02.01.2025 Views

The Westside Gazette

e-Edition

e-Edition

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.

PRSRT STD

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

FT. LAUDERDALE, FL 33310

PERMIT NO. 1179

New Year Brings

10 New Laws

PAGE 3

get 2 free

special

advance

screening passes

PAGE 12

THURSDAY, JANUARY 2 - JANUARY 8, 2025

VOL. 53 NO. 48 $1.00

Jimmy Carter,

39th President

and Global

Humanitarian,

Dies at 100

How The Carrie Meek Foundation

fuels Miami’s growth, legacy

Lucia Davis-Raiford now leads the Carrie Meek

Foundation to honor her mother’s legacy.

By Amelia Orjuela Da Silva,

Miami Times Staff Writer

As the calendar turns toward

2025, The Carrie Meek Foundation

is laying the groundwork for an

expansive future that honors

the legacy of Congresswoman

Carrie P. Meek while addressing

the evolving needs of Miami-

Dade County’s communities.

From workforce development

in aviation to communitybased

safety initiatives, the

foundation is focused on building

sustainable, impactful solutions

for the region’s Black and brown

neighborhoods.

A legacy continued

Meek was a pioneering force

in American politics. As the

first Black Floridian elected to

Congress since Reconstruction,

she broke barriers when she won

the 1992 Democratic primary

at the age of 66. Over the next

decade, Meek shaped health,

education, housing, and economic

development policies to benefit

(Courtesy of The Carrie Meek Foundation)

her constituents. Even after retiring in 2002, she

continued her advocacy through the Carrie P. Meek

Foundation, which she established to expand upon

her work in Miami.

Lucia Davis-Raiford, the current president

and CEO of the Foundation and Meek’s daughter,

(Cont’d on page 12)

The Westside Gazette Newspaper

Carter is survived by his

four children, numerous

grandchildren and greatgrandchildren,

and a

legacy of public service that

transformed lives around

the globe. He will be buried

next to Rosalynn under a

willow tree near a pond

he helped dig in Plains.

By Stacy M. Brown

NNPA Newswire Senior

National Correspondent

@StacyBrownMedia

James “Jimmy” Carter, the

peanut farmer from Plains,

Georgia, who became the 39th

president of the United States

and later redefined the role of an

ex-president through decades of

humanitarian work, died Sunday

at his home. He was 100. His

son, James E. Carter III, known

as Chip, confirmed the death but

provided no immediate cause.

Carter had been in hospice care

since February 2023 after battling

an aggressive form of melanoma

that spread to his brain and liver.

Carter’s wife, Rosalynn,

with whom he shared 77 years

of marriage—the longest of any

presidential couple—died on

November 19, 2023, at 96. The

couple’s final years were marked

by their enduring love, and

Carter’s last public appearance

was at Rosalynn’s funeral, where

he sat in the front row in a

wheelchair.

Born in Plains on October 1,

1924, Carter grew up on a farm,

Continue reading online at:

thewestsidegazette.com

DeSantis admin mum ahead of Jan. 1

deadline for summer food programs for kids

Submitted by

Jackie Lianos

As Black America and other minority groups brace for hostility and

uncertainty under the incoming administration of Donald Trump, the

death of former President Jimmy Carter has reignited an appreciation

for a leader who championed equality, justice, and humanity over selfinterest

and division. Carter, who died at 100, leaves a legacy rooted in

humility and service, demonstrating what true leadership can accomplish.

Carter’s presidency from 1977 to 1981 brought meaningful progress

in civil rights and inclusion. He appointed Patricia Harris as the first

Black woman to a presidential cabinet, naming her Secretary of Housing

and Urban Development and later Secretary of Health and Human

Services. Andrew Young served as the U.S. Ambassador to the United

Nations, further demonstrating Carter’s commitment to inclusion.

His administration included a record number of Black federal judges,

strengthened rules preventing discriminatory schools from claiming

tax-exempt status, and expanded food aid programs for impoverished

communities, many of which benefited Black families in rural areas.

In a previously published interview, Deputy Assistant to the President

for Reorganization Jay Beck spoke fondly of Carter’s dedication to

fostering opportunity for marginalized groups. “One of the things that’s

happened through President Carter over the years, he’s brought in

(Cont’d on page 10)

@TheWestsideGazetteNewspaper

(Source: Florida Phoenix)

D e S a n t i s

administration

officials haven’t said

whether the state will

again reject a federal

program that gives

low-income families

money for groceries

Florida has until Jan. 1 to tell the federal during the summer.

government whether it will administer More than 2 million

the SUN Bucks program. Shown is kids in the state could

a sign at a grocery store noting the again miss out on the

acceptance of electronic benefit transfer, SUN Bucks program,

or EBT, cards, on Dec. 4, 2019, in Oakland,

or summer EBT, if the

California. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Florida Department of

Children and Families

doesn’t tell the federal government by Jan. 1 that it plans to

administer it, the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates.

Low-income families received $40 per month per school-aged

child in a food assistance debit card through the program, but

Florida could be among 12 states skipping the program next

summer. While the feds are responsible for the funds families

receive, Florida would have to chip in 50% of the administrative

costs.

DCF officials did not reply when the Florida Phoenix asked

whether the agency would run the program next year, and the

governor’s office did not immediately respond to the Phoenix’s

request for comment.

Continue reading online at: thewestsidegazette.com

As Trump Era Begins, Carter’s Legacy of Inclusion Endures

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National

Correspondent, @StacyBrownMedia

The death of former President Jimmy Carter has reignited an

appreciation for a leader who championed equality, justice, and

humanity over self-interest and division. Carter, who died at 100,

leaves a legacy rooted in humility and service, demonstrating

what true leadership can accomplish.

A MESSAGE FROM

THE PUBLISHER

Dreams can

come true

14

For God does speak—now

one way, now another—

though no one perceives

it. 15 In a dream, in a

vision of the night, when

deep sleep falls on people

as they slumber in their

beds, 16 he may speak in

their ears and terrify them

with warnings, 17 to turn

them from wrongdoing

and keep them from pride,

18 to preserve them from

the pit, their lives from

perishing by the sword.

Job 33:14-18

By Bobby R. Henry, Sr.

As we step into a New

Year, confused and uncertain,

I can’t help but wonder—

where are we truly headed?

Disaster seems inevitable

when we continue down this

path of disregard for life and

mutual respect. Wars are

fought without purpose or

preparation, and communities

are torn apart by division.

Families are pitted against

the government, citizens

against police. Who will

emerge victorious from such

chaos?

It feels as though we

are stranded on a desolate

island, straining our eyes for

a rescue ship, only to see the

ghostly figure of “The Flying

Dutchman” on the horizon.

Where is our hope? Where is

our recovery?

I reach for hope, but it feels

as fleeting as steam escaping

from a turbine—intangible,

searing, and elusive. Yet, the

strength of my spirit, shaped

by generations of resilience

and ancestral determination,

refuses to stop reaching.

Slowly, I come to realize

Thursday

Jan 2 nd

Fri

77°

67°

(Cont’d on page 3)

Cloudy

Sunrise: 6:48am

77°

68°

79°

69°

80°

69°

55°

74°

Sunset: 5:28pm

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)

80°

68°


PAGE 2 • JANUARY 2 - JANUARY 8, 2025

www.thewestsidegazette.com

Celebrates Day of Service with

Depot’s “Retool Your School” #1

B-CU

Colleagues in Crisis:

Workplace mental health issues

University more favorable weather prevails.

worsening, national survey finds

okman

gnificant day of unity

Thursday, Jan. 18,

l and Libby Johnson

Civic Engagement

momentous occasion

er students, faculty,

, and friends to

the

lishment – securing

position in Home

gious “Retool Your

ition and receiving a

,000 grant dedicated

ancement.

ler temperatures and

the collective spirit

ost 135 participants,

epot Daytona Beach

r Therese Watsonforces

in yesterday’s

ort. Their mission

, involving projects

ssembling bookcases

tdoor dining sets to

rcade games, foosball

ball hoops, hockey

tennis tables. Even

er conditions couldn’t

ication, with the only

By Sarah Baldry, Stacker

(Source: Miami Times)

In a revealing new

report titled “Colleagues in

Crisis,” Wysa, a provider of AIdriven

mental health support,

has uncovered troubling

insights into the mental

health

University’s

challenges facing

American workers. Based on a

2024 survey of over 2,000 U.S.

employees, the report reveals

that mental health struggles

are not only prevalent but

also worsening, with many

workers feeling unsupported

by their employers.

The key finding of the report

is stark: One in five American

employees have been bothered

by thoughts of self-harm

or suicide in the two weeks

leading up to the survey. This

figure climbs to nearly one

in three (32%) when looking

at the past year. This data

highlights an urgent need for

comprehensive mental health

support in the workplace, as

American employees grapple

with both personal crises and

concern for their colleagues.

Mental Health Struggles

on the Rise

The “Colleagues in Crisis”

report draws attention to

how workplace pressures

compound mental health

struggles. Over one in five

employees (22%) reported

being concerned that a

colleague might harm

themselves or take their

own life in the past year — a

heavy burden to bear while

managing their own wellbeing.

Younger workers were

especially affected, with 35%

of those aged 18-24 reporting

thoughts of self-harm in

the past two weeks alone,

surpassing rates among older

age groups.

This data paints a sobering

iveness after

ated service.

e to 30,000

have been

or at least

ut receiving

ncome-driven

will now see

n.

concession being the postponement of painting and

stripping the basketball court – a minor hiccup until

Dr. William Berry, Provost and Acting President,

expressed excitement and gratitude, stating, “We are

excited about this project and grateful to all those who

picture of the emotional

strain facing U.S. workers.

With the rise of hybrid and

remote work, emotional

distance and isolation are

becoming more common, with

younger workers particularly

affected. Almost half of

workers aged 18-24 reported

feeling emotionally distant

from others, while 46% of

those aged 25-34 said they

felt isolated or withdrawn.

A Lack of Workplace

Support

Despite these alarming

trends, American workplaces

remain ill-equipped to handle

mental health crises. The

report highlights that 34%

of employees feel uncertain

about how to help a colleague

in distress, and only 32%

of workers have received

workplace training on mental

health in the past year.

Furthermore, 12% of

U.S. workers reported experiencing

a manager responding

inappropriately to a

colleague showing signs

of mental illness, highlighting

the need for better

training for leadership. The

data underscores the gap

between employee needs and

the support they receive,

particularly among younger

workers. Around 30% of

employees under 44 have

witnessed inappropriate

managerial responses to

mental health struggles,

emphasizing the need for

workplace reforms.

their work. These symptoms

reflect the emotional toll that

high-pressure, unsupportive

environments can have on

employees, particularly in

industries with demanding

schedules and limited

flexibility.

Industries like construction,

retail, and hospitality have

some of the highest levels of

mental health struggles. In

the construction industry,

40% of workers reported being

bothered by suicidal ideation

or self-harm in the past year,

while 22% of workers in retail

and hospitality have faced

similar challenges. With little

access to training or support,

workers in these sectors are

often left struggling in silence.

Stigma and Barriers to

Seeking Help

The report reveals a troubling

reality: Younger workers are

less likely to seek professional

support for mental health

struggles. Only 48% of

workers aged 18-44 said

they would seek professional

help outside of work if they

were suffering from severe

depression, compared to

62% of workers aged 45 and

older. Younger employees

are more inclined to handle

their struggles independently

by adjusting their work

environment or taking

time off, which impacts job

retention and productivity.

Adding to the issue, 38% of

employees believe that their

employer views mental health

as a personal or out-of-work

issue. Additionally, 12% of

workers fear their manager

would become more critical of

their work or question their

abilities if they disclosed a

mental health struggle, while

another 7% worry they would

be passed over for career

advancement opportunities.

What Workers Want

So, what can employers

do to better support their

employees’

quiescent

mental health?

According to the Wysa

report, workers aren’t looking

for superficial gestures —

they want real, actionable

A new report reveals that 57% of employees have experienced emotional distance,

isolation, or hopelessness as a result of their work

solutions. 50% of employees

want their employer to offer

professional mental health

support, and 24% expressed

interest in digital mental selfhelp

tools that can provide

round-the-clock support,

helping employees manage

their mental health both at

work and in their personal

lives.

Employees also want

emotional support from

their employers. 45% said

they would appreciate being

asked about their well-being

occasionally, while 37% would

value having a safe space to

discuss their mental health

concerns. Additionally, 39%

of workers said they would

benefit from paid time off to

focus on their mental health,

showing that small changes

in workload or flexibility could

have a significant impact.

participated in the vote for B-CU. These enhancements

will help create more vibrant and engaging spaces for

our students to retreat on campus for a brain break or

find inspiration through the downtime.”

Home Depot’s “Retool Your School” program,

established in 2009, has been a beacon for positive change,

providing over $9.25 million in campus improvement

grants to Historically Black Colleges and Universities

(HBCUs). Beyond the competition, the Office of Alumni

Continue reading online at: thewestsidegazette.com

Biden credited the success

of these relief efforts to the

corrective measures taken

to address

The Impact

broken

of Work

student

on

Mental Health

loan programs. The workplace He itself asserted often

exacerbates mental health

that these fixes have removed

struggles. The report reveals

barriers that preventing 57% of employees borrowers have

experienced emotional

from accessing the relief they

distance, isolation, or

were entitled hopelessness to under as a result the of law.

College

Prep

banal

adjective

(adjective)

Word of

the Week

being meaning: at rest; dull, commonplace inactive or

motionless; HOW TO USE quiet; IN A SENTENCE: still: a

The client rejected our proposal because they

quiescent mind.

found our presentation banal and unimpressive.

The Road Ahead:

Closing the Gap

The findings of the

“Colleagues in Crisis” report

underscore the urgent need

for workplaces to prioritize

mental health. Too many

employees are struggling

without adequate support,

with younger workers and

those in high-stress industries

particularly at risk. Employers

must take immediate action

by implementing training

programs, offering digital

mental health tools, and

fostering open conversations

about mental health in the

workplace.

As Wysa’s report demonstrates,

mental health

challenges in the workplace

are not only prevalent —

they’re worsening. The gap

between what employees

need and what they receive is

stark, but there are steps that

employers can take to close

that gap and create healthier,

more supportive workplaces.

The president outlined the

broader achievements of his

administration in supporting

students and borrowers,

including achieving the most

significant increases in Pell

Grants in over a decade, aimed

Continue reading online at:

thewestsidegazette.com

[ kwee-es-uhnt, kwahy- ]

With more than 48,000

Americans dying by suicide

each year, and millions

more struggling with mental

health crises, the stakes

couldn’t be higher. Employers

have a critical role to play in

HOW TO USE QUIESCENT IN A

SENTENCE

It’s possible that other volcanoes with

long quiescentperiods may also have

subtle but protracted warning periods

as well.

safeguarding their employees’

well-being, and the time for

action is now.

Methodology

Wysa commissioned this

survey in 2024. The survey

was carried out by Obsurvant,

an accredited MRS company

partner. Respondents were

incentivized and each

provided opt-in consent in line

with GDPR guidelines. The

survey was conducted online.

A total of 6,413 respondents

Continue reading online at:

thewestsidegazette.com

Leia’s Mathematics

Corner

LILA HAS 12 TOYS. SHE GIVES 4 TOYS TO

HER FRIEND LONDON AND 3 TOYS TO

HER FRIEND BELLA. HOW MANY TOYS

DOES LILA HAVE LEFT?

364

+ 24

across the U.S., U.K., and

Canada were surveyed with

a minimum of 2,000 surveys

completed in each market. The

sample was representative of

gender and region alongside

national representative

distribution of employed age

groups. Different recruitment

methods were used alongside

a supplier blend to remove

any potential single source

bias. Measures were taken to

ensure that no duplication or

456

- 25

Created by Leia Palmer 3rd grader!

Words

compiled by

Kamar

Jackson

10th Grader

at Dillard

High School

Word Search

List Compiled

by Kamar


www.thewestsidegazette.com

Senate passes

Social Security

benefits boost

for many public

service retirees

JANUARY 2 - JANUARY 8, 2025 • PAGE 3

Biden Vetoes

Bipartisan Bill

to Create New

Federal Judgeships

The bipartisan bill will eliminate longtime

reductions to Social Security benefits for

people who receive pensions from work

in government, or public service jobs like

teachers, firefighters and police officers.

(Gustavo Fring via Pexels)

By Stephen Groves,

The Associated Press

(Source: Miami Times)

The Senate passed legislation early

Saturday to boost Social Security

payments for millions of people, pushing

a longtime priority for former public

employees through Congress in one of

its last acts for the year.

The bipartisan bill, which next heads

to President Joe Biden, will eliminate

longtime reductions to Social Security

benefits for nearly 3 million people who

receive pensions from work in federal,

state and local government, or public

service jobs like teachers, firefighters

and police officers. Advocates say the

Social Security Fairness Act rights a

decades-old disparity, though it will also

put further strain on Social Security

Trust Funds.

New Year Brings

10 New Laws

By Jim Turner

©2024 The News Service of Florida.

