The Westside Gazette

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14 - NOVEMBER 20, 2024 

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FT. LAUDERDALE, FL 33310 

PERMIT NO. 1179 

UNNECESSARY 

HYSTERECTOMIES: 

A Call for Awareness 

and Better Options for 

Treating Fibroids 

PAGE 14 

Honoring 

the past and 

inspiring the future 

PAGE 18 

Black veterans reflect on 

their journeys and legacies 

VOL. 53 NO. 41 $1.00 

Trump signals 

he will deliver on 

promise to clamp 

down on illegal 

immigration 

Affordable Care Act’s Lifeline 

in Jeopardy as Enhanced 

Subsidies Face 

Expiration in 

2025 

A MESSAGE FROM 

THE PUBLISHER 

A person holds a sign that reads “Mass Deportation Now” on the 

third day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv 

Forum on July 17 in Milwaukee. (Leon Neal/Getty images/TNS) 

Jenny Jarvie | Los Angeles/TNS 

Four months ago, Thomas Homan, a former director 

of Immigration and Customs Enforcement under 

Donald Trump, took to the stage at the Republican 

National Convention to issue a warning to immigrants 

living in the country illegally. 

“As a guy who spent 34 years deporting illegal 

aliens, I have a message for the millions of illegal 

aliens that President Biden released in our country 

in violation of federal law,” he said. “’You better start 

packing now.”’ 

Less than a week after Trump defeated Vice 

President Kamala Harris, the Republican presidentelect 

announced that he plans to appoint Homan as his 

“border czar,” one of many signs Trump will act swiftly 

and decisively on his campaign promise to secure the 

border and clamp down on illegal immigration. 

Trump, who made mass deportations a centerpiece 

of his 2024 election campaign, is also expected to 

appoint another longtime ally and immigration hardliner, 

Stephen Miller, as deputy chief of staff for policy. 

Homan and Miller are just two of the intended 

appointments that show Trump is setting up to deliver 

on the key platforms of his campaign. On Monday, he 

also named former New York Rep. Lee Zeldin to head 

(Cont’d on page 3) 

Contrary to claims of open access for all, dozens of hospitals exhibit significant racial exclusivity. (Photo: iStockphoto / NNPA) 

In 2024, enrollment in ACA marketplaces 

reached historic highs, with over 45 million 

nationwide now enrolled in ACA-related 

coverage—a 46% increase since 2021 and 

more than three times the enrollment since 

the ACA’s early years in 2014. 

By Stacy M. Brown 

NNPA Newswire Senior National 

Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia 

As Congress prepares to finalize its leadership 

in both chambers, the fate of health insurance 

subsidies for millions of Americans hangs in 

the balance. Essentially, if Republicans wrest 

control of the House along with their victories at 

the White House, Senate, and Supreme Court, 

the Affordable Care Act (ACA) likely will end. In 

2024, enrollment in ACA marketplaces reached 

historic highs, with over 45 million nationwide 

now enrolled in ACA-related coverage—a 46% 

increase since 2021 and more than three times 

the enrollment since the ACA’s early years in 

2014. 

The program, known as Obamacare, 

has become an essential fixture in the U.S. 

healthcare system. “For decades, when it came 

to federal programs we could depend on to 

keep Americans covered, three were always 

top of mind—Medicare, Medicaid, and Social 

Security, but now it’s crystal clear that we need 

to add a fourth—the Affordable Care Act.,” HHS 

Secretary Xavier Becerra proclaimed earlier 

this year. Becerra praised the recent wave of 

enrollment, adding, “A record-breaking number 

of Americans have signed up for affordable 

health care coverage through the Affordable 

Care Act’s Marketplace, and now they and their 

families have the peace of mind that comes with 

coverage.” 

The record enrollment has primarily been 

driven by enhanced subsidies, which were 

first enacted under the Biden administration 

in 2021 as part of the American Rescue Plan. 

The subsidies limit insurance costs to no more 

than 8.5% of a household’s income for many 

middle-income Americans, making coverage 

accessible for those previously unable to afford 

it. However, the enhanced subsidies are only 

guaranteed through the end of 2025, and with 

Republicans newly in control of the Senate and 

vying for control of the House, the potential loss 

of these financial aids could spell trouble for 

millions of Americans who depend on the ACA. 

“These historic enrollment numbers are 

a testament to the need for comprehensive, 

quality, affordable health insurance,” said 

Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, Administrator 

for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid 

Services. “Not only is demand for Marketplace 

insurance coverage at an all-time high, but the 

Marketplaces are delivering on the Affordable 

Care Act’s promise to provide the peace of mind 

that comes with having health insurance to 

millions of Americans.” 

While the House remains undecided, with 

Republicans projected at 215 seats to Democrats’ 

210 and a majority requiring 218, health policy 

experts warn that GOP control could end 

these subsidies. House Speaker Mike Johnson 

suggested at a campaign stop that significant 

reforms to the ACA could be forthcoming. “The 

ACA is so deeply ingrained, we need massive 

reform to make this work, and we’ve got a lot of 

ideas on how to do that,” Johnson asserted. 

The states with the highest ACA enrollment 

rates in 2024 were largely conservative 

Don’t give 

up being 

overwhelmed 

with setbacks 

Let us not become 

weary in doing good, 

for at the proper time 

we will reap a harvest 

if we do not give up. 

Galatians 6:9 (NIV) 

By Bobby R. Henry, Sr. 

To those who are concerned 

about democracy. 

As we reflect on the recent 

election, it’s natural to feel a 

mix of disappointment and 

pride. While the results did 

not go as we hoped, we must 

take a moment to recognize 

and celebrate the historic 

and monumental campaign 

led by Vice President Kamala 

Harris. She stepped into 

the fray at a time when our 

country needed her most, 

fearlessly fighting to protect 

our rights and achieve real 

progress. Her leadership 

and resilience inspire us all, 

reminding us that our fight 

for justice and equity is far 

from over. 

At the same time, Governor 

Ron DeSantis and his allies 

have dealt significant blows, 

helping to defeat proposed 

constitutional amendment on 

abortion rights. 

(Cont’d on page 5) (Cont’d on page 13) 

Mississippi Senate Accused of 

Paying Black Attorney Half the 

Salary of White Colleagues 

The Westside Gazette Newspaper 

POWELL 

County Court Judge Jackie Powell recipient of the 

President’s Award in recognition of her community 

According to www.nextgov.com, predictive policing involves law 

service. The Jamaican native was first elected in 2018 

enforcement officials implementing mathematical and predictive 

and begins a new six-year term in January 2025. 

analytics and other technology-based techniques to pinpoint potential 

Notably, Judge Powell is the first Jamaican 

crimes. (Photo: iStockphoto / NNPA) 

(Cont’d on page 3) (Cont’d on page 10) 

@TheWestsideGazetteNewspaper 

Jamaican-Born Judge 

Honored by Caribbean 

Bar Association for 

Community Service 

FORT LAUDERDALE, 

FL -- The 17 th Judicial 

Circuit is delighted 

to announce that 

the Caribbean Bar 

Association has named 

Thursday 

Nov 12 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°

PAGE 2 • NOVEMBER 14 - NOVEMBER 20, 2024 

www.thewestsidegazette.com 

Leia’s Mathematics 

Corner 

Harvesting Truth 

songs 

By Brandie Gray 

Every year as fall approaches we are 

either intentionally or subconsciously 

reminded of the harvest. From being 

bombarded with pumpkin spice flavored 

coffees, cookies, and cakes to fall festivals 

and pumpkin patches or even jack-olantern 

decorations there is no argument 

that the pumpkin is hailed as the fruit 

of the season! And I know what you’re 

thinking… “FRUIT???” Yes, you read that 

right. Pumpkin is a FRUIT! Many people 

believe that it is a vegetable; however, 

all members of the squash family are 

fruit. Vegetables are the edible portion of 

plants such as leaves, stems, roots, bulbs, 

flowers, and tubers. Because pumpkins 

are a product of the seed-bearing structure 

of a flowering plant; they are classified 

by botanists as fruit. Considering the 

popularity of the pumpkin during this time 

it is hard to separate the thought of it from 

cornucopias, Pilgrims, Native Americans 

& “The First Harvest”. The pumpkin’s 

identity and connection to a particular 

person and time of year vehemently remind 

me of another fruit that hosts an identity 

that unfortunately boasts a much more 

negative connotation, the watermelon. 

The watermelon originating over 5000 

years ago in southern Africa as a small bitter 

fruit was selectively bred and eventually 

referred to by writer Mark Twain as “The 

fruit that angels eat”. Making its way 

across the globe for centuries; there are 

now over 1,000 varieties. Although the 

circumstances required for watermelon 

to grow abundantly occur mostly in the 

summer months; the importation and 

exportation of the amazingly delicious fruit 

makes it possible for us to enjoy it yearround. 

Not only does watermelon taste 

good but it is rich in nutritional value and 

can lower your blood pressure and reduce 

the risk of heart attacks. Based on these 

things one would think that watermelon 

would be a fruit that one could easily enjoy 

& love. Unfortunately for Black Americans 

this is not often the case. 

In the 1860s after the Civil War 

and the execution of the Emancipation 

Proclamation Black farmers took what 

little they had or could scrape up and 

seized their newfound “freedom” by 

growing & farming watermelon. They 

did the work to pull themselves up by 

their proverbial “bootstraps” and in many 

cases became very successful thanks to 

this fruit. The growing of watermelon as 

a cash crop on their own land had become 

a symbol of economic self-sufficiency and 

liberation for formerly enslaved Africans. 

But then; the hating started…. Or rather 

CONTINUED! 

As the Black community strived to 

make a way for itself southern whites saw 

this emergence of entrepreneurship as a 

threat to their perceived dominance. They 

were resentful of the people, once their 

property making headway in the field 

of agriculture. As a result, more than a 

century-long propaganda campaign was 

initiated to disparage and undermine the 

Black farmers’ hard work and commitment 

to growing watermelons. In 1869 

Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper, 

a popular editorial during its time, is 

believed to be one of the first to print an 

image depicting Black people dealing in 

watermelon. The article that accompanied 

the photo referred to the newly freed 

Africans as juvenile and suggested that 

the group possessed an insatiable desire 

for watermelon. Blacks continued to be 

represented this way in both print and live 

ministerial shows throughout the south. 

Images of people fighting over and stealing 

watermelons printed on postcards were 

used to dehumanize a group of people. The 

trope of the lazy, simple-minded negro 

scarfing down watermelon and spit-firing 

watermelon seeds was so pervasive that 

many Black performers began to perform 

and star in shows that 

perpetuated the stereotype. 

The negative implications 

of this racist history of the 

watermelon continues to affect Black 

Americans today, causing the population 

to shy away from the fruit to avoid being 

viewed as lazy, stupid, and incompetent. 

The suggestion of a watermelon eating 

contest or the idea of being photographed 

with this beautiful melon is considered 

a faux pas and cliche. However, the 

students of the Village Academy are 

setting out to shift this view. With bold 

photography and by sharing the origin, 

history, and benefits of watermelon we 

hope to adjust its branding thus making 

it easy to enjoy watermelon devoid of 

negative stigmas as it is to enjoy pumpkin 

spice everything in the fall. When 

you bite into the juicy fruit, we don’t 

(Source: BlackNews.com) 

NATIONWIDE — Alexis Donald, MD, a 

trailblazing African American medical doctor and 

advocate for empowering young minds, is thrilled 

to announce the release of her highly anticipated 

children’s book, Mommy I Want to be a Doctor. 

Based on her own remarkable 

journey, this captivating story 

encourages children to dream big, 

believe in themselves, and fearlessly 

pursue their aspirations. 

As the first medical doctor in her 

family, Dr. Alexis has always been 

driven by a passion for medicine 

and a desire to make a difference in 

the world. Her inspiring tale begins 

with her childhood dreams and 

takes readers on a heartfelt journey 

of determination, resilience, and 

triumph. 

Sam has 24 toy cars. He decides to share them equally with 

his 3 friends. How many toy cars will each friend get? 

112 

+ 5 

365 

_24 

Created by Leia Palmer 3rd grader! 

want our community to feel 

ashamed but rather healthy, 

nourished, and proud. 

Black Woman Makes History 

the First Medical Doctor and 

Published Author in Her Family 

Follow @VillageAcademyFL 

on Instagram for more 

information. 

Mommy I Want to be 

a Doctor is a beautifully 

illustrated book that 

captures the essence of Dr. 

Alexis Donald’s true-life 

story. Through relatable 

characters and engaging 

storytelling, young readers 

will be inspired to embrace 

their own dreams, no matter 

how big or audacious they 

may seem. 

This enchanting 

book not only highlights 

Dr. Donald’s personal 

achievements but 

also showcases her 

exceptional academic 

accomplishments. As the 

valedictorian of her high 

school, she made history by 

becoming the first person in 

her high school’s history to 

be awarded the prestigious Bill Gates Millennium 

Scholarship. Undeterred by challenges, she 

continued her educational journey, graduating from 

THEE Jackson State University for undergrad and 

Meharry Medical College for both her Masters And 

Medical Degree (M.D.). 

Now a successful family medicine physician, 

Dr. Donald is on a mission to inspire the next 

generation to dream big, believe in themselves, and 

fearlessly pursue their passions. Through “Mommy 

I Want to be a Doctor,” she hopes to instill in young 

minds the importance of perseverance, self-belief, 

and the limitless possibilities that await them. 

With its powerful message and captivating 

illustrations, Mommy I Want to Be a Doctor is poised 

to become an instant favorite among children, 

parents, and educators alike. This heartwarming 

tale serves as a reminder that dreams can come 

Continue reading online at: 

thewestsidegazette.com 

List compiled 

by sophomore 

Kamar 

Jackson


Deeply Rooted 

AMERICA LOSES IN PRESIDENTIAL RACE 

But can celebrate Thompson, Alsobrooks, and Blunt Rochester 

NOVEMBER 14 - NOVEMBER 20, 2024• PAGE 3 

By Alice Thomas-Tisdale 

JA Publisher Emerita 

(Source: By Jackson Advocate News Service) 

If there was any victor in Tuesday’s presidential 

election, it was former Secretary of State Hillary 

Clinton. She was, although in heartbreak, clearly 

vindicated of not having what it takes to be 

commander in chief of the most powerful nation in 

the world. At the DNC in Chicago in August, former 

President Bill Clinton tried to warn us. 

“We’ve seen more than one election slip away from 

us when we thought it couldn’t happen, when people 

got distracted by phony issues or overconfident. 

This is a brutal, tough business…you should never 

underestimate your adversary. These people are 

really good at distracting us, at triggering doubt, at 

triggering buyer’s remorse.” 

The best scenario for America to survive four 

more years of MAGA mania is to embrace Bill 

Clinton’s seemingly call to action: “For 250 years, 

the forces of division have tried to halt the march of 

progress in this beautiful experiment of ours. In the 

face of stiff, often violent opposition, we have kept 

hope alive and kept marching forward together.” It’s 

time to put on our marching shoes, or order a new 

pair. 

Congratulations to Congressman Bennie 

G. Thompson in his reelection bid to represent 

Mississippi’s 2nd District and also to Angela 

Alsobrooks in her tough campaign for U.S. Senator 

in Maryland. Both will require our constant prayers. 

Nick Brown Makes History As Washington’s 

First Black Attorney General 

By Jovonne Ledet 

(Source: Black Information Network) 

Democrat Nick Brown made 

history on Election Night. 

On Tuesday (November 5), Brown 

was projected to win the race for 

Washington attorney general, besting 

Republican Pete Serrano, per the 

Associated Press. 

Brown’s win makes him the first 

Black person to serve as Washington’s 

attorney general. He is succeeding 

Bob Ferguson, who ran for governor 

instead of seeking reelection, to 

become the state’s first new attorney 

general in 12 years. 

Trump signals he will 

deliver on promise to 

clamp down on illegal 

immigration from FP 

the Environmental Protection Agency. 

