THE WESTSIDE GAZETTE POST OFFICE 5304 FORT LAUDERDALE, FL 33310
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID FT. LAUDERDALE, FL 33310
PERMIT NO. 1179
Left, Right Seek TTo o Halt $4.2 Billion In Asset-Seizure Abuse
PAGE 2
VOL. 45 NO. 12 50¢
A Pr oud PPaper aper ffor or a Pr oud PPeople...Sinc Proud Proud eople...Sincee 1971 eople...Sinc
Fr om American Dr eam TTo oA From Dream Nightmare: Black Female Lawyer For ced TTo o Sue the Forced Florida Bar for Dafamation And Discrimination
PAGE 6
Patrice Cur Currry On Losing Her Mother To AIDS
PAGE 11
THURSDA Y, APRIL 28 - WEDNESDA Y, MA Y 44,, 2016 THURSDAY WEDNESDAY MAY
Howard students call news of President Obama’s Don’t treat people commencement speech ‘surreal’ like cut flowers By Imani Fox and Kishana Flenory Howard University News Service
Then-Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., waves while speaking at the Howard University convocation ceremony in 2007. President Obama will speak at the school’s commencement ceremony in May. (Chuck Kennedy/MCT/MCT via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON - Howard University students reeled with excitement in reaction to the news that President Barack Obama will deliver the address for their May 7 commencement. “We were freshmen in high school when he first got elected and we were freshmen in college when he got re-elected,” said graduating senior Jeremiah Jones. “So, we were a part of his legacy in the eight years he led the United States.” The film production major said he could hardly believe it when he first got the news through social media. But then the university made the official announcement. Howard University President, Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick announced President Obama’s visit in a statement issued to students and employees.
“For my father and my mother have forsaken me, But the Lord will take me up.“ Psalms 27:10 By Bobby R. Henry, Sr. Sometimes do you feel like an old flower arrangement made from cut flowers that only capture the color and the beauty seen from one point? These arrangements usually last only a few days and once your beauty has served its purpose you’re discarded into a pile of junk with life still in you. That’s a terrible feeling; you still have life but others see you as if life seems to have passed you by. You go places, attend events where people look past you and no longer do they see you as useful; they think of you as all used up. Dressed up but don’t have any use except for window dressing. The King sought guidance from the elders who attended to the needs of the wisest man that ever lived, King Solomon. “King Rehoboam consulted with the elders who had served his father Solomon while he was still alive, saying, “How do you counsel me to answer this people?” 1Kings 12:6 (Cont'd on Page 9)
Broward Schools pioneer Florida electing delegates to the 2016 Democratic expires at age 88
National Convention By Linda Thigpin The state of Florida is gearing up for choosing its delegates to the 2016 Democratic National Convention (DNC) to be held on July 25–28, 2016 in Philadelphia, Penn. Florida’s Delegates, to the DNC, are allocated to each Presidential Campaign based on votes received from the March 15, 2016 Presidential Preference Primary. Individuals seeking delegate positions had until April 7 to file
late the process to select its delegates to the DN C as follows: 1. The results of Florida’s March 15, 2016 presidential primary election will be used to apportion delegates to the national convention. 2. On May 7, 2016, grassroots Democrats from each of Florida’s 27 congressional districts will meet in congressional district caucuses to elect 135 district-level delegates to the DNC. (Cont'd on Page 3)
application forms, pledging their loyalties to a presidential candidate. After the April 7 deadline, each presidential campaign had until April 20 to review submissions and exercise the option to strike names from the list. The official list of accepted names were finalized and posted on Florida’s Democratic Party website on April 21. Florida Party rules stipu-
Dr. Michael Wiltshire, school reformer
DR. WILTSHIRE By K. Barrett Bilali, Urban News Service As a first-time principal, Dr. Michael Wiltshire was assigned in 2001 to one of America’s worst government-run schools. At Brooklyn’s Medgar Evers High, only 60 percent of students graduated, and 24 percent of all pupils reached college. The school’s enrollment was low, at just 600 students, of whom 99 percent were Black. Yet with dogged determination and stringent reforms, Wiltshire did what few thought possible: He turned the
Pleading Our Own Cause
(Cont'd on Page 9)
Dr. Samuel A. Ford, Jr. passed away on March 29, 2016 peacefully in his sleep at Big Bend Hospice House in Tallahassee, Fla. A native of Memphis, Tenn., Sam graduated from Douglas High School as class president. He then graduated from Tennessee State University in Nashville as a music major. Also a member of the TSU band, they received honors for a performance at Carnegie Hall in April
Prince the businessman as significant as Prince the musician THIGPIN school into an institution of academic excellence. Wiltshire previously chaired the math and science department at Long Island’s Islip High School. Its students were 99 percent white, and 100 percent of them advanced to college. Wiltshire was hired to lift Islip’s math scores, which had slid to a 77 percent passing rate. In fact, Islip’s superintendent reminded Wiltshire that “the real estate in our community depends on our schools” — the higher the test scores, the higher the home prices. At Medgar Evers, however, Wiltshire found no urgency to boost its statistics. The school was mediocre, and that seemed OK. “No ethnic group has a monopoly on intelligence,” said Wiltshire. “That is what made me go to work. I went to work to change the trajectory of this school.” (Cont'd on Page 9)
WWW.
By Eric Easter, Urban News Service While much of the coverage of Prince’s death focuses on the artist’s musical legacy, he may have an equally lasting impact on the music business itself. The Strokes, The Black Keys, Alabama Shakes — the list of popular musicians who cite Prince as a guiding influence is too long to mention. Yet today’s generation of artists, particularly those who have eschewed the old way of doing business, have Prince to thank as well. His highly public dispute with Warner over ownership of his music, and the use of his stature to educate others about the business of creating and performing, transformed how musicians began to think about control of their own careers. (Cont'd on Page 5)
The Westside Gazette Newspaper
@_Westsidegazett
thewestsidegazette.com
(954) 525-1489
Thewestsidegazettenewspaper
DR. FORD 1949. He then served two years in the US Army during the Korean War, earning the rank of Sergeant. In 1952, he immediately accepted the position as the first band director at Attucks High School in Dania, Fla. Many of his students were awarded full scholarships in music to the Florida A & M University (FAMU) band under the direction of Dr. Foster. He met his wife of 62 years, Jerutha, in 1954. A fellow educator in Broward Schools, they began outstanding educational careers that lasted for a total of 85 years (43 and 42 years respectively). They continued their personal educational growth together earning Masters degrees from Florida Atlantic University, and Doctoral degrees from Nova Southeastern University. His positions included band director, social worker, middle and high school administrator and retiring as the Assistant to the South Area Superintendent in 1995. (Cont'd on Page 3) MEMBER: National Newspaper Publishers Association ( NNPA), and Southeastern African-American Publishers Association (SAAPA) Florida Association of Black Owned Media (FABOM)
Page 2 • April 28 - May 4, 2016
www.thewestsidegazette.com
Westside Gazette
Left, Right seek to halt $4.2 billion in asset-seizure abuse
By Curtis Bunn, Urban News Service Darren wants his surname kept secret. After enduring civilasset forfeiture, he fears reprisals from law enforcement. “And you know why? Because this thing has let me know for a fact there’s no limit to what the police will do,” he said. “And they have the law behind them.” The 43-year-old Black man from Chicago said he had two large flat-screen televisions and an Apple computer seized by police last summer, after they mistakenly identified him as a drug dealer. “They had the wrong house, the wrong guy, which I had been telling them all along,” Darren said. He was cleared of wrongdoing and generated no criminal record. But police never returned his property. Darren’s plight explains the growing nation-wide demand for reforms to the process of forfeiting civil assets. Law-enforcement officials began the practice to fight criminal enterprises by curbing their resources. But reformers say it has become a financial boon for police departments that profit from the forfeitures. Although police admitted their mistake and exonerated Darren of drug charges, the mound of money and paperwork required to recover his belongings was so steep that he eventually gave up. “They said I had to have a ‘burden of proof’ that they were my items,” he said. “They came into my house and took them.
That’s not enough proof? Then I would have to make a claim and then hire a lawyer. By the time I was told how much it would cost for the lawyer, which was about $5,000 … it just wasn’t worth it.” So, Darren let it go. “It makes me sick to think about it,” he said. “It’s the most corrupt and corrupting system in America,” said Clark Neily, an Austin, Tex.-based lawyer with the Institute for Justice. “People have their belongings stolen from them. I use the word ‘stolen’ be-
cause that’s what it is.” Case after case finds lawenforcement officials taking people’s belongings and never returning them. Police have grabbed homes, cars, elec-ro[nics and cash under laws adopted in the 1980s as crack cocaine ravaged America. “It wasn’t completely crazy to have seizures,” said Vikrant Reddy, senior fellow at the Charles Koch Institute, which hosted a panel discussion on the issue in Austin. “But it has swung too far. And with ‘equitable sharing,’ the state and fed-
eral government share the [seized] property … It’s become an incentive machine.” Under the Justice Department’s Equitable Sharing Program, local governments and police share up to 80 percent of the value of the property seized. Government agencies grabbed more than five billion dollars in assets in 2014 alone, according to The Washington Post. Of that amount, 81 percent, or roughly $4.2 billion, involved cash and property from people who never were indicted. “The Constitution is sup-
Mar yland student’ minating Maryland student’ss essay about exter exterminating Black people has parents outraged
posed to protect your property,” said State Rep. Phil Stephenson (R – Wharton, Tex.). “Quite simply, they are not following the law.” Racial profiling has been at the heart of the problem. Last year, an ACLU study indicated 63 percent of cash seizures belonged to Black people — and 32 percent of the cash-seizure targets had never been convicted of a crime. “People in the Black community feel relentlessly harassed,” Reddy said. “People are losing faith in law enforcement.” New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez last year signed House Bill 560, the strongest legislation in America, allowing civil-asset seizures only from those found guilty of a crime — not just accused of one. Reform advocates want more states to follow New Mexico’s lead. Under forfeiture guidelines, police are only allowed to use the assets for training, overtime pay, building improvements,
patrol vehicles and similar items. But The Washington Post discovered they have also been used to finance exotic trips, a Zamboni ice-resurfacing machine and even Sparkles the Clown, whom police hired for an event in Reminderville, Ohio. Proponents of asset forfeiture are almost entirely law-enforcement officials, who say these resources help them fight crime more forcefully. But reform advocates seem to have gained the upper hand in the debate. “I’m optimistic [about change] because the Progressives think of it as a criminaljustice issue and the Conservatives think of it as a property issue,” Reddy said. “You have situations where people don’t spend a minute in jail but have a difficult time getting their stuff back … The bottom line is that you have to be guilty before you take people’s property. Simple as that.”
Thir d Annual Cir cle of Third Circle Mothers W eekend & Weekend Confer ence Conference Women Empowering Women to transform communities and public officials who offer Parents and students who attend North County High School are upset at a satirical essay that calls for the extermination of Black people. Many parents and students at a Maryland school are speaking out after a student wrote an essay that many are calling racist. Parents and students who attend North County High School are upset at a satirical essay that calls for the extermination of Black people. The student was writing as part of an assignment to mimic Jonathan Swift’s satirical A Modest Pro-
posal, according to reports. “A young healthy child well nursed,” Swift wrote, “is at a year old a most delicious, nourishing, and wholesome food, whether stewed, roasted, baked, or boiled; and I make no doubt that it will equally serve in a fricassee or a ragout.” The student’s essay said a response to racism in America is to send African Americans to the Sahara desert to be killed.
