The Westside Gazette

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FT. LAUDERDALE, FL 33310

PERMIT NO. 1179

VOL. 47 NO. 5 50¢

THURSDAY, MARCH 8 - MARCH 14, 2018

LOCAL

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

SEE VIDEO ON OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.THEWESTSIDEGAZETTE.COM

For an exclusive open conversation with The Westside Gazette, a group of young Black Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School (MSDHS) students clear the air about their absence from the media following the tragedy.

PARKLAND, FL -- Fed up with media censorship and exclusion from their peers, junior classmen Naomi Davidson, Danielle-Ali Dayes, Mei-Ling Ho-Shing, and Tyah-Amoy Roberts, believe the outpour of support following last month’s mass school shooting at MSDHS is racially biased.

Amongst the group is a strong belief that mainstream media is controlling the narrative of the tragedy. Together, they question where is this type of support when innocent unarmed Black kids are shot at the hands of reckless gun owners-including police

Our history has no dress rehearsals (L to r) Mei-Ling Ho-Shing, Danielle-Ali Dayes, Tyah-Amoy Roberts and Naomi Davidson raise their voice surrounding the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

officers?

Some adults may find it difficult to publicly address the country’s race problems; yet, these students confront this sensitive issue head-on, with intellect and the utmost respect.

These young ladies were eager to express themselves. They started to over talk each other, but quickly

realized that they all needed to be heard. Through their bonded friendship and trust of each other, they worked out a solution amongst themselves as to who would talk first.

“We have access to talk to the other news stations who are parked outside of our school, but we didn’t want them to dictate what we should

say on camera or edit out how we really feel,” Tyah-Amoy explains after witnessing popular media outlets instruct students on what they should say about the tragedy.

When asked, “How does it feel to return to school?”, they replied that there were numerous therapy (Cont’d on page 5)

Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis on ‘The Faith That Strengthens’ NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. Talks about the ‘Freedom Movement’ and the Black Press at Twelfth Street Christian Church

By Lynette Monroe (NNPA Newswire Contributor)

After 41 years, a Virginia man finally gets exonerated for a crime he didn’t commit

By Victor Ochieng It was 41 years ago when Roy L. Watford III, now 58 years old, pleaded guilty to raping a 12-year-old girl.

Despite having pleaded guilty to the heinous crime, he’s finally been unanimously exonerated by Virginia’s Supreme Court after DNA evidence revealed he didn’t do it.

Watford of Chesapeake, Virginia, chose to plead guilty of raping the girl at a time he was only 18 years old, doing so at the advice of his grandfather.

He said he chose to plead guilty in a plea deal that would see him evade prison

time. However, he said the conviction has negatively impacted on him all his life, making it impossible for him to get decent jobs.

On Thursday, his fate changed after he was found not guilty following (Cont’d on page 9)

During a recent service celebrating Black History Month at the Twelfth Street Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., the president and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), expressed gratitude and reverence for the church’s rich history. He also highlighted the importance Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., of the Black Press in 2018. the president and CEO of “There’s a sweet, sweet spirit in this church,” said the NNPA, delivers remarks Chavis, greeting the congregation. during a Black History Located in the historic Shaw neighborhood of Month celebration at the Washington, D.C., the congregation, led by Rev. Dr. Twelfth Street Christian Paul H. Saddler, boasts a professional, eclectic crowd of Church (Disciples of the best of the district’s “Chocolate City” past. From a Christ) in Washington, D.C. Superior Court Judge as the First Lady to one of the first (Claudette Perry/NNPA) African American drag racers as a third pew member, the Twelfth Street Christian Church represents the diversity of Black excellence, distinctive of the nation’s capital.

(Cont’d on page 9)

The thing that hath been, it [is that] which shall be; and that which is done [is] that which shall be done: and [there is] no new [thing] under the sun. Ecclesiastes 1:9 (KJV)

By Bobby R. Henry, Sr. Life is real. There are no dress rehearsals, no cast calls, no opening night. When you come in your roles have been assigned. No props-it’s all for real. There are no opening nights. There are no commercials, no retakes; it’s all: “Lights, Camera Action!” Cartoons don’t exist and you can’t breathe underwater without scuba gear. Avatar, Get Out and Planet of the Apes are not documentaries of Black Lives Matter. Ozzie and Harriet, Leave it to Beaver and Andy Griffin did expose us to the views and wants of most of White America’s ideal world-with almost no Black people. ‘I Love Lucy’, you did too just like a cousin.

The Black Panther movie is not a sequel to Planet of the Apes. People of Color are not the invisible men (Cont’d on page 9)

Bill Cosby to Change Strategy in Upcoming

By Stacy M. Brown Sexual Assault Trial (NNPA Newswire Special Correspondent) Bill Cosby is taking a no-holds barred approach in his sexual assault case in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.

The embattled comedian is set to ask Judge Steven O’Neill permission to unseal his decades-old civil settlement and payout to accuser Andrea Constand.

O’Neill is expected to rule on that and other pertinent matters during two days of

hearings scheduled for Monday, March 5 and Tuesday, March 6 in the Montgomery County Courthouse.

Jury selection is scheduled to begin Thursday, March 29 while the trial is on the calendar for Monday, April 2. “[Cosby] submits that evidence of the civil settlement and of the underlying (Cont’d on page 9)

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PAGE 2 • MARCH 8 - MARCH 14, 2018

www.thewestsidegazette.com

A Proud Paper For A Proud People

James C. Boyd Funeral Home, Inc. celebrates 47 years in business with a free Information Forum

Mr. James C. and Mrs. Corine H. Boyd Submitted by Avis Boyd-Gaines James C. Boyd Funeral Home, Inc. celebrates 47 years in business with a free Information Forum and Candlelight Vigil.

In 1971, Mr. James C. Boyd, Sr. and his wife, Mrs. Corine H. Boyd, had a vision to provide

service to the community by owning and operating a funeral home and staffing it with their children. Mr. Boyd, who was a second generation of Funeral Directors and Embalmers, remembered what his father, David A. Boyd, who was also a Funeral Director and Embalmer, always told him: “ keep

Dillard Track being named for Coach Robert Green In recognition of an appreciation for Coach Robert A. Green, who has dedicated over 60 years of outstanding service and love to Dillard High School’s students and community, the Broward County School Board approved the naming of the Dillard High School track, “The Robert A. Green Track.”

The Track Naming Ceremony will be held Friday, March 23, 2018 at the Dillard High School Performing Arts Auditorium, 2501 NW 11 th St., Fort Lauder-dale, Fla. At Dillard for 35 years, Coach Green served as a teacher, department chairperson, athletic director, and interim assistant principal. Most importantly, he’s been a constant mentor to hundreds, if not thousands, of students.

Two months shy of the blessed age of 90, he continues his involvement with the Panthers 100 Club, the DHS Alumni Association, and various school events.

He also travels with Dillard’s students throughout the United States.

looking up.” So he gazed towards heaven on a sunny day and the sky was blue and white and he made the decision to implement the blue and white concept. This is how the blue and white cars came about.

Upon Mr. Boyd's demise in 1996, Mrs. Corine H. Boyd and her daughters - Hattie BoydWilson, Erma Boyd-Dorsey, and Mary Boyd-Elliott - relied on prayer, faith, and service to keep the dream alive. Upon Mrs. Boyd's demise in 2008, her youngest daughter, Avis BoydGaines, retired from the Pentagon after serving 26 years in the United States Army and returned home to continue the dream. Avis and her siblingsWalter, Hattie, Erma, Mary and Bon - continue to keep their parents' dream alive by providing service to the communities throughout the State of Florida.

Avis focuses on the Greek Philosopher Heraclitus' concept that states: “The Only Thing That Remains Constant Is Change”. Avis made a change at James C. Boyd Funeral Home, Inc. by adding white vehicles to their fleet. Avis stated, “She will always keep the blue and white color concept in honor of her father” but would like to offer the community a selection of either the blue and white or all white vehicles.

Through divine guidance, Avis and her siblings will continue to keep their parents' dream alive as they are third generation Funeral Directors and Embalmers, who specialize in providing service. Today, there are several locations of James C. Boyd Funeral Home,

HATTIE

Bon, Avis and Walter

ERMA

Inc. throughout the State of Florida, serving the communities of Broward, Polk and Lee Counties.

The community is invited to come out on Sunday, March 18, 2018 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at

the James C. Boyd Funeral Home, Inc., 2324 Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. 33311 to participate in their 47 years in business Celebration and Candlelight Vigil.

Willie Steele , Owner of WS Sod and Landscaping, Fla., 33312. Funedies peacefully Lauderdale, ral services will be held at 12 p.m., March 10, 2018 at Agape Submitted by Lorenzo Steele Willie Steele, 71, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2018, at Florida Memorial Medical Center. Willie accepted Jesus Christ as His Personal Lord and Savior in 1993. He was a fully engaged and active member of The Church of God in Christ and served as Deacon.

McWhite’s Funeral Home is in charge of Funeral arrangements. The family will have the viewing on Friday, March 9, 2018 from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. at McWhite’s Funeral Home, 3501 W. Broward Blvd, Fort

Worship Center, 2230 N.W. 22 Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 33311. Bishop Mack of Agape Worship Center will be officiating. The burial will follow the funeral at Sunset Memorial Gardens, at 3201 N.W. 19 Street, Fort Lauderdale. The family will receive relatives and friends following burial services at The Agape Worship Center Banquet Hall.

Willie was born in Samson, Alabama on August 1, 1946 to Willie Harold Steele and Pearline Morgan. He attended Booker High School in Sarasota, Florida. He was also chosen as one that was most likely to suc-

MARY There will be free information on Social Security Benefits, Veterans/Spouse Benefits, Probate/Wills, a Representative from Broward Health and much more. It’s a Celebration of Free Information, Free Fun, Free Food, Free Prizes and Senior Discounts!

For more information and to R.S.V.P., please contact James C. Boyd Funeral Home, Inc. at (954) 584-3940.

Another good solider called home to do battle no more STEELE ceed and attend college. Willie was married to Lula Quinn on August 5, 1965; they were married for 52 years.

Willie was a successful business man and entrepreneur. He was passionate and enjoyed challenges. He thrived as a mechanic before branching out as an entrepreneur and starting South Florida Lawn Service in 1972. In 1983 Willie changed his business name to WS SOD and Landscaping.

As the founder, Willie expanded into all sectors of landscaping: sodding, tree and shrub growing and installation, rock gardens and operated his very own, plant nursery. He enjoyed the business of agriculture and landscaping.

His hobbies included fishing, boating, and reading. He was charitable, assisting numerous churches and organizations.

However, he prided himself in giving others a second chance and helping those who were less fortunate.

Willie is survived by his wife, Lula Steele, and his children: Rose, Lorenzo, Rodney, Cletus and Malcolm Steele, and his adopted son Earl Mooney; his mother Pearline Morgan of Sarasota, Florida; siblings: Lois Steele, Willie Jewell Steele, Eula Nelson, Timothy, Johnny, Anthony, Linda and Roshunda Morgan; grandchildren: Mario Williams, Zoe, Ariel, and Aliya Steele; Sada Montgomery, Jada, Ja’Kara, Chloee, Collin and Promise Steele, and Carter and Malcolm Jr Steele as well as his many loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and other friends.

Willie is preceded in death by his father, Willie Harold Steele, eldest son, Willie Steele Jr, brother, Willie Steele, and Donnell Morgan.

