The Westside Gazette
E-Edition
E-Edition
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
FT. LAUDERDALE, FL 33310
PERMIT NO. 1179
get 2 free
special
advance
screening passes
PAGE 10
HBCU Band invited to perform
at Donald Trump Inauguration
PAGE 12
THURSDAY, JANUARY 9 - JANUARY 15, 2025
VOL. 53 NO. 49 $1.00
Vice President Harris Announces
Final Rule to Remove
Medical Debt
from Credit
Reports
Federal courts won’t
refer Supreme Court
Justice Clarence
Thomas to attorney
general over ethics
A MESSAGE FROM
THE PUBLISHER
The Biden-Harris Administration has
also implemented broader reforms
to address the root causes of
medical debt, including enforcing
requirements for tax-exempt
hospitals to provide financial
assistance, simplifying debt
forgiveness processes for veterans,
and protecting consumers from
surprise medical bills.
By Stacy M. Brown
NNPA Newswire Senior
National Correspondent
@StacyBrownMedia
Vice President Kamala Harris has
announced a new Consumer Financial
Protection Bureau (CFPB) rule to
eliminate medical debt from consumer
credit reports. The White House
explained in a release that the action
would remove $49 billion in unpaid
medical bills, benefiting 15 million
Americans by raising credit scores and
improving access to home loans, cars,
and small businesses.
Administration officials further noted
that states and localities have already
leveraged funds from the American
Rescue Plan (ARP) to eliminate over $1
billion in medical debt for more than
700,000 Americans. These efforts are part
of a broader push to reduce the financial
strain caused by medical emergencies,
with jurisdictions projected to eliminate
roughly $15 billion in medical debt for up
to six million individuals.
“No one should be denied economic
opportunity because they got sick or
experienced a medical emergency. That
is why we have worked to cancel more
than $1 billion in medical debt with
support from the American Rescue
Plan,” Harris remarked during the
(Cont’d on page 5)
Developing Story: State Attorney
Monique Worrell In Court
Submitted by
Rhetta People
(Source: Florida Sun)
Orange/Osceola elected
State Attorney
Monique Worrell
was in court in Polk
County as a Grand
Jury convened. Right
now it is unclear why
she was in court.
Duly elected State Attorney Monique Worrell
Worrell was elected
at a rally after she was suspended by Governor
in 2020 as the State
Ron DeSantis in 2023. (Photo credit: Oscar L. Peoples)
Attorney for Orange
and Osceola Counties. Although voters elected her to the role,
Worrell was removed from office by Governor Ron DeSantis and
replaced with Andrew Bain. Shortly after the 2024 election, Bain’s
administration has made
comments about refusing to
leave office against the will of
the voters.
This is a developing story.
Two major themes, “unity”
and “resilience,” have been
recognized by Barbados’ Prime
Minister Mia Mottley, the
incoming Chair of the Caribbean
Community (CARICOM), as
necessary preconditions to
propel the organization toward
a future influenced by current
The Westside Gazette Newspaper
PAGE 12
CARICOM – Unity and Resilience Key to Future Says Chairman PM Mottley
By Nycaribnews.com
events like the COVID-19 epidemic and
climate change.
In the January 1st announcement,
Mottley stated, “Today, we stand at
the crossroads of immense challenges
and extraordinary opportunities. How
we act, united as a people, and as
nations will define not only this year,
2025, but the legacy of our generation.
The Caribbean is far more than a
geographic space. We know it. It is
a living testament to the power of
courage, creativity, and our collective
strength.”
The Bajan Prime Minister
Justice Clarence Thomas won’t be referred to the Department of Justice for his
continuing unreported private gifts. (Earl MacDonald/Wikimedia Commons)
By Lindsay Whitehurst, The Associated Press
(Source: Miami Times)
The federal courts will not refer allegations that Supreme Court
Justice Clarence Thomas may have violated ethics laws to the Justice
Department, the judiciary’s policymaking body said Thursday.
Thomas has agreed to follow updated requirements on reporting
trips and gifts, including clearer guidelines on hospitality from
friends, the U.S. Judicial Conference wrote to Democratic senators
who had called for an investigation into undisclosed acceptance of
luxury trips.
Thomas has previously said he wasn’t required to disclose the
many trips he and his wife took that (Cont’d on page 12)
January 6 Committee Leaders Cheney and
Thompson Receive Presidential Citizens Medal
continued, “Ours is a history marked by
resilience, a word that we will have to
embrace more and more in our future.
Time and again we have faced storms
most natural and manmade and risen
stronger, more determined than ever,
united in shaping our destiny; especially
in this year as we saw the ravages of
Hurricane Beryl make history not just
for the history books, but regrettably,
in the lives of too many families across
our region… “
Barbados’ prime minister was
adamant that the reinstatement of
the CARICOM Single Market and
Economy (CSME) was crucial to the
region’s objective of fostering prosperity
and togetherness. According to CSME
Mottley, “is not merely an economic
agenda,” but “a vision of unity and
opportunity for small states who know
that we can achieve so much more
together than we do so individually.
Full realization of the CSME, including
above all else, yes, the free movement of
our nationals is essential for unlocking
the true potential of our people and our
economies. So is the necessity for us to
Continue reading online at:
thewestsidegazette.com
@TheWestsideGazetteNewspaper
No Matter
How Dark,
Light Will
Come
8
Do not gloat over me, my
enemy! Though I have fallen,
I will rise. Though I sit in
darkness, the LORD will be my
light. Micah 7:8
By Bobby R. Henry, Sr.
No matter how deep the
darkness may seem, the
light will come. As James
1:17 reminds us, “Every good
thing given and every perfect
gift is from above, coming
down from the Father of
lights, with whom there is no
variation or shifting shadow.”
This truth offers a foundation
of hope even in the bleakest of
times.
Darkness often masks
itself as adversity, whether
self-inflicted or beyond our
control. If you don’t pay your
light bill, the darkness comes
because of your actions.
Yet, when a storm knocks
out your lights, you have no
say in the matter. In both
cases, the result is the same:
darkness. What makes the
difference is knowing who is
with you in that darkness,
providing security, clarity,
and guidance.
The challenges of being
Black, Brown, LBGQT+,
Jewish or nonwhite we’ve
faced, have cast a shadow
over the entire world. This
darkness has diverted
our attention, allowing
longstanding issues like
inequity and political
trickery to persist. It is as if
the darkness seeks to cover
truths that have long existed
in the light. But as the saying
goes, “What happens in the
dark comes to light.”
Though the darkness
(Cont’d on page 10)
Thursday
Jan 9 TH
Partly Cloudy
Sunrise: 6:48am
Fri
71°
49°
77°
61°
70°
54°
70°
54°
66°
47°
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)
73°
53°
and Libby Johnson
Civic Engagement
omentous occasion
er students, faculty,
and friends to
the University’s
ishment – securing
osition in Home
ious “Retool Your
ition and receiving a
,000 grant dedicated
ncement.
er temperatures and
the collective spirit
ost 135 participants,
epot Daytona Beach
r Therese Watsonforces
in yesterday’s
rt. Their mission
, involving Under the new projects
ssembling
Florida law,
bookcases
children
door
under
dining
14 can’t
sets
have
to
their own social
cade games, foosball
media accounts.
ball hoops, hockey
tennis tables. Even
r conditions couldn’t
cation, with the only
PAGE 2 • JANUARY 9 - JANUARY 15, 2025
veness after
ted service.
e to 30,000
have been
r at least
t receiving
(PHOTO CREDIT: COTTONBRO STUDIO)
Submitted by Central Florida Public Media
(Source Florida Courier)
come-driven
will now see
n.
excited about this project and grateful to all those who
What to know about state’s new
social media law?
Florida’s social media law took effect on Jan. 1. Here’s what to know.
Under the new law, kids younger than 14 won’t be allowed to have their
own social media accounts in Florida.
Fourteen- and 15-year-olds will only be able
to open or keep a social media account with a
parent or guardian’s permission.
And social media sites have 90 days to delete
social media accounts for anyone under the age
of 14, and 14- and 15-year-olds who don’t get a
parent or guardian’s permission.
Once these accounts are deleted, social media
sites must permanently delete all personal
information shared on them.
But despite the law taking effect on Jan. 1,
the state won’t legally enforce it until February.
The law is currently being challenged in court by
two separate lawsuits.
The first suit filed by tech industry groups
NetChoice and the Computer & Communications
Industry Association in October claims the law
infringes on First Amendment rights.
A preliminary injunction hearing about
whether the law should be blocked will be held
on Feb. 28. Chief U.S. District Judge Mark
Walker will preside.
The law also blocks anyone under the age of
18 from accessing “materials harmful to minors”
which could include porn sites.
Sites must verify a person’s age using an
anonymous or standard age verification method,
and if anonymous age verification is used, it must
be conducted by a third party not associated with
the government.
All information used to verify a person’s age
must be deleted.
The second lawsuit filed by adult
entertainment group Free Speech Coalition in
December, claims this age verification hurts
adults as well as minors and is keeping young
people from sexed materials online.
Regardless of how these two lawsuits play
out, it’s still unclear which social media sites the
law applies to.
The law defines a social media site as any
that does the following:
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 broken student
loan programs. He asserted
that these fixes have removed
barriers preventing borrowers
from accessing the relief they
were entitled to under the law.
The president outlined the
broader achievements of his
administration in supporting
students and borrowers,
Allows users to upload content or view the
including achieving the most
significant increases in Pell
Grants in over a decade, aimed
Continue reading online at:
thewestsidegazette.com
www.thewestsidegazette.com
content or activity of other users
Allows users to upload content or Ten
percent or more of the daily active users who
are younger than 16 years of age spend on
average 2 hours per day or longer on the
online forum, website, or application on the
days when using the online forum, website,
or application
Allows users to upload content or
Employs algorithms that analyze user data
or information on users to select content for
users
Allows users to upload content or Has
any of the following addictive features:
infinite scrolling, push notifications or
alerts, personal interactive metrics, autoplay
capabilities, or live-streaming
And says the following sites are exempt
from the law:
An online service, website, or application
where the exclusive function is mail or direct
messaging consisting of text, photographs,
pictures, images, or videos shared only
between the sender and the recipients,
without displaying or posting publicly or to
other users not specifically identified as the
recipients by the sender
If the law becomes enforceable, social
media companies could be subject to
penalties under the Florida Deceptive and
Unfair Trade Practices Act for not complying
with it.
Penalties would include a $50,000 fine
per violation of the law, attorney fees and
court costs.
The law passed with bipartisan support.
Republican lawmakers including Governor
Ron DeSantis claim the law is needed to
protect minors from agein -appropriate
content and the detrimental mental health
effects of social media use in young people.
At least 12 states including Florida, have
passed legislation limiting social media
access for minors.
Words compiled by KamarJackson,
Sophomore at Dillard High School
College
Prep
approbation
adjective
(noun)
Word of
the Week
being at rest; inactive or
motionless; getting a nod quiet; in a big still: way a
quiescent HOW TO USE IN A SENTENCE: mind.
formal word for approval or praise;
His ambition for approbation sets bounds
and limits to his ambition, so to speak.
quiescent
[ kwee-es-uhnt, kwahy- ]
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.
Leia’s Mathematics
Corner
NYOMI HAS 4 BOXES OF BOOKS EACH
BOX HAS 6 BOOKS. HOW MANY BOOKS
DOES NYOMI HAVE IN TOTAL?
521
+ 12
134
- 56
Created by Leia Palmer 3rd grader!
Word Search
List Compiled
by Kamar
Jackson,
Freshmen
at Dillard
High School
www.thewestsidegazette.com
Congressional Black
Caucus Ushers in New Era
with Record Membership
and Historic Firsts
This week’s arrests and sentences of more alleged
offenders show effort by the Department of Justice
hasn’t stopped as they continue to attempt to hold
those involved accountable for the violence that
disrupted American democracy.
