The Westside Gazette

PRSRT STD 

U.S. POSTAGE 

PAID 

FT. LAUDERDALE, FL 33310 

PERMIT NO. 1179 

Our office will be closed Monday, November 11th. 

At press time, the election results had not been confirmed. 

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7 - NOVEMBER 13, 2024 

VOL. 53 NO. 40 $1.00 

A MESSAGE FROM 

THE PUBLISHER 

Defend the Heart 

of Sistrunk – 

Say No to the 

Housing Trust 

Group’s Plans 

By Bobby R. Henry, Sr. 

Sistrunk Boulevard has always represented 

something more than just a street in Fort 

Lauderdale. It’s a symbol of our heritage, our 

resilience, and our ambition for the future—a 

destination that proudly reflects the strength 

and culture of this community. And at its 

heart, there are beacons of our history fighting 

to hold on, like the Westside Gazette.... a 

trusted voice for our people, a testament to 

the power of Black journalism, and a reminder 

of the struggles and triumphs of our past. 

Founded by Levi and Yvonne Henry, the 

Westside Gazette embodies the true grit 

and perseverance of those that built and are 

building Black Broward County. Their legacy, 

forged through dedication to truth, community, 

and representation, is woven into the fabric of 

By Kathryn Floyd 

By Stacy M. Brown 

NNPA Newswire Senior 

National Correspondent 

@StacyBrownMedia 

World War II veteran TJ Dowdy will be honored tomorrow at the annual Veterans’ 

Day Salute Breakfast Watch Party as a member of the segregated Tank 

Battalion that trained at Fort Benning in Georgia. Dowdy, who was inducted into the 

army on May 11, 1943, trained in tank maintenance, loading of weaponry, and supply. 

After three months of training, the unit was deployed to Normandy, France where it 

offered valuable support to on-the-ground troops. Dowdy’s unit was also ordered to 

drive tanks to 

Czechoslovakia to stop Germany’s push into other eastern bloc countries. He was 

discharged on April 3, 1946. 

While the armed services were segregated, there were African American units that 

served with honor, including the Black 92nd Infantry Division, or Buffalo Soldiers, the 

100th Infantry Battalion, and the 442 Infantry Regiment. Their units are considered 

the most accomplished units during World War II. The Tuskegee Airmen elite 

piloting skills proved vital in escorting bombers during the war, and the airmen were 

in constant demand. The Tuskegee Airmen were finally recognized many years after 

World War II with the Congressional Gold Medal in 2007. (Cont’d on page 13) 

The Westside Gazette Newspaper 

in Bel Air. The statement did not 

specify the cause. 

Known for producing Michael 

Jackson’s landmark albums, 

“Thriller” and “Bad,” Jones’s 

career far exceeded even those 

iconic works. 

Jones transformed genres, 

introduced new styles, and 

championed Black artistry in a 

largely segregated industry. The 

Legendary 

Producer 

Quincy 

Jones 

Dies at 91, 

Leaving a 

Monumental 

Legacy in 

Music and 

Culture 

Known for producing Michael Jackson’s landmark albums, “Thriller” and “Bad,” Jones’s career far 

exceeded even those iconic works. 

a “Jack of All Trades” but noted 

that Jones “excelled at every role 

he took on.” His contributions 

as a record producer, arranger, 

composer, and performer reflect a 

boundless curiosity that kept him 

at the cutting edge of music across 

generations. His presence shaped 

countless albums, film scores, and 

even social movements, making 

him a bridge between jazz, R&B, 

Quincy Jones, the record 

producer, arranger, and cultural 

trailblazer whose influence 

spanned more than seven decades, 

has died at 91. His publicist, 

Arnold Robinson, confirmed his 

death in a statement, noting that Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which pop, and hip-hop and between 

(Cont’d on page 11) Jones died peacefully at his home inducted him in 2013, called him (Cont’d on page 5) 

World War II veteran TJ Dowdy honored in Broward 

DOWDY 

@TheWestsideGazetteNewspaper 

Trump’s 

“Bad Things 

Could Happen” 

– A Warning We 

Can’t Ignore 

For God hath not 

given us the spirit of 

fear; but of power, and 

of love, and of a sound 

mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV) 

By Bobby R. Henry, Sr. 

As a Black man in America, 

I’ve learned to listen closely 

when those in power take off 

their white robes and pointed 

white hats and put on red 

neck ties with their negroes 

in tow, begin to stoke fears 

and lean on threats. So, when 

Donald Trump suggested that 

“bad things could happen if I 

lose,” I took notice not out of 

fear but as a reminder. His 

words were more than just 

a comment—they were a 

direct channel to a dark part 

of American history where 

intimidation, violence, and 

division were tactics used to 

secure their position of power. 

It’s a message we can’t afford 

to ignore. 

Trump’s BS (being 

stupid) isn’t new. For 

centuries, the myth of “bad 

things” happening if certain 

groups gain power has been 

weaponized to reinforce the 

status quo. We’ve seen it in 

calls to maintain “law and 

order” when Black people 

fought for civil rights, or when 

immigrants were framed as 

threats to justify exclusionary 

policies or be placed into 

concentration camps. Trump’s 

(Cont’d on page 12) 

Thursday 

Nov 11 TH 

Partly Cloudy 

Sunrise: 6:32am 

Fri 

86° 

75° 

84° 

74 

84° 

76° 

85° 

75° 

85° 

77° 

Sunset: 7:51pm 

Sat Sun Mon Tues 

WESTSIDE GAZETTE IS A MEMBER: 

National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) 

Southeastern African-American Publishers Association (SAAPA) 

Florida Association of Black Owned Media (FABOM) 

86° 

75°

nts. 

rty, 

ape 

tial 

r to 

re 

ng 

eir 

ion 

ion 

nt 

he 

tal 

ve 

er 

3.7 

gh 

id 

19. 

est 

rly 

es, 

lic 

ho 

PAGE 2 • NOVEMBER 7 - NOVEMBER 13, 2024 

99-Year-Old Grandmother Receives 

Store NATIONWIDE Manager -- At Therese nearly 100 Watson- years old, Unci Rita Long Visitor Holy 

Dance finally fulfilled a lifelong dream on October 

participated 

21 when 

in the 

she 

vote 

walked 

for B-CU. These enhancements 

across 

Murray, 

the stage 

joined 

in 

forces 

a cap 

in 

and 

yesterday’s 

gown to receive her high school diploma. 

The successful celebration effort. took place Their at the Rio mission Rancho will High help School create Performing more Arts vibrant and engaging spaces for 

Center, was where ambitious, a crowd involving of family, friends, projects and community our students members to retreat gathered on campus for a brain break or 

to ranging witness this from milestone. assembling bookcases find inspiration through the downtime.” 

According to KBTX 3, the event was a complete 

and indoor-outdoor dining sets to Home surprise Depot’s for Unci Rita, “Retool a Your School” program, 

well-respected elder, public speaker, and voice of the Oglala Lakota people. 

“She constructing thinks she’s arcade here to games, meet with foosball the kids,” established explained Scottie in 2009, Pierce, has been a a beacon for positive change, 

close tables, friend basketball and event organizer. hoops, However, hockey it appeared providing Unci over Rita $9.25 may have million in campus improvement 

had sets, an inkling, and table as she tennis arrived tables. in full graduation Even grants attire, to adorned Historically with vibrant Black Colleges and Universities 

designs adverse and weather meaningful conditions imagery. couldn’t (HBCUs). Beyond the competition, the Office of Alumni 

In Lakota, “Unci” (pronounced oon-ch-ee) means “grandmother,” and it’s 

a deter title of their endearment dedication, for Rita, with who the is only seen as Continue a matriarch reading by those online her at: thewestsidegazette.com 

community — even by other grandmothers. As a founding member of the 

have 

International 

earned 

Council 

forgiveness 

of Thirteen 

after 

Indigenous 

Biden 

Grandmothers, 

credited the 

she 

success 

embodies 

The president outlined the 

the wisdom of the council, which represents over 900 years of collective 

a experience decade of among dedicated its members. service. “Unci of Rita these is our relief matriarch,” efforts shared to the her broader achievements of his 

Additionally, close friend Flordemayo, close to a 30,000 Maya elder corrective and fellow council measures member. taken administration in supporting 

individuals The Council who of Thirteen have been Indigenous to Grandmothers, address broken according student to their students and borrowers, 

in website, repayment grandmotherwisdom.org, for at least is loan international programs. alliance He asserted dedicated including achieving the most 

to issues like environmental preservation, human rights, and indigenous 

20 cultural years advocacy. without Members receiving include that Aama these Bombo fixes from have Nepal, removed Maria Alice significant increases in Pell 

relief Campos through Freire from income-driven 

Brazil, and Rose barriers Bernadette preventing Rebienot Owansango borrowers from Grants in over a decade, aimed 

repayment Gabon, all prominent plans will advocates now see for indigenous from accessing rights. the relief they Continue reading online at: 

their Rio debts Rancho forgiven. Mayor Gregg Hull were and Suzanne entitled Nguyen, to under the the executive law. thewestsidegazette.com 

director of Native 

American Programs, 

opened the ceremony, 

welcoming about 100 

College 

students, faculty, 

and supporters 

quiescent 

who had gathered 

Prep 

corroborate 

to honor Unci Rita. 

Word of 

Superintendent Sue 

[ kwee-es-uhnt, (noun) kwahy- ] 

Cleveland expressed 

the Week 

the community’s joy in 

1 

to support with evidence or authority : 

Continue reading 

online at: 

adjective strengthen or makr more certain HOW TO USE QUIESCENT IN A 

thewestsidegazette.com 

HOW TO USE IN A SENTENCE: SENTENCE 

being at rest; inactive or 

motionless; quiet; still: a 

quiescent mind. 

- The witness had corroborated the boy’s accounty of the attack 

Submitted by Diana Hanford 

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL --Distinguished 

leaders in education, business and the community who 

are alumni of Broward County Public Schools will be 

honored at the 2024 Hall of Fame Award Breakfast 

presented by Publix Super Markets Charities on 

Friday, December 13, beginning at 7:30 a.m. at First 

Baptist Fort Lauderdale, 301 E. Broward Boulevard. 

In addition to receiving their award at the breakfast, 

the 2024 honorees will be recognized with an engraved 

granite star on the BrightStar Credit Union “Walk of 

Fame” plaza at the Broward County Public Schools 

district office as well as on the Wall of Fame in the lobby 

B-CU Celebrates Day of Service of the building. with BrightStar Credit Union is a longtime 

valued partner of Broward Education Foundation. 

“Our honorees are shining examples of the 

Home Depot’s “Retool Your School” #1 

education students receive in Broward County Public 

Schools, becoming leaders in business, education and 

Submitted by B-CU 

concession being the postponement of painting and 

in the community,” said Dustin Jacobs, board chair of 

stripping the basketball court Broward – a minor Education hiccup Foundation until and vice president of 

Bethune-Cookman University more favorable weather prevails. 

Photo credit: Broward Education Foundation 

marketing for BrightStar Credit Union. “Through our 

celebrated a significant day of unity Dr. William Berry, Provost support and of Acting the Broward President, Education Foundation, we not 

and service on Thursday, Jan. 18, expressed excitement and gratitude, only celebrate stating, these “We outstanding are individuals, we are 

at the Michael and Libby Johnson excited about this project and also grateful inspiring to all the those next generation who of leaders in our 

Her Center for High Civic Engagement 

schools to continue following in the footsteps of present 

School Diploma 

and past Hall of Fame Award recipients.” 

(CCE). This momentous occasion 

brought together students, faculty, 

The 2024 Broward Education Foundation Hall of Fame 

staff, alumni, and friends to 

honorees are: 

commemorate the University’s 

recent accomplishment – securing 

Leaders receiving the Community Achievement 

the fourth position in Home 

Award for alumni who have made significant 

Depot’s prestigious “Retool Your 

accomplishments in any field are: 

School” competition and receiving a 

Torey Alston, Executive Director & CEO Greater 

Miami Expressway, Blanche Ely High School, Class of 

substantial $60,000 grant dedicated 

2002 

to campus enhancement. 

Despite cooler temperatures and 

Sandra Veszi Einhorn, CNP, Executive Director 

overcast skies, the collective spirit 

Coordinating Council of Broward and Nonprofit 

prevailed as almost 135 participants, 

Executive Alliance, Hollywood Hills High School, Class 

led by Home Depot Daytona Beach 

of 1999 

Jamonica Rolle, College Provost and Senior Vice 

President of Academic Affairs at Broward College, 

Blanche Ely High School, Class of 1995 

It’s possible that other volcanoes with 

long quiescentperiods may also have 

subtle but protracted warning periods 

as well. 

Leia’s Mathematics 

Corner 

www.thewestsidegazette.com 

Education, Business and Community Leaders to be Honored 

at Broward Education Foundation’s 2024 Hall of Fame Award 

Breakfast Presented by Publix Super Markets Charities 

Distinguished alumni of Broward County Public Schools will be recognized 

Recipients of the Education Achievement Award 

for their dedication to a career in public education 

are: 

Shawn Aycock, Principal, Pines Middle School, Boyd 

Anderson High School, Class of 1989 

Darrell Hardge. fondly known as “Mr. Harge”, 

President, New Dimension International Training & 

Consulting, Boyd Anderson High School, Class of 1987 

Paul Megna, Teacher, Cooper City High School, Class 

of 1980 

Receiving the JM Family Enterprises, Inc. 

Bravo! Award, presented to an alumnus who has 

made a lasting mark in the community, is LTC 

Kenneth Green. Green credits his professional success 

to the guidance of his high school JROTC instructors, 

football coaches and science teacher, all of whom shaped 

his lifelong dedication to supporting the next generation 

of leaders. He is proud of leading the Broward County 

Public Schools JROTC program that achieved national 

recognition for hosting the world’s only JROTC STEM 

summer camp at Nova Southeastern University, where 

cadets earned college credits and where more than 150 

cadets were certified in Lean Six Sigma White Belt 

Training. 

Green’s contributions have earned him numerous 

recognitions, including the 2019 US Army Cadet 

Command Director of Army Instruction of the Year and 

the title of Honorary Colonel in the Broward County 

Regiment in 2024. A graduate of Dillard High School 

Class of 1985, Green is a respected educator and 

leader who served Broward County Public Schools 

until his retirement in 2024. He currently serves as an 

educational consultant, advisor and mentor. 

“Each year we recognize outstanding graduates of 

Broward County Public High Schools who embody the 

spirit of service and demonstrate how the investment 

in education can change lives and strengthen our 

community,” said James A. Knapp, President and 

CEO of Broward Education Foundation. “They are 

remarkable individuals who continue to have an impact 

throughout their career.” 

Partnerships are available, and tickets are 

$75 per person. For more information, visit 

browardedfoundation.org/halloffame, call (754) 321- 

2032, or e-mail BEFInfo@browardschools.com. 

The Urban League Celebrates 

Exceptional Individuals 

*2024 Black Achievers 

Awards Honorees:* 

*Community Service* 

Brother Lyle Muhammad 

*Arts & Culture* 

Tanisha Cidel 

*Education* 

Dr. Rashondia Gaines 

*Business & 

Entrepreneurism* 

Ronald E. Frazier 

The Urban League 

proudly announces the 

2024 JM Family Black 

Achievers Awards, honoring 

outstanding individuals 

for their remarkable 

contributions to their 

communities. 

On October 29th JM 

Family Enterprises, Inc. , 

celebrate these exceptional 

individuals at The Parker. 

#BlackAchievers 

#CommunityImpact 

#UrbanLeagueCares 

#JMFamily 

*FAMU NAA 

South Florida 

Rattlers 

Attend Board 

of Governors 

Meeting* 

Last week The South Florida 

chapter of the Florida A&M 

University (FAMU) National 

Alumni Association (NAA) Rattlers 

recently gathered at Florida 

International University (FIU) in 

Miami, Florida, for the Board of 

Governors meeting. 

Word List 

compiled by 

Kamar Jackson 

Word Search 

List Compiled 

by Kamar 

Jackson, 

Freshmen 

at Dillard 

Sarah has 15 apples. She gives 4 apples to her friend Mia 

and 3 apples to her brother. How many apples does Sarah 

have left? 

345 

+ 2 

765 

_34 

Created by Leia Palmer 3rd grader! 

*Event Highlights* 

- Networking opportunities with 

fellow alumni 

- Discussions on regional 

initiatives and university updates 

- Strengthening Rattler Nation 

ties in South Florida 

*Representing the Region* 

The Broward Rattlers were 

among the attendees, proudly 

representing their local chapter. 

*Social Media Buzz* 

Share your experience! 

#FloridaRegion #RattlerNation 

#BrowardRattlers


Megan Garcia, of Florida, stands with her son, Sewell Setzer III, in this Oct. 2024 photo. 

(AP Photo / Megan Garcia) 

An AI chatbot pushed a teen 

to end his life, a lawsuit 

against its creator alleges 

By Kate Payne 

The Associated Press 

EDITOR’S NOTE — This story includes discussion of suicide. If 

you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis 

lifeline in the U.S. is available by calling or texting 988. 

In the final moments before he took his own life, 14-year-old Sewell 

Setzer III took out his phone and messaged the chatbot that had become 

his closest friend. 

For months, Sewell had become increasingly isolated from his real life 

as he engaged in highly sexualized conversations with the bot, according to 

a wrongful death lawsuit filed in a federal court in Orlando this week. 

The legal filing states that the teen openly discussed his suicidal 

thoughts and shared his wishes for a pain-free death with the bot, named 

after the fictional character Daenerys Targaryen from the television show 

“Game of Thrones.” 

On Feb. 28, Sewell told the bot he was ‘coming home’ — and it encouraged 

him to do so, the lawsuit says. 

“I promise I will come home to you. I love you so much, Dany,” Sewell 

told the chatbot. 

“I love you too,” the bot replied. “Please come home to me as soon as 

possible, my love.” 

“What if I told you I could come home right now?” he asked. 

“Please do, my sweet king,” the bot messaged back. 

Just seconds after the Character.AI bot told him to “come home,” the 

teen shot himself, according to the lawsuit, filed this week by Sewell’s 

mother, Megan Garcia, of Orlando, against Character Technologies Inc. 

Character Technologies is the company behind Character.AI, an app 

that allows users to create customizable characters or interact with those 

generated by others, spanning experiences from imaginative play to mock 

job interviews. The company says the artificial personas are designed to 

“feel alive” and “human-like.” 

“Imagine speaking to super intelligent and life-like chat bot characters 

that hear you, understand you and remember you,” reads a description for 

the app on Google Play. “We encourage you to push the frontier of what’s 

possible with this innovative technology.” 

Garcia’s attorneys allege the company engineered a highly addictive 

and dangerous product targeted specifically to kids, “actively exploiting 

and abusing those children as a matter of product design,” and pulling 

Sewell into an emotionally and sexually abusive relationship that led to his 

suicide. 

“We believe that if Sewell Setzer had not been on Character.AI, he 

would be alive today,” said Matthew Bergman, founder of the Social Media 

Victims Law Center, which is representing Garcia. 

A spokesperson for Character.AI said Oct.25 that the company doesn’t 

comment on pending litigation. In a blog post published the day the lawsuit 

was filed, the platform announced new “community safety updates,” 

including guardrails for children and suicide prevention resources. 

“We are creating a different experience for users under 18 that includes 

a more stringent model to reduce the likelihood of encountering sensitive 

or suggestive content,” the company said in a statement to The Associated 

Press. “We are working quickly to implement those changes for younger 

users.” 

Google and its parent company, Alphabet, have also been named 

as defendants in the lawsuit. According to legal filings, the founders of 

Character.AI are former Google employees who were “instrumental” in 

AI development at the company, but left to launch their own startup to 

“maximally accelerate” the technology. 

Continue reading online at: thewestsidegazette.com 

NOVEMBER 7 - NOVEMBER 13, 2024 • PAGE 3 

Colonial Williamsburg Restores America’s 

Oldest Black Schoolhouse, Uncovering a 

Legacy of Education and Resilience 

Yet, for the hundreds of students who passed through 

its doors, literacy opened 

possibilities far beyond their 

assigned roles. 

By Stacy M. Brown 

NNPA Newswire Senior 

National Correspondent 

@StacyBrownMedia 

Colonial Williamsburg 

is nearing completion 

on the restoration of the 

Williamsburg Bray School, the 

oldest surviving schoolhouse 

for Black children in America. 

Founded in 1760 by the Associates of Dr. Bray, a British 

Anglican charity, the school was established to teach 

enslaved and free Black children to read, albeit through 

a curriculum that promoted religious submission to 

slavery. Yet, for the hundreds of students who passed 

through its doors, literacy opened possibilities far beyond 

their assigned roles. 

The school’s dedication on November 1 marked a 

milestone in the project’s meticulous restoration efforts, 

with public tours set to begin this spring. Located on the 

grounds of Colonial Williamsburg in partnership with 

William & Mary’s Bray School Lab, the Williamsburg 

Bray School stands as a testament to the oppression 

and resilience woven into early American history. The 

Smithsonian’s Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III, who served 

as the keynote speaker, emphasized the significance 

of the structure by saying that it has “extraordinary 

FBI asked to 

investigate 

death of Black 

man whose 

body was 

found hanging 

in abandoned 

Alabama home 

The wife of Dennoriss Richardson 

said he had filed a lawsuit against 

Sheffield officers and believes his 

death was made to look like a 

suicide. 