WS Sod and Landscaping will continue operating under the leadership of Mr. Steele’s wife, Lula Steele and sons.

Dr. Henry W. Mack succumbs to his illness.

MACK Henry W. Mack, Ph.D., a native of Detroit, enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1947. He was noted for being one of the rare living “Buffalo Soldiers.” At his first duty station at Fort Riley, Kansas, he was promoted to Corporal while serving with Troop H, 3rd Squadron, 10th United States Cavalry.

The accomplishments of the 10th Cavalry stand out in the pages of African American history. He was one of the first African Americans assigned to a previously all-white unit, pursuant to President Truman’s integration of the military services in 1948, Dr. Mack continued his civil rights advocacy for over 60 years, evidenced by his presence at the Lincoln Memorial when Dr. Martin Luther King made his famous “I Have a Dream” speech.

For more than a quarter of a century, he has devoted himself to volunteer service to the schools and community of Dade County, Florida, until his health began to fail. Funeral arrangements are pending.

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MARCH 8 - MARCH 14, 2018 • PAGE 3

A Proud Paper For A Proud People

Alicia Boler Davis Honored with 2018 Black Engineer of the Year Award

By Freddie Allen (NNPA Newswire Contributor) The US Black Engineer & Information Technology (USBE&IT) magazine recently celebrated the history-making

career of Alicia Boler Davis, the executive vice president of global manufacturing for General Motors, by honoring her with the 2018 Black Engineer of the Year Award, during the BEYA gala in Washington, D.C. Boler

Davis is the sixth woman to receive the award.

USBE&IT magazine recognizes Boler Davis “as a global ambassador of goodwill for underrepresented minorities in science and technology, and for women in STEM,” a press release about the award said.

USBE&IT magazine is published by the Career Communications Group, Inc., which was founded over 30 years ago to promote significant achievement in science, technology, engineering and mathematics professional careers, according to the group’s website.

Boler Davis began her GM career in 1994 as a manufacturing engineer at the Mid-size/ Luxury Car Division in Warren, Mich. She has held many positions of increasing responsibility in manufacturing, engineering and product develop-

ment, according to her biography.

Boler Davis was the first African American woman to serve as the plant manager at a GM vehicle manufacturing plant at the Lansing, Mich., Consolidated Operations and Arlington Assembly in Texas.

She also simultaneously served in roles as plant manager of the Michigan Orion Assembly and Pontiac Stamping facilities and vehicle chief engineer, and vehicle line director for North America Small Cars, “positions she held until January 2012,” according to the press release about the award.

The press release also noted that, in February 2012, Boler Davis was appointed U.S. vice president of Customer Experience. Later that year, her role was expanded to vice president of Global Quality and U.S. Customer Experience.

Jose Tomas, the senior vice president of global human resources and the executive vice president for Lockheed Martin (Ret.) (L) and Linda Gooden from the General Motors Board of Directors (R) present Alicia Boler Davis, the executive vice president global manufacturing for General Motors with the 2018 Black Engineer of the Year Award. (General Motors) “Under her leadership, GM

Special Report:

Women of color color,, who are underrepresented in U.S. news media, share frustrations, triumphs “It seems like there is a cap on people of color in newsrooms”

DAUGHTER OF AFRICA DELIGHT’S WINTER OLYMPICS, GIVES CROWD PLEASING PERFORMANCE — Mae Berenice Meite of France began her Olympic appearance in 12th place in PyeongChang2018. The 5 foot six inch strikingly beautiful Figure Skater looked tall and slender with curves on ice in the Women’s Figure Skate short program. Skating to “Halo by Beyoncé” and “Run the World” by Beyoncé, she looked ever bit the body of the star on ice. Mae moved to Chicago, Illinios in 2016 to train with someone she had trained with before in France.

There have been other Women’s Figure Skating Olympic Medalist with African heritage. You may start with the USA’s own Debbie Thomas (Stanford University graduate who is now married and a practicing Doctor in California), as well as another French African skater. Mae really looks good to make her own move for an Olympic Medal in Bejing2022. This daughter of African Diaspora’s startlingly pretty and crowd pleasing performance in PeongChamg2018 has really set the stage for Mae Berenice Meite for Bejing2022.

Election 2018: Another Stop on the Chisholm Trail?

By Kelly Dittmar and Glynda Carr Fifty years ago, Shirley Chisholm campaigned successfully to become the first Black woman in the U.S. Congress. Four years later, she became the first woman of color and the first African American to win delegate votes at a major party presidential convention. Throughout her presidential campaign, she attracted voters to the “Chisholm Trail” with her motto and reputation of being “unbought and unbossed.”

But Chisholm’s trailblazing didn’t end with her presidential defeat. She served in Congress for another decade and left a legacy with lasting effects to this day.

The 2018 elections will mark another stop on the Chisholm Trail, where Black women are poised to build on Chisholm’s legacy of leadership, determination, and desire to disrupt the status quo. Amidst reports of the “surge” of women running in 2018 are Black women candidates at every level, including some with the potential to make history. Perhaps most notably, 2018 could see the election of the first Black woman governor in the United States.

The potential to harness and expand Black women’s political power is not limited to candidates this year. Black women voted at the highest rates of any race and gender group in both the 2008 and 2012 presidential elections, and again in the 2017 special U.S. Senate election in Alabama. If that race is any guide, Black women voters appear mobilized to turn out in high numbers again in 2018.

But before we can measure progress for Black women in election 2018, we need to take stock of Black women’s current political power. That’s why the Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP) and the Higher Heights Leadership Fund teamed up again to release “The Chisholm Effect: Black Women in American Politics 2018.”

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

O’Brien, Curry, Hinojosa and Reid

Hannah-Jones

Monet

WASHINGTON — Fifty years after the Kerner Commission criticized the news media for not sufficiently covering race issues, a new special report shows that women of color continue to be underrepresented in U.S. newsrooms and face multiple challenges in

achieving equality in hiring and promotions.

The Women’s Media Center report “The Status of Women of Color in the U.S. News Media 2018” offers a rare look at where women journalists of color are — and aren’t — in legacy print, radio, TV, and digital news. It

Do Y ou Kno w You Know Madeleine Albright?

CHISHOLM

Do You Know Elizabeth Blackwell ?

By Jordan Green

By Terri Valentine This sage, first female, degreed medical doctor was groomed early on by her highly educated family.

She began her career as a teacher, meanwhile aspiring to do the unthinkable and become a doctor.

Her next, crafty, move was to take up residence in a physician’s house where she used her spare time to study in his home medical library.

As she taught children she was simultaneously applying to medical schools. Rejection followed rejection, until serendipity set in and she was finally accepted by Geneva Medical College. Because she was a woman, the faculty had put her acceptance up to a student vote. The students universally assumed this application was a hoax from a rival school. In order to “one up” their rivals they voted to accept the application. Oops, it really WAS a woman!

During her training she suffered prejudice, hazing, and insults from students and faculty alike. Ms. Blackwell got the last laugh by graduating top of her class! So much for male superiority.

After being declined practice from every hospital to which she applied, she used her own initiative to aid patients. Her younger sister had followed in her footsteps to become a doctor. In 1857 they opened their own infirmary in New York, where they treated the poor women and children. She would go on to train numerous nurses to aid in the Civil War. Elizabeth Blackwell was not only a female trailblazer, but an Angel of her time.

is an important extension and extrapolation of data previously published in the Women’s Media Center’s annual “The Status of Women in the U.S. Media” study, and includes data about minority journalists released after the most recent version of that report was produced in 2017.

Women of color represent just 7.95 percent of U.S. print newsrooms overall, 12.6 percent of local TV news staff, and 6.2 percent of local radio staff, according to industry research that is based on news organizations’ replies to professional association queries.

“Whether intentional or not, it seems like there is a cap on people of color in newsrooms,” said Rummana Hussain, assistant metro editor, Chicago Sun-Times.

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

DAUGHTERS OF AFRICA SWEEP IN PYEONGCHANG2018 — Leave it to the Women to pull off the first “sweep” in the Winter Olympics. All three medalist teams in the 2 women Bobsled in PyeongChang2018 Winter Olympic Games contain a daughter of African Ancestry for the first time in the Winter Olympic history. There are no snow banks high enough to keep the descents of Africa out. The Winter Olympic Games have long been set for snowy nations. The amazing challenge from Africa’s Diaspora Athletes is present now and clear to enjoy for the next Winter Games set for Bejing2022. The 2 Women Bobsled Medalist Teams were made up of Lauren Gibbs and Elana Meyers Taylor, one of the Americans silver medalist pictured on left. The Gold Medalist, Mariama Jamanka of the German Team in the middle, was born to a Gambian father, attended the Technical University in Berlin, Germany and is in the Armed Forces in Germany.

Phylicia George, of the Bronze Medalist Team Canada, is studying Biology and physiology at the University of Connecticut, has competed in the Olympic 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympic Games, is on your far right. A point of note the Nigeria Team trailed the Jamaica Team in this event, so some experience does count. And yes, the race was very close at the top with point zero seven seconds between the American and German Team. For those of you keeping score, this time the Nigerian Team finished seven minutes and fifteen seconds behind the Gold medalist Team and the Jamaica Team beat Team Nigeria. So much for inter country rivalry.

The very first female to become U.S. Secretary of State was an intrepid behind-the-scenes negotiator, Madeleine Albright. She served from 1997 to 2001 under President Bill Clinton. Her ascension to this position is remarkable when you consider she was a Czech immigrant escaping the dystopia after World War II. One of the steps her parents took to escape the Hitler regime was to disguise their Jewish faith in order to move to safer countries.

Dr. Albright earned a scholarship to Wellesley College in Massachusetts [Alma Mater of Hillary Clinton] and Columbia University.

There she edited the school’s newspaper and pursued her passion for politics.

This pursuit led to her earning a P.H.D. in public law and government in 1976 from Columbia University.

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

improved vehicle quality and redefined customer care and its interaction with customers through social media channels and Customer Engagement Centers,” the press release said. “More recently, Boler Davis was senior vice president, Global Connected Customer Experience where she led the company’s connected customer activities, including infotainment, OnStar, and GM’s Urban Active personal mobility initiatives.” * In June 2016, Boler Davis was named the executive vice president of General Motors Global Manufacturing.

Do Y ou Kno w You Know Marjorie Joyner ?

By Chamika Hawkin Marjorie Joyner was a beauty salon owner, who changed the game of hair styling when she invented the “permanent wave machine.”

More on her discovery later. She graduated A.B. Molar Beauty School in Chicago in 1916, the first African American to achieve this. There she met Madam C. J. Walker. We have heard of Madam C.J. Walker.

Did you know that she absconded with the genius of Marjorie “permanent wave machine.” Via contractual shenanigans, Miss Walker kept all royalties to the hugely popular innovative hair styling technique. Marjorie went to work for her and oversaw 200 of Madame Walker’s beauty schools as the national adviser. Marjorie taught some 15,000 stylists over her fiftyyear career.

In 1939, she started looking for an easier way for women to curl their hair. Her inspiration came from of all things a pot roast cooking. She experimented with paper pins to quicken preparation time. Marjorie experimented initially with these paper rods and soon designed a table that could be used to curl or straighten hair by wrapping it on rods above the person’s head and then cooking them to set the hair.