All rights reserved; see terms.

TALLAHASSEE --- A smattering of new state laws will

arrive with the new year, but the highest-profile change —

restricting access to social media for children — will not be

immediately enforced.

Ten laws passed during the 2024 legislative session will

take effect Wednesday. They were among 299 bills approved

by the Legislature and Gov. Ron DeSantis, the majority of

which took effect July 1.

The social-media restrictions were part of a bill (HB 3)

that was a priority of then-House Speaker Paul Renner,

R-Palm Coast, and became one of the biggest issues of the

session.

The measure seeks to prevent children under age 16 from

opening social-media accounts on some platforms. Parents

can give consent for 14- and 15-year-olds to have accounts,

but children under 14 would be barred from opening accounts.

Renner argued that social-media companies have created

addictive platforms that harm children’s mental health and

can lead to sexual predators communicating with minors.

In October, the Computer & Communications Industry

the hope I seek isn’t

somewhere out there—it’s

within me.

Still, we face a world

riddled with problems: the

poor can’t afford health care,

and even the wealthy struggle

with home insurance. People

move in search of a better

life, only to discover that

hate and ignorance follow

them. Disease, violence, and

injustice seem to touch every

corner of society. Homeless

camps stand as stark

reminders of a nation failing

its most vulnerable.

Drive-by shootings,

police brutality, and the

heartbreaking separation

of families persist like a

haunting refrain. Morning

after morning, the news greets

us with fresh reminders of

pain and suffering. Is this the

America we dream of?

It must get better. It can

get better. Nothing happens

without cause and effect. Are

we part of the cause, or are we

merely suffering the effects?

Our struggles have always

been fertile ground for growth.

Like soil that must be broken

The legislation has been decades in

the making but the push to pass it came

together in the final weeks — and was

completed in the final minutes — that

lawmakers were in Washington before

Congress resets next year. All Senate

Democrats, as well as 27 Republicans,

voted for the bill, giving it a final tally of

76-20.

“Millions of retired teachers and

firefighters and letter carriers and state

and local workers have waited decades

for this moment. No longer will public

retirees see their hard-earned Social

Security benefits robbed from them,”

said Senate Majority Leader Chuck

Schumer, D-N.Y.

The bill repeals two provisions —

the Windfall Elimination Provision and

the Government Pension Offset — that

limit Social Security benefits for certain

recipients if they receive retirement

payments from other sources such as the

public retirement program for a state or

local government.

“Social Security is a bedrock of our

middle class. It’s retirement security

that Americans pay into and earn over

a lifetime,” said Sen. Sherrod Brown,

A MESSAGE FROM THE PUBLISHER from Front Page

to plant a seed, adversity often

paves the way for change. As

I reflect on these challenges,

I find comfort in the words of

the poem, Mother To Son by

Langston Hughes

Well, son, I’ll tell you: Life

for me ain’t been no crystal

stair. It’s had tacks in it, And

splinters,

And boards torn up, And

places with no carpet on the

floor-Bare. But all the time

I’se been a-climbin’ on, And

reachin’ landin’s, And turnin’

corners, And sometimes goin’

in the dark Where there ain’t

been no light. So, boy, don’t you

turn back. Don’t you set down

on the steps. ‘Cause you finds

it’s kinder hard. Don’t you fall

now- For I’se still goin’, honey,

I’se still climbin’, And life for

me ain’t been no crystal stair.

Dreams, as fleeting as they

may seem, are essential to

survival. As Acts 2:17 reminds

us, God pours His Spirit upon

us to dream dreams and see

visions.

In the spirit of the New

Year, I’ve been pondering my

resolutions. As I walked into

my office recently, the stench

of forgotten garbage struck

me—a stark metaphor for the

baggage we carry into each

year. Cleaning out the trash

took a bit of effort but was

surprisingly straightforward.

It made me wonder: why can’t

we approach our resolutions

the same way?

Resolutions, at their core,

are about renewal and selfimprovement.

They’re an

opportunity to take out the

trash in our lives, clean our

inner selves, and make a fresh

start. My first resolution this

year is to Improve my health

in all that that includes, from

seeking spiritual wisdom

with physical strength and

understanding to guide me.

On a broader scale, we all

need to address the “trash” in

our lives—be it bad habits,

toxic relationships, or societal

injustices. And if we see

someone else struggling with

their “trash,” let’s lend a hand

with clean hearts and pure

intentions.

“Dear God, I ask you to give

me the strength and wisdom

to do my part in making this

a better year for myself and

others. May this New Year

an Ohio Democrat who has pushed for

the proposal for years and will leave

Congress after losing reelection.

He added that the current restrictions

make “no sense. These workers serve the

public. They protect our communities.

They teach our kids. They pay into

Social Security just like everyone else.”

People who currently have reductions

in their Social Security benefits under

the exceptions would soon see a boost

in their monthly payments. But those

increased payments would also add

an estimated $195 billion to federal

deficits over 10 years, according to

the Congressional Budget Office.

Social Security Trust Funds were

already estimated to be unable to pay

out full benefits beginning in 2035, and

the change will hasten the program’s

insolvency date by about half a year. A

typical dual-income couple retiring in

2033 would see an additional $25,000

lifetime reduction in their benefits,

according to the nonpartisan Committee

for a Responsible Federal Budget.

Many of the bill’s opponents

Continue reading online at:

thewestsidegazette.com

Association and NetChoice, whose members include tech giants

such as Google and Meta Platforms, filed a federal lawsuit

challenging the constitutionality of the restrictions.

“In a nation that values the First Amendment, the preferred

response is to let parents decide what speech and mediums their

minor children may access — including by utilizing the many

available tools to monitor their activities on the internet,” the

lawsuit said.

The groups are seeking a preliminary injunction to block

the restrictions, and Attorney General Ashley Moody agreed

in November to delay enforcement until Chief U.S. District

Judge Mark Wilson rules on the injunction request. Walker has

scheduled a Feb. 28 hearing.

“In order to obtain a full record and obtain discovery, Florida

agreed to stay enforcement of its statute until the court rules on

the motion for preliminary injunction,” Chase Sizemore, press

secretary for Moody’s office, said in a statement in November.

The bill did not name social-media platforms that would be

affected. But it included a definition of such platforms, with

criteria related to such things as algorithms, “addictive features”

and allowing users to view the content or activities of other users.

The lawsuit repeatedly referred to sites such as YouTube and

Facebook --- while also saying the restrictions would not apply to

services such as Disney+. If social-media companies violate the

restrictions they could face penalties up to $50,000 per violation.

The measure also would open them to lawsuits filed on behalf of

minors.

Moody, however, wants to move forward immediately with

another part of HB 3 that requires age verification for access to

Continue reading online at: thewestsidegazette.com

inspire us all to dream, to

hope, and to act with purpose.

In Jesus name, Amen.”

The decision, made in the final weeks of his presidency, has

drawn sharp criticism from Republicans and heightened

partisan tensions over judicial appointments.

By Stacy M. Brown, WI Senior Writer @StacyBrownMedia

President Joe Biden has vetoed bipartisan legislation that

would have created dozens of new federal judicial positions,

citing unresolved questions about its provisions and timing.

The decision, made in the final weeks of his presidency, has

drawn sharp criticism from Republicans and heightened

partisan tensions over judicial appointments.

The “Judicial Understaffing Delays Getting Emergencies

Solved Act of 2024” (JUDGES Act) proposed adding 66 federal

judgeships over the following three presidential terms. Biden

rejected the bill, stating it lacked clarity and failed to address

how judicial needs and caseloads should be assessed adequately.

“I am returning herewith without my approval S. 4199,”

Biden wrote in his veto message to Congress. “S. 4199 seeks to

hastily add judgeships with just a few weeks left in the 118th

Congress. The House of Representatives’ hurried action fails

to resolve key questions in the legislation, especially regarding

how the new judgeships are allocated, and neither the House of

Representatives nor the Senate explored fully how the work of

senior status judges and magistrate judges affects the need for

new judgeships.”

Biden also criticized the bill for disproportionately benefiting

states where judicial vacancies have been intentionally left

open. “Those efforts to hold open vacancies suggest that

concerns about judicial economy and caseload are not the true

motivating force behind passage of this bill now,” he added.

The bill passed unanimously in the Senate, but faced

significant resistance in the House, where it passed earlier

this month on a largely party-line vote. Republicans, led by

Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.), the bill’s sponsor, have argued that

the legislation addresses longstanding shortages in the federal

judiciary.

“Issuing this veto is partisan politics at its worst,” Young

said in a statement. “The president has chosen to prioritize

his party’s agenda over the urgent need to address judicial

understaffing.”

Democrats accused Republicans of delaying the passage

of the legislation until after President-elect Donald Trump’s

election victory, calling it a strategic move to give Trump

greater influence over the judiciary. Many Democrats have

been working to limit Trump’s opportunities to appoint

additional judges, citing concerns about his administration’s

efforts to reshape the federal courts.

“The efficient and effective administration of justice

requires that these questions about need and allocation be

further studied and answered before we create permanent

judgeships for life-tenured judges,” Biden wrote in his message

to Congress.

BlueYear

Resolution

$125 Toilet

Rebate

Check eligibility and apply at

Call 8002709794 for additional details.


PAGE 4 • JANUARY 2 - JANUARY 8, 2025

Westside Gazette

Calendar of Events

Deeply Rooted

LOCAL HAPPENINGS IN

BROWARD MIAMI-DADE

AND PALM BEACH

COUNTIES

HAVE YOUR COMMUNITY EVENTS

PLACED ON THIS PAGE

email:wgproof@thewestsidegazette.com

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

Celebrate Announcements:

Call -- (954) 525-1489

Happy Birthday * Weddings

* Anniversaries

Retirements * Congratulations

Support The Westside Gazette and help us continue

sharing OUR story. By subscribing today, you’ll gain

access to our finest journalism and play a vital role in

securing the future of our newspaper. Subscribe now!

(954)525-1489 Or

Email: wgazette@thewestsidegazette.com

www.thewestsidegazette.com

Miami Beach Jewish History Walking Tour Sunday,

Jan. 5 and Sunday, Jan. 12 at 10:30 a.m., at Jewish

Museum of Florida-FIU, 301 Washington Avenue, Miami

Beach, FL 33139.

Join us for a stroll through Miami Beach to learn

about the rich Jewish history of this vibrant community!

Follow @TheWestsideGazette Newspaper on Social Media

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

STAY

CONNECTED --

www.thewestsidegazette.com


www.thewestsidegazette.com

Deeply Rooted

JANUARY 2 - JANUARY 8, 2025 • PAGE 5

A Day Without Child Care

NNPA NEWSWIRE — On May 16, we will be closing

our childcare centers for a day — signaling a crisis

that could soon sweep across North Carolina,

dismantling the very backbone of our economy

By Emma Biggs and

Dee Dee Fields

As we end the year, we look

back at some of the important

viewpoints about early

childhood education shared

during 2024. Here’s one from

leaders in North Carolina

that applies on a national

level. On May 16, we will be

closing our childcare centers

for a day — signaling a crisis

that could soon sweep across

North Carolina, dismantling

the very backbone of our

economy: childcare. This

one-day action, organized

by a coalition of partners

under Child Care for NC:

United for Change, is not

merely a protest; it’s a stark

preview of the devastating

impact awaiting us as federal

pandemic-era funding ends.

Without decisive action, North

Carolina risks losing over

1,500 child care programs,

affecting nearly 92,000

children and their families.

This isn’t just about numbers;

it’s about our state’s future

and the lives of the working

families who depend on these

essential services.

We are not newcomers

to this field. With over

half a century of combined

experience in childcare,

we’ve dedicated our lives to

the education and well-being

of children. From operating

Bird Flu Virus shows mutations in first

severe human case in US, CDC says

Test tube is seen labelled “Bird Flu” in front of U.S. flag

in this illustration taken, June 10, 2024. (REUTERS/Dado

Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights)

By Reuters

Dec. 26 (Reuters) -- The

U.S. Centers for Disease

Control and Prevention said

on Thursday its analysis of

samples from the first severe

case of bird flu in the country

last week showed mutations

not seen in samples from an

infected backyard flock on the

patient’s property.

The CDC said the patient’s

sample showed mutations in

the hemagglutinin (HA) gene,

the part of the virus that

plays a key role in it attaching

to host cells.

The health body said, opens

new tab the risk to the general

public from the outbreak has

not changed and remains low.

Last week, the United

States reported its first

severe case of the virus, in a

Louisiana resident above the

age of 65, who was suffering

from severe respiratory

illness.

The patient was infected

with the D1.1 genotype of

the virus that was recently

detected in wild birds and

poultry in the United States,

and not the B3.13 genotype

detected in dairy cows, human

cases and some poultry in

multiple states.

The mutations seen in

the patient are rare but have

been reported in some cases

in other countries and most

often during severe infections.

One of the mutations was

also seen in another severe

case from British Columbia,

Canada.

No transmission from the

patient in Louisiana to other

persons has been identified,

said the CDC.

U.S. Whooping Cough cases

soar to highest level in a decade

Submitted by Sabrina

Malhi (Source: Philadelphia

Tribune)

Whooping cough continues

to surge in the United States,

with reported cases soaring

to more than 32,000 this

year - nearly five times the

6,500 cases recorded during

the same period last year -

marking the highest levels in

a decade.

Health experts cite as

main culprits for the increase

waning vaccination rates

and a loss of broad immunity

tracing to coronavirus

lockdown protocols.

The disease, caused by

the bacterium Bordetella

pertussis, is highly

transmissible from person

to person through the air.

Because of their immature

immune systems, infants

younger than 1 year old are

at highest risk of contracting

whooping cough - also known

as pertussis - and are at most

significant risk of severe

illness.

Vaccination rates with the

DTaP shot - which protects

against diphtheria, tetanus

and pertussis - declined from

March through September

2020 at the height of the

coronavirus pandemic.

But because people were

following pandemic protocols

such as masking and social

distancing, cases did not soar.

Some children who missed

getting their shots during

that period may never have

received them, experts have

said.

There are two types of

In this Thursday, May 3, 2012 file photo, Nurses Fatima

Guillen, left, and Fran Wendt, right, give Kimberly

Magdeleno, 4, a whooping cough booster shot, as she is

held by her mother, Claudia Solorio, at a health clinic in

Tacoma, Wash. A government study offers a new theory

on why the whooping cough vaccine doesn’t seem to

prevent outbreaks that well. In research involving

baboons, researchers found that while the vaccine may

keep people from getting sick, it fails to prevent the

germ from spreading, said one of the researchers, Tod

Merkel of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

(AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File)

pertussis vaccines in the

United States. The DTaP for

young children and the Tdap

for teenagers and adults.

The DTaP vaccine is

administered as a series

of five shots to infants and

young children up to age 6.

DTaP provides protection

against illness for 98 percent

of children within a year of

their final dose, and about 71

percent of children remain

protected five years later,

according to the Centers

for Disease Control and

Prevention.

With the nation almost five

years removed from the early

days of the pandemic, cases

are back to pre-pandemic

levels, with more than 10,000

cases reported yearly - this

year, substantially more than

that.

Zachary Rubin, a pediatric

immunologist in Illinois, said

he has seen children in his

clinic with coughs that last

for months and said public

sentiment toward vaccines

has probably fostered

immunization hesitancy

Continue reading online at:

thewestsidegazette.com

A participant at the Child Care for North Carolina: United for Change rally in Raleigh listens to a lawmaker

who’s a member of the state’s early childhood caucus.

small family childcare home

centers to managing large

facilities, our careers have

been built on the belief

that every child deserves

a nurturing, stimulating

environment to grow. Chronic

underfunding threatens the

very foundation of this belief.

I was thrust into the world

of childcare out of necessity

when I lost my childcare

voucher as a single mother.

This personal crisis not only

led me into the field but has

fueled my commitment ever

since. At Pathway Preschool

Center, we’ve used the latest

round of federal funds to

improve teacher salaries

and enhance our facilities

significantly. These changes

aren’t just numbers on a page

— they mean that parents

can go to work knowing

their children are in safe,

stimulating environments.

This May 16, we are

not only closing our center;

we are taking our cause to

Raleigh, where we will join

hands with many to demand

sustained support. Without

the necessary funding or

resources, I will have to

aAAA

This Week in Health: Healthy Resolutions

2025 is almost here! Some of us will celebrate

extravagantly, others will ring in the new year

more quietly – perhaps at home, with family

or solo. Regardless of how we chose to

welcome 2025, we will most likely reflect on

the year that is quickly winding down and look

forward with hope and plans for a successful

year.

Resolutions are often at the top of our new

year to do list; after all, we want to start the

year off right, laying out our goals and plans

for self-improvement. Health goals often top

the list: weight loss, more exercise, smoking

cessation, etc. All worthy goals of course, but

sometimes unattainable because we set

unrealistic targets (excessive weight loss in a

short time, quitting alcohol cold turkey, for

example).