That essay was followed up by a racially offensive term about African-Americans written in the school’s bathroom. “It was very wrong. It was inappropriate and it was offensive,” said one student, according to CBS Baltimore. One Black parent took the side of the student who’d written the essay, however. “I don’t fault this young man, he met the rubric of the assignment,” a man at the meeting told the attendees. “You are not in the school, you don’t know what we go through,” another student yelled. Julie Cares, principal of North County, responded to the concerns of parents in a statement. “Just as one could argue that the content of Swift’s piece was ill-advised and insensitive, such is the case with the content of the student’s piece here,” Cares wrote. “I want you to know emphatically that North County High School embraces and supports all students, with no exceptions. Conversations around sensitive topics such as this, however, are critical to our growth as a school and, ultimately, as a society.”
FULTON By Kat Tynes MIAMI, FL — The Trayvon Martin Foundation (TMF) presents its annual Circle of Mothers Weekend and Conference on May 20-22, 2016, 6 p.m. at the Embassy Suites, 1100 S.E. 17 St., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Among the many special activities planned for the 50 registered guests, is a formal dinner which is open to the public with a minimum donation of $1,500 per person. Founded by Sybrina Fulton, the Circle of Mothers was established as a means of offering motivational and empowerment sessions for women around the country who have experienced the unimaginable loss of a child, especially due to gun violence. The conference brings together a cadre of professionals
fellowship, guidance, healing and wellness, and assists mothers with strategies on personal restoration, and how to evolve to make an impact in their communities. The TMF was created in honor of Fulton’s youngest son, who lost his life to senseless gun violence on Feb. 26, 2012. Since then, she has completely dedicated her life to serving as a source of inspiration and beacon of hope to other families, and traveling the world to battle injustices. Former attendees include family members of the Sandy Hook Massacre, Aurora Movie Theatre shooting, and the families of Jordan Davis, Oscar Grant, Kendrick Johnson, Sean Bell, Hadya Pendelton, Tamir Rice, and sadly, many others. Thanks to the support of notable community leaders, such as Jamie Foxx, Iyanla Vanzant, and Harry Belafonte, corporate sponsors, and partnerships with government and private sector, the conference serves to help develop solutions in eradicating gun violence and break the wave of fear and uncertainty as a result of the damage it creates. Media access will be limited; however, interviews will be available upon advance request. Please note: due to limited space, passes are available on a first come, first serve basis. For more information, contact Kat Tynes, katmedia16@gmail.com or (305) 467-2465.
The National Black Lawyers announces Florence TT.. Barner as one of its top 40 Under 40 Black lawyers in Florida The National Black Lawyers: Top 40 Under 40 is pleased to announce that Florence Barner of the law firm Weitz & Schwartz, P.A. has been selected for inclusion into its Top 40 Under 40 Black Lawyers, an honor given to only a select group of lawyers for their superior skills and qualifications in the field. Membership in this exclusive organization is by invitation only, and is limited to the top 40 attorneys in each state who have demonstrated excellence and have achieved outstanding results in their careers. The National Black Lawyers: Top 40 Under 40 is a professional honorary organization composed of the Top 40 under 40 Black lawyers from each state who serve individuals, families and businesses needing attorneys to represent them in the American legal system. She is extended to those individuals who exemplify superior qualifications and leadership in their respective state and area of specialty. Membership is limited to those attorneys who focus their
practices in the following areas of law: Civil Plaintiff; Criminal Defense; Civil Rights; Matrimonial and Family Law; Bankruptcy Law; Social Security Disability Law; Immigration Law; Employment Law; Wills, Trust, and Estates; Banking & Finance; Business Formation; Business Labor and Employment Law; Business Transactions; Corporate Law; Litigation Defense; Intellectual Property; Trademark and Patents; Real Estate; Securities and Antitrust Defense; Taxation; Judiciary; Law Professor; Government and Commercial Litigation. The National Black Lawyers: Top 40 Under 40 provides accreditation to these distinguished attorneys, and also aims to provide essential legal news, information, and continuing education to Black lawyers across the United States. With the selection of Florence by The National Black Lawyers: Top 40 Under 40, she has shown that she exemplifies superior qualifications, leadership skills, and performance in their area of legal practice. The selection process for this
BARNER elite honor is based on a multiphase process which includes peer nominations combined with third party research. As The National Black Lawyers: Top 40 Under 40 is an essential source of networking and information for Black attorneys throughout the nation, the final result of the selection process is a credible and comprehensive list of the most outstanding Black lawyers chosen to represent their state or region.
www.thewestsidegazette.com
April 28 - May 4, 2016 • Page 3
Westside Gazette
The Great Migration was a triumph of the Black Press By Erick Johnson, From the Chicago Crusader, (NNPA Member) There were over 600 Black families applying for 53 apartment units in just one day in Chicago in 1917. In two years, more than 100 storefront churches would dot the South Side. By 1930 the number would climb to 338. During that time, the Black populations of Chicago, New York, Philadelphia and other major northern and western cities would explode as thousands arrived by train almost on a daily basis. In these cities a Black middle class was established and the largest migration of Blacks in American history swept the nation. Today, on the 100th Anniversary of the Great Migration, many Blacks in the Midwest and Northeast have parents and grandparents who migrated from the South. Because of direct train routes, Blacks in Chicago are more likely to have parents or relatives from Mississippi. Blacks in New York and Phila-
delphia are likely to have grandparents from South Carolina. The correlation exists also for other northern states that were accessible by direct routes that served their southern states. Many left the South during the Great Migration, two periods in American history where the Black population dramatically shifted north and helped transform major cities in the Midwest, Northeast, and West. It’s also a period that gave birth to “Bronzeville” as a Black Metropolis, where thriving businesses, prominent writers and artists flourished during the Harlem Renaissance. The force behind this movement was the Black Press. And behind the Black Press were the FBI and city officials who aimed to keep Blacks in their place. Most Blacks who migrated from the South were poor Black men who temporarily left behind families while risking their lives for a future that was uncertain. Their wives and children would stay behind until
the men would secure better paying jobs that would support their families. With little money and the long journey, many did survive the trip. Others were not allowed to board the vehicles by racist train managers. Blacks who did make the trip experienced a side of America that was once off limits to them. Cities that flourished with economic opportunities and better captured the imagination of some six million Blacks, who for the longest time, yearned for prosperity and freedom. They came from the South, a region whose economy was still struggling from the devastation caused by the Civil War and slavery. For thousands of Black families, jobs opportunities were few. The American dream remained distant and many could not read or write because of the lack of schools in segregated neighborhoods. (Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)
The Pittsburgh Courier’s circulation averaged 500,000 readers weekly during the Great Migration. (Pittsburgh Courier archives).
Lt. General Arthur J. Gregg, USA - A soldier soldier,, mentor and friend that we liked each other. This changes people.” The paving stones placed by the societal inheritance of Colonel Charles Young allowed Lt. General Gregg to quickly move up through the ranks due to his work ethic, intelligence, and focused dedication. He
Publicist, National Coalition of Black Veteran Organizations A leader, retired Lt. General Arthur J. Gregg has said, “You must always put the mission first, and him or herself last.” This is a fitting quote for a man who dedicated himself to service for others. Perhaps this is why the AUSA has bestowed on him a prestigious honor in his own name, ‘The Lt. Gen Arthur J. Gregg Sustainment Leadership Award’. This bestowal will be given yearly to soldiers and civilians who have made indelible contributions to logistics and administration in the U.S. Army. “Logistics” include all the supplies and services our men and women in the military need to do their jobs. “I’m so very honored,” he said in a phone call from his home in Virginia. “You must feel somewhat humbled when you are recognized for such an award, when you realize that there are many outstanding men and women who are to be considered.” Lt. General Gregg is a shining example of the legacy of Colonel Charles Young, the first African-American soldier to reach the rank of Colonel in the U.S. Army in 1917. Where it not for the racism of the time, Col. Young would surely have been promoted to Brigadier General, but his drive and love of country despite social impediments have influenced many men and women who have come after him, including Lt. General Gregg. Lt. General Gregg’s long career eer began in 1946 at the tail end of World War II, when the
3. Following the congressional district caucuses, the Florida Democratic Party will hold a special meeting in Orlando, Florida, May 21, 2016, where the district-level delegates will meet to select 27 Pledged Party Leader and Elected Official (PLEO) Delegates, 45 At-Large Delegates, and 17 At-Large Alternates to the Democratic National Convention. This aforementioned process, according to the party ensures, “all Democrats have a voice in the national convention and that this Delegate Selection and Affirmative Action Plan will ensure that the Florida Democratic Party delegation will truly represent the tremendous diversity of Florida and the Democratic Party.” Democratic voters in each congressional district are urged to participate in the election of their district’s congressional delegate. Unfortunately, most people do not even know that these district election caucuses even take place. Subsequently, some persons may be easily elected due to voter apathy or low voter turn-out. In most
(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)
Thousands of rich Americans live in taxpayer-subsidized public housing By Drew Johnson Urban News Service Tens of thousands of highincome Americans live in lowincome housing, according to a federal audit. More than 25,000 families inhabit federally subsidized housing, even though their inMedal Presentation Ceremony - Huntsville, Alabama. comes exceed limits for publicGeneral Dennis L Via, USA (l) and Lt. General Arthur housing eligibility, according to J.Gregg. USA -Retired (r). a probe by the Inspector GeBy Katy St. Clair – neral for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban DeveIn 1948, President Harry lopment (HUD). fighting had ended but some of our biggest work was ahead of Truman desegregated the miliCritics say these over-income us. He entered the armed forces tary, but Gregg and his fellow residents cost taxpayers more as a Private when they were servicemen didn’t know that than $100 million annually and still segregated, at the tender the law had passed until actual displace disadvantaged citizens age of 17. Asked why he felt changes began to take shape who need public housing. In order to be eligible for pusuch fidelity for a country that, during his tour of duty in Korea. blic housing, a family must safor all intents and purposes, “When men and women were tisfy a formula that combines needed to fight battles in Korea, still saw him as 3/5ths of a perfamily size, gross family income you provided the trained son, he responded, “It was still and the area’s median income. soldiers and did not hold back my country. With all its imperOnce families move into fections, I still had hope that because of race. It had a power- public housing, however, authings would get better. And ful impact on the integration of thorities often let them stay inmy service contributed to that the rest of our country,” he says. definitely, no matter how high “You had men and women leavpositive environment—it did get ing the military and going back their income grows. As a result, one Manhattan better.” Lt Gen Gregg saw the to their respective communities, military as a touchstone for and they had personally ex- family living in public housing change in the larger society as perienced integration. When earned $498,000 in 2014 – a whole, and he continues to do we got to know each other dur- $431,000 more than the ing our service, we often found $67,000 income ceiling allowed. so. The family paid just $1,574 a month for a three-bedroom apartment in the financial district, where equivalent monthly cases, the delegate elected will an honor, if granted an oppor- rents exceed $5,000. Like others be the individual who is able to tunity, to cast my vote for the in HUD’s audit, this family was get most of their voters to come first woman president of the not named. The report lacks out from their congressional dis- United States. All voters should engage in tricts. Voters tend to know there is a Democratic National Con- this process and come out to vention and watch it on tele- support their congressional disvision, but few are aware of trict delegate candidates. Voting (Cont'd from FP) how delegates they see actually is generally quick and easy. got there. The local Democratic Voters should bring a driver’s His community involvement Party should do their due dili- license or voter’s registration included State of Florida Omgence in communicating the card. Questions about caucus budsman, North Broward Hosdelegate election cycle and there voting times and locations can pital District Commissioner needs to be better voter edu- be directed to local Democratic cation and information provid- Party State Committee Chairs. (first Black), and State of FlorFind the Delegate Selection ida Mental Health Board of ed as to not disenfranchise anyPlan, Official District Level Commissioners, all governor apone. To be sure, the election of Delegates List as certified by pointed positions. delegates is an important pro- respective Presidential CamIn August of 2004 the family cess. Delegates nominate the paigns, Location and contact relocated in their retirement to Party’s candidate for the Pres- information for the 2016 ConTallahassee, Fla. His memberident and Vice-President of the gressional District Caucuses, United States and will adopt and Allocation of Delegates to ships in the community includthe Party’s National Platform. the 2016 Democratic National ed active participation in the Congressional District caucuses Convention at www.fldems.org Episcopal and later Catholic will began on May 7, 2016, from click on “Our party” and select Churches in both Broward and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and early vot- National Convention. Leon Counties. A life member This article was submitted of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity ing is scheduled in select Congressional Districts on Thurs- by Linda M. Thigpen, Con- (the last surviving member of gressional District 23 Delegate the Charter Chapter in Broday, May 5, 2016. It was my great honor to Candidate for 2016 Democratic ward), member of Talla-hassee have cast my vote for President National Convention. As inObama serving as a delegate formation was extracted from Chapter until his health failed. during the 2012 DNC in Char- the Florida Democratic Party He was also an active Life Memlotte, N.C. Now, running as a Delegate Selection Plan, readers ber of Broward County Chapter delegate candidate for Con- are encouraged to read the com- of Tennessee State University Alumni. gressional District 23, it will be prehensive plan.
