The Westside Gazette

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VOL. 46 NO. 21

th

of “America’s dark history”

Ready to hit the seas aboard Lady Pamela, captained by John Keenan.

By Cindy Schutt Approximately 125 Little Brothers, Little Sisters and their Bigs casted out their lures in hopes of reeling in something BIG at the recent Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County’s Annual deep-sea fishing tournament hosted by Bahia Mar Yachting Center.

(Cont'd on Page 5)

Senate Health Car e Care Bill is Disastr ous for Disastrous the HIV and STD Community

Recently (June 23, 2017), AIDS United, NASTAD, the National Coalition of STD Directors, NMAC and The AIDS Institute join together to condemn the inhumane Senate healthcare bill, which will decimates Medicaid, changes private insurance reforms that protect people living with or at risk of HIV and/or STDs, and undermines public health infrastructure. ”The Senate health care bill will be catastrophic for our nation’s health care system. If passed, not only will people living with or at risk of HIV and STDs suffer, but our efforts to end the HIV and STD epidemics will be impeded,” stated Jesse Milan, Jr. President and CEO of AIDS United. ”The changes to Medicaid, including the repeal of the expansion and the drastic cuts to funding beginning in 2020, will harm people living with and at risk for HIV and STDs. This proposal guarantees limited access to care and benefits,” added David C. Harvey, Executive Director of the National Coalition of STD Directors. ”This bill creates a false narrative that says it will help people with pre-existing conditions, but instead it allows states to waive essential health benefits such as vital prescription drugs, mental and behavioral health services, and preventive services. These cuts would allow insurers to deny the services people who are living with and (Cont'd on Page 5)

Newly-elected NNPA Chairman Dorothy Leavell gives remarks during the 2017 NNPA Legacy Awards Gala as outgoing chair. Washington Informer publisher Denise Rolark Barnes looks on.

(Roy Lewis/NNPA)

By Stacy M. Brown (NNPA Newswire Contributor) Shortly, before the National Newspaper Publishers Association’s (NNPA) annual Legacy Awards Gala, NNPA members elected veteran Chicago Crusader publisher Dorothy Leavell to serve as chairman of the group for the next two years (2017-2019).

Leavell succeeds Washington Informer publisher Denise Rolark Barnes, who served in the role for the past two years.

“We have some strange times and we’ve been dealing with some insurmountable problems and our publishers are hurting so bad,” said Leavell, who previously served as president of the NNPA from 1997 to 1999. “We are suffering and with a new administration in the White House, it will take someone who isn’t afraid, someone who will raise a lot of hell.”

Leavell praised Rolark Barnes for her work over the past two years, noting that the campaign for the chairman’s seat was never personal.

“I like Denise and I think she’s done a heck of a job,” Leavell said. “But, I’m ready to get down in the mud for this organization.”

Leavell’s experience should bode well for the NNPA going forward, said Houston Forward Times publisher Karen Carter Richards.

“Dorothy has a lot of experience in the organization and I think she will continue to move it forward,” said Richards, who was re-elected as first vice chair of the organization.

Bernal Smith, publisher of the New Tri-State Defender, was elected second vice chair of the NNPA and Shannon Williams, the president of the Indianapolis Recorder, will continue in her role as secretary.

(Cont'd on Page 3)

Tourists found a noose in the National Museum of African American History and Culture’s exhibit on segregation.

(Freddie Allen/AMG/NNPA)

By Lauren Victoria Burke (NNPA Newswire Contributor) U.S. Park Police confirmed that another noose was found on the National Mall, last week, according to ABC News.

Late last month, a portion of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) in Washington, D.C., was closed for nearly three hours after a noose was found in a gallery, officials said.

The museum, on the National Mall near the White House, reopened fully later that day, after police deemed the area “safe and secure,” according to an internal memo provided to ABC News by the Smithsonian.

In an article posted to the Smithsonians, museum officials said that the noose is a reminder of “America’s dark history with lynching” and referred to similar incidents of noose sightings around the country

including at a school in Missouri, a construction site in Maryland, on the campus of Duke University, at a fraternity house on University of Maryland’s campus, at a middle school in Maryland and at a high school in Lakewood, California.

Tourists found the noose in the museum’s exhibit on segregation.

The incident at NMAAHC occurred after a noose was found on May 26 hanging from a tree outside the Hirshhorn Museum, which is located close to the Black History museum.

In an email to museum staffers, Lonnie Bunch, the director of NMAAHC, said that the incident is a painful reminder of the challenges that African Americans continue to face.

“The noose has long represented a deplorable act of cowardice and depravity—a symbol of extreme violence for African-Americans,” said Bunch.

(Cont'd on Page 9)

St. Louis American dominates 2017 NNPA Merit Awards Jackie Hampton wins Publisher of the Year; St. Louis American dominates NNPA Merit Awards

By Stacy M. Brown (NNPA Newswire Contributor) The Mississippi Link’s Jackie Hampton won Publisher of the Year and the St. Louis American earned 10 awards, including the coveted John B. Russwurm and Robert A. Sengstacke trophy for general excellence, at the NNPA Foundation’s 2017 Merit Awards.

I’m at a loss for words,” said the affable Hampton, who admitted to being caught off guard by the honor. “I’ve learned so much from you,” she said to her fellow NNPA publishers in attendance. “I don’t look so much as to what I can get out of this organization. What I really enjoy is what I can give to this organization.”

The Philadelphia Tribune, Washington Informer and Los Angeles Sentinel also enjoyed a good night inside a packed and festive hotel ballroom.

The Tribune picked up six awards while the Informer and Sentinel each walked away with four.

The New Tri-State Defender won first place awards for Best Youth Writer and Best Column Writing.

For the St. Louis American, however, the NNPA has repeatedly—and deservedly—paid homage to the award-winning newspaper, which continues to set standards not just for the Black Press, but for all publications around the globe.

(Cont'd on Page 5)

Pleading Our Own Cause

WWW.

Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., the president and CEO of the NNPA (far left), makes remarks during the National Black Parents Town Hall Meeting on Educational Excellence at the National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md., on June 20, 2017. The panelists (from left-right) included Teia Hill, medical director of Fightin4Lives, LLC; Chris Stewart, president and CEO of the Wayfinder Foundation; Lynn Jennings, the director of national and state partnerships of Education Trust, Marietta English, the president of National Alliance of Black School Educators; and Elizabeth Primas, the program manager of the NNPA/ ESSA Media Campaign.

(Roy Lewis/NNPA) (Read story on Page 5)

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Ask Dr. Kevin: Understanding Sickle Cell Disease

Dr. Kevin Williams says that sickle cell disease is a serious, lifelong condition that a person has from birth, you don’t “lose” or “out-grow” it over time.

Ask Dr. Kevin is a new feature brought to you by Pfizer Rare Disease in collaboration with the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) to increase understanding of sickle cell disease.

Dr. Kevin is currently the Chief Medical Officer for Rare Disease at Pfizer. He pursued medicine after being inspired by his father’s work as a general practitioner in his hometown of Baton Rouge. Dr. Kevin is passionate about raising awareness and increasing understanding of sickle cell disease in the African American community.

What is sickle cell disease?

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited genetic disease that affects hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein within red blood cells (RBC). While normal RBCs are flexible and oval-shaped, individuals with SCD have sharp, crescent-shaped RBCs that have trouble passing through the body’s blood vessels, irritating the vessels’ lining. This irritation leads to the production of “sticky” proteins that cause RBCs to clump together, along with other cells in the blood, and creates blockages in blood flow. The DR. WILLIAMS reduced blood flow leads to severe pain and organ damage, like the heart, brain, eyes, liver, lungs, and spleen (causing the inability to fight certain infections).

How does someone get sickle cell disease?

SCD is passed from parent to child. Everyone has two hemoglobin genes, one from each parent, and both parents must carry and pass the sickle cell gene to their child. With each pregnancy, the child has a 25% chance of having SCD if both parents have the trait.

Is sickle cell disease contagious?

No. You can only inherit it if your parents carry the sickle cell gene and pass it to you. SCD is a serious, lifelong condition that a person has from birth. You do not “lose” or “outgrow” it over time.

Are African Americans more likely to have sickle cell disease?

SCD is more common in certain ethnic groups, especially those of African descent. It is estimated that nearly one in 14 African American individuals carries the sickle trait and SCD occurs in one out of every 500.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

New healthcare bill - the wrong choice for African Americans

By Dr. Marjorie Innocent BALTIMORE, MD - In 1954, Thurgood Marshall and a team of NAACP attorneys argued the landmark civil rights case, Brown v. Board, before the Supreme Court.

They demonstrated to the Justices that segregated schools violated the Fourteenth Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause - that separate was and would always be unequal.

Our representatives are on the brink of instating a health care plan that epitomizes separate and unequal. Thirteen U.S. Senators - all white men - sat behind closed doors in Washington, D.C. and crafted a replacement to the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Their proposed bill, the

DR. INNOCENT Better Care Reconciliation Act (BCRA), based off of the House’s

American Health Care Act (AHCA), would only benefit people like them-selves healthy, wealthy white men and quarantine the rest of the country into the confines of high cost, low quality health care.

The Senate’s inequitable protection plan would disproportionately hurt the sick, the poor, the elderly, women, and people of color. It would make healthcare more expensive for seniors and people, who are already sick, increase outof-pocket costs for doctor’s visits, slash subsidies to help lowincome people pay for health insurance, and cut Medicaid support to states by nearly one trillion dollars.

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Florida health insurance carrier remaining put under Obamacare

By Tony Jenkins With news of health insurance carriers pulling out of the market in several states, the situation in Florida is more positive.

One of the carriers that has been in the local market a long time indicated it is staying. In a statement last week, Florida Blue made known its intention to remain in Florida’s health insurance marketplace in 2018.

Tony Jenkins, marketing president for Florida Blue’s

Central Florida Region said, “People have heard that some of the major insurers are pulling out, and we wanted to make sure that we were upfront to say that our intention is to stay in every county.”

However, Jenkins did not give any indication if the carrier would be increasing the premium rates of policies it sells under the Obamacare program.

Along with the criticisms by opponents of Obamacare that health-insurance carriers are pulling out of the Obamacare marketplace, is that policy pre-

Life insurance is one of the keys to Black wealth

By Stacy M. Brown (NNPA Newswire Contributor) If Black lives matter, then Black wealth should certainly matter, too.

That’s the motto that Eugene Mitchell, a corporate vice president and market manager in the African A- Mitchell, the corpomerican Market Unit for the New York rate vice president and Life Insurance Company, often shares. market manager in the American Since 2011, Mitchell has been on a African mission to create wealth—$50 billion Market Unit for the to be exact—in the Black community New York Life Inthrough an innovative and well- surance Company, thought out insurance program backed said that investing in life insurance policies by his employers and the 1,200 African can increase wealth in American insurance agents the the Black community. company employs.

(New York Life) “We are on mission to create $50 billion of tax-free future income in the Black community,” Mitchell said. “I believe the issues in the Black community are not crime [or] drugs; those are symptoms of a greater and deeper rooted issue, which is about economics.

Mitchell continued: “Without economics, without college saving plans in place, without down payments for new homes, folks struggle to move to the next level. What we’ve put together is a community empowerment plan that’s about financial literacy.”

Mitchell said that leveraging financial tools to really make a difference is what’s important.

The equation is quite simple: multiply 200,000 families by $250,000 in life insurance and that creates $50 billion of tax-free income.

Instead of thinking of life insurance as just a means to cover funeral expenses, Mitchell urges Black families to consider life insurance as protection and an investment for future generations.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

mium rates sold under the program have been increasing.