By Minyvonne Burke 

(Source NBC News) 

The Colbert County Sheriff’s 

Office in Alabama is asking the 

FBI to investigate a case involving 

a Black man whose body was found 

hanging in an abandoned home amid 

claims from his wife that his death 

was made to look like a suicide. 

The sheriff’s office requested the 

FBI’s involvement in the death of 

39-year-old Dennoriss Richardson, 

whose body was found in September, 

according to The Associated Press. 

The sheriff’s office did not 

immediately respond Saturday to 

a request for comment from NBC 

News. The FBI said it was aware of 

the death but would neither confirm 

nor deny they were taking part in an 

potential” to demonstrate how a small number of people’s 

dreams helped shape 

the values of many 

people. 

Dendrochronology—a 

method of dating wood 

by its growth rings— 

helped identify the 

schoolhouse in 2020, 

confirming that it was 

built in the winter 

of 1759 or spring 

of 1760. Colonial 

Williamsburg’s team, 

under the direction 

of architectural preservation director Matt Webster, 

has now identified the 89th original structure in 

Williamsburg’s Historic Area. 

More than 80 former students, now identified through 

Colonial Williamsburg’s research, attended the Bray 

School in the 1760s. Among them was Isaac Bee, who 

later emancipated himself. His enslaver placed ads 

in the Virginia Gazette warning that Bee “can read.” 

Aberdeen, Bristol, and Phoebe—ages 5, 7, and 3—were 

among other students taught by Ann Wager, the school’s 

only teacher, who instructed over 300 Black children in 

reading, Christianity, and obedience. Despite the proslavery 

curriculum, many students quietly resisted by 

sharing literacy with others in their communities. 

“It’s a story of resilience and resistance,” Maureen 

Elgersman Lee, the Bray School Lab director, told the 


Dennoriss Richardson with three of their five kids. (Leigh Richardson via AP) 

investigation. 

“The FBI is aware of the tragic 

death of Dennoriss Richardson and 

takes allegations of federal law 

violations seriously,” the FBI said 

in a statement. “The FBI reviews 

allegations of criminal conduct for 

their merit and conducts further 

investigation if there is evidence of a 

potential violation of federal law.” 

Richardson was found hanging 

by a rope on Sept. 28 at a home in 

Colbert County. The sheriff’s office 

ruled his death a suicide, the AP 

reported. 

But his wife, Leigh Ann 

Richardson, is not convinced he died 

by suicide, telling AL.com that she 

demands answers. 

“This was made to look like a 

suicide. It’s not a suicide,” she told 

the news site. 

She said her husband filed a 

federal lawsuit in February against 

police in Sheffield, where they 

live, accusing them of taking part 

in abusive behavior while he was 

detained in the Sheffield City Jail in 

2022. The latest filing in the federal 

case was a motion to substitute 

parties with Dennoriss Richardson’s 

wife. 

A lawyer for the sheriff’s office 

did not immediately respond to a 

request to comment. 

Colbert County Sheriff Eric 

Balentine said, according to AL.com, 

that police spoke to other family 

Continue reading online at: 


Jury convicts former Kentucky officer of using excessive 

force on Breonna Taylor during deadly raid 

By DYLAN LOVAN, AP News 

(Source The Culture) 

A federal jury on Friday convicted a former Kentucky police 

detective of using excessive force on Breonna Taylor during a botched 

2020 drug raid that left her dead. 

The 12-member jury returned the late night verdict after clearing 

Brett Hankison earlier in the evening on a charge that he used 

excessive force on Taylor’s neighbors. 

Some members of the jury were in tears as the verdict was read 

around 9:30 p.m. Friday. 

HANKISON 

Hankison fired 10 shots into 

Taylor’s glass door and windows during the raid but didn’t hit 

anyone. Some shots flew into a next-door neighbor’s adjoining 

apartment. 

The death of the 26-year-old Black woman, along with 

the May 2020 police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, 

sparked racial injustice protests nationwide. 

It’s the first conviction of a Louisville police officer who 

was involved in the deadly raid. 

The conviction against Hankison carries a maximum 

sentence of life in prison. 

Hankison, 48, argued throughout the trial that he was 

acting to protect his fellow officers after Taylor’s boyfriend, 

Kenneth Walker, fired on them when they broke down Taylor’s 

door with a battering ram. Walker shot and wounded one of 

TAYLOR the officers. 

GET A 

$125 

REBATE! 

Save water and money with the 

Broward Water Partnership. Apply for 

our $125 rebate on approved 

high-eeciency toilets.* 

APPLY TODAY 

*Check Eligibility & Apply Before Purchase 

Call 800-270-9794 for more information.


Westside Gazette 

Calendar of Events 

Deeply Rooted 

LOCAL HAPPENINGS IN 

BROWARD MIAMI-DADE 

AND PALM BEACH 

COUNTIES 

HAVE YOUR COMMUNITY EVENTS 

PLACED ON THIS PAGE 

email:wgproof@thewestsidegazette.com 

********************************* 

Celebrate Announcements: 

Call -- (954) 525-1489 

Happy Birthday * Weddings 

* Anniversaries 

Retirements * Congratulations 

Happy Veterans Day 

From The 

Staff and Management of the 

Westside Gazette 


Dillard Kicks Off November with Open House and Music! 

Dillard Center for the Arts, 2501 NW 11th St. Fort Lauderdale, 

FL 33311. For more info call (754) 322-0838. 

Veterans Day 2024 Ceremony Monday, Nov.11, 2024 from 

10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., at The Sunrise Civic Center Theatre 

10610 W Oakland Park Blvd, Sunrise, FL 33351 

Veterans Day Parade 

Monday, Nov. 11, 2024 at 

10:15 a.m., 

Pembroke Lakes, Pembroke 

Pines, Florida, FL 

Join us for the 10th Annual 

Veterans Day Salute 

Breakfast Watch Party! 

Friday, Nov. 8 from 8 to 

11 a.m., Victory Black Box 

Theatre, 1409 NW 6th St, 3rd 

Floor, Fort Lauderdale, FL 

33311. A Free event. 

Celebrate our Sistrunk 

Community veterans at 

the L.A. LEE YMCA/Mizell 

Community Center! Enjoy a complimentary breakfast, 

connect with fellow veterans, and watch the YMCA’s 10th 

Annual Veterans Day Salute. 

Keynote Speaker: Mark Nutsch, U.S. Special Forces veteran, 

shares his remarkable experience leading a 12-man team 

in an unconventional warfare campaign following the 

9/11 attacks. 

*Event Highlights* 

- Honor and celebrate local veterans 

- Heartfelt breakfast and networking 

- Inspiring keynote speech 

- Sharing veterans’ stories 

ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY ALPHA LAMBDA CHAPTER 

NOW THRU DEC 4 

Follow @TheWestsideGazette Newspaper on Social Media 

+ WATCH episodes of the 2-Minute Warning via YT or FB 

STAY 

CONNECTED -- 

www.thewestsidegazette.com



Heart Gallery Of Broward County Launches “BBI’S Give With 

All Your Heart Presented By Boies Schiller Flexner” Holiday 

Campaign To Support Foster Children November 1 – December 31 

Giving program coincides with National Adoption Month and includes special events at Sicilian 

Oven, Aquaplex Fort Lauderdale, and Heavenly Spa by Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort 

Submitted by Fran Folic 

and Michael Goodman 

FORT LAUDERDALE, 

FL – Heart Gallery of 

Broward County is excited to 

announce the launch of “BBI’s 

Give With All Your Heart 

presented by Boies Schiller 

Flexner” (GWAYH) holiday 

campaign, running from 

November 1 to December 31. 

This two-month initiative, 

which coincides with 

National Adoption Month, 

encourages the South Florida 

community to support foster 

children by donating funds, 

dining at Sicilian Oven and 

Aquaplex Fort Lauderdale, 

enjoying spa services at 

Heavenly Spa by Westin Fort 

Submitted by Anh Ton, 

P.E. Director Highway 

and Bridge maintenance 

Division 

BROWARD COUNTY, 

FL -- The Public Works 

Department’s Mosquito 

Control Section will be 

spraying larvicide in areas 

of the Broward Municipal 

Services District (BMSD), 

Fort Lauderdale, Lauderdale 

Lakes, Lazy Lake, Lauderhill, 

Oakland Park, Tamarac and 

Wilton Manors from Aug 13 

- 20, barring any unforeseen 

conditions and/or weather 

delays (see the attached map). 

Truck-mounted sprayers will 

apply larvicide between 10 

Lauderdale Beach Resort or 

hosting private events. This 

initiative is being launched 

with lead support from BBI 

and presenting sponsor 

Boies Schiller Flexner plus 

a $40,000 fundraising match 

from The Moss Foundation. 

“In recognition of National 

Adoption Month, Heart 

Gallery’s ‘Give With All Your 

Heart’ campaign highlights 

the ongoing efforts in Broward 

County to raise awareness 

about the need for adoptive 

families for foster children. 

We have had immense success 

in generating awareness and 

funds through our previous 

events like ‘Eat Your Heart 

Out,’ and this year, we wanted 

to offer a fresh approach,” said 

Dr. Mary Kinirons, executive 

director of Heart Gallery of 

Broward County. “We are 

grateful for the support of 

our many sponsors like BBI, 

Boies Schiller Flexner and 

The Moss Foundation plus 

event partners Aquaplex Fort 

Lauderdale, Sicilian Oven, 

and Heavenly Spa for making 

it possible to bring this new 

initiative to life.” 

One of the highlights of 

the campaign is “Give With 

All Your Heart” nights at 

participating restaurants. On 

select evenings, local eateries 

will donate a portion of their 

proceeds to Heart Gallery. 

Sicilian Oven in Fort 

Lauderdale (2761 E. Oakland 

Park Blvd.) will host a night 

for a cause on Mon., November 

18, from 5 - 10 p.m., offering 

a special dining experience 

where patrons can enjoy a 

great meal while supporting 

foster youth. Fifteen percent 

of all sales this evening will 

benefit Heart Gallery. Known 

for its authentic Sicilian 

Mosquito Spraying in Several 

Broward Municipalities 

*Larvicide targets container-breeding mosquitoes* 

p.m. and 6 a.m. as a proactive 

measure to kill the larvae of 

the Aedes aegypti and Aedes 

albopictus mosquitoes, known 

to potentially spread diseases 

such as dengue, yellow fever, 

and chikungunya. The larvae 

of these mosquitoes can be 

found in small amounts of 

water such as in containers 

and water-holding plants like 

bromeliads and traveler’s 

palms that are common 

foliage used in landscaping. 

The larvicide, VectoBac 

WDG, is not harmful to 

humans, pets, bees, aquatic 

habitats or environmentally 

sensitive areas. The active 

ingredient is Bacillus 

thuringiensis israelensis (Bti, 

strain AM6552), a naturally 

occurring, biodegradable 

bacterial mosquito larvicide. 

It is certified by the Organic 

Materials Review Institute 

and is registered for use by the 

US Environmental Protection 

Agency. In addition, VectoBac 

WDG has been reviewed 

by the World Health 

Organization and is listed as 

a recommended formulation 

for control of mosquito larvae. 

Broward County Mosquito 

Control Section continues to 

work closely with the Florida 

Department of Health and 

Code Enforcement partners in 

Broward’s 31 municipalities 

to reduce the population 

of mosquitoes and their 

habitats. 

Residents and business 

owners are encouraged to 

reduce potential mosquito 

breeding habitats by regularly 

surveying their property 

and removing any standing 

water found in buckets, tires, 

planters, birdbaths, and 

fountains. By reducing the 

number of mosquito breeding 

habitats, the number of 

adult mosquitoes that could 

transmit diseases is also 

reduced. 

Residents experiencing 

mosquito problems can 

request service by calling 311 

or by completing the online 

Mosquito Service Request 

Form. 

Quincy Jones Dies at 91 from FP 

Black and white audiences. 

Jones began as a jazz trumpeter, arranging 

for bands like Count Basie’s and becoming 

a respected composer in his own right. 

His compositions for films, including The 

Pawnbroker and The Color Purple, displayed 

his extraordinary range, mixing classical, 

jazz, funk, and Afro-Cuban influences. His 

television scores, such as those for Sanford 

and Son and Ironside, brought Black music to 

mainstream audiences, shaping a generation’s 

auditory landscape. 

The three Jackson albums Jones produced 

— Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad — stand 

among his most famous works. The albums 

broke sales records and redefined the global 

pop music industry, bridging racial divides 

and setting new standards for production. But 

Jones’s career had already reached milestones 

before those records. He had become the first 

Black vice president at Mercury Records in 

1964 and had garnered critical acclaim for 

his arrangement of Count Basie’s “I Can’t 

Stop Loving You.” Over time, he received 28 

Grammy Awards from 80 nominations, a 

record surpassed only by a few. 

Born in Chicago on March 14, 1933, Quincy 

Delight Jones Jr. faced a childhood filled with 

challenges and resilience. According to his 

official biography, Jones was primarily raised 

by his father, a carpenter, after his mother was 

diagnosed with schizophrenic disorder. Moving 

to Seattle in his early teens, he honed his craft 

in a music scene as diverse as his musical 

inclinations. By 15, Jones had already earned 

a spot in Lionel Hampton’s band, launching a 

career that would take him across the globe 

and into the company of jazz greats like Dizzy 

Gillespie and Ray Charles, who would become 

a lifelong friend and collaborator. 

Jones’s time as a jazz bandleader and 

arranger in the 1950s established his name 

in elite music circles, but his ambitions led 

him into film and television scoring, where he 



Heart Gallery’s “BBI’s Give With All Your Heart presented by Boies Schiller Flexner” Holiday Campaign runs from 

November 1 to Decembert 31. The community is invited to support foster children through donations, dining at 

participating restaurants and hosting private events. This campaign coincides with National Adoption Month and 

aims to raise awareness and funds to help children find loving homes. 

cuisine, the restaurant offers a 

cozy and inviting atmosphere 

for guests to enjoy a delicious 

meal. From traditional pasta 

dishes to wood-fired pizzas, 

Sicilian Oven provides a taste 

of Italy right in the heart of 

Florida. For more information 

visit www.sicilianoven.com. 

Aquaplex 

Fort 

Lauderdale (formerly Lips 

at 1421 E. Oakland Park 

Blvd.) will host a dinner, 

drag show and bingo with 

guest host Velvet Lenore 

on Wed., November 20, at 7 

p.m. Fifteen percent of drink 

sales will be donated back 

to Heart Gallery. Lips Fort 

Lauderdale has been offering 

amazing drag entertainment 

to sold-out audiences for 17 

years. It is being renamed 

Aquaplex Fort Lauderdale 

aAAA 

and will feature the best in 

drag entertainment with a 

variety of new show concepts, 

an elevated bar and dining 

menu, state-of-the-art stage 

lighting and sound to create 

an immersive and interactive 

entertainment experience. 

Lips is open Wednesday 

through Sunday nights with 

weekend brunch shows. 

Dinner, show, and bingo are 

$35 per person. Reservations 

are required by calling 

(954) 567-0987 or visiting 

opentable.com. 

Heavenly Spa by 

Westin Fort Lauderdale 

Beach Resort (321 N. Fort 

Lauderdale Beach Blvd.) is 

an exciting partner in this 

campaign. From November 

25 to December 19, you can 

enjoy a variety of pampering 

This Week in Health: Honoring Caregivers 

 

et’s recognize the extraordinary 

The Alzheimer’s 

 

 

“ 

 

 

 

 

 

” 

 

 

 

– 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Westside Health Brief 

Marsha Mullings, MPH 

November 4, 2024 

spa experiences, with 10% of 

the cost of service excluding 

service charge and tax donated 

to Heart Gallery. Recently 

renovated with nearly $2 

million in updates, Heavenly 

Spa now offers a serene 

oasis featuring luxurious 

treatments, including 

signature massages, facials, 

and body therapies designed 

to rejuvenate and relax. The 

enhanced space includes 

modern amenities, new 

treatment rooms, an infrared 

sauna, and a co-ed lounge 

and relaxation area. For more 

information on Heavenly Spa 

by Westin Fort Lauderdale 

Beach Resort’s services and 

reservations, visit 



• – 

 

• – 

 

 

• – 

 

 

 

 

• 

 

 

• – 

 

 

 

• – 

 

 

 

If you’re taking care of someone with 

 

 

 

 

 

Alzheimer’s Association


Deeply Rooted 


The Westside Gazette, under the Management of BI-ADs, Inc., reserves the right 

to publish Views and Opinions by Contributing Writers that may not necessarily 

reflect those of the Staff and Management of The Westside Gazette Newspaper 

and are solely the product of the responsible individual(s) who submit comments 

published in this newspaper. 

WESTSIDE 

GAZETTE 

Bobby R. Henry, Sr. 

PUBLISHER 

NEWSPAPER STAFF 

Sonia Henry-Robinson 

COMPTROLLER 

Tawanna C. Taylor 

ADMINISTRATIVE ASST. 

Pamela D. Henry 

SENIOR EDITOR 

Arri D. Henry 

CREATIVE DIRECTOR 

Carma L. Henry 

COMMUNITY NEWS EDITOR 

Sylvester “Nunnie’ 

Robinson SPORTS Editor 

Elizabeth D. Henry 

CIRCULATION 

MANAGER 

NoRegret Media 

WEBMASTER 

Carma T. Taylor 

DIGITAL SPECIALIST 

Eric Sears 

IT SPECIALIST 

Ron Lyons 

PHOTOGRAPHER 

Levi Henry, Jr.: 

PUBLISHER 

(Emeritus) 

Yvonne Henry: 

EDITOR 

(Emeritus) 

WEBSITE: 


Broward County’s 

Largest African 

American Owned and 

Operated 

Newspaper Serving 

Broward - Miami-Dade and 

Palm Beach Counties 

545 N.W. 7th Terrace 

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 

Mailing Address: 

P.O. Box 5304 


OFFICE (954) 525-1489 

FAX: (954) 525-1861 

E-MAIL ADDRESS: 

MAIN 

wgazette@thewestsidegazette.com 

EDITOR 

pamlewis@thewestsidegazette.com 

COMMUNITY DIGEST 

wgproof@thewestsidegazette.com 

PUBLISHER 

brhsr@thewestsidegazette.com 

PROUD MEMBERS OF THE: 

NATIONAL NEWSPAPER 

PUBLISHERS 

ASSOCIATION (NNPA) 

AND FLORIDA 

ASSOCIATION 

OF BLACK OWNED 

MEDIA 

The Westside Gazette 

Newspaper is Published Weekly 

by Bi-Ads. Inc. DBA Subscription 

Rates: $50 Annual 

$1.00 per copy 

CREDO -The BlackPress 

beieves that American best 

lead the world away from 

racial and national 

antagonisms when it accords 

to every person, regarless of 

race, color or creed, full human 

and legal rights. Hating no 

person, feaing no person, the 

Black Press strives to help 

every person in the firm belief 

that all are hurt as long as 

anyone is held back. 

LETTERS TO THE EDiTOR 

GUIDELINES 

We welcome letters from the 

public.Letters must be signed 

with a clearly legible name 

along with a compete address 

and phone number. 

No unsigned letters will be 

considered for publication. 

The Westside Gazette reserves 

the right to edit letters. Letters 

should be 500 words or less. 

President-Elect Harris 

Defends & Preserves 

Democracy 

“Senators of Rome assassinated Ceasar to defend 

and preserve their “republic.” America’s voters, 

instead, used their ballots to defend and preserve 

Democracy!” John Johnson II.. 11/06/24 

By John Johnson II 

America no longer stands as a nation 

that never elected a woman to serve as 

its President. President-Elect Harris 

fearlessly defended and preserved 

Democracy. For her efforts, America’s 

voters used their ballots as battering 

rams to shatter the glass ceiling that 

once barred her from entering the 

White House. 

America’s Democratic voters remained 

optimistic and never ceased reaching 

out to crossover Republican and 

undecided voters. Their efforts caused enlightened Republican 

voters to choose Democracy over their Party, and undecided 

voters turned the page on Trump. 

Despite the scars on the political landscape and the visible 

divide in the nation, healing is not beyond reach. President- 

Elect Harris has made it clear that she is committed to serving 

and representing every American. 

Her leadership is a beacon of hope, promising healing and 

unity for our nation, regardless of political affiliations. She’s 

aware that a unified country is stronger and more productive. 

President-Elect Harris may also have carved her personal 

“aphorism “ into the history books. Former President Theodore 

Roosevelt said, “Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go 

far.” 

President-Elect Harris will receive a salute as the FIRST 

“Commander-In-Chief,” in high heels and carrying a purse 

with nuclear codes. Her husband, Douglas Emhoff, will be 

“The First Gentleman of the United States.” 

Still, her smile is multifaceted: Charming, captivating, and 

evoking a resolve of strength. Yet her words are thoughtful 

and discerning, and her integrity remains uncompromised. 

Noticeably, her Presidency must function to strengthen the 

pillars of democracy, as a “Keystone” strengthens an arch 

supporting a bridge. Like a wheel with a broken cog, mending 

a divided Congress is vital to facilitating compromise. This 

will be a daunting task she’s prepared to tackle. 

Historically, America’s Democracy has been both fortunate 

and blessed. Somehow, voters have always managed to elect 

the right President when a crisis is on the horizon. 

Remember, with Democracy facing difficulties, voters elected 

former President Lincoln, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Thruman, 

Kennedy, and Obama. Once again, during this 21st century, 

voters relied on their moral compass, values, and allegiance 

to the U.S. Constitution and the rule of law to elect the right 

person at the right time. This “republic” elected Kamala 

Harris as America’s 47 th President. 