Florida electing delegates to the 2016 Democratic National Convention (Cont'd from FP)
reached the designation of Lt. General in 1977, where he served under President Jimmy Carter in the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and later Ronald Reagan, shortly before his retirement from active duty in the late summer of 1981. His postmilitary career has been dedi-
cated to serving on various boards of nonprofit and for profit organizations, many of which support African American causes. Gregg is a staunch supporter of our effort to posthumously elevate Colonel Young to Brigadier General and he has made many public appearances in support of our cause.
Ella public-housing complex, Tampa, Fla. identifying details. HUD has tried to bar highincome residents from low-income housing. Through a rule issued in 2004, it empowered local public housing authorities to write guidelines that would force tenants to move if their incomes surpassed federal eligibility thresholds. Few housing programs, however, enforce such regula-tions. Among the 15 housing authorities in HUD’s audit, all admitted they still let over-income families stay in subsidized housing. “The bureaucrats in charge of the public housing programs have no incentive to kick people out, once they begin earning too much money to live in housing projects,” said David Williams, the president of the Washington, D.C.-based Taxpayers Protection Alliance.
“Taxpayers are left paying millions of dollars to subsidize the housing for people who make hefty, six-figure incomes.” HUD’s audit supports Williams’ perspective. It found that 1,936 families who earned more than $100,000 lived in public housing in 2014. One family in Lake Linden, Mich., collected $401,000 in take-home-pay, even though no one earning more than $29,600 was supposed to inhabit its public apartment. A San Francisco family earned $437,000 a year, according to the HUD investigation, but refused to give up its subsidized housing. One family with $6.1 million in assets lived in subsidized housing in Puerto Rico intended for a family earning less than $20,000 a year. (Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)
Broward schools pioneer expires at age 88
seling others, including all of his caregivers. Some of them still call to update him on their progress in school. An avid reader until the end, he stayed in touch with broward news by reading the Westside Gazette weekly. Dr. Ford’s Wake included an Omega service by his Alpha brothers from both Broward and Leon counties on April 2, 2016. The Funeral Liturgy and Homegoing Celebration services were held at Culley’s MeadowWood Funeral Home on Riggins Road. His entombment followed with military honors at Culley’s MeadowWood Memorial Park on Timberlane Road, in Tallahassee on April 3, 2016. Because of his passion for and devotion to music and students of all ages, the family asks that in lieu of flowers, tax deductible donations can be made in Dr. Ford’s memory to either the FAMU Music Department (0119) through the FAMU Foundation, or, to the Tallahassee Boys’ Choir at their respective websites.
His legacy continues in his loving family: wife, Dr. Jerutha Williams Ford, two children, Monica Ford-Green and Samuel Scott Ford (Donna – deceased); four grand-children: Alana D. (Dr. Theo) Morgan II, Dr. Jason (Alexis) Ford-Green, Stephen (Tabitha) Ford-Green, and Samuel George Nichols; and ten great-grandchildren. Other family members include: one brother, the late Frank Pearson, two cousins, Albert (Christine) Lee, and Dorothy Brandon. Three sisters-in-law; Joyce Kennedy, Mary Jean (Willie) Brown, Rosa (Carlton – deceased) Williams. Three brothers-in-law: Dr. Gilbert (Evelyn) Williams, David (Althea) Williams, and Samuel (Alyce) Williams; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. As his illness progressed, he relentlessly continued his vocation of encouraging and coun-
Page 4 • April 28 - May 4, 2016
www.thewestsidegazette.com
Westside Gazette
Publix is Proud to Support Community News
Community Digest
WHERE SHOPPING IS A PLEASURE
Shows
Dillard Center for the Arts: Hot Picks upcoming shows, at 2501 N.W. 11 St., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. · Memphis The Musical, Broadway’s Tony AwardWinning ‘Best Musical’, Saturday, April 29, 30, and Sunday, April 24, 2016 at 7:30 DCA in the Theater. For cost and additional info call (754) 322-0838. · Motown Revue, A nostalgic journey through the sounds of the Motown Era. The music that defined a generation!, Thursday, May 5 at 7 p.m., at DCA, at the Recital Hall, free admission. ·Sweet Dillard documentary, Swinging To The Top Of Them Craft, Saturday, May 7, 2016 at 4 p.m., at in the DCA Theater. Free admission, for additional info call (754) 32-0838. · Dance Forever, Friday, May 20, 2016 at 7:30 and Saturday, May 22, at 4 p.m., at the DCA Theater. For cost and additional info call (754) 3220838. · Unplugged, The 2016 Commercial Music Showcase, Tuesday, May 24, 2 5, 26, 2016 at 7:30 in the DCA Black Box Theater. For cost and additional info call (754) 322-0838. · Unconquered, featuring Dillard High Marching Band Drumline –Auxiliary Units, Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at 6 p.m., in the DCA Theater. For cost and additional info call (754) 322-0838.
Pleading Our Own Cause
STAYCONNECTED-www.thewestsidegazette.com (954) 525-1489
Happenings at African-American Research Library and Cultural Center
African-American Research Library and Cultural Center, 2650 Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderale, Fla. For more info call (954) 357-6210. Here is the schedule of Destination Fridays events in 2016: * May is Haitian History Month, Friday, May 6, 2016 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. This age 21-and-over. For cost go through Eventbrite * September 9 - Madrid, Spain * October 7 - New York City (Harlem Renaissance) * April 29, 2016 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the 29th An-nual Conference on Children's Literature & 14th An-nual Ashley Bryan Art Series. Register by April 22 by calling (945) 357-7317 or online at Broward.org/Library.
Event
Blanche Ely High Alumni & Friends Association will hold their Kickoff Event, Saturday, May 7, 2016 from 7 to 11 p.m., at the Embassy Suites, Hotel, 950 S. Ocean Dr., Deerfield Beach, Fla. For tickets call Liz at (954) 226-8015 or Hilda Ford at (754) 366-5206.
Fish Fry
Pageant
Dinner
The Eta Nu chapter of Omega Phi Psi Fraternity will be hosting a scholarship fundraiser – Every Friday Night Fish Fry Fundraiser, Friday April - thru May, 2016 at 7:30 p.m., until at the Frat house 723 N.W. Sixth St., Pompano Beach, Fla. All proceeds from this event will be used for scholarships and will support the chapter’s commitment towards educating our youth. (954) 444-7994
Moms Are Amazing special features 2016 Mother of the Year Pageant and Spotlight on Moms, Sunday, May 1, 2016 at 4 p.m., at Mt. Olive SDA Church, 649 N.W. 15 Way, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. For additional info call Cynthia Holmes at (954) 649-8879 email Cynthiaholmes129@Gmail.com or Sarah Shaw at (954) 7899658 sarahshaw11@bellsouth.net
Attention: Cancer survivors of all ages Relay For Life of Carter Park, Lauderhill, Lauderdale Lakes & North Lauderdale events cordially invites the community to an Annual Survivors Dinner, Friday, May 20, 2016 at 6 p.m. Go to www.relayforlife.org/ Carterparkfl or contact Stacy Anderson at (754) 368-1945 for details. RSVP by May 10, 2016
Fundraiser
Programs
Celebration
Forum
J’Mari & Friends & Foundation/S.W.I.M.S. a Community Forum discussing water & pool safety, Saturday, May 28, 2016 from 12 to 3 p.m., at Lauderdale Lakes Library Second Floor, 3580 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Lauderdale, Fla. For more info contact Pastor Shirley Harold at (954) 6157352 or (954) 560-0428.
Program
The Epsilon Mu (EM) Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. at Florida Memorial University, Miami Gardens, Florida cordially invites the community to the 50 Year Chartering Celebration, Saturday, April 30, 2016 at 7 p.m., at Milander Center For the Arts, 4800 Palm Avenue, Hialeah, Fla. Formal or informal (Dark Suit and Tie). Hotel Accommodations call (954) 430-5590, group code is KAPPA ALPHA PSI to purchase tickets info http:// www.eventbrite.com/e/50thanniversary-ball-kappa-alphapsi-epsilon-mu-tickets16578823708 For additional info contact Bro Walt Weatherington at (202) 693-3676 weatherington.walt@dol.gov or Bro Dan Paige at (561) 261-0007 dirccardopaige@yahoo.com or Bro. Charles Martin at (786) 402-1309 cmartin0154@aol.com
EDUCATION MATTERS Every Child Deserves a Chance to Succeed.