Some reports show premiums have increase varying from as low as 9 percent and as high as 27 percent. Jenkins said he couldn’t disclose the 2018 rates until they are submitted to the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation later this month.

Following this submission, the rates will be publicized.

He, however, implied that if the subsidies that have been offered to Obamacare customers remain, rates of the premiums related to policies sold

by Florida Blue should be affordable.

“If subsidies are not approved, our rates will be 20 percent higher than what we’ll submit to the Office of Insurance Regulations,” he said.

A recent bill passed in the US House of Representatives to replace Obamacare with the America Healthcare Act, proposes removing the federal subsidies. These subsidies have enabled thousands of lower-income residents in Florida and other states to purchase health insurance at lower, affordable rates.

In the Obamacare marketplace since 2014, Florida Blue has sold policies to one million residents in four South Florida counties, and the state’s other 63 counties. According to the company, more than 70 percent of its Obamacare policy holders are recipients of federal subsidies offered by the federal program.

Along with Florida Blue, there are four other health carriers selling Obamacare health insurance in Florida. This is down from eight companies in 2014.

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JUNE 29 - JULY 5, 2017 • PAGE 3

Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, President of Florida Memorial University interview

DR. ARTIS

By Ginette Curry, Ph.D. (Part I of a III Part Series) In February 2014, Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis became the 13th and first female President of Florida Memorial University.

According to her biography in FMU website, her vision for the only Historically Black University in South Florida has been “innovations in the Institution’s infrastructure, technology in education and increased exposure as well as resource development for FMU.” As it stands, FMU “is among the leading

Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the nation, leveraging partnerships with public and corporate partners to develop academic, training and certification programs in emerging markets such as Energy and Environmental Science, Cyber Security, Homeland Security, Business and Aviation. It also offers a robust Study Abroad Program and an award-winning Broadcast Communication Program that includes a focus on Public Relations.”

In a recent interview, Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis sat down to share her challenges and achievements during her tenure at FMU. GC: How did it feel to become the first female President of one of the oldest Historically Black Institutions of higher learning in the State of Florida?

RCA: It is a heady feeling to be the President of a university.

The opportunity to touch students in a very real way, to participate in their development and their growth and to help them achieve their academic goals is certainly a lofty responsibility. To lead a HBCU (Historically Black College and University) in my opinion is a pinnacle because we are helping students who look like us to reach their educational goals in a world that does not neces-

sarily recognize them for who they are. And so, I was incredibly honored. In fact, I often characterize it as the honor of my life to have this chance to lead Florida Memorial University.

GC: Where did you grow up and who were the people who impacted your life?

RCA: I was born in Springfield, Massachusetts but my family relocated to Southern West Virginia before I was in elementary school. So, I grew up in a small, relatively rural, what I would call homogenous community. We lived in a Black neighborhood in Southern West Virginia which is somewhat of an enigma (it’s a 3% minority state). And the people who impacted me for the most part were my village. So the children I played with and their parents would very much subscribe to the village model. Any of them could correct us at any time.

Any of them could engage us at any time. Both my parents, of course, were an influence: my father, in terms of his work ethics, my mother in terms of her resilience. They were both good role models for me. And I had an extended family of teachers, community members who encouraged and supported me.

So it was a great place to grow up.

GC: Your biography shows you have two de-

Broward Education Foundation’s Tools For Schools launches County’s largest back to school supply drive

grees, one in Law and the other in Education. How does such educational background help with your job?

RCA: Tremendously! I did not start out to be a higher education administrator or in fact in education at all. Rather, after completing my undergraduate degree at an HBCU, I went to Law School with the intent of practicing Law for the duration of my career. No intention at all to go in higher education.

When I made the transition into higher education, of course, I acquired a second doctorate but I do not regret at all having a law degree. It assists me with critical thinking, digesting large amounts of materials quickly, decision-making, advocacy, being very clear about my thoughts before I open my mouth (I’m not sure I always do that, but I try!). So a Law degree has been incredibly helpful and of course, the doctorate in the education field. The process of writing a dissertation is simply invaluable. You don’t feel it at the time but in retrospect, the discipline required to complete that task is significant. It certainly creates a level of confidence.

GC: When you began your tenure at FMU, what main challenges did you face and how were you able to overcome them?

RCA: I think the primary challenge for me was first relocating to a community that was so incredibly different from the one I was leaving (as I said, Southern West Virginia: a somewhat homogenous, much smaller, very rural environment) into Miami, which is as you know, incredibly diverse, crowded, exciting and active.

So, just getting acclimated to the community was an initial

challenge. I am so grateful for people who reached out, whether it was fraternities, sororities, churches, social groups, people on the campus, the Board of Trustees who kind of pulled me into South Florida and the life of South Florida. On the campus, the challenges were more concrete. We had some significant financial challenges when I arrived that needed to be addressed right away. We found our campus (though beautiful by every standard) certainly was a little dated. We had some difficult maintenance challenges, unfinished construction projects that needed to get moving and we had a technology infrastructure that was not necessarily state-of-the-art. So those were the things I fixed on first and foremost as challenges to overcome in the first couple of years.

GC: As the birth place of the Negro National Anthem “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” how has FMU’s rich history influenced your decisions and how has it played into your legacy?

RCA: That is a great question! I think “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” the Negro National Anthem, is a mantra for most of us as we think about “We have come over a way that with tears has been watered,” the lyrics of the song that speak to the experiences of Blacks in America and the resilience that was necessary for us to sustain these many years. Florida Memorial really has chartered that path in so many ways, founded of course in 1879. When you think about slavery ending in 1865, really 14 years later, Florida Memorial kind of was springing forth as an opportunity for young people. And it did not just open and continue to grow.

It went through some trials

and tribulations: some moves, some shifts, some renaming, rebranding, and ultimately, given the struggles of the civil rights era, our kids were amazing advocates. They participated in sit-ins and marches in St. Augustine, Florida, so much so that they were in danger.

And they had to relocate to South Florida. So, when you think about that kind of resilience, you cannot help but work hard to attempt to put your best foot forward, to continue that good work, that legacy and history. It really is a motivational factor for me.

GC: What do you see as FMU’s historical heritage?

RCA: I think our legacy of advocacy, certainly, education is outstanding. Education is the purpose for our existence.

It’s why we’re here. But we are so much more than that. Most Historically Black Colleges have a deep and abiding history, born out of the struggles of slavery, rife with stories of resilience and overcoming - we still rely on those skills today, things have not changed as much as we would like to think they have. And so our work is far from done at Florida Memorial. Recently, the University awarded a posthumous Bachelor’s Degree to Trayvon Martin – in some small way, we were sending the message that his life mattered and that the lives of all of our young people matter. That degree was a symbol of lost potential. It is our job to ensure that no life is wasted.

First female and first Black President to lead St. Petersburg College ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) – A 30-year employee of St. Petersburg College rode an overwhelming tide of public support to be named the school’s first female and first Black president.

The Tampa Bay Times reports (http://bit.ly/ 2rjECdX) that 53-year-old Tonjua Williams was named recently as the school’s new leader.

Williams will take the reins amid faculty discontent and financial unease, facing down a projected $6 million to $10 million shortfall with little support from a state Legislature that favored state universities this year. She also takes her place among the region’s institutional heavyweights, overseeing a school with some 40,000 students and nearly a dozen campuses and centers.

SPC, the state’s first two-year college, has grown into a school with more than 100 career-focused programs, including bachelor’s degree tracks far cheaper than those of state universities.

Sharlene Starkman, Dental Expressions; Tracy Walsh, FHP Manufacturing; Levaughn Cornwell, FHP Manufacturing; Frank Mandley, F. Mandley & Associates; Shea Ciriago, Broward Education Foundation and Ellen Cates, 52USA Storage.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – Many Broward County Public School students come from families battling extreme poverty and too often school supplies are sidelined in favor of food and shelter. Basic items like flat pink erasers, composition books, glue sticks and crayons can mean the difference in a child’s attendance, their selfesteem and ultimately, their success.

The community can help by participating in Broward’s largest and most comprehensive back to school supply drive -Tools for Schools Broward will be launched countywide on July 10 by the Broward Education Foundation.

Local businesses, educational institutions, chambers of commerce, municipalities and civic organizations are invited to partner with Broward Education Foundation by collecting much needed supplies. The Tools for Schools Broward store is located in Pompano Beach, where teachers from Broward’s Title I schools shop, free of charge, for school supplies for their economically challenged students.

“Who knows better than teachers what supplies their students require to succeed?” asked Shea Ciriago, Executive Director of Broward Education Foundation, “We are the yearround resource in providing school supplies to students in need. The number of students

that live in poverty and are even homeless in the district is staggering and it is vitally important to equip these students to succeed.”

“Helping a child start off on the right foot builds their selfesteem and assists in their learning process,” said State Farm agent Michele Greene, a founding partner of Tools for Schools Broward.

“We are proud to be a long standing supporter of Tools for Schools supply drive; our community prides itself on helping disadvantaged communities and children in need,” said Robert Boo, CEO of The Pride Center at Equality Park.

“Through inclusion, kindness and support we can all help make our communities a better place.”

Frank Mandley, Chair of Broward Education Foundation’s Tools for Schools Com-

mittee, said “The annual Tools for Schools supply drive would not be a great success without the enthusiastic support of our community partners. Their support is remarkable and shows the level of commitment they have to making Broward County a better place for children to learn and teachers to teach.”

Some of this year’s partners include Brightstar Credit Union, Cardinal Health, Florida Atlantic University- Davie, Holland & Knight LLP, State Farm, Stonegate Bank, Wells Fargo Bank, UBS and Ultimate Software.

To participate in the Tools for Schools supply drive, to have a collection bin delivered and picked up, and to partner with or learn more about Broward Education Foundation, visit browardedfoundation.org/ drive or call (754) 321-2034.

Chicag o Crusader Publish er Chicago Publisher (Cont'd from FP) Leavell has not only been a great soldier for the NNPA, but she’s also a veteran of the Civil Rights Movement, said NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. “I see her as someone to lead the fight fiercely for freedom, justice and equality,” he said.

During her two-year stint as president of the organization, Leavell helped increase

the visibility and international stature of the Black Press. She was elected chairman of the NNPA Foundation and, as a member of the NNPA for more than half a century, Leavell has served in various roles and she’s often been honored for her philanthropic and civic contributions.

Leavell was honored as Publisher of the Year in 1989 and earned the Winnie Mandela Endurance with Dignity Award.

“My father used to bring me

National Science F oundation awar ds F AMU $2M Foundation awards FAMU grant to enhance student success in STEM

By Kanya Stewart, Faculty News Research Stem, students Florida A&M University (FAMU) has been awarded a four-year, $2 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) Historically Black Colleges and Universities Undergraduate Program (HBCU-UP) to help broaden the participation of minority graduates in the nation’s science and technology workforce.

The grant, which was effective June 1, supports FAMU’s HBCU-UP project titled “Science Community of Active Learners to Enhance Achievement and Retention.” The program is designed to significantly increase student success rates in FAMU’s science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) degree programs. to the NNPA. When he passed, the person who invited me here after that was Dorothy Leavell,” said Rolark Barnes. “So, it’s up to all of us to make the NNPA great and we can’t sit back and watch her do the work, we have to help.”

Ever outspoken and never one to mince words, Leavell said she would immediately go after companies like General Motors and Ford to bring in advertising dollars to member newspapers.

“Denise is too beautiful to be out there in the trenches,” Leavell said, then laughed.

“Now, I’m coming.”