Miller, a former speech writer and campaign advisor 

to Trump who worked closely with the former president 

in the White House during Trump’s first term, was a key 

architect of Trump’s “zero tolerance” immigration policies, 

including a travel ban that reduced the number of refugees 

accepted to the U.S. from Muslim-majority countries and 

the separation of migrant children from their parents. 

“Trump is plainly delivering a message that he intends 

to do what he said he would do,” said Andrew Arthur, a 

fellow at the Center for Immigration Studies, a nonpartisan 

group that supports immigration restriction. 

During his campaign, Trump promised to deport millions 

of immigrants living in the U.S. illegally, carrying out the 

“largest deportation operation in American history” on Day 

One. And in his first interview after he won last week, the 

former president told NBC that he was committed to a 

mass roundup of undocumented immigrants, whatever the 

cost. 

“It’s not a question of a price tag,” Trump said. “It’s 

not. Really, we have no choice when people have killed and 

murdered, when drug lords have destroyed countries. And 

now they’re going to go back to those countries because 

they’re not staying here.” 

But although Trump can order a clampdown on 

undocumented immigrants as soon as he becomes president, 

few experts expect his administration to immediately 

deport the millions of people estimated to be in the United 

States illegally. 

Nick Brown For Attorney General 

The lawsuit claims that Metcalfe 

was consistently underpaid 

compared to her white 

colleagues despite holding 

similar job responsibilities. 

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire 

Senior National Correspondent 

@StacyBrownMedia 

The U.S. Department of Justice filed a 

federal lawsuit accusing the Mississippi 

State Senate of racial discrimination 

against Kristie Metcalfe, a Black 

attorney who worked in its Legislative 

Services Office (LSO) for nearly eight 

years. The lawsuit claims that Metcalfe 

was consistently underpaid compared 

to her white colleagues despite holding 

similar job responsibilities. Filed in the 

U.S. District Court for the Southern 

District of Mississippi, the suit alleges 

that Metcalfe’s salary was set at about 

half of her peers’ pay, violating Title VII 

of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits 

racial discrimination in the workplace. 

Metcalfe’s case highlights what the 

Justice Department argues is a clear 

example of systemic pay discrimination. 

According to the lawsuit, when Metcalfe 

was hired in 2011, her starting salary was 

Faster this time 

According to the Pew Research Center, about 11 million immigrants were living illegally 

in the country in 2022 and more than 2 million people have entered the country illegally since 

then. 

The American Immigration Council, a nonprofit advocacy group, has estimated that deporting 

everyone in the U.S. illegally would cost at least $315 billion and take at least a decade. 

Still, Trump’s crackdown on immigrants has the potential to create chaos across the nation 

and economic disruption across many industries that rely on immigrants — particularly in 

California, home to about 1.8 million immigrants without legal status. In L.A. County, a recent 

USC Dornsife report found that more than a third of residents are immigrants and about 8% are 

undocumented immigrants. 

“This time around, the Trump’s administration is going to be a lot more prepared,” said 

Masih Fouladi, executive director of California Immigrant Policy Center. 

“If we thought they acted quickly in 2017, with a Muslim ban a week after Trump was 

sworn into office, it’s going to be even faster this time. … Trump is going to stay true to his 

word, advancing mass deportation on Day One, and we similarly have to work with that kind of 

urgency to make sure that we’re protecting our communities.” 

Immigrants living in California and other blue states already benefit from protections that 

immigrants in red states do not have. For example, California has already established a series 

of policies that limit local agencies’ cooperation with federal immigration officials. 

But Fouladi said immigrants and their supporters had to work immediately with state and 

national partners to prevent harm to immigrants and their families. He urged the state to 

strengthen the protections of the California Values Act and invest in rapid response networks 

and legal services for immigrants who might be deported. 

“There are a lot of mixed families in California, where there might be certain parents that 

are undocumented, but children that are U.S. citizens,” Fouladi said. “Plans for those families 

to be taken care of should be one of the top priorities of state lawmakers, the governor, local 

mayors.” 

Fouladi said California leaders had already made provisions to defend immigrants, but they 

were not working with the same urgency as the Trump administration. 

Alien Enemies Act 

Although Trump has claimed that “many” of the migrants who entered the U.S. illegally 

over the last 3½ years “are murderers, drug dealers, people from jails,” research shows people 

Continue reading online at: thewestsidegazette.com 

During his campaign for AG, Brown, 

a former U.S. attorney for western 

Washington, faced Serrano, a Pasco City 

Council member who currently serves 

as the city’s mayor. The two faced off on 

issues like gun control and abortion. 

Serrano co-directs the Silent Majority 

Foundation, a nonprofit organization 

that’s filed lawsuits aimed at COVID-19 

vaccine mandates and Washington’s gun 

laws. In contrast, Brown represented 

the Washington Alliance for Gun 

Responsibility as a private attorney. 

He also helped draft Initiative 1639, 

which raised the minimum age to buy 

semiautomatic rifles in Washington. 

When it comes to abortion, Serrano 

opposed a new abortion shield law in 

Washington that works to limit the reach 

of other states’ restrictive abortion laws 

while Brown supported the measure. 

Mississippi Senate Accused of 

Paying Black Attorney Half the 

Salary of White Colleagues 

substantially lower than any LSO attorney 

employed in the previous 30 years. While 

her white colleagues received raises a 

month The complaint further 

reveals that, despite Metcalfe’s repeated 

requests for equal compensation, the 

Senate continued to hire white attorneys 

at higher salaries. This included a later 

hire with similar legal experience but 

no previous legislative background who 

was brought on at a significantly higher 

pay rate than Metcalfe. When Metcalfe 

confronted Senate officials about the 

disparity, her request for fair pay was 

reportedly denied. 

Assistant Attorney General Kristen 

Clarke of the Civil Rights Division 

called the case a critical stand against 

discriminatory pay practices. “The Black 

employee at issue in this lawsuit was 

paid about half the salary of her white 

colleagues in violation of federal law,” 

Clarke said, stressing that such racebased 

disparities would not be tolerated. 

“Our work to eliminate race-based pay 

disparities is about promoting compliance 

with the law and promoting equity and 

fairness for all workers.” 

Through the lawsuit, the Justice 

Department seeks back pay, compensatory 

damages for Metcalfe, and an injunction to 

prevent further discriminatory practices. 

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Oklahoma House of Representatives 

Monroe 

Nichols 

Becomes First 

Black Mayor 

Of Tulsa 

Democratic Oklahoma Rep. 

Monroe Nichols has made 

history in the city of Tulsa. 

By Jovonne Ledet 

(Source: Black Information Network) 

On Tuesday (November 5), Nichols 

was projected to win the Tulsa Mayoral 

election, besting his challenger, Tulsa 

County Commissioner Karen Keith, per 

2 News Oklahoma. 

Nichols will serve as Tulsa’s 

first Black mayor. He delivered his 

acceptance on Tuesday night in front of 

images of Black Wall Street, a thriving 

district in Tulsa that was destroyed by 

a white mob in 1921. 

Nichols, who’s served as a State 

Representative for House District 72 

since 2016, will take over for current 

Mayor GT Bynum. 

The Democratic lawmaker 

prioritized adding more affordable 

housing and ending homelessness 

during his mayoral campaign. Nichols 

said he wants to work closely with tribal 

partners when it comes to public safety 

to entrepreneurship. 

He said he also plans to create a 

mayor’s office for children, youth, and 

families and focus on education.


Westside Gazette 

Calendar of Events 

NOW THRU DEC 4 

Deeply Rooted 

LOCAL HAPPENINGS IN 

BROWARD MIAMI-DADE 

AND PALM BEACH 

COUNTIES 

HAVE YOUR COMMUNITY EVENTS 

PLACED ON THIS PAGE 

email:wgproof@thewestsidegazette.com 

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Happy Birthday * Weddings 

* Anniversaries 

Retirements * Congratulations 

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. 


Broward Children’s Center will host its 

21st Annual Miles for Smiles 5K, Saturday, 

Nov. 16, 2024. Registration at 8 a.m., start 

time at 9 a.m., Award Ceremony at 10 

a.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 at Pompano 

Beach Community Park, NE 10th St., Pompano Beach. 

To register and purchase tickets or create a team, please 

visit https://givebutter.com/21stMilesforSmiles. 

WE ARE BACK ! 

2nd and 4th Saturday of the month 

ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY ALPHA LAMBDA CHAPTER 

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FPL Hurricane Costs Top $1B 

By Jim Saunders 

©2024 The News Service 

of Florida. All rights 

reserved; see terms. 

TALLAHASSEE — 

Florida Power & Light 

expects to seek approval to 

collect about $1.2 billion from 

customers in 2025 to cover 

costs of restoring power after 

hurricanes Debby, Helene 

and Milton and to replenish a 

storm reserve fund. 

FPL will seek to recover 

an estimated $800 million 

stemming from Hurricane 

Milton, which made landfall 

Oct. 9 in Sarasota County 

as a Category 3 storm and 

crossed the state, according 

to a quarterly financial report 

that the utility’s parent 

company, NextEra Energy, 

filed Wednesday with the 

U.S. Securities and Exchange 

Commission. FPL also had 

an estimated $300 million in 

costs from Debby and Helene. 

The Florida Public Service 

Commission would have to 

sign off on FPL recovering 

the money, but utilities 

have regularly received such 

approvals in the past. In 

Deeply Rooted 

addition, storm-cost recovery 

has been contemplated in 

broader rate agreements 

approved for FPL and other 

companies. Storm costs are 

essentially a temporary addon 

to customer bills. 

Duke Energy Florida and 

Tampa Electric Co. also had 

to undertake massive powerrestoration 

efforts after this 

year’s hurricanes, making it 

likely they will seek to recover 

costs from customers. 

The NextEra Energy 

quarterly report said FPL is 

expected to file a petition “in 

fourth quarter 2024” with the 

Public Service Commission, 

though it did not give a 

specific date. 

Environmentalist Peterman Wins 

By Staff Writer 

Lifetime Achievement Award 

The North American 

Association for Environmental 

Education (NAAEE) recognized 

Audrey Peterman with the 

Lifetime Achievement Award 

for Conservation, Education 

and Justice at their annual 

conference in Pittsburgh, 

Pennsylvania, November 7. 

The NAAEE is the professional 

association and champion 

for environmental education, 

working with professionals 

around the world to advance 

environmental literacy and 

civic engagement to create a 

more equitable and sustainable 

future. 

Presenting the Award, 

Executive Director Judy Braus 

recounted that she was the head 

of Education for the National 

Audubon Society when she met 

Audrey in the 1990s. 

“She was just this amazing 

force for good, so engaging 

and inclusive; so focused on 

positive change and ensuring 

that everyone had access to our 

parks, to high quality education 

and to our public lands,” she 

recalled. “Audrey grew up in 

Jamaica and when she came 

to New York, she thought the 

cities was all there was in the 

US. When she and her husband 

Frank discovered these places 

of beauty and nature in the 

National Park System, she 

went absolutely wild.” 

She recounted how 

the Petermans saw so few 

Americans of color in the 

national parks that they 

resolved to help make a 

difference. She cited the 

Presidential Memorandum 

that they helped secure in 

2017 as part of the Next100 

Coalition, in which President 

Obama required the federal 

agencies managing the parks 

and forests to actively take 

steps to invite all communities, 

with a particular focus on those 

who have not been included 

before. 

Coincidentally, the Award 

comes just after Mrs. Peterman 

successfully organized a 

Transformational Tour of 

National Parks introducing 

the spectacular Grand Canyon 

National Park to influencers 

from the Black Community. 

A Tour of Washington, DC 

late October introduced them 

to the Historic Sites where 

Frederick Douglass, Mary 

McLeod Bethune and Carter 

G. Woodson lived. They also 

visited the Benjamin Banneker 

Boundary Stones placed by 

the African American genius 

who laid out the boundaries of 

the Capital City in 1792. The 

resulting documentary, “Color 

In the Canyon,” and a social 

media campaign including 

billboards in New York City’s 

Time Square, are available on 

their website at www.delnsb. 

com. 

The conference erupted in 

applause when Director Braus 

read Mrs. Peterman’s message: 

“I thank you more than 

words can say for recognizing 

our efforts. I believe that 

environmental educators are 

among the most important 

people on Earth. WHAT 

could be more vital than 

to teach people to love and 



Affordable Care Act’s Lifeline 

in Jeopardy from Front Page 

strongholds supporting President-elect Trump, 

including Florida with 4.2 million enrollees, 

Texas with 3.5 million, and Georgia with 1.3 

million. These five states—Florida, Texas, 

California, Georgia, and North Carolina— 

accounted for 55% of total ACA enrollment. 

Each state uses the federal Healthcare.gov 

enrollment platform and has yet to expand 

Medicaid under the ACA, making the ACA 

subsidies particularly vital for affordable 

healthcare access. 

The subsidies have also substantially 

impacted middle-income families, including 

those with incomes above 400% of the federal 

poverty level, or approximately $103,280 for 

a family of four. For this group, enhanced 

subsidies have capped insurance premiums 

at 8.5% of income; without the subsidies, 

premiums could exceed 20% of income, 

according to Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) 

Vice President Cynthia Cox. Cox cautioned 

that if subsidies expire, middle-income 

enrollees would likely be hit the hardest, as 

many would be priced out of coverage entirely. 

“A lot of those folks would drop coverage,” she 

noted. 

ACA enrollment has also surged rapidly 

in states like Texas and Mississippi, where 

growth rates have exceeded 200% since 

2020. Notably, these states had some of the 

highest uninsured rates before introducing 

the enhanced subsidies. Without Medicaid 

expansion, the ACA marketplace has been the 

primary avenue for affordable insurance. 

Enhanced subsidies, which reduce 

premiums for eligible enrollees by an average 

of 44%, or about $705 per year, have made 

health insurance more accessible than ever. 

However, if Congress fails to renew them, the 

Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projects 

that ACA enrollment could fall from 22.8 

million in 2025 to 15.4 million by 2030 as 

millions of Americans lose affordable options. 

Without financial support, many of these 

individuals—who have come to rely on the 

ACA for medical peace of mind—could be 

forced to go without insurance, leading to even 

higher rates of medical debt, which stood at 

$220 billion nationwide in 2021. 

For now, ACA enrollees can rest assured 

that their 2025 premiums will remain stable if 

they enroll during the current open enrollment 

period. 

“If people are signing up now during open 

enrollment, their coverage will take effect in 

January, and it will cover them for the whole 

year,” Health policy analyst Louise Norris 

noted. “Their premiums won’t change—they’re 

good for 2025.” 

However, the stakes for the ACA remain 

high. “Enrollment in ACA plans has roughly 

doubled since the enhanced subsidies were 

implemented, especially among low-income 

enrollees,” Cox said. “That’s one group you 

might expect to see. If they have to start 

making a higher premium payment, they would 

drop their coverage.” If made permanent, the 

enhanced subsidies would cost an estimated 

$335 billion over 10 years—a substantial 

investment but one that may be necessary 

to prevent millions of Americans from losing 

their healthcare coverage. 

As Congress finalizes its leadership, 

healthcare policy experts and millions of 

Americans watch closely, hoping for a path 

forward that will secure affordable healthcare 

for all. “The Affordable Care Act continues 

to be a successful, popular, and important 

federal program to millions of people and 

their families,” HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra 

emphasized. 

During an earnings call 

Wednesday, NextEra Energy 

Chairman, President and 

CEO John Ketchum said 

Milton caused about 2 million 

FPL customers to lose power, 

while Helene knocked out 

electricity to about 680,000 

customers. 

Milton slammed FPL 

customers on both coasts, 

including in Sarasota County, 

and spun off damaging 

tornadoes in other areas. 

Helene made landfall 

Sept. 26 in Taylor County, 

after causing widespread 

damage in other coastal areas 

as it moved up the Gulf Coast. 

Debby, which made landfall 

in August in Taylor County, 

was a smaller storm and had 

aAAA 

This Week in Health: Diabetes Awareness 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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less effect on areas served by 

FPL. 

Major expenses during 

hurricanes include such 

things as bringing in crews 

to help quickly restore power. 