YOU BE THE JUDGE! 

The Gantt Report 

Getting Black Voters The Hard Way 

By Lucius Gantt 

Today’s column was written and 

distributed on November 3, 2024. I hope 

everyone went to the polls and voted for 

the candidate of your choice. 

I sincerely hope the best candidate 

will prevail, but I told readers 

months ago what would happen. 

Just like Supreme Court Justices, 

Democratic Party consultants on every 

level will keep their jobs and contracts 

for life and it doesn’t matter if Democrats 

win or lose. 

The 2024 effort to achieve victory was akin to Democratic 

strategies in the 1950s and 1960s. 

Winning election work must be planned, must be 

coordinated, must be perfectly timed, and must be messaged 

properly and effectively. 

The campaign ideas that suggest most Democratic 

campaign money should be spent to influence and motivate 

male MAGA Democrats must be discredited and abandoned. 

Can I prove it? Yes! 


Three Areas Where Biden Must 

Now Act to Cement His Legacy 

on the Environment 

By Ben Jealous 

Now in its final months, the Biden- 

Harris administration has a chance 

to cement its powerful legacy on the 

environment. Congress returns for its socalled 

lame duck session on November 12. 

The administration should pull out all the 

stops to work with Congress and use the 

powers of the presidency to get some more 

big things done. 

First, the administration must continue its historic work to 

address the climate crisis and further push the United States 

economy away from the burning of fossil fuels. The Inflation 

Reduction Act, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and the other 

major policy initiatives championed by this administration are 

some of the most effective tools we have ever had to combat 

climate change, create good American jobs, and ensure the US 

leads in the next economy. The investments in clean energy 

and manufacturing must continue. But while that happens, we 

also need to stop bad policies that threaten reckless fossil fuel 


Why We Should All Celebrate 

Head Start’s Success 

NNPA NEWSWIRE — Head Start classrooms aren’t 

just places where children learn their ABCs — they are 

vibrant spaces where each child’s culture, language, 

and identity are celebrated. 

(Source: BlackPressUSA) 

Headstart 

Khari M. Garvin, Director of the Office of Head Start, 

Administration for Children and Families at the U.S. 

Department of Health and Human Services 

Did you know that Head Start programs are more than 

just preschool? The program can be a lifeline for children 

ages birth to five and their families, helping them thrive 

through education, health, and community support. It is also 

a place built on the strengths of children, families, staff, and 

communities. Head Start programs support children’s growth 

from birth to age 5 through services centered around early 

learning and development, health, and family well-being. 

Head Start staff actively engage parents, recognizing family 

participation throughout the program as key to strong child 

outcomes. 

Head Start services are available at no cost to children ages 

birth to 5 in eligible families. Head Start preschool services 

work with children ages 3 to 5 and their families. Early Head 

Start services work with families that have children ages birth 

to 3, and many also serve expectant families. Many programs 

operate both Head Start preschool and Early Head Start 

services. Head Start and Early Head Start grant recipients 

provide services in every U.S. state and territory, farm worker 

camps, and more than 155 tribal communities. It’s important 

to understand how our programs go above and beyond early 

learning to ensure every child and family is included, respected, 

and empowered. 

What Does “Belonging” Look Like? 

Inclusion and belonging aren’t just buzzwords — they’re the 

foundation of everything the Head Start program does. Staff 

are committed to creating spaces where everyone, regardless of 

their background, can succeed — whether it’s recognizing each 

child’s unique abilities and ideas, valuing parents as experts 

on their own children and as program volunteers and leaders, 

or linking families with needed services. Take, for example, 

how programs recruit and enroll families. 

Instead of using a one-size-fits-all approach, programs 

tailor their outreach to meet the unique needs of each 

community. This might mean offering materials in multiple 

languages to ensure accessibility for all, building upon civil 

rights laws requiring translation when necessary to facilitate 

understanding and participation. Programs are proactive in 

supporting families with disabilities, ensuring they have the 

necessary aids and services they need to participate in the 

program. The goal is to open doors and provide support for 

children and families furthest from opportunity and offer them 

a place to belong. 

A Classroom That Reflects Every Child’s World 

Head Start classrooms aren’t just places where children 

learn their ABCs — they are vibrant spaces where each child’s 

culture, language, and identity are celebrated. Teachers take 

the time to get to know each child’s strengths, interests, and 


Frankly Speaking 

He who expects nothing will 

not be disappointed 

By W. Frank Wilson 

During my time in Atlanta, one 

TV stations would come on with this 

statement and question: It’s 10 pm in 

Atlanta; do know where your children 

are? 

This is a question that needs 

asking and answering in many cities. 

It’s been reported that one of 

the victims in the ASU shooting 

was 13 years old and in my old 

antiquated school of thought my 

question is what business did a child that age have on a 

University campus without supervision? I don’t give a rat’s 

ass who was performing! Hell, my boy child wouldn’t have 

been there and my girl children wouldn’t have even asked! 

My grown children, especially my daughters, to this day check 

with me when they’re out late or traveling because that’s how 

they were “Trained”. 

Scripture does speak on training up a child the way he / she 

should go, and when they are old they won’t depart 

Good parenting will create the “FRIENDSHIP “ way too 

many parents are trying to create with callous supervision and 

no accountability. 

Children are actually raising parents while parents raise 

hell about everything except what’s important. 

There’s something to be said about rules, expectations and 

boundaries 

I know I’m old, but common sense has no shelf life. 

I don’t push my theology or theocracy on others nor do I lay 

claim to there being a fool proof way to parenting, but I have 

noticed that communication works across generations. 

Kids especially will live up or down to the standards set for 

Make 

America 

Hate Again 

By Tom H. Hastings 

I'm writing 

this bit three 

days before the 

2024 US election. 

Jess Bidgood 

just noted 

in the New 

York Times 

that: 

When Trump won the presidency 

in 2016, the Me Too 

movement had not yet forced 

a reckoning among women 

about the way sexism shaped 

their lives. The Dobbs decision 

had not turned women’s right 

to an abortion into a matter of 

geographic privilege, nor had 

it imprinted searing stories 

about those denied care into 

the national consciousness. 

It is this logic that persuades 

me that the polls are wrong; 

Harris will sweep the swing 

states and run the table. 

Mark my words. 

Also know how erroneous I 

have been in the past about 

these matters. Perhaps I have 

made a career out of overestimating 

the decency of the 

American people, my people, 

my fellow citizens, co-workers, 

and neighbors... 

Nah. I got one thing right 

every time; where I live I understand. 

What I have come 

to realize is that the US is 

not some extension of where 

I live. I've lived in Minnesota, 

Illinois, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, 

and Oregon. Where 

I've lived and when I've lived 

there the voters--my people, 

my country fellows, voted 

for good decent people, and I 

joined them. 

When I lived in Massachusetts 

I could feel the strength 

of the George McGovern campaign--but, 

as it turned out, 

only in the state where I lived. 

Obviously, the common decency 

of the folks in Minnesota 

when Walter Mondale lost 

big was my environment, but 

more isolated than I understood. 



Voting As an Act of Moral 

Imagination 

By Andrew Moss 

If re-elected 

president, 

Donald Trump plans to 

deport millions of people 

from the United States. It 

takes a certain kind of moral 

imagination to understand 

the scope and consequences of 

this plan -- and to vote against 

Trump solely on this basis. 

A voter possessing such 

imagination understands 

that neighbors who don’t 

have green cards or U.S. 

birth certificates are fellow 

human beings, not criminals, 

gang members, or individuals 

“poisoning the blood of our 

country.” 

Such a voter can envision 

the suffering of millions of 

people if the plan were to be 

carried out: the immense, 

avoidable pain of those 

deported – as well as that 

of their families, friends, 

neighbors, and co-workers. 

From the standpoint of 

economic impacts alone, the 

deportation scheme defies 

reason. According to a recent 

study by the nonpartisan 

American Immigration 

Council, deporting upwards 

of 11-13 million people will 

cost hundreds of billions 

in arrests, detention, legal 

processing, and removals, and 

it would mean the additional 

loss of billions in tax revenues, 

including contributions to 

Social Security and Medicare. 

It would result in “labor 


thewestsidegazette.com


BUSINESS 

UNITY IN THE 

COMMUNITY DIRECTORY 

Cell: 754-234-4485 

Office: 954-733-7700 ext. 111 

Fax: 954-731-0333 

Kenneth R. Thurston 

REALTOR, CPM, CAM 

4360 W. Oakland Park Blvd Email: ken@acclaimcares.com 

Lauderdale Lakes, FL 33313 

Web: www.acclaimcares.com 

Black Retirees Growing Older and 

Poorer:2025 Social Security COLA 

lowest in 10 years 

By Charlene Crowell 

As Americans live longer, the ability to remain financially 

independent is an ongoing struggle. Especially for Black and 

other people of color whose lifetime incomes are often lower 

than that of other contemporaries, finding money to save for 

‘old age’ is particularly daunting. 

According to the National Council on Aging, racial and 

ethnic minorities accounted for one in 4 adults aged 65 and 

older in 2022. In that same year, the average 65-year-old could 

expect to live another 18 years or longer, on a median income 

of $29,740. 

In 2022, the average yearly Social Security benefit for Black 

men ages 65 and older was $15,345, and for Black women was 

only $13,755. However, the average annual Social Security 

income for all 65 or older men was $18,910, and for all older 

women was $14,824. 

In past generations retiring workers often received a gold 

watch, pension, and company-sponsored health insurance. 

But today’s retirees face far different circumstances. With 

few remaining pensions available, most workers must look to 

themselves for financial security in their old age. And Social 

Security has become a financial lifeline. 

When enacted in 1935during the throes of the Great 

Depression, Social Security was a ground-breaking federal 

social safety net for retirees. Financed by payroll taxes that 

began in 1937, both employees and their employers paid into 

the program. A 1939 amendment to the law expanded the 

program to include survivor benefits for retirees’ widows and 

children, commonly known today as SSI. In 1956 disability 

benefits were added in a second expansion. 

To compensate beneficiaries for rises in cost of living, an 


Photo credit: Central Indiana State of Aging 

NOVEMNER 7 - NOVEMBER 13, 2024 • PAGE 7 

Understanding the Corporate 

Transparency Act and FinCEN 

Beneficial Ownership 

Submitted by Anthony Brunson, P.A. 

Overview 

The Corporate Transparency 

Act (CTA) took effect in 2024, 

requiring over 30 million 

businesses to either submit a 

beneficial ownership report to the 

U.S. Department of Treasury or 

claim an exemption. Unless they 

qualify for a specific exemption, 

January 1, 2025, is the final filing 

deadline for businesses formed 

before 2024. 

As this deadline nears, it is 

important to establish if your 

organization is subject to these 

reporting requirements and, if 

it is, to understand the required 

disclosures. These include beneficial ownership details, 

information about the organization’s creator or registrant in 

the United State, and any updates to this information, which 

has to be submitted to the U.S. Department of Treasury’s 

Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) within a 

stated timeframe to prevents significant penalties being levied. 

Businesses operating in the United States are mandated by 

the CTA, to report information to FinCEN about who effectively 

owns or controls them. Keep reading to gain insights on the 

key components of the CTA, particularly focusing on beneficial 

ownership reporting requirements, exemptions, compliance 

obligations, penalties, and considerations for long-term owners 

and operators. 

The CTA requires certain entities to disclose information 

about their beneficial owners to FinCEN. Beneficial owners 

are individuals who, directly or indirectly, own or control a 

significant percentage of an entity, or who exercise substantial 

control over it. This legislation marks a significant shift in how 

businesses are required to report ownership, enhancing the 

federal government’s ability to prevent financial crimes. 

Beneficial Ownership Reporting Requirements 

Under the CTA, reporting companies must submit the 

following information about their beneficial owners to FinCEN: 


Family Matters Planning 

& Consulting LLC 

“Family Protect Before 

You Need It” 

Home-Auto-Commerical- 

Disability-Health-Life-Annuity 

Gina Hankerson 

Burial Trust - Final Expense 

Consultant 

Funeral Pre-Arrangements 

Angelic Monument Headstones-Quality, 

Fair Pricing & Fast Production time 

Document Preperation-Wills-PoA-Living 

Wills 

Remote Online Notary 

Contact Us before you end up @ need or in need! 

Info@FamilyMattersInsuranceagency.com 

Office: (954) 330-0220 Cell: (954) 861-9858 

Insurance, Bonding, Notary 

Cynthia Alexander 

President, CEO 

Medicare Specialist 

Cell: 954-464-7253 

cynthia@cynagroup.com 

www.cynagroup.com 

I can help - whether you are Turning 65, New to 

Medicare, or just need a free Medicare review. 

Local support to help you navigate your Medicare 

options. 

Make an appointment today for Monday – thru – 

Saturday. 

CYNA Group: 7061 W Commercial Blvd, Ste 5 

Tamarac Fl. 33319 

STS TAX STS TAX 

SERVICES INC. in association with 

Johnnie Smith, Jr. 

Jr. 

Enrolled Agent 

Agent 

Franchise Tax T 

ax Professional 

P 

* Tax Preparation * Accounting * Payroll 

*Tax 3007 Preparation W. Commerical *Accounting Blvd., Suite 204 

*Payroll 


3007 Tel. W. (954) . Commercial 730-2226 - Fax: Blvd., 730-2036 

Suite 204 


Cell (954) 303-5779 

Tel. (954) 730-2226 - Fax: (954) 730-2036 

johnnie.smith@hrblock.com 

Cell (954) 303-5779 

johnnie.smith@hrblock.com 

www.hrblock.com 

www.hrblock.com 

133 N. State Road 7 

Plantation, Fla. 33317 

(Corner of Broward Blvd. & State Rd. 7 

(954) 587-7075 

* $29.50 - Single Vision 

*$44.50 - Bifocal * $89.50 - Progressive 

* (-+400 sph+200 cyl/add + 3.00) 

FRED LOVELL, Lic. Opt. 

(Over 30 Years in Optics) 

Advertise Here 

Have Your Business Card Placed On 

This Page 

For more information, call (954) 525-1489


CHURCH DIRECTORY 

First Baptist Church Piney Grove, Inc. 

4699 West Oakland Park Blvd., Lauderdale Lakes, FL 33313 

(954) 735-1500 - Fax (954) 735-1999 

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS 

Monday - Friday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM 

Church Website: www.fbcpineygrove.org 

Dr. Ezra Tillman, Jr. Senior Pastor 

WORSHIP SERVICES 

Sunday ..... 8:00 AM & 11:00 AM In Person Virtual 

Sunday School.......9:30 AM In Person 

Bible Study on Wednesday.......11:30 AM & 7:00 PM In Person & Virtual 

"Winning the World for Jesus" 

Harris Chapel Church, Inc. 

Rev. Stanley Melek, M.Div 

e-mail: harrischapelinc@gmail.com 

2351 N.W. 26th Street 

Oakland Park, Florida 33311 

Church Telephone: (954) 731-0520 

SERVICES 

Sunday Worship........................10:30 AM 

Church School................................................9:00 AM 

Wednesday (Bible Study).........11:00 AM to 7:00 PM 

Living Waters Christian Fellowship 

Meeting at Central Charter School Building #5 

4515 N. St. Rd. 7 (US 441) 

(954) 295-6894 

SUNDAY SERVICE: 10 AM 

Iwcf2019@gmail.com (Church) 

lerrub13@gamil.com (Pastor) 

Rev. Anthony & Virgina Burrell 

Jesus said, ‘‘let anyone who is thristy come to Me and drink.” (John 7:37) 

Mount Hermon A.M.E. Church 

Reverend Henry E. Green, III, Pastor 

401 N.W. 7th Terrace, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 

Phone: (954) 463-6309 Fax: (954) 522-4113 

Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM 

Email info@mthermonftl.com 

SUNDAY CHURCH SERVICES 

Worship Service....................................9:00 AM 

In person/www.mounthermonftl.or/YouTube Live/FaceBook 

Church School.............................9:30 AM 

BIBLE STUDY: Wednesday........................10:00 AM 

Bible Study Wednesday ...............7:00 PM via Zoom 

Meeting ID: 826 2716 8390 access code 55568988# 

Daily Prayer Line.............................6:00 AM 

(716) 427-1407 Access Code 296233# 

(712) 432-1500 Access Code 296233# 

New Mount Olive Baptist Church 

Dr. Marcus D. Davidson, Senior Pastor 

400 N.W. 9th Avenue Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 

Office (954) 463-5126 - Fax: (954) 525-9454 


Monday- Thursday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM 

WORSHIP SERVICES & BIBLE STUDY 

Sunday Services: In Person 

8:00 AM and 10:45 AM 

Virtual..................9:00 AM 

Sunday School....................9:30 AM 

Wednesday Encountering Truth 

Noonday Bible Study...........12:00 PM to 12:30 PM 

Where the Kingdom of God is Increased through: 

Fellowship, Ledership, Ownership and Worship 

As we F.L.O.W. To Greatness! 

Mount Nebo Missionary Baptist Church 

2551 N.W. 22nd St., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 

P.O. Box 122256, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 

(954) 733-3285 - Fax: (954) 733-9231 

Email: mountnebobaptist@bellsouth.net 

Website: www.mountnebobaptist.org 

WORSHIP SERVICES & BIBLE STUDY 

(In Person) 

Sunday..........................10:00 A.M. 

Sunday School ....................8:30 A.M. 

Tuesday Night Bible Study..............7:00 P.M. 

“Reaching Our Wrold One Persons At A Time” 

Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church 

Dr. James B. Darling, Jr., Pastor/Teacher 

1161 NW 29th Terrace; Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 


(954) 581-0455 - (FAX) 581-4350 

mzbc2011@gmail.com - www.mtzionmbc1161.com 


Tuesday - Friday 11:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. 


Sunday Worship...................................................10:15 A.M. 

Communion Service (1st Sunday) .........................10:15 A.M. 

2nd & 4th Tuesday Night Prayer Workshop/Bible Study................7:00 P.M 

Wednesday Night Prayer Service.......................6:30 P.M. 

Wednesday Night Church School ............7:00 P.M. 

New Birth Baptist Church 

Catheral of Faith International 

Bishop Victor T. Curry, M. Min., D. Div. Senior Pastor/Teacher 

ORDER OF SERVICES 

Sunday Worship.............................9:30 AM 

Sunday School ..............................8:30 AM 

Tuesday Bible Study...................7:00 PM 

Wednsday Bible Study..................10:30 AM 

(305) 685-3700 (0) * (305) 685-0705 (f) 

www.nbbcmiami.org 

Deeply Rooted 

New Creation Baptist Church In Christ 

r.curry7me@gmail.com 

Drive-Up Sunday Worship - 10 AM 

4001 North Dixie Hwy. 

Deerfield Beach, FL 33064 

(954) 943-9116 

newcreationbcic@gmail.com 

Williams Memorial CME Church 

644-646 N.W. 13th Terrace 

Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33311 

Office: (954) 462-8222. Email: inf@wmsfl.org 

Reverend Errol Darville, Pastor 

E-mail: erroldarville@gmail.com 

WORSHIP SERVICES and BIBLE STUDY 

In person, Zoom; 646-558-8636 ID: 954-462-8222, Stream: Facebook Live @ WMCMECHURCH 

Sunday Church School..................... 9:00 AM 

Sunday Worship Service ................10:00 AM 

Tuesday Prayer Meeting...............7:00 PM 

Tuesday Bibke Study................7:30 PM 

"Celebrating over 100 years of SERVICES" 

St. Ruth Missionsary Baptist Church 

145 NW 5th Avenue 

Dania Beach, FL 33004 

(954) 922-2529 


Wednesday (NOON DAY PRAYER.......................12- 1 PM 

Sunday Worship Service ...................................10:00 AM 

Website: www.struthmbc.org 

"Celebrating 115 Years of Service" 

Victory Baptist Church Independent 

Pastor Keith Cunningham 

2241 Davie Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 

Church: (954) 284-9413 

Sunday School .................................................9:45 AM 

Worship Service Sunday Morning..................................11:00 AM 

Sunday Evening Service.........................................6:00 PM 

Bible Study...................................................7:30 PM 

Wednesday Evening Bible Study & Prayer ........................7:00 PM 

Saturday Morning Soul Winning/Visitation..............10:00 AM 

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

Ladies Fellowship (the last Saturday of each month)..........................5:00 PM 

Youth Fellowship (Every Friday)...............6:30 PM 

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

We STRIVE to PROVIDER 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” 

Shaw Temple A.M.E. Zion Church 

Rev. Dr. William Calvin Haralson, Pastor 

522 N.W. 9th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 

Church: (954) 647-8254 

Email: AMEZ522@Yahoo.com 

SERVICES 

Sunday School.................................................10:15 AM 

Sunday Morning Worship.................................11:00 AM 

Bible Study.....................................................7:30 PM 

“Reaching beyond the four walls touching lives, touching communities”. 

Jesus Christ Ministry Of Faith, Inc. 

Jesus Loves You 

Join Us Sundays 

at 9 AM 

477 NW 27 Avenue 


JCMOFINC@gmail.com 

The New Beginning 

Embassy of Praise 

The Most Reverend 

John H. Taylor, Bishop, Sr. Pastor 

Dr. ML Taylor, Executive Pastor 

4035 SW 18th Street, West Park, FL 33023 

Sunday Worship Service - 11:00 a.m. 

Conference Line - 848-220-3300 ID: 33023 

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

Noonday Prayer - Wednesdays- 12:00 noon 

Come Worship With Us For Your New Begnning! 

Pastor David Deal, Jr. 