Health goals are best managed in consultation

with a health care professional, who may

guide certain targets such as weight loss or

reduction in the use of certain addictive

continue raising fees for

families and reducing our

hours to manage costs;

something we just cannot

afford to do. I am stepping out

because I know my center is

not alone in this battle. On

May 16, I’m bringing a busload

of staff from my center and the

families we serve to share our

personal stories, handwrite

letters to legislators and

speak out about what these

cuts mean for not only our

community and state but

the rest of the country. My

question to legislators is this:

“Who stands to lose care if you

don’t act now?” We will not

fail the marginalized Black

and brown children who will

be the most impacted by

your inaction, and until you

recognize the value of what

early childhood educators do

every day, we will not rest.

Like Emma, I started my

career in childcare to make

a safe space for my daughter

and give her the quality

experience I envisioned for

her. I did not know at the

time that there were so many

aspects of the profession that

were detrimental to childcare

December 31, 2024

Continue reading online at:

thewestsidegazette.com

Westside Health Brief

Marsha Mullings, MPH

substances. Consult trusted sources of

information about a variety of health topics.

The following are just a few of the most

reliable and well-vetted sources of

information on health and general well-being.

GENERAL HEALTH AND DISEASES INFORMATION

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

(CDC) – a great source of information about

specific diseases, disease outbreaks, and

general health and well-being topics.

www.cdc.gov

World Health Organization (WHO) – a wealth

of information about diseases, outbreaks and

pandemics. Topics are often related to a

worldwide audience. www.who.int

National Institutes of Health (NIH) – The NIH

is the one of the largest health and medical

bodies in the US. It is the umbrella

organization for 27 institutes and centers,

including the National Cancer Institute (NCI)

and the National Institute of Mental Health

(NIMH) among others. You can find

information about numerous health and

disease topics. www.nih.gov

DISEASE-SPECIFIC INFORMATION

providers and that I would

face many costly lessons over

the years. Even though I still

love what I do and hold early

childhood education close to

me, I am completely drained

mentally, physically, and

emotionally. As the director

of Landeeingdam Daycare

Inc., I see every day how

crucial adequate funding

is to maintain quality care.

Thanks to the recent grants,

the additional assistance

I could afford was a gamechanger

for our children’s

daily educational experiences.

Without continued funding,

not only might I lose this help,

but we may also be forced to

cut services or close, decisions

that would reverberate

throughout our community.

On May 16th, I will stand with

Emma and other childcare

providers at Halifax Mall to

share my story and those of

the families we serve.

Financial instability is a

standard to many in our field,

forcing numerous providers

and childcare workers to

take on second jobs just to

American Cancer Society (ACS) – This is one

of the largest cancer-related nonprofits,

providing information, and help resources on

cancer. www.cancer.org


PAGE 6 • JANUARY 2 - JANUARY 8, 2025

WESTSIDE

GAZETTE

Bobby R. Henry, Sr.

PUBLISHER

NEWSPAPER STAFF

Sonia Henry-Robinson

COMPTROLLER

Tawanna C. Taylor

ADMINISTRATIVE

ASST.

Pamela D. Henry

SENIOR EDITOR

Arri D. Henry

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Carma L. Henry

COMMUNITY NEWS

EDITOR

Sylvester “Nunnie’

Robinson SPORTS

Editor

Elizabeth D. Henry

CIRCULATION

MANAGER

NoRegret Media

WEBMASTER

Carma T. Taylor

DIGITAL SPECIALIST

Eric Sears

IT SPECIALIST

Ron Lyons

PHOTOGRAPHER

Levi Henry, Jr.: PUB-

LISHER

(Emeritus)

Yvonne Henry: EDITOR

(Emeritus)

WEBSITE:

www.thewestsidegazette.com

Broward County’s

Largest African

American Owned and

Operated

Newspaper Serving

Broward - Miami-Dade

and Palm Beach Counties

545 N.W. 7th Terrace

Fort Lauderdale, FL33311

Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 5304

Fort Lauderdale, FL33310

OFFICE (954) 525-1489

FAX: (954) 525-1861

E-MAIL ADDRESS:

MAIN

wgazette@thewestsidegazette.com

EDITOR

pamlewis@thewestsidegazette.com

COMMUNITY DIGEST

wgproof@thewestsidegazette.com

PUBLISHER

brhsr@thewestsidegazette.com

PROUD MEMBERS OF

THE: NATIONAL

NEWSPAPER

PUBLISHERS

ASSOCIATION (NNPA)

AND FLORIDA

ASSOCIATION

OF BLACK OWNED

MEDIA

The Westside Gazette

Newspaper is Published Weekly

by Bi-Ads. Inc. DBA Subscription

Rates: $50 Annual

$1.00 per copy

CREDO -The BlacPress

beieves that American best

lead the world away from racial

and national

antagonisms when it accords

to every person, regarless of

race, color or creed, full human

and legal rights. Hating no

person, feaing no person, the

Black Press strives to help

every person in the firm belief

that all are hurt as long as

anyone is held back.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

GUIDELINES

We welcome letters from the

public.Letters must be signed

with a clearly legible name

along with a compete address

and phone number.

No unsigned letters will be

considered for publication.

The Westside Gazette reserves

the right to edit letters. Letters

should be 500 words or less.

By Regi Taylor

Deeply Rooted

Press As the ‘Enemy’ Plus Black Journalists

As ‘Racist’ Equals Trump’s 2025 Payback

“Threats by Kash Patel, President-elect Trump’s pick for FBI director,

to use the power of the bureau to scrutinizenews outlets critical of the

incoming administration are sending a chill through the media.”--

The Hill, December 11, 2024

“I am your retribution!” At his first 2024

reelection campaign rally on March 25, 2023, in

Waco, Texas, former president Donald Trump,

pledged to his assembled supporters that on their

behalf he would seek ‘retribution’ against “those

who have been wronged and betrayed,” meaning

himself, if he is returned to the Oval Office.

In a hateful, menacing tone, Trump promised

his followers who were carrying placards that

read, ‘Witch Hunt: “I am your warrior, I am

your justice, I am your retribution.” For anyone

tempted to believe Donald Trump was engaging

in hyperbole, fifteen months later in June 2024,

Trump made the following statement in an

interview with talk show host, Dr. Phil: “Revenge

does take time, I will say that. And sometimes

revenge can be justified, Phil. I have to be honest.

Sometimes it can.”

Although Donald Trump earned a reputation

Copyright 2024 Regi Taylor All Rights Reserved

for unleashing his toddler-like vitriol on a wide

cast of characters over the years, showing no discrimination for whom he directs his ire, the one

institution he appears to have the strongest affinity for lambasting and demoralizing is the news

media. Trump’s declaration after taking office in January 2017 that the press was the “enemy

of the American people” sent shockwaves through the political and popular cultures, only for

Donald Trump to further amp up his animosity toward news organizations.

During a press conference nineteen months later, on November 7, 2018, Trump directed a

tirade against Jim Acosta, a Hispanic CNN White House reporter, for simply asking a question

Trump did not like, adding that Acosta was “a rude, terrible person” and suspending his White

House press pass. This episode was followed up by Mr. Trump remarking that he might rescind

the press credentials of other journalists that didn’t show him proper “respect.” Acosta’s White

House pass was restored days later by a judge after a court proceeding.

Also on that Wednesday, November 7, 2018, Mr. Trump attempted to bully highly regarded

A African American PBS White House correspondent, Yamiche Alcindor, referring to a

reasonable question she had asked as “racist!” Following up on a recent statement Trump had

made declaring himself a “nationalist,” Alcindor asked for clarification whether “some people

[might see] that as emboldening white nationalists?” A highly disturbed, emotionally reactive

Donald Trump retorted: “I don’t know why you say that. That is such a racist question!”

Two days later, November 9, 2018, still sulking from the imagined slight he felt the CNN

and PBS reporters of color had subjected him to, Trump directed his venom at African American

reporter, April Ryan, then a 20-year White House veteran correspondent and bureau chief for

American Urban Radio Networks, referring to her as nasty and stupid, and calling her a “loser”

who “doesn’t know what the hell she is doing.”

Apparently, having not fully expelled his angst directed at Ms. Ryan, during that same

November 9th press gaggle, Donald Trump refocused his bigoted attention to a distinguished

Harvard-trained female African American journalist, Abby Phillips, a CNN White House

correspondent. By Trump’s thin-skinned interpretation, Ms. Phillips’ inquiry as to whether

Trump wanted acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker to suspend special counsel Robert

Mueller’s investigation into ‘Russia-gate’ was viewed as an egregious personal affront.

The snarling offensiveness and full-on condescension Donald Trump lobbed at Abby Phillips

in response was more than unwarranted, it was a momentary peek behind the veil of his rabid,

racism-influenced contempt for journalists. “What a stupid question that is. What a stupid

question. But I watch you a lot. You ask a lot of stupid questions,” was the bad-intentioned

rhetoric Trump hurled back at the reporter.

Despite unrelenting attacks against every major print and broadcast news organization over

the last ten years, including his favored propaganda network, Fox News, Mr. Trump has focused

his most virulent attacks on the Black Press, specifically targeting female African American

reporters.

Donald Trump’s racist propensity to denigrate Black female reporters is so pathological that

despite being in the middle of his recent reelection campaign where he pathetically courted the

‘Black’ electorate using blatantly racist tropes and slight-of-hand media tactics, he could not

contain his bigotry long enough to complete an interview before the National Association of

Black Journalists (NABJ) without sabotaging his appearance.

Not only was Trump uncouth and remiss by grossly insulting his Afro-Asian American

female political opponent, Kamala Harris, in the presence female African American journalists,

he directed repeated insults at those same journalists, particularly his hostess and moderator,

ABC News’ Rachel Scott, repeatedly calling her “nasty.”

As one who is perpetually hellbent on payback, I suspect Trump accepted the invitation

to appear before NABJ in the first place to avenge the letter of condemnation the association

issued six years earlier in response to the candidate’s 2018 attacks on April Ryan and Abby

Phillips. Donald Trump is that hateful.

This ominous cycle of events brings us full circle to Donald Trump’s dubious inauguration

in less than three weeks, and with it the remaking of an America that only the eldest among

us might crudely recognize. It doesn’t require a reading of the tea leaves or a rocket scientist’s

analysis of the data to understand where Donald and MAGA intend to take America – back, way

back.

Trump’s unbridled disdain for journalists as enemies of the people, coupled with his perception

that political opposition by the Black press who overwhelmingly supported Joe Biden, and then

Kamala Harris, constituting flagrant disloyalty, makes the Black press prominent among his

enemies and therefore to be targeted for the retribution and revenge he has been promising to

wield.

The already financially challenged Black news industry, consistent with the generally

declining news industry overall due to changes in demographics, nontraditional shifts in how

younger generations access and consume news and information, and a precipitous decline in

youth reading proficiency, makes Black journalism particularly vulnerable to whatever sinister

response may come from the new administration’s certain anti-press crusade.

The Supreme Court’s decision to untether Donald Trump from any legal restraints, literally

including political assassination, and most of the Republican party having been cowed, becoming

unabashedly submissive to MAGA, demonstrating their fealty by routinely rubber-stamping

Trump’s draconian policies and pronouncements, it is anyone’s guess what vicious tactics might

be employed to neutralize news media critics in general and the strongly Democrat-leaning

national African American news apparatus in particular.

The stage is set to openly make America hate again.

The Year Past and the Year Ahead

By Mel Gurtov

The global citizen agenda

for 2025 is very much like

that for 2024—and probably

for some years afterward. It

includes global warming and

related environmental crises;

US-China tensions; challenges

to democracy and peace in

Europe and Africa; interstate

and intrastate violence in

the Middle East; and nuclear

weapons upgrading. A new

addition to this list is another

Trump administration, which

creates the potential for

exceptional chaos in the US

and worldwide.

War

Wars in Europe and the

Middle East show no sign of

ending. At extraordinary cost

in lives and the economy,

Russia plows ahead in

its effort to exterminate

Ukraine. Vladimir Putin has

been declared a war criminal

by the International Criminal

www.thewestsidegazette.com

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.

Court, but he isn’t going to

be arrested. He shows no

interest in anything other

than a victor’s peace.

With Donald Trump’s

help, he may get it—a sizable

chunk of Ukraine’s territory

in exchange for a halt to the

fighting. European supporters

of Ukraine will be under

mounting pressure at home

to bring the war to a close

and reduce Europe’s cost. It’s

possible that 2025 could be

the year Ukraine is forced to

Loyal Unqualified Nominees

“A loyal, unqualified nominee lacking integrity

and morality is no friend to Democracy, the

rule of law, or the US Constitution!”

John Johnson II.. 12/24/24

By John Johnson II

Managing America’s government

of, for, and by the people is a tough

and challenging job for its President.

Consequently, it behooves a President

to surround himself with the most

competent and battle-tested Cabinet

Members in the Country. The urgency

of this need for competence cannot

be overstated. While loyalty is a lofty

qualification, a loyal, unqualified

nominee, even an unqualified

billionaire, is more dangerous than a

platoon of political opponents. It’s the competence that ensures

the stability and progress of our government.

President-elect Trump was a Mega Star of the hit TV show,

the “Apprentice” long before becoming the Commander-In-

Chief. Also, he was the highest-paid star at that time, earning a

half billion dollars. He was famous for identifying unqualified

Apprentices and issuing his trademark phrase, “You’re Fired.”

Nevertheless, the Presidency isn’t a TV show, despite its

many viewers and receiving endless media coverage. He has

a penchant and a quick temperament for firing unloyal and

incompetent Cabinet Members. Yet the more competent hired

lessen the need for firings!

Consequently, why would voters and certainly Senators be

comfortable supporting the President’s attempts to fill a host

of Cabinet positions with loyalists who are utterly unqualified

nominees for the position? The potential consequences of such

appointments could be not only embarrassing but dangerous.

It’s up to us, the voters and the Senators, to voice our concerns

and make informed decisions.

An unqualified loyal nominee sitting for a photo op is

drastically different from offering advice regarding a crisis in

the Middle East. Still, a President surrounded by a cast of loyal,

unqualified nominees doesn’t produce a strong government of,

for, and by the people.

2025: Hope for the Best,

Prepare for the Worst

By Tom H. Hastings

Here comes a new year. We are about

to transition from a bumbling elderly

president’s administration to a chaotic

malignant elderly narcissist’s attempt

at autocracy. What could possibly go

wrong?

But also, what could go right?

The US military has some 750 bases

in at least 80 other nations, with more

than 170,000 troops deployed overseas

in many of the countries of the world. To

date, there has been bipartisan support

for this, even though the rest of the world is filled with leaders

who are increasingly aggrieved by this--let’s be blunt: few

people like foreign soldiers patrolling their lands. We are those

foreign soldiers.

Maybe Donald Trump will reverse that. Maybe, in his

myopic and pompous Me First rule he will draw down some

of that global grasp. If he does, it could be a temporary

alignment between a belligerent braggart and a planetary

peace movement, the strangest of bedfellows. The interests of

Trump and the peace movement are radically different, but if

they overlap enough in practice, it could be some small step

forward in an unexpected shared practice.

Ah, you say, but that’s an invitation to the dictators of

the world to aggressively seek to invade and occupy other

lands. Look at Russia and Ukraine, Russia and all its former

Soviet republics, all of which are fearing a return to Russian

imperialism. Look at China, threatening Taiwan and who

knows where else.

True. In a world where might makes right, it seems sensible

to acquire massive military power and defend our country and

our allies.

But what if there were a different kind of might? After all,

with climate chaos threatening every country on Earth and the

military having the largest carbon bootprint of any sector of

the world’s human activities, our addiction to military power

is going to prove not just lethal to others, but also to ourselves.

A climate emergency that threatens to make planet Earth

uninhabitable means that continuing our pathetic dependence

on having a military in more places than any empire in human

history is ultimately simply self-inflicted harm.

What happens when Estonia is invaded by Russia? What

will Trump do then? What if he basically does what he said he

would--let Russia “do whatever the hell they want”?

Continue reading online at: thewestsidegazette.com

barter land for peace, as Pres.

Zelensky lately says he’s

open to discussing if Ukraine

can be protected from future

Russian aggression.

In the second year of

Israel’s war with Hamas, we

once again hear talk about

a cease-fire agreement that

would lead to an exchange of

hostages for prisoners. Maybe,

but the main stories in 2025

will be, 1) Israel’s expansion

into the occupied territories,

Lebanon, and Syria, 2) the

terrible destruction in Gaza

and the humanitarian crisis

there, both of which will take

generations

to repair, and,

3) turmoil in

Israeli politics

as the far

right under

Benjamin

Netanyahu

seeks not only

to establish a Greater Israel

by force of arms but also to

resurrect its anti-democracy

project in the name of judicial

reform.