Utilities have what are known 

as “mutual aid” agreements 

with utilities in other states, 

and Ketchum said FPL 

received assistance from 41 

states and Canada for Milton 

and Helene. 

Ketchum said investments 

in such things as underground 

power lines helped reduce 

outages and that FPL power 

plants and solar facilities 

“sustained no significant 

damage.” 

“For nearly two decades, 

FPL has invested significantly 

in building a stronger, 

Westside Health Brief 

Marsha Mullings, MPH 

November 11, 2024 

 

a person’s 

 

 

smarter and more stormresilient 

grid,” he said. “The 

performance of our system 

demonstrates that FPL’s 

hardening, undergrounding, 

automation and smart grid 

investments are providing 

significant benefits to our 

customers.” 

FPL this spring finished 

recovering about $1.3 

billion in storm-restoration 

costs primarily related 

to hurricanes Ian and 

Nicole in 2022, according 

to Wednesday’s quarterly 

report. 

Before Hurricane Debby, 

FPL had a storm reserve of 

about $80 million. The utility 

would like to replenish the 

reserve with about $150 

million. 

A loan shark in your pocket: 

Cellphone cash advance apps 

By Charlene Crowell 

Many Americans continue 

to find it challenging to 

keep up with the rising cost 

of living. Despite economic 

reports attesting to a growing 

broad economy, the majority 

of Americans’ household 

finances feel insecure – 

especially people who live 

paycheck to paycheck with 

little or no savings. 

The financial marketplace 

has responded to this ongoing 

consumer cash crunch with an 

emerging predatory lending 

product designed to take 

full advantage of consumers’ 

financial mismatch: earned 

wage advances (EWA). These 

cash advance products are 

small, short-term loans, 

typically ranging from $40 to 

$200, that are repaid on the 

consumer’s next payday either 

directly from a bank account 

or as a payroll deduction. 

They’re also conveniently 

available with a few clicks on 

borrowers’ smartphones. 

But as with other predatory 

loans, wage advances also 

create a deceptive and highly 

profitable cycle of debt built 

upon repeated reborrowing 

with interest equivalent 

to 300 percent annual 

percentage rates or more. 

In most cases, these cash 

advances also lead to frequent 

overdraft fees. The combined 

repeat borrowing and high 

costs result in unsuspecting 

consumers learning the socalled 

convenience brought 

Fast-growing app 

usage leaves many 

consumers worse off 

more – not less – financial 

hardship. 

This summer, the 

Consumer Financial 

Protection Bureau shared its 

early analysis of this growing 

market segment, including 

key data points: 

The number of 

transactions processed by 

these providers grew by over 

90% from 2021 to 2022, with 

more than 7 million workers 

accessing approximately $22 

billion in 2022; 

The average transaction 

amount ranged from $35 to 

$200, with an overall average 

transaction size of $106, and 

the average worker accessed 

$3,000 in funds per year.; and 

The average worker in 

their study had 27 earned 

wage transactions per year, 

and a strong growth in 

frequent usage of at least 

once a month rising from 41% 

in 2021 to nearly 50% in 2022. 

More recently, the Center 

for Responsible Lending 

(CRL), released a new policy 

brief entitled, Paying to be 

Paid: Consumer Protections 

Needed for Earned Wage 

Advances and Other Fintech 

Cash Advances. 

“By offering predatory 

credit with just a few taps on 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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•


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We Have a Sacred 

Duty – All of Us 

By Rivera Sun 

On Election Night in my 

small town, I sat around a 

folding table with four election 

clerks, sworn in by the election 

warden and doing my civic duty 

to count every vote. The polls 

had closed. Darkness pressed 

heavy against the windows, 

as it does this time of year in 

Northern Maine. Rain hushed down on the empty parking lot, 

the playground, and the bandstand. 

It was sacred. Secular, yes, but sacred. It is through the 

ballot, not the bullet, that we choose our leaders. We came so 

close to losing our right to democratic transitions four years 

ago; the threat still looms over us today, each side claiming a 

different concern about the elections and aftermath. 

My fellow election clerks and I came from different 

political perspectives, but we shared a common respect for the 

democratic process. We checked our opinions at the door that 

night; they had no place in the room. We were there to serve 

our country in a role that should be as honored as our soldiers 

and veterans. We had been entrusted to count with absolute 

fairness and unfaltering accuracy - and that’s what we did. The 

head of one of the political parties bore witness, silently sitting 

to the side as we recorded the results of each candidate, writeins, 

and referendum choices. 

I counted with profound care, not rushing even as the night 

wore on. I held in my hands the hopes, dreams, and aspirations 

of my community. There are fewer than 500 people in our small 

town; 231 of them came out to vote. People cared deeply about 

this election and what it meant for them, their families, and 

our nation. 

Their vote for Trump broke my heart. 

When the majority vote for Trump and all the other results 

were tallied and recorded, I took a deep breath, bid goodnight 

to the other clerks, and walked out into the somber darkness 

of that rainy night. No longer bound by my sworn oath or my 


Power of Victory v. 

Consequences of Defeat 

“Power tends to corrupt and absolute power 

corrupts absolutely!” Lord Acton 1887 

By John Johnson II 

Trump, America’s victorious 47 th 

President, gets to collect the spoils while 

Democrats suffer the consequences of 

their defeat. What pollsters projected 

as a close election turned into an 

inevitable defeat once the Democratic 

echelon forced President Biden to Step 

Aside and nominated VP Harris as 

his replacement. Did they not learn 

anything from Hillary Clinton’s defeat? 

Former Secretary Hillary and VP 

Harris are exceptional leaders and 

politicians. Regrettably, a large segment of America’s voters 

isn’t yet willing to elect a woman as President, especially if 

she’s a Black woman. Unfortunately, to their chagrin, Rep. 

Pelosi and Senator Shumar assumed Trump wasn’t electable. 

Consequently, VP Harris and her Democratic Party suffered a 

first-degree shellacking. 

Still, a brief synopsis of saliant things that Democrats did 

wrong might soften their plunge as they seek to recover. Voters 

wanted decisive action to curb immigration and lower inflation, 

not blame. If barbwire installed to keep prisoners from climbing 

the prison wall is acceptable, why was it so inhumane to use it 

to keep immigrants from crossing the borders? 

Inflation is an untamable beast. Amazingly, Trump promised 

to impose tariffs on every import. Voters merely think Trump’s 

fighting China’s trade war. The extra $4000 annual cost to 

consumers didn’t register. Though painful, this isn’t the first 

election Democrats lost due to their insightfulness. 

President-elect Trump proved masterful at feeding voters’ 

anti-ism and assigning blame to Democrats who failed to 


President Trump Wins a Second Term 

as a Convicted Felon 

By Roger Caldwell 

America has spoken in the 2024 

election, and President Trump has been 

given four more years to make America 

Great again. In the Electoral College 

President Trump beat VP Harris by 301 

votes to 226 votes. Many Americans 

believed that America was on the wrong 

track, with inflation, wars, immigration, 

and the economy. 

It appears that President Trump is the first Republican 

to win the popular vote since 2004, under President George 

Bush. President Trump has increased his campaign by getting 

non-white ethnically diverse areas to vote for him. In certain 

areas this accounted for an increase in 7 points. Many of these 

Trump supporters knew in September that they were voting 

for President Trump. 

The polls were not even close when the media said the 

votes were a tie. VP Harris did not win any of the battleground 

states, and President Trump and Elon Musk connected to their 

voters online using Twitter. 

In this election there was disinformation and misinformation 


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. 

The Gantt Report 

How To Get Away With Murder 

By Lucius Gantt 

It didn’t take President-elect Donald 

Trump more than a few days to convince 

his MAGA movement to disregard the 

American system of political checks 

and balances and recognize that Trump 

controls the Supreme Court and he has 

informed Congressional leaders that he 

controls Representatives and Senators 

too. 

The “American Way” has gone away. 

Trump is putting his white nationalist 

and white supremacist supporters in very important positions. 

Perhaps, United States citizens have seen the last of 

Presidential appointments and confirmations. 

Drastic measures must be taken to save America from 

the murderous moves against democracy and the American 

Constitutional protections. 

The MAGA movement must be murdered, politically! 

So, how do American citizens get away with political 

murder? 

First, people who love America need to know how and 

where to fight political battles. 

Political pretenders don’t know, but experienced political 

professionals know that ALL political progress begins at home, 

the fights for fair, equal, and just government begins on your 

streets in your city! 

When your city, county, state, and federal officeholders vote 

for dictators, vote for imperialism, and cast votes in Congress 

to please evil and greedy businesspeople, they must be fought. 

They must face impeachments and voter recalls. 

If you want to get funky like MAGA, you can post the 

addresses of bad politicians online. You can storm and bum 

rush any town halls MAGA politicians may have. You can flood 

MAGA office holders with calls, texts, and unannounced office 

visits about American democracy. 

The infamous Democratic Party must discard its old, 

outdated, and ineffective campaign strategy of compensating, 

advocating, and supporting losing consultants with losing 

strategies. 


The Nation Just Lost the Election 

By Robert C. Koehler 

I guess I’d call the Trump victory an 

“expected” shock. 

In the deepest core of my being, I 

was unhappy with virtually everything 

about the election: unhappy with the 

Kamala Harris campaign and her 

unrelenting support of Israeli genocide, 

unhappy with the Democratic Party 

and its contempt for progressive voters’ 

values even as the party remained 

certain it owned their votes. But at a 

more superficial level. I pretty much thought Harris would 

win, just because Trump was way-y-y too crazy (”they’re eating 

the pets!”) to actually be able to reclaim the presidency. 

But Trump did it — not simply capturing the “battleground” 

states and gaining an Electoral College win, as he did in 2016, 

but apparently winning the overall popular vote. As of this 

morning, as I sit here in my expected shock, I see that Trump 

is ahead of Harris by some five million votes, with counting still 

underway in some states. And, by the way, the Republicans 

also reclaimed control of the Senate. 

The Dems managed to lose to a dancing goofball and outright 

racist. They lost to the guy whose own former aides have called 

a loser, a liar and, yikes, a fascist. How did they manage to do 

that? 

My sense is this: Trump’s appeal to his base was anything 

but superficial. It may have been a bunch of lies — that he’s 

a friend of the working class, for instance, even though he’s a 

pseudo-billionaire under the control of corporate elites — but he 

spoke to their deepest values. “He promised to close the border, 

‘help our country heal’ and ‘fix everything,’” the NewYork 

Times noted. 

He continually talked about the enemies he would protect 

America from — everyone from immigrant murderers and 

lunatics to liberal billionaires. A good, solid sense of the enemy 

creates community! And Trump was the community’s spiritual 

icon: its symbolic soul, the absolute counter to politics-as-usual. 

He was able to present himself as the protector of everything 

the MAGA base valued, from fetuses to assault rifles. And he 

did so while riding in a golf cart. No small feat! 

So how did Kamala Harris and the Democrats manage to 

lose? From my point of view, the reason is glaringly obvious: 

They failed to stand for much of anything, at least beyond 

“Trump’s an idiot.” They campaigned as the lesser evil! Vote 

for us. We’re not nearly as bad as Trump. 

The most striking example of this, it seems to me, was 

Harris’s refusal, or inability, to disconnect herself from the 

Biden administration’s unwavering commitment to arming 

Israel. While “too many Palestinians have died,” Israel has 

“a right to defend itself.” Palestinians — even Palestinian 

children — were abstractions. So much so that the Dems 

wouldn’t even allow a Palestinian to speak at the Democratic 

National Convention. What values were they running on? They 

were committed to centrist blather. They were committed to 

their lesser-evilism. 

Yet, ironically, the Democrats didn’t even have the 

endorsement of Benjamin Netanyahu, who congratulated 

Trump when his victory was declared, telling him: “Your 

historic return to the White House offers a new beginning for 

America and a powerful recommitment to the great alliance 

between Israel and America.” 

Not even Netanyahu could tolerate the lesser-evil 

Democratic centrism. 

What if, instead of courting Liz and Dick Cheney and 

the anti-Trump Republicans (thus utterly diminishing the 

possibility that they were running on real values), the Harris 

campaign had reached in the other direction and courted 

Green-leaning voters, rather than simply dismissing Jill Stein 

as a spoiler and, beyond that, completely ignoring what she 

stood for. 

What if? What if? 

There’s an enormous American voting bloc that’s being left 


What I 

Can Offer 

as an Old 

White Dude: 

Reassurance 

By David J. Smith 

I 

remember 

waking up 

on November 

5, 1980, 

after casting 

my first vote 

in a presidential 

election 

to find 

that my candidate 

had been defeated in a 

landslide. The loss of Jimmy 

Carter to Ronald Reagan led 

to 12 years of destructive 

and often inhumane policies. 

My wife confessed that she 

had seriously thought of 

moving out of the country 

when Reagan was elected. I’m 

glad she didn’t for my sake. 

My father, from a workingclass 

White community in 

Baltimore, couldn’t utter 

Reagan’s name without 

including the antecedent 

damn. Before he died, he had 

voted for Jesse Jackson for 

president. 

My 20s were spent 

working to advance causes 

that aligned with my beliefs in 

equal opportunity, a healthy 

environment, and basic 

human rights. Having lived 

through Watergate, I needed 

reassurance in democracy and 

running for office was the way 

to achieve that. I ran for the 

state legislature and had my 

campaign materials printed 

on recycled paper and held a 

newspaper drive fundraiser 

but lost miserably. 

This year’s loss seems a 

bit like the movie Groundhog 

Day. In 2016, we didn’t know 

exactly what to expect in 

Trump: we knew it wouldn’t 

be good, but maybe it wouldn’t 

be that bad. The previews for 



Why We 

Cannot and 

Will Not Go 

Backwards on 

Clean Energy 

By Ben Jealous 

M ore 

jobs. Better 

jobs. 

L o w e r 

energy 

prices. 

Cleaner 

water. 

Cleaner 

air. Fewer 

asthma 

attacks. 

Fewer heart attacks. 

Those are just a few of 

the benefits working people 

and communities across this 

country are reaping from the 

transition from fossil fuels to 

a clean energy economy. Sure, 

it is also about saving the 

planet – which most of us can 

agree is a good thing. But the 

economic and health benefits 

for millions of American 

families are very real as well. 

Donald Trump and his 

Project 2025 agenda have 

threatened to upend the clean 

energy transition and move 

us backwards. He has shown 

us he is more interested in 

lining the pockets of fossil 

fuel oligarchs than helping 

everyday Americans. 

But we will not go 

backwards. That is due in 

part to market forces that 

are not going anywhere. And 

it is due to the resistance 

that strong leaders and a 


thewestsidegazette.com


NOVEMNER 14 - NOVEMBER 20, 2024 • PAGE 7 

BUSINESS 

UNITY IN THE 

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WASHINGTON— Black Public Media, the Harlembased 

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Torrents: New Links to Black Futures, a popular arts and 

culture festival produced annually by CulturalDC. Building on 

the success of its standing-room only 2023 Torrents panel, the 

arts nonprofit is expanding its BPMplus Art & Tech Showcase 


Professor Tonya M. Evans on Cryptocurrency, 

Black Wealth, and the High Stakes of Trump’s 

Agenda 47 and Project 2025 

In the face of increasing hype and misinformation, Evans 

encouraged Black investors to pursue a clear understanding 

of cryptocurrency, noting that education is key. 

By Stacy M. Brown,NNPA Newswire Senior National 

Correspondent@StacyBrownMedia 

In a recent appearance on Let It Be Known News, 

Professor Tonya M. Evans—an expert in fintech law at Penn 

State Dickinson Law and a prominent figure in digital asset 

strategy—discussed the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency, 

particularly its impact on Black America. As an advisor on 

fintech policy through her company Advantage Evans, LLC, 

and a board member of Digital Currency Group, Evans is deeply 

invested in guiding Black investors through the complex world 

of cryptocurrency. 

Evans’ insights align with the ongoing discussions 

surrounding her recent Forbes article, “Can the Crypto Industry 

Survive Trump’s Agenda 47 and Project 2025?” She highlighted 

the friction between the government’s regulatory initiatives, 

prioritizing national sovereignty, and the decentralized ideals 

at the heart of digital currencies like Bitcoin. 