Every Christian's Church 

SUNDAY @11:00 am 

Phone (313) 209-8800 Conference ID 1948-1949 

Bible Trivia 

‘Test Your Bible Knowledge' 

How well are you familiar with Biblical siblings? Lets find 

out: 

1) Who said’ am I my brother’s keeper? 

2) Who’s the brother of Haran and Nahor? 

3) Who was Leah’s prettier sister? 

4) The half brother of Ishmael? 

5) Manasseh’ brother and the head of a half-tribe? 

6) Sister to Moses and Aaron? 

7) Brother of Tamar and the murderous half brother of 

Amnon? 

8) He stole his brother Philip’s wife, Herodias? 

9) Half brother of James, Joseph (Jose’s), Juda (Judas) and 

Simon? 

** Bible Facts** Polls have indicated that one in nine 

Americans ( 11%) reads the Bible daily. Another two in 

nine (22%) read it weekly. Nearly 48% read it less than 

once a month or never. 

Answers – 1) Genesis 4:9; 2) Genesis 11:26; 3) Genesis 

29:16; 4) Genesis 21:3; 5) Genesis 41:3; 6) Exodus 2:4 (Miriam); 

7) 2 Samuel 13:20-29; 8) Herod; 9) Mark 6:3 

Community Unity Takes Center 

Stage at“Souls to the Polls” 

Early Voting Rally 

Reverend Ronald L. Brown, Rabbi Greg Weisman 

Submitted by Debbie Abrams 

BOCA RATON, FL. — On Sunday, October 27, a diverse 

coalition of over 100 community members gathered at Ebenezer 

Missionary Baptist Church in Boca Raton for the “Souls to the 

Polls Early Voting Rally.” Organized by the Jewish Community 

Relations Council (JCRC) of South Palm Beach County, the 

advocacy arm of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach 

County; Temple Beth El of Boca Raton; DISC of Pearl City; 

and churches in Pearl City— 

Friendship Missionary 

Baptist Church, Macedonia 

A.M.E. Church, and Ebenezer 

Missionary Baptist Church— 

the event aimed to empower 

local citizens to exercise their 

right to vote while fostering 

community solidarity. 

Attendees were moved 

by speeches from local 

leaders, including Rabbi Greg 

Weisman of Temple Beth El, 

Reverend Ronald L. Brown 

of Ebenezer Missionary 

Baptist Church, and League 

of Women Voters Volunteer 

Dylan Gaynor. Each speaker 

emphasized the significance 

of voter participation, 

particularly in communities 

that have historically faced 

voting obstacles. The rally 

encouraged participants to 

“stand in their power” and 

recognize the influence of 

their vote. 

Rabbi Greg Weisman, 

also chair of the JCRC, 

described the event as a 

Cont'd on Page 9


Community Unity Takes Center Stage at "Souls to the Polls" cont'd from Page 8 

“civic and spiritual triumph,” emphasizing the 

unity and empowerment displayed. “Both the 

Jewish and Black communities, two minorities 

who have been part of the fabric of our country 

since its inception, keenly understand the 

power of advocating for ourselves through 

voting,” he stated. “As we came together, 

we celebrated the importance of every voter 

casting their ballot.” 

Following the rally, participants marched 

to the Boca Raton Downtown Library, where 

they participated in early voting. The event 

honored the legacy of “Souls to the Polls,” 

a movement rooted in the Civil Rights Era, 

when historically Black churches would 

march to polling sites after Sunday services to 

promote voter turnout. By echoing this legacy, 

the “Souls to the Polls Early Voting Rally” 

highlighted the value of every vote and the 

power of communal effort. 

“This rally is not just about voting; it’s 

a demonstration of our commitment to 

democracy and community engagement. Every 

vote cast today is a testament to our collective 

resolve to shape a more inclusive and just 

society,” said Marissa Trowbridge, Director of 

the Jewish Community Relations Council. 

FO 

For more information or to get involved, 

contact Marissa Trowbridge, Director of 

the Jewish Community Relations Council, 

at marissat@bocafed.org or visit https:// 

jewishboca.org/jewish-community-relationscouncil/. 

Remembering a Legend 

Special thanks to Pat, Jay, Tracy and all the 

Fisher family for allowing us to be a part of the 

celebration of Life for Joe Fisher, and Thanks 

to Jimmie Bohorne for bringing so many of 

Joe’s staff members and friends together. 

Deeply Rooted 

VIEW OBITUARIES ONLINE AT 


****************************** 

Acknowledgments/ Announcements: 

In Memoriam * Death Notices * Happy Birthdays 

Card of Thanks* Remembrances 

******************************************************************* 

HAVE YOUR CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS PLACED ON THIS PAGE (954) 525-1489 

Obituaries 

Death and Funeral Notices 

A Good Sheperd 

Funeral Home Services 

Cathryn L. 

Martin – 58 

Funeral 

Service 

was held 

November 

2nd at Out 

For Life 

Ministries. 

Casey Myers 

Love And Grace 

Funeral And 

Cremation Service 


Rosalind 

Delores 

Walker – 56 

Funeral 

Service 

was held 

November 

2nd at 

Lighthouse 

Worship Center Rev. Curtis 

Ballard, Jr. officiating. 

Patricia Ann 

Young – 65 

Funeral 

Service 

was held 

November 

2nd at James 

C. Boyd’s 

Memorial 

Chapel with 

Bishop Tony Mitchell officiating. 

McWhite’s Funeral 

Home Services 

Bro. Wilburt 

D. 

Habershon, 

Sr. 

Funeral 

Service 

was held 

November 

2nd at 

Lighthouse 

Worship Center. 

Martha 

“Betty” 

Hayde 

Funeral 

Service 

was held 

November 

2nd at 

McWhite’s Funeral 

Home Chapel. 

Roy Mizell & Kurtz 


The group photo is comprised of many of the people who spoke on the program. 

By Novice Johnson 

If you lived in South 

Florida during the Late 

60’s, you probably woke up 

listening to the radio as you 

dressed for work, or while 

the children were getting 

ready for school. When you 

got into your car, more than 

likely, the radio was turned 

to 1470 AM at the station 

we called our station, WRBD 

Rockin’ Big Daddy Radio. As 

the early 70’s rolled in, we 

were moving and grooving to 

the best in R&B and Gospel 

music, starting off in morning 

drive with Joe Fisher. He took 

us through the traffic jams 

and the weather reports, the 

school lunch menus and the 

news of the day. His deep and 

powerful voice kept us in the 

know as he became more than 

a Deejay. 

Joe Fisher was raised in 

Palm Beach County, where he 

started early making money 

by delivering newspapers, 

and eventually becoming a 

grill master selling BBQ. 

Before he used his voice on 

the radio, he was a member 

of a singing group called the 

Chanteers. Always willing to 

give back, he also served in 

the United States Army. After 

he served his country and 

after the Chanteers stopped 

singing, Joe found his niche 

in the world of Black radio. 

As a team player, Joe 

watched and learned quickly 

from the management and 

owners of WRBD. Soon 

he became the top on-air 

personality, and he started 

climbing the ladder. After 

duties as Music director 

and Program Director, Joe 

became the General Manager. 

He worked along with Mother 

Frances, Crown Prince, 

Madhatter, Jerry Rushin 

and more. As any great coach 

would do, he began to expand 

and compose a bigger team of 

winning on-air personalities 

that included James T., 

Chico the Virgo, Dr. J., Duke 

Ellington, Connie Clare, 

Magic, and Novice Johnson 

reporting news and sports, 

and more. When FM radio 

came into play, WRBD AM 

became partners with WCKO 

FM and On Air personalities 

such as Rodney Baltimore 

and Randy Franklin evolved. 

With the station thriving with 

high ratings and advertisers, 

Joe made sure to remind us 

that we were the community’s 

station, and our outreach 

was just as important than 

our voices over the airwaves. 

Under his direction we had a 

major role in David Deal Play 

Day, The Ms. WRBD pageant, 

there was a softball team, and 

we travelled to meet our fans 

in the Bahamas, where the 

station could be heard from 

sunup – sunset. We aired a 

live high school football game 

of the week every Friday 

night. And, if there was a 

local or national news story 

or event of significance, it was 

Joe Fisher who would give his 

commentary and advise the 

community. 

In his later years, with 

his wife Pat and his family’s 

support, Joe had a few bouts 

with illness, but he always 

seemed to bounce back. From 

Betty Wright to Jimmie 

Bohorne, to Michael Stirling, 

to Paul Lewis of the Old Skool 

Gang, there is a long list of 

local and national recording 

artists who have thanked Joe 

Fisher for the role he played 

in their careers. At a recent 

memorial service celebrating 

the life of Joe Fisher, James 

T. mentioned the legacy Joe 

leaves behind as he said, 

“Joe was a leader, a teacher a 

businessman and a friend. I am 

because he was.” Dr. J (Julian 

Wright) said, working with 

Joe Fisher was like attending 

Joe Fisher University, 

followed by attending James 

T. University, we had a 

remarkable team with a 

very special, unbreakable 

bond.” Chico the Virgo said, “I 

can’t sum up remarks about 

the impact of Joe Fisher in 

two minutes. He paved a 

way for us to go from onair 

personalities into roles 

as music directors, program 

directors and community 

servants.” Rodney Baltimore 

said, “Joe had a presence and 

a voice, he was respected on 

and off the air. He will truly be 

missed.” Jerry Rushin spoke 

of how he was influenced by 

Joe when he said, “I saw this 

car he was driving, his house 

and his friends and I said, I 

want all of that. I saw how he 

ran to HIS radio station, and 

I said, “I want to do that. And, 

when I had the chance to go 

from an on-air personality to 

upper-level management, a 

lot of what I did was based 

on watching Joe.” Cedric 

Hollywood stated that “I 

never worked for Joe, but he 

produced some of the most 

successful radio personalities 

in the state of Florida. Joe 

was a legend in every shape 

of the word.” As he reflected, 

Jimmie Bohorne said, “There 

will never be another Joe 

Fisher, there isn’t enough 

we can say or do to thank 

him.” And lastly, I said, “Joe 

taught us, guided us and 

Joe Fisher 

prepared us for bigger and 

better things, he didn’t want 

good, he wanted great. He 

was nicknamed BIG FISH, 

but those of us who worked 

at WRBD thought it an honor 

to call him Boss.” He loved to 

end his broadcasts with the 

words, “God Loves You and So 

Do I.” So, in closing on behalf 

of all the WRBD/WCKO staff 

members, his family, and the 

community, I say, “Thank you 

Joe. God Loves You and So Do 

We.” 

Tamara L. 

Grant 

Funeral 

Service 

was held on 

November 

2nd 

at Shiloh 

Missionary Baptist Church. 

Deeday “June 

Bug” Kelsey, 

Jr. – 78 

Funeral 

Service 

was held 

November 8th 

at Bethel 

Missionary 

Baptist Church. 

James C. Boyd 


Leona 

Parker 

Smith - 88 

Funeral 

Services 

was held 

November 

2nd at New 

Covenant 

Deliverance Cathedral with 

Apostle Rodney Lewis 

officiating. 

Mildred Ford 

Carter 

Funeral 

Service 

was held 

November 

2nd at 

McWhite’s 

Funeral Home 

Chapel. 

Mark Q. 

Fletcher, Sr. 

Funeral 

Service 

was held 

November 

1st at Mt. 

Hermon AME 

Church. 

Clifton B. 

Folkes 

Funeral 

Service 

was held 

November 

2nd at 

McWhite’s 

Funeral 

Home 

Chapel. 

Gracie Beard 

Davis – 84 

Funeral 

Service 

was held 

November 2nd 

at Roy Mizell 

and Kurtz 

Worship Center.


Deeply Rooted 


Doctors urge people to get flu, COVID-19 booster shots as holidays draw 

Dr. Kathleen Haggerty 

Submitted by Stephanie 

Claytor 

(Source: Florida Courier) 

COVID-19 and influenza 

cases across Florida are 

expected to rise in November 

and doctors are urging people 

to get the new COVID booster 

shot and the flu vaccine as 

soon as possible. 

In an effort to prevent 

the spread of COVID-19, 

the federal government is 

handing out four free athome 

COVID-19 tests to any 

household who requests them, 

saving them around $40. 

Dr. Rose Stiffin, who 

leads the Health and Natural 

Sciences Department at 

Florida Memorial University, 

said a booster shot should 

always be considered as an 

option to protect oneself from 

covid infection. 

She recommends anyone 

over 65 years old and “any 

person with a severely 

compromised immune system, 

should definitely get a booster 

shot.” 

“People need to know that 

viruses mutate and that both 

the flu and COVID-19 are now 

part of our lives, worldwide. 

It is best to be immunized at 

least yearly for both viruses,” 

Dr. Dwayne Gordon 

said Rose Stiffin, Ph.D. 

Stiffin said people should 

test for COVID-19 any time 

they exhibit any of the 

symptoms, such as fever, loss 

of taste or smell, and fatigue. 

Long COVID symptoms 

Dr. Kathleen Haggerty, 

a physician who specializes 

in internal medicine and has 

been working for Watson 

Clinic in Lakeland since 1988, 

said she has seen more than 

a thousand patients from 

across the country who suffer 

from long COVID since 2020. 

Her post-COVID-19 clinic 

still sees about five to 10 new 

patients a week. She expects 

COVID-19 infection rates to 

rise in November and stay 

elevated through the middle 

of February. 

“Right now, the numbers 

are a bit down in Florida, but 

we had a rather rough summer 

especially with people who 

took lovely vacations. Cruises 

are the most risky,” Haggerty 

noted. 

The U.S. Centers for 

Disease Control Prevention 

(CDC) defines long COVID 

as a chronic condition that is 

present for three months and 

occurs after being diagnosed 

with COVID-19. Many of 

Haggerty’s long COVID 

Dr. Rose Stiffin 

patients have extreme cases 

and recover within a year, 

mostly by modifying their 

lifestyles considerably. 

“I have had many people 

who have become disabled 

due to an inability to drive, 

loss of cognitive abilities to 

do their job, and some with 

severe fatigue to the point 

where they can’t leave their 

house without feeling worse 

the next day. There have been 

people who have developed 

autonomic nervous system 

disturbances that are severe,” 

Haggerty explained. 

“People who have never 

had migraines or may 

have had a few can get 

daily migraines which can 

be extremely disruptive. 

Depression and anxiety are 

very common and can be 

severe in many cases and can 

be missed by the patient and 

their usual doctor in the flood 

of other symptoms. I have 

even seen psychosis from 

this though it was treatable 

and improved over time,’’ she 

added. Dr. Dwayne Gordon of 

AdventHealth Orlando is also 

running a new post COVID 

clinic, which opened on March 

30, 2022. According to a news 

release, many of the patients 

seen at his clinic arrived with 

behavioral health problems 

and issues that affect the 

brain and cognitive abilities, 

such as anxiety, depression, 

and brain fog. 

Gordon has even witnessed 

young adults with signs of 

severe forgetfulness and 

brain fog that mimic earlyonset 

dementia. 

“Definitely, people are 

more isolated because of 

COVID. And then they 

become further isolated when 

they have Long-Haul COVID 

symptoms that keep them from 

seeing friends, working out, 

just normal daily activities. 

Some people have lost loved 

ones, their jobs, even their 

homes because of COVID 

and the economic aftermath,’’ 

Gordon said in a news release 

prepared by Advent- Health. 

“And what we’re seeing is a 

convergence between Long- 

Haul COVID symptoms 

such as anxiety, depression, 

even Post-Traumatic Stress 

Disorder (PTSD), as well as 

the pandemic at large.” 

Who should get vaccine? 

It’s the reason Haggerty 

believes practically everyone 

should get the COVID-19 

booster shot, to prevent from 

contracting an infection 

that could land them in the 

hospital, dead, or with a case 

of long COVID. Haggerty said 

she has seen cases of long 

COVID drop dramatically 

since COVID-19 vaccines 

became available. 

“Everyone over 6 months 

old, this is the view of the 

CDC and I subscribe to that. 

If you have not ever been 

vaccinated and have been 

considering it, I would highly 

recommend it,” Haggerty 

said. “If you are under 65 

years (old), an annual shot 

should suffice, but if you are 

65 (years old) or older, or are 

immunosuppressed, I would 

suggest (getting the shot) 

every six months to keep the 

antibodies high.” 

Haggerty said the 

COVID-19 vaccine doesn’t 

prevent infection but makes 

death or hospitalization after 

contracting the virus much 

less likely. She said deaths 

are low in Florida at this time, 



Spreading Unity and Peace Through Art* 

Dr. Germaine Smith-Baugh President/CEO Urban League of Broward County. 

By Staff Writer 

©2019 Aetna Inc. 

2017279 

Aetna is proud to support the 

Broward County Public 

Schools. 

Aetna.com 

This past weekend The 

Urban League’s Justice 

Division recently brought 

together members of the 

community, including 

students, families, 

friends and neighbors, to 

promote peace and unity. 

Participants of all ages used 

vibrant sidewalk chalk to 

create inspiring artwork and 

messages filled with hope, 

kindness and togetherness. 

This event embodies the 

values of unity, justice and 

kindness that are essential 

for building a brighter 

future. Through art, we can 

come together and inspire 

positive change. 

Let’s continue spreading 

kindness, hope and unity, 

one creative step at a time! 

*Join the Movement* 

*Share Your Support* 

Use 

hashtags 

#ULBCCommunity 

#JusticeForAll 

#UnityThroughArt 

#SpreadKindness to show 

your support. 

*Get Involved* 

Contact the Urban 

League’s Justice Division to 

learn more about upcoming 

events and how you can 

make a difference. 

It is time 

for parents 

to teach young 

people early 

on that in 

diversity there 

is beauty 

and there 

is strenght. 

-- Maya Angelou


ACA Marketplace Enrollment Opens 

with Expanded Options and Subsidies 

Health officials said the ACA Marketplace’s enrollment 

success reflects expanded access under the Biden-Harris 

administration. However, political opposition from Trump and 

MAGA Republicans threatens these gains. 

bronze plans provide lower premiums but 

higher deductibles. 

Federal funding has also been allocated to 

ensure continued support for enrollees. The 

Biden-Harris administration committed $100 

million to the Navigator program, providing 

more resources to help Americans understand 

and select the best health plan. Enhanced 

subsidies—initially introduced under the 

American Rescue Plan Act and extended 

by the IRA—are set to expire at the end of 

2025 unless renewed by Congress. Without 

renewal, millions would face premium hikes 

in 2026, with costs doubling in some cases. A 

young family of four in Pennsylvania earning 

$125,000 would see an annual increase of 

$6,448, while a 45-year-old in Wisconsin with 

a $60,000 income would experience a $1,354 

hike. 

DACA recipients are eligible for ACA 

coverage for the first time, with subsidies 

that help reduce costs. Effective November 

1, this new eligibility offers a special 

enrollment window for an estimated 100,000 

DACA recipients despite ongoing litigation. 

Additionally, states like California and New 

Mexico are leveraging federal tax credits to 

reduce deductibles, enhancing affordability for 


those with lower incomes. 

KFF found that further safeguards and 

protections accompany this year’s enrollment. 

Stricter fraud protections require brokers to 

secure consent before making plan changes 

and respond to complaints about unauthorized 

plan modifications. Non-ACA-compliant shortterm 

plans are now limited to four months and 

must display clear disclaimers noting they lack 

comprehensive health coverage. Similarly, 

fixed indemnity plans, which pay a set amount 

for specific medical events but lack ACA 

protections, now carry required disclaimers. 

New network adequacy standards for 

federal Marketplace plans also ensure timely 

access to care. Wait times are capped in 2025 

at ten business days for behavioral health, 15 

days for primary care, and 30 days for nonurgent 

specialty care. Compliance will be 

monitored through “secret shoppers” surveys 

to verify access. 

Health officials said the ACA Marketplace’s 

enrollment success reflects expanded access 

under the Biden-Harris administration. 

However, political opposition from Trump and 

MAGA Republicans threatens these gains. 

To register for health insurance for 2025, 

visit www.Healthcare.gov. 

By Stacy M. Brown, 

NNPA Newswire Senior National 

Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia 

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace 

opens its 2025 enrollment season, offering 

millions the opportunity to secure or adjust 

health insurance plans. This year’s opening 

enrollment is vital, particularly if Donald 

Trump is re-elected. The twice-impeached 

former president and MAGA Republicans 

have vowed to repeal the healthcare law, 

which would deprive an estimated 40 million 

Americans of coverage. Under Trump’s plan, 

millions of individuals with pre-existing 

conditions would also lose health insurance. 

In 2024, approximately 4.2 million 

Floridians enrolled in an ACA health plan, 

marking a more than 200% increase from 2020, 

according to White House data. Florida, one of 

10 states that hasn’t expanded Medicaid, is 

seeing around 823,000 residents lose Medicaid 

coverage. 

More than 418,000 Michigan residents 

signed up for new health plans through 

HealthCare.gov—a nearly 30% increase over 

2023. In Wisconsin, over 250,000 residents 

secured ACA coverage, as state officials 

reported. Meanwhile, 1.26 million Georgia 

residents enrolled, reflecting a 206% rise from 

2020, with about 96% receiving an advanced 

premium tax credit to help cover premiums. 

Maryland also saw a 33% increase in Black 

enrollees and a 30% increase in Hispanic 

enrollees. In Virginia, 389,568 residents 

enrolled, marking a 67% increase since 2020, 

with 88% receiving advanced premium tax 

credits to help cover costs. Meanwhile, 11,910 

District of Columbia residents enrolled, 

although enrollment has decreased by 26% 

since 2020 — about 22% of D.C. enrollees 

qualified for advanced premium tax credits. 