The Iota Pi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. presents A Golden Affair Cocktail Fundraiser, Friday, May 6, 2016 from 8 to 11 p.m., at University of Miami Alumni Center Multipurpose Room, 6200 San Amaro Dr., Coral Gables, Fla. For inquiries, email iotapilambdaef@gmail.com
Prayer
National Day of Prayer Task Force Thursday, May 5, 2016 services will be held at 12 noon to 2 p.m., at City Hall City of Fort Lauderdale, 100 N. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale, Fla; City Hall City of Lauderhill, 5581 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Oakland Park, Fla; City Hall City of Lauderdale Lakes Multipurpose Room 4340 N.W. 36 St., Lauderdale Lakes. Fla; City of Sunrise City Hall at the Flag Pole 10770 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Oakland Park, Fla.
Urban League of Broward County Summer Enrichment Program Summer Enrichment orientation dates: · Wednesday, May 5, 2016 from 6:30 to 8 p.m., at William Dandy Middle School, 2400 N.W. 26 St., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. For more info call (954) 584-0777 or email summercamp@ulbcfl.org
Party
Crockett Foundation Fourth Annual Derby Days Preakness Party, honoring former Florida State University Football Head Coach Bobby Bowden, Saturday, May 21, 2016 from 5 to 9 p.m., at the Sport of Kings Theatre at Gulfstream Park, 501 S. Federal Highway, Hallandale, Fla. To purchase tickets or for sponsorship and additional info call (954) 200-1924 or visit www.crockettfoundation.org
Ali Cultural Arts is proud to announce the launch of their educational outreach beginning with two ongoing dance programs. The dance classes are part of a partnership with two outstanding community dance groups: · Serenity Center for the Arts and the Ashanti Dance Program, Serenity Center for the Arts, Saturdays, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., ages 6 & up/ 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., adults, there are fees for Pompano Beach residents and non-residents. · The Ashanti Dance, Wednesday, from 5:50 to 6:50 p.m. ages 6-8-year-olds contemporary ballet beginner/intermediate. Class Attire: Black leotard, pink footless tights, pink ballet leather shoes. Wednesdays from 6:50 to 7:50 p.m. ages 9-12-year-old contemporary ballet beginner/intermediate. Class Attire: Black leotard, black leggings, pink ballet leather shoes. For details visit www.aliarts.org call for cost and additional info call (954) 786-7876.
Meeting
Meeting
Monthly meeting for Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. is the second Saturday of the month at 10 a.m., at African Heritage Cultural Art Center, 6161 N.W. 22 Ave., Miami, Fla. For further info call (786) 320 2891.
Mount Bethel Change Ministries, NA/AA Meeting, Every Friday, at 6:30 p.m., at 901 N.W. 11 Ave., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. For more info call (954) 763-5644 or (954) 400-8222.
TO HAVE YOUR UPCOMING EVENTS POSTED PLEASE CALL -- (954) 525-1489 FOR MORE INFO FAX -- (954) 525-1861 OR EMAIL: wgproof@thewestsidegazette.com
www.thewestsidegazette.com
April 28 - May 4, 2016 • Page 5
Westside Gazette
The brief wondrous life of teachers’ mental health Supporting teachers experiencing emotional burnout.
Source: Isaiah Pickens/Fotolia Fresh chalk and clean seats line the classroom as the promise of changing lives fills the heads and hearts of new teachers prepping their first lessons. The fresh car smell enveloping the next few months inevitably fades and often an aroma filled with the demands of teaching to ensure students pass standardized tests, questionable levels of autonomy, and behavioral challenges from students lingers in the air. As a clinical psychologist who has worked in school-based clinics and the son of educators, the recent findings from a federal review of teacher job outcomes and survey results from the American Federation of Teachers highlighting 78% of teachers express overwhelming levels of stress but only 17% of teachers leave the profession
WINNERS OF THE “DRIVE IT HOME TRASH-OFF GREEK AND CLUB RECYCLING CHALLENGE” ANNOUNCED ON EARTH DAY 2016 — Winners of the 2016 Drive It Home Trash-Off Greek and Club Recycling Challenge have been announced as part of the Earth Day 2016 celebrations. The Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) Drive It Home team partnered with The Coca-Cola Company to present this statewide college competition. The Challenge is part of the Great American CleanUp initiative and the state’s litter prevention education media campaign. Utilizing a social media platform, the campaign received entries from students representing various Greek and social clubs from accredited colleges and universities throughout the state of Florida. Winners of the 2016 Drive It Home Trash-Off Greek and Club Recycling Challenge are as follows: First Place ($1,500 gift card)* – Nova Southeastern University - Human Rights Club; Second Place ($1,000 gift card)* – University of South Florida - Omega Phi Beta Sorority and Third Place ($500 gift card)* – Florida International University – The American Institute of Architecture Students. For more information on the Drive It Home campaign, contact Bernadette Morris of Sonshine Communications at (305) 948-8063, ext. 201 or visit www.CleanFLroads.com. All prizes are donated and are not state or federal funds or contract dollars.
Prince the businessman as significant as Prince the musici an (Cont'd from FP) Through his high-profile battles for creative freedom, Prince shed light on the vague details of contract law, the power of copyright, the threat of bootlegging and the illegal usage of recording artists’ images. In that respect, Prince followed in the footsteps of Sam Cooke and James Brown, who were among the few musicians to make aggressive claims for rights over their work and distribution before it came into vogue. Even his contemporary Michael Jackson, whose quirky public image and quiet demeanor masked a shrewd business acumen, focused on ownership of his own music and that of others. “There is a reason why your favorite rapper brags about owning his or her masters and controlling their future,” said Kevin Gibbs, a musicologist and rock critic who also served as an executive at the Epic and Def Jam labels. “They learned that from him. Today, every artist coming in the door tries to do contractually what Prince fought to do, but they come with a whole lot less leverage, of course.” Prince’s decision to change his name to an unpronounceable symbol during the Warner dispute, while widely criticized and joked about, gave the performer powerful legal grounds
to record, own and distribute music at his own pace. With the advent of the internet, Prince pioneered and embraced the concept of using the web for audience interaction (a decade before the creation of social media). As early as the 1990s, the artist sought to bypass the power of music distributors with a direct-sale model for his double-album Crystal Ball. Yet his bold use of the internet also led Prince to predict the web’s devastating impact on music distribution, particularly on how artists can profit from their work. He decried streaming services such as Pandora and Spotify for the small amounts they paid to recording artists, yet eventually acquiesced to the reality of business by offering a small selection of music to a handful of streaming companies, including TIDAL. Prince also saw YouTube and social media’s increased reliance on unauthorized video, audio and photos as serious infringements on rights. He built a legal infrastructure to combat unauthorized used of his copyright. His concerts famously forbade cellphones in order to save rights to his work, as well as spare audiences from being distracted during the performance. Most notably, Prince’s independence from record labels shaped a new revenue model from dependence on royalties
to direct-to-consumer sales via the internet and live performances. Both models now form the core of how the music business derives most of its income. Taylor Swift’s decision in 2015 to abandon Spotify in favor of better royalties and fairer treatment from Apple Music is a direct descendant of Prince’s actions. The same can be said of singer Tyrese Gibson, whose recent top-selling album was promoted largely on the artist’s Instagram account and distributed without the aid of a record company. According to Gibson, Prince was also “one of the first to employ the use of one-offs with his songs — letting whatever label he chose distribute his music. Jay Z took a page from that playbook with Roc Nation.” After nearly two decades of lawsuits, Prince won back the right to his masters in 2012, an event Warner called “scary,” fearing a possible deluge of releases that, similar to opening a new cache of diamonds, would flood the market and devalue royalties from their own holdings. “He shed light on many important aspects of the recording business that may have been overlooked by many,” Said Gibbs. “He taught musicians the importance of controlling your brand and having the last say in what you would allow to be done with your music… He sacrificed a lot of potential revenue, time and energy to help others learn how to protect themselves and be true to their vision.”
within the first five years provided a nuanced picture for understanding an important contributor to our students’ academic success: teachers’ mental health. The journey leading teachers to emotional burnout is multifaceted and influenced by both how teachers deal with stress and how stress shows up in the classroom. Christina Maslach, a trailblazer for understanding professional stress that overwhelms teachers, defines burnout as a person having emotional exhaustion, feeling disconnected from others and her work, and difficulty feeling accomplished in her job. Few antagonists to teachers’ mental wellness contribute to burnout as much as feeling incapable of successfully fulfilling teaching responsibilities—also known as low teacher self-efficacy. Having difficulty connecting with students, classroom behavior problems, perceptions of limited support from administration, and little time to recharge outside of work can undermine the most resilient teachers’ mental health. Equally important, teacher’s struggling to manage stress can unintentionally create tense classroom environments that model unhealthy stress-reduction strategies for student’s learning how to become socially and emotionally healthy people. Building mentally healthy teachers, who can subsequently build emotionally healthy students, is a benefit that many in the education community have taken seriously. While programs such as School Climate Teams and collaborative groups focusing on social-emotional learning appear to be growing, the scattered approach to implementing these supports nationwide brings into question how well teacher mental health and stress management is systemically addressed, particularly for teachers in classrooms with significant behavior disruptions. Integrating ad-
ditional resources into already packed professional development days and extra-curricular laden school years may be difficult, but an opportunity may lie in plain sight with targeted approaches to building teacher self-efficacy. Helping teachers feel competent in managing classroom behavior and connecting with students in meaningful ways are core intangibles that both facilitate healthy learning environments and anecdotally have provided teachers rejuvenating moments to press beyond mentally draining work days. At minimum, training on basic classroom management is already integrated into teacher’s professional development, but what if a holistic approach was adopted that addressed how healthy management of behavior and emo-tionally overwhelming situa-tions impacted both teacher and stu-
dent mental wellbeing? An approach that acknowledges the multifaceted identities of the teacher and student as well as the seen and unseen stressors they face—the burden of being a single parent and a teacher or the weight of feeling the stereotypes of gender or race in the classroom but having no outlet to express it. Whether it’s mindfulnessbased lunch breaks for teachers or employing culturally competent approaches that encourage classes to dissect a book by Junot Diaz that facilitates discussions about race, finding practical and healthy ways for teachers and students to unload these stressors may provide a foundation for greater systemic change that addresses teacher stress beyond the classroom. In the process, we give teachers the chance to better connect with students by modeling healthy ways of dealing with stress and extend the longevity of their mental wellbeing by helping them fully believe they are the dynamic teachers they are capable of becoming.
Page 6 • April 28 - May 4, 2016
Opinion
www.thewestsidegazette.com
Westside Gazette The Westside Gazette, under the Management of BI-ADs, Inc., reserves the right to publish Views and Opinions by Contributing Writers may not necessarily reflect those of the Staff and Management of The Westside Gazette Newspaper and are solely the product of the responsible individual(s) who submit comments published in this newspaper.