From, l to r: Desmond Stephens, Ph.D., Maurice Edington, Ph.D., and Lewis Johnson, Ph.D. Dr. Stephens works with STEM. Key areas of focus include: · Improving the academic preparedness of freshman STEM students, so they are better equipped for the rigor of upper-division STEM major courses, graduate school and the global marketplace · Increasing the retention, persistence and graduation rates of STEM students · Increasing the number of students at the University pursuing STEM degrees · Providing professional development opportunities for STEM faculty to study best teaching practices Maurice Edington, Ph.D., vice president for Strategic Planning, Analysis and Institutional Effectiveness, serves as the principal investigator for the project. FAMU professors Lewis Johnson, Ph.D., Desmond Stephens, Ph.D., and Paulette Re-

neau, Ph.D., join him as co-investigators.

“I am tremendously excited about this program, which will support FAMU’s ongoing efforts to increase retention and graduation rates and enhance degree production in high-demand areas,” Edington said.

“The grant also aligns with several of the priorities outlined in the new University strategic plan, which focuses heavily on providing exceptional student experiences and supporting faculty excellence.”

The grant marks the second NSF HBCU-UP award for Edington and his team. They are completing a four-year, $1.6 million award that was received in 2013 for a project entitled “Student Centered ActiveLearning and Assessment Reform.”

PAGE 4 • JUNE 29 - JULY 5, 2017

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Community Digest

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

Networking Stacy and Witbeck/Herzog Subcontractor Outreach and Networking Event on Thursday, June 29, 2017 from 3:15 to 5:30 p.m., at Broward County Main Library, 100 S. Andrews Ave., Sixth Floor, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Scholarship Opportunities

Show

Bring It! LIVE, Dollhouse Dance Factory on Saturday, July 1, 2017 at 8 p.m., at Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 S.W. Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. For cost and additional info call (954) 4620222.

Meeting SFTAC/South Florida Tuskegee Alumni Club is offering scholarship opportunities to incoming freshmen or students presently enrolled at Tuskegee University.Application information can be accessed by contacting President Oscar B r a y n : @ sftacalumni@gmail.com.

Deadine for submission is July 1, 2017. Mail completed packets to: SFTAC Scholarship Committee C/O Gregory Gay PO Box 451516 Sunrise, Fla. 33345

Symposium

The City of Miami Gardens Councilwoman Lillie Q. Odom and the Miami Gardens Elderly Affairs Advisory Committee presents Protecting Seniors: Edler Financial Abuse Awareness And Wellness Symposium on Thursday, June 29, 2017 to 1 p.m., at City of Miami Gardens Council Chamber, 18605 N.W. 27 Ave., Miami Gardens, Fla. For more info contact Hilary Marshall at (305) 622-8062 or Elvis Canies call (786) 5474872.

Ighodaro

Join Vice Mayor Erhabor Ighodaro and Representatives From The City of Miami Gardens for e-UNI'TEAA Virtual Town Hall Meeting on Wednesday, July 5, 2017 at 6 p.m., at AJ King Park, 4230 N.W. 178 St., Miami Gardens, Fla. For more info call (305) 9149186.

Schools Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho, District representatives, vendors, students, and parents invite the public to a Back-To-School Health Family Fair on Saturday, July 8, 2017 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Fair Expo Center, 10901 S.W. 24 St., Miami, Fla. Parents may request school uniform assistance by registering and bringing the following information: Copy of student’s most recent report card; parents ID. For more info call (305) 995-1913.

Pompano Beach 2017 Summer Camp Program. Campers grouped by age - Space available: First come first paid basis. * Camp Rock (Rebuilding Our Camp for Kids) at Mitchell Moore Park, McNair Park and PB Highland Park - Recreational and Performing Arts Character Building, Swim Lessons, Themed Weeks, Field Trips & Speical Events for ages 6-12. * Camp SOS ( Sports Of All Ages) at Pompano Beach Middle School and Civic Center - Safe, fun, and skill-focused, sports experience - Expert, certified coaches and local sports players - New sport introduced weekly for ages 8-14.

Camp Soar Fees Residents * Session 1 (Civic Center) now - July 14 * Session II (Skolnick Center - July 17 - Aug. 18 Non-Residents * Session I (Civic Center now - July 14 * Session II (Skolnick Center) July 17 - Aug. 18 For cost and additional info call (945) 786-4111.

Fair

Touch Weekly Events

* Free Meals and Fun, kids and teens can get a free healthy and delicious meat at a nearby Summer BreakSpot. Text 'FOODFL' to 877/877 or dial '21-1' to find the free summer meals near you. * Saturday, July 15, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Atlantic Technical College - Arthur Ashe, Jr., Campus, 1701 N.W. 23 Ave., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. * Free Grocery Giveaway Food Distribution - Everyone is welcome. Please bring bags or carts to carry your food! There will be bread, frozen foods, poultry, dairy, meats and produce on Saturday, July 8, 2017 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 149 N.W. 26 Ave., Pompano Beach, Fla. For additional info call the Wayne Barton Study Center at (561) 620-6203. * Third Saturday at The PATCH- Join us for free educational activities, water fun, market sales, family-friendly programming, healthy food demonstrations and much more! SNAP/EBT receives 50% on all Florida produce on Saturday, July 15, 2017 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Dania Beach PATCH, 1201 W. Dania Beach Blvd., Dania Beach, Fla. The Market is open to the public every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and every third Saturday of the month the PATCH hosts special family events. For more info call (954) 924-6801. * Community Health & Wellness Fair - Join us for free health screenings, school immunizations, dental checks, community resources and more!

There will also be a “back to school” kids zone on Saturday, July 15, 2017 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Atlantic Technical College - Arthur Ashe, Jr. Campus, 1701 N.W. 23rd Ave., Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Event

Join Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale on Saturday, July 15, 2017 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., for the Fifth annual Smoke on the Water BBQ Feast Competition at Esplanade Park, 400 S.W. Second St., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. This event is FREE to attend and open to ages. For additional info call (954) 468-1541.

The Friends of Southwest Regional Library will host a Book Fair on Saturday, July 22, 2017 with gently used magazines, hardcover and paperback books for adults and children, books on CD and more, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., at 16835 Sheridan Street, Pembroke Pines. For more info call (954) 357-6580.

Jazz Brunch Meetings

Feast

Celebration The Miramar AMP Grand Opening Fourth of July 2017 FREE Concert on Tuesday, July 4, 2017 from 3 to 9 p.m., at Miramar Regional Park, 16801 Miramar Pkwy., Miramar, Fla. For parking and additional info call (954) 602-3325.

St. Luke Baptist Church 100th Anniversary. Join a week of Family Reunion Celebration on Monday, July 10 thru Saturday, July 15, 2017 at 7 p.m., at St. Luke Baptist Church, 210 N.W. Sixth Ave., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The community is invited to worship with us throughout the month of September as we bring the 100th Anniversary to a close on the Fourth Sunday in September still under the leadership of Rev. W.J. Gaskins, pastor for 23 years. For cost/ additional info contact Hattie at (954) 7350404 or Linda at (954) 7911701.

Programs

Fair

Odom

Reunion Celebration

On Saturday, July 15, 2017 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at The PATCH Farm adn Market, 1201 W. Dania Beach Blvd., Dania Beach, Fla. The PATCH Urban Farm and Market will celebrate the onset of summertime with a free familyfun event at the PATCH. For more info call (954) 924-6801.

The Sunday Jazz Brunch on the first Sunday of each month from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale, Downtown Fort Lauderdale, Fla. For additional info call (954) 828-5363.

Exhibition The Ansin Family Art Gallery exhibition is open now until Saturday, July 1, 2017 at 6 p.m., at Miramar Cultural Center's, 2400 Civic Center Pl., Miramar, Fla. The work of three Jamaican born artists will be on display at the Our Caribe Journey.

Women Of Purpose (W.O.P.)come join us the second Saturday per month, from 3 to 4 p.m., at Franklin Park Community Center, 2501 Franklin Dr., Fort Lauderdale, Fla.For girls ages 12-18. For more info call the Hotline 1-888-391-9903.

Sessions Art Prevails Project presents Saturday Sessions at the Megahone, every first Saturday, from 5 to 8 p.m., at 808 N.W. 13 Terr., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. A free community event. For more info email artprevails@gmail.com

Have A Safe Fourth of July

4th of July Spectacular on Fort Lauderdale Beach – This annual event begins at Noon with Family Friendly activities till 5 p.m. followed by Reggae Band T-Wave and 80’s Rock Covers by Stall-4 till the fireworks blast off at 9. Las Olas & A1A “Beach Hub” Star Spangled Spectacular on Hollywood Beach – Various locations on Hollywood Beach, Highlights include a concert by the 13th Army Band of the Florida National Guard at Charnow Park: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

All American Celebration in City of Tamarac – A free outdoor concert featuring Heatwave band at Tamarac Sports Complex.

Also fun rides for the kids, arts & crafts, games and food trucks starting at 6 p.m. Fireworks at 9 p.m. Parking shuttle from City Hall and Tamarac Community Center.

City of Sunrise Celebrates July 4th with Parade, Concert & Fireworks – The parade will begin at 9 a.m. and festivities will take place at City Park till Noon. The celebration continues at 5 p.m., at the BB&T Center where the public is invited to enjoy live music by Baha Men followed by The Romantics. fireworks, food and beverages for sale as well as children’s rides and inflatables. BB&T Center, 6 p.m.

City of Deerfield Beach July 4th Celebration – Live music all day and fun for the whole family events at the Main Beach Parking Lot starting at Noon. See our dedicated coverage for the com-plete schedule.

Family Fun Day at El Prado Park (Lauderdale by the Sea) – Same as last year with Parade at 10 a.m. Family Fun Day at El Prado Park from 11:30 a.m.to 3 p.m., and Fireworks at 9 p.m. No live music on schedule but several restaurants may host bands in the area of Commercial Blvd and A1A. City of Coral Springs annual Fourth of July Celebration – Takes place at Mullins Park. Entertainment, Food, Music, bounce houses for the kids and a fireworks show at 9 p.m. Free admission however expect a $3 Parking fee at the Coral Springs Gymnasium, Mullins Park and the Center for the Arts.

City of Margate July 4th Celebration – The celebration will begin at 9 a.m. with the City’s popular parade down Margate Boulevard eastbound from 76th Avenue to Margate City Hall. followed by a post-parade picnic. Beginning at 5 p.m., enjoy family fun and an evening concert featuring The Wolfpack Band ending with a spectacular fireworks display at 9 p.m., at Margate Boulevard and 441.

City of Pompano Beach Fireworks Extravaganza – Enjoy country classics with the Jamie Mitchell Band followed by Speakerbox, a top-40s band, at 9 p.m. Fireworks will be launched from the end of the Pompano Beach Fishing Pier.

Blankets and lawn chairs are welcome; however personal fireworks, glass containers, alcohol, and pets are prohibited.

Available parking is at Atlantic Boulevard and A1A. Street Parking will also be available as well as the new Pier Garage, located right across from the Pier.

The City of Pembroke Pines celebrates independence day with a free concert by Entourage starting at 6pm at the Pines Recreation Center and ending the evening with a Fireworks show at 9 p.m. Kids will enjoy fun rides and arts & crafts. Food Trucks will also be on hand for dinner and other treats.

Palm Beach County Events 10th Annual July 4th Celebration at Sunset Cove Amphitheater – Presented by West Boca Community Council and the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department. Featuring kids funzone, concessions, welcome booth & interactive prize wheel, live music by Gypsy Lane topped of by fireworks! Lawn chairs and blankets are welcome. Gates open at 5:30 pm.

Fabulous Fourth Celebration in Boca Raton – Annual festivities at Spanish River Athletic Facility at deHoernle Park kick off 6:30 PM and feature a 28’ high and 110’ long State Fair style slide, a “Stars & Stripes” slide; along with many other rides; toddler center; carnival games; food trucks; and carnival food.