With increased enrollment nationwide, this 

year’s Marketplace offers more options than 

ever. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation 

(KFF), consumers can choose from a broader 

array of plans, with benchmark silver plans 

averaging a 4% premium increase and bronze 

plans up by 5%. However, enhanced subsidies 

introduced under the Inflation Reduction Act 

(IRA) continue to make coverage affordable, 

capping monthly premiums at a percentage 

of income. Most enrollees on HealthCare. 

gov can find plans for under $10 per month, 

despite unsubsidized premiums reaching $497 

for a 40-year-old on a benchmark silver plan. 

KFF researchers noted that some states, like 

Vermont, Alaska, and North Dakota, face 

double-digit premium hikes, while others, like 

Louisiana, see decreases in low-cost plans. 

Under the Biden-Harris administration, 

the ACA Marketplace has expanded to 

include more insurers, with an average of 9.6 

participating insurers per state, allowing 97% 

of Healthcare.gov users to choose from at least 

three insurers. The range of options includes 

silver and bronze plans tailored to meet 

different healthcare needs. Silver plans, which 

serve as the basis for subsidy calculations, 

offer a balance of coverage and cost, while 

Defend the Heart of Sistrunk from the Front Page 

Sistrunk. We are deeply rooted, and we shall 

not be moved. 

This is why the Housing Trust Group 

(HTG), a Miami based company’s, recent plan 

to “build around us,” boxing in this symbol of 

our community without consideration, is an 

affront not just to the Westside Gazette, but 

to everyone who calls Sistrunk home. The 

HTG wants to put up a sprawling 100+ unit 

apartment building without any real regard 

for the pulse of this neighborhood. Their 

vision is to build around us, as though the 

Westside Gazette and all it stands for is a mere 

obstacle to be worked around. This approach 

is shortsighted, tone-deaf, and ultimately 

dismissive of our community’s heritage and 

dreams for the future. The Gazette is not a 

roadblock, and Sistrunk is not just another spot 

for high-density apartments—it’s a destination 

and a promise for future generations. 

We do not stand alone in our opposition. 

We stand proudly with the Urban Pointe 

Development Team and their plans for The 

Allen at Sistrunk—a thoughtful, communityoriented 

project created by and for the people of 

Sistrunk. This project isn’t just about buildings; 

it’s a tribute to the legacy of Attorney George 

Allen, a man who dedicated his life to defending 

the rights of the disenfranchised and fighting 

discrimination in all its ugly forms across 

Broward County. The Allen Project embodies 

his vision of justice and respect for every 

individual, a vision that should be woven into 

the very fabric of Sistrunk’s future. Unlike 

HTG’s proposal, Urban Pointe’s vision aligns 

with the original concept for Sistrunk as a 

destination point. They’ve listened to the voices 

of the community and embraced the idea of 

growth that respects and enhances our history 

rather than erasing or overshadowing it. 

We call on everyone who believes in the spirit 

of Sistrunk and its history to join us in saying 

no to HTG’s plan. Now is the time to support 

growth that acknowledges our roots, not a 

development that treats us as an inconvenience 

to be “built around.” This community deserves 

better. Let’s stand with the Urban Pointe 

Development Team and show that Sistrunk is 

more than just real estate—it’s a legacy worth 

protecting. 

Stand with us. Stand for Sistrunk. Stand for 

the memory and principles of Attorney George 

Allen and so many like him. Stand for the legacy 

of Levi and Yvonne Henry, whose vision made 

the Westside Gazette one of those beacons in 

our community. Let’s build a future that honors 

where we’ve come from and where we’re going. 

Please join us in showing your support for The 

Allen at Sistrunk project at the upcoming CRA 

Board meeting on Thursday, November 7, 2024. 

The meeting begins at 2:30 PM and will be held 

at: 

The Broward Center for the Performing Arts 

Mary N. Porter Riverview Ballroom 

201 SW 5th Avenue 


Your presence matters—let’s come together to 

support this vital project for our community! 

A Lung Screening 

Could Save Your Life. 

Welcome to taking charge 

of your lung health. 

In November, we’re offering lung screenings for $35.* 

Visit BaptistHealth.net/LungScreening 

or call 833-596-2473. 

*Applies to patients who are uninsured or their insurance does not cover this 

service. A prescription is required. If you don’t have a referring physician or medical 

professional to write a prescription for you, call 786-596-2464 and we’ll connect you 

with one. Any abnormal findings will be sent to your referring physician. This offer is 

not contingent on receiving any additional services from Baptist Health. No further 

services will be discounted. With the exception of the $35 fee, neither the patient 

nor any other third party will be billed additionally for this exam. 

November 2024


Deeply Rooted 


Living paycheck to paycheck: How to break free 

Tips on budgeting when your financial situation is uncertain 

Submitted by Laura 

Onyeneho 

(Source Defender Network) 

FAMU Law Students Visit United 

Nations Human Rights Council 

Living paycheck to 

paycheck is a financial 

situation where an individual 

or family’s income barely 

covers essential living 

expenses such as housing, 

utilities, groceries, and 

transportation. If one 

paycheck were to be missed, 

it would lead to significant 

financial strain and difficulty 

in meeting basic needs. This 

precarious financial situation 

leaves little room for saving or 

investing, making individuals 

vulnerable to unexpected 

emergencies or income loss. 

According to a survey 

conducted by Payroll. 

org, a staggering 78% of 

Americans find themselves 

living paycheck to paycheck, 

marking a 6% increase from 

the previous year. This means 

more than three-quarters of 

the population struggles to 

save or invest after covering 

their monthly expenses. 

Chawn Payton, a 

Northwestern Mutual 

financial advisor, says that 

living paycheck to paycheck 

often means “spending 

the money before it even 

hits the bank account” and 

being unable to “level up 

financially.” This can make it 

difficult to save for the future 

or enjoy life in the present. 

The root causes can 

be attributed to increased 

spending, which is outpacing 

income growth. High inflation 

and rising interest rates 

are contributing factors. 

According to the Federal 

Reserve’s report, 40% of 

adults experienced a rise 

in their family’s monthly 

spending compared to the 

previous year. 

According to MIT’s living 

wage calculator, the required 

annual income before taxes 

for a single adult in Florida 

is $46,645, or $22.43 an 

hour. With just one child, 

that required salary jumps to 

$77,515. For a single parent 

with three children, a living 

wage salary amounts to 

$122,217. 

Payton adds that much 

of the difficulty arises from 

By Staff Writer 


of Broward County is 

celebrating a series of 

remarkable achievements, 

each highlighting its profound 

commitment to empowering 

the local community, uplifting 

Black history, and fostering 

leadership. With the support 

of generous grants and the 

dedicated work of exceptional 

leaders, the organization 

is making strides toward a 

brighter future for Broward 

County. 

$10,000 Grant for Youth- 

Led Black History 

Showcase 


recently received a $10,000 

grant from the Community 

Foundation of Broward, 

as part of their “40 for 40 

Spread the Love” initiative 

celebrating the Foundation’s 

40th anniversary. This 

initiative awards $400,000 

to 40 nonprofits creating 

positive change in Broward 

County. With this grant, the 

Urban League will support 

its youth-led Black History 

Showcase and Art Gallery 

Reception, a project designed 

to spotlight Black history and 

culture through the eyes of 

young people. The event will: 

• Promote cultural awareness 

and honor Black heritage, 

• Empower youth with 

opportunities for leadership 

and creative expression, and 

• Strengthen community 

inclusivity. 

Honoring Alica Brown, 

Inflation is still squeezing budgets for individuals 

andfamilies living in the U.S. (Defender Network) 

deeper issues, such as one’s 

relationship with money. 

“If you come from a 

household where you saw 

your parents live paycheck 

to paycheck, you may 

emulate those behaviors,” 

Payton says. “To address the 

challenges of living paycheck 

to paycheck, individuals must 

adopt proactive measures to 

improve their financial wellbeing.” 

Budgeting basics 

One key strategy is 

creating a comprehensive 

budget that accurately 

reflects income and expenses. 

Payton suggests starting with 

a spending plan rather than a 

budget, as the term “budget” 

can often feel restrictive. 

“Go back through two 

or three months of your 

bank statements — normal 

months, not months where 

you had major travel or 

expenses — and print them 

out,” he advises. From there, 

categorize your spending 

into “needs” and “wants” to 

identify areas for reduction. 

By analyzing these 

spending habits, you can 

make small but significant 

adjustments. 

“You may have 12 

subscriptions you forgot 

about, or you’re spending 

unnecessarily on luxuries 

like monthly cosmetic boxes 

or extra streaming services,” 

Payton explains. “Reducing 

discretionary spending can 

create breathing room in your 

finances.” 

Building an emergency 

fund is crucial for financial 

resilience. Setting aside a 

portion of each paycheck into a 

dedicated savings account can 

provide a financial safety net 

during unexpected hardship, 

such as medical emergencies 

or job loss. 

Payton 

suggests 

automating savings to help 

people stay consistent: “When 

saving is automatic, you don’t 

think about it, and the money 

grows without extra effort.” 

Another effective strategy 

is seeking additional income 

through side gigs or part-time 

work. Payton acknowledges 

that “not all avenues for extra 

income are for everybody,” 

but encourages individuals 

to explore the growing 

options available, whether 

that’s a side hustle or career 

advancement. “The internet 

has exposed many different 

ways to bring in extra income, 

and you just have to figure out 

which one is right for you,” he 

adds. 

To help people manage 

discretionary spending, 

Payton recommends a more 

hands-on approach using the 

cash envelope method. 

“You allocate literal cash 

for discretionary expenses, 

and when the envelope is 

empty, that’s it,” he says. 

“Using cash rather than credit 

or debit cards forces you to 

think twice before making 

unnecessary purchases.” 

Imagine heading to Best 

Buy to buy a $1,500 TV on 



Celebrating Milestones: 

The Urban League of Broward County’s 

Successes in Community Impact and Leadership 

Alica Brown 

2024 Outstanding 

Fundraising Executive 

The Urban League is 

also proud to celebrate 

Alica Brown, Senior Vice 

President of Philanthropy 

and Communications, who 

has been named the 2024 

Outstanding Fundraising 

Executive by the Association 

of Fundraising Professionals 

(AFP). This honor recognizes 

Alica’s visionary leadership 

and dedication to advancing 

the League’s mission. Her 

tireless commitment to 

positive change has made a 

lasting impact on Broward 

County. Alica will be 

celebrated at the 37th Annual 

National Philanthropy Day 

Luncheon on November 14th, 

where she will be recognized 

alongside other outstanding 

individuals and organizations 

committed to making a 

difference. 

Empowering Leadership: 

Courtnee Biscardi Joins 

Fifth Third’s Prestigious 

Program 

In another milestone, 

Courtnee Biscardi, the 

Urban League’s Executive 

Courtney Biscardi 

Vice President, has been 

selected for the Fifth Third 

Empowering Community 

Leaders program. This 

program provides nonprofit 

leaders with essential 

resources and training to 

drive transformative change 

in communities served by 

Fifth Third Bank. Courtnee’s 

selection is a testament to 

her leadership and dedication 

to making an impactful 

difference, and the Urban 

League is excited to see 

her continue to inspire and 

elevate the community. 

These accomplishments 

reflect the Urban League of 

Broward County’s unwavering 

dedication to community 

service, empowerment, 

and leadership. Join 

us in celebrating these 

achievements, supporting 

initiatives that uplift our 

community, and honoring the 

outstanding individuals who 

make it all possible. 

#CelebratingHistory 

#YouthEmpowerment 

#CommunityImpact 

#LeadershipInAction 

(L to R): Students from the FAMU College of Law recently participated in an educational mission 

to the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. The delegation included Richell DeJesus 

(2L), Arianna Hoye (3L), Jaelyn Harrington (3L), Professor Jeremy Levitt, Ph.D., Andrew Mcmann, 

Timothy Kratzer (2L), and Lowell Fahs (3L). 

GENEVA SWITZERLAND – Six Florida 

A&M University (FAMU) College of Law 

students, led by Distinguished Professor 

Jeremy Levitt, Ph.D., recently embarked on 

an educational mission to the United Nations 

Human Rights Council in Geneva. 

“This exceptional initiative offered students 

firsthand exposure to the intricate world of 

international diplomacy and human rights 

advocacy, equipping them with critical skills 

essential for both bar preparation and a 

successful legal career,” Levitt said. 

Levitt said the experience reaffirms FAMU 

Law’s dedi-cation to enriching student learning 

beyond traditional classrooms, emphasizing 

immersive educational ex-periences shaping 

legal practice’s future. Under his guidance, 

the students— Richell DeJesus, Lowell 

Fahs, Jaelyn Harrington, Arianna Hoye, 

Timothy Kratzer, and Andrew McMann — 

had the op-portunity to observe live sessions 

of the Human Rights Council, interact with 

diplomats, and engage in pivotal discussions 

on global human rights concerns. 

Cecil Howard, associate provost and interim 

dean for the College of Law, said the trip to 

Geneva demonstrates the value of experiential 

learning opportunities. 

“These types of experiences help to develop 

our law students into well-versed professionals 

who will make transformative change in their 

respective communities and across the globe.” 

For third-year student Lowell Fahs, the 

experience has proven unforgettable, 

providing “invaluable insights” into how law 

and humanitarian efforts converge. 

“Attending Human Rights Council sessions 

and visiting humanitarian organizations 

highlighted the importance of global 

cooperation,” Fahs reflected, noting how the 

experience reinforced his commitment to 

using law as a force for justice. 

Richell DeJesus, a second-year student, echoed 

these sentiments, sharing how attending 

sessions with the United Nations “deepened 

my commitment to pursuing a career in law.” 

Witnessing international efforts to combat 

human rights abuses has inspired her to 

envision a career advancing global justice. 

“Through this mission, students returned to 

FAMU with enhanced critical thinking and 

analytical skills, embodying the university’s 

commitment to fostering well-rounded, 

globally-minded legal professionals,” Levitt 

said. 

A MESSAGE FROM THE PUBLISHER from Front Page 

camps. Trump’s statements 

are mirror images of 

governments gone bad and 

more of the same—a coded 

warning meant to stir anxiety, 

a signal to his base to view 

this election as a fight, not 

just a vote. And in that coded 

message is a not-so-subtle 

insinuation: if things don’t go 

his way, he might not accept 

the outcome peacefully. 

This message, aimed 

at destabilizing faith in 

democracy, is particularly 

dangerous for communities 

of color and marginalized 

groups who have often been 

the first to feel the brunt of 

political and social upheaval. 

Historically, Black Americans 

have been disproportionately 

affected when social and 

political tensions escalate. 

Jewish communities, too, 

know the pain of living 

under the shadow of coded 

language that targets them, 

while LGBTQ+ individuals 

continue to face escalating 

hostility and violence when 

leaders lean into divisive 

rhetoric. For immigrants, 

the fear that “bad things” 

could happen is an all-tooreal 

reminder of how quickly 

rights can be stripped away 

and how precarious security 

can be when powerful people 

choose scapegoats. 

We know all too well what 

can happen in this climate, 

Trump’s words are more 

than a prediction—they’re 

an invitation for supporters 

to reject any outcome that 

doesn’t fit his narrative and 

to see these communities as 

targets rather than fellow 

citizens. 

The phrase “bad things 

could happen” also highlights 

a dangerous imbalance: 

Trump is willing to put our 

country’s stability at risk to 

keep his grip on power and 

not go to prison. For someone 

who claims to be for “the 

people,” his words show a 

willingness to leave all of 

us in chaos if he can’t win. 

This goes beyond politics; it’s 

about democracy itself and 

the dangerous precedent he’s 

willing to set if he refuses a 

peaceful transition. 

As Black Americans, we 

know that democracy isn’t 

perfect, and it’s often failed 

us. But we also know how 

hard our ancestors fought for 

the right to participate in it, 

to have a say in this country’s 

direction. They faced violence, 

intimidation, and every other 

kind of barriers to vote—and 

they did it anyway. Trump’s 

“bad things could happen” 

comment is a direct threat to 

that hard-won progress, an 

effort to sow doubt and fear, 

not just for Black Americans 

but for Jewish people, 

LGBTQ+ communities, 

immigrants, and anyone who 

doesn’t fit neatly into his 

vision of America. 

If there’s one thing, I’ve 

learned from those who came 

before me, it’s this: when 

someone tries to scare you 

away from the ballot box, 

that’s a sign of its power. When 

they threaten “bad things” 

if they lose, it’s because they 

know the stakes are high. So, 

let’s recognize this BS (being 

stupid) for what it is—a fear 

tactic designed to keep us 

from claiming our power and 

to pit us against each other. 

Bad things have happened 

in the past, often targeting 

the very communities Trump 

implies he’d protect. But 

this is our time to decide 

the future. We are stronger 

together, and we’ll reject any 

attempts to divide us.


Rickey Smiley Brings Story of 

Trauma, Faith and Spirit to Soutel Dr. 


Broward Circuit Judge Elijah H. Williams 

Receives Archbishop Edward McCarthy 

Annual Award for Moral Principles 

Submitted by Jacksonville Free Press 

Shown is Smiley with fan Sarah Barnes. 

Comedian, radio host, actor and promoter Rickey Smiley was the guest author at the 

northsides Café Resistance for a conversation about his recent book “Sideshow: Living with 

Loss and Moving Forward with Faith.’ The book tackles Smiley’s pain of watching someone you 

love to suffer from addiction, his trauma, therapy sessions and relying on his faith and scripture. 

Hosted by TV personality Henny Stewart, a crowd of fans of Smiley were eager to have their 

booked signed and engage in the comedian’s heartfelt discussion and Q&A moments. 

“This book is for those who know the weight of grief, who I can show the light of God. It is 

for those millions of families whose child or spouse or sibling is battling for their life against 

addiction and want to know that others have walked this path too. It is for my own peace, 

because when I am in service of others, as God has directed me, I am fulfilled,” said Ricky 

Smiley. 

By Don Valentine 

Ever since our forced 

diaspora in 1619, we have been 

subjected to discrimination 

based on both hairstyles and 

hair texture. The National 

Institute of Health found, 

“Slaves were forced to shave 

their heads not only for issues 

related to lice contracted 

from the cramped, filthy, 

and inhumane quarters of 

the slave ships but also to 

strip them from any cultural 

identity or tribal heritage 

associated with hairstyles.” 

Racial bias still exists as a 

result of our hair styles like 

dreadlocks,twists,and braids. 

People have lost jobs, been 

denied housing and endured 

police harassment to name 

a few of the prejudicial 

incidents. 

In 1768 Spain implemented 

the ‘Tignon laws” in its 

Louisiana colonies. These 

were the most obtrusive hair 

laws in American history. 

Its primary mandate was 

to distinguish the racial 

caste system. The New-York 

Historical Society noted, “The 

Spanish government wanted 

YOU AND A GUEST ARE INVITED 

TO A SPECIAL ADVANCE SCREENING OF 

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17 • 2:00 PM • CMX DOLPHIN 19 

For your chance to win a complimentary admit-two pass 

to the advance screening, email us at 

ttaylor@thewestsidegazette.com or wgaccts@thewestsidegazette.com 

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Passes will be emailed to winners. You must have a pass to attend. Passes are available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Supplies limited. Employees of all promotional partners and their agencies are not eligible. Void where prohibited. SEATING IS LIMITED, SO ARRIVE EARLY. 

PASS DOES NOT GUARANTEE A SEAT AT THE SCREENING. 

IN THEATERS NOVEMBER 22 

www.WickedMovie.com 

85665_Wicked_WestsideGazette_6.5x10.75.indd 1 

WickedMovie 

Black Hair Rules 

to more clearly define the place of the free Black community 

of Louisiana to prevent people of color from becoming too 

powerful. One major concern was that free Black women were 

too beautiful, and too many White men were attracted to them.” 

A tignon is a type of head covering. A large piece of material 

tied or wrapped around the head to form a kind of turban and 

covers your hair. 

Our Nubian queens turned the tignon ostracism into a fashion 

statement. Essence magazine wrote, “...the tignons became a 

major fashion statement and they adorned their wraps in spite 

of the laws meant to strip their creativity and culture.” Women 

creatively used ribbons, brooches, beads intertwined with 

exotic luxurious fabrics. They created an elegant statement of 

protest to the “Tignon laws.” That rebellious act turned into a 

lasting beauty trend. The fashionistas at Essence commented, 

“The effects of the “Tignon laws” are still seen today, as it is still 

commonplace for Black women to wear elaborate headwraps 

@WickedMovie 

@WickedMovie 

#WickedMovie 

10/24/24 8:01 AM 

and headdresses.” 

The historical lesson for 

the world is do not irritate 

Black women, because it could 

backfire on you. 

World War II 

veteran from FP 

President Harry Truman 

would issue Executive 

Order 9981 officially ending 

segregation in the armed 

services, ensuring “equality 

of treatment and opportunity’ 

for all, paving the way for the 

armed services to integrate. 

Dowdy relocated to Pompano 

Beach and was hired as a 

driver for Margaret Ann, which 

later became Winn Dixie, and 

retired after 41 years with the 

company. He resides in Fort 

Lauderdale with his daughter 

and loves The Young and the 

Restless. 

The breakfast will be held 

from 8 - 11 am. at the L.A. 

Lee YMCA/Mizell Community 

Center in Fort Lauderdale. 

Dowdy will also be honored 

Saturday at the Florida 

Panthers game with an 

interview conducted at his 

home to be aired during 

halftime. 