From theAmerican dream to a nightmare:Black female lawyer forced to sue the Florida Bar for defamation and discrimination By Roger Caldwell MOUNTY DORA, FL —There is a history of racial discrimination in the Florida justice system that spans over 100 years. Whenever a Black lawyer exposed injustices in the system, their license was suspended or revoked. This has gone on for decades; judges, lawyers, and court clerks who are responsible for making decisions in our state’s highest courts, can manipulate the lawyer’s “regulation system.” Marie Henry is a single mother who is a veteran, worked extremely hard in college and law school, and was living the American Dream, before it turned into nightmare. On
March 31, 2015, her dream job and her six figure income was stolen from her, because she stood up for her and her daughter’s rights. “I filed an ethics complaint against a state attorney, and I filed a motion for disqualification against a circuit judge who presided in my daughter’s juvenile case,” says Henry. “Filing an ethics complaint and a motion for disqualification are lawful protected activities that could not, and should not have resulted in any action against me or my license.” For the last year, Henry has not worked in her chosen profession, because her law license was suspended for “violation of rules of conduct.” Ac-
cording to Henry, she was never given a definitive legal explanation concerning which laws were broken, and why she was unfit to practice law. At this point, Henry is living off her savings, and everything that she was taught to believe is turning into a nightmare, and a bunch of lies. The treatment that she has received from the Florida Bar has been despicable since Henry filed the ethics complaint, only after she consulted with the Bar. Instead of the Florida Bar working to investigate her complaints, its agents and employees initiated a system of harassment, retaliation, and unlawful conduct. In Lake County, there is a history
Poor people are discouraged from voting
“Britexit” who cares? By Don Valentine
By George E. Curry, George Curry Media Columnist
Pull your head out of the sand and absorb that we live in a global homogeneous society now. Every ripple throughout the third planet from the sun affects everyone on the planet to a degree. More compelling, if the U.K. votes to leave the European Union there will be significant world- wide repercussions. The Wall Street Journal recently commented that any political instability arising from a rupture within the Conservative party would likely be compounded by wider instability within the U.K. A Brexit vote would raise doubts about the longterm viability of the political union among England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The economic issues of globalization have several causes. The emergence of East Asia as a major manufacturing hub since the 1950s – first Japan, then South Korea and SouthEast Asia, and then China – brought hundreds of millions of consumers and workers into global markets. Transport costs and tariffs have fallen steadily, reducing the cost of trade. Governments have also reduced ‘non-tariff barriers’ (NTBs) – the different national regulations, quotas and protections that make it difficult for exporters to penetrate foreign markets. Consumers in developed markets want choice – for instance, in the case of cars they want different designs and differing levels of quality. Only rich countries have the infrastructure, knowledge and capital to provide this variety. (Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)
Doubting Black voters By Lee A. Daniels, George Curry Media Columnist If it’s presidential-primary time it’s a given a significant part of the political discourse will involve dissing Black voters. Sometimes this gambit takes the form of citing Blacks’ reliable massive support for the Democratic Party as proof they don’t “understand” the issues at stake and who their real political “friends” are. Or, it takes the opposite tack - of using differences of opinion among Black Democrats - for example, those who support Hillary Clinton versus those who support Bernie Sanders - as proof that Blacks are “split” and ineffective in marshaling their voting power. In other words, Black voting patterns are widely consistently discussed as if they reflect a lack of political sophistication. Nothing, however, could be further from the truth. This perverted discourse almost always ignores or discounts such things as the fact that eight years ago Black voters, first, effectively and quickly insured the Democratic primary contest would be between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. Then, they switched massively to Obama only when he
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR GUIDELINES The Westside Gazette welcomes your letters. Letters must be signed with name clearly legible along with a phone number and complete address. No unsigned or anonymous letters will be considered for publication. The Westside Gazette reserves the right to edit letters. The letters should be 500 words or less.
Bernie Sanders recently tried to attribute most of his losses to Hillary Clinton his recent string of victories notwithstanding - to poor people not voting. “Poor people don’t vote,” he said on NBC’s Meet the Press. “I mean, that’s just a fact. That’s a sad reality of American society.” What’s a fact is that when poor people do vote, they are not voting for Bernie Sanders. As The Washington Post observed, “Sanders has lost Democratic voters with household incomes below $50,000 by 55 percent to 44 percent to Clinton across primaries where network exit polls have been conducted.” He lost to Clinton 21 percent among voters bringing in more than $100,000 a year and by 9 points among middle income voters, according to the newspaper. So if more poor people were voting, if the current trends hold true, Clinton would be beating Sanders by an even larger margin. There is no doubt that poor people are far less likely to vote than more affluent citizens. According to the Census Bureau, 47 percent of eligible adults with family incomes of less than $20,000 annually voted in 2012. By contrast, approximately 80 percent of those in families earning $100,000 or more a year voted in 2012. Similar patterns also held true to voter registration. (Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com) won the Iowa caucus in January 2008 which they correctly saw as evidence that Obama had forged a sophisticated campaign and that a substantial number of white voters would support a Black man for the presidency. And this perverted discourse usually ignores the fact that the Blackvoter turnout, which in 2012 surpassed that of Whites for the first time, had been rising significantly since Bill Clinton’s first election in 1992. In other words, it wasn’t just the imperative of electing the Black presidential candidate in 2008 and re-electing the Black President in 2012 that was pushing more and more Blacks to vote. In addition, Black voters’ actions at the national, state and local levels are rarely discussed in terms of the consistently racist character of the GOP itself. It’s rarely acknowledged that they, shunned for a half century by the GOP, have expertly played the traditionally American two-party game within the Democratic Party to become its bedrock voting bloc. And it’s rarely stated that Black voters saved the Democratic Party from collapsing during the 1980s-1990s “wilderness years” of the presidencies of Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. It’s also rarely stated that JewishAmericans, too, are a reliable majority Democratic voting bloc; and that Asian-Americans, Hispanic-Americans, and Muslim-Americans have become so as well. No one questions whether these groups are too “emotionally” attached to the Democratic Party. Such disrespect of Black voters has been the standard operating procedure of conservatives since the 1960s. (Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)
of racial discrimination and segregation. On 2009, Henry’s daughter was arrested for walking up a private street with a group of minority youth, and refusing to give her name to the police. The Florida juvenile law was not followed, and Henry was not immediately informed that her daughter was arrested, and the daughter was not allowed to make a phone call. Once Henry found the location of her daughter, she filed a citizen’s complaint against the officers who arrested her child for excessive force and false arrest. Instead of the system working to resolve the issues, Henry was treated as if she was wrong for complaining about the treatment of her daughter. From the very beginning, Henry only wanted justice for her and her daughter, but there is a dysfunctional justice system in Florida. “All I ever wanted was to hold the government to the standard that every single American is entitled – transparency, ethics, and accountability,” explained Henry. “But blowing the whistle only works when you have political and economic power.” Public records show that the citizen’s complaint and an email from the arresting officer of Henry’s child became part of the Florida Bar actions against Henry that ended in the suspension of her license, and the loss of her career. Henry sued the city of Mount Dora and its officers on behalf of her child, and also filed a federal lawsuit. Her license was suspended by the Florida Supreme Court without finding of facts, or explanation of the law that permitted the suspension. It takes courage to demand justice and fairness in a system that is broken and corrupt. For more information or an interview, contact On Point Media Group at jet38@bellsouth.net or (407) 421-5453 and ask for Roger.
Troubled homeowners can avoid foreclosure with new mortgage modification program By Charlene Crowell Since 2004 approximately eight million homes have been lost to foreclosure, according to CoreLogic, a national mortgage data firm. Although the number of homeowners entering foreclosure has fallen dramatically since the height of the crisis, 434,000 homeowners remained in some stage of foreclosure in February. Serious mortgage delinquency, a key indicator of future foreclosures still affects one million home loans, despite having dropped to a national average rate of 3.2 percent. In some states and metro areas, mortgage delinquencies are more than double that of the national average. Florida, Mississippi, New Jersey, and New York are all states with serious mortgage delinquencies – 90 days or more in arrears – of at least 5.0 percent or higher. Similarly, some of the nation’s largest metro areas — including Chicago, Las Vegas, Miami, and New York City – have serious delinquency rates ranging much higher than the national average or the cited states. In the Miami metro area alone, serious delinquency is 6.9 percent. On April 14 and in an effort to help troubled homeowners keep their homes, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced a one-time, limited offer. (Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)
The Gantt Report Beast bankers still beastly By Lucius Gantt The Gantt Report “Cat Columns” are probably the most read, most remembered and most copied and forwarded editorial columns that I have written. However, I take more pride in the fact that, long before it was popular in the so-called “major media”, I talked about and wrote about how modern day money changers and their greed would devastate the world’s economy in my “Beast Bankers” columns! My early focus, years and years ago, concerned “redlining” by financial institutions. In the United States, redlining is the practice of denying services, either directly or through selectively raising prices, to residents of certain areas based on the racial or ethnic makeups of those areas. While some of the most famous examples of redlining regard denying financial services such as banking or insurance, or other services such as health care or even supermarkets, can be denied to residents to carry out redlining. The term “redlining” was coined in the late 1960s by John McKnight, a sociologist and community activist. It refers to the practice of marking a red line on a map to delineate the area where banks would not invest; later the term was applied to discrimination against a particular group of people (usually by race or sex) irrespective of geography. Today, almost 70 years later, redlining not only continues to exist, it has expanded! (Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)
Blackonomics Black-on-Black coalescence By James Clingman (Part II) Differences versus commonalities: Enslavement was different in the U.S. from the brand that was practiced in the Caribbean and Brazil and other South American countries. Thus, we view our lives through different lenses when it comes to independence, entrepreneurship, and politics. We must build bridges, learning from and sharing with one another as we go along, because we have a wealth of knowledge and command trillions of dollars in income. It’s simply a matter of pooling our intellectual talent and our economic resources to build and sustain our own economy within larger economies. Once that takes place, Black people will no longer have to worry about negative public policy issues that adversely affect our people. Economic leverage will take care of that and more. Take a look at Caribbean economic enclaves established by various groups in this country, especially in New York City. Look at the number of businesses owned by folks from the “islands” and how some of those businesses started through the use of “Sou-Sous” or “Susus,” honor-based revolving loan funds used by the members. Individual members deposit a set amount of money into the Sou-Sou on a regular basis, and the entire amount goes to one of the members each month. It runs at least until each member is given the entire amount. One person holds the money and makes the distributions. Businesses are started this way as well as other financial ventures, such as down payments for home purchases, paying off bills, and education expenses. The concept of pooling Black dollars based on trust is a very strong and positive lesson for us, if we would just follow it. It is certainly not a new concept; we are just short on the trust factor. It is sad that, except for weekly church contributions, Black folks are very reluctant to pool our money and help one another. (Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)
Traditional values are popular in the Black Community Raynard Jackson says that the real reason people like these are so often ignored in and by the media is because they are Black, heterosexual, American citizens, who are God fearing Christians. cans. By Raynard Jackson But I think the other (NNPA News Wire Columnist) things they have in comWhat do these four people all have mon are infinitely more in common: Wardell Stephen “Steph” important. They have Curry, II, better known as Steph never received a conCurry, Ayesha Alexander Curry, gratulatory phone call from President Obama for Carvin Haggins and BriaMarie? Yes, they are all involved in enter- their courage to come out of the closet tainment at the highest levels. Yes, about their Christian faith. They have they all have achieved some measure never been interviewed on MSNBC. of success within the industry. Yes, (Read full story on they are all Black. Yes, they are all www.thewestsidegazette.com) Christians and yes they are all Ameri
www.thewestsidegazette.com
AF amily T hat Prays T ogether, Stays T ogether Family That Together, Together
Church Directory
Worship T his and Every Sunday at the Church of Your Choice This
Bethel Missionary Baptist Church 2211 N.W. 7th Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33061 Church: (954) 583-9368 Email: bethelmbchurchfl@att.net
Reverend Jimmy L. English PASTOR WORSHIP SERVICES Sunday Worship ............................................................. 8 a.m. & 11 a.m. Sunday School ........................................................................... 9:30 a.m. Wednesday (Prayer Service & Bible Study) ............................... 7:30 a.m. Saturday (Women Bible Study) ............................................................ 8 a.m. "Baptized Believers working together to do the will of God"
Elevating Word Church 911 N.W. 209 Ave., Suite 122 PEMBROKE PINES, FL 33029 (954) 297-9530 ewc@elevatingwordchurch.org www.elevatingwordchurch.org Sunday Prayer -- 10:30 a.m. Sunday Worship -- 10:45 a.m. Wednesday Adult & Youth Bible Study -- 7:30 p.m. MONTHLY EVENTS *Men’s and Women’s Ministry, *Villa Maria Nursing Home *Food Distribution
Pastor McQuaise & Antoinette Hepburn
“Renewing minds, transforming lives, and impacting the world for Christ.”