Politics in Iran and Syria

is bound to be tumultuous—

Continue reading online at:

thewestsidegazette.com


www.thewestsidegazette.com

BUSINESS

UNITY IN THE

COMMUNITY DIRECTORY

JANUARY 2 - JANUARY 8, 2025 • PAGE 7

Trump Allegedly Studying Privatizing

USPS, But He Might Run Into Legal Issues

Submitted by

Jason Faulkner

(Source Yahoo! News)

Cell: 754-234-4485

Office: 954-733-7700 ext. 111

Fax: 954-731-0333

Kenneth R. Thurston

REALTOR, CPM, CAM

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

Lauderdale Lakes, FL 33313

Web: www.acclaimcares.com

Yahoo is using AI to

generate takeaways from

this article. This means

the info may not always

match what’s in the article.

Reporting mistakes helps us

improve the experience.

Generate Key Takeaways

According to reports,

President-elect Donald

Trump is weighing whether

to privatize the USPS

when he takes office. He’s

allegedly held discussions

about taking the postal

service private with a group

of transition officials and

commerce secretary pick

Howard Lutnick, according

to The Washington Post.

However, Trump will likely

face multiple legal hurdles if

he decides to move forward

with any significant changes

to USPS operations.

Trump has no authority to

privatize the Postal Service

The USPS has had issues

meeting its requirement

to be self-financing since

the Postal Accountability

and Enhancement Act was

passed in 2006. That act

required the Postal Service

to fully fund the medical

benefits for every potential

retiree in advance, which

was a major financial burden.

The Postal Service Reform

Act lifted that requirement

in 2022. However, the USPS

continues to struggle and

has reported a tentative $9.5

billion in losses for 2024.

Trump floated the idea of

privatizing the USPS during

his first term, which was met

with disdain by the public

and Congress alike. While

the Postal Service is part of

the executive branch, it’s an

independent agency, and its

operations aren’t under the

purview of the president. So,

Trump could not dissolve it

via executive order. He could

influence the agency’s future

by attempting to starve

it of funds or appointing

sympathetic members to the

board. Still, it would take an

act of Congress to actually

privatize the Postal Service.

However, the USPS

doesn’t have constitutional

protections. It’s a common

misconception that the

Postal Clause (Article I,

Section 8, Clause 7) of the

United States Constitution

requires Congress to

establish a postal system. It

reads:

“The Congress shall have

Power…To establish Post

Image Credit: Getty Images/UCG

Offices and post Roads”

The clause grants, but

doesn’t require, Congress

to create a mail system.

There’s also no imperative

that one be maintained if it

is created. As such, there’s

no constitutional barrier to

dissolving the USPS.

Family Matters Planning

& Consulting LLC

“Family Protect Before

You Need It”

Home-Auto-Commerical-

Disability-Health-Life-Annuity

Gina Hankerson

Burial Trust - Final Expense

Consultant

Funeral Pre-Arrangements

Angelic Monument Headstones-Quality,

Fair Pricing & Fast Production time

Document Preperation-Wills-PoA-Living

Wills

Remote Online Notary

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

Info@FamilyMattersInsuranceagency.com

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

Insurance, Bonding, Notary

Cynthia Alexander

President, CEO

Medicare Specialist

Cell: 954-464-7253

cynthia@cynagroup.com

www.cynagroup.com

STS TAX STS TAX

SERVICES INC. in association with

Johnnie Smith, Jr.

Jr.

Enrolled Agent

Agent

Franchise Tax T

ax Professional

P

* Tax Preparation * Accounting * Payroll

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

*Payroll

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309

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

Suite 204

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309

Cell (954) 303-5779

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

johnnie.smith@hrblock.com

Cell (954) 303-5779

johnnie.smith@hrblock.com

www.hrblock.com

www.hrblock.com

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

Medicare, or just need a free Medicare review.

Local support to help you navigate your Medicare

options.

Make an appointment today for Monday – thru –

Saturday.

CYNA Group: 7061 W Commercial Blvd, Ste 5

Tamarac Fl. 33319

133 N. State Road 7

Plantation, Fla. 33317

(Corner of Broward Blvd. & State Rd. 7

(954) 587-7075

* $29.50 - Single Vision

*$44.50 - Bifocal * $89.50 - Progressive

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

FRED LOVELL, Lic. Opt.

(Over 30 Years in Optics)

Advertise Here

Have Your Business Card Placed On This Page

For more information, call (954) 525-1489


PAGE 8 • JANUARY 2 - JANUARY 8, 2025

CHURCH DIRECTORY

First Baptist Church Piney Grove, Inc.

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

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

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS

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

Church Website: www.fbcpineygrove.org

Dr. Ezra Tillman, Jr. Senior Pastor

WORSHIP SERVICES

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

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

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

"Winning the World for Jesus"

Harris Chapel Church, Inc.

Rev. Stanley Melek, M.Div

e-mail: harrischapelinc@gmail.com

2351 N.W. 26th Street

Oakland Park, Florida 33311

Church Telephone: (954) 731-0520

SERVICES

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

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

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

Living Waters Christian Fellowship

Meeting at Central Charter School Building #5

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

(954) 295-6894

SUNDAY SERVICE: 10 AM

Iwcf2019@gmail.com (Church)

lerrub13@gamil.com (Pastor)

Rev. Anthony & Virgina Burrell

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

Mount Hermon A.M.E. Church

Reverend Henry E. Green, III, Pastor

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

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

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

Email info@mthermonftl.com

SUNDAY CHURCH SERVICES

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

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

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

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

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

Meeting ID: 826 2716 8390 access code 55568988#

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

(716) 427-1407 Access Code 296233#

(712) 432-1500 Access Code 296233#

New Mount Olive Baptist Church

Dr. Marcus D. Davidson, Senior Pastor

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

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

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS

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

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33310

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

mzbc2011@gmail.com - www.mtzionmbc1161.com

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS

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

WORSHIP SERVICES

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

Have Your Church Placed On Our

Church Directory

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

WORSHIP SERVICES

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

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312

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.

www.thewestsidegazette.com

Every Christian's Church

SUNDAY @11:00 am

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

Bible Trivia

‘Test Your Bible Knowledge'

1) What did the eleven remaining disciples decide to do about the

lost of the twelve one, Judas?

2) What was the second miracle Jesus performed in Galilee?

3) How many books in the New Testament did Paul write?

4) What is Theology?

5) Can you name four attributes of God?

6) What is Soteriology?

7) What Book in the Bible you would turn to if you wanted to find

“Two people struck dead from lying to the church?

8) What Book in the Bible you would turn to if you wanted to find

”Faith without works is dead?

***Bible fact – Did you know that while running from Saul,

David pretended to be crazy as he ran into the enemy’s clutches

(Philistines) This act saved him from the wrath of Saul. (1st Sam.

21:12-15).

Answers – 1) Acts 1:24-26; 2) John 4:43-54; 3) 13 books, although

some feels that Paul authored 14 books; 4) The study of

God; 5) Immutability, omnipresence, omniscient, omnipotent; 6)

The study of Salvation; 7) Acts 5:1-10; 8) James 2:20

Denzel Washington Gets

Baptized at 70 Years Old,

Receives Minister’s License

(Source: Blacknews.com)

NATIONWIDE -- Denzel Washington was recently baptized

in a ceremony at a New York church a few days before he turns

70 years old. He was also granted a minister’s license, allowing

him to officiate at religious services and pursue ordination in

the future.

The Oscar-winning actor, currently starring in Gladiator

II, was baptized on Saturday at Kelly Temple Church of

God in Christ in Harlem, according to EURweb. The service,

streamed on Facebook, showed Washington in a white robe

being immersed in the church’s ritual pool, where he received

his baptism certificate.

Washington’s early life was shaped by his strong Christian

upbringing, with his father serving as a Pentecostal minister.

Though he attended church as a child, Washington’s personal

faith grew later in life. He now attends the West Angeles

Church of God in Christ in Los Angeles.

Washington called the baptism his “greatest

accomplishment,” and shared an emotional message about

faith during the service.

“It took a while, but I’m finally here… If [God] can do this

for me, there’s nothing He can’t do for you. The sky literally is

the limit,” Washington said.

Meanwhile, the event gained attention on social media.

Many praised his decision to hold the ceremony in a modest

church, while some questioned the speed at which celebrity

ministers are granted such responsibilities.


www.thewestsidegazette.com

Richard Parsons, Esteemed Corporate

Leader and Jazz Enthusiast, Dies at 76

Parsons, who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2015,

had scaled back his professional commitments in recent years

due to complications from the disease.

By Stacy M. Brown,

NNPA Newswire Senior

National Correspondent @

StacyBrownMedia

Richard Dean Parsons,

a distinguished leader in

corporate America renowned

for his roles at Time Warner

and Citigroup, died Thursday

at his Manhattan home. He

was 76.

Parsons, who was

diagnosed with multiple

myeloma in 2015, had

scaled back his professional

commitments in recent years

due to complications from

the disease. Lazard, the

financial services firm where

Parsons was a longtime board

member, confirmed his death.

Ronald Lauder, chairman

emeritus of Estée Lauder,

called Parsons “a colossus in

the worlds of business, media,

culture, and philanthropy.”

Parsons resigned from the

boards of Lazard and Estée

Lauder earlier this month for

health reasons, ending a 25-

year tenure with the latter

company.

David Zaslav, CEO of

Warner Bros. Discovery,

described Parsons as a “great

mentor and friend” and

credited him as “one of the

greatest problem solvers this

industry has ever seen.”

Born on April 4, 1948, in

Brooklyn, New York, Parsons

exhibited academic excellence

from a young age, beginning

college at just 16. He earned

his law degree from Albany

Law School in 1971. His

career began as a lawyer and

counselor to then-New York

Governor Nelson Rockefeller

and later included a role in

the White House during the

Ford administration.

Parsons transitioned to the

private sector as managing

partner at Patterson,

Belknap, Webb & Tyler and

later served as chief operating

officer of Dime Bancorp. In

1995, he became president of

Time Warner, overseeing its

entertainment and corporate

operations. He ascended

to CEO in 2002, where he

worked to strengthen the

company’s financial position

and reshape its portfolio. Most

recognized Parson as one of

America’s top executives.

Parsons played a critical

role during challenging

periods at both Time Warner

and Citigroup. He became

Citigroup chairman in 2009

Continue reading online at:

thewestsidegazette.com

CNBC’s ‘Squawk Box’ team discusses CBS’s interim

chairman after former CEO Les Moonves left the CBS

board amid sexual misconduct claims. (YouTube.com

Screen capture)

Cynthia “Tudy” Walden

Cynthia “Tudy”

Walden, born on

March 3, 1964, in

Sarasota, Florida,

to the late Frances

Bostic-Walden

and Willie Walden

Sr., passed away

peacefully,

surrounded by her

loved ones, at the

age of 60.

Cynthia served

with dedication for

26 years with the

School Board of

Broward County

before retiring due to

health challenges.

Her colleagues and

those whose lives she

touched will always

remember her as a

hard-working and

compassionate

individual who was

deeply committed to her community.

Tudy’s love for family was at the center of everything she

did. She leaves behind two beloved daughters: Shontae

Walden of Lauderdale Lakes, Fl,

Shakeda Williams-Standifer, and

her devoted son-in-law, Henry

Standifer Jr., of Pompano Beach, FL,

and her only son Waylon Milliard of

Thomaston ME. She was the proud

grandmother of Henry Standifer III,

Ayden Standifer, Ashton Standifer,

and Kyler Millard.

A celebration of Tudy’s life will

be held at Word of the Living God

Ministries in Pompano Beach Fl,

on January 4 ,2025 at 10 a.m. A

viewing will be held at Bell’s Funeral

Service on January 3, 2025 from 5

to7 p.m. All are welcome to come together to honor the

memory of this extraordinary woman who leaves behind

an indelible legacy of love and service.

Greg Gumbel, legendary CBS broadcaster, dies at 78

Deeply Rooted

Gumbel was a regular in CBS’s

coverage of both the NFL and

college basketball, always

providing a welcoming face

in either the broadcast booth

or the studio host’s chair. He

retired from NFL coverage in

2022 but continued handling

VIEW OBITUARIES ONLINE AT

www.thewestsidegazette.com

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

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

Deaconess

Patricia

Moore

Funeral

Service will

be held

January 4th

at Lighthouse

Worship

Center.

Tameka

Holliman-

Perdoma

Funeral

Service

will be held

January 4th at

St Paul Baptist

Church.

Casey Myers

Love And Grace

Funeral And

Cremation Service

Hattie Mae

Johnson - 96

Funeral

Service

ws held

December

28th at the

Calvary

Baptist Church.

Shanandra

Aunitra Jones

- 42

Funeral Service

was held

December 27th

at New Shiloh

Missionary

Baptist Church.

Latasha

Robertson - 47

Funeral Service

was held

December 28th

The

Calvary

Baptist Church.

the college hoops side of the

job until this year.

Gumbel stepped away

from covering the 2024 NCAA

tournament, with “family

Continue reading online at:

thewestsidegazette.com

JANUARY 2 - JANUARY 8, 2025 • PAGE 9

James C. Boyd

Funeral Home Services

Neacy Mae

Graham – 89

Funeral

Service

was held

December 28 th

at Restoring

Grace

Community

Church with Dr. Jerome

Symonette officiating.

Derek

Nathainel

Harden, Sr. –

54

Funeral

Service

was held

December

30 th at James

C. Boyd’s

Memorial Chapel.

Janice S.

Harrell – 63

Funeral

Service

was held

December

30th at New

Mount Olive

Baptist Church with Rev. Dr.

Marcus D. Davidson officiating.

Apostle

Bolatito

Kuburat

Idown – 66

Funeral

Service

was held

December 28 th

at James C. Boyd’s Memorial

Chapel with Pastor Sam

Gbadebo officiating.

Betty Jean

Moore

Funeral Service

was held

December 28 th

at James C.

Boyd’s Memorial

Chapel with Rev.

Joyce Wright

officiating.

Emma Nell

Williams – 95

Funeral Service

was held

December 30 th

at New Mount

Olive Baptist

Church with

Rev. Dr Marcus D. Davidson

officiating.

McWhite’s Funeral

Home Services

Della Dean

Cooper

Funeral Service

was held

December 28th at

McWhite’s

Funeral Home

Chapel.

Charles R.

“Oola” Dorsey,

Jr.

Funeral Service

was held

December 28th

at Mt. Nebo

Missionary

Baptist Church.

Cynthia

Ferguson

Funeral

Service

was held

December 27th

at Star of

Bethlehem Missionary Baptist

Church.

Henry Paul Memory service on

December 27th at McWhite’s

Funeral Home Chapel.

Roy Mizell & Kurtz

Funeral Home Services

Deaconess

Carrie Robertson

74

Funeral

Service was

held

December

27th .

By Jjack Baer Staff Writer

(Source: yahoo!sports)

Greg Gumbel was a

mainstay for CBS Sports.

(Kyle Terada-USA TODAY

Sports)

Greg Gumbel, the popular

CBS broadcaster who spent

decades on the airwaves

covering a multitude of sports,

died Friday. He was 78 years

old.

His family revealed in a

statement to CBS News that

he died after a battle with

cancer:

It is with profound sadness

that we share the passing

of our beloved husband

and father, Greg Gumbel.

He passed away peacefully

surrounded by much love

after a courageous battle with

cancer. Greg approached his

illness like one would expect

he would, with stoicism, grace,

and positivity.

He leaves behind a

legacy of love, inspiration

and dedication to over 50

extraordinary years in the

sports broadcast industry;

and his iconic voice will never

be forgotten.

Greg’s memory will forever

be treasured by his family,

dearest friends, colleagues and

all who loved him. — Marcy &

Michelle Gumbel

CBS Sports also released a

statement praising Gumbel’s

impact on the world of sports.

A statement from CBS

Sports on the passing of

Greg Gumbel pic.twitter.com/

Bp4ixu7mWB

— CBS Sports PR (@

CBSSportsGang) December

27, 2024

For more than two decades,


PAGE 10 • JANUARY 2 - JANUARY 8, 2025

Deeply Rooted

www.thewestsidegazette.com

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – Broward

Health is pleased to announce the arrival of

Robert Dahl, MBA, FACHE, as chief executive

officer of Broward Health Imperial Point. In

his new role, which begins this week, Dahl will

lead Broward Health Imperial Point’s overall

administration and related regional operations

to ensure high-quality care and service for the

community.

A seasoned, high-impact executive, Dahl

has a proven history of long-term results

across large, multi-site hospital environments.

He most recently served as president and chief

executive officer of Ascension Saints Mary and

Elizabeth Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois,

where he provided strategic and operational

leadership for two campuses. During his

tenure, Dahl boosted service delivery and

patient satisfaction scores by closely aligning

administrative direction and patient quality

and safety measures. Ascension is one of

the largest safety net and behavioral health

hospitals in Illinois.

Appoints

New CEO of

Broward Health

Imperial Point

Submitted by Nina Levine

Dahl has also led other Chicago-based

healthcare organizations, including as

president and CEO of Ascension Resurrection

Medical Center, an award-winning,

community-based teaching hospital, and

senior vice president and chief operating officer

of Surgical Directions, a nationwide leader of

perioperative and anesthesia consulting.