In the face of increasing hype and misinformation, Evans 

encouraged Black investors to pursue a clear understanding 

of cryptocurrency, noting that education is key. “There are 

several trusted resources available to help investors learn 


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CHURCH DIRECTORY 

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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' 

When Joshua guided Israel across the Jordan River 12 stones 

were set as a memorial for generations to remember the history 

of Israel crossing on dry land. Listed are the history of some 

of our community churches when created and the first pastor: 

(1) Mt Hermon A. M. E. Church – 1906 – Reverend J. H. Haines 

(2)First Baptist Church Piney Grove – 1904 – Reverend B.F. 

Goodwin 

(3) Mt Calvary Missionary Baptist – 1902 – 5 Clergy started the 

church - Reverends L.J. Ely, BJ Goodwin, NB Williams, BF James, 

and AJ Thomas 

(4) New Mt Olive Baptist Church – 1918, followed by the name 

change – 1923 – Reverend HP Bragdon 

(5) St John United Methodist Church – 1904 – Reverend L. J Little 

(6 Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church – 1946 – Reverend DD 

Miller 

(7) St Christopher Episcopal Church – 1930’s – Father Q.E. Primo 

(8) Ascension Peace Presbyterian Church – 1950’s – Reverend 

Scipio 

In Next week’s edition we will explore other community churches 

beginnings and 1st pastors. 

*** Biblical Facts*** The use of a pulpit dates back to the Old 

Testament times. Nehemiah 8:4 reads,” And Ezra the scribe 

stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose..” 

My favorite is Luke 5:1-11, speaks about, as the multitude followed 

Jesus, Peter’s boat was used as a (pulpit) for Jesus to 

preach the gospel. If you search the scriptures you will find other 

examples where pulpits were used.” Amen! 

Judith Jamison, 

Legendary Artistic Director 

of Alvin Ailey American 

Dance Theater, Dies at 81 

Even after stepping down as artistic 

director in 2011, Jamison continued to 

inspire and guide the Ailey troupe as 

artistic director Emerita. 

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National 

Correspondent@StacyBrownMedia 

Renowned dancer and choreographer Judith Jamison, 

who led the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater for over 

two decades, passed away on Saturday in New York at 81. 

Jamison’s death occurred at New York-Presbyterian Weill 

Cornell Medical Center after a brief illness, according to 

Christopher Zunner, managing director of public relations 

at the dance company. 

“We remember and are grateful for her artistry, humanity, 

and incredible light, which inspired us all,” Zunner stated. 

Born on May 10, 1943, in Philadelphia, Jamison discovered 

her love for dance early on, 

beginning lessons at age 

six at the Judimar School 

of Dance in her hometown. 

Encouraged initially to 

study the piano and violin, 

Jamison gravitated toward 

ballet, later training under 

African American dance 

pioneer Katherine Dunham. 

She attended Germantown 

High School and briefly 

enrolled at Fisk University 

before dedicating herself 

to dance and kinesiology 

studies at the Philadelphia 

Dance Academy. 

Jamison joined the Alvin 

Ailey American Dance 

Theater in 1965, quickly 

becoming a celebrated 

figure in modern dance 

when few Black women held 

prominence in the field. 

Her defining moment came 

in 1971 with the premiere 

of Cry, a 17-minute solo 

created by Alvin Ailey as a 

Cont'd on Page 9


Judith Jamison, Legendary Artistic Director of Alvin Ailey cont'd from Page 8 

tribute “to all Black women everywhere— 

especially our mothers.” This piece became 

a hallmark of the Ailey troupe and earned 

Jamison international acclaim. Alvin Ailey 

later wrote of Jamison’s performance, “With 

Cry, she became herself. Once she found this 

contact, this release, she poured her being 

into everybody who came to see her perform.” 

In addition to her iconic work with 

Ailey’s company, Jamison performed with 

global ballet companies, including the San 

Francisco Ballet, Swedish Royal Ballet, and 

Vienna State Ballet, and even graced the 

Broadway stage in Sophisticated Ladies 

alongside Gregory Hines. She began her 

choreography work in the 1980s, premiering 

her first ballet, Divining, with the Ailey 

company in 1984 and launching her dance 

group, The Jamison Project Dance Company, 

in 1988. 

Following Ailey’s death in 1989, Jamison 

took over as the artistic director of his 

company, steering it through a period of 

profound growth and establishing its first 

permanent home, the Joan Weill Center 

for Dance. She also founded a partnership 

with Fordham University, creating a joint 

Bachelor of Fine Arts program to support a 

multicultural dance curriculum. 

Throughout her career, Jamison received 

numerous honors, including the National 

Medal of Arts and a Kennedy Center Honor, 

recognizing her contribution to the arts and 

her role in broadening the visibility of Black 

dancers and choreographers. Her legacy is 

preserved in her autobiography, Dancing 

Spirit, and her choreography, which remains 

foundational to the company’s repertoire. 

Even after stepping down as artistic 

director in 2011, Jamison continued to 

inspire and guide the Ailey troupe as artistic 

director Emerita. 

Reflecting on her role as Ailey’s successor, 

Jamison once said, “I felt prepared to carry 

[the company] forward. Alvin and I were like 

parts of the same tree. He, the roots and the 

trunk, and we were the branches. I was his 

muse. We were all his muses.” 

College Student Raising 5 Siblings After 

Mom’s Death Gifted $40K And New Car 

(Source: ADW) 

A Michigan State football player who made headlines after becoming the legal guardian of his 

four minor siblings following their mother’s death has been gifted for his selfless act. 

Armorion Smith, a 21-year-old defensive back at Michigan State, has been balancing life on 

the field with the aftermath of the death of his mother, Gala Gilliam. Gilliam died of breast 

cancer at age 41 on August 8. 

Gilliam was survived by Armorion and her five other children: Armond, 16, Avaugn, 15, Arial, 

11, Aleion, 19, and Amaira, 2, whom the football player is raising following her death. In 

September, Smith became the legal guardian of his four youngest siblings. 

Smith’s 19-year-old sister Aleion helps take care of their younger siblings while he spends his 

days at Michigan State and playing for the Spartans. 

The siblings have been relying on money raised from a GoFundMe and taking Uber rides to get 

from place to place. Good Morning America helped the family out this week by gifting Armorion 

with a $40,000 check, a new car, and a trip to Disneyland. 

“We want to celebrate the bond that you and your siblings have with each other,” host Michael 

Strahan told Armorion, who appeared on Wednesday (November 6) episode of GMA with his 

brother Armond. 

“This is a blessing,” Armorion said. 

Strahan took the siblings outside to reveal their new GMC Acadia. 

“This is crazy, man!” Armorion said. “There’s not enough words in the world to explain. I don’t 

know. I’m feeling loved. This is ridiculous.” 

“We see the love you show to your siblings and to everybody every day. So you’re an inspiration 

to us, all of you,” Strahan said. “We just wanted to help you guys as much as we can.” 

Deeply Rooted 

hoto: Getty Images 

A 

Family That 

Prays Together, 

Stays Together 

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's 

Funeral Home 

& Cremation Services 

Central 

Nashara 

Woods- 

Crenshaw 

– 36 

Funeral 

Service 

was held 

November 9 th 

at New Hope 

Ministries. 

Denia Lucia Diaz Fonseca - 80 

Funeral service Private. 

Nakland Johnson - 52 Funeral 

service Private. 

Sidney 

McDonald – 

70 

Funeral 

Service 

will be held 

November 23 rd 

at Annie Laura 

Sheppard 

Smith Chapel. 

Lucinda 

Rozier - 88 

Funeral 

Service 

will be held 

November 

15 th at First 

Baptist 

Church Piney Grove. 

Casey Myers 

Love And Grace 

Funeral And 

Cremation Service 

Edward Davis 

Visition 

will 

take place 

November 15th. 

Sharonda 

Lyric Everett 

Funeral 

Service 

will be 

held 

November 

16th. 

NOVEMBER 14 - NOVEMBER 20, 2024 • PAGE 9 

James C. Boyd 

Funeral Home Services 

Helen Marie 

Arnold – 

81 Funeral 

Service 

was held 

November 

9 th at James 

C. Boyd’s 

Memorial 

Chapel with Bishop Alfred 

Lorenzo Ferguson officiating. 

Christopher 

Shanard 

Davis – 42 

Funeral 

Service 

was held 

November 

9 th at James 

C. Boyd’s 

Memorial Chapel with Rev. 

Jennifer Reynolds officiating. 

Zina Boyd- 

Jones – 61 

Funeral Service 

was held 

November 11 th 

at Lighthouse 

Worship Center 

Church with 

Bishop Tony 

D. Mitchell 

officiating. 

Evangelist 

Pauline 

Pinkney Lillie 

– 83 

Funeral 

Service 

was held 

November 9 th 

at James C. 

Boyd’s Memorial Chapel with 

Pastor Kevin Brown officiating. 

Alvin Ernest 

Walker, Sr. – 

85 

Funeral Service 

was held 

November 

9 th at James 

C. Boyd’s 

Memorial 

Chapel with Pastor Dr. W.M. 

Ramsey officiating. 

McWhite’s Funeral 

Home Services 

Raymond A. 

Carter, Jr. 

Funeral 

Service 

was held 

November 9th 

at McWhite’s 

Funeral Home. 

Roscoe Gaskin 

Funeral 

Service 

was held 

November 9th at 

Church Of God By 

Faith. 

Rev. Dr. Evelyn 

(State Mother) 

Gooden 

Funeral 

Service 

was held 

November 8th 

at Cathedral 

Church Of God 

Roy Mizell & Kurtz 

Funeral Home Services 

Deloris 

Barnes Hill 

- 74 

Funeral 

Service 

was held 

November 9 th 

at Roy Mizell 

and Kurtz 

Worship Center with Dr. Marcus 

D. Davidson officiating. 

Romans 10:13


Deeply Rooted 


Fall into Fun and Fitness with Broward County Transit! 

- Let BCT take you where you want to go - 

Walk every third Saturday to 

Movie Night Under the Stars 

at Hollywood’s ArtsPark at 

Young Circle and even daily 

walks on Hollywood Beach 

Boardwalk, these outings are 

ideal for meeting new people, 

enjoying the beautiful fall 

evenings and hopping on BCT 

to get there. 

Get Out, Walk, and Ride 

BCT 

For many residents, the 

combination of local events 

and fitness is a perfect match. 

The convenience of being able 

to use BCT and then walking 

to a neighborhood event is a 

great way to keep moving 

while leaving the car and 

stress behind. It increases 

physical activity and helps 

people get in their daily 

steps as they walk that last 

stretch to a highly anticipated 

Broward County experience. 

In highlighting the benefits 

of fall fitness, Lori Wiggins of 

the University of Florida who 

specializes in youth and adult 

health explains, “Fall is a 

great time to change up your 

workout routine. Your body 

can get used to doing the same 

activities, which can lead to a 

fitness plateau. Walking, for 

example, is a great way to 

keep active while enjoying the 

cooler weather.” 

Take an Easy, Affordable 

Ride on BCT 

Parking availability 

and costs are key factors in 

enjoying many experiences. 

In Broward County, parking 

can cost $3–$4 per hour and 

more than $100 flat rate for 

large events like concerts and 

playoffs. According to a recent 

INRIX Parking Study survey, 

American drivers reportedly 

spend up to 17 hours per year 

just searching for parking. 

Many residents are opting for 

Local resident starts her fitness journey by walking to the bus stop as 

she heads to her favorite workout spot on BCT. 

transit to save time and avoid 

parking hassles altogether. 

With BCT fares at just $2 

per ride or even cheaper with 

discounts, it’s an affordable 

alternative to parking fees. 

So, make the most of this fall 

season by connecting to local 

events, staying active, and 

letting BCT serve as your 

go-to for getting there! To 

learn more about BCT fares 

and discounts, neighborhood 

events, and how to use BCT to 

get there, visit www.broward. 

org/BCT. 

BCT connects with eventgoers to explain the benefits of taking 

public transit to events. 

Broward County is a mecca 

of fun and a mixing bowl of 

multicultural activities. It 

is also a recreational haven 

for health and fitness. With 

agreeable South Florida sunny 

weather -- most of the time -- 

and various transportation 

options, residents and visitors 

alike are drawn to the area 

for over-the-top experiences. 

So, this fall, Broward County 

Transit (BCT) encourages 

people to leave their cars 

behind and take BCT to these 

exciting places around town. 

Regardless of a sprinkle or 

shine or even an occasional 

cool breeze, these outdoor 

activities from entertainment 

to exercise draw hundreds 

of thousands of people every 

season, and BCT wants to get 

them there. 

Areas like Hollywood 

and Hallandale Beach are 

packed with exciting events 

and fitness enthusiasts, and 

as the weather cools down, 

it’s the perfect time to get 

outdoors. From the monthly 

Hollywood Downtown Art 

Jamaican-Born Judge Powell Honored from Front Page 

American woman to be elected judge in Broward. The Plantation 

resident was honored for her extensive work with local youth, 

which includes visits to more than 50 local schools as well as 

mentoring youth for more than 20 years, through her job, her 

church and her community. 

“I want to congratulate Judge Powell on behalf of the 17th 

Circuit for this well-deserved recognition,” Chief Judge Jack 

Tuter said. “Judge Powell is one of the hardest working and 

likeable judges in the circuit. Thank you Judge Powell for your 

many contributions to the judiciary and to Broward County.” 

Judge Powell is widely known to welcome teens into her 

courtroom, where she fields questions and discusses career 

possibilities to promote engagement and interest. 

“Someone said what you do for yourself dies with you, what 

you do for others remains in the world,” Judge Powell said. 

“My passion is youth. I seize every opportunity to encourage a 

young person to reach for their dreams”. 

Judge Powell’s most recent accolades include a Letter 

of Honor from the City of North Lauderdale (2024); being 

designated a JDI Judicial Honoree for the 17 th Circuit (2024), an 

International Career and Business Alliance – Black America’s 

Best Professionals honoree (2023), recipient of the I Am Hope 

Foundation Leadership Award, recipient of the Jamaican- 

American Bar Association Outstanding Judiciary Award, 

recipient of the T.J. Reddick Bar Association Judge Zebeedee 

Wright Award (2022) and Hispanic Bar Association Member of 

the Month, 2021. 

Judge Powell is also a member of the Board of Directors for 

the nonprofit Voices for the Children of Broward County (2018 

to present); the Jamaican Women of Florida (2023-present); 

and the NSU Law Leadership Council (2021-present), among 

many others. In 2021, she received the inaugural community 

award from the Broward Chapter of the Inns of Court. Also 

in 2021, she was recognized as one of South Florida’s Most 

Influential and Powerful Black Professionals of 2021 by Legacy 

South Florida Magazine. 

ABOUT THE SEVENTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF 

FLORIDA 

The Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida is the court 


Let BCT take you where you want to go 

We’re your connection to family, friends and holiday fun. 

Just try it! It’s easy, simple and affordable! 

To plan your trip to a fun experience, visit Broward.org/BCT or call Customer Service at 954-357-8400.


Deeply Rooted 

GOP Flexes Muscles in Legislative Races 

By Dara Kam and Jim Saunders 

©2024 The News Service of Florida. All 

rights reserved; see terms. 

TALLAHASSEE — In a show of Republican 

strength in Florida, incumbent Corey Simon on 

Tuesday handily defeated Democratic challenger 

Daryl Parks in what was considered the only 

competitive state Senate race and the GOP 

maintained supermajorities in both legislative 

chambers. 

Simon’s double-digit victory in North Florida’s 

sprawling Senate District 3 was similar to former 

President Donald Trump’s margin statewide in 

the presidential race against Democratic Vice 

President Kamala Harris. 

Simon, a former Florida State University 

football star who went on to play in the NFL, 

was elected in District 3 as part of a red wave 

throughout the state in 2022. 