New Mount Olive Baptist Church 400 N.W. 9th Ave., Ft. Lauderdale 33311 (954) 463-5126 ● Fax: (954) 525-9454 CHURCH OFFICE HOURS Monday - Friday 8:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Dr. Marcus D. Davidson, Senior Pastor WORSHIP SERVICES & BIBLE STUDY Sunday .................................................... 7:15 a.m. 9:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. Sunday School ............................................................................ 10:00 a.m. Wednesday Noonday Service .................................. 12:00-12:30 p.m. Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting ............................................ 6:30 p.m. Wednesday Night Bible Study ................................................... 7:00 p.m. Where the kingdom of God is increased through Fellowship. Leadership, Ownership and Worship F.L.O.W. To Greatness!
St Paul United Methodist Church 244 S.E. Second Avenue Deerfield Beach, Florida 33341 (954) 427-9407 EMAIL EMAIL:: Stpaulmeth@bellsouth.net WEBSITE WEBSITE:: saintpauldeerfield.com
Rev. Dr. Jimmie L. Brown Senior Pastor
SERVICES
Sunday School .................................................................................... 10 a.m. Sunday Worship ................................................................................ 11 a.m. Bible Study (Tuesday) ....................................................... 11 a.m. & 7.p.m.
Obituaries James C. Boyd Funeral Home BELL Funeral services for the late Jamie Jerrod Bell - 41were held April 23at James C. Boyd’s Memorial Chapel with Evang. Katrina Bell officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.
Harris Chapel United Methodist Church
GORDON Funeral services for the late Andrea Gordon – 48.
Rev. Juana Jordan, M.Div E-MAIL:juana.jordan@flumc.org 2351 N.W. 26th Street Oakland Park, Florida 33311 Church Telephone: (954) 731-0520 Church Fax: (954) 731-6290
SERVICES Sunday Worship ................................................. 7:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. Sunday School .............................................................................. 9:00 a.m. Wednesday (Bible Study) ........................................... 11a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Mount Calvary Baptist Church
800 N.W. 8th Avenue Pompano Beach, Florida 33060 Church Telephone: (954) 943-2422 Church Fax: (954) 943-2186 E-mail Address: Mtcalvarypompano@bellsouth.net
Reverend Anthony Burrell, Pastor SCHEDULE OF SERVICES SUNDAY
New Member Orientation ........................... 9:30 a.m. Sunday School ................................................ 9:30 a.m. Worship Service ........................................ 11:00 a.m. WEDNESDAY Prayer Meeting ............................................... 6:00 p.m. Bible Study ..................................................... 7:00 p.m.
"Doing God's Business God's Way, With a Spirit of Excellence"
Mount Hermon A.M.E. Church Reverend Henry E. Green, Jr., Pastor 401 N.W. 7th Terrace, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 Phone: (954) 463-6309 FAX 954 522-4113 Office Hours: Tuesday - Friday 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Email infor@mthermonftl.com
SUNDAY CHURCH SERVICES Worship Service ..................................................................... 7:30 & 10:30 a.m. Fifth Sunday ONLY .................................................................................... 10 a.m. Church School ........................................................................................ 9:15 a.m. BIBLE STUDY: Wednesday ....................................................................... 10 a.m. Gems & Jewels Ministry Senior Wednesday Wednesday (Bible Study) .................................................... 12 Noon & 7 - 8 p.m. Daily Prayer Line ...................................................................................... 6 a.m. (712)432-1500 Access Code296233#
Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church 1161 NW 29th Terr., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. 33311 (954) 581-0455 ● Fax: (954) 581-4350 www.mtzionmbc1161.com
Dr. James B. Darling, Jr., Pastor/Teacher WORSHIP SERVICES Worship Service ............................................................................................................ 10:15 a.m. Sunday School ................................................................................................................ 9:00 a.m. Communion Service (1st Sunday) ........................................................................... 10:15 a.m. Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting ........................................................................... 6:30 p.m. Wednesday Night Bible Study ................................................................................... 7:00 p.m. Saturday (2nd & 4th) Christian Growth & Orientation ................................... 8:30 a.m. But be doers of the Word - James 1:22 nkjv - “A Safe Haven, and you can get to Heaven from here”
New Birth Baptist Church The Cathedral of Faith International Bishop Victor T. Curry, M.Min., D.Div. Senior Pastor/Teacher 2300 N.W. 135th Street Miami, Florida 33167
ORDER OF SERVICES Sunday Worship ........................................................ 7:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. Sunday School ....................................................................................................... 9:30 a.m. Tuesday (Bible Study) ......................................................................................... 6:45 p.m. Wednesday (Bible Study) ............................................................................... 10:45 a.m.
1-800-254-NBBC * (305) 685-3700 (o) *(305) 685-0705 (f) www.newbirthbaptistmiami.org
Join The Religious Elite In Our Church Directory call us TToday oday -- (954) 525-1489
April 28 - May 4, 2016 • Page 7
Westside Gazette
LASTER Funeral services for the late Maggie Mae Lester – 86 were held April 223 at James C. Boyd’s Memorial Chapel with Brother Bon M. Boyd officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens. RIGGINS Funeral services for the late Mother Rosa Mae Riggins – 88 were held April 23 at The House of God Which is the Church of the Living God the Pillar and Ground of the Truth Without Controversy, Inc with General Elder Emma A. Lowery officiating. Interment: Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens (Central). SMITH Funeral services for the late Mamie Bellamy Smith –88 were held April 22 at New Mount Ol-
ive Baptist Church with Dr. Marcus D. Davidson officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.
McWhite's Funeral Home BARLOW Funeral services for the late Lottie Barlow. CANION Funeral services for the late Brenda R. Canion63 were held April 23 at Brown’s Temple F.B.H. Church with Pastor Alice Davis officiating. Interment: Forest Lawn Funeral Home. CARTER Funeral services for the late George Mae Carter -84 were held April 23 at New Hope Baptist Church with Pastor Ricky Scott officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens. CESEVETTE Funeral services for the late Lucille Cesevette -91 were held April 22 at McWhite’s Funeral Home Chapel with Elder Mark Almy officiating. CLARK Funeral services for the late Carrie Mae Clark -82 were held April 23 at McWhite’s Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Hart officiating. CLERIZIE Funeral services for the late Francin Clerizier –53 were held
Williams Memorial CME “PRAYER IS THE ANSWER” 644-646 NW 13th Terrace Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33311 (954) 462-5711(Ministry Office Line) (954) 462-8222(Pastor’s Direct Line) Email: wm_cme@bellsouth.net (Church} pastorCal50@yahoo.com (Pastor)
Rev. Cal Hopkins. M.Div) Senior Pastor/Teacher
The WITNESS of “The WILL” Sunday Worship Experiences ................................................................ 7:45 and 11:00 a.m. Sunday School ................................................................................................................. 9:30 a.m. Tuesday Night Triumph {Prayer, Praise and Power} Prayer Meeting ................................................................................................................ 7:00 p.m. Bible Study ........................................................................................................................ 7:30 p.m. We STRIVE to PROVIDE Ministries that matter TODAY to Whole Body of Christ, not only the Believers, but also for those stranded on the “Jericho Road”! “Celebrating over 85 Years of FAITH and FAVOR! Come to the WILL ... We’ll show You the WAY: Jesus the Christ!”
April 23 at McWhite’s Funeral Home Chapel.
GRANT Funeral services for the late Charlie Grant –79 were held April 23 at McWhite’s Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Dwain Mingo officiating. Interment: Forest Lawn Central. RHODES Funeral services for the late Charlean S. “Pixie” Rhodes –71 were held April 23 at McWhite’s Funeral Home Chapel. Interment: Forest Lawn Cemetery (Central). ROBINSON Funeral services for the late Roxie Beolia Robinson –91 were held April 23 at Lighthouse Worship Center COGIC with Dr. W.M. Ramsey officiating. SANDERS Funeral services for the late Kimberly Sanders –56 were held April 23 at McWhite’s Funeral Home.
Roy Mizell & Kurtz Funeral Home CURRINGTON Funeral services for the late Myrtle PorterCurring-ton 79 were held April 25 at House of God East Coast State Complex with Pastor Jerry Taylor officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.
GREEN Funeral services for the late Josephine Osborne-Green 55 were held April 23 at Peaceful Zion Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. R.S. Moncrief officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens. STUBBS Funeral services for the late A l p h o n s o Stubbs - 78 were held April 23 at Washington Park National Church of God with Rev. George Bowles officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens. VELEZ Funeral services for the late Dr. Wendolina Blanca Moore Velez -91 were held April 21 at Seventh Day Adventist Church with Dr. Norman G. Knight officiating. Interment:South Florida National Cemetery, Lake Worth, Fl. WILLIAMS Funeral services for the late Carl Williams, Jr -83 were held April 23 at Roy Mizell & Kurtz Worship Center. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.
Kids Talk About God
Is life an accident?