Boogie Brothers (Classic Rock) at 7 p.m., followed by Fireworks display at 9 p.m.

South Florida’s Coolest July-4th-Celebration-in-DelrayBeach – Sandcastle competition, live music and flag raising are just part of this day-long celebration starting as early as 8 a.m.

Atlantic & A1A 4th on Flagler in West Palm Beach – Two Stages of Live Music, fun activities for both kids and adults and more at Meyer Amphitheatre & Waterfront, 5pm Village of Royal Palm Beach 4th of July Celebration – A day filled with activities for the whole family including concerts by Lazy Bonez (6 p.m.) and The Boss Project (8 p.m.), Royal Palm Beach Commons Park, 1 p.m.

City of Boynton Beach 4th of July Festivities will take place on Saturday July 1st! However, if you would rather wait till Tuesday, you might want to check out the United We Rock Independence Day Festival with more then 20 bands and artists performing non-stop starting at Noon at The Fish Depot Bar & Grille.

City of Greenacres Independence Day Celebration – Live music by The Groove, Rides, Games, most patriotic costume contest, food and drinks for purchase and more. Greenacres Community Park, 5:30 p.m.

City of Lake Worth Live Music, Car Show and Raft Race – a day filled with activities and live music headlined by National Blues Artist Matthew Curry. Bryant Park, at 11 a.m.

Many more live music events, especially places to go postfireworks, can be found on the WeekendBroward live music calendars for BROWARD and PALM BEACH.

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JUNE 29 - JULY 5, 2017 • PAGE 5

Westside Gazette B-CU Alumna, Mrs. Louise Chandler recently, Mrs. Chandler celebrates 105 years of life wasMost recognized in honor of her

Mrs. Louise Chandler, a BCU Alumna celebrated 105 years of life this past month.

Mrs. Chandler is a proud Wildcat supporter and the longest living B-CU Wildcat season ticket holder during football

season. In 2013, during B-CU’s Homecoming, the National Alumni Association and B-CU paid a special tribute to Mrs. Louise Chandler in celebration of her 101 years of life.

birthday by News4Jax, a Jacksonville, Florida based news outlet. B-CU Class of 1969 Alumnus and Immediate Past President of the B-CU National Alumni Association, Ray Brinson shared, “All of us in the B-CU Jacksonville Wildcat family extend our heartiest congratulations and best wishes to Mrs. Chandler. We love and appreciate her entire family for all of their support over the years.

They certainly have done their fair share to sustain the legacy of our Beloved Founder, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune!”

Mrs. Chandler currently resides in Jacksonville and is extremely proud of the legacy she has instilled in her children, who are also graduates of BCU: Lorraine Chandler Walbey, Class of 1959; Doris Chandler Flowers, Class of 1961 and Abraham C. Chandler, Jr., Class of 1969. As they departed to serve, each of her children became educators and retired from Duval County Public Schools.

These Wildcats had a combined total of 108 years as educators in the Duval County Schools.

DR. DOROTHY BENDROSS-MINDINGALL HONORS M-DCPS ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR CISELY SCOTT (LENORA B. SMITH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL) AND TINA BROWN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE OVERTOWN YOUTH CENTER -- As proposed

by School Board member Dr. Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall at this week’s monthly meeting, the School Board recognized Cisely Scott in commemoration of her winning the 2016-2017 Assistant Principal of the Year for Miami-Dade County Public Schools; as well as Tina Brown, Executive Director of the Overtown Youth Center for her continuing service to the children in the district. “We must always celebrate and treasure, while we can, those who work relentlessly in our community to give our children a better future,” said Dr. Bendross-Mindingall. Board Member Dr. Bendross-Mindingall (c) with Tina Brown, Executive Director of the Overtown Youth Center and Cisely Scott, M-DCPS Assistant Principal of the Year from Lenora B. Smith Elementary School.

(Photo credit: District 2 Staff )

NNPA hosts National Black parents town hall

By Freddie Allen (NNPA Newswire Managing Editor)

FAMU P ar tner s with TTallahassee allahassee Ma yor and Domi St ation Par artner tners May Station to Launch Coding Academy From FAMU News This week, Florida A&M University (FAMU), Domi Station and the Office of Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, a FAMU alumnus, launched I/O Avenue, a Tallahassee-based code academy.

The program was created as a component of a larger Tallahassee TechHire Initiative and focuses on rapidly training workers to enter high-paying tech jobs in North Florida.

I/O Avenue will begin taking students in the fall and will be operated in the computer labs of FAMU’s Center for Workforce Development.

The innovative coding education program will provide training in highly sought-after software languages and development processes that complement existing FAMU curriculum and workforce programs.

To keep pace with rapidly evolving market demands, academy students will learn frontand back-end web development in a project-based environment that encourages hands-on learning and collaboration.

According to Larry Robinson, Ph.D., FAMU’s interim president, the initiative is consistent with the University’s

goals outlined in its newly proposed strategic plan, which will be presented for approval next month to the Board of Trustees.

Among those goals are increasing the number of students graduating from programs in areas of high employer demand; increasing the percentage of students completing high-impact co-curricular experiences; expanding cuttingedge research and creative scholarship; and enhancing community engagement.

Robinson explained that the collaboration also provides an opportunity for FAMU and the Tallahassee community to work together to respond to the need for a more diverse technology workforce. FAMU’s nationallyrecognized STEM programs, faculty, and students offer the diversity and talent pool that are needed to sustain the tech industry in Tallahassee, the state and the nation.

“FAMU is excited about the skills and opportunities that I/ O Avenue will provide to our students and to members of the community,” said Robinson.

“These engagements make Tallahassee a better community, and make FAMU a stronger university.”

After announcing the initia-

tive during an innovation and industry tour in Nashville, Tenn. in partnership with the Tallahassee Chamber, Ryan Kopinsky, I/O Avenue’s director, said the program will work with area employers to place graduates in open technology jobs.

“Hundreds of tech jobs go unfilled every year in Tallahassee,” said Kopinsky. “If we are really going to create a thriving innovation ecosystem, we need to match local talent to local jobs.”

Academy content will be delivered in 12-week-long, parttime courses, and will include 12-18 students per cohort. The program will offer two specific tracks.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County 38th Annual Fishing TTour our nament ournament

The first will focus on training and securing jobs for underrepresented and economically challenged communities with no prior tech background, and the second will focus on providing enhanced training for workers and students from STEM fields that are looking to refine their skills to meet local job market demands.

“As Tallahassee continues to develop a new economy, it is increasingly important that our local workers have the skills necessary to enter the hundreds of high-paying jobs in our tech sector,” said Mayor Gillum. “This program will empower and train citizens that are hoping to pursue new career opportunities, while enhancing the local tech talent we have available for the growth of our local businesses.”

Individuals interested in applying for the program or participating as an employer partner, please visit www.ioavenue.com.

In an on-going effort to increase awareness about the “Every Student Succeeds Act” (ESSA) in the Black community, the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) hosted a national town hall for Black parents at the National Harbor in Prince George’s County, Md. As the fall school year rapidly approaches, education advocates, community stakeholders and civil rights groups have expressed concerns about the implementation of ESSA, President Obama’s landmark education law that reauthorized the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.

The NNPA, a trade group representing over 200 Blackowned media companies, received a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to engage the Black community

Senate Health Car e Care (Cont'd from FP) who are at risk for HIV and STIs need to stay healthy,” commented Paul Kawata, Executive Director of NMAC. "In addition, this bill eliminates funding for vital services provided by the Prevention and Public Health Fund, which funds 12% of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s budget beginning in FY2018, just over three months away. This will decimate the federal government’s response to public health issues, including HIV and other STDs, and exacerbate the cuts proposed in the FY2018 President’s Budget,” observed Michael Ruppal, Executive Director of

St. Louis American dominates

Little Brother Ray and young tournament participant Trey show off their first place trophies for catching the largest fish. They are pictured with event chairs Trevor Carroll and John Weller (back) Ray’s mother, Rosa, Little Sister Joli with her Big Sister Lindsay Johns and Captain Grey Marker of Markerita.

(Cont'd from FP) The tournament attracted 20 boat captains who volunteered their boats, equipment and time to create special memories for participants, who ranged in age from 6 to 17.

“Many of our children and teens have never been fishing or on a boat,” said Ana M. Cedeno, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County. “We’re so grateful to be able to offer them this experience, thanks to the many captains who volunteer year after year and our wonderful sponsors.

Sponsors included Bahia Mar Yachting Center, Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach, Camper & Nicholsons Marinas and FreedomWaters. Captains were Adam Covit - 2 Buckets; Mark Drayton - Blue Jacket; Bruce Schattenburg - Conch Pearl; Iain Lawrie and John Burkard – Cruise Boat; Joe Potter - Don’t Know; Andy Duke - Dukes Duskey; Jubal Inman; Jeff Salter - Lady Helen; John Keenan - Lady Pamela; Larry Kelly – Lightnin’; Josh Coe - Liquid Addiction; Jason Dunbar - Mako Wish; Grey Marker Markerita (Seevee); Tung Luu

- Midnight Express; Andrew Cilla - Nordic Express; Thurman Mintz - Reel Tight; George Johnson - Second Half; Jason and Joey Coopersmith - Sir Reel; Trevor Carroll and Mike Bebe Tar Reel and Brian Peterson The Big Ease.

The volunteer leader of the tournament was John Weller, the boating industry veteran who began the tournament 37 years ago. A five-time cancer survivor, Weller also founded Freedom Waters, a non-profit organization that takes children with cancer out on boats.

L to r: Al McFarlane, publisher of Insight News; Jackie Hampton, publisher of the Mississippi Link and winner of the Publisher of the Year, Kenya Vaughn, web editor of the St. Louis American, accepting the general excellence award; and Rosetta Perry, publisher of the Tennessee Tribune pose for a photo during the 2017 NNPA Merit Awards at the National Harbor in Prince George’s County Md., on June 22, 2017.

(Mark Mahoney/NNPA) (Cont'd from FP) “It was a whole team of people who worked so hard and we had excellent competition, so it really is an honor to be recognized by our peers in this way,” said Kenya Vaughn, the website editor for the St. Louis American. “I’m very proud and humbled that [the NNPA] re-

cognized us and recognized that we are informing and shaping the minds of our communities through what we publish and print and we do not take that lightly.”

Irv Randolph, the managing editor of the Philadelphia Tribune, said he was thrilled with the honors his paper received.

“It’s always good to compete

about ESSA. Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., the president and CEO of the NNPA, and Dr. Elizabeth Primas, the program manager for the NNPA’s ESSA Media Campaign, co-moderated the event.

Chavis thanked the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for enabling the NNPA to raise public awareness about ESSA and to focus on Black parents.

Community activist and radio personality DJ EZ Street emceed a lively reception before the town hall, giving the participants an opportunity to interact with panelists, civic leaders and NNPA members.

“There are a lot of organizations that have organized teachers, there are a lot of organizations that have organized [school] administrators, but the group that isn’t well-organized is parents, particularly Black parents,” said Chavis, adding that ESSA can only bridge the academic achievement gap, if parents get involved and engaged.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com) The AIDS Institute "We call on the Senate to reject this bill and protect people living with or at risk of HIV and STDs. The Senate must keep its promise to the American people and protect their care,” finished Murray C. Penner, Executive Director of NASTAD. AIDS United (AU), NASTAD, the National Coalition of STD Directors (NCSD), NMAC, and The AIDS Institute (TAI) are national non-partisan, non-profit organizations focused on ending HIV in the U.S. They have been working in partnership to identify and share resources to sustain successes and progress we have made in HIV and STD prevention, care and treatment in the United States. with some of the best Black papers in the country and to help raise awareness about the African American press,” Randolph said.