“We look forward to Bob’s strategic vision,

results-driven outlook and deep knowledge of

healthcare administration,” said Shane Strum,

President & CEO of Broward Health. “I am

confident that under his leadership, Broward

Health will continue to deliver exceptional

care, advanced innovative practices and

strengthen its mission of improving the health

and well-being of the communities we serve.”

Dahl earned his Master of Business

Administration from Northwestern

University’s Kellogg School of Business in

Evanston, Illinois, and his Bachelor of Science

from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb,

Illinois.

Recognizing and Valuing Home-Based Child Care

NNPA NEWSWIRE — Home-Based childcare is essential because it meets the unique needs of certain

families whose special requirements are not met in other care settings. HBCC services are often preferred

by rural communities, families working nontraditional hours, families with babies and toddlers, Black

and Latinx families, and families of children with special needs.

By Susan Nobblitt

FAMU Announces Antonio Witherspoon

As New University Registrar

Submitted by FAMU Public Relation

TALLAHASSEE, FL. —Florida A&M University

(FAMU) announces Antonio Witherspoon as the new

University Registrar, effective Jan. 3, 2025. A threetime

graduate of FAMU, Witherspoon brings a wealth of

experience in academic administration, student services,

and civic leadership to his new role.

“Witherspoon’s deep connection to the University’s

mission and community will help propel the Registrar’s

Office forward in helping students achieve their

educational goals,” says Provost Allyson Watson, Ph.D.

MDC, a nonprofit organization based in

Durham, North Carolina, advances equitable

systems change in the Southern United States.

Our educational equity team supports home-based

childcare providers who work to transform systems

that created the current childcare crisis. Home-

Based Child Care (HBCC) serves most children

in North Carolina for early education. HBCC is

childcare provided in a home, rather than in an

institutional or outdoor setting. We focus on care

that specifically takes place in the provider’s home

and where the care is provided by individuals

who are not the legal guardians of the child being

WITHERSPOON

“His passion for student success and commitment to operational excellence make him an ideal

fit for this leadership role. His extensive experience and deep ties to FAMU’s mission will drive

transformative progress in the Registrar’s Office.”

Witherspoon currently serves in the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic

Affairs as a coordinator of administrative services where he manages daily operations,

coordinates university-wide projects, and provides comprehensive support to academic

leadership. He provides budget oversight, strategic resource allocation, and fosters collaboration

to address academic concerns effectively. Witherspoon’s commitment to academic excellence

is evident in his leadership of key university committees and his contributions to faculty

development initiatives.

Previously, Witherspoon served in the Registrar’s Office for more than 11 years, where he

spearheaded transformative projects, such as implementing innovative scheduling systems,

streamlining credit evaluations, and optimizing degree audit processes. His efforts significantly

improved student experiences, reduced processing errors, and enhanced operational efficiency.

“I am deeply humbled to return to the FAMU Registrar’s Office in this capacity,” says

Witherspoon. “The immediate past registrar, Agatha Onwunli, set a high standard for

innovation and trust, and I am committed to raising the bar even higher alongside a talented

team.”

cared for. North Carolina families rely on HBCCs

either by choice or necessity. It is estimated that

64% of North Carolina children are in home-based

child care outside of the formal licensing system

statewide. Amidst the growing conversation about

the need to sustain child care, 85% of all closures

of North Carolina child care businesses since

February 2020 have been licensed home-based

child care businesses. Home-Based childcare is

essential because it meets the unique needs of

certain families whose special requirements are not

met in other care settings. HBCC services are often

preferred by rural communities, families working

Continue reading online at:

thewestsidegazette.com

UPCOMING ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITY

Working to make Dr. Martin

Luther King, Jr.’s dream a reality.

Here are five actionable ways we can work toward

making the vision of equality, justice, and unity

come to fruition and honor his incredible legacy:

1. Promote Racial Equity in Education - Advocate for equal access to quality education for all children, regardless

of race or socioeconomic background. Support initiatives that provide resources, scholarships, and mentorship

programs to underserved communities.

2. Fight for Economic Justice - Support policies that address wage gaps, expand job opportunities, and promote

fair treatment in the workplace. Choose to spend your dollars with businesses that prioritize diversity, inclusion,

and community reinvestment.

3. Engage in Community Service - Volunteer your time and resources to organizations that serve marginalized

communities. Whether mentoring youth, organizing food drives, or supporting local nonprofits, grassroots efforts

build stronger, more connected communities.

4. Advocate for Nonviolence and Social Justice

Uphold Dr. King’s philosophy of nonviolence by participating in peaceful activism.

Stand against discrimination, injustice, and inequality by using your voice and platform

to call for systemic change.

5. Foster Unity and Understanding

Break down barriers by building relationships across cultural, racial, and religious

lines. Engage in meaningful conversations, educate yourself and others, and work to

create spaces where diversity is celebrated, and inclusion is the norm.

Carter’s Legacy of Inclusion Endures from FP

people to the government to work, prove

themselves, learn skills, and move up so

that the next time there’s a job opening in

management or whatever, they’re there. Boom,

they can move up,” Beck told television station

WALB.

Many observers said Carter’s relationship

with Black voters and civil rights leaders

formed the foundation of his leadership. Martin

Luther King Sr., known as “Daddy King,” was

an advisor and confidant, guiding Carter on

policies to advance civil rights. Coretta Scott

King, Andrew Young, and other civil rights

leaders saw Carter as someone who could

carry the movement’s progress forward. “He

was an upright man, different from the other

Southerners,” said Bobby Fuse, a civil rights

activist who supported Carter’s gubernatorial

campaign in 1970.

Carter’s ability to rise above the racism

entrenched in his Southern roots defined

much of his political career. As a young school

board member in Plains, Georgia, he resisted

pressure to join the White Citizens’ Council

and objected to his church’s exclusion of Black

worshippers. Rachel Clark, a Black woman

who worked on the Carter family farm, helped

influence his moral compass. She taught him

about selflessness and community, lessons

that guided him throughout his life. “He even

got teased in school for sounding Black,” said

Jonathan Alter, author of “His Very Best:

Jimmy Carter, a Life.”

When Carter ran for governor of Georgia in

1970, his campaign initially used dog whistles

to appeal to white voters. However, after his

victory, his inaugural address declared, “The

time for racial discrimination is over.” Carter

appointed Black judges, supported fair housing

laws, and challenged systemic racism in ways

that surprised even his critics.

Martin Luther King

Sr. praised Carter,

writing, “I know

a man I can trust,

Blacks can trust,

and that man is

Jimmy Carter.”

After leaving the Oval Office, Carter’s

commitment to service never waned. Over four

decades, he and his wife Rosalynn partnered

with Habitat for Humanity, building thousands

of homes for needy families. Mark Minick,

a Friends of Jimmy Carter Board member,

described Carter’s relentless dedication. “He

was initiating it, he was asking for volunteers,”

Minick stated in a 2023 interview. “He never

minded asking you to do anything, and if he did

ask you to do something, you’d figure out how

to do it.”

Carter’s human rights advocacy extended

globally. His negotiation of the Camp David

Accords remains a pivotal achievement,

securing peace between Israel and Egypt. Even

later in life, Carter stood firm on controversial

issues like Palestinian freedom. The Council

on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) issued

a statement recognizing Carter’s courage.

“President Carter was a humanitarian role

model,” said CAIR Executive Director Nihad

Awad. “Even when he faced vitriolic attacks

for his prescient book ‘Palestine: Peace, Not

Apartheid,’ he stood firm.”

Carter’s connection to the Black Press also

marked a historic milestone. In 1977, he invited

Black journalists to the White House for the first

time and issued Proclamation 4507, declaring

Black Press Day. That year coincided with the

150th anniversary of “Freedom’s Journal,” the

nation’s first Black newspaper.

“Whenever I had a chance to spend time

with President Carter, it was clear that he

didn’t just profess these values,” said former

President Barack Obama. “He embodied them.

He made that choice again and again over the

course of his 100 years, and the world is better

for it.”

From a peanut farmer to President of the

United States, “his incredible life, legacy, and

leadership are a testament to the power of the

American dream,” said House Democratic Leader

Hakeem Jeffries. “His commitment to humility,

kindness, and service to others will continue to

be a North Star for future generations of public

servants.”

Vice President Kamala Harris added, “After

leaving office, President Carter continued his

fight for peace, democracy, and human dignity

through the Carter Center. His life and legacy

continue to inspire me—and will inspire

generations to come. Our world is a better place

because of President Carter.”

Carter once said during his Nobel Peace Prize

acceptance speech, “God gives us the capacity

for choice. We can choose to alleviate suffering.

We can choose to work together for peace.”


www.thewestsidegazette.com

JANUARY 2 - JANUARY 8, 2025 • PAGE 11

Preslavery Savants

By Don Valentine

Ever since the birth of our nation in 1776,

we’ve been treated to the heartwarming tale of

how slavery was, in fact, a benevolent act for

Black folks. Fifty years into our Union, South

Carolina Senator John C. Calhoun in his 1837

anti-abolitionist speech said, “Never before

has the Black race of Central Africa, from the

dawn of history to the present day, attained a

condition so civilized and so improved, not only

physically, but morally and intellectually.”

That mendacious sentiment has been

reinforced by the suppression of Black history

in schools.

The American Society for Biochemistry and

Molecular Biology (ASBMB) wrote, “Sadly,

the vast majority of discussions on the origins

of science include only the Greeks, Romans

and other Whites. But, in fact most of their

discoveries came thousands of years after

African developments.” Black cultures ignited

the field of astronomy with brilliant discoveries

that predated White colonization.

The Dogon tribe are an African tribal

people that live in Mali, and their culture is

steeped in ceremonial traditions centered on

Submitted by Kay Renz

Public Relations

Mark your calendars, music

lovers! Pompano Beach Arts

is thrilled to announce Jazz

Fest Pompano Beach will

return to the City’s beautiful

shore on January 24th and

25th, 2025. This 4 th annual

festival promises to be bigger

and tastier than ever before,

featuring a stellar lineup

of renowned jazz musicians

including Joshua Redman

& Gabrielle Cavassa, Judith

Hill, Randy Brecker, and

Jazz Funk Soul alongside

a vibrant new food court

with a New Orleans flavor!

This free festival will once

again be hosted by Mark

Ruffin of Sirius XM’s Real

Jazz. There is no charge for

General Admission tickets

but registration is required.

There are a limited number

of VIP Seats at $200 for a

2-day pass. Complete details

at www.pompanobeacharts.

org/jazzfest.

“This year’s event will

feature two days of critically

acclaimed artists who have

graced the stages of the biggest

jazz events in the world.

We are honored to produce

this landmark festival for

our community, shining the

spotlight on our City while

welcoming music lovers from

all over the state and beyond,”

said Ty Tabing, Director of

The City of Pompano Beach

Cultural Affairs Department,

operating as Pompano Beach

Arts. “Our Cultural Affairs

Department is grateful to the

City Commission for their

support of events like Jazz

Fest, which impact our City’s

economic development while

enhancing the quality of life

for our residents.”

During the next few months

more details about the festival

will be announced including

food vendors, art installations

and much more. Stay tuned

to the Jazz Fest page on our

website.

Jazz Fest Pompano Beach

2025 also has many attractive

sponsorship opportunities.

Pompano Beach Arts is proud

to welcome Visit Lauderdale

to our roster of supporters and

there are many partnership

levels available to showcase

businesses to the over 15,000

people expected to attend this

several extraterrestrial events. That tribe

of “uncivilized, illiterate savages, achieved

incredible feats of observation. The Dogans

identified Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s moons, and

the spiral structure of the Milky Way. They

even tracked the orbit of Sirius, a star system

so dense and faint that it’s invisible to the

naked eye.

Noteworthy are the Kenyans who built

Nabta Playa. It’s a structure known as the

African Stonehenge, and it was constructed

around 300 B.C., thousands of years before

Europe’s. Anthropology News wrote, “African

cultural astronomy exists in traditions and

knowledge passed orally from generation

to generation. Africans used knowledge of

the stars to chart seasons and to regulate

agricultural cycles and ritual calendars.

Celestial bodies were used to coordinate both

work and social activities; they played and

continue to play roles in divination, spatial

design, and decision making…” Nabta Playa

(the African Stonhenge) stands some 700 miles

south of the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt. It

was built more than 7,000 years ago, making

Nabta Playa the oldest stone circle in the

world. Astronomy.com suggested, “...possibly

Making Waves! Jazz Fest Pompano

Beach Announces 2025 Lineup

Free Music Festival Brings Grammy Winners and Rising Stars to City’s Shore

year’s festival. Learn more

at the sponsorship section at

www.pompanobeacharts.org/

jazzfest.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 24 th ,

2025 |LOCAL TALENT

STAGE │Great Lawn:

1:45-4:45 p.m.

Fernando Ferrarone

Trumpeter and Alto

Saxophonist Fernando

Ferrarone is a 2-time

DownBeat Award winner on

trumpet and alto saxophone.

He is a band leader, composer

and arranger. Fernando

attended Berklee College

of Music on a full tuition

scholarship in Boston. He

has performed in various

jazz festivals such as the

Monterey jazz festival and

the Montreal jazz festival

in Canada. Fernando has

performed throughout New

York City jazz clubs and

with bands including Sonora

Dinamita and Grupo Rebolu.

Internationally, he has

performed extensively in Peru

and Colombia.

Bop Shop Brass

Bop Shop Brass emerged

at the end of the pandemic,

born from the enthusiasm of

musicians eager to reconnect

and perform together. Their

journey began at various

farmers’ markets around

Miami, where they quickly

discovered a unique, groovy

sound that resonated

with their audience. By

meticulously curating

a repertoire filled with

undeniable BOPS, they’ve

been able to captivate listeners

across South Florida, sharing

their passion for music

and creating unforgettable

experiences for everyone who

hears them.

FRIDAY JANUARY 24 th

2025 │ Pompano Beach on

the sand:

Randy Brecker | Main

Stage 5:00 p.m.

Randy Brecker is a

Grammy® Award-Winner

legendary jazz trumpeter

and composer known for his

exceptional performances on

the trumpet and flugelhorn.

Born into a musical family

in Philadelphia in 1945, he

has left an indelible mark

on the world of jazz, R&B,

and rock for more than six

decades. Brecker has worked

with a diverse array of artists

and bands, including Blood,

Sweat and Tears, Horace

Silver Quintet, Art Blakey’s

Jazz Messengers, and the

Brecker Brothers Band.

Throughout his career, he has

released numerous albums

and earned multiple Grammy

nominations and wins.

Randy’s enduring passion for

music continues to inspire

new generations of musicians

and fans worldwide.

Adam Hawley | Main

Stage 7:00 pm

Adam Hawley, a celebrated

guitarist, producer, and

composer, has released four

albums and produced music

resulting in 16 Billboard #1

Hits. His album Escape was

the #1 Selling Album in the

nation in its first week, and

its debut single became the

Billboard and Smooth Jazz

Network Song of the Year for

2020. His fourth album, Risin’

Up, also saw chart-topping

success. In 2022, he achieved

four more #1 hits and the

2022 song of the year.

Joshua Redman &

Gabrielle Cavassa | Main

Stage 9:00 pm

Grammy nominated jazz

saxophonist Joshua Redman,

widely revered as one of the

greatest of his generation,

performs music from where

are we, his celebrated debut

Continue reading online at:

thewestsidegazette.com

Earth’s oldest astronomical observatory. It

was constructed by a cattle worshiping cult of

nomadic people to mark the summer solstice

and the arrival of the monsoons.”

These pioneering strides by African savages

Nabta Playa - African Stonehenge

are undoubtedly proof of intelligence. But,

it’s just as likely they stumbled upon it while

chasing their cows. To learn more on African

accomplishments read Duane Hamacher The

First Astronomers.

Broward County Transit Bus Operator Recognized for

Helping Visually Impaired Resident Across Busy Intersection

Broward County Administrator Monica Cepero, Jean Marceli and Coree

Cuff Lonergan, CEO/General Manager of Broward County Transit.

In the bustling rhythm

of Broward County, where

nearly two million residents

and visitors weave through

their daily routines,

extraordinary moments often

unfold quietly, unnoticed by

the masses. These moments,

however, have the power to

inspire and remind us of the

incredible people who make

our community thrive.

One such moment

happened at one of Broward’s

busiest intersections,

Flamingo Avenue and Pines

Boulevard—a place where

traffic seldom pauses. On

what seemed like an ordinary

day, Jean Marcelin, a threeyear

Broward County Transit

(BCT) bus operator, turned it

into something extraordinary.

While completing his bus

route, Marcelin noticed a

visually impaired gentleman

struggling to navigate

the chaotic eight lane

intersection. Recognizing the

man’s difficulty, Marcelin

didn’t hesitate. He stopped

his bus, stepped out, and

guided the man safely across

the bustling roadway to the

correct bus stop, ensuring his

safety and comfort.

This act of kindness didn’t

just impact the passenger;

it caught the attention of a

Broward County resident

who witnessed the entire

scene. The community rallied

to commend Marcelin for his

selfless action.