Judge Elijah H. Williams 

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – The 17th Judicial Circuit Court announced today that 

Broward Circuit Judge Elijah H. Williams has been named recipient of The Archbishop 

Edward McCarthy Annual Award, an honor bestowed on a member of the legal community who 

exemplifies the moral principles espoused by Saint Thomas More. More - a judge, a statesmen 

and a humanitarian – was canonized a saint in 1535 by the Roman Catholic Church. 

“Judge Williams is a friend and mentor. He has earned this award and deserves this 

distinguished recognition,” said Jack Tuter, chief judge for the 17th Judicial Circuit. “He 

continues to serve the Circuit with honor and professionalism as the most senior member of the 

17th Judicial Circuit Court.” 

Judge Williams is the Delinquency Chairperson for the Juvenile Division of the 17th Judicial 

Circuit Court of Broward County, FL. 

The St. Thomas More Society of South Florida presented Judge Williams with the award on 

Oct. 2, 2024 at the St. Thomas More Red Mass & Dinner at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in 

Fort Lauderdale, FL. 

“I am blown away by receiving the Archbishop Edward A. McCarthy Award from the St. 

Thomas More Society of South Florida,” Williams said. “To be recognized with this award, 

bestowed for typifying the moral principles of Saint Thomas More, is an honor I never imagined.” 

Other past recipients from the 17 th Judicial Circuit include Judge Edward H. Merrigan (2019) 

Judge Susan J. Aramony (posthumous in 2015), Judge Martin Bidwill (2007), and Judge Arthur 

M. Birken (2000). 

About The Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Of Florida 

The Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida is the court for Broward County, 

headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, FL. It is the second largest circuit court in the state. 

Broward County has 90 judges. Of those, 32 are county court judges and 58 are circuit judges. 

Four courthouses comprise the 17th circuit and include the Broward County Courthouse in Fort 

Lauderdale, and three satellite courthouses: the North 

Regional Courthouse in Deerfield Beach, the West Regional Courthouse in Plantation and 

the South Regional Courthouse in Hollywood. 

HIV/AIDS 

and 

Marijuana 

Use 

Watch a Conversations on Cannabis virtual 

forum to hear healthcare professionals 

discuss the potential benefits and 

challenges of using medical cannabis for 

individuals living with HIV and AIDS. 

Follow ‘Conversations on Cannabis’ on 

@MMERIForumRadio 

Learn the Benefits 

and Side Effects 

Watch Now


Deeply Rooted 


Dengue Fever cases reported in Florida after 

Hurricane Milton 

Fourth case of Dengue Fever 

confirmed in Tampa BayScroll 

back up to restore default view. 

Submitted by Emilee Speck 

Jill Tracey, beloved South 

Florida media personality, 

dies at 60 

Source: Miami Times Staff 

(Instagram@HotTalkwithJillyTracy) 

Jill Tracey, the beloved media personality known most recently from her 

work with HOT 105 FM Miami, died on Friday at the age of 60. 

Tracey, a popular voice in South Florida radio for more than three decades, 

was also running for the District 2 seat on the Hollywood city commission at 

the time of her death. She formerly served as the president of the National 

Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) South Florida chapter, where she 

advocated for diversity in journalism. 

Most recently, Tracey had spent more than a decade with HOT105, where 

she took on various roles. She served as news director and co-hosted the 

Rickey Smiley Morning Show on weekdays, in addition to leading her own 

program, “Hot Talk with Jill Tracey,” on Sunday nights at 11 p.m. 

She was abruptly fired from the radio station in June, citing financial 

issues. 

Though born in Detroit, Tracey’s career took off in South Beach as a gossip 

columnist. The various jobs that followed would take her across the country, 

but she would eventually land back in Miami. 

Tracey subsequently left a mark on the community she came to know and 

love throughout her long career. She was an instructor with Urgent, Inc., 

the community development organization dedicated to empowering youth 

to transform their communities through media. She also contributed time 

and donated to various organizations, including Embrace Girls Foundation, 

YWCA of Miami, NFL Sisters in Service, the chapter of the NABJ she used to 

lead, and the Cultural Heritage Alliance on Tourism. 

“Jill Tracey was more than a colleague; she was a beloved member of the 

South Florida community, known for her warmth, humor, and unwavering 

support for others,” reads a GoFundMe that has been set up in her honor. 

“Her legacy will continue to inspire and uplift those she touched throughout 

her life.” 

The page notes that Tracey was facing health challenges before her death, 

though her “resilience and determination never wavered,” it reads. 

Funeral arrangements for Tracey will be announced soon. 

Jill Tracey, South Florida radio veteran, passed away at 60. 

She was a former HOT 105 FM host and news director, known for “Hot 

Talk with Jill Tracey.” 

Tracey was running for the District 2 Hollywood city commission seat. 

She was a past president of NABJ’s South Florida chapter, advocating for 

diversity in media. 

Actively involved in the community, she supported youth initiatives and 

nonprofit organizations. 

Jill Tracey Hot 105 Fm Miami Radio Personality South Florida Media 

District 2 Hollywood City Commission Nabj South Florida “hot Talk With Jill 

Tracey” Rickey Smiley Morning Show Miami Community Leader Embrace 

Girls Foundation Urgent Inc. Hollywood City Commission Candidate 

Gofundme 

TAMPA, FL. – Cases of the mosquitoborne 

illness Dengue Fever are popping 

up in Florida’s Tampa Bay region weeks 

after Hurricane Milton left standing 

water across the state. 

Mosquitoes breed by laying eggs in or 

near standing water, and back-to-back 

hurricanes Milton and Helene left rivers 

flooded and standing water around westcentral 

Florida. 

Since Milton’s Oct. 9 landfall, the 

Hillsborough County Department of 

Health has confirmed four cases of 

locally acquired Dengue Fever. In 

response, Hillsborough County Public 

Works continues pumping floodwater out 

of communities, and the county Mosquito 

Management team is working to prevent 

the spread through aerial spraying. 

University of South Florida infectious 

disease professor Dr. John Sinnott told 

FOX 13 Tampa Bay that mosquitoes 

with Dengue usually stay close to their 

breeding grounds. 

Florida Reports Spike In Flesheating 

Bacteria Cases Following Recent 

Aedes aegypti mosquitos are seen in a lab at the Fiocruz Institute on June 2, 2016, 

in Recife, Brazil. 

Hurricanes 

“The mosquitoes that spread Dengue only have a range of about 

200 yards, so they’re going to stay around the person that’s sick,” 

Sinnott said. “These mosquitoes don’t go flying off for 2 or 3 miles or 

localized within a couple of football fields. They usually stay in one 

place.” 

More than 50 cases of Dengue Fever have been confirmed in 

Florida. 

Health officials are also encouraging residents to drain or cover 

standing water. According to the Department of Health, just a 

tablespoon of water left out for a week is enough for mosquitoes to 

multiply. 

Sinnott said Dengue symptoms usually start with a headache. 

“Then your joints start hurting, starting with the weight-bearing 

joints, the knees,” Synnott said. “I’ve seen patients with this, and 

their pain is remarkable.” 

Rep Clarke Urges Caribbean Americans to Vote for Harris 

Caribbean American Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke 

As Americans vote in the presidential elections 

on Tuesday an overwhelming number of Caribbean 

community and political activists and legislators in New 

York are urging Caribbean nationals to cast ballots for 

Vice-President Kamala Harris, the daughter of retired 

Jamaican economist Dr. Donald Harris, saying she is the 

better candidate to be the next president of the United 

States. 

In what polls and pundits indicate is a deadlocked 

race, Harris, the Democratic Party nominee, is seeking 

to become the first woman of color and Caribbean- and 

Asian-American to be the president of the United States 

as she goes up against her Republican challenger, former 

President Donald J. Trump. 

“This election day marks a turning point for our 

nation where Americans will make their choice about 

who this country stands for, and what it stands against,” 

Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, the daughter of Jamaican 

immigrants, told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC). 

“It will be our moment to choose between one man’s 

criminality and our common decency, and between 

turning the page or turning back to the past. 

This election is centered in choice,” added 

the representative for the predominantly 

Caribbean 9th Congressional District in 

Brooklyn, New York. 

“Ours must be to elect Kamala Harris as 

the 47th president of the United States. For 

nearly a decade we’ve watched Donald Trump’s 

rhetoric and promises force Americans to live 

in fear. 

“We’ve seen the pain he’s brought to 

immigrant communities like those of our 

Haitian neighbors. And, from women whose 

reproductive freedoms are under assault, to 

low-income families whose access to health 

care is at risk, we know the harm he represents 

to America’s most vulnerable groups,” said 

Clarke. 

She says not only does Harris understand 

what needs to be done to protect them and 

forge a just path forward, she is the only 

candidate in the race with the capability and 

integrity to do so. 

“On November 5th and on the long road 

ahead, she has my support — and I humbly 

ask for yours,” Clarke said. 

Jamaican-born community activist in 

Brooklyn, Delroy Wright said as it relates 

to the two candidates running for election 

for president, it is a clear choice of who will 

benefit the Caribbean people most. 

“Donald Trump is a racist. That is a standalone 

reason to vote for Kamala Harris,” he 



At Florida Health Centers, “A Rush of Folks” Seek Mental Health Care in Hurricane Aftermath 

By Talya Meyers 

(Source: Republish) 

The monstrous threat of Hurricane 

Milton had terrified meteorologists and 

emergency responders. Even after the 

storm was downgraded to Category 3 

status, it caused severe flooding and 

widespread damage across Florida 

communities. 

For one of Dr. Rhonda Cameron’s 

patients, a middle-aged woman who’d 

lived in the state since age four, the storm 

hadn’t just been frightening in its own 

right. It was an intrusive reminder of a 

childhood trauma. 

In September of 1960, the patient 

recalled, the deadly and destructive 

Hurricane Donna made landfall just 

weeks after her family’s move to Florida. 

She remembered her mother putting her 

under the bed, along with her brother, 

sister, and the family dog, to ride out the 

storm. 

“Hurricane Milton stirred up her PTSD 

from Donna,” explained Dr. Cameron, 

director of behavioral health services 

at Premier Community HealthCare, a 

federally qualified health center serving 

Florida’s Pasco and Hernando Counties. 

Milton, which made landfall in early 

October, close on the heels of the Category 

5 Hurricane Helene, damaged many of 

the same Florida communities, primarily 

on or near the Gulf Coast. Mental health 

providers described patients who, barely 

Evara Health providers offer medical and mental health services to evacuees at an emergency shelter in the 

aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. (Photo courtesy of Evara Health) 

scraping by financially before the storm, 

were now confronting cataclysmic damage 

from flooding or fallen trees. People without 

the money to evacuate, who’d ridden out 

dangerous hurricanes in mobile homes. And 

then, after Milton dissipated, an increase 

in nightmares, overwhelming anxiety 

symptoms, and other indicators of posttraumatic 

stress. 

Floridians often emphasize that 

hurricanes are a part of life, baking stormthemed 

cakes and taking evacuation 

warnings in stride. 

But natural disasters have indisputable 

mental health impacts, causing new 

symptoms or exacerbating already existing 

ones. Providers have long reported 

significant increases of post-traumatic 

stress, anxiety, overdoses, and other related 

concerns in the aftermath of severe storms 

and wildfires. Newer evidence, such as a 

2022 study focused specifically on Florida 

residents who’d experienced multiple 

hurricanes, suggests that repeated exposure 

to natural disasters can compound mental 

health impacts over time. 

Now community health centers that serve 

Helene- and Milton-impacted communities 

are responding to what Premier clinical social worker 

Larry Legg describes as a “rush of folks coming in” 

seeking mental health support. 

Patients at Evara Health in Pinellas County, 

where both hurricanes caused extensive damage, were 

terrified, said Kelly Singleton, a clinical social worker 

and director of behavioral health at the community 

health center. 

“Normally we manage our hurricanes, but these two 

[coming] back-to-back, they really did terrify people,” 

she said. “This is the most scared I have ever seen 

people.” 

“They can have more connection” 

Tampa Family Health Centers, with several 

locations in the Tampa area, is providing extended 

hours for mental health appointments — staying open 

until 8:00 p.m. on weekdays and offering Saturday and 

Sunday options, said Dr. Latamia Green, a pediatric 

and adult psychiatrist and the health center’s director of 

behavioral health. Providers offer affected patients the 

option of shorter, more frequent appointments “so they 

can have more connection,” she said. 

While each patient’s needs are unique, Dr. Green 

explained, hurricane response often requires a stronger 

focus on supportive therapy, helping patients navigate a 

stressful aftermath and overwhelming day-to-day tasks, 

rather than the insight-based approach that’s more 

likely to characterize long-term work with a therapist. 

Caring for patients affected by natural disasters 

is a multi-step process, Dr. Green said. In her diverse 

practice — which includes overseeing a clinic for 

patients with schizophrenia and caring for children 

with autism spectrum disorders, among other mental 

health needs — support often begins in the days before a 

Continue reading online at: thewestsidegazette.com


Deeply Rooted 


Elephant Man Headlines the Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival Main Stage Entertainment 

Submitted by South 

Florida Caribbean News 

MIRAMAR – The 22nd 

Annual Grace Jamaican Jerk 

Festival (GJJF) is set to spice 

up Miramar Regional Park 

with the biggest Caribbean 

BROWARD COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY 

NOTICE OF INTENT TO OPEN THE WAITING LIST FOR THE HILLSBORO CROSSING 

PROJECT-BASED VOUCHER (PBV) PROGRAM FOR 2-BEDROOM UNITS ONLY 

BROWARD COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY (BCHA) will accept pre-applications for 2- 

BEDROOM UNITS ONLY in the Hillsboro Crossing Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Program for 

seniors age 62+. Online pre-applications will be accepted beginning Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at 

8:00 AM and will close on Monday, December 23, 2024, at 4:00 PM or when 300 pre-applications have 

been collected. 

Ranking method of the list will be based on the date and time of application. 

feast of the year on November 

10, 2024. Alongside signature 

sizzling jerk delights and 

mouthwatering Caribbean 

Be prepared to provide identity and income information for yourself and each person that you intend to 

live with you at the property. 

PRE-APPLICATION INFORMATION (Please read carefully): 

Pre-applications will ONLY be available for completion online at the following website: 

(https://bchafl.myhousing.com/). If you do not have access to a computer, you may go to a public library 

or any other place where computers are available to access the website to complete the pre-application. 

IMPORTANT NOTICE: If you need help in filling out your pre-application because of a disability that 

limits your ability to access the computer application process, please send an e-mail to 

accommodations@bchafl.org no later than 4:00 PM on December 18, 2024. 

flavors, the festival will bring 

an electrifying mix of reggae 

and dancehall entertainment 

for a day to remember. 

Main Stage Entertainment 

Main Stage entertainment 

will feature Grammy 

nominated dancehall 

superstar Elephant Man, 

visually impaired break out 

dancehall star Nigy Boy, the 

sweet vocals of upcoming 

reggae star Shuga, roots 

reggae trio The Fantells, 

and the classic reggae band 

Chalice. Comedian Chris 

“Johnny” Daley and media 

personality Jody-Ann Gray 

will emcee the day long food 

and music celebration. 

During the day, a great 

lineup of DJs will entertain 

attendees. This includes 

Richie D, DJ Radcliffe, Extatic 

Sound, and DJ Worm. 

This year, the festival will 

take place in a new spot at 

Miramar Regional Park. The 

address is 16801 Miramar 

Pkwy, Miramar, FL 33027. 

Publix Culinary Stage 

The Publix Culinary 

Stage, hosted by the 

masterful Chef Irie Spice, 

will feature a special cooking 

demonstration by Buffalobased 

Chef Darian, currently 

the subject of a national 

GMC RAM TV ad national 

campaign, and returning is 

Elephant Man 

South Florida’s favorite Chef 

Reece, bringing his signature 

exuberance to the stage. 

The 2024 Celebrity 

Cook Off will feature Local 

10 Anchor Alexis Frazier 

vs NBC-6 Anchor Kris 

Anderson. Local celebrity 

Chef Alain Lemaire and Chef 

Winston Williams will face off 

in an epic head-to-head “Chef 



Hillsboro Crossing is a Senior Community (age 62+) located at 3851 N Dixie Highway, Deerfield Beach 

FL 33064 with anticipated occupancy in early 2025. 

A maximum of TWO persons are permitted to reside in each unit, however, the head of household plus a 

spouse/co-head would ONLY be eligible for a one bedroom. 

Families selected must meet the following guidelines: 

1- The head of household and all family members must be age 62 or older. 

2- The family must qualify for a 2-bedroom unit. 

3- Total annual income may not exceed the maximum ELIGIBLE INCOME LIMIT per 

Household: 

Applicants determined eligible under US Housing and Urban Development program 

requirements must also meet the property’s requirements for residency. 

BCHA does not discriminate on the basis of Federal or local protected classes in the access to 

admissions procedures or employment of its housing programs and activities and provides Equal 

Housing Opportunity to all. 

The Westside Gazette 

Recognize That 

November is 

Alzheimer’s, Diabetes, 

Prostate Cancer, Lung Cancer, 

Stomach Cancer and Epilepsy 

Awareness Month 

ADVERTISE: 

*LEGAL NOTICES 

*FOR RENT 

*FOR SALE *HELP 

WANTED 


Amscot provides a wide variety of smart financial solutions for our customers 

including check cashing, electronic bill payment, free money orders, and cash 

advances. In addition, customers may also obtain and load an Azulos Prepaid 

MasterCard ® , wire money, send a fax, make copies, buy stamps, and use a safe, 

accessible ATM for often less than many banks or other establishments may 

charge. And we do all this, from early in the morning to late at night, 365 days 

a year with many branches open 24-hours! 

NNPA 

HOROSCOPE 

NOVEMBER 7, 2024 

NUMBERS 

(2-DAY 

RESULTS) 

Send Self 

Addressed 

Envelope and 

$10.00 to: 

C.L.HENRY or 

S.H. ROBINSON 

P.O.BOX 5304 

FORT 

LAUDERDALE, 

FL 33310 

For 

Entertainment 

Purpose Only! 

ARIES-Beware of financial pitfalls that you’ve set 

for yourself. Strengthen all your relationships by 

understanding motivations of others. Spend time 

at home. Enjoy what you already have. 

4, 6, 47 

TAURUS-Don’t expect to win every battle, 

especially with your lover. This week winning is 

losing. Backing down is winning. Shyness produces 

a bold result. It’s easy to collect that long-standing 

debt. 18, 25, 39 

GEMINI-Possibilities of hearing good news about 

home are greatly expanded. Savor the news rather 

than thinking about other annoyances. Travel is on 

the horizon. Plan the trip this week. 26, 44, 52 

CANCER-Feather the nest. Stock up on stuff for the 

long haul. Cement relationships. A friend needs 

your support. Enjoy giving it. You will receive good 

news about a pal. 13, 22, 31 

LEO-Be cautious and conservative with money. 

You are extremely witty this week. Allow others to 

enjoy your good humor. Your leadership skills are 

very high, and others will follow. 14, 20, 44 

VIRGO-This is a good time for you to seek 

agreement on a plan that involves a relative. Take 

the time to remind your lover how much you care. 

Get a little sentimental if you have to. Don’t be too 

critical of that softer side of your personality. 2, 

9, 19 

LIBRA-You’ve made your point. Now wait. Wait 

for the feedback about the impact it had on the 

people around you. Be careful of those who don’t 

celebrate with you. They feel the impact and are 

resisting the positive effects. 5, 16, 23 

SCORPIO-Be sharp! All of your needs will be met 

in indirect ways. Gifts will come from unexpected 

sources. They will be carefully packaged to go 

unnoticed. Unwrap everything and look inside. 

There will be empty boxes, but there will also be a 

prize in an unanticipated situation. 3, 10, 41 

SAGITTARIUS-Push. Now is a good time to push. 

Your energy is higher than ever. Someone might 

get offended, but you can’t please everyone. Hire a 

pro for something that you planned to do yourself, 

especially if a expertise is involved. 5, 7, 12 

CAPRICORN-Review your “to do” list again. You 

may need to slow down to discover something 

that you didn’t realize while you were in the flow 

of events. Your lover is going to be a little difficult 

to understand. 5, 16, 23 

AQUARIUS-Back off if an argument arises. You’re 

probably the one who is too busy. Forgiving 

yourself is often harder than getting someone else 

to forgive you. Go easy on yourself. 3, 20, 32 

17 

76 

14 

37 

19 

89 

12 29 

9 6 3 

MIAMI RED 

109 

114 

HOT 

LEAD NUMBER 

3 

Pick 2 

995/010 

67883 

POWERBALL 

06-18-33-48-53 21 10x 

DP 08-14-16-34-51 14 

JUNE 

24 

69 

PROFILES 

MAY 

APRIL 

46 

77 

29 

47 

78 

MAR. 

19 

33 

48 

79 

FEB. 

13 

22 

34 

49 

88 

NOVEMBER 2024 

07 

08 

14 

23 

35 

55 

89 

75 

50 

09 

15 

24 

36 

56 

99 

11 

16 

25 

37 

57 

12 

17 

26 

38 

58 

JULY 

18 

AUG 

27 28 

38 44 45 

SEPT. 

13 

OCT. 

59 66 67 68 

00 02 03 04 05 06 

CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES ARIES TAURUS GEMINI 

13-41-73 02-07-19 42-02-82 24-34-32 81-23-35 03-02-01- 

CANCER LEO VIRGO LIBRA SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS 

26-38-58 10-21- 67-12-06 91-14-29 15-36-08 43-51-21- 

WHAT’S HOT? 58-88-56-84-78 

LATEST LOTTERY RESULT as of Tuesday, October 31 at 5 p.m. 