By Carey Kinsolving and friends (Part 2 of 2) “If life were an accident, why would we be here on the Earth?” asks Jenna, age 6. The “why” question is what separates humans from animals and other living things. Animals don’t ask “Why?” They don’t question their destiny or pose existential questions. Dogs don’t long to be cats. They instinctively chase cats. (Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)
Page 8 • April 28 - May 4, 2016
BUSINESS
www.thewestsidegazette.com
Westside Gazette
UNITY IN THE COMMUNITY DIRECTORY
OFFICE: (954) 733-7700 ext. 111 CELL: (754) 234-4485 4360 W. Oakland Park Boulevard Lauderdale Lakes, Florida 33313 ken@acclaimcares.com
24 Hour Good Neighbor Service Se habla espanol
Johnnie Smith, Jr Jr.. Enrolled Agent F ranchise T ax P rofessional Tax Professional *T ax P reparation *Accounting *P ayroll *Tax Preparation *Payroll 3007 W W.. Commercial Blvd., Suite 204 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 Tel. (954) 730-2226 - Fax: (954) 730-2036 Cell (954) 303-5779 johnnie.smith@hrblock.com www .hrblock.com www.hrblock.com
STS TAX SERVICES INC. in association with
FUNdraising Good Times Where’s the money? How do you process gifts? By Pearl and Mel Shaw
Freeman - R.L. Macon Funeral Home "AN INSTITUTION
WITH A
SOUL"
RICHARD L. MACON LICENSED FUNERAL DIRECTOR NOTARY OWNER 738 DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. BLVD. POMPANO BEACH, FL 33060 (954) 946-5525
Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted. –Albert Einstein Ideally your nonprofit is focused on raising the money you need to deliver on your mission and vision. You have a strong fund-raising team with talented staff, enthusiastic volunteers, the right technology, and a communications strategy that gets the word out to all the right people. The money is coming in and everyone is feeling good a-bout the progress being made. You believe you are on target to meet or beat your fundraising goals. Or are you? What do you know, and what do you not know? Tracking gifts and grants received can be a challenge. That may sound odd, but if you think about it there are many ways that funds can be received, deposited and (hopefully) acknowledged. Here are three scenarios to consider 1. A donor personally gives the executive director or president a check. What does she do with it? Does she give it to the accounting department? Does she ask her assistant to deposit it? How long does this take? How many hands does it pass through? Does she communicate any written or verbal directions from the donor? If the gift is for a new science
Specializing in White Flies
lab, how would the accounting department know this? How would the funds be recorded so that expenses can be charged against the grant? 2. A check arrives in the mail. What happens to it? Who opens the mail? Does the person know who should receive checks? The executive director? The accounting department? Development department? If a check is directed to a specific department, who within the department receives it? If the check is given to the accounting department, how do people in development know that a check has been received? Do you use a shared database? Do checks need to be entered in two different systems? If you don’t enter gifts in the fundraising database, how do you know when a donor you have been cultivating makes a gift? How will you thank this person? Do the accounting and develop-
ment departments reconcile their numbers on a regular basis? 3. A volunteer secures a gift when meeting with a donor. What does he do with it? Do your volunteers know who to call in the development office? Do development professionals stay in close contact with fundraising volunteers? What if a donor agrees to a gift when meeting with a volunteer, and later transfers funds electronically? How would your nonprofit link the gift to the donor? Who would know to send a thank you? Related to these scenarios, how quickly are checks deposited? How are checks, electronic transfers, and online gifts linked to individual or institutional donors and their requirements? (Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)
www.thewestsidegazette.com
Westside Gazette Congr esswoman Fr ederica S. Wilson hosts candlelight vigil Congresswoman Frederica at the U.S. State Department to honor the Chibok Girls
April 28 - May 4, 2016 • Page 9
Don’t treat people like cut flowers (Cont'd from FP)
Rep. Wilson hosts State Department vigil for Chibok girls. WASHINGTON, D.C. – With the U.S. State Department as their backdrop, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (DFla.) and a bipartisan group of lawmakers on Wednesday, April 20, 2016, gave the world a moving reminder that the 219 Chibok schoolgirls who are still missing after their abduction by Boko Haram deserve to be remembered every day, not just on tragic anniversaries, and
that the fight for their safe return is a global one. They also praised the girls who escaped from the terrorist group on April 14, 2014, for their courage and their commitment to continuing their studies. As night fell, two of the Chibok girls who escaped read by candlelight a roll call of their 219 missing sisters, classmates, and friends. “I want to tell the world that
we will never forget about the girls who are in captivity. I believe that the same God that gave us the courage to escape is the same God who is going to rescue those girls in captivity. We still love them. Sometimes I used to sit down and think maybe they’re thinking that we forgot about them, that we’re not thinking about them, but that’s not right,” said Saa. “Thank you so much for your support.
Dr. Michael Wiltshire, school reformer (Cont'd from FP) Wiltshire lengthened Medgar Evers’ school day from 7:10 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. and arranged after-school educational programs. He established a Saturday academy and mandatory summer school. It became a year-round center of learning. “The first thing we had to do was change the culture,” said Wiltshire. “The school had a narrow curriculum with students just getting by on the basics.” He set new graduation requirements with more rigorous course study: Four credits of science, four more of math and at least one Advanced Placement class. The school emphasizes math, science and technology, yet students now enjoy athletics and performing arts classes. Students must main-
tain an 80+ GPA. Wiltshire phased out the ninth-through-12th grade high school model. He added sixth through eighth grades as an early high school. These students followed the high school curriculum and even took New York State’s demanding Regents exams. Ninth and 10th grades were considered high school. And “early college” began in 11th grade. The school even got a new name: Medgar Evers College Pre-paratory School. The difference was “night and day,” said assistant principal for science Delroy Burnett, who preceded Wiltshire at Evers. “Yes, some teachers resisted,” said Burnett. “But they left the school. They were not ready for a more rigorous curriculum.” With the community and pa-
rents seeing positive results, enrollment expanded from 600 to 1,261 students. Good education has a price tag, said Burnett. With more students, the district provided more money. Wiltshire recalled a parent who came in to consult him privately. She wanted no obstacles to hinder her ninthgrader. “The family was living in a shelter,” said Wiltshire. “Four years later, the boy was salutatorian of his class. Now he’s in a doctorate program in pharmacy.” That story echoed Wiltshire’s education. His mother was a visionary, Wiltshire said. She wanted to become a teacher herself, but her dreams did not outpace their abject poverty in Jamaica. “I learned from my mom that an education is the greatest gift you can give a child,” said Wiltshire.
Howard students call news of President Obama’s commencement speech ‘surreal’ laboratory sciences, said she was “It’s like the perfect ending, (Cont'd from FP) “It is an extraordinary honor and privilege for the Howard University community to welcome President Barack H. Obama to our campus to deliver the 2016 commencement address,” Frederick said “The president’s commitment to education, especially for those who can least afford it, dovetails with Howard’s commitment to provide these same students with a rigorous, intellectually-stimulating, and academically-challenging educational experience.” Frederick said the event will impact Howard far beyond the commencement. “As we look into the not so distant future, Howard will commemorate its 150th anniversary in March 2017, emboldened by a legacy of addressing disparities that are in-extricably intertwined with this nation’s legacy of equality and inclusivity,” he said. “President Obama’s own legacy gives the Howard community great expectations for the leadership footprint it will leave on America and the globe.” Makaela James, a senior public relations major, said with this also being the president’s last full year in office, it gives the moment an even greater significance to hear one of his final speeches. “This is actually very historic,” James Abigail Idokogi, a senior majoring in clinical
beginning to feel as though her senior year was a “flop.” The events she had looked forward to ended up either being cancelled or not being as fun as she expected them to be. “I was beginning to feel like my entire senior year was lackluster, but this was like the cherry on the top of a cake that already didn’t have any icing on it,” Idokogi said. “This is finally Howard’s opportunity to give me the parting gift I deserve after all the stress.” The White House announcement gave a special nod to Howard. “As one of the nation’s top Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Howard University is recognized for its rigorous education and legacy of building lasting bridges of opportunity for young people,” it said. Howard law student Lindsey Parker said the announced has not just excited graduating seniors, “but the families of these students, faculty and under classmen are also very eager.” Physician assistant major Yasmeenah Howard agreed. “Before I found out the news, my mother and other family members continued sending me text messages of the exciting news,” Howard said. She said she mentioned that she never would have thought that the president of the United States would be delivering her commencement speech.
honestly,” she said. “We came in at a very live time and we are leaving at a very live time,” said Kevin Wilson, senior supply chain management major. Wilson said he won’t be graduating yet, but “I’ll be out there celebrating with my peoples.” Not everyone was surprised. Tré Clayton, a senior finance major said Obama and first lady Michelle Obama as well as other members of his administration “were already committed to speaking at HBCU’s. Howard University was the last major tier left.” Still, Clayton said, it is special. “This is surreal, because I grew up with the president leading my country…,” he said. “One of his last speeches as president will be geared toward my cohorts and I, preparing us for the real world.” Frederick’s announcement said Obama will be the sixth U.S. president to address Howard’s commencement. For some, the fact that Obama is the nation’s first Black president makes the occasion even more significant. Richmond Hayes, senior psychology major, said the first word he thought was, “Finally!” “This announcement has been a long time coming,” Hayes said. “HU16 prayed for this and our prayers were answered. We are truly the greatest class of all time.”
Keep praying and keep hoping, don’t give up. Let’s keep campaigning, let’s keep tweeting, let’s keep posting about the girls and I believe they will come home one day.” Congressional Black Caucus Chairman G.K. Butterfield (DN.C.), and Reps. Curt Clawson (R-Fla.), Karen Bass (D-Calif.), Trent Franks (R-Ariz.), Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.), and Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Tex.) also participated in the vigil, which was filmed by MSNBC; Voice of America; and ABC’s Nightline, which will air a documentary. Each lawmaker urged all Americans and people all over the world to stand up for the missing Chibok girls and to unite in the effort to eradicate Boko Haram, the world’s most deadly terrorist group.
How wrong they are for that misconception and ill-fated notion to believe that one’s use is based upon one’s age. Just because the physical portrait once seen in the eyes from a reflection of an outward appearance is fading, this doesn’t lessen the quality of the spirit of the person. Of years gone by none are wasted; they are reverted back to be used as energy in another way. How can the useless (those who are unaware of the spirit in them and others) call the useful (spirit driven) useless? “Lord, make me to know my end And what is the extent of my days; Let me know how transient I am. “Behold, You have made my days as handbreadths, And my lifetime as nothing in Your sight; Surely every man at his best is a mere breath.” Psalms 39:4-5 Sometimes we get angry because we have yet to understand the value of this life we have to the fullest we’re given. For some that means that we are plucked from the garden, cut down and cut off, used and discarded without ever being allowed to complete the process of giving all that we have. “LORD, make me to know my end And what is the extent of my days; Let me know how transient I am.” Psalm 39:4 Even in our own families our children and elders are discarded away like old used tennis shoes. We look at them literally as if their soles are worn out and yet, in actuality, their soles are being properly prepared for their greater use. “I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well.” Psalm 139:14 Before we judge the old vase unworthy to hold such beautiful flowers, remove the dust and see the essence of usefulness in the worn in impressions of time. A young man who is experiencing a life ending disease stated it this way, “This is His plan and I am blessed to live it.”—Barry Huff WE ARE ALL SUBJECT TO THE VESITUDE OF GOD’S GRACE.WE JUS DON’T LOOK LIKE IN THE SAME WAY AT THE SAME TIME
"Few are too young, and none too old, to make the attempt to learn." Booker T. Washington
Page 10 • April 28 - May 4, 2016
Should the descendants of former Georgetown University slaves be compensated by the institution? By Victor Ochieng It’s reported that during its financial crisis in 1838, Georgetown University earned millions of dollars from selling 272 of its slaves. The university is now in focus for its historic link to slavery. The slaves were bound and forced onto a ship and transported to Louisiana from Maryland, their plantation home. The slaves comprised of fathers-to-be, toddlers, pregnant women, and grandparents. Among the slaves was a two month-old infant who is said to be the youngest slave sold to save Georgetown. According to The New York Times, many people in Georgetown are now asking whether
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. May 5, 12, 19, 26, 2016
it’s time for the Catholic University to compensate the descendants of these slaves as a way of making amends. Many are wondering how the Catholic priests who led the university could hold several human beings in very unkind bondage and then sell them into cruel circumstances.