Parks, a prominent Tallahassee attorney 

who is a former law partner of civil-rights 

lawyer Benjamin Crump, was expected to be 

a formidable opponent for Simon in a race 

dominated by blistering ads on the airwaves and 

in mailers. 

But as of 11 p.m. Tuesday, the state Division 

of Elections’ website showed Simon with about 

56 percent of the vote. District 3 is anchored by 

Leon County, a Democratic stronghold, but also 

includes 12 mostly conservative rural counties. 

The Republican-controlled Legislature redrew 

the boundaries during the 2020 redistricting 

process, increasing the number of conservative 

rural voters in the traditionally Democratic 

district. 

During the campaign, Parks attacked Simon 

over a 2023 law restricting abortions after six 

weeks of pregnancy, although the Republican 

was one of two senators who voted against the 

measure. The pair also tangled over propertyinsurance 

costs and public education. Simon last 

year shepherded a massive expansion of schoolchoice 

programs intended to make all students 

eligible for taxpayer-backed vouchers. 

But Simon had the backing of incoming Senate 

President Ben Albritton, a Wauchula Republican 

who will serve as the chamber’s leader for the 

next two years. 

“Tonight is proof positive that candidates 

matter,” Albritton said in a statement Tuesday 

evening. “I could not be more proud of my friend 

Corey Simon. Corey is a world-class leader, 

whose tireless work to support every corner of 


Sen. Corey Simon, R-Tallahassee, fended off a challenge Tuesday from Democrat Daryl Parks. 

his 13-county district resulted in tonight’s 

resounding victory. Florida’s future is 

better with him helping lead us through the 

challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.” 

Meanwhile Tuesday, Democrats failed 

to topple Republicans’ supermajority in the 

Florida House, an effort that would have 

required picking up a net of five seats. 



Home is where 

the health is. 

80% of your health is shaped by how and where you live. * Florida Blue 

wants you to be your healthiest and that’s why we work with The Urban League 

of Broward County to build vibrant, yet affordable housing for families, seniors, 

and individuals. 

Solving for 

Lauderdale Lakes, 

Lauderhill, 

and Sistrunk 

*Source: Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement, Going Beyond Clinical Walls: Solving Complex Problems (October 2014). Florida Blue is a trade name of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida Inc., an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. 118889 0824 

118889_0824_FBBrand_WestsideGazette_Housing_F.indd 1 

8/15/24 8:27 AM


Deeply Rooted 


Holy Cross Partners In Breast Health Save 

Lives of Patients Who Cannot Afford Care 

Submitted by 

Paige Feigenbaum 

FORT LAUDERDALE, 

FL -- Since 2011, the Holy 

Cross Health Partners 

in Breast Health (PIBH) 

program has provided 

outreach education, clinical 

breast exams, screening 

mammograms and diagnostic 

procedures for uninsured, 

lower income and minority 

women over the age of 40 in 

Broward County who lack 

access to healthcare services 

and who are living at or below 

200% of the federal poverty 

level. 

The goal of PIBH is to 

reduce late-stage breast 

cancer diagnosis and decrease 

death in minority populations. 

According to the American 

Cancer Society, Black women 

who are diagnosed with 

breast cancer have a 38% 

higher mortality rate than 

white women mostly due to 

later diagnosis and less access 

to high-quality healthcare. In 

fact, Black women have the 

lowest survival rate for every 

known stage of breast cancer. 

Two patients who credit 

PIBH for enabling them to 

receive lifesaving diagnosis 

and treatment are Romelia 

Catarino of Fort Lauderdale 

and northwest Broward 

County resident Beatriz 

Rodriguez. 

Catarino first noticed a 

small rash on her chest and 

initially used natural creams 

to treat what she thought 

was a skin irritation. One 

to two months later, it grew 

and became increasingly 

painful. Growing concerned, 

Romelia Catarino with her husband Baudilio and Skarlleth Kauffmann, 

R.N., MSN, Breast Health Navigator. 

her husband brought her 

to a doctor at a community 

clinic, which is where the 

58-year-old was told about 

PIBH. It turns out the 

rash was a sign of breast 

cancer. Catarino is receiving 

chemotherapy infusions at 

the Michael and Dianne 

Bienes Comprehensive 

Cancer Center at Holy Cross 

Health. 

“I wouldn’t be able to 

have care if it wasn’t for the 

PIBH program and charity,” 

Catarino said. “They’ve 

guided me and helped me 

since day one. I’m so grateful.” 

Rodriguez felt a lump 

in one of her breasts, so she 

made her appointment for an 

annual mammogram. She was 

diagnosed with breast cancer 

and was scared for her future. 

Rodriquez underwent surgery 

and received infusions and 

radiotherapy. 

“I couldn’t have done all 

the treatment and care if it 

wasn’t for the Holy Cross 

Partners in Breast Health,” 

Rodriguez said. “Besides my 

family, the staff from the Holy 

Cross Health Cancer Center 

and Skarlleth Kauffmann 

from Partners in Breast 

Health were my main support. 

I am forever grateful.” 

Although Breast Cancer 

Awareness Month has drawn 

to a close, PIBH is available 

year-round for those who 

meet the program’s criteria. 

Uninsured symptomatic 

women who are younger than 

40 also qualify for PIBH. The 

program includes follow up to 

assist patients with additional 

diagnostics, treatment and 

special needs. To learn more 

about PIBH, go to holy-cross. 

com or call 954-294-0582 or 

954-542-1652. 

Holy Cross Health has also 

extended their Breast Cancer 

Awareness Month special 

to include the entire month 

of November for uninsured 

patients. For a discounted rate 

of $100, patients can receive 

Continue reading and 

see more photos on line at 


YOU AND A GUEST ARE INVITED 

TO A SPECIAL ADVANCE SCREENING OF 

NOV 19 – 24 

BROWARD CENTER 

BrowardCenter.org 

954.462.0222 

Groups 10+ Save! 954.660.6307 

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 

WickedMovie 

@WickedMovie 

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85665_Wicked_WestsideGazette_6.5x10.75.indd 1 

10/24/24 8:01 AM


Broward Health Coral Springs 

Achieves Level III NICU Designation 

Expanding Level of Care the Hospital Can Provide its Littlest Patients 

Submitted by Sue Zeiler 

CORAL SPRINGS, FL 

-– Broward Health Coral 

Springs has recently been 

designated a Level III 

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit 

(NICU), providing aroundthe-clock 

high level acute 

care for newborns in need of 

advanced specialty services. 

The team of neonatologists 

and skilled nursing staff 

are now equipped with the 

expertise and technology to 

stabilize infants born before 

30 weeks gestation until they 

are ready for discharge or 

transfer. 

“Our Level III NICU 

is dedicated to stabilizing 

and providing exceptional 

care to newborn babies who 

need special attention,” said 

in a healing environment that 

caters to both the parent and 

baby.” 

The hospital was previously 



A MESSAGE FROM THE PUBLISHER from Front Page 

These setbacks are reminders of the ongoing 

challenges we face in protecting fundamental 

freedoms. Additionally, the re-election of Donald 

Trump signals a troubling future for press 

freedom, civil rights, and social justice. His 

administration has already shown its intent to 

clamp down on immigration and silent dissent, 

and now we must ready ourselves for what may 

come. 

The consequences of this political shift are 

already being felt. At the University of Alabama, 

Black students have reported receiving racist 

threats in the wake of Trump’s victory. This isn’t 

an isolated incident; it’s part of a disturbing trend 

sweeping across the nation, emboldened by a 

leadership that thrives on division and fear. The 

refusal of Melania Trump to engage in a peaceful 

transfer of power further highlights the erosion 

of democratic norms. 

Despite these challenges, I urge us all to 

remember our purpose. As decent humans, 

advocates, educators, and leaders in our own 

rights, we pour our energy into building a 

future where every person—especially those 

who have been disenfranchised, bewildered, and 

historically marginalized—can have access to 

the American dream. The road ahead may be 

daunting, but we cannot allow ourselves to grow 

Kristen Bowman, Broward 

Health Coral Springs CEO. 

“We’re able to ensure our 

newborns who require extra 

care receive the support they 

need from highly skilled staff 

weary. 

Together, our communities have stood 

against hate, from the civil rights movement, 

where leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 

and Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel marched 

side by side, to today’s continued fight against 

white supremacy. We’ve shown that unity and 

resilience can dismantle systems of oppression. 

These shared struggles and victories remind us 

that the fight for justice is never in vain. 

Let us remember the struggles we have 

overcome - slavery, Jim Crow era, and how we 

use resistance such as the Montgomery Bus 

Boycott to gain victory. 

The Westside Gazette’s mission remains 

steadfast. We are here to inform, engage, empower, 

and uplift our community. This moment calls for 

renewed determination and unification. We must 

amplify our voices, hold power accountable, and 

support those who continue to fight for justice, 

equity, and the right to be respected. 

We’ve faced difficult times before, and we’ve 

always risen to the occasion. Let this moment 

be no different. Together, we will navigate these 

turbulent waters and continue the vital work of 

creating a more just and equitable society. Never 

grow weary in doing good—the fight for our 

future is worth it. 

Deeply Rooted 

A proposed 

constitutional 

amendment that 

would have allowed 

recreational use 

of marijuana fell 

short Tuesday. 


Could Amendment Failure Boost Medical Pot? 

By Dara Kam 

@2024 The News Service 

of Florida. All rights 

reserved; see terms. 

TALLAHASSEE — 

Nearly 56 percent of Florida 

voters supported a measure 

that would have allowed 

recreational use of marijuana 

for adults, but that wasn’t 

enough to push the proposed 

constitutional amendment 

over the finish line. 

The failure of what 

appeared as Amendment 3 

on Tuesday’s ballot raises 

questions about the future 

of the medical-marijuana 

industry in a state with 

more cannabis patients than 

any other in the nation but 

where some operators have 

struggled to gain a foothold. 

The recreational pot 

proposal would have 

allowed the state’s 25 

licensed medical-marijuana 

companies to begin selling 

weed products to people over 

age 21 — including Florida’s 

100 million-plus visitors 

annually — without regard to 

medical need. 

Trulieve, Florida’s 

largest medical-marijuana 

operator, pumped more than 

$143 million into the effort, 

contributing about 94 percent 

of the total money collected 

by the Smart & Safe Florida 

political committee that 

sponsored the initiative. 

Almost 6 million 

Floridians voted in favor of 

Amendment 3. But Gov. Ron 

DeSantis flexed his executive 

authority in a state-backed 

crusade against the measure 

and played an outsized role in 

blocking it from receiving the 

60 percent approval required 

to pass. 

Without question, approval 

of the proposal would have 

reaped big bucks for Quincy- 



Cooper City native named Sailor of the Quarter serving 

at Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Unit 

By Rick Burke, Navy Office 

of Community Outreach 

MILLINGTON, TENN. – 

Petty Officer 2nd Class Luke 

O’Malley, a native of Cooper 

City, Florida, was recently 

named Sailor of the Quarter 

(SOQ), fourth quarter, 

serving at U.S. Navy Medicine 

Readiness and Training Unit 

(NMRTU) Bahrain. 

The SOQ program 

recognizes Navy personnel, 

E-6 and below acting 

as role models of Navy 

professionalism and personal 

dedication. 

O’Malley, a 2017 graduate 

of Cooper City High School, 

joined the Navy four years 

ago. 

“I joined the Navy to 

serve in the greatest fighting 

force the world has ever seen 

alongside people who share 

the core values of honor, 

courage and commitment,” 

said O’Malley. 

Petty Officer 2nd Class 

Luke O’Malley 

WE’RE READY 

With Expert Neurological Care 

At Broward Health, we are committed to providing 

comprehensive neurological care to help patients regain 

their lives. Learn more at BrowardHealth.org/Neuro. 

ADVANCED CUTTING-EDGE RIGHT CARE, 

SURGICAL TECHNIQUES NEUROLOGICAL TREATMENT WITHIN REACH 

BH_Neuro24_AfricanAmerican_Westside Gazette_13.25x10.75.indd 1 

9/13/24 4:08 PM


Deeply Rooted 


Unnecessary Hysterectomies: A Call for Awareness and Better Options for Treating Fibroids 

Every year, approximately 600,000 

hysterectomies are performed in the United 

States, with a significant portion done to 

treat uterine fibroids. Alarmingly, statistics 

indicate that about 30% of these surgeries 

may be unnecessary, particularly impacting 

women of color, who are three times more 

likely to undergo a hysterectomy than their 

white counterparts, according to a report 

from the American College of Obstetricians 

and Gynecologists (ACOG). This raises 

critical concerns about the decision-making 

process regarding women’s health and the 

alternatives available to them. Many women 

suffering from fibroids experience a range 

of symptoms, including heavy menstrual 

bleeding, pelvic pain, and pressure. 

Traditionally, hysterectomy has been viewed 

as the definitive solution, as it removes the 

uterus and eliminates the fibroids. However, 

this major surgery comes with risks, 

including complications from anesthesia, 

longer recovery times, and potential impacts 

on hormonal balance and sexual function. 

Importantly, hysterectomy eliminates the 

possibility of future pregnancies, which is a 

significant consideration for many women. 

A less invasive and effective alternative 

is Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE). UFE 

is a minimally invasive procedure performed 

by interventional radiologists. It involves 

inserting a catheter through the wrist or 

groin and guiding it to the uterine arteries. 

Small particles are then injected to block 

blood flow to the fibroids, leading to their 

shrinkage and alleviation of symptoms. 

Research shows that UFE is successful in 

relieving symptoms in up to 90%of patients, 

with a recovery time of just one week. One of 

the key benefits of UFE is that it preserves 

the uterus, allowing women the potential 

for future fertility. Furthermore, UFE is 

an outpatient procedure, meaning patients 

can go home the same day without the need 

for an overnight hospital stay. Despite the 

benefits, many women are unaware of UFE 

as an option. A substantial gap in knowledge 

exists, primarily due to insufficient 

discussion in doctor-patient interactions. 

Financial motives may also play a role; 

hysterectomies are performed by OBGYNs, 

where as UFE’s are performed a different 

specialist, an interventional radiologist. 

This financial incentive can lead to a lack of 

transparency regarding available treatment 

options, ultimately putting patients at risk 

of unnecessary surgeries. The implications 

of this lack of awareness are significant. 

Women, particularly those from marginalized 

communities, may feel pressured to 

consent to hysterectomy without fully 

understanding their choices. The emotional 

and physical toll of such a decision can be 

profound, and it is essential to empower 

women with knowledge about their health. 

In conclusion, it is crucial for women to be 

informed about their treatment options 

for fibroids. Uterine Fibroid Embolization 

stands out as a safer and less invasive 

alternative to hysterectomy. Women 

deserve to understand the full spectrum of 

their choices and the implications of each. 

By fostering awareness and encouraging 

open conversations with healthcare 

providers, women can take control of their 

health and make informed decisions. If 

you or someone you know is facing the 

prospect of a hysterectomy for fibroids, 

consider discussing UFE as a viable option. 

Knowledge is power, and every woman 

should have the right to choose her path to 

health. 

By Don Valentine 

For Black motorists, 

the Green Book became an 

essential, like food or water. 

Thanks to “Mr. Jim Crow, 

segregation hazards were 

omnipresent throughout the 

country. Black travelers not 

only met with the humiliation 

of being turned away from 

businesses, but also had to 

be ever aware of the threat 

of lynchings or other racist 

violence. The slogan on the 

guide’s cover also doubled as 

a warning: “Carry your Green 

Book with you—You may 

need it.” 

Smithsonian Magazine 

chronicled, “Victor H. Green, 

a 44-year-old Black postal 

carrier in Harlem, relied on 

his own experiences and on 

recommendations from Black 

members of his postal service 

union for the inaugural guide 

bearing his name, The Negro 

Motorist Green-Book, in 1937. 

At the apex of its circulation, 

Victor printed 20,000 books 

annually, which were sold at 

Black churches, the Negro 

Urban League and Esso gas 

stations.” He found a model 

for his publication in the 

guides for Jewish travelers 

found in their newspapers. 