JANUARY 9 - JANUARY 15, 2025 • PAGE 3
Federal Judges Sound Alarm as Jan. 6 Arrests, Sentences
Continue While Trump’s Pardons Loom
Among them were groundbreaking figures, including
two Black women Senators and two Black U.S. House
members from Alabama serving simultaneously for the
first time.
By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National
Correspondent, @StacyBrownMedia
The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) celebrated a
historic milestone with its largest membership ever, as 62
Black lawmakers were sworn in ahead of the 119th United
States Congress. Among them were groundbreaking figures,
including two Black women Senators and two Black U.S.
House members from Alabama serving simultaneously for the
first time.
Democrats Angela Alsobrooks of Maryland and Lisa Blunt
Rochester of Delaware made history as the first two Black
women to serve together in the U.S. Senate. Their elections
were met with enthusiasm and optimism, signaling progress in
representation. “I am honored to serve the people of Maryland
and am ready to get to work,” Alsobrooks shared, while Blunt
Rochester expressed her excitement, saying, “Let’s get to work.”
Both Senators took their oaths of office from Vice President
Kamala Harris.
The CBC also celebrated the historic election of Shomari
Figures, who joins incumbent Rep. Terri Sewell as Alabama’s
two Black U.S. House members. Figures represent Alabama’s
newly created 2nd Congressional District, which emerged
following a landmark 2022 federal court ruling mandating
a second “opportunity district” for Black voters. The U.S.
Supreme Court upheld the decision in 2023, paving the way for
Continue reading online at: thewestsidegazette.com
By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior
National Correspondent, @StacyBrownMedia
Federal judges are expressing concern over the future
of justice for January 6 defendants as Donald Trump
prepares to retake office and considers pardoning the
participants in the Capitol attack. This week’s arrests
and sentences of more alleged offenders show effort by the
Department of Justice hasn’t stopped as they continue to
attempt to hold those involved accountable for the violence
that disrupted American democracy.
On December 18, a Texas man and a Virginia man
were arrested for allegedly assaulting law enforcement
during the January 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol.
Authorities said their actions contributed to the chaos
By Kate Payne, The Associated Press
Report for America
(Sourc:e Black News & Views)
Hundreds of people who say they
suffered physical or sexual abuse at two
state-run reform schools in Florida are in
line to receive tens of thousands of dollars
in restitution from the state, after Florida
lawmakers formally apologized for the
horrors they endured as children more
than 50 years ago.
At its peak in the Jim Crow 1960s, 500
boys were housed at what is now known as
the Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys, most
of them for minor offenses such as petty
theft, truancy or running away from home.
By Stacy M. Brown
NNPA Newswire Senior National
Correspondent
@StacyBrownMedia
Federal authorities released new video
footage and details on Thursday in the ongoing
investigation of a suspect who placed pipe bombs
near the headquarters of the Republican and
Democratic National Committees the night
before the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
The newly disclosed video depicts the suspect
sitting on a bench near the Democratic National
Committee (DNC) building, removing what law
that interrupted the certification of Joe Biden’s 2020 presidential
victory. Earlier in the month, a South Carolina man was sentenced
to prison for four misdemeanors related to the attack. On the same
day, a judge sentenced a Georgia man to prison after his conviction
for assaulting police officers during the riot.
The ongoing arrests and sentences come nearly three years
Continue reading online at: thewestsidegazette.com
Hundreds apply for restitution for abuse
suffered at Florida reform schools
Orphaned and abandoned children were
also sent to the school, which was open
for more than a century.
The buildings that housed the Arthur
G. Dozier School for Boys in Marianna,
Florida, are seen on July 13, 2011.
Photo credit: Brendan Farrington, The
Associated Press
In recent years, hundreds of men
have come forward to recount brutal
beatings, sexual assaults, deaths, and
disappearances at the notorious school
in the panhandle town of Marianna.
Nearly 100 boys died between 1900
and 1973 at Dozier, some of them from
gunshot wounds or blunt force trauma.
Some of the boys’ bodies were shipped
back home. Others were buried in
unmarked graves that researchers only
recently uncovered.
Ahead of a Dec. 31 deadline, the
state of Florida received more than 800
applications for restitution from people
FBI Renews Push for Tips in Capitol Hill Pipe Bomb Case
Media Personality
Dr. Willie Jolley Receives
“Titans of Public Speaking” Award
The newly disclosed video depicts the suspect sitting on a bench near the Democratic National
Committee (DNC) building, removing what law enforcement officials identified as a pipe bomb
from their bag and placing it outside the facility.
Marcus Garvey (Photo: A&E Television
Networks / Wikimedia Commons)
enforcement officials identified as a pipe bomb
from their bag and placing it outside the facility.
Officials also revealed the suspect’s estimated
height as 5 feet 7 inches.
The investigation, now entering its fourth
year, has stymied federal and local investigators
despite extensive efforts. Authorities have
conducted about 1,000 interviews, examined
39,000 video files, and vetted 600 tips without
identifying the individual responsible. David
Sundberg, assistant director of the FBI
Washington Field Office, said releasing new
details aims to prompt someone to come forward
with information.
Congresswoman Yvette Clarke
Leads Push for
Marcus Garvey’s
Exoneration
Rioters assaulted approximately 140 police officers in the attack, including
about 80 U.S. Capitol Police and 60 from the Metropolitan Police Department.
held at the Dozier school and its sister
school in Okeechobee, Florida, attesting
to the mental, physical and sexual abuse
they endured at the hands of school
personnel. Last year, state lawmakers
allocated $20 million to be equally
divided among the schools’ surviving
victims.
Bryant Middleton was among those
who spoke publicly in 2017, when
lawmakers formally acknowledged the
abuse. Middleton recalled being beaten
six times for infractions that included
eating Blackberries off a fence and
mispronouncing a teacher’s name after
being sent to Dozier between 1959 and
1961.
“I’ve seen a lot in my lifetime. A lot of
brutality, a lot of horror, a lot of death,”
said Middleton, who served more than
20 years in the Army, including combat
Continue reading online at:
thewestsidegazette.com
“The tips have been very helpful, but
they have not allowed us to identify a
suspect yet,” Sundberg said. “So, we are
releasing some subsequent information
in order to hopefully jog someone’s
memory or convince them that they have
information that maybe they thought was
not particularly important — but could
actually be important.”
Sundberg acknowledged that the
timing and circumstances of the incident
have complicated the investigation. “The
suspect was wearing a hood, a mask,
gloves—entirely covered. And that is
exacerbated by what was going on in the
world and the time of year,” Sundberg
said. “It was January during the
pandemic, so wearing lots of clothes and
a mask would not have been abnormal
to anyone passing this person on the
sidewalk.”
The pipe bombs were placed near
the Republican National Committee
(RNC) and DNC headquarters between
7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on January 5,
2021, in a Capitol Hill neighborhood just
blocks from the U.S. Capitol. Although
the bombs did not detonate, authorities
said the devices were viable and could
have caused serious injury or death.
Continue reading online at:
thewestsidegazette.com
Dr. Willie Jolley with Dr. George C. Fraser and Les Brown
NNPA NEWSWIRE — Dr.Willie Jolley, Les Brown,
and Dr. George C. Fraser. In a memorable ceremony,
the trio was honored with the prestigious “Titans of
Public Speaking” award.’
By John Hope Bryant Honors “Titans of Public
Speaking” at Hope Global Forum
ATLANTA – PRLog — At this year’s Hope Global
Forum annual conference in Atlanta, GA, Operation
Hope Founder and CEO, John Hope Bryant,
presented a special award recognizing the profound
contributions of three legendary thought leaders
and speakers: Dr.Willie Jolley, Les Brown, and Dr.
George C. Fraser. In a memorable ceremony, the trio
was honored with the prestigious “Titans of Public
Speaking” award.
John Hope Bryant expressed his desire to spotlight
these distinguished individuals for their decades-long
impact on economic growth, personal empowerment,
and leadership. He praised Dr. Jolley, Les Brown,
and Dr. Fraser as icons who have inspired and
empowered millions worldwide to improve their lives,
Continue reading online at: thewestsidegazette.com
In a letter to the president, the
lawmakers described the case as
rooted in prosecutorial misconduct
designed to discredit Garvey and
undermine his work for racial justice
and empowerment.
By Stacy M. Brown
NNPA Newswire Senior
National Correspondent
@StacyBrownMedia
Congresswoman Yvette Clarke
(D-NY) and 20 of her colleagues
are urging President Joe Biden to
exonerate Marcus Mosiah Garvey,
the Pan-Africanist leader whose 1923
conviction for mail fraud has long
been viewed as politically motivated.
In a letter to the president, the
lawmakers described the case as
rooted in prosecutorial misconduct
designed to discredit Garvey and
undermine his work for racial justice
and empowerment.
Continue reading online at:
thewestsidegazette.com
BlueYear
Resolution
$125 Toilet
Rebate
Check eligibility and apply at
Call 8002709794 for additional details.
PAGE 4 • JANUARY 9 - JANUARY 15, 2025
Westside Gazette
Calendar of Events
Upcoming Events - Save the Dates
Executive Board Meeting - 6:00 PM (Virtual)
January 24, 2025 - Friends of AARLCC
Membership Mixer - 6:00 PM AARLCC
January 30, 2025 - Friends of AARLCC
Membership Meeting - 6:00 PM AARLCC
February 1, 2025 - VIP Reception - Reveal the Beauty
Harlem Renaissance Exhibit - 6:00 PM AARLCC
President: Albert Coleman
Vice President: Willie Robinson
Sr. Business Agent: Bobby Neely
Sr. Trustee: Jessie Johnson
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
Art Prevails Project Awarded a Residency
at AARLCC
AARLCC has established a
residency for the Art Prevails
Project (APP), a South Florida-based
nonprofit dedicated
to strengthening underserved
communities through
literary and performing arts.
This dynamic residency will
feature a series of engaging
programs designed to inspire
creativity and self-expression
among participants of all ages.
Attendees can look forward to improv classes that encourage
spontaneity and collaboration, as well as creative
writing workshops aimed at honing literary skills and
fostering a love for storytelling. Young poets will have the
opportunity to showcase their talents in a youth poetry
competition, providing a platform for emerging voices to
be heard and celebrated. The residency also includes
APP's annual event, "Our Voices: Festival of Words," a vibrant
celebration of spoken word, poetry, and storytelling
that brings together diverse voices from the community.
Established in 2015 by founder and artistic director Darius
V. Daughtry, the Art Prevails Project has a rich history of
facilitating creative arts workshops, staging original theater
productions, and partnering with impactful organizations
to bring the arts to various communities. Their vision is a
world where everyone can see themselves in the creative
arts and harness its healing powers to strengthen themselves
and their communities.
Write On! Creative Writing Workshop, Wednesday, Jan 8
from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Improv with Art Prevails Project, Wednesday, Jan. 29 from
6 to 7:30 p.m.
Deadline for Black History Month Art and Essay Contest is
January 31
Broward County students in
grades 9-12 are invited to participate
in the Black History Month Essay
and Art Contest. Participants
are asked to reflect on the Association
for the Study of African
American Life and History's 2025
theme for Black History Month, "African
Americans and Labor." In their essays or art submissions,
students are asked to explore how labor and workplaces
have shaped the experiences of African Americans
throughout history.
The deadline for entries is January 31, 2025. Winners will
be honored during a program on Wednesday, February
19, 2025.
AARLCC's Black History Month Art and Essay Contest
Deadline for Submissions: January 31, 2025
AARLCC's Award Winning Black History Saturday School
Series Continues
Join us for an engaging family
workshop where participants will
explore the importance of storytelling,
read stories by diverse
authors, and create their own
stories, songs, or skits, celebrating
African American culture and
history.
This monthly program is perfect for families who love to
learn together. Registration is required.
This program is sponsored by the Friends of the African
American Research Library and Cultural and presented in
partnership with Link Up & Build, Inc.
Black History Saturday School Series, Saturday, Jan. 11
from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
In the News: "Florida students are giving up Saturdays to
learn Black history lessons their schools don’t teach"
AARLCC and its award-winning Black History Saturday
School Series is referenced in this article by Kate Payne at
AP News.