“I just thought about

what I’d want someone to

do for me,” Marcelin later

shared. “There’s always an

opportunity to help people.”

Service Beyond Driving

Marcelin’s extraordinary

deed reflects the deeply

rooted values that guide

public service professionals

like him. More than just

a bus operator, Marcelin

embodies the compassion

and commitment that form

the heart of Broward County

Transit.

This moment, amplified by

the community’s appreciation

recently led to Marcelin

receiving the prestigious

County Administrator’s

Shining Star Award. The

award honors his exceptional

service and the lasting impact

he’s made on the community.

Coree Cuff Lonergan,

CEO/General Manager of

Broward County Transit,

praised Marcelin: “Jean

represents the very best of

what it means to be a transit

professional. His empathy,

quick thinking, and

dedication to our community

are inspiring. He’s a shining

Continue reading online at:

thewestsidegazette.com

Jean Marcelin (left) assisting visually impaired Broward resident


PAGE 12 • JANUARY 2 - JANUARY 8, 2025

Deeply Rooted

www.thewestsidegazette.com

YOU AND A GUEST ARE INVITED

TO A SPECIAL ADVANCE SCREENING OF

TUESDAY, JANUARY 14 • 7:00 PM • AMC AVENTURA

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. This film is Rated R. Must be 17 years of age or older to receive pass.

IN THEATERS JANUARY 17

www.WolfManMovie.com

WolfManMovie

@WolfManMovie25

@WolfManMovie

#WolfManMovie

Carrie Meek Foundation fuels Miami’s growth from FP

acknowledges the weight of building upon her

mother’s mission.

“Our tagline is ‘Legacy and Action,’ and our

mission is to operationalize programming in the

areas she supported,” Davis-Raiford said.

She explained that the foundation’s work

centers on four pillars: health, education, housing,

and economic development.

“We’re not legislators,” Davis-Raiford added.

“Her job was to craft laws that bettered the lives of

her people. Our job now is to work in those same

areas.”

The Future of Aviation

One of the Foundation’s most ambitious projects

is the Carrie Meek Aviation Workforce Innovation

Center, which Congresswoman Frederica Wilson

arranged funding for earlier this year with an

$850,000 grant. The center at Opa-Locka Airport

will provide underserved communities with

training and job opportunities in aviation and

avionics.

“Miami is a major transportation hub with

high-paying jobs,” said Wilson. “Too many workers

don’t know how to get into the aviation workforce

or lack the skills. That’s why I’m proud to support

this innovative job center, which will empower

workers with the skills and resources to land highpaying

jobs in the aviation industry.”

The innovation center will provide underserved

communities with training and job opportunities

in aviation and avionics.

“When we talk about aviation, everybody thinks

about pilots, and the fact of the matter is, if there

are no planes, pilots can’t fly,” she said.

This initiative targets communities like Opa-

Locka, Liberty City, Miami Gardens and Hialeah,

areas traditionally lacking career pathways in

high-demand fields. The program will expose

young people, beginning at middle school students,

to various aviation careers, from turbine engine

repair to avionics.

Hope for Communities

“We want to create an environment where that

middle school kid can get the exposure so that he

can make early decisions about what he wants to

do or she wants to do,” Davis-Raiford said. “Not

everybody’s going to college, but everybody needs

to be able to make a living, and there are very

healthy incomes to be made in this industry.”

The Foundation has partnered with Captain

Barrington Irving’s Experience Aviation, which

has developed a “flying classroom” to teach

young people about aviation. Irving’s school will

help shape the curriculum and provide hands-on

training.

Though the center is still in the early planning

stages, Davis-Raiford explained that they are

working on the infrastructure budget and looking

Carrie P. Meek was the first Black Floridian elected to

Congress and a strong advocate for the community.

(Photo credit: FlWomensHallOfFame.org)

for collaborations to sustain the project. The

facility will include labs for 3D printing, advanced

manufacturing, electrical systems, green

technologies, and other technical skills.

Tackling Gun Violence

Supporting Safer Communities Grant

While the aviation initiative represents a

new frontier, the foundation’s commitment

to addressing gun violence and public safety

remains a priority. Through the Supporting

Safer Communities Grant Program, funded by

a $7.2 million grant from Miami-Dade County’s

Community Violence Intervention Initiative

(CVI) in 2022, the foundation has awarded 82

grants to local organizations addressing violence,

particularly in high-crime neighborhoods.

“We’re creating a very robust network across

the county of community-based organizations that

can be mobilized for the kinds of things and positive

change that we want to see in our community,”

Davis-Raiford explained.

That network includes organizations

overseeing shelters around Miami-Dade County,

while others provide pet therapy to children and

families impacted by gun violence, helping to heal

Continue reading online at: thewestsidegazette.com

87211_WolfMan_WestsideGazette_6.5x10.75.indd 1

12/10/24 2:10 PM

CONGRESSWOMAN CHERFILUS-MCCORMICK

DELIVERS $14.4 MILLION FOR FL-20

$850,000

URBAN LEAGUE OF PALM BEACH

COUNTY COMMUNITY FACILITY

$725,000

RIVIERA BEACH

MOBILE COMMAND

CENTER

$1,000,000

WEST PALM BEACH

COLEMAN PARK

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

$2,250,000

PALM BEACH COUNTY

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

$1,000,000

COMMUNITY PARTNERS OF

SFL TAMARIND

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

$750,000

NORTH LAUDERDALE LAW

ENFORCEMENT LICENSE PLATE

READER SYSTEM

$1,666,279

TAMARAC'S AFFORDABLE

HOUSING PROGRAM

$1,000,000

EAGLE COVE RESIDENCE

AT LAUDERHILL

$963,000

LAUDERHILL POLICE

COMPREHENSIVE DOMESTIC

VIOLENCE APPROACH

$850,000

HABITAT FOR

HUMANITY OF

BROWARD RICK

CASE HOUSING

COMMUNITY $850,000

BROWARD

PARTNERSHIP

FOR THE

HOMELESS

ASPIRE 1650

SUPPORTIVE

HOUSING

$500,000

LAUDERDALE LAKES

STORMWATER

CONVEYANCE AND

WATER QUALITY

IMPROVEMENT

$500,000

YWCA OF PALM BEACH

COUNTY COMMUNITY

FACILITY

$720,000

FT. LAUDERDALE

MANORS PARK

MULTIMODAL

CONNECTIONS

$850,000

URBAN LEAGUE OF BROWARD

COUNTY VILLAGE AT

OAKLAND PARK


www.thewestsidegazette.com

Deeply Rooted

Is Don Lemon Too Real for White People? New Twitter Show

JANUARY 2 - JANUARY 8, 2025 • PAGE 13

reserve the right to make decisions about our business

partnerships, and after careful consideration, X decided not

to enter into a commercial partnership with the show.”

Lemon’s reaction? “Clean up on Aisle X.”

Canceled, Now Beefing with Elon Musk. Here’s What We Know ...

The former CNN anchor was gearing up to premiere his new talk

show on X, f.k.a. Twitter, but things have just taken a turn.

By Shanelle Genai

Just as former CNN

anchor Don Lemon was

gearing up to debut his new

talk show on X/Twitter,

“The Don Lemon Show,”

it appears that’s no longer

the case thanks to a “tense”

exchange between Lemon

the social media site’s owner

Elon Musk.

Musk was set to be

Lemon’s first guest on his

talk show, which is set to

premiere on Monday, March

18. The Tesla founder

purported himself and the

site to be a proponent of

free speech and came in

partnership with Lemon to

provide a platform for him

to continue doing his good

work.

The Tea On What Elon

Musk Said In Creepy Don

Lemon Interview

Well, in a post to Lemon’s

official Instagram and

Twitter page, the deal is

now obsolete (“contract

terminated” were the

exact words from Musk as

reported by New York Times

contributing reporter and

author Kara Swisher) as

CLASSIFIED

ADVERTISE:

*LEGAL NOTICES

*FOR RENT

*FOR SALE

*HELP WANTED

www.thewestsidegazette.com

LEGAL NOTICES

NOTICE UNDER

FICTITIOUS

NAME LAW

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN

that the undersigned, designing to

engaged in business under the fictitious

name of ZOGURT LLC

intend(s) to register said name with

the Florida Department of State, Divison

of Corporations, Tallahassee,

Florida and/or Clerk of the Circuit

Court of Broward County, Florida.

Name: Iyad Ajaj

Address: 518 North Pine Island

Road

City: Plantation FL 33324

January 2, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

a year with many branches open 24-hours!

Musk has decided to cancel

Lemon’s show following

their interview.

“Elon Musk is mad

at me and I just put out

a statement about what

happened between him, me

and the interview that he is

apparently so upset about.

But make no mistake about

this—this is going to be my

first episode of ‘The Don

Lemon Show’ this coming

Monday, March 18th,”

Lemon said in a subsequent

video message. “So make

sure you tune in. This does

not change anything about

the show except for my

relationship with Elon and

X. And there’s a whole lot

that went down. And I’m

going to tell you about it in

the coming days.”

He continued:

I know though that many

of you were not happy that

I was doing this in the first

place and you told me so. I

just want you to know that

I did this deal because not

only do I believe in free

speech, but I believed that

this was the best possible

chance for the work that I’m

doing to reach the largest

amount of people.

So speaking of free

speech, right? I thought the

first person to interview,

no brainer, Elon Musk,

the man who calls himself

a ‘free speech absolutist.’

I asked him to do it, he

willingly agreed to the

interview. Throughout

our conversation, I kept

reiterating to him that

although it was tense at

times—I thought it was

good for people to see and

hear our exchange and that

they would learn from our

conversation. Learn more

about him, learn more about

me. But apparently free

speech absolutism doesn’t

apply when it comes to

questions about him from

people like me.

Lemon went on to share

that the episode would still

be available for viewers

to watch and listen to

on YouTube and podcast

streaming platforms. He

said that he would still post

the interview on X/Twitter

despite Musk’s apparent

and alleged disdain.

In an ironic twist, this

kerfuffle between the

two comes just two hours

after Musk tweeted: “Free

speech is the bedrock of our

democracy.”

Mhhm.

In a subsequent tweet

in response to Lemon’s

announcement, X/Twitter’s

official business account

page posted: “X is a platform

that champions free speech,

and we’re proud to provide an

open environment for diverse

voices and perspectives. The

Don Lemon Show is welcome

to publish its content on

X, without censorship, as

we believe in providing a

platform for creators to scale

their work and connect with

new communities. However,

like any enterprise, we

NNPA

HOROSCOPE

JANUARY 2, 2025

NUMBERS

(2-DAY

RESULTS)

Send Self

Addressed

Envelope and

$10.00 to:

C.L.HENRY or

S.H. ROBINSON

P.O.BOX 5304

FORT

LAUDERDALE,

FL 33310

For

Entertainment

Purpose Only!

ARIES-It’s easy to take it easy! Just slow

down and let each moment arrive at its own

speed. You’ll get a lot done this week if you

get in tune with the rhythm of the week.

Each moment has its own beat. 9, 16, 42

TAURUS-Change is near, and it’s going

to be good. Clear your desk of pesky tasks

this week and get your mind free to receive

what life brings. Positive results help you

feel even more positive.

2, 25, 27

GEMINI-You are the boss of your week

this week, so act like the leader you are and

let the week follow you around. 1, 30, 41

CANCER-A steady stream of opportunities

is beaming your way, lucky you and they

contain endless variations of possibilities.

Wear your instincts like a rainbow colored

coat this week and gather the good resources

that you need.16, 23, 35

LEO-Some down time will work wonders

for you this week. You’ve been running

fast with your projects, and now it’s time to

slow it down. Try to spend time outdoors

and with nature. Enjoy! 39, 45, 48

VIRGO-Center yourself at every

opportunity during this busy week and

keep your quest for emotional and spiritual

balance in the forefront. 12, 23, 36

LIBRA-Happiness arrives and sits on your

shoulder like a bright butterfly this week. A

relationship can make significant progress

if you stay open to love. 15, 22, 44

SCORPIO-Take charge of a project at work

and get it finished up. It’s been languishing

on someone else’s shoulders and desk for

way too long. A sensible outlook will get

you far this week. 7, 12, 48

SAGITTARIUS-You may find yourself

faced with many distractions this week but

you’ll sail through and accomplish much

if you stay focused on each task and take

them one at a time. 3, 32, 46

CAPRICORN-Creativity is favored and

yours is especially favored with some

project that you’ve been working especially

hard on.: 14, 17, 29

AQUARIUS-Your new ideas combine well

with your will and skill. You get a lot done

at work this week. Be soft and forceful.

Make time for family life this week. 6, 22,

36

48

76

54

45 38

9 6 8

MIAMI RED

024

Pick 2

79

46

78

618

HOT

LEAD NUMBER

6

279/354

78214

POWERBALL

06-31-51-54-55 12 2x

DP 22-40-42-54-68 7

JUNE

98

58

Pick 3

78

PROFILES

MAY

APRIL

37

59

0899/8034

32

24

38

66

MAR.

14

25

39

67

FEB.

07

15

26

44

68

JANUARY 2025

02

03

08

16

27

45

69

69

26

04

09

17

28

46

77

05

11

18

29

47

06

12

19

33

48

JULY

13

AUG

22 23

34 35 36

SEPT.

13

OCT.

49 55 56 57

78 79 88 89 00 00

CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES ARIES TAURUS GEMINI

48-36-74 27-35-42 43-06-82 25-22-41 25-43-84 23-89-24-

CANCER LEO VIRGO LIBRA SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS

12-39-38 51-06-54 06-47-32 46-25-19 17-38-39 42-67-05-

WHAT’S HOT? 24-15-02-71-43

LATEST LOTTERY RESULT as of Tuesday, January 2 at 5 p.m.

JACKPOT Triple Play

08-18-21-23-34-39

Pick 4 Pick 5

42589/35034

68

65

JANUARY 2, 2025

981409/580664

87

25

FANTASY 5

Mid Dec. 30) 01-18-19-20-24

Evening Dec. 29) 05-10-20-28-30

15

19

56

NOV.

DEC.

CASH4LIFE

03-13-28-42-48 4

29

17

63

34

73

11

34

FLORIDA MEGA MILLION

03-07-37-49-55 6 3x

55

68

Doublues

LOTTO

03-06-13-18-32-46

08-24-25-31-48-50

89

FRUITS, FRUITS & FRUITS

SOFT SHELL PECAN $7 a bag

AND THE BEST BOIL & ROASTED

PEANUTS ON THE PLANET PERIOD

QUART BAGS $10.00.

I am sorry it had to come this

No more FREE:

Onions, Bell Pepper, Tomoates

and Potatoes.

Prices will increased Jan. 1, 2025

CALL FORD -- (954) 557-1203.

PISCES-Before you spend your money

check the quality of the goods. This rule

applies to intangible goods as well. 21, 34,

45

CALL FOR FORD(954) 557-1203


PAGE 14 • JANUARY 2 - JANUARY 8, 2025

Deeply Rooted

www.thewestsidegazette.com

For the Week oF December 31 - January 6, 2024

M E N ' S 2 0 2 4 - 2 5 B L A C K C O L L E G E B A S K E T B A L L (Men's Standings and Weekly Honors)

CIAA

CENTRAL INTERCOLLEGIATE

ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

MEAC

MID EASTERN

ATHLETIC CONFERENCE SIAC

SOUTHERN INTERCOLLEGIATE

ATHLETIC CONFERENCE

SWAC

SOUTHWESTERN

ATHLETIC CONFERENCE

INDEPENDENTS

PERFECT

FITS

Steven J. Gaither/HBCU Gameday Photo

WELCOME ABOARD!: Former

NFL standout DeSean Jackson, at

Delaware State, latest former pro

footballer to take reins of a black

college program

SAM SHADE, DESEAN JACKSON NEW HBCU HEAD

COACHES; LISTING OF 2024 TOP ATTENDED GAMES

CONF

ALL

NORTH DIVISION W L W L

Virginia State 3 0 8 4

Lincoln (PA) 3 0 8 5

Bluefield State 1 2 7 5

Virginia Union 1 2 6 7

Elizabeth City State 0 3 6 5

Bowie State 0 3 7 7

SOUTH DIVISION W L W L

Fayetteville State 2 1 8 5

Johnson C. Smith 2 1 6 4

Shaw 2 1 7 6

Claflin 3 2 9 6

Livingstone 1 3 7 5

Winston-Salem State 0 0 3 6

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

Ethan Garita, Sr., F, LINCP - Averaged 17 ppg.,

7.6 rebounds in three wins, MVP of HBCU CP3

Classic. Had 19 pts, 7 rebs., vs. Benedict, 19

pts., 11 rebs., vs. KSU and 13 pts., 5 boards vs.

Livingstone.

DEFENSIVE PLAYER

Peter Sorber, Sr., F, LINCP - Averaged 13.0

points, 7.5 rebounds in four games.

ROOKIE

Trey Minard, Sr., F, LIV - 11 pts., 3 rebs., 1 assist

vs. VUU, 7 pts., 4 rebs., 1 assist vs. BSU.