The Green Book was not the 

only Black travel guide, but 

it was absolutely the most 

popular. The National Park 

Services listed at least 6 

others on the market while it 

was in publication. “Hackley 

and Harrison’s Hotel and 

Apartment Guide for Colored 

Travelers was the first, 

established in 1930 by Edwin 

Henry Hackley and Sarah 

D. Harrison, but only in 

operation for one year. Others 

included Grayson’s Travel and 

Business Guide (begun 1937); 

Smith’s Tourist Guide (begun 

1940); Go Guide to Pleasant 

Motoring (1952-1959); Travel 

Guide (1947-63)...” 

Its success can be 

attributed to Victor’s 

involvement with the National 

Association of Letter Carriers 

to reach out to postal workers 

across the country to gather 

information. The guide offered 

cash payments to readers 

for their tips. In addition to 

motels and restaurants, the 

book also had listings for 

taverns, nightclubs, tailors, 

barbershops, beauty salons, 

drug stores, liquor stores, 

gas stations, and garages. 

The guide included valuable 

articles on safety. The 1963 

edition wrote, “Your Rights, 

Briefly Speaking--a state-bystate 

summary of civil rights 

laws. For example, in Alaska: 

Anti-jimcro law in recreational 

facilities. Violators are subject 

to criminal punishment 

(court proceedings)”; in 

Illinois: Anti-jimcro law 

in recreational facilities, 

including discriminatory 

advertising.” In 1964, the 

Civil Rights Act finally 

banned racial segregation in 

public places, and the Green 

Book had written its final 

edition. 

To learn more read, The 

Overground Railroad by 

Candacy Taylor. 

BROWARD COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY 

NOTICE OF OPENING - THREE BEDROOM WAITING LIST FOR 

PARK RIDGE COURT APARTMENTS 

BROWARD COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY (BCHA) will accept pre-applications for 3-BEDROOM UNITS 

ONLY at Park Ridge Court Apartments located at 5200 NE 5 Th Terrace, Deerfield Beach, FL 33064. 

Online pre-applications will be accepted beginning Thursday, November 21, 2024, at 8:00 AM and will close on 

Monday, November 25, 2024, at 4:00 PM. 

A computer lottery will randomly select 300 pre-applications for placement on the wait list. Ranking method of the 

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

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

live with you at the property. Applicants must meet program eligibility requirements as determined by the U.S. 

Department of Housing and Urban Development and must also meet the property’s requirements for residency. 

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 filling out the 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 November 20, 2024. 

Families selected must be willing to move to Deerfield Beach, FL and must meet the following guidelines: 

1- The family must qualify for a 3-bedroom unit: 

Bedroom size Minimum persons per household Maximum persons per household 

3-bedrooms 3 persons 6 persons 

2- Total annual income may not exceed the maximum ELIGIBLE INCOME LIMIT per Household: 

Number of Persons in 3 4 5 6 

Household 

Annual Income $76,050 $84,450 $91,200 498,000 

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 

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Pompano Beach Arts Hosts Dedication Ceremony for Galactic Bloom 

New Sculpture Beautifies City’s Cultural Landscape 

Submitted by Kay Renz 

Public Relations 

Pompano Beach Arts 

invites the community to 

witness the blossoming 

of artistic expression at 

the dedication ceremony 

for the captivating new 

sculpture, “Galactic Bloom,” 

on November 21st, 2024. 

Created by the renowned 

Tyler FuQua Creatives, this 

monumental piece, crafted 

from gleaming stainless 

steel, will be unveiled at 

N. Flagler Ave. and NE 

1 st St. next to the Bailey 

Contemporary Arts (BaCA) 

at 5 PM, forever enriching 

the city’s cultural landscape. 

Following the unveiling, 

a reception awaits at the 

West Gallery of BaCA, 

offering complimentary 

refreshments and a cash 

bar. Guests can further 

immerse themselves in 

the artistic ambiance by 

exploring “Nearer the Sun,” 

the current exhibition by 

Artist in Residence Angelica 

Clyman. This collection 

delves into memory and the 

passage of time through 

evocative imagery of bygone 

South Florida locales. 

“The dedication of 

‘Galactic Bloom’ marks 

the continued growth of 

our Public Art program,” 

said Ty Tabing, Director 

of The City of Pompano 

Beach Cultural Affairs 

Department, operating as 

Pompano Beach Arts. “This 

breathtaking sculpture not 

only elevates our artistic 

landscape, but also embodies 

a remarkable journey of 

creativity and collaboration. 

This is our second public 

artwork created by Tyler. 

His first, was the stunning 

Mechan H2O sculpture 

which now lives below the 

sea attached to the Lady 

Luck in Shipwreck Park.” 

“Galactic Bloom” 

represents the latest 

evolution of Tyler FuQua 

Creations acclaimed 

“Space Plants” series, 

which first flourished in 

Portland, Oregon in 2000. 

This extraordinary work, 

standing at an impressive 12 

feet tall with four blossoms 

reaching towards the sky, 

embodies the essence of 

artistic growth. The use of 

stainless steel not only lends 

a captivating luster, but also 

symbolizes the enduring 

nature of artistic expression. 

Tyler FuQua Creations, 

established in 2007 by Tyler 

FuQua, developed from a 

solo endeavor into a thriving 

creative hub. From FuQua’s 

initial explorations with 

repurposed materials to the 

current collaborative efforts 

with Jason Hutchinson 

and their dedicated team, 

Tyler FuQua Creations 

is a testament to the 

power of artistic vision 

and collaboration. Their 

unwavering commitment 

to pushing boundaries 

and exploring new artistic 

frontiers fuels their ongoing 

innovation. 

For more information visit 

www.pompanobeacharts.org 

About the City of 

Pompano Beach Cultural 

Affairs Department 

The mission of 

the Cultural Affairs 

Department, operating 

as Pompano Beach 

Arts, is to provide cultural 

programming that includes 

visual arts, digital media, 

music, film, theater, dance, 

and public art for the 

enjoyment and enrichment 

of residents and visitors to 

Pompano Beach, Broward 

County, and the greater 

South Florida area. The 

department programs and 

manages the City’s premiere 

cultural arts venues, 

including the Pompano 

Beach Cultural Center, Ali 

Cultural Arts Center, Bailey 

Contemporary Arts Center, 

and the Blanche Ely House 

Museum. The department 

ARIES-Finding a way to do it better than others is 

not going to be hard this week. Share your wisdom 

with other seekers. All who receive your word will 

benefit this week. Happiness rules! Don’t waste 

a moment of this perfect week on any negative 

thoughts.36, 38, 55 

TAURUS-Strong vibrations bring a series of 

dramatic interactions with others this week. 

Practice your charm. Let it come from the heart, 

and let your energy carry you upwards to your 

best, highest self. Keep emotions calm. 13, 29, 34 

GEMINI-You’ll be energizing and inspiring others 

this week as you speak what’s on your mind 

regarding spiritual matters and masters. The 

quality of your thoughts is very pure; write yourself 

a love letter. Move slowly with explanations. 

Others will not understand as quickly as you think 

they should. 20, 27, 31 

CANCER-Rev up your engines. This is a fine week 

for making progress with projects that you’ve got 

in the works. Your energy is high and your mind is 

clear. Use every advantage this week to finish up 

your works. Look for love in the right places. 19, 

26, 39 

LEO-Educate those around you in the area of 

personal growth. Their improvement will bring 

benefits to you. Humor in communication is the 

key. Humor in introspection is a must. 16, 30, 39 

VIRGO-This week romance is begins to percolate. 

Enjoy your feelings and let your brain relax. 

Suspend all judgments of others. Being stern won’t 

work for you this week. 1, 6, 19 

LIBRA-Romance will find you this week. Don’t be 

looking the other way. Your “rap” is especially 

strong. Make as many of those important phone 

calls as possible. People will respond. 11, 13, 20 

SCORPIO-This week should bring an opportunity 

to further your education, don’t pass it up. Pay 

special attention to details at work. All things work 

together for good. 26, 35, 43 

34-08-38 07-29-04 53-02-46 41-54-29 11-12-15 76-31-11- 

SAGITTARIUS- 

You and your mate should increase your saving 

for the future this week. Future plans should 

be spotlighted. Be open to making an unusual 

purchase. I can see clearly now the rain is gone. 

There are no obstacles in my way. 10, 30, 50 

CAPRICORN-Don’t take any big gambles this week, 

the time is not right for a flight into the unknown. 

A newfound harmony is in store for you and your 

mate. New insights create new directions and a 

new cast of characters. 6, 48, 51 

AQUARIUS-The air can be cleared easily. Admit 

your need for help. Seek understanding. You’ll 

help another by seeking help from them. Moving 

slowly might be the fastest way. 33, 52, 54 

16 

Kamala Harris 

(colors: Pink, Green and Black) 

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PISCES-You and your partner are on the same 

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What I’ve been waiting for has been here all along. 

4, 6, 33 

CALL FOR FORD 

(954) 557-1203


Deeply Rooted 


For the Week oF November 12 -18, 2024 

MILES 

GOLDEN BEARS (8-2) 

CLARK ATLANTA 

PANTHERS (7-2-1) 

 

SIAC, CIAA 

TITLE GAME 

REMATCHES 

SET 

Miles Sports Photo 

OTRA VEZ: Miles and Clark 

Atlanta in the SIAC, Virginia 

Union and Virginia State in the 

CIAA face each other again this 

time with league titles on the line. 

CLARK ATLANTA TRIES AGAIN AT MILES; DOCTORS 

PARKER (VUU) AND FRAZIER (VSU) TANGLE IN SALEM 

THE STAT CORNER 

Who are the beSt PerformerS IN blacK college SPortS 

SIAC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME YARDSTICK 

MILES 

CLARK ATLANTA 

Ivory Rogers Young Wright Harris Wilkins 

MILES INDIVIDUAL STATS CLARK ATLANTA 

Javonta Leatherwood RUSHING Trayvon Pinder 

378 yds., 37.8 ypg., 5.7 ypc., 9 TDs 367 yds., 40.8 ypg., 3.7 ypc., 2 TDs 

Kamren Ivory PASSING David Wright III 

108-199-5, 54.3%, 1,392 yds., 13 TDs 223-358-12, 62.3%, 2,915, yds, 32 TDs 

Jaquel Fells RECEIVING Armone Harris 

24 rec., 389 yds., 12.9 ypc., 1 TD 65 rec., 858 yds., 13.2 ypc., 14 TDs 

Jeremiah Hudson-Davis TACKLES James Summersett 

52 tackles, 6.5 tpg. 53 tackles, 5.3 tpg. 

Jamichael Rogers SACKS Atavon Edmond 

6.0, -38 yds. 3.0, -25 yds. 

Lashon Young INTERCEPTIONS Dahlil Wilkins 

7, 124 yds., 1 TD 4, 17 yds., 0 TD 

Roderick Smith PLACEKICKING Leonardo Cabrera 

25-33 PATs, 6-13 FGs, 43 pts. 32-39 PATs, 8-9 FGs, 59 pts 

TEAM STATS 

28.8 ppg. (4th) SCORING OFFENSE 32.0 ppg. (3rd) 

16.5 ppg. (1st) SCORING DEFENSE 30.6 ppg. (9th) 

356.0 ypg. (3rd) TOTAL OFFENSE 385.3 ypg. (1st) 

274.7 ypg. (2nd) TOTAL DEFENSE 334.8 ypg. (4th) 

173.4 ypg. (1st) RUSHING OFFENSE 91.7 ypg. (11th) 

98.9 ypg. (3rd) RUSHING DEFENSE 126.3 ypg. (6th) 

182.6 ypg. (8th) PASSING OFFENSE 293.6 ypg. (1st) 

175.8 ypg. (2nd) PASSING DEFENSE 208.5 ypg. (6th) 

CIAA CHAMPIONSHIP GAME YARDSTICK 

VIRGINIA STATE TEAM STATS VIRGINIA UNION 

32.1 ppg. (2nd) SCORING OFFENSE 45.2 ppg. (1st) 

14.7 ppg. (2nd) SCORING DEFENSE 15.5 ppg. (3rd) 

399.2 ypg. (2nd) TOTAL OFFENSE 491.8 ypg. (1st) 

275.4 ypg. (2nd) TOTAL DEFENSE 299.6 ypg. (4th) 

165.7 ypg. (3rd) RUSHING OFFENSE 245.8 ypg. (1st) 

115.0 ypg. (3rd) RUSHING DEFENSE 138.6 ypg. (7th) 

233.5 ypg. (3rd) PASSING OFFENSE 246.0 ypg. (1st) 

161.4 ypg. (4th) PASSING DEFENSE 161.0 ypg. (3rd) 

INDIVIDUAL STATS 

Jimmyl Williams RUSHING Jada Byers 

781 yds., 78.1 ypg., 4.4 ypc. 11 TDs 1,497 yds., 149.7 ypg., 7.0 ypc., 23 TDs 

Romelo Williams PASSING Mark Wright 

125-204-6, 61.3%, 2,173 yds., 20 TDs 110-155-5, 66.7%, 1,965 yds., 18 TDs 

Mallik Hunter RECEIVING Reginal Vick Jr. 

36 rec., 685 yds., 19.1 ypc. 6 TDs 39 rec., 947 yds, 24.2 ypc., 9 TDs 

K. J. McNeil TACKLES Shamar Graham 

59 tackles, 5.5 tpg. 80 tackles, 8.0 tpg. 

Jayshaun Alston SACKS Mike Jones 

8.0, -55 yds. 5.0, -26 yds. 

LaVone Gater INTERCEPTIONS Jalen Mayo 

3, 10 yds., 0 TD 3, 25 yds., 1 TD 

Jacob Meneses PLACEKICKING Brady Myers 

30-31 PATs, 4 FGs, 42 pts. 53-56 PATs, 4 FGs, 71 pts. 

Head Coach 

SAM 

SHADE 

FIRST PLACE 

SoutherN INtercollegIate athletIc coNfereNce 

TEAM RECORD 

2024 Overall: 8-2 

2024 SIAC: 8-0 

2024 BCSP Ranking: 1st, D2 

All-Time vs. CAU: 8-1, since '10 

Last Time vs. CAU: 49-28 W, '24 

SIAC Title Game: 4-2, Last '21 

SIAC Championships: 6 (Last '21) 

COACH'S RECORD 

Alma Mater: Alabama ('95) 

Record vs. CAU: 2-0 

At Miles: 16-14, .533 (3rd year) 

Career Record: Same 

2024 RESULTS 

MILES 8-2 

15....... @ West Alabama ........16 L 

3......... @ Alabama State ........24 L 

42................. Lane ................ 32 W 

15............... @ Allen ...................12 W 

16...........Central State ........... 7 W 

32........... Albany State .......... 21 W 

49.........@ Clark Atlanta ....... 28 W 

26............@ Benedict........... 14 W 

37............ Morehouse ............ 3 W 

37............. Tuskegee .............. 7 W 

vs. 

TIE - SECOND PLACE 

SoutherN INtercollegIate athletIc coNfereNce 

2024 RESULTS 

CLARK ATLANTA 7-2-1 

49..... @ Fort Valley State ... 42 W 

26.................Allen............... 22 W 

28.....@ Florida Memorial .....28 T 

38... @ Bethune-Cookman . 37 W 

38.............. @ Lane ............ 28 W 

28........Savannah State ........35 L 

25........@ Central State ...... 20 W 

28................ Miles ................49 L 

36.............Tuskegee ........... 28 W 

28......... @ Morehouse ....... 17 W 

TEAM RECORD 

2024 Overall: 7-2-1 

2024 SIAC: 6-2 

2024 BCSP Ranking: 4th, D2 

All-Time vs. MILES: 1-8, since '10 

Last Time vs. MILES: 28-49 L, '24 

SIAC Title Game: 0-0 

SIAC Championships: 6 (Last '91) 


Alma Mater: Stillman ('99) 

Record vs. MILES: 0-4 

At CAU: 7-2-1, .700 (1st year) 

Career Record: 46-61-1 (11 years) 

S A T U R D A Y , N O V E M B E R 16 , 2 0 2 4 • F A I R F I E L D , A L • S L O A N - A L U M N I S T A D I U M • 1 1 A . M . 