New Exhibition: "Year Long Summers" by Bri Mason
"Year Long Summers" is an ongoing photo project that
captures the vibrant spirit and diverse creativity
thriving in South Florida. Starting in 2021 and
officially named in 2023, this project draws inspiration
from the sun-soaked days, beachside
breezes, and the relentless heat that define
the Miami landscape and its unique cultural
fabric.
The project focuses on creatives from all
walks of life, including musical artists, models,
Continue reading online at: thewestsidegazette.com
STAY
CONNECTED --
www.thewestsidegazette.com
Follow @TheWestsideGazette Newspaper on Social Media
+ WATCH episodes of the 2-Minute Warning via YT or FB
www.thewestsidegazette.com
2025 Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebrations
SOULFUL SUNDAYS & POETRY MLK
EDITION
Sunday, Jan. 12 at 6 pm at Ali
Cultural Arts Center | $10/person
Come on out and experience an
unforgettable evening of music
and poetry that enriches the soul
as we celebrate and Recapture
the Dream of Dr. Martin Luther
King Jr.
MLK MOVIE NIGHT & FISH FRY
Friday, Jan. 17 at 6 pm at E. Pat
Larkins Center. FREE
Join the MLK Committee and the City of Pompano Beach
staff as we unite the community together to watch the
monthly movie | Sound Of Hope: The Story Of Possum Trot
and enjoy some fresh fried fish. Under 18 require supervision.
MLK GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP
Friday, Jan. 17 at 8 am at Pompano Beach Golf Club
The tournament will feature 4-person teams playing a
scramble format with a 8:30 am shot-gun start on the
Palms Course. The cost per team is $300.00, which includes
18-holes of golf, complimentary food and drinks on the
course, a post round luncheon, and trophy presentation
at Galuppi’s.
MLK PARADE & CELEBRATION
Monday, Jan. 20 from 9 am to 5:30 p.m., at Mitchell Moore
Park FREE
Come out and enjoy the 9 am parade with the route ending
at Mitchell Moore Park for a festive, fun filled day of
live entertainment, music, a kids zone and so much more.
Food trucks and merchandise vendors will be available for
individual purchase. For more info call (954) 786-4111.
www.thewestsidegazette.com
JANUARY 9 - JANUARY 15, 2025 • PAGE 5
A Beacon of Hope: How One Woman’s Love
and Determination Uplifted a Family in Tragedy
By Staff Writer
In July 2024, Hurricane Beryl left Jamaica grappling with
devastation. By July 6, only 62% of the island had electricity
restored, leaving nearly half of the population in darkness.
Many families were forced to rely on kerosene lamps for
light—a dangerous substitute. Kerosene, a highly flammable
liquid fuel, has long been a source of house fires in Jamaica,
prompting government vows to eliminate its use.
Tragedy struck in rural Jamaica in late August when a
kerosene lamp ignited a fire that claimed the lives of three
members of the Stillwell family as they slept. The Stillwells,
a family of nine who survive through farming, were already
struggling with poverty. Without a car and often unable to
President Biden signs Bipartisan
HEARTS Act into Law
The American Heart Association says bill will save lives in schools nationwide
WASHINGTON, D.C.
-- President Biden earlier
this week signed into law the
bipartisan Cardiomyopathy
Health Education, Awareness,
Research and Training in
Schools (HEARTS) Act, which
will help ensure students and
staff in schools nationwide
are prepared to respond
to a cardiac emergency.
The bipartisan legislation
unanimously passed the U.S.
House of Representatives
in September and the U.S.
Senate earlier this month.
The American Heart
Association, which is
celebrating 100 years of
lifesaving service as the
world’s leading voluntary
organization focused on heart
and brain health, strongly
supports this legislation as
part of its goal to double
the survival rates from
cardiac arrest nationwide by
2030 through its Nation of
help to protect kids, and I’m
grateful to the lawmakers
and partners who have made
it a priority.”
The HEARTS Act includes
key provisions of the Access
to AEDs Act, which was
introduced in March 2023
with the support of the
American Heart Association,
Hamlin, the National Football
League and others.
Only 40% of people who
experience a cardiac arrest
get the immediate help
they need before emergency
responders arrive. But there
is growing momentum across
the country to turn bystanders
into lifesavers, with more
people than ever saying they
are willing to perform CPR in
the event of an emergency. As
a result of efforts by the NFL’s
Smart Heart Sports Coalition,
of which the Association
is a founding member,
state legislatures across
Surgeon General calls for new label on drinks
to warn Americans of alcohol’s cancer risk
Surgeon General Vivek Murthy speaks during a panel
discussion, Oct. 10, 2023, in New York.
(AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey, File)
Submitted by Amanda Seitz
(Philadelphia Tribune)
WASHINGTON —
Alcohol is a leading cause of
cancer, a risk that should
be clearly labeled on drinks
Americans consume, U.S.
Surgeon General Vivek
Murthy proposed on Friday.
Murthy’s advisory comes as
research and evidence mounts
about the bad effects that
alcohol has on human health.
Americans should be
better informed about the
link between alcohol and
cancer, in particular, Murthy
argues in his advisory, noting
alcohol consumption is to
blame for nearly one million
preventable cancer cases
in the U.S. over the last
decade. About 20,000 people
die every year from those
alcohol-related cancer cases,
“This final rule ensures that medical debt
will no longer be included in credit scores,
transforming the financial futures of millions.”
Medical debt remains the largest source
of debt in collections, surpassing credit
card, utility, and auto loan debt combined.
The CFPB has reported that medical bills
are often riddled with errors and inflated
charges, making them a poor indicator of an
individual’s creditworthiness. Officials added
that the rule would remove medical debt from
credit reports, building on earlier changes by
major credit agencies that excluded specific
categories of medical debt.
According to administration data,
jurisdictions including Cook County, Illinois;
Cleveland, Ohio; and New Jersey have
relieved hundreds of millions in medical debt
for residents. For example, Cook County
emergency response plans,
CPR training and AEDs,
critical resources will be
available to students, staff
and visitors that can mean
the difference between life
and death during a cardiac
emergency.”
“In January of 2023, I
experienced cardiac arrest and
was blessed to be surrounded
by a team of medical
professionals that saved my
life,” said Damar Hamlin,
Buffalo Bills safety, member
of the National Football
League’s Smart Heart Sports
Coalition and National
Ambassador for the American
Heart Association’s Nation of
Lifesavers movement. “Every
year, as many as 23,000 kids
experience cardiac arrest in
our country, and I believe that
every one of them deserves
the same access to lifesaving
care that I had. From schools
to ball fields, this bill will
according to his advisory.
Bottles of beer, wine and
liquor already carry warning
labels about the risk of birth
defects when a pregnant
woman consumes alcohol.
But Murthy’s proposed label
would go even further, raising
awareness about the risk for
cancer, too.
Consuming alcohol raises
the risk of developing at least
seven types of cancer diseases,
including liver, breast and
throat cancer, research has
found. His advisory also notes
that as a person’s alcohol
consumption goes up, so does
the risk for developing those
illnesses.
“For individuals, be aware
that cancer risk increases
as you drink more alcohol,”
Murthy wrote Friday on the
social media platform X. “As
you consider whether or how
much to drink, keep in mind
that less is better when it
comes to cancer risk.”
Jim Beam, Knob Creek and other alcohol bottles are
pictured at a bar in Eagle, Colo., Dec. 25, 2018.
(AP Photo/Jenny Kane, File)
Vice President Harris Announces Final Rule to Remove Medical
Debt from Credit Reports from Front Page
eliminated $382 million in debt for over
210,000 individuals. North Carolina recently
launched an initiative to forgive up to $4
billion in medical debt for nearly two million
residents, ensuring hospitals adopt policies
that reduce the risk of future debt while
improving financial assistance systems.
The Biden-Harris Administration has also
implemented broader reforms to address the
root causes of medical debt, including enforcing
requirements for tax-exempt hospitals to
provide financial assistance, simplifying
debt forgiveness processes for veterans, and
protecting consumers from surprise medical
bills.
“This unprecedented rule reflects our
commitment to lowering costs and creating
pathways to financial stability for families
across the nation,” Harris stated.
the country have passed
policies to ensure schools are
prepared to respond to cardiac
emergencies.
The HEARTS Act will
bolster these state efforts
by creating a new grant
program to provide schools
with additional resources
for CPR and AED training,
the purchase of AEDs and
related equipment and the
development of cardiac
emergency response plans.
These plans can more than
double survival rates from
cardiac arrest by empowering
people nearby to take action
and call 911, start CPR
and use an AED. In schools
with AEDs, children who
experience cardiac arrest
are seven times as likely to
survive as children in schools
without AEDs.
“Every second counts when
someone experiences a cardiac
arrest, and now schools will
have the resources they need
to save lives,” Brown said.
“We are so appreciative of
the bill’s many champions in
Congress, including Majority
Leader Chuck Schumer,
Sens. Cory Booker and Susan
Collins and Reps. Frank
Pallone, Sheila Cherfilus-
McCormick and Bill Posey,
for their persistence and
commitment over the past
two years to make schools
Continue reading online at:
thewestsidegazette.com
aAAA
This Week in Health: Advice for a Healthy 2025
We hope that you’ve
–
–
“Exercise; don’t smoke; drink alcohol in
”
“Take
”
pay their phone bill, they found themselves grappling with
homelessness and food insecurity after the fire. The cost of
burying their loved ones—a staggering 280,000 Jamaican
dollars (approximately $1,790 USD) per person—seemed
insurmountable.
Amid their despair, hope came in the form of a distant
relative by marriage, Ms. Teeka Hamilton. Though she lived
far away, Teeka sprang into action as soon as she heard of
their plight. Leveraging the power of community and social
media, she recorded a heartfelt video explaining the Stillwells’
circumstances and shared it widely. She went live on Instagram
and Facebook, reaching out to friends, family, and church
communities for support.
Although Jamaica lies 710 miles from Florida, the love and
compassion of Broward County residents bridged that gap.
Responding to Teeka’s call for help, they came together to
wrap the grieving family in support. Over three months, Teeka
raised enough funds to bury each of the victims, one by one. Her
efforts didn’t stop there—she also facilitated travel for family
members from Haiti and the Dominican Republic to attend the
funerals, ensuring the Stillwells could grieve surrounded by
loved ones.
Teeka’s actions are even more remarkable given her
personal challenges. Legally blind and having undergone
multiple heart surgeries by the age of 39, she has still become
a pillar of strength for both the elderly and youth in her
community. Her impeccable reputation reassured donors
that their contributions were in trustworthy hands, inspiring
confidence and generosity.
At a time when trust is scarce and love often feels elusive,
Teeka’s selflessness reminds us that compassion still thrives.
Her story serves as a powerful testament to the boundless reach
of love, showing us that even in the face of personal struggles,
we can make a profound difference in the lives of others.
Thank you, Teeka, for reminding us of the beauty that
exists in our world—and for proving that the arms of love can
stretch far beyond our limitations.
Westside Health Brief
Marsha Mullings, MPH
January 6, 2025
“Eat a
“To have a healthy 2025,
“Make time for rest. This means unplugging
“Practice gratitude. Even brief moments of
PAGE 6 • JANUARY 9 - JANUARY 15, 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.
Sheriff Tony Joins Efforts
to Combat Human
Trafficking in January,
National Human Trafficking
Prevention Month
By Guest Contributer
A Message from Sheriff Gregory Tony:
January marks National Human Trafficking Prevention
Month—a month set aside to raise awareness about a pervasive
crime that often occurs in plain sight within our communities.
While many envision victims as children or women sold into
slavery or the sex trade, the reality is far more complex. Human
trafficking transcends age, gender and race, encompassing
both forced labor and sexual exploitation.
The Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) Internet Crimes Against
Children/Human Trafficking Unit (HTU) is dedicated to
identifying instances of human trafficking, rescuing victims and
empowering communities to join the fight against this heinous
crime. The HTU investigates intricate cases of exploitation,
often rooted in emotional and financial manipulation, working
relentlessly to bring perpetrators to justice and provide support
to those affected.