Among the honors earned by the Tribune were first place awards for Best News Story, Best Church Section, the Don King Best Sports Section and Best Entertainment Section.

D. Kevin McNeir, the managing editor of the Washington Informer, whose awards included first place for Digital Excellence, said it’s nice to be honored, but the real treat is providing a service to African American readers.

“We don’t do it for awards, but it’s always good when we are acknowledged for the many hours of hard work that we do on behalf of our community,” said McNeir, who earned second place in the Best Feature Story category for his riveting piece titled, “The Hurt is Real, but We Heal-Sybrina Fulton.”

Others first place winners include the Amsterdam News for Best Editorial; Houston Defender for the Carl Murphy Community Service Award; Cincinnati Herald for Best Feature Story; The Skanner for Best Layout and DesignBroadsheet; Houston Forward Times for Best Special Edition; and the Michigan Chronicle for Best Business Section.

PAGE 6 • JUNE 29 - JULY 5, 2017

Opinion ‘Bill Cosby’

By Pastor Rasheed Z Baaith “And they will deceive everyone his neighbor, and will not speak truth: they have taught their tongue to speak lies, and weary themselves to commit iniquity.” (Jeremiah 9:5) Bill Cosby is a perfect zeitgeist of these times we live in. A time in which unmerited self- importance is so greatly encouraged.

I don’t know what Cosby thought the result of his trial meant for him and for us but it surely did not mean he was to believe he was not some sort of prophet to our people. His proclamation that he would begin to hold a series of town hall meetings to discuss

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how not to be accused of sexual misbehavior is incredulous. It is tantamount to Booth showing Lincoln to his theater seat.

Even if the trial did not find him guilty of the charges, why would a man who at the least is guilty of betraying his marriage dozens of times feel he had the moral authority to speak to anyone, especially young people about sexual misbehavior?

Why would anyone want to hear from a man so captured by his sexual desire, he would drug someone so he could satisfy those desires? What kind of advice could he possibly offer that would be worth our hearing?

Let’s be clear about something. No one decided to accuse Cosby of crimes because of his skin color or because he of his wealth or because his political positions are so revolutionary. He was accused because of things he did.

Whether those things were consensual or not, he has admitted doing them.

The other question to be asked is why would one want to be intimate with someone who is comatose? That seems to be some form of necrophilia to me. Isn’t that moment of intense closeness meant to be a shared one?

Like Donald Trump, Cosby seems to believe the power of his celebrity will outweigh all else. And like Donald Trump, Cosby is wrong. Despite the present moment being one in which truth is both subjective, even irrelevant to some, real truth is important.

Even more it is revealing.

And the real truth about Bill Cosby is he needs to mend his marriage, his family and his soul. He’s been blessed in that he has the resources to do some things most of us could not for a positive healing of his family. What he

should not do is go all over the country forcing his family to relive his past behaviors.

While we all have flaws, there are at least some things a man should refuse to do. One of those things is to continually wash the face of his family in waters he has muddied with his sex life.

What the results of the trial did was to give him some relative freedom for a while. His future is uncertain because they will prosecute him again and again until, like OJ, he is either behind bars or broken in spirit. This system loves to destroy Black men it once loved who proved to disappoint them.

Finally, there is this: we know that whatever we have sown we will reap.

And we do not get to pick the season for the harvest.

Republicans winning and Democrats have no plan or platform

By Roger Caldwell Democrats can never win in America without the Black vote and a progressive platform.

Trump and the Republicans are winning with poll numbers in the thirties, and the Democratic leadership has no strategy to change the trajectory of this administration. The Republicans control the House, the Senate and the Executive Branch, and there appears nothing the Democrats can do.

The Democrats can filibuster, resist, and obstruct the Republicans policies, but when it is time for a vote, the Republicans win. In the House they win by 24 votes, and in the Senate they win by 2 votes.

In the special elections in 2017, the Democrats were not able to pick up any seats. They came close but no cigar, and President Trump is taking a victory lap. From his point of view, Americans are supporting his policies, and there is no reason to change his positions.

In the last year and a half politics has become a White race/class endeavor, and the Black vote has become insignificant and not important in both parties. Even the Hispanic vote is not important, because Trump has proved that he can win his elections with only the White vote.

In 2008, the Democrats won the House, the Senate and the Executive Branch. The Black vote and the Obama coalitions pushed him over the top. At that point, the Republicans

realized that they would have to show up at the polls, and take over the local, county, state elections and governorships.

With the radical arm of the Republican Party,” the Tea Party,” the conservatives and the alt-right, things started to change. When President Obama won the election in 2008 and 2012, Whites from both parties understood that Blacks and Hispanics were getting strongerj and more powerful.

The billions of dollars collected by both party’s leadership could end up being distributed to people with color.

As a result of this revelation, the leadership in the Republican Party became more White and racist. In the Democratic Party the leadership became more White and homosexual, and this is the dilemma of American politics.

In 2017, it is very difficult in many races around the country to determine if a candidate is Democratic or Republican. The Republicans have changed the rules in many local and county elections. The first two with the most votes in a primary go to the general election, and the two party system is eliminated. Many times the voters don’t know who the Republican is and who is the Democrat.

If the Democrats plan to win back the House and the Senate in 2018, there must be a major focus on mobi-

lizing the Black vote.

As Black Americans, our issues are unique and specific to our experiences in the United States, and Democrats must address Black issues, which are based on a Black Agenda.

The leadership class in the Democratic Party faces a crisis of legitimacy, and they will continue to lose until they organize around Black issues.

Black issues are visionary demands and the problems in the Black community give the Democrats a platform and progressive plan. The Black Agenda Report in 2017 has developed a 7 point plan to build a Democrat platform around.

The 7 point plan is as follows: 1, End Poverty; 2, Community Policing and Criminal Justice Reform; 3, Economic Empowerment; 4, Education; 5, Affordable Housing; 6, Health and Wellness; and 7, Politics and Jobs.

This 7 point plan is the starting point to build coalitions, and it gives the Democratic leadership legitimacy and a comprehensive platform.

Black income remains the lowest of any group in America, and it has been this way for 50 years. “So in the end Blacks are more vulnerable to poverty as a nation, we need to focus on policies that combat economic segregation, create jobs with a living wage and help build wealth,” says David Love of the Grio.

Can boxing be popular again

his input about the upcoming fight.

Can Canelo hand GGG his first loss?

On September 16, we will find out.

Legendary boxer Michael Moorer also has his opinion on the state of boxing.

“Boxing has to go back to its roots, to go back to the roots; you have to go back to the armature days.

We would fight overseas all the time, we’d have international bouts fighting the Russians, Cubans, Germans, Koreans, they don’t establish that anymore in the amateurs.” He also feels that the Canelo and GGG fight is unpredictable. “It’s good on paper; all fights are good on paper, until they get in the ring. Styles make fights.

When those two get in the ring, honestly no one knows what’s going to happen. One punch could change the whole story.” Moorer has a fighting record of 52-4-1 with 40 of those wins by knockout, boxing at the light heavyweight and heavyweight weight class.

He was also inducted into the Florida Boxing Hall of Fame.

Boxing may be able to level the playing field and have an even healthy competition with the UFC one day.

If boxing can give the fans fights they want to see like the UFC does, the popularity can start to even out the playing field. Manny Pacquiao and Jeff Horn fight July 2 could also start to help raise the popularity of boxing.

This is a title fight for the WBO welterweight title live on ESPN. This summer the fights are looking good, and if all goes well boxing could slowly start to be neck and neck with MMA. There is nothing wrong with competition, and the popularity of UFC could help boxing raise the bar and have more young stars take it back to the glory days.

By Byler Henry

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR GUIDELINES The Westside Gazette welcomes your letters. Letters must be signed with name clearly legible along with a phone number and complete address. No unsigned or anonymous letters will be considered for publication. The Westside Gazette reserves the right to edit letters. The letters should be 500 words or less.

The UFC has grown in popularity and has started to take over boxing’s spot in combat sports. The UFC was started back in 1993 as an elimination tournament fought in an octagon cage between different martial arts styles such as boxing, Karate, kick boxing, wrestling, Muay Thai, JiuJitsu, Judo, and Sambo. The winner of UFC 1 was Royce Gracie and there have been a few stars showcased during the early tournaments such as Ken Shamrock, Dan Severn, Tito Ortiz, and Randy Couture. There weren’t many rules and no weight classes like there is today. UFC couldn’t compete with boxing back in the 90’s because boxing was an established sport and has been popular for years up to that point. The 90’s showcased established and young and upcoming boxing stars such as Evander Holyfield, Mike Tyson, Roy Jones Jr., Julio César Chávez, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Félix Trinidad, Lennox Lewis, and Riddick Bowe just to name a few. Some wellknown fights took place in this era.

Sometime during the 2000s UFC slowly started to rise in popularity and cause a shift. Popular, rising stars included Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell, Anderson “The Spider” Silva, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, and Wanderlei Silva. Many well-known UFC fights took place in this era. Today, the popularity of the UFC has skyrocketed more and have many viewers tuning in.

They have hosted fights in famous arenas such as Madison Square Garden, MGM Grand, Staples Center, and many venues in other countries such

as Canada, Germany, Ireland, England, Mexico, Brazil, and Australia among others. UFC is now so popular Conor McGregor has brought Floyd Mayweather out of retirement to fight him in Las Vegas. Even though it’s an MMA (mixed martial arts) fighter vs a boxer, this will be a strictly boxing rules fight. It will be in a ring and not an octagon. Many boxing critics and fans feel like this fight will be an unfair one-sided fight.

With the popularity of the UFC, what is the state of boxing today? Legendary boxing trainer Ken Adams who knows a thing or two about boxing feels that boxing has some good fights this summer that could help bring it back to popularity. “I think it’s going to turn around this summer.

They have much better fights now.

Before we were having mismatches, but right now we are getting better fights, we are getting people that are both undefeated and one defeat fighting each other.” He says. He is a former amateur boxer and professional boxing trainer who has trained some of the best. HE has coached 26 professional world champions, 34 Olympians, and 56 boxers who became world champion. He was also inducted into the Florida Boxing Hall of Fame, and the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.

One fight that should provide excitement and start to raise popularity is the Gennady Golovkin (GGG) vs.

Canelo Álvarez fight. Gennady is undefeated with a fight record of 37-0-0 with 33 knockouts, while Canelo has a fight record of 49-1-1 with 34 knockouts. “I think that’s an outstanding fight with many people favoring GGG. I think Canelo can beat him, outbox him use his height and reach and his conditioning.” Coach Adams also gave

Never allow yourself to be defined by someone else's opinion of you.

The Gantt Report Trust inWashington

By Lucius Gantt I don’t have a lot of money. I’m in good but not perfect health.

What I do have is my faith, my life, my family and my word!

The Gantt Report editor and the column have been called a lot of things but neither has the reputation for lying and misrepresentation.

And, I am proud of that.

I use a lot of hard adjectives and descriptions like devils and beasts but those descriptions are not about individuals or groups. The descriptions are about what they do.

Devils do devilish things. Satanic groups do Satanic things. And beasts “talk” and act with animalistic intentions and purpose.

The truth hurts more than people think. Can I give an example? Yes. Growing up in Atlanta, when kids got angry on the playground they do the “joneses”, some people call it “mama jokes” like, “Your mama so skinny she can hula hoop with a Cherrio!” And all of the kids would burst out laughing.

But when something was said that was true, it wouldn’t be too long before there was a fight.

It’s the same way with opinion columns. When you write the truth some people get upset.

I look at the truth like this. As long as I know what’s really going on, how someone really feels and how it will really impact me, I can deal with it.

