men who voted Democrat, independent, or not at all. Moreover, a significant portion of that 60 percent could be convinced to support parties and candidates that better promote their interests if more were done to appeal to those interests — to target white men directly as a distinct voting bloc.

Conservative pundits and politicians use fear as a tool for encouraging white men to vote Republican: fear of immigrants, fear of unemployment, fear of feminists, fear of ISIS, fear of Antifa, and so on. Ambitious Republican politicians and operatives then use the same fear to move the party further to the right by undermining moderate voices. While the use of fear to manipulate is an insult to both the intelligence and values of many white men, it is often a winning strategy. In fact the ‘conservative’ label itself is seemingly born out of fear: Researchers have determined that conservatives can be transformed into

(Read full story at www.thewestsidegazette.com)

Go v er nor Ric k Gov Rick Scott meanspirited and malicious

J.P. Linstroth Ghosts of European colonialism still haunt us today even in the 21stcentury.

This was evident from the untimely death of American John Allen Chau, 26, from Was-hington state on November 16that the hands of SentineleseJarawa people from the Andaman Islands.

The last days of Mr. Chau are reminiscent of the novel At Play in the Fields of the Lord(1965) by late naturalist, Peter Mathiessen, where everything goes wrong for the Christian missionaries, as they did for Chau.

(Read full story at www.thewestsidegazette.com)

The Congressional Black Caucus needs to get to work on the Western Sahara “… the conflict in the Western Sahara is an inner-African struggle… it represents a struggle over the future of Africa not only because it may explode once again but because it calls into question the terms under which peace and justice can truly emerge on a continent divided as it has been by boundaries originally established

by European colonial powers.”

By Bill Fletcher, Jr., NNPA Newswire Contributor The transition towards a new Congress is underway. Democrats are beginning to assume leadership posi(Read full story at www.thewestsidegazette.com)

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DECEMBER 6 - DECEMBER 12, 2018 • PAGE 9

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To those who may have come up short of understanding the principles of governing for ALL, which means to include those who are without the necessities and may have not been considered “worthy”, they did not vote for them, should be given the same rights and privileges of those who did.

You are in no position to discount, overlook, and neglect or play favors and cow down to those who in most cases voted for you out of blurred, tinted and selfish reasons.

I would like to believe that we, as ethical voters, were capable of turning away from our self-centered desires to place the quality of life of those who are kneeling at the precipice of despair before our own wishes.

But, are we capable of doing what’s right and yet do we find ourselves lazily sleeping at the wheel of life while we allow others to lead us when we know they bought our votes with false promises, fake identity, personality masquerading and, in many instances, with cold cash?

Was there a moment at the polls for those who professed to be for inclusion and “down with the Party,” but, once the ballot was in hand, they choked, and could not vote for the Party ticket?

Our elected leaders and jurist personalities, you have an obligation to ALL of us: to uphold your position to the best of your God-given abilities aside from any self-made flaw caused by greed, egotistical motives, ill-gotten financial gains or any outside influence or inward prejudice that would cause hurt, harm or danger to those you represent and not just for those who voted for you.

There is no space in the condition of this country, the State of Florida in the County of Broward for injustices to be done, just because you have been elected and you are in a position to do it.

Citizens will, until the end of time, react in a favorable manner, even in greater measure than that which is delivered to them when they are included not excluded, or so we thought, until the leaders twisted the minds of weak citizens who would believe anything that put them in good standing with sick and perverse leadership.

The ordinary want for revenge should be replaced with an act intended to change an adversary into a companion.

Once you free yourself of Prejudice Riddled In Deceit and Erroneous (PRIDE), you can take action to address unfairness with a positive demeanor focusing on an encouraging outcome.

Citizens, we must do our part and “Speak truth to power”, even if it’s to the ones we voted for that need to be checked.

Politics does not have to be an everlasting volley of who messed over whom, a tit for tat, or you throw dirt on me, I will throw mud on you. Wrong is wrong and there are no two ways about it.