A notable example of HTU’s work is Operation Suite 16,
a two-day anti-trafficking operation in partnership with local
and state agencies. During the operation, HTU identified and
assisted adult trafficking victims, connecting them to critical
resources such as shelter, medical care and counseling to help
them rebuild their lives. The operation also led to the arrests
of individuals who targeted these vulnerable young women,
exploiting their struggles with homelessness and addiction
and coercing them into commercial sex acts, drug sales and
fraudulent activities. This effort highlights the value of multiagency
operations and the meticulous work required to uncover
and dismantle these operations.
Strong community partnerships are also critical to
solving human trafficking cases. Through initiatives like
the Stop Abuse, Fight Exploitation (S.A.F.E.) Initiative,
the HTU collaborates with prosecutors, code enforcement,
local governments, regulatory agencies, homeowners and
community leaders. Together, they work to identify, investigate
and shut down sexually illicit businesses while preventing the
recruitment of future victims.
The coordinated efforts of these operations and partnerships
underscore the critical importance of interagency collaboration
and community education. In addition to enforcement efforts,
raising public awareness remains one of the most powerful tools
in combating human trafficking. The HTU actively engages
with neighborhoods, schools and organizations to educate the
public on recognizing the warning signs of human trafficking,
including isolation, poor physical health or lack of financial
control, and who to call for help.
The BSO HTU remains steadfast in its mission to combat
this crime, support survivors and protect the vulnerable.
Through enforcement, education and collaboration, we can
make a meaningful difference and put an end to human
trafficking in our communities. Let us commit to being vigilant,
compassionate and proactive in this crucial fight.
To learn more about human trafficking and how you can help
prevent it, visit www.sheriff.org/humantrafficking.
*If you suspect someone is a victim of trafficking, reach
out immediately to the National Human Trafficking Hotline
at 1-888-373-7888. Callers can remain anonymous, and all
reports are confidential. In an emergency, call 911.
Sheriff Dr. Gregory Tony
Service Equals Reward
In Its Final Days, the Biden
Administration Delivers Big Time for
America’s Coastal Communities
By Ben Jealous
It may be the dead of winter, but when we
think about our beaches none of us want to
picture them covered in oil. That is true for those
of us who live along the water and those who live
hundreds of miles from any ocean. Regardless of
our generation, we can all picture what it looks
like. For some, it is the 1969 oil spill in Santa
Barbara, California.
For others, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill by BP in the
Gulf of Mexico. No matter what disaster comes to mind, we
can all agree on one thing: we must protect our waters and
our coastal communities. President Biden not only agrees,
he just took decisive action to prevent future disasters from
happening.
This week, in the waning days of his administration,
President Biden announced he would use his authority under
Section 12(a) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to
permanently withdraw 625 million acres from leasing for oil
and gas drilling and exploration off our nation’s coasts. The
protected waters include the entire eastern Atlantic coast, the
eastern Gulf of Mexico, the Pacific coast of California, Oregon,
and Washington, and portions of the Northern Bering Sea in
Alaska.
Continue reading online at: thewestsidegazette.com
Deeply Rooted
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.
Killing of the United Healthcare
CEO Sparked Long Overdue
Conversation About Greed
By Sarena Neyman
Call him a misguided hero or villain, but
the man who killed the United Healthcare
CEO struck a nerve, exposing a deep rage
shared by many Americans across the
political spectrum — anger at an industry
that earns obscene profits from the
suffering of others. His chilling act shifted
the national conversation from immigration
to corporate greed. Finally.
For too long, Americans have hesitated
to criticize the super-rich. Chalk it up to our
tribalist nature that has so many convinced
that our financial struggles are caused not by wealth hoarding
but by those we view as outside our clan.
History offers many examples. In Nazi Germany, Jews were
blamed for a financial depression triggered by the American
stock market crash. My parents and grandmother barely
escaped; many in my family did not.
Decades later, Ronald Reagan handed the wealthy the largest
tax cuts in US history while vilifying the “Welfare Queen” who
leached from the feeding trough of “Big Government.”
This racist caricature was meant to distract from policies
that began a 40-year transfer of wealth from the 90 percent to
the one percent, producing the largest wealth gap in a century.
It’s a story about the undeserving poor vs. the deserving rich.
Today, we face a similar narrative. Immigrants are blamed
both for stealing jobs and freeloading despite their essential
role in propping up our economy given our shrinking workforce.
After being fed a steady anti-immigration media diet, it’s not
surprising that nearly four out of five Republicans support
placing undocumented immigrants in internment camps.
Continue reading online at: thewestsidegazette.com
Federal Budget: America’s Golden Eggs
“Those driven by greed to rob the Federal Budget
are as senseless and cruel as the farmer who
killed “The Goose That Laid Golden Eggs.”
John Johnson II… 01/08/25
By Jonn Johnson II
There’s an age-old fable entitled “The
Goose That Laid The Golden Eggs.” The
story goes that a farmer had a goose
that laid a golden egg each day, making
the farmer very wealthy. However, the
farmer’s greed for more golden eggs led
him to kill the Goose, hoping to capture
all the golden eggs inside. Sadly, he
discovered that only organs were inside.
Now, the farmer’s source of wealth was
gone.
This fable serves as a stark warning, a call to action. It reminds
us that the Federal Budget is symbolic of the “Goose That
Laid The Golden Eggs.” It also revealed that new characters
with cynical flaws are worse than the greedy farmer. They’re
fraudsters, wasteful spenders, inefficient accountants, and
traffickers of illicit contracts. They’ve mastered the art of
gutting the Federal Budget of its revenues, its “Golden Eggs.”
With America’s 2024 GDP (total goods & services Produced)
at a staggering $29.1 trillion, the largest in the world. The
2024 Federal Budget expenditures of $6.75 trillion exceeded
the revenue collected by $4.919 trillion. America now faces
a deficit of $1.833 trillion. This means the government spent
more money (“Golden Eggs”) than revenue collected. This
situation demands immediate attention.
Anyone with a basic understanding of Economic 101 would
quickly say, “This is a terrible way to run any business.” Yes, it
is! Nevertheless, the government avoids declaring bankruptcy
by adding the deficit to its staggering debt crisis. Imagine if
working people could overspend their credit card limit, increase
the spending limit, and never worry about the interest debt.
Amazingly, the Federal Government regulates banks but does
a terrible job regulating itself. It reported that Medicare loses
an estimated $60 billion each year; over ten years, this totals
$600 billion.
Senator Rand Paul’s 2023 AND 2024 Festivus Reports
revealed that the Federal Government wasted $900,000,000 and
Continue reading online at: thewestsidegazette.com
The People’s List of Trump’s Worst
(Part 2)
By Mel Gurtov
[Note to Readers: In Part 1, I wrote about the big-time donors
and loyalists who will populate Trump’s cabinet, inner circle,
and ambassadorships. Elon Musk naturally stands out in that
grouping, and now the New York Times has introduced us to
Musk’s inner and outer circle. Three things stand out for me
from that profile: venture capitalists and others with extreme
wealth dominate Musk’s close relationships; virtually no
women other than wives and his mother are influencers; and
Musk is using his insider role to push people from his former
days at PayPal and his current space programs to obtain
positions in the defense department. The conflicts of interest
Musk is creating are legendary.]
The Family
The third group is the extended family that Trump will
rely on, notably in formulating Middle East policy. Son-in-law
Jared Kushner is once again knee-deep in corruption, this time
being clever enough to stay out of an official position in the
incoming administration.
Writing in the online journal Popular Information, Judd
Legum and Noel Sims trace Kushner’s exploitation of his Saudi
connections to make millions of dollars offering investment
advice. Kushner’s private equity fund, Alliance Partners, relies
mainly on funds from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund,
which is subject to final decisions by the notorious Mohamed
bin Salman, Kushner’s buddy.
Continue reading online at: thewestsidegazette.com
The Gantt Report
MAGAs and
Musketeers
By Lucius Gantt
M A G A
Republicans,
MAGA Democrats,
and
Musketeers
are all super
joyous these
days. They
now control
the House, the
Senate, the Presidency, the
Supreme Court, and federal
courts in the United States.
They fully intend to
implement their wicked and
imperialist policies outlined
in their 2025 project.
But it won’t be easy.
African Americans and
people of African descent
around the world, dry your
eyes. No amount of weeping
and wailing will change how
governments look at us or
how governments treat us.
Our struggles continue!
To improve our conditions,
our lives, and our relations,
we must change our ways.
We have an American
history of being misled,
mishandled, misrepresented,
and misused!
Every election year we are
led to believe our votes will
result in Black progress and
every election year in which
I have cast a ballot, I’ve felt
my life situation has not
improved.
The MAGAs and Musketeers
have zero concern
about Black progress. The
first thing done after the 2024
election was to signal an end
to all government programs
that Black Americans
favored. Affirmative action is
gone, Diversity, Equity, and
Inclusion plans were scuttled,
Critical Race Theories were
eliminated from college
classrooms, and books, like
my own, face bans at schools
and libraries from coast to
coast.
Network news pundits talk
endlessly about what can be
done to get the United States
government on the right
track. They say, things will be
better if Democrats talk more
about abortions, Medicare,
Medicaid, and other benefits
for the poor, elderly, and
disabled Americans.
Well, Democratic candidates
discussed all of those issues
in 2024 and still lost their
election races.
If you didn’t know, the
United States is quickly
becoming a nation of color.
Soon there will be more nonwhites
in America than there
are white people.
Network news reporters will
never suggest that people of
color can do a much better
job of reaching, motivating,
and inspiring their kind than
white people can.
No problem. Now more than
ever, I should be clear, our
progress and our survival are
dependent on us.
I know many Gantt Report
readers don’t like for me to
write the way I do, but our
so-called Black leaders have
failed our people.
Our best ideas, our best
plans, our best thinkers, and
our best soldiers, come from
the streets!
All of us, men and women,
have roles to play in our fight
for progress. A herd of Black
sheep led by a lion can defeat
a group of lions led by a white,
or colored, mouse!
We need a new generation of
Black leaders who can reach
and teach a new generation
of young freedom fighters and
soldiers.
Turn any anger you have
into more self-respect, and
more love for your family and
your community.
God has sent Blacks, and
other people of color, a
modern-day Moses to all
Black communities who have
the visions, the plans, and
Continue reading online at:
thewestsidegazette.com
www.thewestsidegazette.com
BUSINESS
UNITY IN THE
COMMUNITY DIRECTORY
Cell: 754-234-4485
Office: 954-733-7700 ext. 111
Fax: 954-731-0333
Kenneth R. Thurston
REALTOR, CPM, CAM
4360 W. Oakland Park Blvd Email: ken@acclaimcares.com
Lauderdale Lakes, FL 33313
Web: www.acclaimcares.com
Founder of Black
Woman-Owned Tax Firm
Makes History, Opens Her
First Physical Office
(Source: Black Business)
Blu Jean Louis, the
founder and CEO of Empire
Tax Services, a Black-owned
(Source: Black Business)
financial services company,
is expanding her reach and
impact with the opening
of her company’s first
physical office in downtown
Black Woman Developer Makes
History, Raises $310 Million for
Affordable Housing Projects
Gina Merritt, an African American woman affordable
housing developer from Washington, DC, is shaking up the
real estate industry while already having raised $310 million
since 2021. Her firm, NREUV, leads innovative projects across
the U.S., creating 1,200 housing units with amenities and a
focus on community needs.
Merritt, a former single mother who grew up in affordable
housing in the Bronx, struggled early in her career to secure
funding for her projects. For 20 years, she built projects for
white-run companies until a breakthrough came after George
Floyd’s murder in 2020. Since then, NREUV has raised $310M,
including $124M in 2024 alone, with plans to secure $114M
more for 2025.