She helped write the first cosmetology laws for the state of Illinois and founded a sorority and fraternity, Alpha Chi Pi Omega on October 27, 1945 as well as a national association for black beauticians. A proud innovator, Marjorie never got the full credit for her enrichment to Black lives.•

PAGE 4 • MARCH 8 - MARCH 14, 2018

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A Proud Paper For A Proud People

Local Events In The Community Publix is Proud to Support Community News WHERE SHOPPING IS A PLEASURE

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Happening at African-American Research Library and Cultural Center

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Events

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African-American Research Library and Cultural Center, 2650 Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderale, Fla. For more info call (954) 357-6210.

Destination Friday – Ghana on Friday, March 9, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. For more info call (954) 357-6210. ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

Food Distribution

Florida Health Broward County Events · Adams Tabernacle of Faith AME Church will host its first Mind Body and Soul Health Fair on Saturday, March 10, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 20851 Johnson St., Suite 115, Pembroke Pines, Fla. This event is to inform the community about health and wellness issues, and about health resources. For more info contact Sonya Reese at (954) 210-3188. ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

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

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Farm Share Partners with City of Miami Gardens Councilwoman Lisa C. Davis for a Free Food Distribution on Friday, March 9 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Robert Sharpe Towers, 103 N.W. 202 Terr., Miami Gardens, Fla. To register contact Tiffany Achille at (305) 622-8094.

Wilton Manors is announcing that the City will be hosting its Annual City of Wilton Manors Island CityWide Yard Sale on Saturday, March 10 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Hagen Park. For information call the Leisure Services Department at (954) 390-2115 or (954) 390-2130.

Commissioner Dale Holness upcoming community events. · Pay Up and Save – Brenda D. Forman Clerk of Courts Broward County, Felony, Misdemeanor and Traffic Payments – Operation Green Light Broward is an opportunity to pay your fines without paying the extra 35% collection surcharge. Individuals paying their felony, traffic tickets, misdemeanor and overdue court costs in full may be eligible to restore their driving privileges.

This limited time offer to only available from Monday, March 5, 2018 through Saturday, March 20, 2018 · Sixth Annual Me & My Dade Challenge on Saturday, March 10 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Joseph C. Carter Park, 1450 W. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Free t-shirt for the first 200 participants at the door. For more info call (954) 765-0550. · Michael J. Satz State Attorney, Sealing & Expungement One Stop Shop on Thursday, March 15 from 3 to 7 p.m., at Urban League of Broward County, 560 N.W. 27 Ave., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Pictured ID required. For additional info call (954) 831-6955. ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

FORUM & BREAKFAST

Workshop ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

Sistrunk Business Owners' Police Forum & Breakfast on Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at 9 a.m., at the Fort Lauderdale, Police Sistrunk Substation, 1291 N.W. 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL. Join Chief Maglione & Commissioner Robert McKinzie, to discuss concerns and collaborate on solutions relative to our business community.

A light breakfast will be served for all attendees.

RSVP by calling (954) 828-5824, or by emailing StevenSc@fortlauderdale.gov

Lauderdale Lakes Community GardensAwarded From Marna Mobley LAUDERDALE LAKES: (LAUDERDALE LAKES, Florida) — The City of Lauderdale Lakes received the 2018 Broward County NatureScape Emerald Award.

The NatureScape Emerald Award recognizes businesses, municipalities, schools, government facilities and homeowners that have created and maintained model Florida-friendly landscapes or completed exceptional projects. NatureScape awards and trophies are given in the following categories: Homeowner, Business, Municipality/School/Government, & Special Achievement.

This year the City was given this auspicious award for all of the dedication and hard work that the children, and Master gardeners have put in to both gardens over the years. “I am so proud of the work we have done in both gardens”, said Vice Mayor and Master Gardener Beverly Williams. “We really take pride in educating the high school gardeners and others who come out to volunteer their services. The Award is a small token of achievement that is most appreciated.”

The Gardeners will be celebrated at the upcoming 2018 Annual Emerald Award Ceremony “At Water Matters Day” on Saturday March 10, 2018 in the Sabal Palm Pavilion at Tree Tops Park in Davie, Florida.

If you would like more information on this award, please contact Public Information at (954) 535-2838 or go to Broward.org/ naturescape.

The City of Miami Garden events: - A free Empowered Business Business Workshop & Resource Fair on Thursday, March 8 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at YWCA Intergenerational Center, 3450 N.W. 199 St., Miami Gardens, Fla., limited seats available RSVP online at empowerbusiness.eventbrite.com - Jazz in the Gardens Edition on Friday, March 9 at 7 p.m., at Caribbean Marketplace, 5925 N.E. Second Ave., Miami, Fla. Tickets can be purchased at spiceitupmiami2018.eventbrite.com

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United Way of Broward County to host Women United Magnolia Luncheon on Thursday, March 15 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Pier 66 Hotel in the Marina Crystal Ballroom, 2301 S.E. 17 St., Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Calling all Pastors, Church Leaders, Prospective Leaders and Entrepreneurs are cordially invited to attend the 2018 Pastors and Leaders Conference, Wednesday, March 14 thru Friday, March 26, at Judah Worship Word Ministries International, 4441 W. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Bishop Rosie O’Neal of Greenville, NC guest speaker. Apostle W.L. Mitchell, Senior pastor and Overseer. For times and additional info call (954) 791-2999.

Do you have a special talent or skill? The City of Lauderhill Art, Culture & Tourism Board is hosting a Lauderhill Talent Show open to residents and business owners in the City of Lauderhill. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to show off your talent! In order to participate in the Talent Show, you must: · Be available to audition at the Lauderhill Sadkin Center (1176 NW 42 Way) for the first two (2) rounds with the Finals being held at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center (3800 NW 11 Pl.) · Complete and return the application/agreement (ONE per act) with lyrics by March 13, 2018 to the Talent Show Committee e-mail.

City of Lauderhill ACT Board Talent Show Application First Audition: Wednesday, March 21 at 4 p.m. at Sadkin Center; Second Audition: Wednesday, April 11 at 4 p.m., at Sadkin Center; Finals: Wednesday, May 16 at 4 p.m., at LPAC

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Chi Psi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, will host a community workshop, “Digitally Green”, Saturday, March 17 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., atthe auditorium, Margate Catharine Young Library, 5810 Park Drive, Margate, Fla. Refreshments will be served and door prizes given. Contact Chi Psi Omega Chapter www.chipsiomega.org ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

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The Fort Lauderdale Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. hosts its annual Debutante Cotillion and Master’s Ball on Saturday, March 24, 2018, a formal affair. All interested young ladies and gentlemen who are in 12th grades are encouraged to apply each year.

For more info on the event call (954) 303-1051 or (754) 4228084.

TODAY'S BLACK NEWS IS TOMORROW'S BLACK HISTORY

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* 6th Annual Me & My Dad Challenge on Saturday, March 10, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Joseph C. Carter Park, 1450 W. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. This is a Free event and there will be prizes and refreshments. Bring your swim gear and learn “Water Smart” techniques to keep your child from drowning. * Power to Save on Tuesday, March 20 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at E. Pat Larkins Center, 520 N.W. Third St., Pompano Beach, Fla. This program provides free home energy upgrades to customers that may not otherwise be able to afford them. Invitations will be sent out to residents (renters and owners of homes) in zip codes 33060 and 33069 to sign up to have our customer service team visit their home and make energy efficient upgrades. They will also be invited to a FREE community BBQ lunch At the BBQ they will have an opportunity to get information/materials from us as well as partner organizations that we will invite to set up tables next to the food area. ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

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League Of Women Voters Of Florida Take Action on Gun Safety Comee to a public hearing for the Broward Charter Review Commission and tell that group that you want them to put a measure on the November ballot to ban the sale of assault weapons and high-capacity magazines in Broward County.

Here are the first three meetings: - Wednesday, March 7 at 6:30 p.m., at the City of Lauderhill City Hall, 5581 W. Oakland Park Blvd, Lauderhill - Wednesday, March 14 at 6:30 p.m., City of Hollywood City Hall, 2600 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood - Thursday, March 15 at 6:30 p.m., at City of Pembroke Pines City Hall, 601 City Center Way Pembroke Pines.

Your message at the hearing? Let’s hear from Broward voters. Put a measure on the November ballot to ban the sale of assault weapons and highcapacity magazines in Broward County.

Let’s stand up to the minority who say these weapons of war belong in our communities. Let’s urge Broward elected officials to fight for sensible laws.

Attend a rally Mark your calendar: The League will participate in the March for Our Lives in Parkland on Saturday, March 24.

Help us conduct voter registration at an event expected to draw thousands of participants calling for gun safety measures.

Miramar Today events · Miramar presents Game Night & Party Play on the Plaza on Friday, March 23, from 7 to 11 p.m., at the Miramar Town Center Plaza, 2300 Civic Center Place, Miramar, Fla. For additional info call (954) 6023178. · Cops & Cowboys Fundraiser on Tuesday, March 13 from 4 to 10 p.m., at Texas Roadhouse, 3241 S.W. 160 Ave., Miramar, Fla. For additional info call (954) 499-3391. · Miami Urban Contemporary Exhibition As Aa Matter of Black now until Friday, March 30, at Miramar Cultural Center/Art, 2400 Civic Center Place, Miramar, Fla. · Police Open House Miramar Fire Station 107 on Thursday, March 29 from 6 to 8 p.m., at 1181 Miramar Parkway, Miramar, Fla. · The City of Miramar invites the community to the 14th annual A Slip of Wine, A Taste of Heaven on Saturday, March 10 from 7 to 10 p.m., at the Miramar Town Center Plaza. · Resident Forum on Tuesday, March 27 from 6:30 to 8 p.m., and Wednesday, March 28 from 6:30 to 8 p.m., at · Florida Grand Opera returns to the Miramar Cultural Center on Tuesday, March 13 at 7:30 p.m., at Miramar Cultural Center/Art, 2400 Civic Center Place, Miramar, Fla. · MCC Resident Artist, Ballard Etudes of South Florida will host a Ballet Technique Master Dance Class on Saturday, March 17 at 10 a.m. at Miramar Cultural Center Theater, 2400 Civic Center Place, Miramar, Fla.

www.thewestsidegazette.com

MARCH 8 - MARCH 14, 2018 • PAGE 5

A Proud Paper For A Proud People

FAMU President Announces Statewide Recruitment Tour TALLAHASSEE, FL — Florida A&M University (FAMU) President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., will launch his first statewide recruitment tour as the University’s 12th president on Friday, March 9.

“The President’s Tour” is part of the University’s strategic enrollment management plan to attract the state’s top scholars by exposing them to the lifechanging educational experiences provided by FAMU’s faculty and staff.

The tour will begin in Pensacola on March 9 at Booker T. Washington High School and end in Miami on Monday,

March 12 at Miami Jackson High School.

During the tour, Dr. Robinson will give a special presentation to high school students and their families about why they should choose FAMU, and accomplished alumni in their respective fields will give personal testimonials about how FAMU impacted their lives.

They will be joined by other alumni, student representatives, faculty, deans, administrators, and recruiters who will interact with potential students as well as admit top scholars on the spot.

FAMU’s renowned student

song and dance ensemble, “The FAMU Connection,” will “bring down the house” with performances at each stop.

“FAMU is a place that provides students a nurturing and supportive environment to excel academically, grow personally and develop professionally by exposure to quality academic programs, meaningful extracurricular activities, and careerexpanding access to research and internship opportunities.

Through the efforts of our outstanding faculty and staff, we prepare our students to be leaders committed to making impacts in their local, national

PRESIDENT ROBINSON

and global communities,” Robinson said. “We look forward to meeting with some of Florida’s top students, introducing them to our tradition of ‘Excellence With Caring,’ and welcoming them to the FAMU family.”