Pick 3 

59 

1825/8610 

48 

39 

JACKPOT Triple Play 

04-06-09-14-41-42 

Pick 4 Pick 5 

46225/32830 

25 

Kamala Harris 

(colors: Pink, Green and Black) 

Breast Caner 

NOVEMBER 7, 2024 

140585/234740 

68 

36 

FANTASY 5 

Mid Nov 11) 12-16-19-26-36 

Evening Nv. 5) 05-07-11-18-25 

T-Shirts for sale now 

SMALL - $13.50 - MEDIUM - $14.50 

LARGE - $15.00 - XL- $16.00 -2X - $17.00 

3X - $18.00 

15 

57 

12 

NOV. 

DEC. 

CASH4LIFE 

13-38-44-55-59 4 

32 

18 

68 

79 

65 

11 

43 

FLORIDA MEGA MILLION 

11-22-42-46-51 4 2x 

55 

96 

Doublues 

LOTTO 

03-17-22-23-40-47 

01-22-24-36-40-44 

87 

FRUITS, FRUITS & FRUITS 

SOFT SHELL PECAN $7 a bag 

AND THE BEST BOIL & ROASTED 

PEANUTS ON THE PLANET PERIOD 

QUART BAGS $10.00. *PEANUTS 

WILL SOLD AT ALL MIAMI DOLPHIN 

HOME GAMES ON THE WESTSIDE OF 

ENTRANCE ON UNIVERSITY DRIVE. 

QUART BAGS $10.00 

CALL FORD -- (954) 557-1203. 

PISCES-Make a special effort to spend all week 

with your lover, husband or wife. Your sense of 

the importance of relationships is keen and this 

is a good time to strengthen your passionate 

partnership. Take your lover to a party. Devote 

attention. 12, 51, 52 

CALL FOR FORD 

(954) 557-1203


Deeply Rooted 


BATTLING 

TO THE 

WIRE 

For the Week oF November 5 -11, 2024 

 

Miles Sports Photo 

SAM SHADE: His Miles Golden 

Bears are in and will host the 

Nov. 16 SIAC title game. Their 

opponent will be decided this 

weekend. 

MILES IN, THREE BATTLE FOR FINAL SIAC SPOT; 

CIAA AT FINAL DAY WITH TITLE GAME SPOTS OPEN 

SCORES 

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31 

S. C. State 24, North Carolina Central 21 

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2 

Alabama State 21, Alcorn State 17 

Allen 41, Central State 3 - NO STATS! 

Bethune-Cookman 24, Grambling State 21 

Bowie State 48, Elizabeth City State 3 

Clark Atlanta 36, Tuskegee 28 

Fayetteville State 27, Johnson C. Smith 0 

Florida A&M 52, Texas Southern 28 

Florida Memorial 75, Thomas 21 

Fort Valley State 44, Benedict 20 

Howard 38, Delaware State 0 

Jackson State 41, Arkansas-Pine Bluff 3 

Miles 37, Morehouse 3 

Morgan State 38, Norfolk State 37, OT 

Ottawa 42, Langston 32 

Prairie View A&M 17, Miss. Valley State 16 

Savannah State 28, Albany State 26 

Shaw 24, Livingstone 17 

Southern 25, Alabama A&M 20 

Texas Wesleyan 70, Texas College 7 

Truman State 52, Lincoln (MO) 7 

UT-Martin 28, Tennessee State 21 

Villanova 20, Hampton 14 

Virginia State 55, Lincoln (PA) 0 

Virginia Union 91, Bluefield State 0 

William & Mary 45, N. C. A&T 7 

West Virginia State 38, Frostburg State 24 

Edward Waters at Lane 

UNDER THE BANNER 

WHAT'S GoING oN IN AND AroUND bLACK CoLLeGe SPorTS 

T. C. TAYLOR EXTENDED AT JACKSON STATE: 

JACKSON, MS. | Jackson State University President, 

Dr. Marcus Thompson, and Vice 

President/Director of Athletics, 

Ashley Robinson, announced a 

contract extension for head football 

coach T.C. Taylor on Friday 

morning. 

Taylor is in his second year as 

Taylor 

the head coach of the program at 

Jackson State after taking over 

from Deion "Coach Prime" Sanders who led the Tigers 

to back-to-back SWAC titles in 2021 and 2022. Taylor 

currently has JSU with a 7-2 overall record and 5-0 mark 

that leads the SWAC's East Division. 

"It's truly a blessing and it lets me know that all the 

work I have done in the last year and a half as a head coach 

has not gone unnoticed by our great AD Ashley Robinson 

and our President, Dr. Thompson," Taylor said in the JSU 

press release. "It is truly a blessing to be the head coach of 

my alma mater, and now I can turn my focus to building 

this football program." 

Taylor, who had a stellar career playing for the Tigers 

as both a quarterback and wide receiver, served as a tight 

ends and wide receivers coach under Sanders before 

ascending to lead the program. 

His 2023 JSU squad finished 7-4 overall in second 

place in the SWAC East with a 5-3 mark. 

CIAA 

Central IntercollegIate 

athletIc assocIatIon 

CONF ALL 

W L W L 

Virginia Union 6 0 7 2 

Johnson C. Smith 5 1 8 1 

Virginia State 5 1 6 3 

Winston-Salem State 4 2 6 3 

Shaw 4 3 6 4 

Livingstone 3 3 5 4 

Fayetteville State 3 3 4 4 

Lincoln (PA) 2 4 2 7 

Bowie State 2 4 3 6 

Elizabeth City State 0 6 2 7 

Bluefield State 0 6 1 8 

BCSP / CIAA PLAYERS OF THE WEEK 

OL - Jared Achuff, Sr., BSU 

QB - Mark Wright, Sr., VUU - 11-15-0, 347 yds., 4 

TDs (29, 41, 88, 903) in win over Bluefield State. 

OB - Micah Robinson, Sr., BSU - 22 carries, 171 

yards, 4 TDs (16, 9, 32, 57) in win over ECSU. 

WR - Reginald Vick Jr.,, Jr., VUU - 6 receptions, 192 

yards, 3 TDs (41, 90, 9) in win vs. Bluefield State. 

DB - Jalen Mayo, VUU - 2 interceptions. 

LB - Benari Black, Sr., JCSU - 16 tackles, 4 solos, 

1 break-up in loss to FSU. 

LB - K J. McNeil, VSU - 11 solos, 4 TFL (-20), 2.0 

sacks (-7), 1 fumble recovery vs. LINCP. 

DB - Jalen Mayo, VUU - Two interceptions in win 

over Bluefilay eld State. 

SPECIAL TEAMS - John Hernandez-Vargas, So., 

PK, FSU - 3 of 4 PAT kicks vs. JCSU. 

2 0 2 4 B L A C K C O L L E G E F O O T B A L L (Standings and Weekly Honors) 

MId eastern 

MEAC athletIc conFerence 

CONF 

ALL 

W L W L 

South Carolina State 2 0 6 2 

North Carolina Central 2 1 6 3 

Howard 1 1 4 5 

Morgan State 1 1 4 5 

Norfolk State 1 2 3 7 

Delaware State 0 2 1 8 

BCSP / MEAC PLAYERS OF THE WEEK 

OFFENSE Ja’Shawn Scroggins, R-So., 

QB, HOW - 24-41-0, 304 yards, 4 TDS (26, 

15, 5, 5), one rushing TD (12 yards) vs. DSU. 

DEFENSE Daylan Long, R-Jr., DB, NSU - 4 

tackles, 3 solos, 1 fumble recovery returned 27 

yards for TD vs. MSU. Robert Jones, Sr., DB, 

HOW - 2 ints. in win vs. DelState. 

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN 

Cam Johnson, Sr., SCSU 

SPECIALIST 

Jaydon Carter, R-Jr., DB, MSU - Returned 

blocked field goal 77 yards for a TD in OT 

win vs. NSU. 

NEWCOMER 

Eric Phoenix, Sr., QB, SCSU - 24-41-0, 

304 yards, 4 TDs (26, 15, 5, 5) in win over 

NC Central.. 

LUT WILLIAMS 

BCSP Editor 

The last week of regular season play in the 

CIAA and SIAC is upon us and there are only a 

couple of things that are clear. 

One is that Miles, at 7-2 overall, 7-0 in the 

SIAC, has clinched the top spot in the SIAC and 

is one of the teams to play in the Nov. 16 SIAC 

Championship game. 

Additionally, head coach Sam Shade's 

Golden Bears will host the championship game 

at their home field – Sloan-Alumni Stadium in 

Fairfield, Alabama. Miles finishes out the regular 

season Saturday at homecoming (1 p.m., ESPN+) 

at Tuskegee (5-4 5-2). 

Who Miles' opponent will be and which two 

teams will play in the Nov. 16 CIAA Championship 

Game in Salem, Virginia will be determined in this 

weekend's games. 

SIAC 

Currently in the SIAC, Fort Valley State (6- 

3, 6-1 SIAC) is the only team with one conference 

loss and is in second place behind Miles. The 

Wildcats of head coach Shawn Gibbs can clinch 

the spot opposite the Golden Bears in the title game 

with a win Saturday vs. Albany State (5-4, 5-2). 

Albany State and FVSU meet in Columbus, 

Ga. at their traditional season-ender, the Fountain 

City Classic at 2 p.m. (ESPN+). 

A loss by FVSU however brings Albany State, 

Clark Atlanta and Tuskegee into the title-game 

picture. 

Clark Atlanta (6-2-1, 5-2) closes Saturday (1 

p.m.) at Atlanta neighbor Morehouse (1-8, 1-5. A 

CAU win against the Maroon Tigers coupled with 

an FVSU loss to Albany State gives the title game 

spot to the Panthers as they beat FVSU 45-42 to 

open the season. A win by CAU also eliminates 

Tuskegee as CAU beat Tuskegee 36-28 last week 

in Atlanta. 

To earn the title game spot Albany State 

needs to beat FVSU, have Clark Atlanta lose to 

Morehouse and Tuskegee lose to Miles. 

CIAA 

CIAA title game scenarios opened up when 

undefeated conference leader Johnson C. Smith 

was shockingly shut out at home 27-0 Saturday by 

SIAC 

southern IntercollegIate 

athletIc conFerence 

CONF ALL 

W L W L 

^ Miles 7 0 7 2 

Fort Valley State 6 1 6 3 

Clark Atlanta 5 2 6 2-1 

Albany State 5 2 5 4 

Tuskegee 5 2 5 4 

Savannah State 4 3 5 4 

Lane 3 4 3 5 

Benedict 3 4 3 6 

Kentucky State 3 4 3 6 

Edward Waters 1 5 1 7 

Morehouse 1 5 1 8 

Central State 1 6 1 8 

Allen 1 6 1 8 

^ Clinched title game berth 

BCSP PLAYERS OF THE WEEK 

OFFENSE Jhaydon Sullivan, Gr., QB, SSU - 

16-22-1, 261 yards, 2 TDs (13, 31) in win over 

Albany State. 

DEFENSE & NEWCOMER Lashon Young, 

Fr., DB, Miles - Four solos, 1 int. returned 52 

yards for a TD, 2 break-ups, in win vs. MHS. 

SPECIAL TEAMS 

Daniel Gibbs, Sr., PK, FVSU - 46-, 32- and 

20-yard field goals, 5 of 5 PAT kicks, for 14 

points in win vs. Benedict. 

SWAC 

southWestern 

athletIc conFerence 

DIV 

ALL 

EAST DIVISION W L W L 

Jackson State 5 0 7 2 

Alabama State 4 1 5 3 

Florida A&M 3 1 5 3 

Bethune-Cookman 2 3 2 7 

Alabama A&M 1 3 3 5 

Miss. Valley State 0 5 0 9 

WEST DIVISION 

Southern 4 1 5 4 

Alcorn State 3 2 4 5 

Prairie View A&M 2 3 4 5 

Texas Southern 2 3 3 5 

Arkansas-Pine Bluff 2 3 3 6 

Grambling State 1 4 4 5 


OFFENSE Daniel Richardson, Gr., QB, 

FAMU - 25-32-2, 267 yards, 5 TDs (1, 6, 17, 

10, 22) vs. TSU. 

DEFENSE Shemar Hawkins, Jr., DB, JSU - 8 

solos, 2 sacks (-18) in win vs. UAPB. 

SPECIALIST Robert Lockhart, R-Fr., WR/KR, 

FAMU - 3 KO returns, 91-yard return for a TD vs. 

TSU. Chaunzavia Lewis, TSU - 6 KO returns, 

230 yards, 90-yard TD vs. FAMU. 

NEWCOMER 

Czavian Teasett, Fr., QB, SOU - 24-37-0, 

294 yards, 3 TDs in win over Alabama A&M. 

INDEPENDENTS 

CONF 

ALL 

W L W L 

Texas College 3 3 5 3 

Florida Memorial 4 1 5 2-1 

Va.-Lynchburg 0 0 2 6 

CAA 

Hampton 2 3 5 4 

NC A&T State 0 5 1 8 

OHIO VALLEY 

Tennessee State 3 2 6 3 

MIAA 

Lincoln (Mo.) 0 7 1 8 

MOUNTAIN EAST 

W. Va. State 5 2 6 3 

SAC (Sooner Athletic Conference) 

Langston 4 2 5 3 


OFFENSE 

David Buggs, So., QB, FMU - 18-26-0, 341 

yards, 4 TDs (16, 63, 18, 49) in win vs. Thomas.. 

DEFENSE 

Kade Moledor, So., LB, NCA&T - Led Aggies 

with 13 tackles, 7 solos in loss to W&M. 

NEWCOMER 

Shimmique Blizzard, So., RB, NCA&T - 20 

carries, 132 yards, 1 TD (4) vs. William & Mary. 

Title game spots come down to final day 

TITLE GAME SCENARIOS 

AND THEN THERE WERE THREE: Miles is in SIAC 

title game, Fort Valley State, Clark Atlanta and Albany 

State vying Saturday for the other spot. J. C. Smith, 

Virginia Union and Virginia State to decide Saturday 

which two will play for CIAA title. 

Fayetteville State when a win would have clinched 

a championship game spot for JCSU. 

As it is now, JCSU (8-1, 5-1 CIAA) has to 

win at Livingstone (5-4, 3-3) Saturday (2 p.m.) to 

punch its title-game ticket. A win puts the Golden 

Bulls in the championship game vs. the winner 

of Saturday's season-ending match up in Ettrick, 

Virginia between new conference leader Virginia 

Union (7-2, 6-0) and Virginia State (6-3, 5-1). 

A loss by JCSU and a win by Virginia State 

eliminates the Golden Bulls and would set up a 

VSU vs. VUU rematch in the Nov. 16 title game. 

A loss by JCSU and a win by Virginia Union 

would cast the Golden Bulls and VUU into the title 

game. 

MEAC 

South Carolina State's 24-21 win over North 

Carolina Central Thursday in Orangeburg has put 

head coach Chennis Berry's Bulldogs (6-2, 2-0 

MEAC) at the top of the conference race headed 

into the final three games of the regular season. 

SCSU travels to Howard (4-5, 1-1) this week (3:30 

p.m., ESPN+). 

Morgan State (4-5, 1-1) is at Delaware State 

(1-8, 0-2) in the only other MEAC contest (12 

noon, ESPN+). 

SWAC 

Jackson State (7-2, 5-0 E) enters the last three 

regular season games as the SWAC East Division 

leader while Southern (5-4, 4-1 W) leads the 

West. 

JSU has a one-game lead over Alabama 

G A M E S T H I S W E E K 

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2024 

Clark Atlanta at Morehouse in Atlanta, GA 

1p 

Hampton at Towson in Towson, MD 

1p 

Kentucky State at Central State in Wilberforce, OH 1p 

North Carolina A&T at Villanova in Villanova, PA 1p 

Virginia Union at Virginia State in Ettrick, VA 

1p 

West Virginia State at Glenville State in Glenville, WV 1p 

Alabama A&M at Arkansas-Pine Bluff in Pine Bluff, AR 2p 

Bethune-Cookman at Southern in Baton Rouge, LA 2p 

Johnson C. Smith at Livingstone in Salisbury, NC 2p 

Lane at Lincoln Mo. in Jefferson City, MO 

2p 

Langston at Texas Wesleyan in Fort Worth, TX 2p 

Miss. Valley State at Jackson State in Jackson, MS 2p 

Savannah State at Benedict in Columbia, SC 

2p 

Texas Southern at Alcorn State in Lorman, MS 2p 

Wayland Baptist at Texas College in Tyler, TX 2p 

Florida Memorial at Keiser in West Palm Beach, FL 6p 

STREAMING / TV GAMES 

Lincoln Pa. at Bowie State in Bowie, MD - BSU Stream 12n 

Morgan State at Delaware State in Dover, DE - ESPN+ 12n 

Tennessee State at Western Illinois in Macomb, IL - ESPN+ 1p 

Alabama State at Grambling State in Grambling, LA - ESPN+ 2p 

Florida A&M at Prairie View A&M in Prairie View, TX - ESPN+ 2p 

SC State at Howard in Washington, DC - ESPN+ 3:30p 

Elizabeth City State at Bluefield State in Bluefield, WV - BLStream 6p 

HOMECOMINGS 

Fayetteville State at Winston-Salem State in W-Salem, NC - CIAASN 1p 

Miles at Tuskegee in Tuskegee, AL - ESPN+ 

1p 

Allen at Edward Waters in Jacksonville, FL - ESPN+ 2p 

CLASSICS 

34th Fountain City Classic - ESPN+ 

Fort Valley State vs. Albany State in Columbus, GA 2p 

State (5-3, 4-1 E) and a game-and-a half lead over 

Florida A&M (5-3, 3-1 E). Alcorn State (4-5, 3-2 

W) is a game behind Southern in the West. 

JSU is hosting Mississippi Valley State (0-9, 

0-5 E) Saturday (2 p.m.), Alabama State plays at 

Grambling State (4-5, 1-4 W) (2 p.m., ESPN+) 

and Florida A&M is at Prairie View A&M (4-5, 

2-3 W). 

Southern is hosting Bethune-Cookman (2-7, 

2-3 E) and Alcorn State hosts Texas Southern (3-5, 

2-3 W) both at 2 p.m. 

B 

C 

S 

P 

T 

O 

P 

F 

I 

V 

E 

S 

MOVEMENT IN NATIONAL POLLS: 

Jackson State moved up from 23rd to 20th in this week's 

American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) FCS top 25. 

The Tigers (7-2) are coming off a 41-3 homecoming 

win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff Saturday, their fourth 

straight win since a 41-20 non-conference loss to 

Grambling State on Sept. 21. Head coach T. C. Taylor's 

Tigers only other loss was to FBS Sun Belt Conference 

member Louisiana-Monroe (ULM) 30-14 to open the 

season. 

North Carolina Central (6-3), who had been ranked 

21st last week, dropped out of the Top 25 after losing 

at South Carolina State Saturday, 24-21. Head coach 

Chennis Berry's SC State Bulldogs (6-2) got 23 votes, the 

most votes outside the FCS Top 25. 

In the AFCA NCAA Div. II Top 25, Johnson C. 

Smith (8-1), who had risen to 16th in the poll during an 

undefeated 8-0 run to start the season, dropped out after 

losing 27-0 to a 4-4 Fayetteville State team over the 

weekend. 

The loss by JCSU also moved the Golden Bulls down 

to fourth from third in the Super Region II ranking of 

NCAA Div. II football released Tuesday. Virginia Union 

(7-1) is sixth in the region with Winston-Salem State (6- 

2) seventh and SIAC leader Miles (7-1) ninth. 

FCS TOP FIVE 

1) JACKSON STATE (7-2) - Whipped Arkansas-Pine Bluff, 41-3. 

NEXT: Hosting Mississippi Valley State. 

2) FLORIDA A&M (5-3) Won in its homecoming over Texas Southern, 

52-28. NEXT: At Prairie View A&M. 

3) SOUTH CAROLINA STATE (6-2) Won at home Thursday over NC 

Central, 24-21 to take MEAC lead. NEXT: At Howard. 

4) NC CENTRAL (6-3) Fell at SC State 24-21 on Thursday. NEXT: Idle. 

5) HAMPTON (5-4) Fell 20-14 to Villanova. NEXT: At Towson 

DIV. II / NAIA TOP FIVE 

1) MILES (7-2) Dusted Morehouse, 37-3 and earned SIAC championship 

berth. NEXT: Regular season ender at Tuskegee Homecoming. 

2) VIRGINIA UNION (7-2) Beat Bluefield State, 91-0 at homecoming. 

NEXT: At Virginia State for CIAA title game berth. 

3) J. C. SMITH (8-1) Knocked from unbeaten ranks by Fayetteville 

State, 27-0. NEXT: At Livingstone to close out regular season. 

4) VIRGINIA STATE (6-3) Shut out Lincoln Pa., 55-0. NEXT: Hosting 

Virginia Union with winner earning CIAA title game berth. . 

5) FORT VALLEY STATE (6-3) - Got by Benedict, 44-20. NEXT: 

Regular season ender vs. Albany State in Columbus, GA. 