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

Head Coach 

TEDDY 

KEATON 

Championship game-time in SIAC, CIAA 

LUT WILLIAMS 

BCSP Editor 

The best two teams in the SIAC and the best 

two in the CIAA are set to do battle Saturday in 

their respective 2024 conference championship 

football games. 

Neither championship game however will 

represent the first time these teams have met this 

season. 

At 11 a.m. at Sloan-Alumni Field in 

Fairfield, Alabama, homestanding regular 

season champion Miles (8-2, 8-0 SIAC) will 

meet Clark Atlanta (7-2-1, 6-2) for the second 

time this season. The game will be carried live 

on ESPNU. The two teams met on Oct. 19 at 

Clark Atlanta's homecoming with Miles spoiling 

the festivities with a 49-28 win. 

Later this Saturday, at 3 p.m. in Salem, Va., 

longtime rivals Virginia State and Virginia 

Union meet for the second time in a week and 

115th time in their storied history in the CIAA 

title game. Just this past Saturday (Nov. 9), VSU 

won a season-ending home game over VUU 35- 

28 to earn a spot in the title game. 

SIAC Championship Game 

Miles is resurgent in its third year under 

eight-year NFL veteran and Alabama product 

Sam Shade. Shade took over leading the Golden 

Bears after former head coach Reginald Ruffin 

left after the 2021 season to become head coach 

at Tuskegee. Ruffin, now the athletics director at 

Tuskegee, had won four SIAC titles and seven 

West Division crowns in ten years (2011-2021) 

at the helm of the Miles program. 

It took Shade a minute to get Miles going as 

his first team in 2022 went 1-9. Last season, his 

Golden Bears turned things around and finished 

7-3 overall, tied for second in the SIAC at 6-2. 

This season after dropping its first two games on 

the road at West Alabama and Alabama State, 

the Golden Bears have run off eight straight 

victories. 

Redshirt junior QB Kamren Ivory has 

been steady as the Golden Bears' field general. 

He has completed 54.3% of his passes for 1,392 

yards, 13 TDs with just five interceptions. He did 

not start or play in the first meeting with CAU 

but has started and practically played all the way 

in every game since. Miles leads the league in 

scoring defense (16.5 points per game) anchored 

by linebackers Jeremiah Hudson-Davis and 

Jamichael Rogers. Freshman defensive back 

Lashon Young leads the SIAC with seven 

interceptions. 

Miles will face a Clark Atlanta team in a 

resurgence of its own under new head coach 

Teddy Keaton. Keaton led new SIAC member 

Allen from 2018-2023 and led the Yellow Jackets 

to a 7-3 mark last season after it officially joined 

the league in 2022-23.Before Keaton's arrival, 

CAU had posted a 28-91 mark over the last 12 

seasons with two winless seasons. 

Keaton brought with him from Allen 

prolific passer David Wright III and prolific 

pass catchers Armone Harris and Jamal Jones. 

Wright led the SIAC in passing this season with 

2,915 yards and 32 touchdowns. Jones (67) and 

Harris (65) combined for 132 receptions, 18 TDs 

and almost 1,700 receiving yards. Of note, the 

pass-happy Panthers with Wright at the controls 

also led the league with 12 interceptions. 

CIAA Championship Game 

Like the SIAC did after the 2022 season, the 

CIAA abolished its North/South divisions this 

season resulting in the former North Division 

rivals facing off in this year's title game. 

They come in pretty evenly matched as the 

tight 35-28 VSU win from a week ago indicates. 

VUU QB Mark Wright (1,965 yards, 66.7%, 

18 TDs, 5 ints.) and VSU's Romelo Williams 

(2,173 yards, 61.3%, 20 TDs, 6 ints.) are the 

most efficient passers in the conference. Wright 

threw three picks in last week's game. 

The VUU ground attack, led by league 

rushing leader and all-American Jada Byers 

(1,497 yards, 23 TDs), leads the league with 

VSU third at 165.7 yards per contest. VUU is 

first in scoring (45.2 ppg.) with VSU second 

(32.1). They both surrender about 15 points per 

game. 

VUU won its first title in 21 years and first 

under Dr. Alvin Parker last season. VSU will 

be looking for its first crown under third-year 

head coach Dr. Henry Frazier II and first since 

2017. 

Once again, the BCSP has broken down the 

championship game match ups by their 2024 

schedules and history (above and below this 

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14 

Grambling State at Alabama A&M in Huntsville, AL - ESPNU 7p 

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2024 

Howard at NC Central in Durham, NC - ESPN+ 

12n 

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2024 

Indianapolis at Lincoln (MO) in Jefferson City, MO 

12n 

North Carolina A&T at Towson in Towson, MD - FloFootball 12n 

West Virginia State at Charleston in Charleston, WV 12n 

Lincoln (CA) at Florida Memorial in Miami Gardens, FL 1p 

Miss.Valley State at Florida A&M in Tallahassee, FL - ESPN+ 1p 

Richmond at Hampton in Hampton, VA - FloFootball 

1p 

Alcorn State @ Prairie View A&M in Prairie View, TX - ESPN+ 2p 

Arkansas-Pine Bluff at Southern in Baton Rouge, LA - JaguarSN 2p 

Delaware State at Norfolk State at Norfolk, VA - ESPN+ 2p 

Jackson State at Alabama State in Montgomery, AL - ESPN+ 2p 

Wayland Baptist at Langston in Langston, OK 

2p 

Bethune-Cookman at Texas Southern in Houston, TX - SWAC DN 3p 

Tennessee State at Gardner-Webb in Boiling Springs, NC - ESPN+ 3p 

SC State at Morgan State in Baltimore, AL - ESPN+ 

4p 

CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES 

SIAC Championship Game 

Clark Atlanta vs. Miles in Fairfield, AL - ESPNU 

11a 

CIAA Championship Game 

Virginia State vs. Virginia Union in Salem, VA - HBCUGo 3p 

story) and their team and individual statistics 

and rank in their conferences (see STAT 

CORNER). 

What's left now are the games to be played 

and the outcomes to be determined. Those 

outcomes will have some bearing on which 

teams will play on in the NCAA Div. II playoffs 

that begin on Nov. 23. 

0-–º0Entering Saturday's championship 

games, Miles, with an 8-1 Div. II record and 

8-1 record in the region, is ranked sixth in Super 

Region II. Virginia Union, 7-2 in Div. II and 6-1 

in the Region, is ninth. VSU and Clark Atlanta 

are not currently ranked in the Top Ten. 

Both SIAC and CIAA teams are in Super 

Region II along with teams from the Gulf 

South Conference (GSC) and South Atlantic 

Conference (SAC). 

Only the top seven teams from each of the 

nation's four Super Regions will make the 28- 

team Div. II championship playoff field. 

VIRGINIA STATE 

VIRGINIA UNION 

VIRGINIA STATE 

TROJANS (7-3) 

VIRGINIA UNION 

PANTHERS (7-3) 

REGULAR SEASON CO-CHAMPION 

ceNtral INtercollegIate athletIc aSSocIatIoN 

vs. 

REGULAR SEASON CO-CHAMPION 

ceNtral INtercollegIate athletIc aSSocIatIoN 

R. Williams 

SCORES 

Hunter 

Gater 

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2024 

Alabama A&M 52, Arkansas-Pine Bluff 24 

Albany State 20, Fort Valley State 15 

Alcorn State 42, Texas Southern 21 

Benedict 35, Savannah State 27 

Bowie State 45, Lincoln Pa. 7 

Clark Atlanta 28, Morehouse 17 

Edward Waters 33, Allen 28 

Elizabeth City State 27, Bluefield State 21 

Glenville State 40, West Virginia State 14 

Grambling State 24, Alabama State 23 

Jackson State 51, Miss. Valley State 14 

Keiser 51, Florida Memorial 16 

Kentucky State 24, Central State 14 

Mid eAStern 

MEAC Athletic conFerence 

CONF 

ALL 

W L W L 

South Carolina State 3 0 7 2 

North Carolina Central 2 1 6 3 

Morgan State 2 1 5 5 

Howard 1 2 4 6 

Norfolk State 1 2 3 7 

Delaware State 0 3 1 9 

BCSP / MEAC PLAYERS OF THE WEEK 

OFFENSE . 

Eric Phoenix, Gr.,. QB, SCSU - 16 of 26, no picks, 

272 yards, 3 TDs (63, 20, 28) in win over Howard. 

DEFENSE 

Kwante Harry, Jr., DB, SCSU - SIx solo tackles, 1 

TFL, two interceptions in win vs. Howard. 

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN 

Tray Franklin, So., SCSU - 88% grade, three 

pancakes in win vs. Howard. 

SPECIALIST 

Sahr Gbundema, R-Jr., PK, MSU - 21-, 25- and 36-yard 

field goals, 3 PAT kicks, 12 points in win over DelState. 

NEWCOMER 

Jason Collins III, R-Fr., RB, MSU - 24 carries, 138 

yards, 75-yard TD vs. DelState 

© AZEEZ Communications, Inc. Vol. XXXI, No. 15 

Wright Byers Vick 

Lane 41, Lincoln Mo. 28 

Livingstone 15, Johnson C. Smith 10 

Miles 37, Tuskegee 7 

Morgan State 36, Delaware State 

Prairie View A&M 31, Florida A&M 12 

South Carolina State 38, Howard 14 

Southern 25, Bethune-Cookman 23, 5 OTs 

Tennessee State 45, Western Illinois 20 

Texas College 38, Wayland Baptist 36 

Texas Wesleyan 49, Langston 7 

Towson 27, Hampton 10 

Villanova 31, North Carolina A&T 3 

Virginia State 35, Virginia Union 28 

Winston-Salem State 37, Fayetteville State 31, OT 

SWAC 

SouthWeStern 

Athletic conFerence 

DIV 

ALL 

EAST DIVISION W L W L 

Jackson State 6 0 8 2 

Alabama State 4 2 5 4 

Florida A&M 3 2 5 4 

Bethune-Cookman 2 3 2 7 

Alabama A&M 2 3 4 5 

Miss. Valley State 0 6 0 10 

WEST DIVISION 

Southern 5 1 6 4 

Alcorn State 4 2 5 5 

Prairie View A&M 3 3 5 5 

Grambling State 2 4 5 5 

Texas Southern 2 4 3 6 

Arkansas-Pine Bluff 2 4 3 7 

BCSP PLAYERS OF THE WEEK 

OFFENSE 

Donovan Eaglin, Sr., RB, ALA&M - 26 carries, 

148 yards, 5 TDs (17, 18, 2, 3 3) in win vs. UAPB. 

DEFENSE 

Andrew Jones, R-Jr., LB, GSU - Led Tigers with 

14 solo tackles, 7 solos, 2.0 TFL in win vs. ASU. 

SPECIALIST 

Javon Robinson, So, WR/KR, GSU - 3 PR, 

71 yards, 72-yard PR TD, 1 KO return, 18 

yards, vs. B-CU. 

NEWCOMER 

NA 

Head Coach 

DR. HENRY 

FRAZIER III 

TEAM RECORD 

2024 Overall: 7-3 

2024 CIAA: 6-1 

2024 BCSP Ranking: 2nd, D2 

All-Time vs. VUU: 55-50-9 

Last Time vs. VUU: 35-28 W, '24 

CIAA Title Games: 6, 4-2 

CIAA Championships: 12 (Last '17) 


Alma Mater: Bowie State ('99) 

Record vs. VUU: 1-2 

Record at VSU: 21-9, .700 (3rd year) 

Career Record: 98-77, .560 (17 years) 

2024 RESULTS 

VSU 7-3 

23....Benedict in Canton, OH ....7 W 

23......... @ Norfolk State.........28 L 

14..... Winston-Salem State ..15 L 

35........ Fayetteville State ..... 18 W 

17...........@ J. C. Smith ............21 L 

38........... Bowie State ........... 17 W 

35.... @ Elizabeth City State ...... 7 W 

45........@ Bluefield State ....... 6 W 

55........... @ Lincoln PA........... 0 W 

35...........Virginia Union ........ 28 W 

2024 RESULTS 

VUU 7-3 

69........@ Kentucky State......... 7 W 

21........... @ Hampton ............33 L 

16..........@ J. C. Smith ..........21 L 

42................Shaw. ................. 7 W 

31..Winston-Salem State. . 13 W 

35.... Elizabeth City State ..... 0 W 

63.........@ Lincoln (PA......... 12 W 

56.........@ Bowie State ........ 28 W 

91......... Bluefield State .......... 0 W 

28........@ Virginia State........ 35 L 

TEAM RECORD 

2024 Overall: 7-3 

2024 CIAA: 6-1 

2024 BCSP Ranking: 3rd, D2 

All-Time vs. VSU: 50-55-9 

Last Time vs. VSU: 28-35 L, '24 

CIAA Title Games: 10, 6-4 

CIAA Championships: 11, (Last '24) 


Alma Mater: Virginia Union ('99) 

Record vs. VSU: 4-2 

Record at VUU: 47-15, .758 (7th year) 

Career Record: Same 

S A T U R D A Y , N O V E M B E R 1 6 , 2 0 2 4 • S A L E M , V A • S A L E M S T A D I U M • 3 P . M . 

Head Coach 

DR. ALVIN 

PARKER 

HBCU NFL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK For NFL games of November 7 - 11, 2024 

dolphins.com Photo 

BALL’S OUT!! 

Miami linebacker/edge rusher QUINTON BELL (#56, PRAIRIE 

VIEW A&M) strips LA Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford of 

the ball late in the second quarter of the Dolphins 23-15 win 

Monday night. The strip sack halted a Rams’ drive in the waning 

seconds of the second quarter. It was the first sack of Bell’s 

career. 

DEFENSE 

– #56 QUINTON BELL, LB, Miami (3rd season, PRAIRIE 

VIEW A&M) - In Miami’s 23-15 win over the LA Rams 

Monday night, Bell had two solo tackles, one a sack for -9 

yards that forced a fumble. Bell was in on 13 defensive 

snaps (19%) and 22 on special teams (79%). His sack and 

strip were the first of his career. 

– #90 GROVER STEWART, DT, Indianapolis (7th season, ALBANY STATE) - 

In Indy’s 30-20 loss to Buffalo, Stewart started at defensive tackle, had eight 

total tackles, four solos and one sack. He was in on 44 defensive snaps (59%) 

and 11 on special teams (44%). Stewart now has 3.5 sacks this season, and 10.5 

for his career. 

OFFENSE 

– #72 TERRON ARMSTEAD, OT, Miami (12th season, ARKANSAS-PINE 

BLUFF) - In Miami’s 23-15 win over the Los Angeles Rams Monday night, 

Armstead started at left tackle and played all 53 offensive snaps (100%) as 

the Dolphins ran for 67 yards and one TD, passed for 207 yards and one TD 

and surrendered three sacks (-36 yards). 

SPECIAL TEAMS 

– #29 BRANDON CODRINGTON, CB/KR, Buffalo (Rookie, NORTH 

CAROLINA CENTRAL) - In Buffalo’s 30-20 win over Indianapolis, Codrington 

had one punt return for 8 yards and two kickoff returns for 49 yards (24.5 

yards per return) with a long return of 26 yards. He also had a fumble. He was 

in for five plays on defense (8%) and eight on special teams (32%).


SPORTS 

Nunnie on the Sideline 

By Nunnie Robinson, Westside Gazette Sports Editor 

The convolution in the NFL after 

week 9 and the CFP in college 

football has created the perfect 

Segway into the second half of the 

season. There were so many close 

games in the ninth week of the 

season which can be described 

as cliffhangers or better yet - 

comebacks or rallies. The thrilling 

26-23 comeback victory by the 

Detroit Lions against the Houston 

Texans was a prime example. The 

Lions, after trailing most of the 

contest, fought valiantly to tie the 

game, then clinched the victory on 

a 53 yard field goal that narrowly 

stayed inside the upright. A series 

earlier the Texans had a chance to win but missed a 58 FG 

attempt caused by a missed pass interference call. 