It’s when people lie to me is when I begin to have problems. Business lies, personal lies, academic lies, recreational lies, religious lies, relationship lies or political lies, a lie is a lie!

If I had to guess, and I don’t have to or care to, about who is the person lying the most in Washington, D.C., my guess would be the Biggest Liar would be the 45th President!

I don’t need to remind you about leaks, testimonies, responses and other political crap because it’s on TV, radio, internet and everywhere else.

I just want to say: tell the children the truth!

Whatever is happening, young people will have to deal with it.

You name them. All of your true heroes began their journeys, missions and destinies when they were young.

As far as politics go, when young people vote, better politicians are elected, better initiatives are passed and better lives are lived.

I know it may seem that this column appears shorter at times, but it’s not because there is nothing to say or write - the columnist is worn out.

I had a tough week but I do my best to give reader and media owners what I can.

If you print the truth, someone will write the truth! I will do it as long as I can and as long as you want me to. (Buy Gantt’s latest book, “Beast Too: Dead Man Writing” onAmazon.com and from bookstores everywhere. Contact Lucius at www.allworldconsultants.net.

And, if you want to, “Like” The Gantt Report page on Facebook.)

Georgia congressman serves up consumers to Wall Street

By Kevin Palmer President Donald Trump’s recent comment on why his Cabinet of advisors is dominated by billionaires and multimillionaires explains the mindset behind Georgia’s 12th District U.S. Representative Rick Allen’s egregious decision to co-sponsor a bill which takes advantage of ordinary American consumers.

In a June 21, 2017 Huffington Post article captioned, Trump Says He Doesn’t Want Poor People in Charge of the Economy, President Trump, in referring to wealthy Cabinet members, was quoted as saying, “These are people that are great, brilliant business minds, and that’s what we need, that’s what we have to have so the world doesn’t take advantage of us.” In other words, Trump knows the rich are experts at taking advantage of people and that same expertise can be useful in dealing with world leaders who possess the same exploitative skill.

Similarly, multimillionaire Georgia Congressman Rick Allen seeks to make it easier for financial institutions to take advantage of ordinary Americans. He is co-sponsoring bill H.R. 3118 to eliminate the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) by repealing title X of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act, commonly known as the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010. According to the CFPB’s website, “It was created after the 2008 financial crisis to protect consumers from unfair, deceptive, or abusive practices.” Also, “it enforces laws that discriminate in consumer finance.”

In short, instead of protecting consumers, Congressman Allen would rather embolden financial institutions to exploit consumers. By repealing the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010, it will be easier for the financial wolves to devour the consumer sheep.

www.thewestsidegazette.com

BUSINESS

JUNE 29 - JULY 5, 2017 • PAGE 7

Westside Gazette

UNITY IN THE COMMUNITY DIRECTORY

OFFICE: (954) 733-7700 ext. 111 CELL: (754) 234-4485 4360 W. Oakland Park Boulevard Lauderdale Lakes, Florida 33313 ken@acclaimcares.com

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(954) 587-7075

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FRUITS, FRUITS, FRUITS AND THE BEST PEANUTS ON THE PLANET Call FORD (954) 557-1203 Passport public service announcement Grand Opening, Wednesday, July 5, 2017

By Dian S. Diaz Brenda D. Forman, the Broward County Clerk of the Courts, on behalf of the United States Department of State, is pleased to announce the grand opening of a new Passport office on Wednesday, July 5, 2017 at the Broward County Central Courthouse.

Mrs. Forman is providing this new service to the community as a convenience for those visiting the downtown Fort Lauderdale Courthouse who would like to apply for (or renew) a passport. Passport photo services will also be available at this location.

Starting 7:30am, on July 5th, U.S. Citizens may apply for passports on the 1st floor in room 1160, of the Broward County Judicial Complex West Tower, located at 201 SE 6th

24 Hour Good Neighbor Service Se habla espanol

DO YOU OR ANYONE YOU KNOW HAVE LESS THAN PERFECT CREDIT?

FINANCIAL FREEDOM JUST AHEAD CREDIT SPECIALISTS Lola W alker Walker Direct: (954) 588-3864 Marisa Andrews: (470) 535-4600 Email:quickactioncredit@gmail.com Web: QuickActionCredit.com

PROTECT YOUR: *IDENTITY *CREDIT *FAMILY *FINANCES *LIFESTYLE & FUTURE

Freeman - R.L. Macon Funeral Home "AN INSTITUTION

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RICHARD L. MACON LICENSED FUNERAL DIRECTOR NOTARY OWNER 738 DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. BLVD. POMPANO BEACH, FL 33060 (954) 946-5525

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Enrolled Agent F ranchise T ax P rofessional Tax Professional *T ax P reparation *Accounting *P ayroll *Tax Preparation *Payroll 3007 W W.. Commercial Blvd., Suite 204 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 Tel. (954) 730-2226 - Fax: (954) 730-2036 Cell (954) 303-5779 johnnie.smith@hrblock.com www .hrblock.com www.hrblock.com

STS TAX SERVICES INC. in association with

Forman Street, Fort Lauderdale, Fla 33301. The new Passport services office will be open Monday through Friday, 7:30am to 4:30 p.m., excluding courthouse holidays.

For U.S. passport and international travel information and fees visit the official Travel.State.Gov website.

PAGE 8 • JUNE 29 - JULY 5, 2017

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, 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!

James C. Boyd Funeral Home

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

SERVICES Sunday Worship ................................................. 7:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.

Sunday School .............................................................................. 9:00 a.m.

Wednesday (Bible Study) ........................................... 11a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

EATON Funeral services for the late Felicia Ann Eaton – 55.

GARRETT Funeral services for the late Darryl Jerome Garrett, Sr. 48 were held June 26 at Lighthouse Worship Center Church of God In Christ with The Right Rev. Jimmie L. Williams officiating Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

JOHNSON Funeral services for the late Cecil Easton Johnson - 72 were held June 24 at Berean Church of God with Bishop Joseph Fagan officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mount Hermon A.M.E. Church Rev Henry E. Green, Jr. PASTOR 401 N.W. 7th Terrace, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 Phone: (954) 463-6309 - FAX 954 522-4113 Office Hours: Tues. - Fri. 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Email: infor@mthermonftl.com

SUNDAY CHURCH SERVICES Worship Service ................................................................................... 10 a.m.

Church School ..................................................................................... 9:15 a.m.

BIBLE STUDY: Wednesday ................................................................... 10 a.m.

Gems & Jewels Ministry Senior Wednesday Wednesday (Bible Study) ............................................... 12 Noon & 7- 8 p.m.

Daily Prayer Line ...................................................................................... 6 a.m.

(712) 432-1500- Access Code296233#

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

Dr. James B. Darling, Jr., Pastor/Teacher WORSHIP SERVICES Worship Service ............................................................................................................ 10:15 a.m.

Sunday School ................................................................................................................ 9:00 a.m.

Communion Service (1st Sunday) ........................................................................... 10:15 a.m.

Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting ........................................................................... 6:30 p.m.

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

Saturday (2nd & 4th) Christian Growth & Orientation ................................... 8:30 a.m.

But be doers of the Word - James 1:22 nkjv - “A Safe Haven, and you can get to Heaven from here”

Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church, Oakland Park "The Miracle On 33rd Street" 420 N.E. 33rd Street Oakland Park, Florida 33334 Church: (954) 563-3060 Email: mtzion420@gmail.com

Rev. George A. Hardy, Pastor SERVICES Sunday Church School ................................................................... 8:45 a.m.

Sunday Morning Worship ........................................................... 10:00 a.m.

Tuesday Night (Family Prayer & Bible Study) ........................... 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday (Prayer Conference Line) ................................................ 8:00 p.m.

(Dail (786) 233-6715 - Acess Code 703513) Oakland Park CDC (Senior Activity Center) Daily ............10 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.

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

Rev. Cal Hopkins.

M.Div) Senior Pastor/Teacher

Senior Pastor

Obituaries Harris Chapel United Methodist Church

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Westside Gazette

LOCKETT Funeral services for the late John Willie Lockett, Jr. – 71 were held June 24 at James C. Boyd’s Memorial Chapel.

MAJOR Funeral services for the late Hiram Lee Major -91 were held June 23 at James C. Boyd’s Memorial Chapel with Bishop L.L. Ward officiating.

POWELL Funeral services for the late Isac Anthony “AP” Powell, Sr. – 39 were held June 24 at New Covenant Deliverance with Bishop Grants Poole officiating.

Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

SMITH Funeral services for the late Alfred Smith – 78 were held June 24 at James C. Boyd’s Memorial Chapel with Brother T.C. Johnson officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

McWhite's Funeral Home BONHOMME Funeral services for the late Elta Bonhomme - 62 were held June 24 at Haitian Gospel Evangelical Church with Pastor Antoine

Jean Francious officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

GOLDRING Funeral services for the late Royolia Goldring were held June 23 at McWhite’s Funeral Home Chapel with Min. Jimmy Witherspoon officiating.

PENISTON Funeral services for the late Elena Torres Peniston – 93 were held June 22 at McWhite’s Funeral Home with Pastor Daniel Amich officiating. Interment: Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens.

PETERS Funeral services for the late Miriam Earline Shelton Peters - 63 were held June 26 at Ascension Peace Presbyterian Church with Pastor Patricia Coleman officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

PETERSON Funeral services for the late Doris Murphy Peterson - 91 were held June 24 at Mount Hermon A.M.E. Church with Rev. Henry E. Green, Jr. officiating.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Q & A: What does Reverend Deal say this week!

‘You should be led by your own sincerity to get things right’ Question: What is a ‘Prayer of Confession?

Answer: “Father, in the name of Jesus, I confess right now and admit that I am a sinner. I repent of all my sins. I’m leaning towards your Holy word. With complete sincerity I change my heart and my mind, and I turn my life to you. I’m confessing with my mouth that God raised Jesus from the dead, and I believe in my heart that Jesus is alive in my life forever and ever, Amen”. That is a Prayer of Confession. There are a host of words one can use to offer a Prayer of Confession to God. One should be led by his or her own sincerity to get things right with God. A confession will enable you to come to God on His terms. A ‘Prayer of Confession’ is a process of salvation. (1) Admit (2) repent (3) confession (4) baptize – water and Holy Spirit (5) obedience to the word of God. Let’s examine the word confession or confess. The Greek word for confess is ‘exomologeo’ which means to admit, acknowledge and praise. The Hebrew word for confess is ‘yada or yadah’ which means to know or make known.

In Psalms 32:1-6, King David through his own emotions and weaknesses in life exhibits how prayer and confession causes a move in blessedness or happiness brought on by God. Please read when you can. David says’ that by not confessing, admitting and acknowledging your sins to God caused mental and physical pain.

By reading Psalms 55:17; James 5:13; and 1st Peter 3:12 will give you courage to pray. Admit your faults to God, acknowledge your shortcomings, and praise God in advance of what He has already done. Are you ready to become a recipient of God’s many blessings? It is up to you.

Reverend Deal is the senior pastor at Every Christian’s Church in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Reverend Deal can be reached at the Westside Gazette, 545 NW Seventh Terrace, Fort Lauderdale, Fla 33311, or by email at David.deal@Gmail.com

Amid caution, Black Church Groups join effort to bring attention to global attacks on Christians

Roy Mizell & Kurtz Funeral Home MANNING Funeral services for the late Rev. Euriel Daniel Manning 98 were held June 24 at Unity New Testament Church of God with Bishop M.A. Coulson officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

SPENCER Funeral services for the late Milton Alphus Spencer - 79 were held June 23 at Roy Mizell & Kurtz Worship Center.