© AZEEZ Communications, Inc. Vol. XXXI, No. 14 

TOP PERFORMANCES 

PASSING COMP-ATT-INT YDs TDs (YDS) 

Mark Wright, VUU 11-15-0 347 4 (29, 41, 88, 90) 

David Buggs, FLAMEM 18-26-0 341 4 (16, 63, 18, 49) 

Eric Phoenix, SCSU 26-36-1 321 2 (8, 42) 

Draylen Ellis, TNST 33-53-2 312 2 (43, 2) 

Ja’Shawn Scroggins, HOW 24-41-0 304 4 (26, 15, 5, 5) 

David Wright III, CLATL 20-24-0 299 2 (68, 24) 

Czavian Teasett, SOU 24-37-0 294 3 (11, 36, 14) 

Isaiah Knowles, ALB 19-37-2 291 4 (22, 2, 25, 30) 

Ty’Jarian Williams, MVSU 15-24-0 287 2 (76, 24) 

Daniel Richardson, FLAM 25-33-2 267 5 (1, 6, 17, 10, 22) 

RUSHING CAR YDs TDs (YDS) 

Micah Robinson, BSU 22 171 4 (16, 9, 32, 57) 

Brandon Marshall, FVSU 26 160 1 (3) 

Walter Wilbon, FLAMEM 16 143 3 (17, 2, 38) 

Irv Mulligan, JSU 19 141 1 (1) 

Shamique Blizzard, NCAT 20 132 1 (4) 

Lamagea McDowell, PVAM 21 130 2 (2, 2) 

Alan Riggins, CLATL 13 119 2 (20, 3) 

Kevon King, NSU 24 117 0 

Jada Byers, VUU 19 97 3 (6, 2, 9) 

Xavier Langford, ALAM 15 93 2 (1, 8) 

RECEIVING REC YDs TDs 

Reginald Vick Jr., VUU 6 192 3 (41, 90, 9) 

Nathan Rembert, MVSU 7 163 1 (76) 

Jamal Jones, CLATL 8 125 1 (68) 

Jalal Dean, TNST 11 118 1 (2) 

Keldarris Griffin, MILES 5 117 1 (42) 

Caden High, SCSU 8 113 2 (8, 42) 

Mykey Anderson, VUU 2 113 1 (88) 

Kasey Hawthorne, HOW 9 105 2 (15, 5) 

Stryhorn Harris, FSU 8 95 0 

Darren Morris, SOU 5 96 2 (11, 36) 

TACKLES 

16 Benari Black, JCSU; 

14 Jack Smith, JCSU; 

13 Sadiq Salawu, BSU; Barry Wagner, DSU; 

Jaymerson Darensbourg, TXSOU; Kade Moledor, NCA&T; 

SACKS 

2.0 Sheman Hawkins, JSU; Caleb Grant, MHS; Connor Howard, MILES; 

Rico Dozier, ALST; Ronald Robinson, Derrick Drayton, ALB; K. J. McNeil, VSU; 

1.5 Alijah Miller, Christian Taylor, Michael Thompson, BSU; DJ Wilson, FVSU; 

1.0 49 

INTERCEPTIONS 

2 Nick Blake, WVSU; Dray Duncan, FVSU; 

1 25 

FROM HBCU GAMES OF OCT. 28 - NOV. 4, 2024 

TOP NUMBERS IN BOLD 

packers.com photo 

WILSON ON THE LOOSE!! Green Bay running back EMANUEL 

WILSON (#31, FORT VALLEY STATE) gets away from a tackler for 

some of his 28 yards on four carries in the Packers’ 24-14 loss to Detroit 

Sunday. Wilson scored on a 2-yard run in the fourth quarter, his first 

rushing TD of the season. He also had one catch for 1 yard in the game. 

BCSP NFL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK 

For NFL games of October 31 - November 4, 2024 

DEFENSE 

– #90 GROVER STEWART, DT, Indianapolis (7th 

season, ALBANY STATE) - In Indy’s 21-13 loss to 

Minnesota, Stewart started at defensive tackle, had 

four tackles, two solos, both sacks for -10 yards, 

one a strip sack (forced fumble). He was in on 43 

defensive snaps (59%) and nine on special teams (41%). 

OFFENSE 

– #31 EMANUEL WILSON, RB, Green Bay (2nd 

season, FORT VALLEY STATE) - In Green Bay’s 

24-14 loss to Detroit, Wilson had four carries for 

28 yards (7.0 yards per carry) including a 2-yard 

fourth quarter touchdown run and one reception 

in his only target for 1 yard. He also recovered his own special teams’ 

fumble. He was in on 13 offensive plays (20%). 

SPECIAL TEAMS 

– #19 XAVIER SMITH, WR/KR, Los Angeles Rams 

(3nd season, FLORIDA A&M) - In the Rams’ 26-20 

win over Seattle, Smith returned four punts for 17 

yards (4.3 yards per return) with a long return of 

8 yards with three fair catches. He also returned 

one kickoff for 20 yards. He also had a solo tackle on special teams. 

Smith was in for one offensive snap (1%) and 19 on special teams (59%).


SPORTS 

Nunnie on the Sideline 

By Nunnie Robinson, Westside Gazette Sports Editor 

As a Colored, Negro, Black or African American growing up 

in America, we have witnessed the 

enormous weight placed on the 

shoulders of athletes and leaders 

who had to not only perform but 

succeed in the athletic arena where 

overt, pervasive racism existed/ 

exists in all aspects of our lives, 

particularly athletics. How many 

of you recall the accomplishments 

of the great Jesse Owens in the 

face of Aryan supremacy or the Joe 

Louis/Max Schmeling fight with 

a people’s pride squarely on his 

shoulders. Or Althea Gibson and 

Arthur Ash winning Wimbledon 

while bearing the unspoken but 

palpable burden of Black America. 

Perhaps you personally recall other stark examples as you 

peruse and ponder this proposition. 

I submit that the same pressures to succeed individually 

in leadership positions are applicable today. Just recently 

in Major League Baseball Dave Roberts, the only remaining 

Black MLB manager since Dusty Baker’s retirement, led the 

Los Angeles Dodgers to a World Series victory over the New 

York Yankees, his second in four years. He also led the Dodgers 

to a World Series victory during the Covid stricken ‘20 season. 

However, if you are only a casual observer or follower, you may 

not have been aware of the tremendous pressure he was under 

to win based on the talent at his disposal. Since his ascension 

to manager, the pressure has only increased and many times 

during his tenure he and the team fell short of those lofty goals. 

Despite the pressure he has persevered. 

Then we have Penn State’s football coach, James Franklin, who 

despite a successful tenure, has failed to lead the team victory 

over top ten teams, especially Ohio State, to whom they lost a 

crucial game at home this past Saturday. I can’t say that the 

PSU administration and rabid fan base haven’t demonstrated 

patience, but we all realize that if his Nittany Lions aren’t 

selected as one of the 12 for the CFP, then Coach Franklin will 

more than likely end up on the unemployment line. I know he 

feels the pressure even as I do as a casual observer. It was 

clear to me that OSU had better skilled athletes than PSU, 

something that he must rectify and address. 

Because of his persona and self-assurance, Deion Sanders is 

ridiculed and vilified by many, openly cheering for his failure. 

I, conversely, as I am assured many of you do, cheer for his 

team’s, the Colorado Buffaloes, success. It is in our DNA to 

accept seemingly insurmountable challenges and overcome 

them with the grace of God. We will always be confronted 

with challenges in these United States of America as people of 

Color,, and we always meet them head on. 

Against the Grain II 

Lebron and Deion are leading 

fatherhood by example 

By Vaughn Wilson 

The narrative of the absence of black fathers 

has been overblown. It has been perpetuated 

over the decades even with statistics to show 

the contrary. Since 1976, more resident 

fathers were in black households in 2023 

than any year in between. According to the 

National Fatherhood Initiative, “children 

who grow up with their dads are more 

likely to thrive physically, emotionally, and socially than are 

children who grow up without their dads.” 

The positive imagery of fatherhood on the grandest of scales 

can be seen in two of the biggest athletic stars in the world; 

Lebron James and Deion Sanders. James is regarded as one 

of the greatest basketball players of all times. Sanders was 

a Pro Football Hall of Famer on the field as a player and now 

a sparkplug of a coach for the Colorado Buffalos. While both 

have daughters, this will focus on their sons who interact more 

directly with them. This is in no way an attempt to diminish the 

existence of their daughters, but to focus on daily interaction. 

James grew up in the projects of Akron without his biological 

father. His mother would struggle to keep employment, but 

looked out for her son as best she could. She became a major 

part of the motivation and drive for his success. 

Anyone who saw James play in high school knew that he 

would never see a college campus. His skill, his size, and 

intellect dictated that he was ready to make the uncommon 

leap directly from high school to the NBA. Since entering with 

highest expectations bestowed on any player before his first 

basket, James has lived up to the challenge. 

Sanders grew up with his mother. She divorced Sanders’ 

father who had a life riddled with drug abuse. He would pass 

away in 1993. Sanders still has a chip on his shoulder for what 

he missed in a father-son relationship. He would go on to be an 

All-American at Florida State and a hall of fame career in the 

NFL. 

Today, Sanders employs one of his sons and coaches the 

other two. Deion Sanders Jr, from Sanders’ first marriage, is 

the media mogul responsible for allowing the world to see what 

was done with “Coach Prime” during his stint at Jackson State 

and now at the University of Colorado. His middle son Shilo 

is the starting safety for the Buffalos, while his youngest son 

Shedeur is the star quarterback for Colorado. 

The father-son relationships are on the front page for 

everyone to see. Sanders speaks into his sons before, during, 

and after games. Deion Jr documents interactions that are 

often looks into family dynamics. Deion Sr. has evolved into 

a loving father who puts his children first. It’s a far cry from 

“Neon Deion,” a character he created while at FSU to popularize 

himself before distinguishing himself on the field. Sanders 

starred in baseball and track as well. 

Sanders is often chronicled by Sanders Jr. in his office 

talking to his sons. They have fishing adventures, travel 

adventures and with the addition of Travis Hunter who is like 

a third son, the father-son interactions is wholesome, funny, 

and important imagery all at the same time. Shedeur has 

performed exceptionally well and is considered a Heisman 

Trophy candidate. 

James has been focused on his career, leading the NBA in 

points for the history of the league. He has maintained his 


Deeply Rooted 

FAMU Offense erupts 

for 52 points in 

Homecoming win! 

Submitted by Richard Moore 

After weeks of controversy and armchair coaching by fans 

on social media, the FAMU football team seemed to catch fire 

in their Homecoming game vs. Texas Southern University. 

The Rattlers opened the game on defense and forced TSU to 

punt on 4 th and 16 from the TSU 27-yard line. The Rattlers 

first possession put six on the board when Daniel Richardson 

found Quan Lee for a one-yard touchdown to kick off the rattler 

scoring after 12 plays and 70 yards. FAMU again held Texas 

Southern to a four and out series and they punted again. TSU 

returned the favor and forced the Rattlers to a four and out. 

The first quarter ended with the score 7-0 FAMU. 

The second quarter saw FAMU use just 6 plays to go 31 

yards for the score and Daniel Richardson found Koby Goss for 

a 6-yard strike and the Rattlers were up 14 – 0 after Cameron 

Gillis added the extra point. Texas Southern again stalled out 

in 4 plays as did the Rattlers on their next possession. Texas 

Southern Just couldn’t put it together as they were called for 

intentional grounding on 3 rd and 4 from the TSU 27-yard line. 

Another 4 and out, put FAMU in great field position at the 

FAMU 42-yard line. Daniel Richardson wasted no time and 

6 plays and 58 yards later he found Jeremiah Pruitte up the 

middle for a 17-yard touchdown pass. At this point the Rattlers 

still had not rushed for a touchdown all season. 

The FAMU defense showed signs of old as the Dark Cloud 

Defense again forced the Texas Southern offense to punt on 

their next possession after just 6 plays. But the Rattlers could 

not capitalize as Richardson was intercepted at the FAMU 

43-yard line. But again the Rattler defense came up big with 

another interception with 0:03 on the clock to end the first half. 

The second quarter was abysmal for Texas Southern and 

they only amassed a total of 33 yards, twenty one by air and 

12 rushing. This was an improvement over the first quarter 

where they only gained a total of 18 yards in ten plays. The 

FAMU defense which has taken a beating on the ground most 

of the season seemed to be up for the challenge on Saturday. 

The third Quarter proved to be an exciting game with both 

sides putting up more points than they had in the first half. 

The rattlers opened the 2 nd half with a three play seventy-five 

yard drive to go up 28 – 0 on a 3 play seventy five yard drive 

that consumed only 1:28 off the clock. Not to be outdone, Texas 

Southern kick returner took the ensuing kickoff back 57 yards 

to the FAMU 24-yard line. Four plays later, they were in the 

end zone when Qunitell Quinn split the middle of the line for 

a 25-yard touchdown on a 2 nd and 16 to go play. The score was 

28 – 7 after a Gustavo Romero PAT. 

FAMU’s next possession was a disaster as quarterback 

Daniel Richardson was picked off at the 25-yard line by Jayden 

Williams. That put Texas Southern in business and they 

wasted little time as QB Jace Wilson found Donald McKinney 

for a 28-yard score after FAMU had just sacked Jace for a 

9-yard loss on 3 rd and 4 for the first down. TSU cut the once 

comfortable lead to 28 – 14. The ensuing kickoff would find the 

speedy Robert Lockhart at the 9-yard line and he would take it 

to the house for a 91-yard kickoff return to put FAMU up 35 – 

14. 

Again, not to be outdone, Texas Southern’s Chaunzavia 

Lewis return FAMU’s kickoff 90 yards for the touchdown and 

again slice the score at 21 – 35 FAMU. FAMU came right back 

with a 7 play, 75-yard drive taking up 3:08 to again create a 

comfortable 42 – 21 lead. That would end the scoring for the 3 

quarter and the fans stayed because the excitement was just 

too much to not stay seated. 

The fourth quarter opened with FAMU getting its first 

rushing touchdown of the season as Thad Franklin Jr. rushed 

up the middle for a one yard touchdown and put FAMU up big 

at 49 – 21 with the PAT. Texas Southern managed one more 

touchdown but it would not be enough. FAMU added a field 

goal to take the score over the half century mark (52 -28) for 

the first time this season. 

FAMU led in every important statistical category. FAMU 

had 25 first downs and limited TSU to 7. FAMU ran for 236 


NASCAR Brings Campus 

Lab Program to Winston- 

Salem State University 

Courtesy of Winston-Salem State University 

By Shaun White 

(Source: HBCUMews) 

NASCAR has expanded their Campus Lab Program 

to Winston-Salem State University, a historically Black 

institution in North Carolina. The partnership makes WSSU 

the first institution in North Carolina and the first public 

university in the country to join the NASCAR initiative. 

The Campus Lab Program will enhance WSSU’s current 

bachelor’s degree program in motorsport management. 

Currently, WSSU is the only public institution in North 

Carolina and the only HBCU to offer this degree. 

The new initiative, funded by a $100,000 grant from 

NASCAR, will admit up to 15 sophomore or junior students, 

who will each receive a $3,500 scholarship. Participating 

students will compete in a case study competition, learn 

about careers in the motorsport industry, collaborate with 

a mentor from NASCAR’s Black employee resource group, 

and receive professional networking and career advice. The 

case study competition winners will receive an additional 

$1,500 prize and one student will be admitted to NASCAR’s 

Diversity Internship Program. 

Clay Harshaw, associate professor and coordinator of the 


WG 

Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (28) runs 

to score a touchdown during the second half of an NFL 

football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Nov. 3, 

2024, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Gene Puskar) 

By Nunnie Robinson, Westside Gazette Sports Editor 

Perhaps, just perhaps, I was premature in my assessment 

of the Dolphins as a team: ‘Just Not Good Enough’. Based on 

Miami’s valiant effort on the road against the division leading, 

formidable Buffalo Bills, and the Arizona Cardinals’ dominance 

of the Chicago Bears, a reassessment is in order. With the 

season almost at its halfway point, unless something miraculous 

occurs, the Bills will win the East, leaving the Dolphins, Jets 

and Patriots to ponder their futures. It is still possible for the 

Jets to earn a wildcard birth, but the more important and 

urgent question for the Fins is assessing the team as currently 

constructed. The one thing I won’t question is the effort on the 

field which, despite the 2-6 record, is indicative of character, 

commitment and leadership. The Dolphins could conceivably 

win out, end the season with an 11-6 record and make the 

playoffs. We shall see. 

The Dolphins unquestionably are a better, more efficient 

offense with Tua, who played an exceptionally well in an 

overtime 30-27 loss to the Bills. Of course, the passing and 

rushing game has been effective because of improved play 

from the offensive line, ( Terron Armstead, Rob Jones, Aaron 

Brewer, Liam Eichenberg , and Austin Jackson), a group that 

has remained intact, healthy and cohesive during the last two 

crushing losses to Arizona and Buffalo. Again winning teams 

make plays at the critical times in a game, something the Fins 

have yet to master. On the game’s final drive. Miami had the 

Bills precariouly on the ropes, a third-and-14 with under 

two minutes to play; however, a neutral zone infraction and 

personal foul gave Buffalo life and a fresh set of downs. That 

is the difference between winning and losing. Given new life, 

the penalties gave the Bills a first down just shy of the fifty 

yard line, allowing a great team like the Bills to kick a 61 yard 

winning field goal. 

When the Dolphins start making those plays instead of being 

victimized by them, only then will the team’s fortunes change. 

My antenna flared up after seeing Tua go headfirst to secure 

a first down and extend a drive. I guess with his competitive 

instinct, it’s something we must become familiar with, although 

the last thing we want to see is Tua being cartied off the field 

because of another concussion. 

The Dolphins next opponent is the Los Angeles Rams. A 

victory could certainly change the Fins’ fortunes. Go Dolphins! 

2 former HBCU players selected 

in NBA G-League Draft 

By Jarrett Hoffman 

(Source: HBCU Sports) 

In preparation for the start of the NBA G-League season, 

they held their 24th annual draft, seeing two former HBCU 

players hear their names called. 

With the sixth overall selection, former Tennessee State 

all-conference forward Christian Brown was picked up by 

the Sioux Falls Skyforce (G-League affiliate of the Miami 

Heat). 

Brown played three seasons at Tennessee State from 2021- 

2024, transferring to the team after playing two seasons at 

Georgia. 

He averaged 11.8 points on 49% shooting from the field 

and 37% shooting from three-point range. He also added 2.9 

rebounds and 1.1 steals in 55 games. 

The Georgia transfer was named to the All-OVC Second 

Team in his final season. He led the team and averaged 12.8 

points per game. 

With the 17th pick in the second round of the G-League 

Draft, former Alabama A&M center Olisa Akonobi was 

picked by the Rip City Remix (G-League affiliate of the 

Portland Trail Blazers). 

This is the second year in a row that Akonobi has been 

taken in the G-League Draft, having been selected by the 

Grand Rapids Gold (the G-League affiliate of the Denver 

Nuggets) last year. 

motorsports management program, said, “This is a fantastic 

opportunity for all of our students here at WSSU to engage 

with NASCAR and develop their thinking skills, develop 

their management skills, and get to know professionals 

not only in the motorsport industry but with the corporate 

partners that are with NASCAR.” 

Photo: Tennessee State Athletics


Deeply Rooted 


DID WE DO 

ENOUGH? 

Experience the Best of Caribbean 

Flavors, Music, and Local Events 

— Stress-Free with BCT - 

For food lovers and culture seekers, 

Broward County is buzzing with energy this 

season, offering a rich tapestry of Caribbean 

festivals, mouth-watering cuisine, and live 

music. From the spicy, sizzling dishes at the 

annual Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival to the 

vibrant rhythms of soca and reggae concerts, 

there’s no shortage of enjoyable experiences. 

The twenty-first annual Jerk Festival, 

Sunday, November 12, at Miramar Regional 

Park, is a favorite celebration among Broward’s 

Caribbean community. It showcases the 

finest jerk dishes and authentic Caribbean 

eateries, offering everything from spicy jerk 

chicken and savory patties to jerk ice cream. 

The one-day event brings together food lovers, 

music enthusiasts, and culture seekers for a 

day of island vibes. 

The annual celebration doesn’t stop at 

flavorful food. With live performances, cookoffs, 

cultural presentations, and a variety of 

vendors, it promises excitement for the whole 

family. However, as many SoFlo residents 

know, with large crowds come parking 

challenges, and the annual Jerk Festival 

draws over 10,000 attendees to the onehundred-and-acre 

park. 

According to the event’s website, Jerk Fest 

is expected to draw thousands, and attendees 

are highly encouraged to utilize public 

transit because parking can be frustrating at 

the large park. 

“Route 28 is an excellent option for 

attendees to be dropped off right in front of the 

park, it’s a great way to leave the car behind 

and avoid parking at the park.” said BCT 

CEO/General Manager Coree Cuff Lonergan. 

Broward County Transit’s website boasts 

convenient transportation options to many 

Broward destinations which guests can arrive 

ready to enjoy the festival without worrying 

about traffic or parking. And with so many 

hidden gems and local spots to explore this 

season, hopping on a bus and taking in the 

sights along the way can turn a simple outing 

into an adventure. 

“It’s easy to use the bus; if you try it once 

and see, it’ll change the way you think about 

getting around,” Cuff Lonergan shared. 

If you’re looking for more music and cultural 

excitement, skip the stress of parking and let 

the journey be part of the fun as you easily 

navigate Broward County’s best offerings. 

Visit www.broward.org/BCT or call (954) 357- 

8400 to find the route that will take you to the 

best food, festivals, and fun this season.

The Westside Gazette

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template ?