Currently, Merritt’s firm has 17 buildings in the works
across Ohio, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., with 1,200
affordable housing units in progress. These projects focus
on community needs, with added amenities like workforce
Continue reading online at: thewestsidegazette.com
JANUARY 9 - JANUARY 15, 2025 • PAGE 7
Kokomo, Indiana. Located
at 106 W. Mulberry Street,
this milestone marks the
company’s evolution from
a virtual business to a
community-focused hub
offering essential financial
services and support. Despite
this exciting new chapter,
her company will continue
to accept virtual clients
nationwide, maintaining the
accessibility and flexibility
that have been key to its
success.
Blu, a Florida native with
a passion for community
empowerment, initially
operated virtually from 2022
to 2023, serving clients across
the country with professional
and reliable financial services.
She then recognized the
growing need for a physical
presence in Kokomo, a city rich
in community spirit, where
her expertise could make a
direct impact. After exploring
opportunities in larger cities,
Blu chose Kokomo because it
felt like home a place where
she could truly connect with
the community and help
individuals and businesses
thrive.
She comments, “Kokomo
stood out to us because of
the people. It’s a city full
of hardworking families,
entrepreneurs, and dreamers
who deserve a trusted partner
in achieving financial success.
Opening our first office here
allows us to be that partner.”
Continue reading online at:
thewestsidegazette.com
Family Matters Planning
& Consulting LLC
“Family Protect Before
You Need It”
Home-Auto-Commerical-
Disability-Health-Life-Annuity
Gina Hankerson
Burial Trust - Final Expense
Consultant
Funeral Pre-Arrangements
Angelic Monument Headstones-Quality,
Fair Pricing & Fast Production time
Document Preperation-Wills-PoA-Living
Wills
Remote Online Notary
Contact Us before you end up @ need or in need!
Info@FamilyMattersInsuranceagency.com
Office: (954) 330-0220 Cell: (954) 861-9858
Insurance, Bonding, Notary
Cynthia Alexander
President, CEO
Medicare Specialist
Cell: 954-464-7253
cynthia@cynagroup.com
www.cynagroup.com
I can help - whether you are Turning 65, New to
Medicare, or just need a free Medicare review.
Local support to help you navigate your Medicare
options.
Make an appointment today for Monday – thru –
Saturday.
CYNA Group: 7061 W Commercial Blvd, Ste 5
Tamarac Fl. 33319
STS TAX STS TAX
SERVICES INC. in association with
Johnnie Smith, Jr.
Jr.
Enrolled Agent
Agent
Franchise Franchise Tax Tax Professional
Professional
* Tax Preparation * Accounting * Payroll
*Tax Preparation *Accounting *Payroll
3007 W. Commerical Blvd., Suite 204
3007 W. Fort . Commercial Lauderdale, FL Blvd., 33309
Suite 204
Tel. Fort (954) Lauderdale, 730-2226 - Fax: FL 730-2036
33309
Tel. (954) 730-2226 Cell (954) - 303-5779
Fax: (954) 730-2036
johnnie.smith@hrblock.com
Cell (954) 303-5779
johnnie.smith@hrblock.com
www.hrblock.com
www.hrblock.com
133 N. State Road 7
Plantation, Fla. 33317
(Corner of Broward Blvd. & State Rd. 7
(954) 587-7075
* $29.50 - Single Vision
*$44.50 - Bifocal * $89.50 - Progressive
* (-+400 sph+200 cyl/add + 3.00)
FRED LOVELL, Lic. Opt.
(Over 30 Years in Optics)
Advertise Here
Have Your Business Card Placed On
This Page
PAGE 8 • JANUARY 9 - JANUARY 15, 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 Announcement Placed
In 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
Mrs. Avis Boyd-Gaines,
Owner, Funeral Director
& Embalmer
Mr. Bon M. Boyd,
Chief Executive Officer
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!
Mrs. Alexis Gaines-Sullivan,
Funeral Director,
Insurance Agent
& Preneed Counselor
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 is the only unpardonable sin in scripture?
2) Is there a difference between the ‘gifts of the spirit’ and the
‘fruit of the spirit’?
3) What does it mean to “crucify oneself “?
4) Why was Abel offering to God better than his brother Cain?
5) Do you have to be baptized by water to receive the Holy
Spirit?
6) What were the names of Job’s three friends?
7) What does it mean when a preacher is skilled in exegesis?
8) If I’m preaching an entire chapter in the Bible ‘verse by
verse’ what style of preaching is this?
**Biblical fact** The Dead Sea Scrolls were written on sheets
made from the papyrus reed.
Answers – 1) Mt 12:31-32; 2) 1st Corinthians 12: 8-10 & Galatians
5:22-23; 3) Galatians 5:24; 4) Genesis 4:4-5 & Hebrews
11:4; 5) Acts 10:44-48; 6) Job 2:11; 7) His ability to interpret
scripture; 8) Expository preaching
Magic Johnson
awarded nation’s
highest civilian honor
President Joe Biden, right, presents the Presidential
Medal of Freedom, the Nation’s highest civilian honor,
to Earvin “Magic” Johnson in the East Room of the
White House, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, in Washington. (AP
Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)AP
By Matt Wenzel | mwenzel2@mlive.com
EAST LANSING – Magic Johnson may be the most famous
among the more than 500,000 living Michigan State alumni
worldwide.
The legendary basketball player turned billionaire
businessman added the nation’s highest civilian honor to his
resume on Saturday when President Joe Biden awarded him
with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
“I think that’s great for everybody but I think it’s great for
our university and for Michigan State to have one of our former
guys get such a prestigious honor,” Michigan State coach Tom
Izzo said on Monday. “As I read through why he got the award,
you realize how many things he did.”
Johnson, a Lansing native who starred at Everett High
School, led Michigan State to the 1979 national championship
before going on to win five NBA titles and three MVP awards
with the Lakers. He was one of 19 individuals awarded with
the medal on Saturday, joining Hillary Clinton, actors Denzel
Washington and Michael J. Fox and the late George Romney,
former governor of Michigan, among others.
“I am so humbled and overwhelmed with emotion right
now,” Johnson wrote in part of a message on social media. “It
is an absolute honor and privilege that President Joe Biden
selected me for the esteemed Presidential Medal of Freedom
award. Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined
that this kid from Lansing, MI would one day grow up and
Continue reading online at: thewestsidegazette.com
www.thewestsidegazette.com
Actress Vanessa Williams’ Mom,
Helen Louise Williams, Sadly Dies at 85
(Source: Blacknews.com)
NATIONWIDE --
Vanessa Williams’ mother,
Helen Louise Williams,
sadly passed away on
December 28th at the age of
85. She died peacefully in
London from complications of
acute liver failure following a
sudden health decline.
Helen, a music teacher for
over 40 years, was in London
to celebrate her 85th birthday
with family and friends and
attend the opening of The
Devil Wears Prada musical on
the West End, where Vanessa
plays Miranda Priestly.
During the trip, Helen’s
health deteriorated, leading
to her death, according
to People.
Vanessa shared a
heartfelt tribute on
Instagram, writing, “On
December 28th, the world
lost a powerhouse, dynamo,
and force of nature packed
into a 5ft frame. Our mom,
Helen Williams, aka Gaga
to many, took her final bow
in London 20 days after
celebrating her 85th birthday
surrounded by family and
friends.
“It’s impossible to describe
all she meant to everyone
because each person saw a
different facet of her — loyal
friend to many, icy stares to
a chosen few. We will miss
it all. We want to offer some
reflections on her remarkable
life.”
Helen, born in Buffalo,
N.Y., on December 8, 1939, had
a long career teaching in the
Ossining and Manhattanville
School Districts and at
Manhattanville College. She
also taught private piano
lessons and performed at
various events. Even after
her retirement in 1996,
she continued coordinating
concerts and directing choirs.
Helen’s influence went
beyond music. In 2012, she
co-authored the memoir You
Have No Idea with Vanessa.
She also established the Helen
Tinch Williams Scholarship
at SUNY and volunteered at
Bedford Women’s Correction
Facility.
Following her mother’s
passing, Vanessa is taking a
temporary break from her role
in The Devil Wears Prada.
She will return to the stage
on January 16, with Debbie
Kurup stepping in during her
absence.
Helen is survived by
her brother, her children
Vanessa and Chris, four
grandchildren, and extended
family members.
Vanessa Williams’ and her mother Helen Louise
Celebrating the Life of
Gracie Lenchaper Mitchell
Sunrise- January 28, 1957 - Sunset- January 6, 2024
With a heart deeply rooted
in faith and an unwavering love
for her family, Gracie Mitchell’s
journey began in Hollywood,
FL, on January 28, 1957. Born to
Willie and Martha Ray Mitchell,
she was the youngest among
five cherished siblings.
Guided by the teachings of
her parents and her mother’s
pastoral influence, Gracie’s
christian foundation was visible.
She believed, was baptized in
Jesus’ Name, and filled with the
Holy Spirit. Her commitment to Christ shined brightly through
her embodiment of His Spirit in every facet of her life.
After graduating from Piper High School in Fort Lauderdale
with the Class of 1974, Gracie embarked on a remarkable
39-year career at AT&T, where her dedication and passion
resonated until retirement.
The Family was the cornerstone of Gracie’s joy. She
cherished time with loved ones, especially during visits to
North and South Carolina.
She eagerly anticipated relocating to North Carolina to
begin the next chapter of her life alongside her cherished
family and beloved sister, Jimmie.
Gracie’s spirit was one of guidance and celebration. She
was a beacon of wisdom, always willing to share insights
and uplift others. Her genuine excitement for the success of
those around her was palpable! Gracie’s nurturing nature,
coupled with her no-nonsense, authentic personality,
inspired strength in everyone she encountered.
Gracie reunites now in eternity with her beloved parents
and her eldest sister, Levilea Williams. Her enduring legacy
lives on in the hearts of her siblings: Sisters, Apostle Willett L.
Mitchell of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; and Jimmie Mitchell-
Majors of Charlotte, NC; and Brother, Bishop Dr. Micheal R.
Mitchell, Sr. (Cynthia) of Charlotte, NC and one brother-inlaw,
Bishop Levester Williams, Sr. Included amongst those
cherishing her memory are esteemed friends of AT&T, along
with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, special relatives,
and host of friends.
Gracie’s life epitomized Proverbs 31:10: “Who can find a
virtuous woman?” Her unwavering faith, nurturing spirit, and
genuine love have left an indelible mark on all who were
fortunate to know her. Gracie’s legacy of strength, love,
and wisdom will continue to guide and inspire generations
to come.
Richard Parsons, prominent Black executive who led
Time Warner and Citigroup, dies at 76
Deeply Rooted
in a statement on behalf of
the Lauder family.
David Zaslav, the CEO
of Time Warner successor
Warner Bros. Discovery,
hailed Parsons as a “great
Continue reading online at:
thewestsidegazette.com
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
Casey Myers
Love And Grace
Funeral And
Cremation Service
Joycelyn Hall
- 93
Funeral
Service will be
held January
11 th at Judah
Worship Word
Ministries
International.
Johnny
“Ropeman”
Woodard – 55.
James C. Boyd
Funeral Home Services
Morey McDyle
Clemmons – 39
Funeral Service
was held
January 4th
at Church of
the Lord Jesus
Christ of the
Apostolic Faith with Willie
Charles Clemmons III
officiating.
Eddie B.
Washington –
78
Funeral Service
was held
January 4th at
James C. Boyd’s
Memorial
Chapel with Pastor Davis
Washington, Jr. officiating.
JANUARY 9 - JANUARY 15, 2025 • PAGE 9
McWhite’s Funeral
Home Services
Emma Jean
Ferguson
Funeral
Service
was held
January 4th
at Praise
Tabernacle.
Miracle
Fruster
Funeral
Service
was held
January 4th
at McWhite’s Funeral Home
Chapel
Una Trotman
Funeral
Service
was held
January 4th
at McWhite’s
Funeral Home
Chapel.
Ulysses “ Junior”
Turner, Jr. – 78
Funeral Service
was held January
4th at Lighthouse
Worship Center
Church
Roy Mizell & Kurtz
Funeral Home Services
Jalen Moore-22
Funeral
Service
was held
January 4th
at The
House
of God Church.