In preparation for the tour, FAMU is launching three new online platforms for incoming students, including a new virtual reality tour, a customized social media network for admitted students, and an admissions landing portal.

Students and parents can RSVP for the tour stops by calling the Division of Student Affairs at (850) 599-3183.

A schedule of events is as follows: * March 9 at 6:30 p.m., Booker T. Washington High School, 6000 College Pkwy., Pensacola, Fla. * March 10 at 12 p.m. , Springhill Missionary Baptist Church, 120 S.E. Williston Rd. Gainesville, Fla. * March 11 at 3:30 p.m., Palm Beach State College, 4200 Congress Ave. , Lake Worth, Fla. * March 12 at 9:30 a.m. , Broward College, 7200 Pines Blvd. Pembroke Pines,Fla. * March 12 at 6:30 p.m. , Miami Jackson High School, 1751 N.W. 36 St., Miami,Fla.

Howar d University Students Head to Puerto Rico for Hurricane Recover Howard Recoveryy Homeless Mom of four releases book to empower the youth — Says she was Ho war d Uni ver sity Heads to Puer to Rico to Help; How ard Univ ersity Puerto Students Gi ve Up Spring Br eak to Help in R eco ver y Ef ts Giv Break Reco ecov ery Efffor orts impacted by Marcus Mosiah Garvey

BARNETT

Ericka Laws, a junior biology major, tutors two fourth grade students in math as preparation for the upcoming state-wide standardized test during the 2013 Alternative Spring Break mission in New Orleans.

(Bree Gant/Howard University)

Ivon Alcime, a graduate communications major, helps build a cement wall at the School of Good Samaritans as part of a previous Alternative Spring Break in Haiti after the country was struck by an earthquake that devastated much of the island. (Justin D. Knight/Howard University) Howard students will also visit and assist in the daily activities at two Boys and Girls clubs in Las Margaritas and Bayamón about 20 minutes outside of San Juan. Students and

faculty will be staying about an hour west of San Juat a campsite in Arecibo, six people to a room.

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

HOMESTEAD, FL (BlackNews.com) — Some may say speaking of the dead is creepy, but not this once homeless mother of four. Latoya Barnett’s story has inspired many lives. She grew up in the same house that Marcus Mosiah Garvey once lived in... and she says that spirit was always around her since birth.

She saw that tourists from worldwide often came to visit her home. She enjoyed her journey through life greatly.

Marcus Mosiah Garvey was known as a freedom fighter.

He helped plenty of Africans to

understand who they are and where they came from.

To Latoya, his spirit was always near her, and she says the warrior spirit is deep within her. For this reason, many others have taken note of how much strength she has.

She does not want anyone to experience the struggles she once had. Her personal struggle inspired her to write and publish A True Rest From the Wild - a book she wrote while homeless with no motivation, no coach and no money but a dream to help save lives.

The book is primarily for youth dealing with self-esteem issues, bullying and for those who witnessed domestic violence.

Latoya spoke with truth saying, “The spirit of Marcus Garvey has always been with her since birth” having grown up in the home he once lived in.

Garvey was a hero and spiritual warrior known to the world for standing up for the rights of many african people who were enslaved by colonists. Latoya was born on Oct. 14, 1985 and she kept to herself growing up.

MLK Day of Service A ward Luncheon honors Award community organizations More than 3,000 volunteers supported 42 projects across the county

Roberte Exantus, a Haitian native and senior political science major at Howard University, returned home to help residents after an earthquake left millions of residents homeless and destroyed much of the country. He and other ASB students helped repair School of Good Samaritans, which was severely damaged.

(Justin D. Knight/Howard University) The National Newspapers Publishers Association this week is providing unprecedented coverage of Howard University students historic efforts to aid residents of Puerto Rico devastated by last fall’s Hurricane Maria. Tatyana Hopkins of the Washington Informer will provide daily stories, photos, video and social media to NNPA newspapers of the students’ efforts. She will also examine the continued struggles of millions of U.S. citizens to put their lives back together. mph winds, caused at least $90

By Tatyana Hopkins billion in damage, destroying (NNPA Special Correspondent) thousands of homes, killing at WASHINGTON —When least 60 people and decimating Oluwakanyinsola Adebola the island’s already deterioratsigned up to do community ing power grid. Currently, aservice as part of Howard Un- bout 1,200 generators power iversity’s Alternative Spring some of homes, hospitals and Break, she knew she wouldn’t schools while seven larger, more be joining her classmates and powerful energy centers, called thousands of other college stu- microgrids, provide energy to dents who use their week off to key areas near important buildparty and play in the sun and ings like hospitals and schools.

Electricity, however, surf of Jamaica or Aruba or remains a challenge.

Recurring any of a half dozen other black outs plague the island, Caribbean locations.

Instead, Adebola would be and about 340,000 people, are part of the hundreds of Howard still without power. The students who, each year for blackouts have upset traffic and more than 20 years, have given interrupted water service to up their traditional spring dozens of neighborhoods, breaks to serve in communities including the historic Old San in need in places like Atlanta, Juan in the nation’s capital.

The Federal Emergency Chicago, Detroit, Baltimore, Management Administration Memphis and New Orleans. has been providing relief and Ironically, Adebola will rescue efforts, providing meals travel to a Caribbean island and water to residents.

Adebola and 47 other stuafter all. She will be in Puerto dents, accompanied by two Rico aiding the millions of U.S. faculty advisors, land in Puerto citizens still struggling to re- Rico Friday, March 9, and begin cover from Hurricane Maria, a week of work on Monday, March 12. The ASB participants which hit the island on will paint schools and fix homes September 20. and churches in and around The storm, which had 155 San Juan, the island’s capital.

Audrey Ring, Adriana Ficano, Lisa Barnes, Lilia Ciciolla and Dr. Rosalind Osgood; Donald Cleveland and Mildred Coyne, Executive Director of Workforce Education and Economic Development at Broward College; keynote speaker, James Oyola with his family and Esther Garnier and Mildred Coyne, Executive Director of Workforce Education and Economic Development at Broward College.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL — With funding from the Florida Legislature, Broward College, in partnership with the 2018MLK Day of Service Advisory Board, awarded $185,000 to 42 community organizations to support volunteer projects which honored Dr.

Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy by transforming his memory into a day of volunteerism in the local community. On Thursday, Feb. 24, Broward College held an awards luncheon to celebrate these community organizations.

Now in its fourth year, the

Broward College MLK Day of Service program received 72 applications for project funding, a 16 percent increase from 2017. Projects focused on support for veterans, neighborhood improvement projects, health promotion, environmental ini-

tiatives, education, and more.

The Broward College MLK Day of Service had more than 3,073 volunteers who contributed 13,048 in volunteer hours, positively impacting 17 municipalities throughout Broward County.

Breaking their media silence:

us, how can we feel comfortable that these cops are here to protect?” Davidson asked with great concern.

Some students from this group, who refused to be coerced to tell a different story, saw the carnage first hand.

Mei-Ling says she was on the second floor of the freshman building where the massacre occurred. Teachers shouted, “don’t look down, don’t look down.”

“I held my friend’s hand and just looked forward as we walked passed the dead bodies” she tells our crew.

The girls agreed they typically feel segregated from their peers but admit they do feel “a sense of community and love” since the catastrophic event.

Blacks only account for 4% of the student population at MSDHS. “The school Principal Mr. Thompson has gone above and beyond to make sure that everyone is coping emotionally…

and feels safe,” Naomi stated.

They candidly described the school’s culture prior to the shooting – students stay in their own circles and tend to be disrespectful.

Tyah-Amoy Roberts wanted us to understand the climate of which they dealt with before

(Cont'd from FP) animals available for them to pet, commemorative rock painting, and immediate access to counselors, but expressed that the heavy police presence on their first day back didn’t make them feel protected.

Naomi Davidson had concerns for the other schools in the inner-city, predominately Black schools. “We appreciate the attempt to help us heal…but what about the other schools?

What about Dillard, Ely, Fort Lauderdale High or other schools? It seems like all the police are here. Who is out there making sure this doesn’t happen to any other school? Being surrounded by guns doesn’t make us feel safer. Especially after we’ve had cops on campus with guns that didn’t protect

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

PAGE 6 • MARCH 8 - MARCH 14, 2018

Opinion

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

March For Our Lives

By Nicole Nutting In the wake of the Parkland school mass shooting, the world has been entranced by the incredible passion and fortitude of the survivors. A new political movement is born, and it’s aimed straight at the bulls-eye that is the NRA. These young people are intelligent, articulate and, frankly, ready to kick some tail! They put to shame our sitting politicians, those spineless old artifacts, and underscore the desperate need for actual solutions regarding gun safety.

One member of the Black community offered a disturbing comment: “Of course those privileged White kids are getting attention—if they were Black, no one would take them seriously until they started a riot.” Veracity aside, that sentiment is an example of how tribal thinking can lead to missed opportunities.

First, the ethnicity of the spokespeople among Parkland students runs the whole gamut. Yes, they are privileged to be getting a quality education, but by no means are they all White!

Second, can you say that gun violence is not an issue in the Black community? That collective youthful energy and drive is addressing a topic

that impacts you, even if you don’t have school-age children. At the intersection of your mutual concerns, these teens deserve your support. The “sour grapes” attitude expressed above is literally counter-productive—there is nothing to be gained by dismissing your allies, wherever you find them, whatever their color. The old adage applies: “One hand washes the other.”

Third, keep in mind these activists are our next generation of voters, some of them possibly even our future politicians. Despite their age they are already politically savvy, and their hearts are clearly in the right place.

The national March For Our Lives is scheduled in Washington DC on March 24th, and numerous communities are organizing their own marches in solidarity. If you agree with the goal of promoting sensible gun laws, then march with them, because this movement benefits ALL of us.

NOTE—Favorite “tweet” from a Parkland survivor: “We should rename the AR-15 “Marco Rubio”, because it’s so easy to buy.”

I’m tellin’ ya—SAVVY!

DeVos coddles companies while abandoning student loan borrowers

By Charlene Crowell For the 44 million American consumers who struggle with a still-growing student loan debt of $1.4 trillion, the problems wrought by debt collectors and loan servicers is a nagging problem. Service changes and errors, unexplained fees that worsen the debt

www.thewestsidegazette.com

A Proud Paper For A Proud People

and difficulty in securing income-based repayment plans are all painfully familiar to these consumers.

These debts are particularly onerous for Black Americans who utilize federal student loans more than other races or ethnicities: 87 percent. By comparison, Latinos borrow 65 percent of the time and whites even lower at 60 percent, according to data from the Center for American Progress.

So, one must wonder why Betsy DeVos, the Secretary of Education, would draft a plan that would once again favor these companies instead of consumers. These are the same companies that receive $1 billion in taxpayer dollars to service and collect loan debts.

In recent days, multiple news outlets have reported an Education plan that proposes to preempt state laws that allow state attorneys general (AGs) to hold debt collectors and loan servicers accountable.

Just last October, a bipartisan group of 26 AGs wrote Secretary DeVos and advised against giving these businesses immunity from state-level oversight and enforcement. Citing fraud and a-

busive practices, the AGs spoke directly to the harms that would be caused to students and borrowers. They also urged that state and federal officials work together to end the harmful practices of bad actors in the student loan industry. “[E]very state has well-established laws prohibiting companies – many of which are also regulated federally – from engaging in unfair and deceptive practices targeting state residents,” wrote the AGs on October 23.