As Napoleon Hill said, “The hottest coals of fire ever heaped upon the head of one who has wronged you are the coals of human kindness.”

“Dear God, in the name of Jesus, I pray for all of us, Your children, to extend to those we come in contact with the kind of love You showered on us when we did not deserve it. In Jesus’ name. Amen. … BUT THE GREATEST OF THESE IS LOVE

PAGE 10 • DECEMBER 6 - DECEMBER 12, 2018

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“Art Blues Soul & BBQ Festival” at the African Heritage Cultural Arts Center was a Center is nationally-recog- Bianca Brewton, professional nized for developing hundreds dancer (Beyoncé and Bruno sensational celebration of Black Miami during Art Basel of outstanding artists in all arts Mars); Shareef Clayton, GramAudience exhilarated by the Legendary Angela Winbush’s powerful vocals table visitors of the Amadlozi Gallery. There, festival goers were inspired by watching various artists sketching and painting live in the Voyage to Another World exhibition which will host the unique and brilliant visual art until the end of the year. The exhibition features pieces created by the distinguished talents of Addonis Parker, Robert McKnight, Ray Parris, Darryn Ferguson,

By Cheryl Mizell MIAMI – December 3, 2018) – The African Heritage Cultural Arts Center (AHCAC) presented its second annual Art Blues Soul & BBQ Festival on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018, 1 to 6 p.m. on the grounds of the AHCAC, 6161 N.W. 22 Avenue, Miami, at the intersection of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Boulevard and Moonlight Way. More than 725 attendees from Miami to Switzerland participated in the Festival throughout the day.

Celebrating the arts, sounds and flavors of Black Miami during Art Basel week, the Festival featured a fantastic blues and soul music concert presented on an outdoor stage with a spectacularly lit LED background. The stunning visual art creations exhibited inside the Center’s Amadlozi Gallery fascinated the steady flow of visitors, and mouth-watering BBQ, Caribbean and soul foods permeated the air with irresistible aromas rendering attendees powerless to repeated visits to the food court.

The voice of the legendary R&B artist Angela Winbush thrilled the audience right out of their seats with her performance of the hits “Your Smile,” “You Don’t Have to Cry,” and “I’ll Be Good.” Mojo Ike & Val Woods delivered the blues in their authentic, captivating gut-wrenching sounds while A. Randolph & The Smash Room Project awed the crowd with their unique contemporary music stylings and choreography. The Harden Project and AHCAC Entourage Apprenticeship MVPs Wesley Wray and Chelsea Royal were also extraordinary audience pleasers. Emcees, “BET Comic View comedian” “Chello” Davis and “DJ Chico the Leo,” emerged into a dynamic duo that brought laughter, smiles and motivated spontaneous line dances throughout the day.

Art Basel’s Marina Mottin, Regional Head of VIP Relations Europe and Annina Brunner, VIP Manager Switzerland were among the no-

LEGAL NOTICES PUBLICATION OF BID SOLICITATIONS Broward County Board of County Commissioners is soliciting bids for a variety of goods and services, construction and architectural/engineering services. Interested bidders are requested to view and download the notifications of bid documents via the Broward County Purchasing website at: www.broward.org/purchasing.

Dec. 6, 13, 20, 27, 2018

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Nana K. Blackman, Donald McKnight, Lucius King, Reedeema Reborn, Karla Cohen and Carla Jamieson.

Other renowned guests of the Art Blues Soul & BBQ Festival included Rodney Baltimore from HOT 105 and Ruban Roberts, President of the Miami-Dade NAACP. A premier arts training institution in Liberty City, the African Heritage Cultural Arts

disciplines over the last thirtyfour years. Known as the artistic home of alumnus Tarell Alvin McCraney, co-creator of the award-winning movie “Moonlight”, the Center’s other distinguished alumni include Robert Battle, Artistic Director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater; Keenan D. Washington and Fergie L. Philippe, US Tour cast members of Hamilton the musical;

my-nominated jazz trumpeter (Arturo Sandoval and Stevie Wonder); and tap dancer Marshall Davis, Jr., associate choreographer of the Tony-nominated play, Shuffle Along.