The LORD
has done
GREAT
things for
Us,
and we are
filled with Joy.
Psalm 126:3
Richard Parsons, a former top executive at Time Warner
and Citigroup, passed away at his Manhattan home.
(Billboard)
By Anick Jesdanun and
Michael R. Sisak, The
Associated Press
(Source:
The Miami Times)
Richard Parsons, one of
corporate America’s most
prominent Black executives
who held top posts at Time
Warner and Citigroup, died
Thursday. He was 76.
Parsons, who died at his
Manhattan home, was
diagnosed with multiple
myeloma in 2015 and
cited “unanticipated complications”
from the disease
for cutting back on work a few
years later.
The financial services
company Lazard, where
Parsons was a longtime board
member, confirmed his death.
Parsons’ friend Ronald
Lauder told The New York
Times that the cause of death
was cancer.
Parsons stepped down Dec.
3 from the boards of Lazard
and Lauder’s company, Estée
Lauder, citing health reasons.
He had been on Estée Lauder’s
board for 25 years.
“Dick was an American
original, a colossus bestriding
the worlds of business, media,
culture, philanthropy, and
beyond,” Ronald Lauder said
PAGE 10 • JANUARY 9 - JANUARY 15, 2025
Deeply Rooted
www.thewestsidegazette.com
Chef Lena Richard First Black Cooking T.V. Show
By Don Valentine
Meet Black America’s
“Unknown Celebrity Chef”,
Lena Richard, a gift to Cajun
cuisine foodies everywhere. In
1892, just 27 years after the
Civil War, this phenomenal
chef was born in New Roads,
Louisiana. In a Smithsonian
Magazine interview, Marie
Rhodes, Richard’s daughter
and sous chef: “Her reputation
was very fine...Everybody
used to call her Mama Lena.”
Lena Richard was born in
New Orleans during the early
20th century and learned how
to cook as a domestic worker.
Mama Lena began her cooking
at the age of 14, helping her
mother as a part-time domestic
worker for the Vairins, a
wealthy New Orleans family.
Noticing her natural talent
and curiosity for cooking, Mrs.
Vairin set aside a day each
week for her to experiment
with unique dishes. Mrs.
Varin generously paid for her
to attend Boston’s prestigious
Farmer cooking school.
Mama Lena’s gift for
cooking quickly out shined
the other students. In an
interview for the Smithsonian
she humbly said, “When I got ‘way
up there, I found out in a hurry they
can’t teach me much more than I
know. When it comes to cooking
meats, stews, soups, sauces and
such dishes we Southern cooks have
Northern cooks beat by a mile.”
Her classmates began taking
copious notes on the unique way
Mama Lena cooked her Creole
gumbo, chicken vol-au-vent, and
other classics. That inspired her
in 1939 to write her own 300
recipe cookbook Lena Richard’s
Cook Book.
Her book was very well
received and is regarded as
Fort Lauderdale native
launches a fighter jet
off the flight deck
aboard USS Carl Vinson
Lacy’s Celebration of Love was
everything she had hoped for. She
shared, “It will stay with me in me heart
for the rest of my life! We are so grateful
to you, as it would not have been
possible without your love and support.
Forever Grateful, Lacy & Cheri.
YOU AND A GUEST ARE INVITED
TO A SPECIAL ADVANCE SCREENING OF
Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) 3rd Class
Amari Mullings, (right) (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication
Specialist 3rd Class Nate Jordan)
Submitted by Ashley B. Craig
SOUTH CHINA SEA
– Aviation Boatswain’s
Mate (Equipment) 2nd
Class Jayden Whitehead,
left, of Beaufort, S.C., and
Aviation Boatswain’s Mate
(Equipment) 3rd Class Amari
Mullings, of Fort Lauderdale,
Fla., launch an F/A-18F
Super Hornet assigned to the
“Bounty Hunters” of Strike
Fighter Squadron (VFA) 2 off
the flight deck of the Nimitzclass
aircraft carrier USS
Carl Vinson (CVN 70), Dec.
26, 2024. Vinson, the flagship
of Carrier Strike Group ONE,
is underway conducting
routine operations in the U.S.
7th Fleet area of operations.
the first Creole cookbook
written by a Black person. The
chef’s career began a meteoric
rise in the “Nola” area. In
the late 1930s, she opened
a cooking school. The 1940s
saw her open Lena’s Eatery
and Lena Richard’s Gumbo
House. In 1946, she started
her own frozen-food business,
where she sold fully cooked
packaged dinners that were
shipped across the country.
Mama Lena made history
by becoming the first Black
woman to host a cooking show.
Her show Lena Richard’s New
Orleans Cookbook would air
on Tuesdays and Thursdays
on New Orleans local NBC
station.
She overcame all the racial
roadblocks. Jim Crow may
have cast a long shadow, but
Mama Lena’s kitchen always
had a light on. She was the
original Martha Stewart, with
a cooking show, a cookbook
and multiple restaurants.
A MESSAGE FROM THE PUBLISHER
from Front Page
of this pandemic affects us all, it does not discriminate,
blanketing the just and unjust alike. Yet, even as it exposes
the fragility of leadership and the inequities in society,
there is reassurance in knowing that day always follows
night. When the light comes, it will illuminate everything,
and nothing will remain hidden.
During this time, we must be mindful of our actions while
we still have the light to guide us. As scripture reminds us,
“No man can work when the night comes.” But even when
lost in the darkness, we must cling to the hope that we are
never alone.
I recall an experience in Dayton, Ohio, while working at a juvenile residential treatment
home. A reward for the students was an outdoor adventure in the wilderness—a place so vast
and beautiful that it was easy to lose one’s way. One evening, as the sun set, we realized we
were lost. Anxiety took over, and tensions rose as we struggled to navigate back.
In that moment, leadership and preparation became critical. Although I was in charge,
being lost felt like no one was in control. By working together and relying on the skills we had
learned, we found our way back. The lesson was clear: even during uncertainty, unity and
trust in the process can guide us home.
Today, the world feels much like that wilderness—chaotic, uncertain, and overwhelming.
Leadership seems lost, and the stakes are unimaginably high. Yet, I have come to understand
that some things are beyond our control. The burden is lighter when we entrust it to the true
Burden Bearer.
If we know someone is lost—whether physically, mentally, or spiritually—and we
fail to offer direction, we risk becoming lost ourselves. This includes even, the incoming
President(POTUS), his Cabinet, both the House and Senate to include most of the Supreme
Court. Let us remember the words of Luke 15:4: “What man of you, having a hundred sheep,
if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the
one that is lost, until he finds it?”
We are all in this together, and together, we will find the light. For no matter how dark it
gets, light will always come.
“Dear God. In the name of Jesus. We come seeking Your marvelous Light to shine our way
out of this darkness that is guiding us blindly into a world of confusion created by man. Dark
now, though it may be, we are not “lending to our own understanding” but, forever trusting
in You the Creator of all good and perfect things. In Jesus name please hear our prayers.”
OUT OF THE DARKNESS INTO THE MARVELOUS LIGHT
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
87211_WolfMan_WestsideGazette_6.5x10.75.indd 1
12/10/24 2:10 PM
www.thewestsidegazette.com
The State of Black Family Health Launches
MLK Weekend in Tampa by Black Nurses
(Source: BlackNews.com)
NATIONWIDE -- This
MLK Weekend in January
2025, The Color of Wellness
is proud to launch The State
of Black Family Health, a
powerful event series designed
to advocate for health equity,
amplify underrepresented
voices, and create lasting
change in Black communities
across the country. Kicking
off in Tampa in January
2025, the series will also
make stops in Detroit (April
2025), Columbia, SC (August
2025), and Gainesville, FL
(November 2025).
Sponsored by Chase Bank
and Keriton, this initiative
empowers individuals
with the tools, resources,
and connections needed to
tackle healthcare disparities
head-on. The event will
offer attendees access to
invaluable leadership skills,
health education tailored to
the unique needs of Black
families, and opportunities
for systemic change.
“This isn’t about one-time
inspiration,” says Michelle
Continue reading online at:
thewestsidegazette.com
The Atlanta Voice Honored to Attend White House Holiday
Reception
On December 21, 2024,
Donnell Suggs, the Editor-in-
Chief of The Atlanta Voice,
and his wife, Chia Suggs,
who holds the dual roles of
Advertising Administrator
and Executive Assistant
to the Publisher, had the
honor of attending the White
House holiday reception. This
exclusive event gathered an
eclectic mix of guests from the
realms of print, digital, and
radio media, illustrating the
vital role that diverse voices
play in shaping the nation’s
public discourse.
For Donnell, receiving an
invitation represented not just
a personal achievement, but a
significant acknowledgment of
The Atlanta Voice’s relentless
commitment to amplifying
the stories of individuals
who are often overlooked by
President Joe Biden, Chia Suggs (wife), Donnell Suggs Editorin-Chief
of The Atlanta Voice and Dr Jill Biden.
mainstream media. As Editorin-Chief,
he has passionately
dedicated himself to ensuring
that the publication remains
a cornerstone for news
coverage, cultural insights,
and community engagement.
The Atlanta Voice has a
mission to help shape the
narrative about the African
American diaspora by
producing and distributing
compelling informative and
educational content across
multiple platforms that will
focus the world’s attention
on what it truly means to be
Black in America.
JANUARY 9 - JANUARY 15, 2025 • PAGE 11
Resilience and Triumph: Reflecting
on 2024 and Honoring Our Journey
By Ramon Robinson, Westside
Gazette Contributor
As we close out 2024, I
reflect on a year filled with
challenges, growth, and
monumental achievements.
Our community has faced
immense struggles but also
celebrated historic milestones,
reminding us of the resilience
and brilliance that defines us.
We cannot discuss this
year without acknowledging
the tragedy of Robert
Brooks, a 43-year-old father,
murdered by correctional
officers. His death leaves
a young son fatherless and
casts a long shadow of grief
over our community. Stories
like Robert’s are reminders
of the systemic injustices we
continue to fight against,
but they also highlight the
importance of unity and
action in the face of adversity.
Yet, amidst the sorrow,
2024 brought moments of
triumph that inspire hope for
a brighter future.
Black Excellence in 2024
This year, members of our
community shattered barriers
and reached new heights in
various fields:
LeBron and Bronny James
made history as the first
father-and-son duo to play
in the NBA, a testament to
legacy and perseverance.
Damola Adamolekun,
the youngest CEO in Red
Lobster’s history, guided the
company out of bankruptcy,
proving the transformative
power of Black leadership in
corporate America.
Kristian Hobbs, a
trailblazer in sports, became
the first female JV head coach
for boys’ basketball at Fort
Pierce Westwood Academy.
Her historic appointment
serves as a beacon of
inspiration for young athletes
and future leaders.
Victor Glover, a
distinguished NASA
astronaut, became the first
Black man to be selected for
a lunar mission, marking
a significant milestone
in space exploration and
representation.
Essence
Professor Mashudu
Tshifularo, a pioneering
South African surgeon,
performed the world’s first
middle ear transplant using
3D-printed bones, offering a
groundbreaking solution to
conductive hearing loss.
University of Pretoria
These achievements
remind us that even in
challenging times, we rise
and thrive.
Honoring the Past, Building
the Future
While we celebrate these
successes, we must remain
steadfast in our pursuit of
justice and equality. Robert
Brooks’ tragic death is a stark
reminder of the work still
needed to dismantle systems
of oppression. His story, and
others like it, compel us to
advocate for change and
ensure that his legacy fuels
the fight for accountability.
At the same time, we
must continue to uplift and
honor the stories of resilience
and progress that define
our community. By sharing
these narratives, we not
only inspire others but also
strengthen the foundation for
future generations to build
Continue reading online at:
thewestsidegazette.com
In his heartbeat,
we hear an
enduring
bond.
He puts his whole heart into being a father.