“The Industry Requests, however, seek to enlist the Department in an industry gambit to evade state policing.

There is no principled reason for this result, especially in the middle of a crisis demanding cooperation across government.”

In addition to the AGs, other federal offices have respectively found problems with these companies as well.

(Read full story at www.thewestsidegazette.com)

Beyond the Rhetoric

Giving Our Students the Trump is Delivering Tools They Need to Thrive

his MAGA Promise

By Harry C. Alford

“Make America Great Again” is the term the Presidential Candidate coined as his pledge to the American people. H clearly and convincingly made his case to the 2016 voters.

We heard it; believed it and voted him in as the 45th US President. The opposition has been fierce in trying to deny him the leadership he has rightfully won. The mainstream press has behaved in a very dishonest way. So much so, that they have earned the moniker, Fake News. Let’s look at some of his bold actions since the Inauguration.

The culmination of the bold actions has caused our national wealth to grow over 7,000 points on the New York Stock Exchange. This is the greatest growth rate in the history of our nation and there is no apparent end in sight. The response is not trickery or big promises. It is the rational response to prudent and bold action. The boldest action has been our federal tax relief.

Americans en masse have responded to the immediate increase in wages and investment growth. His popularity is growing consistently and is motivating our investors and wage earners in historical ways.

He predicted that the North American Free Trade Agreement would have to change and become a more equitable trade program with Canada and Mexico. This also serves notice to other nations like China, India, Japan, and all of Europe. “There is new lea(Read full story at www.thewestsidegazette.com)

Letter to Editor Th e V illag e Idiot The Villag illage elected to be th e the village leader

By James J. Hankins Every day TRUMP says, tweets or does something shocking to take at-

The Walton-UNCF K-12 Education Fellowship Program Is Giving Our Students the Tools They Need to Thrive Dr. Michael Lomax, the president and CEO of UNCF, says that UNCF helps students to realize their full potential.

(UNCF)

Letter to the Editor Time to call “BS” on “good guys with guns”

For many college students, particularly those who are first in their families to attend college, the goal is simple: Do whatever it takes to earn the right to walk across that stage.

It’s a glorious moment filled with tears and cheers as families and friends see a student’s hard work and sacrifice pay off. No matter how many graduations you attend, witnessing this moment never gets old. But before students reach that moment, we have to make sure their degree is the ticket to the success they want it to be.

That journey begins with a rigorous K-12 education. Nearly half of all Black children who begin kindergarten do not graduate from high school.

Of those who enroll in college, only 40 percent finish within six years.

The United Negro College Fund (UNCF), continues to provide the resources necessary for students to get to and through college and we are also partnering with reform-minded organizations that understand how impor(Read full story at www.thewestsidegazette.com) tention away from his Quid Pro Quo relationship with Russia’s leader Putin, the 19 or more LADIES he molested, in- your- face racial discrimination, 6 or more lies (I would have gone into the Parkland school even if I did not have a gun) and the many unqualified people he hired. We can peacefully stop TRUMP’S revolution by researching the issues, registering and voting in every election. My family and I will. Will you???

Wade Henderson says that, for Black students, the increased risk of defaulting on student loans is the direct result of inequities in financial resources, as well as discrimination in hiring and salaries.

By Wade Henderson (Founding Board Member, Center for Responsible Lending)

By Rhonda J. Felder, PMP, M.F.A. The teenaged leaders of the #NeverAgain movement have channeled their grief into organizing a grassroots movement to ensure that the shooting at their school in Parkland, Florida will be the last in the nation. In the State Capitol, just six days after a 19-year-old gunman murdered fourteen students and three faculty members with a legally acquired AR-15, the students ran headlong into an ideological brick wall when Florida’s predominantly Republican House of Representatives voted down, 36-71, a motion to discuss a ban on semi-automatic weapons.

Four years earlier— 200 miles north of Parkland— young Floridians led another grassroots movement against legalized vigilantism after the killer of unarmed 17-year-old, Trayvon Martin, was acquitted of all charges. Since July 2013, #BlackLivesMatter has mounted a fierce resistance to white supremacist aggression. Like #NeverAgain, #BlackLivesMatter demands safety and justice for all citizens while calling out a toxic culture of state-sanctioned and vigilante violence.

In a speech that quickly went viral, Parkland survivor Emma Gonzalez “called BS” on the pernicious fantasy that the only solution to “bad guys with guns” is more “good guys with guns.” According to this logic, we must eliminate gun-free zones while equipping teachers and administrators with firearms. It’s not hard to see how gun manufacturers prosper in this fearbased arms race, as “good guys” purchase the most powerful weapons to protect themselves and their loved ones from a growing cast of “bad guys.” Yet the “good guy/bad guy” logic rests on the fallacy that all “good guys” – from (Read full story at www.thewestsidegazette.com)

Millennial Eating Habits Shameful and Profitable

By Kevin Palmer

By Dr. Michael Lomax (President and CEO, United Negro College Fund)

The Student Loan Debt a Civil TheCrisis GanttisReport Rights Issue

Baby Boomer parents were negligent when it came to instilling healthy eating habits in their millennial children. This negligence has created a generation of Americans with over stimulated brains and under stimulated bodies contributing to the more than 1.9 billion overweight and obese adults, according to the World Health Organization.

Moreover, according to a March 4, 2018 Business Insider article, Millennials’ eating habits are wildly different from their parents’ – and the food industry has to face urgent consequences, “Millennials love prepared food and spend the least amount of time on meal prep. Millennials eat at restaurants more than any other generation. Millennial’s preference for eating out reflects a second point of departure from their parents: They’re less willing to cook. Millennials spend the highest shares of their budgets on prepared foods, sugar and sweets, and pasta.”

Therefore, instead of burning calories preparing healthy food at home, millennials would rather accumulate fat cells by purchasing less healthy prepared food or eat restaurant food which is notoriously high in calories.

Such bad habits were the result of parents who took the path of least resistance by indulging their children, thus creating an impatient, sedentary generation who live to eat, not eat to live.

Nevertheless, those who care see the unhealthy eating habits of millennials as a behavior that can be changed. Conversely, those who are calloused and greedy, see it is an opportunity to profit since “Millennials are poised this year to have more spending power than baby boomers,” according to analyst at Bernstein.

From attacks on voting rights to police killings of unarmed civilians and growing inequities in earnings and wealth, the civil rights gains of the past six decades are facing threat after threat. But one front in the fight for full equality—meaningful access to higher education—is particularly urgent. With 65 percent of jobs soon requiring more than a high school diploma, the need is greater than ever, especially for African Americans and other communities of color.

More than 50 years ago, Congress passed the Higher Education Act (HEA), intending to open the doors to higher education by providing students with financial assistance and low-interest loans. Conventional wisdom has traditionally held two things: 1) Higher education is the great equalizer; 2) It is okay to take out debt for the tickets to upward mobility: a college education and a home mortgage.

These life decisions—and the struggles and sacrifices that made them possible—helped to build and grow the Black middle class.

Now, aspirations for advancement are colliding with the discriminatory legacy of the financial crisis. Our country’s student loan bill has skyrocketed.

Student debt is now the second-largest source of household debt after housing. Forty-four million Americans have $1.4 trillion in student loan debt. One reason: Since the 1990s, the average tuition and fees at our universities have jumped an average of 157–237 percent depending on the type of institution.

(Read full story at www.thewestsidegazette.com)

Is it okay to tell white lies in Trump’ ump’ss Administration?

By Roger Caldwell During Hope Hicks’ interview by the House Intelligence Committee, the president’s White House Communications Director acknowledged that she tells “white lies.” As a political historian, I was not aware that lies have colors. I am well aware that human beings are identified by color, but in politics, this is a first.

In the Trump orbit, I am guessing the severity of the lie determines the color. The severity of a blue lie compared to a pink lie would be much more intense. But a yellow lie or a red lie would definitely not be as bad as a black lie. Hope Hicks only tells white lies for Trump, so Americans should definitely trust the rest of her testimony and statements.

Hope Hicks has also been interviewed by Mueller’s team. I wonder if she told lies, and I wonder what color they were. Hicks has been a trusted confident in Trump’s team during the campaign and beyond, so I am wondering when did the white lies start.

“It has been reported that Trump is furious with Hicks for admitting she had fudged on his behalf. Once, her ignorance counted as a qualification.

(Trump speaking) ‘I said, what do you know about politics?’ Trump boasted in late 2016, recalling the moment he hired Hicks. Absolutely nothing. I said, Congratulations, you’re into the world of politics,” says staff writer, of The New Yorker, Alexandra Schwartz.

It appears that Hope Hicks was hired for her looks, and not her record of achievement and education. So it should not be a surprise when she is caught drafting a statement defending Rob Porter who was accused of domestic abuse, and with whom she had a romantic relationship. It was no way she was qualified to make $179, 000.00 a year, but she was at the top of the pay scale.

In order to be paid at the top of the pay scale in the Trump orbit, you must be willing and ready to lie at the drop of a hat. Chief of staff John Kelly has been caught fabricating the truth during some of his statements.

Last year Kelly issued a statement on a speech given by Florida Rep. Frederica Wilson, in which the information was wrong and untrue, and the White House backed her story.

Even though Rep. Wilson has proven the statement was a lie; there has been no apology from Kelly. Presently, (Read full story at www.thewestsidegazette.com)

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BUSINESS

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MARCH 8 - MARCH 14, 2018 • PAGE 7

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PAGE 8 • MARCH 8 - MARCH 14, 2018

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

Church Directory

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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A Proud Paper For A Proud People

Honor your loved ones in the Westside Gazette Newspaper Call -- (954) 525-1489

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dr. Marcus D. Davidson, Senior Pastor

* In Memoriam * Happy Birthday Remembrance * Death Notice * Obituaires * Cards Of Thanks

Keep Their Memory alive with a Guestbook on www.thewestsidegazette.com share pictures, stories, even videos. The perfect tribute for someone speical.

Obituaries James C. Boyd Funeral Home COOPER Funeral services for the late Mary L. Cooper - 85 were held Feb. 24 at New First Church of God In Christ with Bishop L.L. Ward officiating. Interment: Pineview Cemetery.

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!

ORTIZ Funeral services for the late Christine Ortiz – 78 were held in Chaquanas, Trinidad.

SCOTT Funeral services for the late Mr. Cedrick Stephen Scott – 48 were held March 2 at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, Naples, Fla with Min. Gregory Ford officiating.

McWhite's Funeral Home

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

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

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

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

Shaw Temple A.M.E. Zion Church 522 N.W. Ninth Avenue Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33311 Church: (954) 462-1413 or (954) 647-8254 Email: AMEZ522@yahoo.com

Rev. Dr. William Calvin Haralson, Pastor

CHERFILS Funeral services for the late Gloria Ann Cherfils – 54 were held March 3 at McWhite’s Funeral Home Chapel with Apostle Mishel Clair officiating.

SERVICES Sunday School .................................................................................. 10:15 a.m.

Sunday Morning Worship ............................................................ 11:00 a.m.

Bible Study (Wednesday) ............................................................... 7:30 p.m.

"Reaching beyond the four walls touching lives, touching communities".

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)

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

Rev. Cal Hopkins.

M.Div) Senior Pastor/Teacher

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

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

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

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

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

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

Victory Baptist Church Independent Pastor Keith Cunningham 2241 Davie Blvd.