WRIGHT Funeral services for the late Ernest Wright – 95 were held June 26 at New Mount Olive Baptist Church with Dr. Marcus D. Davidson officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth Psalm 124:8

By Urban News (Religion Staff) An array of multicultural organizations fighting against what they describe as “Christian persecution” around the world is finding it difficult to win broad public support for the issue. That is especially true in the Black church, where politics, policy, and the perceived agendas of those sending the message, have dampened the ability of Black advocates to sell the issue as a major concern to both leaders and the community at large.

What there seems to be no question about is the reality of the problem.

Organizations such as Human Rights Watch and Open Doors USA have identified more than 25 countries where treatment of Christians could be described as “persecution” in a full range of actions from harassment and aggressive intolerance to genocide, includ-

ing Nigeria, Syria, and Egypt, among others.

According to Pew Research, more than 75% of the world’s population lives in areas with “severe religious restriction.”

Simply because of the size and scope of the Christian church, many of those restrictions are likely to be against Christians In 2016, then Secretary of State John Kerry declared killings by ISIS in Mosul as acts of aggression specifically based on religion, saying in an official speech, “We know that in areas under its control, [ISIS has made a systematic effort to destroy the cultural heritage of ancient communities—destroying Armenian, Syrian Orthodox, and Roman Catholic churches; blowing up monasteries and the tombs of prophets; desecrating cemeteries,” said Kerry.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

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Westside Gazette

The tailor’s secret to success

Family members

By Shirley Thimothee-Paul I was always taught to “Treat everyone with respect because you never know who or when you're accompanied by greatness.”

Some people spend a lifetime never finding their gift;

they may have high profile positions, degrees and high pay.

However, what does being rich actually mean? How is success really measured? So let me tell you a little known Tailor’s secret to success.

Back in the years of the Peasant Worker Movement (MOP),

a chaotic presidential election in Haiti resulted in a 19 day presidency and the overtaking of the government by Francois Duvalier The overturned Provisional was President Daniel Fignole’ was overwhelmingly popular because he pledged to raise the

daily wage that held that position for close to 30 years. It was a time when absolute fear was placed into the “Pep” or people, and a clear and dangerous divide had erupted and an expressed determination to stay in office sparked rage amongst the opposition. Those who dared to share their political preference at the time were immediately placing themselves in extreme danger, as acts of violence were a common occurrence to instill fear in the masses.

L. Marcel Jeanty, a gifted tailor was living a quiet and humble life, as a businessman.

He serviced all customers including those that made it very clear that they were Duvalier supporters. Unlike most businessmen he refused to be taken advantage of by anyone, emphatically refusing to provide a suit he had tailored without compensation to customer.

Unfortunately, this man was closely involved with the Duvalier administration and the mayhem that had erupted in Haiti. Using his political ties and power to promise to pay later, the tailor’s refusal to accept a watch as collateral and refusal to provide the suit;

Black victims of discrimination had to wait decades for a Detroit enclave

By Ed White Associated Press HAMTRAMCK, MICH. – Black victims of discrimination had to wait decades for a Detroit enclave to replace homes that were demolished in the 1950s and ‘60s in the name of urban renewal.

Now, only a few years after many finally got keys to their new homes, dozens of Hamtramck residents are back in federal court challenging property tax bills that they can’t afford.

“Astronomical,” said Mary Miner, whose taxes rose 63 percent to $2,600 on her two story house on Goodson Street. “This is how I’m treated?”

Miner, 67, and others are worried they’ll be priced out of homes that were built or rehabbed as a legal cure for the destruction of Hamtramck’s Black neighborhoods. They’re zeroing in on key words that helped resolve a 1968 lawsuit: affordable housing. A judge has responded by suspending tax bills and ordering negotiations.

It’s another twist in a 49year-old case that doesn’t seem to end.

“Plaintiffs now face losing their homes and being displaced a second time,” attorney Michael Barnhart said. “This is unconscionable.”

Lawyers for Hamtramck, a two-square-mile industrial city of 20,000 that is surrounded by Detroit, said it’s “dangerously false” Blacks with higher tax bills.

“We want them to stay and be part of the community,” Mayor Karen Majewski said.

“This was just part of a broader strategy to make sure we had accurate information about the

value of our properties.”

For generations, Hamtramck was mostly known as a hub of Polish culture. A statue of St. John Paul II was erected to celebrate his visits here as a cardinal and pope. But the city now is more diverse: flags of the world fly along Joseph Campau Street; the city council is majority Muslim; many business signs are in Arabic. The Census Bureau estimates more than 40 percent of residents were born outside the U.S. Hamtramck was a much different city when the case first went to court. Blacks said white city leaders were destroying their neighborhoods by knocking down houses in the name of urban renewal or allowing the route of Interstate 75 to cut them off from the rest of the community. In 1971, U.S. District Judge Damon Keith said “the total effect was removal of Black citizens.”

But it took another decade for Hamtramck to agree to offer 200 housing units as well as housing for senior citizens. Construction still didn’t start for many more years, due to political opposition and poor city finances. The process was so slow that many victims of the discrimination have benefited only in the past seven years.

The mayor believes a few houses still need to be built.

Now, nearly a half-century after the lawsuit was filed, the latest quarrel centers on property taxes. Hamtramck said it decided to update the values of 150 properties, including dozens of homes that were part of the lawsuit settlement, after neglect by past assessors. That step led to higher tax bills.

“We’re poor, on fixed incomes, most of us,” said disabled

Nooses on National Mall echo domestic terrorism (Cont'd from FP) On May 30, at Wakefield High School in Raleigh, N.C. a Black doll with a noose around its neck was suspended outside of a window.

“Let me be clear: This was an offensive act that has no place in our school. The imagery is deeply offensive and everyone in our school community should be appalled,” said Principal Malik Bazzell, as reported by a Raleigh TV station.

During a rally at the a park named after Confederate Civil War General Robert E. Lee Charlottesville, Va., on May 13, participants with torches chanted “Russia is our friend” and “you shall not erase us.”

AccordingtoThinkProgress.org,the rally was in response to “the state’s decision to sell off a statue

of treasonous general Robert E. Lee, who led the Confederate Army of Nor-thern Virginia against the United States during the Civil War.” ThinkProgress.org also reported that, “Charlottesville Mayor Mike Signer condemned the rally and its attendees.”

On May 26, in Portland, Oregon, a man named Jeremy Christian hurled anti-Muslim vitriol on a subway train at two young women, then murdered two men who intervened, Taliesin Namkai-Meche, 23, and Ricky Best, 53, and injured a third, Micah Fletcher.

On May 20, Richard Collins, 23-year-old second lieutenant in the Army, was stabbed to death by University of Maryland student Sean Urbanski, 22, as Collins waited with friends for a ride. Lt. Collins was

running discrimination case.

“It’s very important that we do the right thing. … There has just been one obstacle after another.”

TODAY'S BLACK NEWS IS TOMORROW'S BLACK HISTORY

Kevin Fantroy,62, in Hamtramck, Mich.

(Photo courtesy of SACBEE.COM) veteran Kevin Fantroy, 62, whose taxes went up by $1,000 to $2,800. “The city wants people who can pay taxes. We don’t fit their criteria.”

Barnhart predicts a wave of foreclosures if Hamtramck doesn’t reverse course. He said the remedy for past discrimination was to bring people back to Hamtramck, many of them low income, and low taxes are an “essential element” of affordable housing.

At a recent court hearing, city attorney Travis Mihelick promised Hamtramck would be flexible to try to solve the dispute. U.S. Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Stafford halted tax collections at 68 houses and ordered both sides to talk over the summer.

“This is something that hangs over our heads in terms of community relations and moral authority,” said Majewski, the mayor, referring to the many turns in the longabout to graduate from Bowie State University on May 23.

The FBI is investigating the murder as a possible hate crime and it has already been reported that Urbanski was a member of an “alt-right” group on Facebook.

On the eve of the NBA Finals, Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James’ Los Angeles home was vandalized; the “N-word” was written with spray paint on his house.

“Just shows that racism will always be a part of the world, part of America. Hate in America, especially for African Americans, is living every day.

It is hidden most days. It is alive every single day,” James told reporters. “No matter how much money you have, how famous you are, how much people admire you, being Black in America is tough.”

JUNE 29 - JULY 5, 2017 • PAGE 9 would spark change in his life forever after someone who was mistakenly identified as Marcel would lose his life. This gifted tailor and respected businessman was forced to self-exile.

As a married man with six children, he remained determined to live for the sake of his family. He made a desperate attempt to flee to Nassau where shockingly he was forced to return as an illegal. Still in severe danger, he remained in hiding and found a way to notify his wife of his location and safety.

Fearing that his wife was being watched, the family devised a plan to have his daughters visit him in cloak and dagger fashion. They would take detouring routes and visit with friends before and after each visit to throw off any watchful eyes. During his time in hiding he would never leave the small space which was essentially a self-made prison, one in which most people would lose their minds. This would continue for some time until a friend of the family bravely agreed to assist in Marcel’s second attempt to flee to Nassau.

In grave danger with notification that he was still being sought after he had to leave immediately, with the constant prayers of his wife and begging for assistance, Marcel disguised in dressed as a woman made his escape from Haiti in a boat.

Sadly, his time in Nassau would be short lived, as there were traitors all over which eventually revealed his location. After an attempt was made to capture him, Marcel decided to once again travel to a different country in order to save himself and his family.

With the United States as his destination, he was able to use his perseverance and determination to do just that.

Marcel with funds he obtained through work was able to send for his wife and children. Marcel made a career as a

L. Marcel Jeanty tailor for the department store Jordan Marsh where he worked until he retired. Expressing education as paramount, his children were inspired to become professionals including military men, postal workers, executive assistant, nursing assistant and a PhD. Therefore, it is clear that heroes are always among us and that is what success looks like. Therefore, his legacy remains.

With tears in her eyes and pauses for air, the mother of his children shared stories of the hardest of times during his plight and the family struggles to reach the United States. Remembering the tailor as a simple, hardworking man whose sacrifices for his family were legendary, made all of their successes possible?

Marcel died at the age of 97, legally blind and struggling with his memory and with family always by his side. They hold his memory dear and in a tribute to him, everyone will now know his story of bravery and survival.

In honor of Marcel, we celebrate his memory this month as a great father and a jewel from the Caribbean in honor of Caribbean Heritage month. This is what success is!

May he rest in eternal peace.

PAGE 10 • JUNE 29 - JULY 5, 2017

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Rattlers Propel Jacksonville Sharks to Top Playoff Seed

Former Rattlers Peter Tulloch, Damien Fleming and Terry Johnson help propel the Sharks to the playoffs.

(Courtesy: Florida A&M Sports Information)

By Florida A&M Sports Information JACKSONVILLE, FL — The Jacksonville Sharks are the hottest team in the area, going undefeated to the last game of the season, where they rested players in preparation for hosting the first round of the National Arena League (NAL) playoffs. The Sharks lost by a touchdown to the visiting Monterey Steel 44-37, the same team they face on June 24 in the first round of the playoffs at Veterans Memorial Arena, the Sharks’ home field.

Former FAMU four-year starter, Damien Fleming, has led the Sharks as the team’s signal caller. Fleming is right at home with the Sharks as the Jacksonville native who attended Ribault High School is playing in front of a true home crowd. Fleming is excited about the opportunity to play in familiar territory. “It’s a blessing to be able to play right here. To have my high school career at Ribault, college in Tallahassee at FAMU and to be here in Jacksonville with an opportunity to play the game I love, it’s just all you could ask for. I have so many family members that are able to attend games that I have to get the ticket situation taken care of during the week. It is nice to play for this respected franchise and to have the success we are having‌ and we’re not done,â€? Fleming said.