We put ours into caring for you. At Broward Health,
our cardiovascular experts are by your side for
every beat, providing customized care to keep
you living the life you love. Learn more at
BrowardHealth.org/CardiacCare.
CUSTOMIZED CARDIOVASCULAR PERSONALIZED
TREATMENT PLANS EXPERTISE CARDIAC REHAB
C2489-5_BH_Cardiac24_Dan_WestSideGaz13.25x10.75.indd 1
12/18/24 4:40 PM
PAGE 12 • JANUARY 9 - JANUARY 15, 2025
Deeply Rooted
www.thewestsidegazette.com
HBCU Band invited to perform at Donald Trump Presidential Inauguration
The “Mean Green Marching Machine” has started GoFundMe effort
to raise money for the trip.
(Courtesy: MVSU)
(Courtesy: MVSU)
By HBCU Sports
The celebrated “Mean
Green Marching Machine”
HBCU marching band from
Mississippi Valley State
University has received an
invitation to participate
in the 60th Presidential
Inauguration Parade in
Washington, D.C., on January
20, 2025.
This invitation continues
MVSU’s tradition of national
President Richard Nixon’s
inaugural parade on Jan. 20,
1969. These milestones reflect
the band’s enduring legacy
as cultural ambassadors for
Mississippi and the HBCU
community.
The total cost of this
historic trip, including travel,
accommodations, meals, and
equipment, is approximately
$350,000, the school said.
“This is not just a moment
of pride for our university
but for the entire state of
Mississippi,” said Dr. Jerryl
Briggs, MVSU President.
“It is an opportunity to
showcase our legacy,
celebrate our culture, and
invest in the future leaders
of our community.” This
participation allows students
to engage in the peaceful
transition of power and
gain global exposure while
celebrating the university’s
75th anniversary,” Briggs
added.
Preliminary design emerges for a new 500-bed FAMU
residence hall on the site of the former Paddyfoote Complex
ame
lack
sity
the
ade.
ena
in
A Year in Review >>>
Marijuana
in Florida.
Watch a Conversation on Cannabis
virtual forum to learn why marijuana was
one of the most talked about subjects in
Florida in 2024 and what to expect in the
coming year.
Follow ‘Conversations on Cannabis’ on
@MMERIForumRadio
Watch Now
(Courtesy: MVSU)
Submitted by Da Rattler
Preliminary designs for a
new 500-bed residence hall at
FAMU, to be constructed on the
site of the former Paddyfoote
housing complex, have been
revealed. The design, crafted
by Washington, DC-based
architect David M. Schwarz,
draws inspiration from
FAMU’s historic buildings
and features a traditional
Georgian style commonly
found on many American
campuses.
The new facility will not only
provide housing for students
but will also include faculty
offices and retail spaces.
The design preserves the
site’s heritage live oak trees
and incorporates classical
elements, ensuring a blend
of modern functionality and
aesthetic appeal.
Schwarz, the architect
behind the project, is
currently refining key aspects
of the design. This includes
Clarence Thomas from FP
paid for by wealthy benefactors like
Republican megadonor Harlan Crow
because they are close personal friends.
The court didn’t immediately respond
to a request for comment Thursday.
The Supreme Court adopted its
first code of ethics in 2023 in the face
of sustained criticism, though the new
code still lacks a means of enforcement.
It’s unclear whether the law allows
the U.S. Judicial Conference to make a
criminal referral regarding a Supreme
Court justice, U.S. District Judge
Robert Conrad wrote. He serves as
secretary for the conference, which sets
policy for the federal court system and
is led by Chief Justice John Roberts.
A referral in this case isn’t
necessary, Conrad said, because two
Democratic senators called on Attorney
General Merrick Garland to appoint a
special counsel over the summer. No
such appointment has been publicly
made.
Democratic Sen. Sheldon
Whitehouse said that the judiciary
appears to be “shirking its statutory
duty to hold a Supreme Court justice
accountable for ethics violations.”
Conrad also sent a similar
response to a separate complaint
from a conservative legal group,
the Center for Renewing America,
in regard to Justice Ketanji Brown
Jackson’s reports on the source of her
husband’s consulting income. Jackson
has since amended her disclosures
and also agreed to updated reporting
requirements, Conrad wrote.
A spokesperson for the group,
Rachel Cauley, said it was a “sad
commentary” that the liberal justice’s
omission would not have been noticed
and corrected without their complaint.
the Main Lobby’s white oak
decorative elements and
custom terrazzo flooring. The
team is also meticulously
selecting materials for the
interior, lighting solutions,
and restroom designs to
ensure both functionality and
aesthetic appeal.
In 2023, FAMU had
announced plans to construct
a new $60 million dorm on
the site as a part of its plan
to construct 2,000 beds of new
campus housing, including
the 700 bed dorm currently
under construction.
Building Spree
FAMU broke ground in
April of this year on a new 700
bed residence hall currently
named Venom Landing
located on the corner of Martin
Luther King Jr. Boulevard
and Osceola Street. The dorm
is expected to open this fall.
Venom Landing mirrors
the current FAMU Towers
complex but will feature a
faux red brick facade whereas
the towers is tan.
FAMU has been actively
addressing its housing
needs in recent years. Since
2017, the university has
demolished six residence
halls: Gibbs (2023), Diamond,
McGuinn, Cropper, Wheatley,
Truth, and Paddyfote (2021).
Additionally, the Palmetto
North Apartment complex
met the wrecking ball in 2023.
In a bid to enhance its
housing capacity, FAMU
purchased a 116-bed
apartment complex in March
2023 for $12.7 million, now
named Rattler Pointe East.
The university also acquired
a 118-bed apartment complex
in October 2022 for $12.6
million, now named Rattler
Pointe West.
The new residence hall is
expected to be a significant
addition to FAMU’s campus,
providing modern living
spaces for students while
preserving the historical and
natural elements of the site.
January 6 Committee Leaders
Cheney and Thompson Receive
Presidential Citizens Medal
By Stacy M. Brown
NNPA Newswire Senior National
Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia
President Joe Biden announced that he would
honor 20 Americans with the Presidential Citizens
Medal during a ceremony at the White House. Among
the recipients were Mississippi Congressman Bennie
Thompson and former Wyoming Congresswoman Liz
Cheney, who co-led Congress’ investigation into the
January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
The bipartisan committee, formed after the
Capitol riot, investigated the attempt by Donald
Trump supporters to disrupt the certification of
Biden’s victory in the 2020 presidential election.
Their work included public hearings and a final
report in December 2022 that accused Trump of
engaging in a “multi-part conspiracy” to overturn the
election results.
Thompson, a veteran civil rights advocate, grew
up in segregated Mississippi and was inspired by
the movement for racial justice. His career in public
service began with grassroots organizing and voter
registration efforts. Elected to Congress in 1993,
he became the longest-serving African American
lawmaker in Mississippi history. As chair of the
January 6 Committee, Thompson was pivotal in
investigating the insurrection and holding Trump
accountable.
Cheney, a conservative Republican and the
daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney spent
two decades in public service, including her tenure
as a member of Congress representing Wyoming.
Known for her sharp criticism of Trump, Cheney lost
her House seat in 2022 after standing against him
and advocating for the investigation into the Capitol
Continue reading online at:
thewestsidegazette.com
www.thewestsidegazette.com
Fabville: A Christmas Village Built
on Love and Magic, Inspired by a
Childhood Dream
By Natasha Dowdy Gordon
Nestled in the heart of the rolling
hills, where snowflakes dance in
the winter breeze and twinkling
lights illuminate every corner lies
the enchanting town of Fabville.
This quaint Christmas village isn’t
like any other holiday destination;
it’s a place born from a dream, a
dream that began when its creator,
Sharonshesofabulous, was just a
child. “I can remember being a little
girl who was in awe of a tiny village
that sat on the coffee table of one of
the older ladies in my neighborhood.
I remember promising myself that
one day I would have a Christmas
village just like it one day.”, Sharon
said.
A Dream Takes Root
Sharon is a YouTube creator who has wowed 107,000 and counting subscribers for years
with her flare for home decorating, makeup and hair tips, and everything else in between.
Everyone knows how creative and imaginative Sharon is, but no one was expecting Fabville. “I
remember the first time I imagined Fabville,” Sharon says, her voice beaming with nostalgia and
excitement. “I was no older than seven, sitting there with nothing more than my imagination. I
imagined myself sipping hot cocoa, as I visualized magical places where people could experience
Christmas all year long. I wanted to create a place like that. A place filled with love, joy, and a
touch of magic.”, Sharon said.
That simple childhood wish would eventually grow into something far greater than Sharon
could have ever dreamed.
Sharon She So Fabulous, now a woman of many talents and a heart brimming with holiday
spirit, recalls how she spent years imagining a village where the magic of Christmas could come
to life every day. But it wasn’t until a decade ago, after years of hard work and perseverance,
that her dream took shape—literally.
From Vision to Reality
Fabville isn’t just a town; it’s an experience, a living testament to Sharon’s childhood
imagination. Each corner of the village radiates warmth, festivity, and a sense of wonder. It is
also a representation of the warmth and kindness of those who follow Sharon She So Fabulous,
as Fabville was literally built for the people and by the people. Fabville is truly a family affair
as Sharon’s better half Ron serves as the Alderman of the town alongside Sharon who serves as
the town’s Mayor. Sharon’s children also use their talents to help maintain Fabville.
The town’s main street is lined with cozy, snow-covered cottages, their windows adorned
with sparkling garlands and wreaths. The scent of freshly baked gingerbread cookies wafts
through the air as the sound of carolers fills the streets, creating a soundtrack of joy. And
everywhere you look, there’s magic—a playful elf peeking out from behind a lamppost, twinkling
fairy lights in every tree, and a town square dominated by a
majestic Christmas tree that reaches toward the sky, and there
is even an elusive pig, that residents have the time of their
lives seeking.
But what sets Fabville apart from other holiday-themed
villages isn’t just its picturesque beauty. It’s the way it makes
people feel, and the level of dedication and ownership people
around the world have taken in the town. People from all over
Continue reading online at: thewestsidegazette.com
CLASSIFIED
ADVERTISE:
*LEGAL NOTICES
*FOR RENT
*FOR SALE *HELP WANTED
www.thewestsidegazette.com
FOR RENT
Office Space
for Rent, Good
Location, Across
the Street from the
Sheriff Office, 245
N.W. 27 th Avenue,
Fort Lauderdale,
Florida. &1500 per
month, First and Last Security to enter.
Call Mrs. Francis (754) 214-1386.
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!
Deeply Rooted
NNPA
HOROSCOPE
JANUARY 9, 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-Finding a way to do it better than
others is not going to be hard this week.
Share your wisdom with other seekers. All
who receive your word will benefit this week.
Happiness rules. 36, 38, 55
TAURUS-Strong vibrations bring a series of
dramatic interactions with others this week.
Practice your charm. Let it come from the
heart, and let your energy carry you upwards
to your best, highest self. Keep emotions
calm, 12, 29, 34
GEMINI-You’ll be energizing and inspiring
others this week as you speak what’s on
your mind regarding spiritual matters and
masters. 20, 27, 31
CANCER-Rev up your engines. This is a fine
week for making progress with projects that
you’ve got in the works. 52, 26, 39
LEO-Educate those around you in the area
of personal growth. Their improvement
will bring benefits to you. Humor in
communication is the key. 16, 30, 39
VIRGO-This week romance is begins to
percolate. Enjoy your feelings and let your
brain relax. Suspend all judgments of others.
Being stern won’t work for you this week. 34,
6, 19
LIBRA-Romance will find you this week.
Don’t be looking the other way. Your “rap”
is especially strong. Make as many of those
important phone calls as possible. People will
respond. 11, 13, 20
SCORPIO-This week should bring an
opportunity to further your education, don’t
pass it up. Pay special attention to details at
work. A friend needs your support. 26, 35, 43
SAGITTARIUS-You and your mate should
increase your saving for the future this week.