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 Church Telephone: (954) 284-9413 Visit: www.victoryweb.org Sunday School ...................................................................................... 9:45 a.m.

Worship Service Sunday Morning……………………… ................................. 11:00 a.m.

SundayEvenn igServcie………………………………………. ......................................... 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday Evening Bible Study & Prayer…………………. ..................... 7:00 p.m.

Saturday Morning Soul Winning/Visitation………………… .................... 10:00 a.m.

Men’s Fellowship (Every 2nd & last Tuesdays)……………………… ............. 6:00 p.m.

Ladies Fellowship (the last Saturday of each month)…………………………. 5:00 p.m.

Youth Fellowship (Every Friday)…………………………. ................................... 6:30 p.m.

Discover GOD Let Us Help You Find The Way To Jesus Christ

Celebrating unsung Black Catholic women in U.S. history Beginning in the 19th century, women became the first representatives of the African American community to enter religious life.

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.

SNEED Funeral services for the late Deaconess Faither Sneed 82 were held March 3 at Bethel Missionary Baptist Church with Senior Pastor Rev. Jimmy English officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Sisters of the Holy Family in New Orleans, 1899, public domain via Wikimedia Commons.

By Shannen Dee Williams On the evening of Sunday, May 10, 1891, Father Augustus Tolton, the nation’s first self-identified Black priest, traveled to a home in Chicago’s “Negro district” to administer

death rites to a pious, but oncelapsed laywoman.

Writing about the incident two days later, Father Tolton noted that the “colored woman had been nine years away from her duties because she was hurled out of a white church and

CHUNN Funeral services for the late Wanda Lucille Woods Chunn 77 were held March 3 at New Mount Olive Baptist Church with Dr. James B. Darling, Jr. officiating Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

GREEN Funeral services for the late Rosa Lee Green – 83 were held March 3 at MEC Ministries with Bishop Otis Kemp officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

HURLEY Funeral services for the late Claire Constance Lenore Hurley - 65 were held March 3 at Gateway Church with Bishop Dr. L. Martin Wright officiating. Interment: Lauderdale Memorial Park.

LARAMORE Funeral services for the late Shirley Ann Laramore - 72 were held March 3 at St Anne’s Episcopal Church with Rev. Canon Dr. Ronald N. Fox officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens. even cursed at by the Irish members.”

Inspired by this woman’s enduring faith in the face of such unholy discrimination, Father Tolton, the son of devout Catholic slaves, documented her faith testimony and in the process gave a voice to the legions of anonymous and unheralded Black women upon whose shoulders the African American Catholic community has historically rested.

“She sent for me,” Father Tolton wrote, “and thanked God that she had me to send for.”

To date, Black women remain among the most invisible and elusive figures in U.S. Catholic history. Like the woman who sent for Father Tolton on her deathbed in 1891, many of these women remain nameless, captured only in brief references and in the shadows of more well-known members of the church.

Since the earliest importa

WALKER Funeral services for the late Delores Walker – 82 were held March 3 at Mount Bethel Baptist Church with Bishop Glover officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

WILLIMAS Funeral services for the late Charles Williams, Jr. – 46 were held March 3 at Lighthouse Worship Center with Bishop J.L. Williams officiating. Interment: Forest Lawn Central.

YOUNG Funeral services for the late Emma “Ma” Young – 89 were held March 3 at Grace Holy Temple Outreach Ministry with Bishop Grantis Poole officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Roy Mizell & Kurtz Funeral Home BRYANT Funeral services for the late Eloise V. Bryant – 82 were held March 3 at Roy Mizell & Kurtz Worship Center. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

MCLEOD Funeral services for the late Travis DuShun McLeod – 29 were held March 3 at Roy Mizell & Kurtz Worship Center with Pastor Siana James officiating. Interment: Lauderdale Memorial Park, Fla. RAY Funeral services for the late Cilicia Nichano Bryant Ray - 45 were held March 3 at Lighthouse Worship Center Church of God In Christ with Bishop Jimmy L. Williams officiating. Interment: Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens – Central.

Every good and perfect gift comes from God -- James 1:17

tion of African slaves into the Americas, Black women have played prominent roles in the propagation of Catholic faith, education, and charity. In the 18th century, for example, Black women constituted the majority of the church’s membership in New Orleans, Louisiana, and free Black women served as godparents to more than 80 percent of the city’s enslaved population.

Beginning in the 19th century, women became the first representatives of the African American community to enter religious life. Barred from joining white sisterhoods due to exclusionary admissions policies that lasted until well into the 20th century, Black women first succeeded in becoming sisters by either passing for white in white congregations or establishing their own orders.

Between 1824 and 1922, African American women orga(Read full story at www.thewestsidegazette.com)

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MARCH 8 - MARCH 14, 2018 • PAGE 9

A Proud Paper For A Proud People

Uniontown, Alabama residents denounce EPA for closing Civil Rights investigations EPA Closes Alabama Civil Rights Complaints Alleging Discrimination and Harassment March 5, 2018. Residents of Uniontown, Alabama today condemned the decision of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to close two civil rights complaints filed against the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM). The complaints allege that ADEM racially discriminated by permitting a massive landfill in an over-whelmingly Black community, and further failed to protect Uniontown residents from unlawful intimidation in the wake of their initial civil rights claim.

Uniontown gained national notoriety in 2009 when four million tons of coal ash was shipped to the small Alabama community after the substance breached an impoundment and flooded the predominantly white, middle-class town of Kingston, Tennessee. Uniontown, by contrast, is more than 90 percent Black. The mountain of coal ash deposited at the local Arrowhead Landfill now towers over the surrounding neighborhood, including an immediately adjacent historic Black cemetery. Uniontown residents cite the Landfill as the source of noxious odors, noise pollution, rampant pest infestations, and anxiety about health issues. “I’ve heard innumerable stories from community members who feel that their lives, health, and property values have been turned upside down,” said Mary Leila Schaeffer, an activist whose family has lived in the area for gene-

rations. “The Landfill is enormous,” agreed Esther Calhoun, president of Black Belt Citizens Fighting for Health and Justice, an advocacy organization formed by Uniontown community members. “ADEM allows the Landfill to take waste from more than thirty states and dump it in our community.”

EPA’s decision to halt its investigation of the complaints, which challenged the renewal and modification of the Landfill’s permit, provoked profound disappointment among Uniontown residents. “If EPA can’t see that what we experience are civil rights violations, then EPA will never protect people from discrimination,” said Ben Eaton, vice president of Black Belt Citizens. “It is disturbing to see this federal agency do nothing.” Ellis Long, another longtime community member, echoed Eaton’s sentiments.

“EPA is ignoring our suffering.

If EPA refuses to be part of the solution, we have to consider it part of the problem.” In 2016, the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights criticized EPA for its ineffective civil rights enforcement, noting that the agency “has never made a formal finding of discrimination.” The same Commission concluded that “EPA did not fully consider the civil rights impact [of] approving movement and storage of coal ash,” particularly given the disproportionate percentage of “people of color and low-income individuals living [near] coal ash disposal facilities.”

In its decision, EPA said it had insufficient evidence of discrimination. Uniontown residents and their legal counsel, however, beg to differ. “EPA’s closure letter contains information that is highly questionable,” said Claudia Wack, a member of Yale’s Environmental Justice Clinic. “When this complaint was filed, for example, Landfill management claimed that it neither owned nor controlled the neighboring property, which includes a historic Black cemetery. Yet EPA says otherwise. It is hard to have confidence in the agency’s decision-making when it is not getting basic facts straight.” The Landfill’s impact on the cemetery is personal for Calhoun, whose grandparents and brother are buried there. “How can EPA say that the Landfill doesn’t affect the cemetery? Not only does the state allow the Landfill to operate right next to my people, but the Landfill went onto the property, bulldozed a big path and put up its own fence, which I believe is right on my grandparents’ grave. To me, this is discrimination.”

Other advocates expressed similar frustrations. “If EPA can’t reach a finding in this case, where there is such extensive evidence of racially disparate impacts to residents’ (Read full story at: www.thewestsidegazette.com)

Our history has no Bill Cosby to Change Strategy Constand claimed the pills (Cont'd from FP) dress rehearsals may have been Quaaludes and (Cont'd from FP) nor women. There is no such thing as the Walking Dead. Believe it or not gun laws are not enforced, police are good people and every Black person that has a nice care is not an athlete and by-the-way, all white people are not rich. The history of a people is not defined by those who oppress them nor by those who run from it. History is recorded by the way we treat each other, defined by the accomplishments that we made to make this world a better place for all and will only last when the truth is told. There are no dress rehearsals to life and life is History not (his)story. We cannot go into the film room to cut and splice, to edit out that which has been done to make a scene great; the final cut is just what it is-FINAL. “Dear God in the name of Jesus I pray that my history, when it is read from The Book Of Life, You will say well done my good and faithful servant.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

LOOKING UNTO JESUS THE AUTHOR AND FINISHER OF OUR FAITH

A Crime He Didn’t Commit (Cont'd from FP) following a 2016 DNA testing.

After the DNA test results were presented to the top court, all the judges found him not guilty.

It was a great moment for Watford. “The weight’s off my shoulders,” he said while speaking to the Richmond-Times Dispatch.

Watford’s attorney, Jon Sheldon, requested for his client to be declared innocent after the DNA test results leaned in his favor. “(Watford is) also very grateful that the Supreme Court of Virginia today recognized what he has been saying for almost 40 years – that he had nothing to do with the rape,” Sheldon said to the newspaper.

The DNA test results showed it wasn’t actually Watford’s sperms that were on the victim or in her clothes. The results also confirmed that the sperms weren’t of Watford’s younger brothers who were also treated as suspects in the case.

In her testimony, the victim said she got into an empty room where she saw one of Watford’s brothers and other men. A blanket was then used to cover her face making it impossible for her to see who raped her. She, however, said she couldn’t recall whether or not she saw or heard Watford in the room.

civil litigation with Constand may be admissible,” Cosby’s lawyers wrote in court filings ahead of the hearings. “Among other things, admissibility is warranted for impeachment of Constand, in showing her financial motive to lie about the allegations she made against Cosby, or for any other pur-pose… including as may be warranted by the testimony of Constand or otherwise.”

O’Neill declared a mistrial last summer in the original trial after jurors failed to reach a unanimous verdict. During that trial, the sealed civil settlement between Cosby and Constand was kept from jurors.

Constand claimed during a January 2004 visit to Cosby’s Philadelphia area home, that he drugged and sexually assaulted her. She testified that she went to the TV star’s home for advice.

When she told Cosby she had trouble sleeping and had a big decision to make, the comedian offered her what he described as a Benadryl tablet.

“These are what I use to help me to relax,” he told Constand, according to a deposition read in court.

caused her to pass out.

She claimed Cosby forcibly groped her and, the next morning, he made her tea and gave her a muffin before seeing her out the door.

While Cosby has admitted to having an extra-marital affair with Constand, he has maintained that he never gave her Quaaludes and he never assaulted her.

Allowing the civil settlement, which was reached in 2006 after then District Attorney Bruce Castor told Constand that there wasn’t evidence to proceed with a criminal case, promises to provide even more insight into Cosby’s relationship with Constand, a former Temple University employee.

It also offers a stark contrast to Cosby’s strategy, a year ago, when his defense successfully argued that jurors should not hear about the civil suit or the settlement, because “the value of the information is outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice.”