The Kansas City Chiefs, the only unbeaten NFL team heading 

into week 10, faced a challenge by the vastly improved Denver 

Broncos, who saw their chances to win in the final seconds, 

thwarted by a blocked field goal. 

The Pittsburgh Steelers and a rejuvenated Russell Wilson won 

a nail biter on the road with a hard fought 28-27 victory over the 

Washington Commanders, led by rookie sensation QB Jalen 

Daniels. The battle for playoff positions by contending teams 

will bear watching. The Ravens, Chiefs, Bills, and Bengals in 

the AFC and the Lions, Vikings, Steelers and Commanders 

in the NFC portend for some exciting competition as the half 

season threshold has passed. 

In the CFP the Miami Hurricanes’ road loss to Georgia Tech 

places them in compelling position of having to win the ACC 

championship outright. The present competition is SMU, with 

an unblemished conference record and Clemson, who like the 

Canes, has one conference defeat. Miami’s Heisman Trophy 

candidate, QB Cam Ward, has bailed out the Hurricanes all 

year, but in the final play of the Tech game he simply held 

ball too long, trusting that a teammate would come open, but it 

wasn’t meant to be. A desperate, aggressive Tech defense saw 

to that. However, there are so many 1 and 2 loss contenders 

vying for the 12 playoff spots so it’s really anybody’s calculation 

as to which teams will make the Final Cut. Oregon of the 

Big Ten Conference is currently # 1 after holding off #2 Ohio 

State in Eugene, Oregon. The highly competitive SEC just 

keeps beating up on each, chaos ruling the day. 2 loss teams 

include Alabama, Georgia, Ole miss, Missouri, and Texas A&M 

while SEC teams Texas and Tennessee have only 1 loss with 

huge, impactful, impendIng contests against Texas A&M and 

Georgia respectively. Speculate if you must, more importantly, 

watch who wins and loses. At this point in season, losers are 

basically eliminated from the CFP tournament. 

My Top Five: Oregon, Ohio State, Texas, Indiana and 

Alabama. My next 5, no particular ranking, include Notre 

Dame, Penn State, Boise State, Georgia and Tennessee. SMU 

and Ole Miss complete my Top 12 to make the CFP. There will 

be more clarity after this week’s games and official rankings 

which come out today. I can’t wait……. 

Dolphins End LA Ram 

Winning Streak 

Dolphins ' Tyreek Hill Jokes About Celebration with 

Odell Beckham Jr. vs Rams. (Internet Photo) 


In a prime time NFL Monday night football, game, the 

Miami Dolphins traveled to the other coast, So-Fi Stadium, 

Englewood, California, home of the Los Angeles Rams, took 

control of the game early and defeated the Rams 23-15, a 

victory that reshaped the team’s outlook on the second half of 

the season. By virtue of a fast start offensively and an inspired 

defensive effort, the Fins played arguably their best game. 

The Fins scored in the first quarter on an 18 yard reverse 

sweep by Malik Washington to take a 7-0 lead. Later in the 

second quarter, the Dolphins extended the lead to 10-0 by 

virtue of a 50 yard field goal by Jason Sanders. Tua Tagovailoa 

again put fear in the Dolphins fateful when, after throwing 

an interception, attempted to tackle the Rams defender head 

first near sideline. Fortunately, a knee to Tua’s head proved 

inconsequential. Tua did say that tackling the player head first 

was not his intention. 

The Dolphins defense, led by Calais Campbell, Zack Sieler 

and Jalen Ramsey played tenacious, inspired football, holding 

the Rams offense to field goals of 34 and 55 yards. The first half 

ended with the Dolphins leading 10-6. 

In the second half with 5:32 remaining, Miami extended 

their lead to 17-6 on 1 yard pass from Tua to Tyreek Hill which 

was set up an amazing catch and run by tight end Jonnu Smith. 

Although the Rams ran more offensive plays, Anthony Weaver’s 

vaunted defense kept them out of the end zone, maintaining a 

17-6 lead at the end of the third quarter. 

At the beginning of the fourth quarter, the Rams closed 

the gap to 17-9, scoring on a 53 yard field goal by placekicker 

Karty. However, the Fins countered with a 37 yard field goal 

by Jason Sanders with approximately 9:00 minutes remaining. 

Can you envision a developing kicking theme? 

Deeply Rooted 

Eta Nu Foundation 

Honors Rocky Gillis 

Pictured L to R: Eta Nu Basileus Rodney Hankins, James 

L. Jones Lifetime Achievement Recipient Rocky Gillis. 

ENEF Chair Harry Harrell and Immediate Past Basileus 

Bruce Tery Brown. 

By Nunnie Robinson 

Retiring Broward County Schools athletic director, 

Roderick Dante “Rocky” Gillis received the Eta Nu Foundation 

James L. Jones Lifetime Achievement Award presented by the 

Eta Nu Education Foundation, the scholarship and financial 

component of the Eta Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Fraternity, 

Inc., at its 6th annual Benefit Gala & Fundraiser held at the 

Fort Lauderdale Marriott Coral Springs Hotel on Saturday, 

November 9, 2024. The award, named after iconic Broward 

County educator, former Blanche Ely High School principal and 

Eta Nu Chapter Founder, honors excellence and outstanding 

achievement in professional, community and civic endeavors. 

Previous winners have included Principal James L. Jones, 

Coach Johnny Alexander, Coach George Smith, Judge Ilona 

Holmes, and former Pompano Beach Mayor Lamar Fisher. 

Growing up in a nurturing Christian home under the 

guidance of parents Katheryn and Wesley Gillis at Bethel 

AME Church in Pompano Beach, Rocky attended Pompano 

Beach High School, excelling academically and athletically in 

the classroom and on the gridiron, the epitome of a studentathlete. 

That dedication and determination earned him an 

athletic scholarship to Iowa State University, where graduated 

in 1984 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. 

While at Iowa State, he joined the ROTC Officers Training 

Program, became a second lieutenant and a tank commander, 

highly appropriate on the heels our country’s Veterans Day 

celebration. After returning home, he found employment 

with Nabisco Brands and the City of Pompano’s Parks and 

Recreation Department, serving as a coach and mentor. Rocky 

found his actual calling working with youth, becoming a full 

time teacher and coach at Blanche Ely High School when he 

was hired by then principal James L. Jones, for whom the 

award is named. The career change to education led to his 

becoming Broward County School’s first Black athletic director 

in 1993, both historic and pioneering. 

The Westside Gazette recently interviewed Rocky about 

his life’s experiences both personally and professionally. 

WG: I’m especially interested in your background: 

family history, parents, place of birth, formative 

schooling, elementary through college and who/what 

shaped your thinking, philosophy. 

Rocky: My parents, family, life experiences and people that 

cared about my life shaped my thinking and Philosophy. 

WG: Did sports come naturally to you or were you 

influenced by mentors, parents, friends? 

Rocky: Sports did come rather naturally, but it was what 

we did as kids in my community. We grew to appreciate the 

things that playing sports taught and provided, including the 

opportunity for a free college education if not more. 

WG: Did you always aspire to be associated with 

sports/athletics ? 

WG: I can’t say that I always aspired to work in athletics, 

but education was probably always a part of my life since my 

mom owned and ran a kindergarten and sports was a part of 

everyone’s life in my house. 

WG: Prior to accepting the AD’s position in Broward, 

what other positions did you hold, including your stint 

at BEHS. 

Rocky: I was AD at Blanche Ely HS, covering athletic 

events. I also served as the basketball coach, track & field coach, 

football coach, math teacher and athletic director at Pompano 

Beach HS. 

WG: What do think made you an effective AD? Are 

they qualities you look for in prospective hires? 

Rocky: I believe that organization and communication skills 

have been very important. Having the ability to be able to listen 

to concerns that people have and keeping focused on what is in 

the best interest of kids is always key. 

WG: What brought you the most satisfaction as an 

athletic director? 

Rocky: I'm always excited when former athletes speak 

about the importance of their experiences as part of Broward 

County athletics, especially our special events (All-stars, 

Championships, Banquets, etc). 

WG: What would you consider to be your greatest 

achievement as Broward County Athletic Director? Can 

you point to something you’re most proud of? 

Rocky: It’s hard to say what is the greatest achievement as 

there are many things that come to mind with a few of the most 

current being the athletic events during COVID, partnering 

with the Broward Education Foundation with the National 

High School Football Showcase and being able to elevate the 

amount of scholarship dollars to over $70,000.00 annually. 

WG: What strategy did you employ in building an 

efficient work team? 

Rocky: I believe that collaboration and getting input from 

the team members creates buy-in that can be crucial to team 

success. 

WG: What did you do to motivate your team members 

in your previous position? 

Rocky: I gave them ownership in the decision-making process 

by valuing their input. 

WG: Were you more hands on or did you delegate? 

a. I have always been a hands on leader, and I believe 

that it comes from my military training. 

WG: What do you do to stay calm when a project is 

not going as planned? 



WG 

Dillard XC: The Evolution of a Dynasty 

From left to right. Miley Gill - 8th, Abigail Richards- 

11th, Peyton Williams 10th, Kelly Greene -10th, Shynah 

Collins 8th, Latiah Gore - 12th, and Ja Liah Gammage 

-10th 

The Dillard girl's cross country team celebrates their 3A 

District and Regional titles on the heels of capturing the 

Spanich River Invitational in Boca Raton, Florida. David 

Gill is the architect of this looming dynasty. 


For the second consecutive year the Dillard Panthers girl’s 

cross country team, under the direction of Coach David Gill, 

has solidified its position as an early favorite to win the Class 

3A State Cross Country Championship, coming off the heels of 

a dominant performance as district and regional champions. 

According to Coach Gill, the individual and team ceilings are 

unlimited, portending a great future for the program. 

Head Coach Davidson Gill. The State cross country 

championships meet will be held Saturday, November 16, in 

Tallahassee beginning at 7:20 AM. “We are down one of our top 

2 runners due to injury, but we still believe and are preparing 

to overcome it and have a shot to finish in the top 2,” states 

Coach Gill. 

The Westside Gazette and publisher Bobby R. Henry, Sr. 

wish the Dillard Panthers Cross Country team a successful, 

triumphant state meeting. 

Go Panthers ‘24 

‘We are going to be all over 

the world today’: ESPN’s 

First Take comes to the 

Atlanta University Center 

First Take airs weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon. The 

live taping on Friday, Nov. 8 was a first for the Atlanta 

University Center. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta 

Voice 

By Donnell Suggs 

(Source: The Voice Atlanta) 

Support Atlanta’s Trusted News Source 

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Match 2024, your gift today will go twice as far to amplify our 

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“There’s not a lot of wins you get as an Athletic Director, 

Continue reading online at: thewestsidegazette.com


Deeply Rooted 


Honoring the past and inspiring the future 

Black veterans reflect on their journeys 

and legacies 

Amelia Orjuela Da Silva, 

Miami Times Staff Writer 

Oscar J. Braynon recalls 

his mission in the U.S. Navy 

as if it were yesterday. It was 

the height of the Cold War, 

and Braynon, flying aboard 

a P-3 Orion aircraft, was 

tasked with tracking Soviet 

submarines in the icy waters 

of the North Atlantic and the 

Mediterranean. 

“At the time, we were in 

the midst of the Cold War, 

and Russia was our primary 

enemy,” Braynon said. “Our 

job was to monitor that fleet 

BRAYNON 

to ensure the safety of our 

country.” 

Braynon, now 70, can 

still remember the day he 

realized he wanted to fly. 

Born in Louisville, Kentucky, 

but having grown up in Fort 

Lauderdale, he was captivated 

by stories of the Tuskegee 

Airmen. That drive led him to 

Tuskegee Universityin 1971, 

where he pursued a degree in 

political science. 

I’m actually a thirdgeneration 

Tuskegee alum,” 

he says, proud of his family’s 

connection to the institution 

that produced the first Black 

military pilots. 

Braynon wanted to 

Veterans Day falls on Nov. 11, the anniversary of the signing of the 

armistice that ended World War I. (Freedom Museum) 

participate in the Air Force ROTC 

at Tuskegee, but they didn’t need 

pilots at that time, so he enlisted in 

the U.S. Navy instead. He became 

one of the few Black men to serve 

as a Navy aviator in 1975, tracking 

and hunting Russian submarines. 

“It was intense, but also 

incredibly rewarding,” he said. 

His time in the Navy would 

take him around the world — to 

Europe, the Philippines and Japan, 

to Guantanamo Bay, 

Cuba, and other areas 

throughout the Caribbean. 

Braynon remembers one 

particularly significant 

rescue mission during the 

late 1970s when he was 

part of the effort to rescue 

Vietnamese refugees 

fleeing the communist 

regime. 

Braynon’s career in 

the Navy was filled with 

memorable moments, 

but one of the most 

rewarding was his time in 

leadership. 

“At 27, I was put in 

charge of a $30 million 

aircraft and a crew of 

12 people,” he said. “Not 

many 27-year-olds get 

that kind of responsibility, 

and I learned a lot about 

managing people and 

making tough decisions.” 

After his active duty 

ended in 1986, Braynon 

transitioned to the Navy 

Reserves; he said that 

the transition to civilian 

life was challenging, but 

he wanted to spend more 

time with his family, 

whom he missed while on 

active duty. While in the 

reserves, he worked for a defense 

contractor in Washington, D.C., 

doing marketing and flying VIPs 

on special assignments. 

“I flew Jesse Jackson a few 

times, as well as several members 

of Congress, including Joe Biden, 

before he ran for president back in 

1987,” he said with pride. 

Today, Braynon shares time 

with his family and remains deeply 

committed to his community, 

particularly in Miami, where he 

has spent years in leadership roles. 

He’s been involved with the Citizens 

Independent Transportation 

Trust (CITT), worked in the city 

of Miami Gardens, and serves as 

the president of the South Florida 

Tuskegee Alumni Club, where he 

helps recruit students for Tuskegee 

University. His family’s legacy in 

Miami, which dates back to the 

1800s, has always kept him rooted 

in the area despite opportunities to 

live elsewhere. 

“My family’s been here longer 

than the city of Miami,” Braynon 

said. “We’ve always been invested 

in the community.” 

For Braynon, Veterans Day 

— coming up on Nov. 11 — is a 

time for reflection, not just on his 

own service but on the broader 

contributions of Black Americans 

in the military. 

“The Tuskegee Airmen didn’t 

just pave the way for me — they 

paved the way for all Black 

servicemen and women,” he said. 

“I always remind my family about 

the significance of Veterans Day. 

It’s not just a day off. It’s a day 

to remember that we protect this 

country’s values — freedom and 

democracy.” 

Overtown’s own: 

Lonnie Lawrence 

LAWRENCE 

Lonnie Lawrence, a proud Marine Corps 

veteran, similarly considers what Veterans Day 

means to him, offering a perspective shaped by his 

upbringing in Overtown. 

Born and raised in Miami, Lawrence’s path 

to the Marine Corps was not a straight line. 

After graduating from high school, he moved to 

Washington, D.C., where he initially took a job with 

the FBI, working in the fingerprint correspondence 

section. 

However, despite the steady job, Lawrence felt 

the pull to serve. 

Lonnie Lawrence, now in his 70s, spends time 

his involved in the community. (Gregory Reed) 

“I had an interest in the Marine Corps for some 

time,” he said. “One of my high school instructors, 

a Marine Corps veteran, talked to me about it; he 

told me, ‘If you ever get in the military, don’t do 

anything else but go to the Marine Corps.’” 

At 18 years old, Lawrence enlisted. His family, 

particularly his mother, was initially confused by 

his decision. 

Lawrence’s early days in the Marine Corps were 

an eye-opening experience. He recalls his arrival at 

Parris Island, South Carolina, where the Marines’ 

notoriously tough boot camp began. 

“When the bus pulled up, I had this feeling of, 

‘What have I gotten myself into?’ A drill instructor 

came on the bus and started barking at us — things 

I’d never been called before,” he laughed. “But it 

was a good experience. It taught me discipline, 


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The Westside Gazette

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