REGIONAL ORGANIZER Bread for the World, Inc. seeks a Regional Organizer to build, organize and strengthen a regional grassroots network to help Bread accomplish its legislative goals toward ending hunger and poverty in the United States and internationally. To learn more go to: www.bread.org/ careers. Please submit a cover letter and resume to Careers.Florida@bread.org.
MISCELLANEOUS ACADEMY SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE
Monitor Facility. REQ: B.B.A & 2 year EXP. Resume: Vet & Human Partners. 4255N Pine Islnd Rd. Frt Lauderdale Fl 33351
The Academy School of Excellence admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
April 21, 28, 2016
April 28, 2016
HELP WANTED Op. Manager.
www.thewestsidegazette.com
Westside Gazette
PUBLIC NOTICE City of Fort Lauderdale to Chlorinate Water System Preventive Maintenance Scheduled for May 10 – June 14, 2016 The City of Fort Lauderdale will temporarily return to using free chlorine in its drinking water system. This preventive maintenance procedure will begin at 9 a.m., Tuesday, May 10 and will end at 9 a.m., Tuesday, June 14, 2016. Free chlorination is a common practice for water systems using combined chlorine disinfection. Flushing fire hydrants is a routine part of the free chlorination process. The chlorination period is anticipated to be transparent to water customers; however, some may notice a slight change in the taste or smell of their tap water. This procedure will affect the City of Fort Lauderdale, as well as Lauderdaleby-the-Sea, Port Everglades, Village of Sea Ranch Lakes, Wilton Manors, and sections of the Town of Davie, Oakland Park, and Tamarac (east of State Road 7/441). Fort Lauderdale utility customers may contact the 24-hour Customer Service Center at (954) 828-8000 or online at www.fortlauderdale.gov/customerservice. Customers who receive a utility bill from other municipalities or entities should call their respective water provider’s customer service phone number for more information.
It is known from history that some of the slaves were actually donated by rich parishioners, and during that time, Georgetown depended on profits from Jesuit plantations in Maryland to run the college. It was a requirement by the priests that their slaves should attend Mass, but life was not easy. The slaves were mistreated and sold just like any other slaves. Many people are still questioning the sale of 272 men, women, and children. As it was then and it is now, they believe that this number is too big. (Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)
Miami Heat: Did you think it would be easy?
By D’Joumbarey A. Moreau You didn’t think advancing in the playoffs was an easy task did you?
In case, you didn’t know, every player on the Miami Heat gets paid to play professional basketball. Just like every opponent that the Heat has fac-
ed this season. If you’ve never watched a Heat game the entire year and just started watching during the playoffs then you would’ve thought that after the first two games the Heat played against the Charlotte Hornets that this series would be simple. You would’ve thought Miami would’ve scored at least 100 points for each game and cruise their way into the next round of the playoffs. If you really thought that this series would be a sweep then you were only fooling yourself. “Now, we have to sit back and look and don’t think it’s going to be easy. It’s good now that everyone sees this is going to be a dogfight. They’re as good a team as we are if they get to their game. (Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)
www.thewestsidegazette.com
Westside Gazette
Patrice Curry on losing her mother to AIDS By Britni Danielle Basketball Wives star Patrice Curry was just a freshman in high school when she found out her mother had contracted HIV. At the time, during the early 1990s, most people believed the diagnosis was an immediate death sentence, but seeing a presentation by HIV/AIDS advocate Rae Lewis Thornton helped a then-14-year-old Curry cope with her mother’s illness. “She made me feel a little bit better because she had had it for so long and she was doing all right,” Curry recalls. “And at the time, my mother wasn’t doing terribly bad. If she hadn’t told me she was sick, I wouldn’t have known she was sick.” Curry says that her mother didn’t tell many people about her diagnosis, effectively minimizing the stigma experienced by many People Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). Still, Curry saw firsthand how AIDS negatively affected others as she watched her mother’s exfiance, the man from whom she’d acquired HIV, succumb to complications from the disease. “I watched him deteriorate. Once he got sick enough, his family was afraid of the disease, so they didn’t want him around,” she says. “So my mom took care of him. That really bothered me for a lot of years. I was a kid and couldn’t understand how she could help the guy who pretty much sealed her death warrant.” Watching this dynamic had a negative effect on Curry. “I was an angry girl who was mad at the world for what I was wat-
ching happen right before my eyes,” she says. Curry’s mother moved on with her life, however, and began dating another man. Soon she became pregnant and took ARVs throughout her pregnancy. Thankfully, Curry’s little sister, Brandi, was born without the virus, but her mother’s health soon took a turn for the worse. “Going through the pregnancy took a lot out of her,” she explains. “Everything went downhill from there.” Curry spent her senior year at DePaul University shuttling between classes, work and her mother’s bedside. After a few lengthy stints in the hospital, Curry’s mother made it clear that she didn’t want to die there. “It’s the loneliest place on earth,” Curry says. “She wanted to die at home in peace.” Her mother passed away in July 2001, just two months after Curry’s college graduation. “It was a very traumatic experience. My little sister was four and a half and we were all there,” Curry recalls. After her mother’s death, Curry took on the responsibility of raising her sister, but she struggled to make it work. “I was a kid raising a kid,” she says. “I didn’t know what I was doing, and I think I didn’t have the best impact because I wouldn’t let her call me mommy because I was worried it would take away from her memory of our mother. When I look back now, I realize I didn’t make the best choice, because normal kids need a mother and father and someone they can feel connected to, but I didn’t get that then.” These days, Curry and Brandi are very close, and Curry hopes to use her experi-
CURRY ence and platform to help other families cope with the disease. “I tried to shed some light on it when I was filming Basketball Wives, but I guess they didn’t think it made for good TV,” she says. Still, she hasn’t let that stop her. “I just hope to be able to use my story to help the next little girl or boy who is suffering silently the way I was, or help another young adult who has to raise their little brother or sister because their parent passed away from this disease.” Curry advises HIV-positive parents to be open and honest with their children about their illness. “Communicate everything. Even if you’re afraid to speak the words, write it down. Let your child have those notebooks of information to fill the void once you’re gone,” she says. “I tell parents [to] keep it real, keep it open. Because I’m over here trying to still find answers from people who aren’t [my mother].” Britni Danielle is a Los Angeles-based writer and novelist who frequently covers pop culture, race and parenting. You can follow her on Twitter.
April 28 - May 4, 2016 • Page 11
Page 12 • April 28 - May 4, 2016
www.thewestsidegazette.com
Westside Gazette
NNPA,Chevroletannounce2016DiscovertheunexpectedJournalismFellows By Freddie Allen, NNPA National News Editor Sidnee King, a 20 year-old broadcast journalism student at Howard University, admitted that she was nervous about her summer plans, the day before the 2016 “Discover the Unexpected” (DTU) journalism fellows were announced. King said that she missed the DTU program launch on March 23, when officials from the National Newspaper Pub-
lishers Association (NNPA), Chevrolet and the School of Communications at Howard University revealed that eight student journalists would be selected to produce content for four NNPA member publications. “She said, ‘It’s okay, you’re going to figure it out, don’t worry,’ because I panic some times,” said King. King’s mother reassured her that things would work out, and when they did, King
couldn’t wait to share the great news. “So I just called her and told her that I figured out what I’m doing this summer and it includes an internship and a scholarship and all this good stuff, so she was really excited for me,” said King, a native of Bloomfield Hills, Mich. Gracie Lawson-Borders, the dean of the School of Communications at Howard University said that she hoped that people see the young journalists as the future storytellers of the Black community. (Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)
Men of Destiny observe ‘National Day of Prayer’ By J.G. Session The NNPA, Chevrolet and Howard University recently announced the 2016 Discover the Unexpected journalism fellows in Washington, D.C. (L to r): Brelaun Douglas, Briahnna Brown, Victoria Jones, Tatyana Hopkins, Sidnee King and McKenzie Marshall. (Freddie Allen/AMG/NNPA)
Land promoted to ASU head football coach
ALBANY, GA — Albany State interim Head Football Coach Dan Land has had the temporary tag removed from his title. Land will enter the 2016 football on a full-time basis. “We are pleased Coach Land has accepted the position of head coach on a full-time basis,” ASU athletics director Dr. Richard H. Williams said. “He is familiar with our program and has been
a part of our many successes. We are confident he will continue to lead the great tradition we have built here at Albany State University.” Land led the Golden Rams to a 6-4 overall record and the SIAC East Division championship during the 2015 season. His team made an appearance in the SIAC title
game where it lost to Miles College. Land also had seven players who were named to the 2015 SIAC All-Conference team. One of those players, Jarvis Small, was named the SIAC Offensive Player of the Year. Land served as an assistant coach for Albany State since 2002. During that time, he has coached the defensive backs and has been a part of six SIAC championships and 11 NCAA Division II playoffs appearances. Land has also coached numerous defensive backs who have been named to the SIAC all-conference and NCAA South Regional teams. A former standout player Albany State, Land joined the Golden Rams football program as a running back in 1983. As a Golden Ram, he was a twotime All-Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) team member. During his junior and senior seasons, Land accumulated 2,695 rushing yards and led the team and SIAC in rushing touch-downs. In 1987, Land was drafted as a running back by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He later played 10 years with the Oakland Raiders as a defensive back and completed his career with the Atlanta Falcons.
The community is cordially invited to attend the annual Observance of the National Day of Prayer on Thursday, May 5, 2016 at the local City Halls beginning at 12 noon until 2 p.m., throughout Broward County. The Honorable Bishop Douglas Russell, Jr., has been selected to deliver the Community Prayer at the Commissioner’s Chambers, City of Fort Lauderdale, City Hall, 100 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. He serves as a public elected official for Broward Soil and Water Conservation District, Group four and is the Founder of Men of Destiny Community Outreach, Inc., of South Florida and Retired Bishop of Historic Royal Assembly Church of the Living God, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. and as the former Vice President of the NAACP, Pompano Beach Chapter. Men throughout the community will be in attendance in prayer for building stronger family ties as fathers in the communities, educational and employment opportunities, equality and justice, health, government leaders and numerous other issues affecting all people locally, state and globally. The mission of the National Day of Prayer Task Force is to mobilize prayer in America and to encourage personal repen-
Men of Destiny Bishop Douglas Russell (c). tance and righteousness in the culture. The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance held on the first Thursday of May, inviting people of all faiths to pray for the nation. It was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress, and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. The Task Force is a privately funded organization whose purpose is to encourage participation on the National Day of Prayer. It exists to com-
municate with every individual the need for personal repentance and prayer, to create appropriate materials, and to mobilize the Christian community to intercede for America’s leaders and its families. The Task Force represents a Judeo Christian expression of the national observance, based on our understanding that this country was birthed in prayer and in reverence for the God of the Bible.