Cosby’s spokesman Andrew Wyatt wasn’t immediately available for comment.

A message left for District Attorney Kevin Steele also went unreturned.

‘The Faith That Strengthens’ (Cont'd from FP) Dr. Chavis presented a timely sermon titled “The Faith That Strengthens” from Isaiah 40:31: “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

The message was extremely relevant for an African American congregation working to keep their traditional values rooted in a gentrifying neighborhood.

Concluding a Black History Month series of distinguished special guests, Dr. Chavis challenged the crowd to remember that, “God has been good to Black people.” Reflecting on his expansive history on the front lines of the Civil Rights Movement, or as he likes to call it, the “Freedom Movement,” Dr. Chavis wove seamlessly through a timeline of Black history and its relationship to the familiar text.

Encouraging the audience to both vote and pray, Dr. Chavis explained that waiting on the Lord was no excuse for

complacency. He wrapped up his remarks by reminding the crowd of a traditional question asked by every civil rights activists that followed Martin Luther King Jr.: “What would Martin do?”

“We live in the wealthiest nation in the world. There should be no poverty. There should be no homelessness.

There should be no inadequate education for our children. It shouldn’t be an absence of healthcare for those that need healthcare,” Dr. Chavis said.

“Dr. King would be disturbing our consciousness, making us uncomfortable in the name of Jesus, in the name of the gospel and the application of righteousness.”

The congregation shared their appreciation for Dr. Chavis’ message of motivation through their open arms and wide smiles, during a reception after the service.

Dr. Chavis said that we must choose community over chaos, “a beloved community where we treat each other fairly, treat each other justly and look after not only the least of these, but all of these in our community.”

This Kansas Man Was Wrongfully Imprisoned For 23 Years And Has Received No Compensation From State

By Susan Johnes A 2017 report compiled by CNN shows that a vast majority of wrongfully convicted individuals are people of color which raises more questions about the fundamentals of American’s criminal justice.

Believe it or not, Lamonte McIntyre was exonerated for a double murder and had to spend 23 years of his life behind bars.

However, in October, he walked out of a Kansas prison with a clean record – but without any compensation, reports CBS News’ Dean Reynolds.

Kansas is among the 18 states that offer wrongfully convicted prisoners no compensation at all upon their release.

That raises the question, “Is justice color-coded?” “I think it’s unjust, but by being angry about it won’t change it,” McIntyre said.

Tricia Bushnell who worked to win McIntyre’s release said McIntyre had other reasons to be angry and called this case the “perfect storm.”

For instance, at his trial in 1994 when he was 17, there was no physical evidence or motive presented.

MCINTYRE Worse, according to McIntyre’s current lawyers, lead police detective Roger Golubski built the case by threatening witnesses. Bushnell said the fallout might impact other potential exonerations.

The lawyer added there are a dozen more people behind bars whose cases are connected to detective Golubski who has since retired, and said he did nothing wrong.

But Mark Dupree, who became the state’s attorney a year ago, has asked the Kansas Bureau of Investigation to review his conduct. “If my office re-

ceives that information and there’s probable cause to charge Mr. Golubski, it will happen,” Dupree said.

He agrees that McIntyre got a raw deal. “He did. And the exclusive thing we can do is push forward,” he said. But Lamonte McIntyre is pushing forward, currently studying to be a barber. “I want to spend the rest of my life being happy. I don’t have any more time to give,” he said. The state should compensate the wrongfully convicted individuals because, despite their proven innocence, the difficulty of reentering society can be a bit challenging. The failure to repay such individuals adds insult to injury.

The agony of prison life and the loss of freedom are the horrible feelings of what might have been for the wrongful conviction.

The nightmare does not end upon release. With no money, housing, transportation, health services or insurance, the punishment lingers long after innocence has been proven.

That’s why states have a responsibility to restore the lives of the wrongfully convicted to the best of their abilities.

African American employees play a major role in freeing detained immigrants—and saves lives, too

By Curtis Bunn, Urban News Service ORLANDO -- T-Ann Johnson saved a client’s life.

That’s when she knew the job was more than just a job.

It was a calling.

Saving lives was not in the job description. But, as Director of Empower and Serve by Nexus, it came naturally as one would drink water when thirsty, an intricate part of the established work culture.

The former co-founder of On The Wings of Angels Ministry, which helped women offenders reenter society, Johnson functions as much as a social worker as an administrator, and, often as a blessed angel.

“We give people hope where there is none,” she said when asked to explain her job. That simple sentence defines the nature—and reward—of what she does.

Johnson is one of more than 200 employees in 20 cities that work under the umbrella of Libre by Nexus, the controversial but wildly successful bonding company that has revolutionized the trade by using ankle bracelet GPS tracking devices to keep up with clients.

The company – which has bonded out more than 20,000 people, many of them undocumented immigrants – charges $120 a week, which critics have deemed too much.

While their use of innovative technology has received wide attention, Libre by Nexus’s employees insist their more important contribution to the bail bond business is their human

touch. Through hiring practices focused on developing a diverse and caring workforce and programs aimed at helping clients once they are back on the streets, Libre by Nexus claims it is not just interested in getting clients out but helping them move on and up.

Johnson cited the case of a client named “Michael” that she met over the phone and grew to be close enough that she calls him friend. He had a $1,000 bond for an offense Johnson could not identify.

In minutes, she contacted a bails bondsman to get him released.

“Now, that’s not how we ordinarily work. But there was something in my heart about Michael,” she said. “I just decided we’d do all the paperwork on the back end.”

Johnson said she appreciates that empathy is part of her

job description. Sometime later, Michael’s father died; his emotional state led him to commit another crime, Johnson said. “He called me and said, ‘TAnn, I’m in trouble.’ “ Johnson said she went with the client to turn himself in.

And when he appeared in court, she testified as a character witness. She explained to the judge that Michael would be in the Nexus program, which helps offenders regroup and reenter society through counseling and services, which would be better for him than prison.

“The judge agreed,” she said, “that working with me, with us [was a solid option]. Instead of getting up to 20 years in prison, he served 90 days. And now he’s made extraordinary leaps in his life.”

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

PAGE 10 • MARCH 8 - MARCH 14, 2018

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A Proud Paper For A Proud People

This Heat player is known for winning plays, ‘but ever ybody everybody wants to score’

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Winslow scoring over Blake Griffin of the Pistons.

By Manny Navarro Before he blew past Davon Reed, slammed the ball in the face of Marquese Chriss and made a funny “stank face� to celebrate his rim-rattling dunk late in Monday night’s blowout of the Phoenix Suns, Justise Winslow got mocked by his teammates for missing another dunk attempt earlier in the game. “When I went after the whistle and threw it off the backboard and missed it, they said don’t do that,� Winslow said. “... [So] I just had to prove it to them. It felt good. I mean I went by my defender and just went for it, let it all hang out. It was nasty — and a little crusty — so that’s what the celebration was about.�

Like an ice cream sundae, Winslow’s vicious, left-handed jam was the cherry on top of what turned out to be a stellar five-game homestand for the Heat’s 2015 first-round pick.

With Monday’s second career double-double (12 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, four steals), the 21-year-old averaged 12.2 points, six rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.2 steals while shooting 53.5 percent from the field and 7 of 12 from threepoint range.

As a player who has struggled to score (7.1 points

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.

March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 2018

per game) and shoot at a high percentage (40.4 percent) his entire career, Winslow said the homestand was the best he has felt offensively since he averaged 10.9 points per game before his second season in the league was cut short by shoulder surgery. “Just finally catching a rhythm, finding my spots in the flow of the offense and staying aggressive,� said Winslow, who in the 18 games prior to this homestand (following a return from a knee injury) averaged 5.6 points on 33.7 percent shooting and was 87 of 193 (45.1 percent) inside the paint for the season. “Everybody wants to score man, regardless of what they say,� Winslow said after scoring 13 points in a win over the Pistons on Saturday. “The winning plays thing is true, definitely true. But everybody wants to score. It’s nice when you’re able to do that and other stuff too.�

Taken with the 10th pick in the draft, many Heat fans haven’t forgiven Pat Riley for drafting Winslow instead of Pacers big man Myles Turner (12.8 ppg, 6.6 rpg in his career), who was selected a pick later, or Suns guard Devin Booker, who was chosen with the 13th pick and recently became the thirdyoungest player in NBA history behind LeBron James and Kevin Durant to score 4,000 career points.

Booker, who has suffered through plenty of losing in his time with the Suns (he has a career 56-145 record), told NBA TV before he scored 31 points against the Heat in Monday’s game, that Miami should have drafted him.

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I find peace in spending time out of doors this week.

18, 29, 36 CANCER-A project at work may suddenly demand your attention. If you pounce on it rather than waiting for it to go away (it won’t), you’ll be finished by lunchtime. Your speed and agility enable you to work smart; use your advantage. By going slowly I get there faster this week. 14, 40, 55 LEO-Talk it up this week. You’ve got a gift with words this week that will facilitate all endeavors. If you’ve been meaning to ask for a raise, this week might be the day to broach the subject with the boss. Trust your instincts! By rewarding others I reward myself.

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LIBRA-Finding a way to do it better than others is not going to be hard this week. Share your wisdom with other seekers.

All who receive your word will benefit this week. Happiness rules! Don’t waste a moment of this perfect week on any negative thoughts. I create a positive world for myself by thinking positive.11, 13, 18

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SCORPIO-Strong vibrations bring a series of dramatic interactions with others this week. Practice your charm. Let it come from the heart, and let your energy carry you upwards to your best, highest self. Keep emotions calm. In the storms of the week I find comfort inside myself. 25, 28, 30 SAGITTARIUS-People often forget about the roaming side to your personality. This week is a week when you’ll love thinking about “faraway places with strange sounding names,� as the song says. What you do about your urges is yet another matter. Home calls too. What a week! I smile as I think about far away paces.42, 47, 49 CAPRICORN-Move slowly concerning relationships this week. People are a little edgy and they don’t know exactly where you are coming from. Make full explanations. Don’t assume that they know what’s on your mind. Most of all, stay positive no matter what. Clinging to the old will inhibit my growth this week. 6, 8, 20 AQUARIUS-Exercise will work off some of your excess energy this week. Take a walk and remember that your world is made up of many beautiful parts. The part you are focusing on so intently this week is not your entire world. Proceed accordingly! I celebrate with those around me. 13, 29, 34 PISCES-This week is a good week to dump any extra baggage that has been pulling you down. You have too much potential to throw away and waste your time on issues that will amount to nothing. Stay focused on your goals. Meet and spend time with people who will be able to help you reach them.The word is in me. I bring it forth. 7, 29, 44

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Masterworks Series IV Symphonie Fantastique culminating the 20thAnniversary 2017-2018 season, lodic meaning eternal but everApril 15-19, 2018 changing flow of time.) “One …

LOPEZ-GAVILAN In celebration of the 70th Anniversary of the State of Israel and in culmination of the 20th Anniversary of the South Florida Symphony Orchestra, world class Founder, Music Director Sebrina María Alfonso introduces the United States premiere of Nimrod Borenstein’s If You Will It, It Is No Dream.

The title of this composition is based on a phrase in the Theodor Herzl book, Old New Land, which soon became a popular Zionist movement slogan. Herzl, an Austro-Hungarian journalist, play-wright, political activist, and writer, formed the Zionist Organization and promoted Jewish immigration to Palestine to establish a Jewish National Home.