CONF

ALL

W L W L

Norfolk State 0 0 9 6

Delaware State 0 0 7 7

S. C. State 0 0 6 9

Howard 0 0 5 8

Morgan State 0 0 6 10

N. C. Central 0 0 6 10

Md. E-Shore 0 0 4 12

Coppin State 0 0 1 13

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Brian Moore Jr., 6-2, Gr., FG, NSU - 33 pts.,

5 rebs., 6 assists in win over High Point shooting

13 of 21 from the field, 6 of 6 at the line.

ROOKIE

Blake Harper, 6-2, Fr., G, HOW - Had careerhigh

34 points, 4 rebounds in loss to Hampton.

Shot 10 of 18 from the field, 12 of 15 at the

line.

DEFENSIVE

Julius Ellerbe III, 6-5, Fr., G, CSU - 12 points,

3 rebounds, 3 assists, 6 steals vs. Georgetown.

CONF ALL

EAST W L W L

Clark Atlanta 5 0 8 4

Morehouse 3 1 5 6

Edward Waters 4 2 8 5

Albany State 3 2 5 6

Savannah State 3 3 5 5

Benedict 2 3 2 9

Allen 1 4 3 6

Fort Valley State 0 4 1 10

WEST

Miles 6 0 9 2

Tuskegee 3 2 5 6

Spring Hill 3 3 5 6

Kentucky State 3 4 6 6

Central State 2 4 5 7

Lane 2 4 2 9

LeMoyne-Owen 1 5 1 11

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

NA

CONF

ALL

W L W L

Southern 0 0 5 7

Alabama State 0 0 4 8

Alabama A&M 0 0 4 9

Florida A&M 0 0 3 8

Bethune-Cookman 0 0 6 8

Arkansas-Pine Bliuff 0 0 3 10

Texas Southern 0 0 3 10

Grambling State 0 0 2 10

Miss. Valley State 0 0 2 11

Prairie View A&M 0 0 1 12

Jackson State 0 0 0 13

Alcorn State 0 0 0 13

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

Reggie Ward Jr., 6-6, Sr., F, B-CU - Led

Cats with 19 points on 7 of 10 shooting and

had 10 rebounds, 4 steals in win over South

Florida.

NEWCOMER

Brayon Freeman, 6-2, Sr., G, B-CU - Had

18 points in 30 minutes in win over USF with

5 rebounds, 5 assists and 1 steal.

IMPACT

Keionte Cornelius, 6-0, Sr., G, ALC - Shot

7 of 15, had 22 points with six 3 pointers in

loss to UAB.

CONF

ALL

W L W L

Langston 11 2 7 2

Lincoln (Mo.) 9 3 1 3

Florida Memorial 8 4 1 2

Hampton 8 5 1 0

West Virginia State 5 5 3 3

Tennessee State 4 9 0 2

NC A&T 4 10 0 1

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

Tyler Chapman, 5-11, Jr., G, LINCM - Shot

12 of 16 from the field, 6 of 9 from behind

the arc for 30 points in win over Ohio Dominican.

Wayne Bristol Jr., 6-6, Gr., G, HAMP - Led

four Pirates in double figures with 18 points

in fifth straight win, 83-67 over Howard.

THE STAT CORNER

WHO ARE THE BEST PERFORMERS IN BLACK COLLEGE SPORTS

RANK 2024 - 2023)

1 - 1) MAGIC CITY CLASSIC - Oct. 26, Legion Field, Birmingham, AL

Alabama State (27) vs. Alabama A&M (19) 69,125

2 - 2) BAYOU CLASSIC - NOv. 30, Ceasar's Superdome, New Orleans, LA

Southern (24) vs. Grambling State (14) 63,207

3 - 3) FLORIDA CLASSIC - Nov. 23, Camping World Stadium, Orlando, FL

Florida A&M (41) vs. Bethune-Cookman (7) 56,453

4 - 4) STATE FAIR CLASSIC - Sept. 28 - Cotton Bowl - Dallas

Grambling State (34) vs. Prairie View A&M (36) 52,323

5 - 8) TUSKEGEE HOMECOMING - Nov. 9, Abbott Stadium, Tuskegee, AL

Miles (37) at Tuskegee (7) 47,311

6 - 9) CELEBRATION BOWL - Dec. 14, Mecedes Benz Dome, Atlanta, GA

Jackson State (28) vs. South Carolina State (7) 36,823

7 - 10) JACKSON STATE HOMECOMING - Nov. 2, Vet Stadium, Jackson, MS

Arkansas-Pine Bluff (3) at Jackson State (41) 34,932

8 - 9) ALABAMA STATE HOMECOMING - Oct. 5, ASU Stadium, M'gomery, AL

Florida A&M (28) at Alabama State (13) 33,576

9 - NR) JACKSON STATE HOME GAME - Sept. 14 - Miss. Vet. Stadium, Jackson, MS

Southern (15) at Jackson State (33) 32,027

10 - 20) NORFOLK STATE HOMECOMING, Oct. 26, Price Stadium, Norfolk, VA

Howard (20) at Norfolk State (21) 31,876

11 - NR) HBCU NEW YORK FOOTBALL CLASSIC - Sept. 14, MetLife Stadium, E. R'thrfd., NJ

Morehouse (21) vs. Howard (35) 31,174

12 - NR) FOUNTAIN CITY CLASSIC - Nov., 9, Albany State Coliseum, Columbus, GA

Fort Valley State (15) vs. Albany State (20) 28,675

13 - 17) JACKSON STATE HOME GAME, Oct. 19, Veterans Stadium, Jackson, MS

Florida A&M (21) at Jackson State (35) 28,450

14 - 6) SOUTHERN HERITAGE CLASSIC - Sept. 14, Liberty Bowl, Memphis, TN

Arkansas-Pine Bluff (28) vs. Tennessee State (41) 27,584

15 - 13) W. C. GORDEN CLASSIC - Sept. 7, Veterans Stadium, Jackson, MS

Lane (7) at Jackson State (58) 26,700

16 - 24) SOUTHERN HOMECOMING - Oct. 14, Mumford Stadium, Baton Rouge, LA

Alcorn State (14) at Southern (24) 26,685

17 - NR) CHICAGO FOOTBALL CLASSIC - Sept. 21, Soldier's Field, Chicago

Morehouse (31) vs. Kentucky State (28) 25,823

18 - 21) NC A&T HOME GAME - Sept. 7 - Aggie Stadium, Greensboro, NC

Winston-Salem State (20) at North Carolina A&T (27, OT) 25,000

19 - NR) SWAC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME - Dec. 7 - Miss. Vet Stadium, Jackson, MS

Southern (13) vs. Jackson State (41) 23,765

20 - 19) FLORIDA A&M HOMECOMING, Nov. 2, Bragg Stadium, Tallahassee, FL

Texas Southern (28) at Florida A&M (52) 23,271

21 - 23) NC A&T HOMECOMING - Oct. 19, Truist Stadium, Greensboro, NC

Hampton (59) at NC A&T (17) 23,016

22 - 5) SOUL BOWL (ALCORN STATE HOME GAME), Nov. 23, Spinks-Casem Stadium, Lorman, MS

Jackson State (48) at Alcorn State (10) 22,617

23 - 21) SC STATE HOMECOMING, Oct. 26, Dawson Stadium, Orangeburg, SC

Delaware State (35) at South Carolina State (69) 22,169

24 - 16) SWAC/MEAC CHALLENGE - Aug. 24, Center Parc Stadium, Atlanta, GA

Florida A&M (24) vs. Norfolk State (23) 22,210

25 - 12) TURKEY DAY CLASSIC, Nov. 28, ASU Stadium, Montgomery, AL

Tuskegee (6) at Alabama State (34) 21,567

26 - NR) ALABAMA STATE HOME GAME - Nov. 16, ASU Stadium, Montgomery, AL

Jackson State (16) at Alabama State (10) 21,798

27 - NR) ALABAMA STATE HOME GAME - Sept. 7, ASU Stadium, Montgomery, AL

Miles (3) at Alabama State (24) 20,276

(2024) - 27 games over 20,000 - 32,535 average TOTAL 878,453

(2023) - 26 games over 20,000 - 33,341 average TOTAL 866,888

(2022) - 25 games over 20,000 - 38,165 average TOTAL 954,149

RANK 2024 - 2023)

HIGHEST ATTENDANCE AT 2024

BLACK COLLEGE FOOTBALL GAMES

HIGHEST ATTENDANCE AT 2024

BLACK COLLEGE HOMECOMING GAMES

1 - 1) TUSKEGEE vs. Miles - Nov. 9 47,311

2 - 2) JACKSON STATE vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff - November 2 34,932

3 - 11) ALABAMA STATE vs. Florida A&M - October 5 33,576

4 - ) NORFOLK STATE vs. Howard, October 26 31,876

5 - 17) FORT VALLEY STATE vs. Allen - Oct. 12 26,730

6 - 7) SOUTHERN vs. Alcorn State - October 19 26,685

7 - 3) ALABAMA A&M vs. Bethune-Cookman - Oct. 12 19,727

8 - 5) FLORIDA A&M vs. Texas Southern - November 2 23,271

9 - 8) N. C A&T vs. Hampton - Oct. 19 23,016

10 - 6) SC STATE vs. Delaware State - Oct. 26 22,169

11 - NR) GRAMBLING STATE vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff - Oct. 19 17,135

12 - 9) ALCORN STATE vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff - October 5 14,753

13 - 12) PRAIRIE VIEW A&M vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff - Nov. 4 14,224

14 - 10) CLARK ATLANTA vs. Miles - Oct. 19 14,809

15 - 14) NC CENTRAL vs. Morgan State - Oct. 26 13,910

16 - 15) ARKANSAS-PINE BLUFF vs. Miss. Valley State - Oct. 26 12,437

17 - NR) WINSTON-SALEM STATE vs. Fayetteville State - Nov. 9 12,000

18 - 18) MOREHOUSE vs. Fort Valley State - Oct. 27 11,687

(2024) 18 games over 10,000 - 22,124 average TOTAL - 398,248

(2023) 18 Games over 10,000 - 18,773 average

(2022) 15 Games over 10,000 - 21,745 average

© AZEEZ Communications, Inc. Vol. XXXI, No. 22

BCSP Notes

With the great success of former NFL standout and Hall of Famer

Deion "Coach Prime" Sanders as head football coach at Jackson State,

it should not be a surprise that black colleges are increasingly turning to

men with similar profiles to lead their programs.

One testimony to this trend is that retired NFL veterans in former

Heisman Trophy winner and prolific star running back Eddie George

at Tennessee State and eight-year NFL veteran safety Sam Shade at

Miles not only led their teams to OVC/Big South and SIAC championships

respectively this season, but were chosen as the BCSP Div. I FCS and Div.

II coaches of the year on their respective levels.

The trend continued as former NFL No. 1 overall draft pick Michael

Vick was named the new head football coach at Norfolk State a week

ago and struck again last week as two accomplished NFL veterans are two

new hires.

Former outstanding NFL receiver/kick returner

DeSean Jackson named the new head coach

of the Delaware State Hornets

Former NFL standout wide receiver/kick returner DeSean Jackson

was named Friday as the new head football coach at Delaware State.

"We had great [candidate] choices, but it was very clear after we

got DeSean here on campus. It was really clear. We all kind of turned

and looked at each other once he left and said,

'That is our guy,'" said Tony Tucker, DSU's

newest athletic director and senior associate

vice president for Athletics and Wellness.

"The opportunity for me to help write

another chapter here at DSU is a oncein-a-lifetime

moment consistent with my

journey as a young boy finding his way to

manhood through mentorship, accountability,

Jackson

achievement, and discipline," Jackson

said in the university's announcement

of his hiring. "If we build that kind of culture at Delaware State

University, we will attract the right talent and radically change the

trajectory of this program. I cannot wait to get started."

Jackson, 38, a native of Los Angeles, played for six NFL teams

during an outstanding 12-year career in the NFL. The first six of those

years were with the Philadelphia Eagles where the 5-10, 175-pounder

established himself as one of the NFL's fastest and most feared deep threat

wide receivers and among the most dangerous kick returners.

In his career he posted five 1,000-yard receiving seasons three

with the Eagles and two with Washington and two others with over 900

receiving yards. He was selected to the Pro Bowl three times and was

the first player selected to the Pro Bowl at two different positions in the

same year when he was named to the 2010 Pro Bowl as a wide receiver

and return specialist. Jackson holds the record for most 60+ and 80+ yard

catches in all of NFL history.

He was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of

the 2008 NFL draft after earning two first-team all-American designations

playing collegiately for the Cal Berkeley Golden Bears. He also played

in the NFL for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Los Angeles Rams, and

Baltimore Ravens.

Tucker described Jackson as "the perfect fit" for the Dover HBCU.

"DeSean Jackson is a perfect fit for our institution - incredibly

competitive, optimistic about the prospects for our collective future, and

focused on the fundamentals of the institution: students first," he said.

Jackson's predecessor, Lee Hull, was 2-21 in two seasons leading DSU.

Jackson has received support from his first NFL head coach, Andy

Reid, L.A. Rams head coach Sean McVay, and Delaware State legend

John Taylor, Jackson's uncle.

“Having played football for many different coaches throughout my

career, each one has added a unique dynamic to my game," said Taylor,

who played nine seasons and won three Super Bowls with the San

Francisco 49ers. "I’m excited to see the new direction Coach Jackson will

take the team – his vision and leadership are sure to bring fresh energy and

opportunities for growth,”

Hoop Highlights

Norfolk State ladies get another big win

The Norfolk State Lady Spartans, under 10th-year head coach Larry

Vickers, got their second win over SEC competition as they won on the

road at Auburn Sunday, 73-67. The NSU ladies got their first SEC win this

season over Missouri, 57-54 on Nov. 10.

The win improves the early season record for the back-to-back MEAC

champions to 12-4 overall that includes wins at home over William &

Mary, and on the road at UNC-Wilmington, in Puerto Rico over Wyoming

and in Washington, DC over Saint Louis. Their losses have been at

Alabama (68-58), to Washington State (68-60 in Puerto Rico), to Green

Bay (55-54 in PR) and at Carolina (90-47).

They went into the week ranked 11th in the College Insider Women's

Mid Major Top 25.

The ladies have been led by 5-5 grad senior point

guard Diamond Johnson (17.8 ppg.) and

senior forward Kierra Wheeler (14.4

ppg., 8.5 rpg.). Johnson had a doubledouble

of 17 points and 11 rebounds in the

Wheeler

win over Auburn to earn MEAC Player of

the Week. It was her fourth weekly honor

this season. Wheeler has won the defensive

player of the week honor three times.

Johnson

NSU begins 2025 MEAC play at home vs. Maryland-Eastern Shore

on Sat., Jan. 4.

"DeSean is like a son to me — a fierce competitor on the field,

without rival, and a quality leader off of it," said Reid, who coached

Jackson in Philadelphia and is now head coach of the back-to-back Super

Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs. "I could not be more supportive of

his desire to coach Division I football and would stake my career on his

success at Delaware State University. We are bound at the hip and are

forever family. I cannot wait to see where he takes the university and

where the university takes him. This is a win-win for everyone."

Delaware State will hold an introductory press conference for

Jackson at the MLK Center on campus on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025.

Amazon Prime will also release a documentary about Jackson's life in the

fall of 2025.

Sam Shade leaving Miles

to take over at Alabama A&M

Former eight-year NFL veteran and Alabama

product Sam Shade has seen his career

trajectory go forward since he joined the

coaching ranks.

In 2020, in his second year at Pinson Valley

High School, his team won the Alabama High

School Athletic Association 6A championship.

Shade He took over at Miles in 2022 and after 1-9

and 7-3 campaigns in his first two seasons, he led the Golden Bears to a

perfect 9-0 mark in SIAC play and the conference championship in 2024.

The Bears advanced to the NCAA Div. II national playoffs where Shade

led them to their first-ever playoff win defeating Carson-Newman in the

first round. They fell in the second round to eventual national runners-up

and the playoff's overall top seed Valdosta State. Miles finished 10-3 with

the ten wins representing the most in program history.

On Sunday, Alabama A&M Director of Athletics Paul Bryant

named Shade, 51, as the Bulldogs' 22nd head football coach. He succeeds

Connell Maynor who was let go following the 2024 season after seven

years at the helm. Maynor had a 40-32 record over his seven seasons. The

Bulldogs finished 6-6 this season.

"This is a new and exciting time to bring Coach Sam Shade to the

Hill," Bryant said. "He brings a wealth of knowledge and proven success

to a program ready to thrive. His vast resources in the state and impeccable

relationships with his team made him the perfect candidate for Alabama

A&M University."

During his eight years in the NFL Shade played for the Cincinnati

Bengals (1995-98) and Washington (1999-2002). He was the Bengals'

leading tackler in 1997 and ranked second on the team in 1998. He led

Washington in tackles in 1999. He played collegiately at Alabama where

he was a member of the 1992 national championship team and was a team

captain as a senior in 1994.