For more info about the festival, contact Isis Roberts at (305) 638-6771 or visit www.ahcacmiami.org. Mon – Fri, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Social media @ahcacmiami, #AHCAC,#ArtBluesSoulBBQ, #ArtofBlackMi

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DECEMBER 6 - DECEMBER 12, 2018 • PAGE 11

ACLU, ACLU of Florida, NAACP-LDF File Complaint Against Discriminatory Hair Policies in Florida Schools TALLAHASSEE, FL — The American Civil Liberties Union, the ACLU of Florida, and the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. (LDF) recenty filed an administrative complaint with the Florida Department of Education on behalf of the family of Clinton (C.J.) Stanley, Jr., a six-year-old African American boy who was enrolled at A Book’s Christian Academy in Apopka, Florida. A Book’s denied C.J. entry to his first day of school because he wears his hair in locs which go past his ears.

In kicking C.J. out of school on his first day, A Book’s cited a discriminatory school policy that prohibits certain hairstyles that target and disproportionately penalize Black stu-

dents. The complaint argues that because A Book’s receives public funding, its policy violates the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

C.J. was enrolled at A Book’s through a publicly funded scholarship program. He arrived for the first day of school at A Book’s on August 13, 2018, only to be told that he could not attend school because his hair extended below his ears and was styled in locs. A Book’s handbook prohibits boys from wearing “dreads” and requires boys’ hair to be “tapered cut, off the collar and ears.”

“By stigmatizing students of color and preventing them from going to school, hair policies like A Book’s serve only to harm students like C.J.,” said LDF Assistant Counsel Angel Harris. “Florida has a responsibility to ensure that any schools

STANLEY receiving public funding comply with federal civil rights laws.

We urge the state Department of Education to take steps necessary to prevent other children from enduring an ordeal like C.J.’s.”

“No child should be humiliated and deprived of an education because of how they wear their hair,” said Nancy Abudu, legal director of the ACLU of Florida. “C.J.’s school – and the state Department of Education – should take steps to avoid subjecting other current and future students to this trauma.

Racial equity must be considered in all school policies.”

The complaint is online here: https://www.aclu.org/legaldocument/florida-departmenteducation-complaint-chargerace-discrimination C.J.’s father shared his son’s story in a first-person blog here: https://www.aclu.org/blog/ racial-justice/race-andinequality-education/myblack-son-was-sent-home-firstgrade-because-his.

A video summary of the incident is here: https://youtu.be/ ks1AMNJiPRA

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PAGE 12 • DECEMBER 6 - DECEMBER 12, 2018

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

Church Directory

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ORDER OF SERVICES Sunday Worship ........................................................ 7:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m.

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

Tuesday (Bible Study) ......................................................................................... 6:45 p.m.

Wednesday (Bible Study) ............................................................................... 10:45 a.m.

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

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

Dr. Marcus D. Davidson, 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

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

Harris Chapel United Methodist Church Rev. Stanley Melek, M.Div

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".

E-MAIL:stanley.melek@flumc.org 2351 N.W. 26th Street Oakland Park, Florida 33311 Church Telephone: (954) 731-0520

SERVICES

Mount Calvary Baptist Church

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

Honor your loved ones in the Westside Gazette Call -- (954) 525-1489 * In Memoriam * Happy Birthday Remembrance * Death Notice * Obituaires * Cards Of Thanks

When a loved one passes, everyone can share their memories.

K eep Their Memory alive with a Guestbook on www.thewestsidegazette.com Share pictures, stories, even videos.

The perfect Tribute for Someone Special.

Obituaries James C. Boyd Funeral Home ALLEN Funeral services for the late Allen Clifton Henry Allen – 60 were held December 1 at James C. Boyd’s Memorial Chapel with Pastor Johnny N. Gaines officiating.

EGGELLETION Funeral services for the late Rev. Josephus Eggelletion, Jr. - 69 were held December 1 at First Baptist Church Piney Grove with Rev. Johnny Williams officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

EVANS Funeral services for the late June Evans – 84.