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.

June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 2017

Marvin Ross, another FAMU graduate, played for the Sharks the first part of the season.

But, the AFL 2016 Rookie of the Year was snatched up by the Calgary Stampede of the Canadian Football League (CFL). This season, Ross had tallied nine interceptions in just five games with the Sharks. In those nine interceptions, Ross also had a “pick-six.�

Sharks fans showed up in mass, to the tune of over 10,000to support their previously undefeated Sharks. With all the glitz and glamour of a WWE wrestling match, the Sharks were introduced to shimmering lights, dancing cheerleaders and fire that shot nearly to the roof of the arena. A familiar voice to the Rattler nation bellowed through the P.A. system as Rattler Football Network playby-play announcer Joshua Jackson, another FAMU grad, kept the place in check. “It has been an absolute honor to announce for this team for the last eight years. I’ve had the opportunity to talk about players from schools all over the country. But, this year, having Damien at the helm, Marvin Ross having the awesome year he did before he was snatched

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June 29, 2017

QB Damien Fleming, FAMU graduate, delivers the ball for the Sharks in an early season game.

for the Rattlers. His professional football journey led him to Jacksonville and he couldn’t be more content. “To have the opportunity to play for a successful team like the Sharks is a blessing. I have had some great opportunities to play football after college, but no fans are more dedicated than the ones in this arena.

It’s exciting to be able to play the game I love and to have players that I am familiar with around me, makes it feel that much better,� Johnson said.

Tulloch had a very active day for Jacksonville. Playing both on defense and special teams, his pure athleticism was on display. Known as a hitter, he ended some plays with big stops for the Sharks.

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up and Peter (Tulloch) and Terry (Johnson) on the squad, it feels even more special.

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a certain pride about announcing a player and ending it by saying heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s from Florida A&M University,â&#x20AC;? Jackson said.

Tulloch and Johnson both joined the team recently as the Sharks looked to bolster its defensive backfield with the departure of Ross. Johnson, a dual threat at FAMU as a defensive back and kick returner, picked off a Steel pass on the second offensive play of the game, setting the Sharks up for their first score.

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Westside Gazette

JUNE 29 - JULY 5, 2017 • PAGE 11

Promises made to protect preexisting conditions prove hollow

Congressional Democrats joined activists for a rally to urge not to replace the Affordable Care Act Senate Republicans praised the Affordable Care Act replacement bill they presented Thursday as preserving coverage for people with cancer, mental illness and other chronic illness.

But the legislation may do no such thing, according to health law experts who have read it closely.

Built into the bill are loopholes for states to bypass those protections and erode coverage for preexisting conditions. That could lead to perverse situations in which insurers are required to cover chronically ill people but not the diseases they suffer from.

Depending on what states and governors do, plans sold to individuals might exclude coverage for prescription drugs, mental health, addiction and other expensive benefits, lawyers said. Maternity coverage might also be dropped.

Somebody with cancer might be able to buy insurance but find it doesn’t cover expensive chemotherapy. A plan might pay for opioids to control pain but not recovery if a patient became addicted. People planning families might find it hard to get childbirth coverage.

“The protection your insurance provides could depend a lot on where you live,” said Sabrina Corlette, a research professor at Georgetown University’s Health Policy Institute. In some states, “over time, [patients with chronic illness] might find it increasingly difficult to find insurance companies that will offer plans that cover their needs.”

The Senate provisions aren’t expected to affect job-based health plans or Medicare for seniors. They would mainly affect the kind of insurance sold to individuals through the Affordable Care Act’s online exchanges, which cover about 10 million people.

Obamacare overhauls in both the House and Senate would also limit spending on Medicaid for low-income people, which analysts say would cause coverage losses for millions.

The Senate legislation, expected to be voted on next week, follows a widely criticized House bill that would also overhaul the Affordable Care Act, in its

case giving states the option of denying coverage or raising premiums for those with preexisting illness.

On Thursday Republican Senators touted their bill as avoiding those features.

“I feel comfortable that no one is going to be denied coverage because they’ve been sick before,” said Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) The bill “doesn’t change [protections for] preexisting illnesses, which is good,” he said.

Not explicitly. But it still gives insurers a potential way to shrink coverage for the chronically ill, albeit less obviously, said health law scholars.

“There’s nothing in the Senate bill that specifically would allow withdrawal of coverage for a person with a preexisting condition,” said Timothy Jost, emeritus law professor at Washington and Lee University in Virginia and an expert on health reform. “What it does do is allow states to get waivers” allowing exceptions to rules requiring comprehensive coverage, he said.

The Affordable Care Act required carriers to offer “essential health benefits” covering a wide range of services including hospitalization, maternity, prescription drugs and mental health.

Both the Republican House bill and the Senate bill would let states change that rule.

Under those measures, states could set their own standards that might not be as generous, allowing insurers to exclude benefits for those with preexisting illness.

“The Senate bill guarantees people with preexisting conditions access to insurance at the same rate as healthy people, but there is not a guarantee that the benefits they need will be covered by insurance,” said Larry Levitt, a senior vice president at the Kaiser Family Foundation. (Kaiser Health News is an editorially independent program of the foundation.)

Obamacare, too, allows states to make exceptions for essential health benefits — but with strict limits. Coverage must be at least as comprehensive as the federal standard, for one thing. The Senate bill contains

Jamaican accused of infecting Canadian women with HIV extradited Submitted by CNW CaribbeanNationalWeekly.com Four years after Canadian authorities demanded the extradition of Jamaican George Flowers, he has finally returned to Toronto.

Law enforcers escorted the 48-year-old HIV-infected man to Canada where he is charged with 12 counts of sexual assault.

It is alleged that Flowers knowingly engaged in sexual intercourse with several women without disclosing his HIV status. Four women have brought cases against him.

According to information released by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in Jamaica, three of the four complainants subsequently contracted HIV, and all the complainants swore in affidavits that they would not have had sexual intercourse with him had they known he was HIV positive.

Toronto police told the Globe and Mail in an article published in October 2012, that Flowers worked in Toronto in the entertainment business and met women in bars and other venues.

It’s alleged he has known since 1996 that he carries the HIV virus, which causes AIDS, but did not disclose his status.

The article further pointed out that Canada’s Criminal Code specifies that anyone who is HIV positive must apprise

FLOWERS their sexual partners, and charges can be laid regardless of whether the infection is transmitted.

Since his arrest in Jamaica in August 2015, Flowers had waged several legal battles to prevent his extradition.

In his final attempt in January, he filed an application contending that the extradition warrant that was signed by Justice Minister Delroy Chuck on Nov. 30 was flawed and invalid.

His defense team had argued that it was signed while Flowers had a matter before the court.

Furthermore, they contended that the warrant was no longer valid as the Extradition Act stipulates that a warrant expires after one month. However, the Court of Appeal later struck out the matter.

no such safeguard.

“As long as they can show that it’s budget neutral, states would have a lot of latitude” to cut essential benefits, said Christopher Koller, president of the Milbank Memorial Fund and a former Rhode Island insurance commissioner.

Insurance plans for individuals might again start to look as they did in the days before Obamacare, when they typically excluded coverage for maternity, mental health and substance abuse, health policy experts said.

That’s especially true because the Senate bill would allow governors to lower coverage standards by executive certification — without approval from legislatures, Corlette said.

The measure would also permit governors to raise or eliminate Obamacare’s caps on what patients pay annually out of

pocket before insurance kicks in. That could make care for pre-existing conditions un-affordable even if it’s covered by the plan.

For their part, insurers may heavily pressure states to make such changes, analysts said.

Unlike the Affordable Care Act and the House bill, the Senate bill contains no incentives or inducements for healthy people to maintain medical coverage. That could result in a disproportionately sick group of peo-ple buying individual insurance, driving up carriers’ costs and prompting them to seek ways to trim coverage and cut claims.

“If the only people motivated to buy insurance are going to be the ones who really need it, insurers are really going to have a strong incentive to use their benefit design to deter enrollment for the sickest people,” said Corlette.

By Jay Hancock and Rachel

Bluth This article was reprinted from Kaiser Health News with permission from the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation. Kaiser Health News, an editorially

independent news service, is a program of the Kaiser Family Foundation, a nonpartisan health care policy research organization unaffiliated with Kaiser Permanente.

PAGE 12 • JUNE 29 - JULY 5, 2017

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Westside Gazette

‘Sister to Sister’ networking event fosters a first in Lauderdale Lakes Lobbyist Yolanda Jackson and Lauderdale Lakes Mayor Hazelle P. Rogers maintain lasting ties

Judge Barner spends time with students from across the county, teaching them about the County Civil Division.

Juneteenth celebration in Lauderdale Lakes Lauderdale Lakes Commissioner Sandra Davey; Mayor Hazelle Rogers; Commissioner Beverly Williams; Vice Mayor Veronica Edwards Phillips and Becker & Poliakoff shareholder and state lobbyist Yolanda Cash Jackson.

Submitted by Richard Shaw FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – Becker & Poliakoff shareholder and state lobbyist Yolanda Cash Jackson and Lauderdale Lakes Mayor Hazelle P. Rogers met in 2000 and their careers have intersected ever since. Each woman has dedicated her professional life to advancing the interests of underrepresented communities throughout Florida, Ms. Jackson as an attorney and state lobbyist, Mayor Rogers as a community activist turned elected official.

Each has also been among each other’s biggest supporters.

Ms. Jackson will host her “Sister to Sister” summer luncheon on June 22 at Becker & Poliakoff’s

Ft. Lauderdale offices. Mayor Rogers will be there, as she has every time “Sister to Sister” has taken place. She’ll be joined by her vice mayor and three commissioners, longtime attendees of the “Sister to Sister” event as well.

Because “Sister to Sister” is a combined city/state networking group created to celebrate and connect African American women in business and politics, it certainly makes sense that the Lauderdale Lakes contingent will be there.

In turn, as the longest-serving member of Lauderdale Lakes’ lobbying team, it certainly makes sense that Ms. Jackson will be there at 6:30 in the evening when Mayor Rogers gives her first State-of-

the-City Address at the City Hall Chambers in Lauderdale Lakes. Elected Mayor of the City of Lauderdale Lakes in November after serving eight years as a state legislator, Mayor Rogers presides over a staff comprised entirely of African-American women — Vice Mayor Veronica Edwards Phillips and Commissioners Sandra Davey, Gloria Lewis and Beverly Williams — a first in Florida municipal government and a connection that has flourished under “Sister to Sister” contact.

Becker & Poliakoff, with headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, is a multi-practice commercial law firm with more than 150 attorneys, lobbyists and other professionals. More information is available at www.bplegal.com

LAUDERDALE LAKES, FL — The City of Lauderdale Lakes, led by Commissioner Sandra Davey, celebrated Juneteenth immediately following the Regular Commission Meeting.

The very insightful celebration was filled with very important historical facts promoting unity and pride amongst the Lauderdale Lakes Residents and friends.

Dr. Eunice Cason Harvey started the celebration off being honored by the Mayor and Commission for her tenacity and diehard spirit as an African American Woman who overcame many obstacles while growing up in a segregated society.

Former Commissioner Levoyd Williams gave a very uplifting address where he explained the meaning of Juneteenth and advised that the culture should be embraced and

taught as it really was as opposed to hiding behind the shadows of society. His address was followed by a graceful modern dance to Billie Holiday’s Strange Fruit by Alexis Jones.

The night ended with great food, laughter and wonderful

music. “I enjoyed myself immensely; and got a history lesson as well,” said Alicia Rein, resident of Lauderdale Lakes.

For more information on this or future events, please contact Public Information at (954) 5352838.