He was selected by the Bengals in the fourth round of the 1995 NFL

Draft. He previously coached at Samford and Georgia State as well as in

the NFL as an assistant special teams coach for the Cleveland Browns.

The date and time for Shade's official introductory press conference

will be announced by Dr. Bryant and the AAMU Athletic department.

packers.com photo

RUNNING FREE!!

Green Bay running back EMANUEL WILSON (#31, FORT VALLEY STATE)

runs for daylight in the Packers game Sunday vs. Minnesota. Wilson ran for

29 yards on six carries and scored on a 5-yard fourth quarter run.

BCSP NFL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

For NFL games of December 25 - 30, 2024

DEFENSE

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

STATE) - In Indy’s 45-33 loss to the New York Giants, Stewart

started at nose tackle and had six total tackles, two solos with one

tackle for loss. He played 39 defensive snaps (70%) and 13 on special

teams (41%).

OFFENSE

– #31 EMANUEL WILSON, RB, Green Bay (3rd season, FORT

VALLEY STATE) – In the Packers’ 27-25 loss to Minnesota, Wilson

had six carries for 29 yards (4.8-yard average) with a long run of

16 yards including a 5-yard fourth quarter TD run. He was in for 20

offensive plays (32%).

SPECIAL TEAMS

– #29 BRANDON CODRINGTON, DB/KR, Buffalo (1st season,

NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL) - In Buffalo’s 40-14 win over the

New York Jets, Codrington had two punt returns for 32 yards (16.0-

yard average) with a long return of 25 yards and two solo tackles on

defense. He played on 23 defensive snaps (37%) and three on special

teams (14%).


www.thewestsidegazette.com

SPORTS

Nunnie on the Sideline

By Nunnie Robinson, Westside Gazette Sports Editor

During this majestic season of

advent and as we anticipate the

awesome possibilities of 2025, sports

for many of us (at least for me) I

consumes much of our time. Though

I attempt to watch every bowl game,

the challenges, responsibilities, and

vicissitudes of life won’t allow.

In HBCU circles, the recent hiring

of Michael Vick by Norfolk State

University as its head football coach

continues a trend begun by Jackson

State’s fortuitous selection of Deion Sanders four years ago.

Tennessee State followed with Eddie George, who has molded

that program into a consistent winner. Teddy Bridgewater’s

state championship success at Miami Northwestern High

School ignited interest in him in HBCU circles before he did

a complete turnabout by signing with the Detroit Lions to

backup starter Jared Goff. The recent hire of all pro receiver

DeSean Jackson to revitalize Delaware State’s football

program solidifies the trend. The question begs: why high

profile, unproven former pros over experienced college

coaches? When schools like Norfolk and Delaware have

had years of failure, drastic change must be exacted. Name

recognition, bringing attention to a downtrodden program,

exciting boosters, alumni, and fan base, and turning around

a moribund program must be part of the calculus in the

hiring process. You probably noticed the celebrities that

“Prime Time” attracted at JSU and Colorado, and Michael

Vick’s press conference attracted NBA great Allen Iverson

and Hall of Famer Bruce Smith, both native Virginians.

In a reversal from that trend, Prairie View University

replaced former NFL star Bubba McDowell with Tremaine

Jackson, a rising star among minority coaches and a

Houston native, who led Valdosta State to the Division II

Championship in 2024.

With the portal, NIL and the transitory nature of college

football, the 3-5 year building a program model may be

obsolete.

Speaking of the CFP and the bowl season, the impact of

the portal was felt immediately by Oklahoma which lost 25

transfers in the portal, more than likely factoring in their

21-20 loss to Navy. Shouldn’t the portal remain closed until

the playoffs are concluded and a champion crowned. The

idea that players can transfer multiple times impacts the

integrity of the game. And the money issue is absolutely

insane. UM’s basketball coach, Jim Larranaga, resigned

because he couldn’t deal with the new landscape of recruiting

where players sell themselves to the highest bidder. Before

the sudden change, college presidents, athletic directors,

and administrators used the athletes to filled their coffers,

promoting amateur athletics with undervalued scholarships:

tuition, room and board, books and a $30 monthly stipend.

Student/athletes were punished for selling their jerseys or

taking money from supporters who saw their needs. Now

the tide has turned completely and the floodgates are wide

opened. Where is the common sense or middle ground? The

system, in its present state, is unsustainable and must be

rectified. Only time will tell.

Happy New Year and God Bless America

Did the Black College Football

Hall of Fame get it wrong

leaving out HBCU legends?

Rod Broadway won several Black College National

Championships as a head coach.

By HBCU Sports

(Source: HBCU)

The HBCU Sports crew examines the Black College

Football Hall of Fame 2025 Class and whether the voters

overlooked championship-winning HBCU coaches Rod

Broadway and Rudy Hubbard.

Deeply Rooted

Rickey Henderson, baseball Hall

of Famer and MLB stolen base

king, dies at 65

Henderson played for 9 teams in

his 25-year MLB career and won 2

World Series and an AL MVP award

Rickey Henderson played for nine teams over his 25-

year MLB career. He was inducted into the Baseball

Hall of Fame in 2009. (Jane Tyska/Digital First Media/East

Bay Times via Getty Images)

By Sean Leahy Contributing writer

(Source Yahoo! Sports)

Rickey Henderson — Baseball Hall of Famer, all-time MLB

stolen base king and widely regarded as the greatest leadoff

hitter ever — has died at the age of 65.

The A’s announced the news Saturday afternoon, as tributes

poured in from around MLB. A cause of death has yet to be

announced.

Henderson played for nine franchises over his 25-year MLB

career, including four stints with the Oakland Athletics. He

won two World Series and was named AL MVP in 1990. A 10-

time All-Star, Henderson was the AL stolen base leader an

unmatched 12 times and surpassed 100 steals in a single season

on three occasions — one of only two players to accomplish the

latter feat, alongside Vince Coleman.

In May 1991, Henderson’s base-stealing prowess earned

him a place in baseball history when he swiped his 939th

career base, breaking Lou Brock’s record. Henderson finished

with 1,406 career stolen bases in his final MLB season in 2003,

reinforcing the nickname “Man of Steal.”

It wasn’t just his feet that allowed Henderson to find success

— he also did it with his bat. Henderson hit 297 home runs,

drove in 1,115 runs and batted .279 in 3,081 games played. Of

those 297 home runs, 81 came in leading off a game, an MLB

record.

He also set MLB records for runs scored (2,295) and

unintentional walks (2,129).

“If my uniform doesn’t get dirty, I haven’t done anything in

the baseball game,” Henderson once said.

An impactful player all over the field

Henderson was born on Christmas Day 1958 on the way to

the hospital in Chicago, which later led to him saying, “I was

already fast. I couldn’t wait.”

After moving to Oakland when he was a child, Henderson

became a multi-sport star in baseball, basketball, track and

football. After turning down multiple scholarships to play

football in college, he signed with the Athletics in 1976 after

being drafted in the fourth round.

Continue reading online at: thewestsidegazette.com

Former Philadelphia Eagles

receiver reported to be next

Delaware State football coach

By Chris Stevens

(Source: HBCU)

The 2010 Philadelphia Eagles could have a third of the head

football coaching jobs in the MEAC this season.

According to a report from ESPN college football reporter

Pete Thamel, former Eagles receiver DeSean Jackson is

expected to be named the new head football coach at Delaware

State. The Hornets are coming off of a 1-11 season and have not

won a MEAC game since November of 2022.

DSU fired Lee Hull in November after two seasons and a

2-21 record.

Jackson, 39, played 15 seasons in the NFL for the Eagles,

Washington Commanders, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Los

Angeles Rams, Las Vegas Raiders, and Baltimore Ravens

before retiring officially during the 2023 season. During his

career, Jackson caught 641 passes for 11,263 yards and 58

touchdowns.

He also rushed for four touchdowns and returned four punts

for touchdowns, most notably the “Miracle in the Meadowlands

II” in 2010, where the Eagles overcame a 21-point deficit to stun

the New York Giants and win the NFC East championship.

Thamel reported that Jackson recently had an on-campus

interview at Delaware State, and an agreement is expected to

be finalized soon.

Jackson will take over a Delaware State program that has

six MEAC championships to its credit but has not recorded a

winning season since 2012 under Kermit Blount.

Photo: YouTube

(Source: BlackDoctor.org)

JANUARY 2 - JANUARY 8, 2025 • PAGE 15

NBA Legend

Diagnosed with

Neurological Disorder

Hall of Famer and former Detroit Pistons guard Isiah Thomas

was known for his consistent high-level of play in the NBA for

years. Now, in his next stage of life, he’s balancing being a

commentator, business owner, philanthropist, and more while

dealing with a newly diagnosed condition.

During an appearance on the ‘Come and Talk 2 Me’ podcast

with former NBA star Mark Jackson, 63-year-old Thomas

revealed that he was diagnosed with the neurological disorder

Bell’s Palsy.

“I’ve gotten a lot of love from people saying, ‘Well Isiah’s sick.

What’s he going through?’” Thomas said. “And I haven’t really

told anybody, right? So, I got Bell’s palsy, and, again, that’s

why you see me like this. So, I appreciate the prayers and the

love, but that’s what’s happening with my mouth right now.”

“You look good to us,” Jackson responded. “You look great to

us.”

Many fans have long wondered if this was the case with Thomas

and he finally revealed the news. During an interview with

Forbes, Thomas noticeably had his lips appear asymmetrical

and his tongue seemed to move unevenly.

This sparked some fans to question what was going on and

one fan pointed out in the comments that he could have been a

stroke or something kind of disorder that looks like paralysis.

While they didn’t know the exact issue affecting Thomas, many

felt that something was wrong.

During his long career, Thomas averaged 19.2 points, 3.6

rebounds, and 9.3 assists per game. Thomas is regarded as one

of the best point guards to ever play in the NBA and he played

his entire career with the Pistons.

Thomas was a 12-time All-Star during his playing days,

winning the MVP award in the games twice. He also made the

All-NBA First Team three times, the All-NBA Second Team

twice, and was the league assists leader during the 1985 season.

What is Thomas’ Condition and How It Affects His Body

Bell’s palsy is a neurological disorder that causes temporary

or permanent facial paralysis or weakness on one side of the

face:

Symptoms

Symptoms include:

• Sudden weakness or paralysis on one side of the face

• A drooping eyebrow and mouth

• Drooling from one side of the mouth

• Difficulty closing one eyelid, which causes eye dryness

• Blurry vision

• Hearing problems, such as having things sound

distorted or unusual

Causes

Bell’s palsy occurs when the facial nerve (the 7th cranial nerve)

becomes injured or stops working properly. The inflammation

of the facial nerve may be caused by a virus.

Treatment

There’s no known cure for Bell’s palsy, but most people recover

completely. Treatments include:

• Artificial tears

• A patch to protect the affected eye

• Using tape to close the affected eyelid at night

• Medications such as corticosteroids or pain-relieving

medications

• Massage or facial exercises

• Botox injections

Who is more likely to get this Condition?

Bell’s palsy can affect anyone of any gender or age, but most

often affects people ages 15 to 45.

A risk factor is a condition or behavior that occurs more

frequently in those who have a disease or condition, or who

are at greater risk of getting a disease, than in those who

don’t have the risk factor. Risk factors for Bell’s palsy include

pregnancy, preeclampsia, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and

upper respiratory ailments.

The exact cause of Bell’s palsy is unknown. There is some

evidence that inflammation and swelling of the cranial nerve

VII is involved, but the reason for this swelling is unclear.

Possible triggers of Bell’s palsy may include:

An existing (dormant) viral infection, such

as herpes simplex or varicella (chickenpox)

Impaired immunity due to stress, sleep deprivation,

physical trauma, minor illness, or autoimmune syndromes

Infection of a facial nerve and resulting inflammation brought

on a disorder such as Lyme disease

Damage to the myelin sheath (the fatty covering that insulates

nerve fibers)

How He Built His Legacy on the Court

The youngest of 9 children, Thomas was born on April 30,

1961, in Chicago, Illinois, and grew up in the city’s West Side.

He started playing basketball at age three and would dribble

and shoot baskets as the halftime entertainment at Catholic

Youth Organization games.

Thomas’s father, Isiah Thomas II, was an army veteran

wounded in the Battle of Saipan.[1] He later attended trade

school, eventually becoming the first black supervisor at

International Harvester in Chicago. When the plant closed,

the only work he could find was as a janitor; the family fell

into hardship. Isiah Thomas II left the family when Isiah was

a young child.

Isiah Thomas III attended Our Lady of Sorrows School and

St. Joseph High School in Westchester, which was a 20-minute

commute from his home. Playing under coach Gene Pingatore,

he led St. Joseph to the state finals in his junior year and was

considered one of the top college prospects in the country.

In the Eastern Conference Finals of the 1991 NBA playoffs,

the two-time defending champion Detroit Pistons faced

the Jordan-led Chicago Bulls in the playoffs for the fourth

consecutive season. The Pistons had eliminated the Bulls in

Continue reading online at: thewestsidegazette.com

(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)


PAGE 16 • JANUARY 2 - JANUARY 8, 2025

Deeply Rooted

www.thewestsidegazette.com

3 Generational Cycles Black People Can Overcome in 2025

will address and break these common generational cycles so that every generation after us is

closer to positive health in all aspects.

To help you get started, here are three generational cycles you and your family can begin to

overcome in 2025.

1. Refusing to Ask for Help

Like all generational cycles, they did not just appear out of nowhere. They each have a

history and justification behind them. More specifically, when it comes to asking for help, Black

people were never made to believe that others would help them. We have become accustomed

to being hurt by non-Black people and having to fight for our place so much in this country that

what was once a means of defense and growth, has now become a limitation.

When we refuse to ask for help, we are stripping ourselves of our basic human need for

relationships and assistance and holding ourselves to unrealistic expectations. Sometimes, we

will even risk slowing down personal or professional growth just to handle a situation ourselves.

Continue reading online at: thewestsidegazette.com

A million taxpayers will soon

receive up to $1,400 from the IRS

By Shaun White

(Source: HBCU News)

From BLACKDOCTORS.org

Black Americans in this country have

always dealt with and overcome hardships.

Whether it be the hundreds of years of slavery,

the decades of fighting for civil rights, or the

modern-day oppression we experience in our

personal and professional lives, Black people

have always found a way to turn their setbacks

into setups for a bright and prosperous future.

However, while we can be credited for many

©2019 Aetna Inc.

2017279

of the greatest parts of modern culture, we

often fail to recognize how our hardships have

affected our physical, mental, and emotional

health as individuals and families. It has

become the norm for us to ignore “signs of

weakness” and uphold this narrative of a strong

Black man or woman. While this seems like

no big deal in your personal life, this can and

has become detrimental to the advancement of

Black people when passed from generation to

generation. However, in 2025 and beyond, we

Aetna is proud to support the

Broward County Public

Schools.

Aetna.com

Approximately 1 million

taxpayers will automatically

receive special payments of

up to $1,400 from the IRS in

the coming weeks. The money

will be directly deposited

into eligible people’s bank

accounts or sent in the mail

by a paper check.

The IRS said it’s

distributing about $2.4 billion

to taxpayers who failed to

claim a Recovery Rebate

Credit on their 2021 tax

returns. People who missed

one of the COVID stimulus

payments or had received

less than the full amount

were able to claim the credit.

But the IRS on Friday said

it discovered many eligible

taxpayers hadn’t done so.

“Looking at our internal

data, we realized that one

million taxpayers overlooked

claiming this complex credit

when they were actually

eligible,” IRS Commissioner

Danny Werfel said in a

statement.

Here’s more about the

unexpected cash this group of

taxpayers will soon receive:

What’s the likelihood I’ll

receive a check?

Sorry, it’s probably pretty

low. The IRS said most

taxpayers eligible for the

federal stimulus payments,

formally known as Economic

Impact Payments, have

already received them.

The special payments

announced by the IRS are

being sent to those taxpayers

who filed a 2021 tax return

but left the data field for the

Recovery Rebate Credit blank

or they filled it out as $0 when

they were actually eligible for

the credit.

How will this work?

Eligible taxpayers don’t

have to take any action.

The payments will go out

automatically this month

and should arrive by direct

deposit or check by late

January 2025. They’ll be sent

to the bank account listed on

the taxpayer’s 2023 return or

to the address IRS has on file.

Payments will vary but

the maximum amount will be

$1,400 per individual. The IRS

has posted information online

about eligibility and how the

payment was calculated.

IRS plans to send separate

letters to eligible taxpayers

notifying them of the special

payment.

What if I haven’t filed my

2021 tax return yet?

You still might be able to

receive the money. However,

taxpayers need to file a tax

return and claim the Recovery

Rebate Credit by the April 15,

2025 deadline, even if any

income from a job, business or

other source was minimal or

nonexistent, according to IRS.

How many rounds of

COVID stimulus payments

were there?

Three rounds of payments to

households impacted by the

pandemic totaled $814 billion.

Continue reading online at:

thewestsidegazette.com

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!