HALL Funeral services for the late Jearline G. Hall – 73 were held December 1 at James C. Boyd’s Memorial Chapel with Pastor Regina Thompson officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

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.

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

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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!”

SWAIN Funeral services for the late Samuel Cornelius “Tiger” Swain – 58 were held November 28 at James C. Boyd’s Memorial Chapel with Pastor Eldridge Smith, Jr officiating.

Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

McWhite's Funeral Home CUMMINGS Funeral services for the late Joseph Leroy Cummings - 52 were held December 1 at McWhite’s Funeral Home Chapel Pastor Leon Davis officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

THOMPSON Funeral services for the late Kiesha L. Thompson - 43 were held December 1 at Thompson Temple. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

A Family That Prays, TTogether ogether Stays TTogether ogether

Centennial Celebration Sister Johnnie Daniels is Mount Hermon A.M.E. Church’s second oldest member as she turns 100 on Dec. 16, 2018.

She joined the church under Rev. Shep Hunter and still attends church most Sundays. In fact, at age 99,

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#

Mount Nebo Missionary Baptist Church 2551 N.W. 22nd St., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 P.O. BOX 122256, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 (954) 733-3285 * Fax: (954) 733-9231 Email: mountnebobaptist@bellsouth.net

Rev. Danny L. McKenzie, Sr. Senior Pastor WORSHIP SERVICES & BIBLE STUDY Sunday .............................................................................. 7:30 a.m. & 11 a.m.

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

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

Fifth Sunday ..................................................................................... 10:00 a.m.

"Reaching Our World One Person At A Time"

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

she mostly drove herself and has never had an accident.

She was a member of Choir #1, Stewardess Board #4, and made beautiful silk, fabric rose corsages.

Rev. Henry E. Green, Jr., pastor and Mount Hermon plan to really celebrate God’s gift to her of 100 years by proclaiming Sunday, December 16, 2018 as “Johnnie Daniels Day”, 7:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. services.

The community is invited to attend.

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DECEMBER 6 - DECEMBER 12, 2018 • PAGE 13

A Proud Paper For A Proud People

ATTENTION MEDICARE BENEFICIARIES

1

DAY LEFT

TO ENROLL IN A PLAN YOU CAN TRUST. CHOOSE SIMPLY HEALTHCARE. The Medicare Annual Election Period (AEP) ends December 7th. Don’t miss the opportunity to enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan designed to meet your needs. Simply Healthcare offers zero copays, a large network of doctors and specialists you can trust, and a dedicated concierge team to guide you at every step.

The deadline is December 7th. Call us today!

Simply Healthcare offers a variety of plans with benefits you can count on, including:

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$49 monthly

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for enhanced dental benefits (including dentures)

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for over-the-counter (OTC) items, that’s $588 a year!

for primary and specialist office visits

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fitness program

CALL NOW! Annual Election Period ends December 7th.

Call us today!

1.800.226.3494 / TTY: 711

mysimplymedicare.com

Overall rating from Medicare 2019

CMYK

Earvin “Magic” Johnson Healthcare Advocate

Broward County. Simply Healthcare Plans, Inc. is a Medicare-contracted coordinated care plan that has a Medicaid contract with the State of Florida Agency for Health Care Administration to provide benefits or arrange for benefits to be provided to enrollees. Enrollment in Simply Healthcare Plans, Inc. depends on contract renewal. Every year, Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system.

From October 1 to March 31, we are open 7 days a week from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., EST. Beginning April 1 until September 30, we are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., EST. We do not discriminate, exclude people, or treat them differently on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in our health programs and activities. ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-877-577-0115 / TTY: 711. Paid endorsement.

Y0114_19_37819_U_M_002 Accepted 12/02/2018

PAGE 14 • DECEMBER 6 - DECEMBER 12, 2018

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Dolphins Still in Hunt for Playoff Spot

Kiko Alonzo (47) Dolphin Middle LB, stops Bills (RB) Shady McCoy in his tracks.

order to stay in the hunt, we’ve got to win, and we know that.