Borenstein wrote If You Will It, It Is No Dream in 2012 in homage to his native Israel for the Philharmonia Orchestra (UK). The world premiere of the composition took place to great acclaim on June 13, 2013 at the Royal Festival Hall under the musical direction of legendary pianist and composer Vladimir Ashkenazy. Maestro Ashkenazy, a champion of Borenstein’s music, later recorded the

piece in an album of Borenstein’s orchestral works for Chandos label (2017 release).

Borenstein explains: “… I have used the wind, brass and strings as three contrasting forces in a manner not unlike a piano trio. An example is at the start…: after a short string outburst, the main theme is given to the brass, quickly followed by the wind and then the strings alone. In addition, I use instruments of the winds and brass as solo instruments for their specific timbre, color and tessitura. I am interested in using the complex juxtaposition of rhythms to create a multiple of different atmospheres and enhance the characteristic of each of the components. In the same way that you experience cold more strongly after heat, the slow is more defined following the fast. The piece is full of contrasts: changes of speed, dynamics, texture, length. Sometimes the differences occur at the same time in a personal use of counterpoint that could be described as ‘multimelodic’.” (Multime-

aspect …is the way a theme or phrase can be sometimes light and optimistic or dark and inescapable, depending on its context. The changes in the orchestration, the accompanying figures of counterpoint or the harmony behind the melody completely alter our perception and is the musical expression of the complexity and ambiguity of our world.”

When asked “What is Jewish about the work?” Borenstein responds “What is Jewish about it is that I am Jewish! If you want great music from great composers like Beethoven …, then you have to let them write as the people they are … If they are Jewish, there will be something Jewish in their work just as there is something German about Beethoven … It’s part of you.”

Borenstein’s compositions are widely performed in prestigious venues and festivals throughout Israel, Europe, Canada, Australia, the Far East, South America, Russia, and the United States. His music receives hugely enthusiastic reviews and appears in the repertoires of many ensembles and orchestras.

Borenstein became a Laureat of the Cziffra Foundation in 1984, moved to London in 1986 for violin studies with Itzhak Rashkovsky at the Royal College of Music, and was awarded the highest scholar-ship from the Leverhulme Trust to study composition with Paul Patterson at the Royal Academy of Music.

Currently an Associate of the Royal Academy of Music, Borenstein’s substantial catalogue of over 70 works includes orchestral and chamber music, instrumentals, vocal works, and ballets.

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

Airbnb offers new services for hosts and guests On ten year anniversar vices, anniversaryy, Airbnb expands ser services, plans to reach one billion guests by 2028

By Freddie Allen (Editor-InChief, NNPA Newswire) —Since the company’s launch in 2008, Airbnb hosts have earned more than $41 billion.

—Airbnb announced a slate of programs that include new benefits for “Superhosts” like professional photography and travel credits available now and membership benefits for “Superguests” that will roll out later this year.

—Beyond by Airbnb, a premium service, will offer guests unique, once in a lifetime experiences in the world’s most luxurious homes.

Celebrating the ten-year anniversary of the launch of their homesharing platform, Airbnb recently announced a number of new initiatives aimed at improving services for hosts and guests and increasing its customer base in the crowded online travel industry.

During a presentation about the app’s new features at the Nob Hill Masonic Center in San Francisco, Brian Chesky, a cofounder of Airbnb and the company’s CEO, said that when he and Joe Gebbia inflated three airbeds in their San Francisco apartment, they never dreamed of what Airbnb would become.

“In fact, people thought the idea that strangers would stay in each other’s homes was crazy,” Chesky said. “Today, millions of people every night do just that.”

Airbnb announced that “superhosts”—known for their fast response times, high ratings (4.8 or higher, overall), and at least 10 guest stays a year— would be eligible for 14 new and updated benefits including annual credit toward travel or a professional photography session, exclusive pricing on select Nest connected home products in available countries, and access to tax preparation support.

By the fall, superhosts will receive additional benefits like access to Airbnb’s marketing partners and a custom URL (web address) to make their listings easier to find and share.

“Airbnb is one of the world’s

Airbnb co-founder Brian Chesky announces slate of new programs and benefits for hosts and guests, during a presentation at the Nob Hill Masonic Center in San Francisco, Calif.

(Freddie Allen/AMG/NNPA) largest accommodation platforms with 4.5 million places to stay in 81,000 cities,” a press statement about the company’s new programs said. “Over the last 10 years, Airbnb hosts earned more than $41 billion and guests have checked into an Airbnb more than 300 million times.”

The company plans to reach more than 1 billion guests per year by 2028.

During the presentation, Chesky shared the story of Pamellah, a superhost that lives in Nairobi, Kenya.

A few years ago, Pamellah, who owns a wedding business, often encountered brides that were frustrated, because family members couldn’t find housing during wedding celebrations.

Chesky said that Pamellah decided to save her money, buy a house, and post it on Airbnb.

“A few years later, 1,000 guests have stayed with Pamellah,” said Chesky. “You can imagine all of the countless friendships.”

Chesky continued: “It’s super important that we invest in our superhosts.”

Superhosts earn 22 percent more than other hosts, according to Airbnb.

Airbnb also revealed Collections, a service designed for greater customization and tran-

sparency for its guests. Collections for Social stays, Weddings, Honeymoons, Group getaways and Dinner parties will be added later this year, ac-cording to the press statement.

The homesharing platform also added a “Airbnb Plus” program “for guests looking for beautiful homes, exceptional hosts and added peace of mind.”

Plus homes go through an inperson inspection that includes a 100+ point checklist.

“Airbnb Plus hosts benefit from top placement, in-home services such as design consultation and expert photography, and premium support,” a press statement about the service said.

Airbnb Plus will debut with 2000 homes in 13 cities including Los Angeles, Toronto, Milan and Shanghai.

During an interview with The New York Times, Chesky, said that those numbers would grow to include over 75,000 homes in more than 50 destinations.

In addition to the existing property types—Shared Space, Private Room and Entire Home—Airbnb will add four new property types to its platform: Vacation Home, Unique Space, B&B and Boutique.

A new “Superguest” program (Read full story at: www.thewestsidegazette.com)

MARCH 8 - MARCH 14, 2018 • PAGE 11

Student ACES as a resource to help them better grasp and apply valuable lessons

Center, DaJuan Morgan, a former NFL defensive back with the Kansas City Chiefs, recently participated in a Student ACES leadership initiative.

SOUTH MIAMI, FL – Ernie Tabuteau, a former defensive back with the University of South Florida and a Student ACES representative, takes student-athletes at South Miami Senior High School through a recent role playing exercise designed to teach the importance of making good judgment. This session, featuring both male and female participants, is part of a leadership initiative sponsored by Florida Power & Light Company that has reached more than 500 participants in MiamiDade County.

Student ACES groups students with professional and collegiate athletes as part of a program sponsored by Florida Power & Light Company (FPL), that focuses on training thirdand senior-year high school students from public and private educational institutions the values and principles of leadership, such as honor,

humility and integrity, through interaction with important sport figures, entrepreneurs and community leaders.

“Our athletes gained valuable insight into how to be team leaders, how to motivate players within their teams and how to work together,” said Paula Raflowitz, athletic director, South Miami Senior High School. “The team bonding activities were fantastic; it was such a pleasure to see these athletes having fun outside the scope of their teams.”

Participants also received the book Building Blocks of Leadership for Young Adults, written by Buck Martinez, founder of Student ACES, as a resource to help them better grasp and apply valuable lessons that will serve as a foundation for the rest of their lives.

Student ACES, founded in 2013, is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing leadership programs, mentoring,

scholarships and internship opportunities for high school students. The organization is impacting the lives of students who so desperately need it. Student ACES focus is to inspire, train and mentor a community of student ACES who exemplify leadership traits in athletics, community service and education. The inspiration for Student ACES is derived from a deep desire to see every student achieve a foundation of successful leadership that will permanently generate positive outcomes in their lives and for the next generation.

Student ACES relies solely on contributions and sponsors.

The organization’s success is measured by the positive impact to as many high school students as possible. Students participate in the organization’s programs at no cost to them. For more information or to donate, please visit http:// www.studentacesforleadership.com.

PAGE 12 • MARCH 8 - MARCH 14, 2018

A Proud Paper For A Proud People

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The Color Purple, The (Broadway) Musical is Women Empowerment… Who Knew?

I recall watching The Color Purple on TV, over and over as youngster. Regardless of the movie’s unforgettable lines that we still recite today, and nostalgic patty-cake scenes that we still emulate to this day, it was fairly depressing. At least that was my memory of the Academy-nominated film. In fact, my mother is just getting over her strong disdain for actor Danny Glover, who immaculately played an abusive, mean spirited husband.

With that being said, I entered the Adrienne Arsht Theater not knowing what to expect. The state of the art theater was packed to capacity with what appeared to be a very mature and diverse audience. Once the lights dimmed and the musical score began, we were all knee slapping and foot tapping within minutes. The Color Purple, The Musical, gave us jazz, ragtime, blues, and gospel all in one in the opening scene.

And true to the magic of theater, I forget about my personal issues and toils of life and slipped Celie’s world.

I hadn’t realized this before but Celie’s world was completely women’s empowerment. The setting was Georgia around the early to mid-1900s. It was Black life in the South post slavery.

And the war amongst Blacks seemed to be just as tragic as the war amongst Americans.

Celie was in a dreadful situation married to Mister, an abusive man who ran off her sister Olivia, although he was totally in love with another woman, the infamous Shug Avery. Yet through the backdrop of obvious injustices, silver linings of women helping women shined through.

The Hell No song sang by Sophia was an anthem for women everywhere to not tolerate domestic violence. In the song, Sophia tells Celie to leave Mister or to beat him while she still could. She even adds a classic line from the movie, singing that she would kill her husband, Harpo, dead before she let him beat her before. Then she stood center stage, raising the universal signal for Black power, a balled up fist high in the air, and the theater went wild. Both men and women of all races and nationalities were proud of Sophia. Sophia’s bold declaration of intolerance to abuse was beautiful, relatable and deeply touching.

Although Shug Avery is selfish, promiscuous and impossible to love, it was exciting to get more of her back story in the musical. On Broadway, Shug had the entire town in an uproar anticipating her arrival, not just Mister.

In fact, seeing Shug perform at the juke joint was memorizing. She worked the stage in her jazzy red frill dress, belting out sultry vocals all while delivering tantalizing and gyrating dances moves. Shug’s performance penetrated invisible barriers between the actors and the audience allowing us all to find our inner Shug Avery that night. And even though, Shug Avery was sleeping with Mister, she actually develops a romantic and motherly love for his wife, Celie. And somehow, Shug begins to empower Celie. She tells her she is beautiful, and even finds the letters from Celie’s long lost sister, Oliva, before encouraging Celie to leave town with her.

Empowered, Celie was able to do amazing things. She provided comfort and support to Sophia while she was in jail, started her own business and eventually forgives Mister for

his evil ways. The Color Purple, The Musical is the story of beautiful brown bodies dealing with real life issues including domestic violence, blatant infide-

lity, poverty and racial injustices while using music, feminine energy and love to cope.

So when Celie, sings, I’m Here, lyrically proclaiming to be beautiful, she sends chills down our spines. I felt the need to remind myself that no matter what the world throws at me, I am here and I am beautiful. I left the theater unexpectedly empowered. I see why received the Tony award for best musical

revival. The Color Purple, The Musical, is a must see.

Please visit, http:// www.arshtcenter.org for show times and tickets to upcoming performances.

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