We didn’t play very good football today, but we came out with a W and so on to the next one.”

Kenny Stills opined afterwards.

Next week is a tough challenge for the Phins with a tough rivalry against the Patriots.

Dolphins are 5-1 at home, and this is a home game. The Patriots are also coming off a win defeating the Vikings 24 to 10.

The Dolphins can’t afford to make too many costly mistakes against the Pats because they will make you pay for it.

However, anything can happen on any given Sunday. Tune in next Sunday to see an intense rivalry game with high stakes.

Dolphins must win to keep their playoff hopes alive. Let’s see what adjustments they make heading into next week. To have a chance they have to get pressure on Brady, if he’s able to set and throw he’ll kill them all game long.

Kenny Stills (10) leaps over two Bills defensive backs to make a spectacular touchdown reception.

(Photos by Ron Lyons)

By Byler Henry

“

We’re using technology to help us keep reliability high, and bills low.

“

On Sunday the Dolphins pulled out a big win against the rival Bills to bring their record to 66. With that 6-6 record the Dolphins are still alive and in the hunt for the wild card spot in the playoffs. The Patriots are leading the AFC East division at 9-3. The Ravens currently have the odds to capture one of the wildcard spots with a 7-5 record and the Chargers are well in control for the number 5 wildcard spot at 9-3. Head Coach Adam Gase is focused on getting the wildcard spot; here’s what he had to say after the game. “I think it’s one game at a time for us right now. We’ve got to focus … When it hits Wednesday, focus on the next week.”

“Just worry about that one and do everything we can to win that game. These guys should enjoy this one for the next 24 hours and then we’ll move on.”

This was a must win game for the Dolphins, and they pulled it out with a little help from the Bills. Former Dolphin Charles Clay dropped a gamewinning touchdown tough but catchable pass that hit him in the breadbasket. Also, former Dolphin defensive tackle Jordan Phillips received a key taunting penalty that moved the Dolphins half the distance to the goal which the Dolphins took advantage of with a 13yard touchdown pass to Kenny Stills. Rookie Josh Allen had a decent game with 231 passing yards on 55% completion (18 completions on 33 attempts) 2 touchdowns and 2 intereptions, while also leading the Bills in rushing with 135 yards including back to back rushes for 25 and 26 yards. The Bills total yards for the game were 415 to the Dolphins 175, yet inexplicably theDolphins pulled out a key win. There were good plays from the Dolphins and there were plays where a superior team would punish them for giving them the opportunity. Although the defense was able to get some pressure on Allen, he still was able to make some key throws.

However, Xavien Howard's two key interceptions minimized the damage. Reshad Jones offers high praise for the cornerback, “He’s one of the best corners in the league. I say that all the time. I think he’s one of the best in the league. I don’t think he’s finished yet.” Some of Allen’s catchable throws were dropped by his receivers. For the Dolphins the offense was efficient; Tannehill, back under center for the second game since his injury,had an above average game. He was 16 of 24 (67%) for 137 passing yards with 3 touchdowns and an interception.

While the key touchdown passes were made, the offense as a whole has to get better on 3rd down conversions going 2 for 9 for the game (22%).

What is the mindset going in to next week? “Obviously, in

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DECEMBER 6 - DECEMBER 12, 2018 â&#x20AC;¢ PAGE 15

PAGE 16 â&#x20AC;¢ DECEMBER 6- DECEMBER 12, 2018

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THE CITY OF FORT LAUDERDALE PRESENTS THE 12 TH ANNUAL

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2018 | 5:00 PM

HISTORIC SISTRUNK BOULEVARD From NW 9th Avenue to NW 11th Avenue

event highlights HOLIDAY WONDERLAND! Featuring a Toy Giveaway and Health Area GIANT HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING LIVE ENTERTAINMENT KIDS ZONE Santa, reptile exhibit, bounce houses, slides, arts & crafts, face painting, DJ area for teens, and more!

GOURMET FOOD TRUCKS www.fortlauderdale.gov

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