Future plans should be spotlighted. 10, 30,
50
CAPRICORN-Don’t take any big gambles this
week, the time is not right for a flight into
the unknown. A newfound harmony is in
store for you and your mate. Your mate will
understand your fears.
6, 48, 51
AQUARIUS-The air can be cleared easily.
Admit your need for help. Seek understanding.
You’ll help another by seeking help from
them. Communication problems will smooth
themselves out.
33, 52, 54
59
72
54
47 24
0 1 7
MIAMI RED
325
Pick 2
16
36
43
121
HOT
LEAD NUMBER
4
279/354
89765
POWERBALL
06-31-51-54-55 12 2x
DP 22-40-42-54-68 7
JUNE
86
78
Pick 3
79
MAY
APRIL
48
79
0899/8034
13
PROFILES
34
49
88
MAR.
23
35
55
89
FEB.
15
24
36
56
99
11
16
25
37
57
00
64
6
JANUARY
09
12
17
26
38
58
02
13
18
27
39
59
14
19
28
44
66
JULY
22
AUG
29 33
45 46 47
SEPT.
14
OCT.
67 68 69 77
03 04 05 06 07 08
CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES ARIES TAURUS GEMINI
24-06-57 37-15-49 26-54-12 59-28-43 67-42-14 53-29-64-
CANCER LEO VIRGO LIBRA SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS
29-09-18 35-09-48 09-65-12 62-05-39 13-48-29 82-62-65-
WHAT’S HOT? 39-78-
LATEST LOTTERY RESULT as of Tuesday, January 9 at 5 p.m.
JACKPOT Triple Play
08-18-21-23-34-39
Pick 4 Pick 5
42589/35034
JANUARY 9 - JANUARY 15, 2025 • PAGE 13
Zoe Saldaña Wins First Golden Globe, Only
Black Winner Of The Night
By Jovonne Ledet
(Source: Black
Information Network)
Zoe Saldaña nabbed her first
win at the Golden Globes.
On Sunday (January 5), the
82nd annual Golden Globes,
hosted by comedian Nikki
Glaser, recognized the best in
film and television at the Beverly
Hilton in Los Angeles.
Several Black stars were
nominated for awards ahead
of the ceremony, including
Wicked star Cynthia Erivo
and Gladiator II's Denzel
Washington. Zendaya, Ayo
Edebiri, Jamie Foxx, Quinta
Brunson, Donald Glover, Colman
Domingo, Quinta Brunson
also earned nods from the
Golden Globes. Viola Davis
received the Cecil B. DeMille
Award at a separate gala prior
to the ceremony.
However, Saldaña was the
only Black actor to take home
67
54
JANUARY 9, 2025
981409/580664
89
62
FANTASY 5
Mid Dec. 30) 01-18-19-20-24
Evening Dec. 29) 05-10-20-28-30
15
23
65
NOV.
DEC.
CASH4LIFE
03-13-28-42-48 4
32
27
38
31
72
66
87
FLORIDA MEGA MILLION
03-07-37-49-55 6 3x
11
59
Doublues
LOTTO
03-06-13-18-32-46
08-24-25-31-48-50
Photo: Getty Images
an award on Sunday. The
Emilia Pérez star won her
first Golden Globe for her supporting
role in the film.
"Oh my God,” Saldaña said
as she took the stage to accept
her award. "I'm filled with
adrenaline, but my heart is
full of gratitude."
In Emilia Pérez, the
most-nominated film at this
year's Golden Globes, Saldaña
portrayed a lawyer who
helped a Mexican drug lord
fake their death and undergo
gender-affirming surgery.
Saldaña beat out other stars
in her category including her
Emilia Pérez costar Selena
Gomez, Wicked's Ariana
Grande, Felicity Jones of The
Brutalist, The Substance's
Margaret Qualley, and Conclave
star Isabella Rossellini.
78
FRUITS, FRUITS & FRUITS
SOFT SHELL PECANS $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 Peppers, Tomatoes
and Potatoes.
Prices will increase Jan. 1, 2025
CALL FORD -- (954) 557-1203.
PISCES-You and your partner are on the same
wavelength. If you are presented with a
contract this week, it’s an ideal week to reach
an agreement. 4, 6, 33
CALL FOR FORD(954) 557-1203
PAGE 14 • JANUARY 9 - JANUARY 15, 2025
Deeply Rooted
www.thewestsidegazette.com
For the Week oF January 7-13, 2024
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
NEW
BEGINNINGS
Spring Hill Sports Photo
HOT SHOT: Spring Hill's 6-4
senior guard Walter Peggs Jr.'s
26.1 points per game tops the
SIAC and is second nationally
in Div. II basketball.
NEW FOOTBALL COACHES AT MILES, ECSU; EARLY
HOOPS LEADERS IN CIAA, SIAC, MEAC & SWAC
CONF
ALL
NORTH DIVISION W L W L
Virginia State 4 0 9 4
Lincoln (PA) 4 0 9 5
Bluefield State 2 2 8 5
Elizabeth City State 2 3 8 5
Virginia Union 1 2 7 8
Bowie State 1 3 8 7
SOUTH DIVISION W L W L
Fayetteville State 2 2 9 5
Claflin 3 3 9 7
Johnson C. Smith 2 2 6 5
Shaw 2 2 7 7
Livingstone 1 4 8 6
Winston-Salem State 0 1 2 9
PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Caleb Simmons, Sr., G, FSU - Had 27 points
and 12 rebounds in two wins including 19 points
and 13 rebounds vs. Bowie State.
DEFENSIVE PLAYER
Dericko Williams, Gr., F, ECSU - Averaged 14.5
points, 13.0 rebounds in two games.
ROOKIE
Jahmire Brewer, Fr., F, LINCP - Had 3 points, 2
rebounds in win over Shaw.
CONF
ALL
W L W L
Norfolk State 2 0 11 7
S. C. State 2 0 8 9
Howard 1 0 6 9
Coppin State 1 1 2 14
N. C. Central 0 1 7 11
Morgan State 0 1 6 11
Md. E-Shore 0 1 4 13
Delaware State 0 2 7 9
OFFENSIVE PLAYER & ROOKIE OF THE WEEK
Blake Harper, 6-2, Fr., G, HOW - Tied careerhigh
34 points on 10 of 12 shooting, 3 of 4
from long range and 11 of 11 FTs in win Saturday
over DelState.
DEFENSIVE POW
Brian Moore Jr., 6-2, Gr., FG, NSU - 22
points, 7 rebounds, 4 blocks, 3 steals in win
vs. UMES and 18 points, 5 rebounds in loss to
No. 1 Tennessee.
CONF ALL
EAST W L W L
Clark Atlanta 6 0 9 4
Morehouse 5 1 7 6
Edward Waters 5 2 9 5
Albany State 5 2 8 6
Savannah State 3 4 5 6
Benedict 3 4 3 10
Fort Valley State 2 4 3 10
Allen 1 6 3 8
WEST
Miles 6 1 9 3
Tuskegee 4 3 6 7
Kentucky State 5 4 8 6
Central State 3 5 6 8
Spring Hill 3 5 5 8
Lane 2 6 2 11
LeMoyne-Owen 1 7 1 13
PLAYER Shakur Poteat, 6-1, Jr., G, ALB
- Averaged 27.0 points in two wins with 27
points, 6 assists, 3 rebounds and a steal in
2OT win vs. Lane, 27 points, 4 rebounds in
win vs. LOC.
DEFENSE Blaise Wallace, 6-7, So., F,
ALB - Averaged double-double of 21.0
points, 13.5 rebounds in two wins with 26
points, 14 rebounds vs. Lane, 16 points, 13
rebounds vs. LOC.
CONF
ALL
W L W L
Southern 2 0 7 8
Alabama A&M 2 0 6 9
Alabama State 2 0 6 9
Bethune-Cookman 1 0 4 10
Jackson State 1 0 1 13
Texas Southern 1 1 4 11
Prairie View A&M 1 1 2 13
Florida A&M 0 1 3 9
Arkansas-Pine Bluff 0 2 3 12
Grambling State 0 2 3 12
Miss. Valley State 0 2 2 13
Alcorn State 0 1 0 14
PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Tanahj Pettaway, 6-2, Gr., PG, PVA&M - 22
points vs. Oklahoma.
Daeshun Ruffin, 5-11, Jr., G, JSU - 20
points in win vs. Cal Baptist.
NEWCOMER
Dorian McMillan, 6-3, Fr., G, JSU - 20
points vs. Cal Baptist
CONF
ALL
W L W L
Langston 12 2 8 2
Florida Memorial 9 4 2 2
West Virginia State 5 6 3 3
Lincoln (Mo.) 10 3 2 3
Hampton 8 7 1 2
Tennessee State 5 10 1 3
NC A&T 4 12 0 3
PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Travis Harper II, 6-6, R-Jr., G, TSU - Tallied
20 points with four 3-pointers in win over
Little Rock.
DEFENSE
Latavious Mitchell, 6-8, Sr., F, LANG - 11
points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists in win over
Ave Maria.
UNDER THE BANNER
WHaT'S GOInG On In anD arOunD BLaCK COLLEGE SPOrTS
CHRIS GOODE TO LEAD MILES FOOTBALL:
On Friday, Miles College named Chris Goode as its
new head football coach.
Goode, who played at the
University of Alabama and in the
NFL, replaces Sam Shade, another
Alabama product who took the
Alabama A&M head coaching job.
Goode was formally introduced at a
Goode press conference on Tues., Jan. 7.
"We are excited for the future of Miles College
football under the direction of Coach Chris Goode and
are confident that Coach Goode's leadership will bring
continued success to Miles College football," said Fred
Watson, Miles' Director of Athletics.
This will be Goode’s first head coaching stint on the
collegiate level. After his playing career concluded, he
served as the defensive coordinator for the Birmingham
Steeldogs of the Arena Football League. He has stayed
connected with young athletes through his own Goode
Elite Prep, a post-graduate academy for student-athletes.
With his extensive local, statewide, and national
connections, Goode is "uniquely positioned to recruit
talent and drive fundraising efforts for the Miles football
program while continuing to raise the institution's profile,”
the school said in a news release.
Goode was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in
the 10th round of the 1987 NFL Draft after a standout
collegiate career at Alabama. He played his entire sevenyear
career for the Colts, finishing with seven interceptions,
six fumble recoveries, two sacks, and a touchdown in 96
regular-season contests. Since his retirement, he has had
multiple business and sports-related ventures, including
serving as the president of the National Football League
Player Association Birmingham Chapter.
Under Goode, the Golden Bears look to remain one
of the top football programs in Division II. Last season in
their third year under Shade, they went 10-3, winning the
Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC)
title and advancing to the second round of the NCAA
Division II playoffs while finishing the season nationally
ranked for the first time.
JONES OUT AT SHAW, IN AT ELIZ. CITY STATE:
Adrian Jones, just let go after the 2024 season after
eight years at Shaw, was announced
Friday as the 15th head football
coach at Elizabeth City State.
"Sometimes God takes something
from you to give you something
better," Jones said at his introductory
press conference. "I'm a living
Jones
witness that God works in mysterious
ways."
Jones posted a 33-35 overall record in the CIAA at
Shaw including a 6-4 record this past season. He replaces
Marcus Hilliard, a former Vikings football player, who
resigned after three seasons running the program.
"Elizabeth City is a gold mine; there are a lot of good
football players here," said Jones who played in the CIAA
at N. C. Central. "I really think we can flourish here. I will
not let you down.
"We don’t want to just win football games; we want to
win championships. That’s why I’m here."
Black college hoops takes center stage
LUT WILLIAMS
BCSP Editor
The preliminaries, i.e., the predominantly non-conference part of the
2024-25 black college basketball schedule, is all but done.
Now that the new year is here, intraconference head-to-head match ups
across the four black college conferences and the HBCUs in non-HBCU
conferences will dominate the schedules.
While the NCAA Div. II HBCU conferences – the CIAA and SIAC –
are well into intraconference play, the Div. I conferences – the MEAC and
SWAC – got underway after 2025 kicked in.
Here's an early look at how the men are doing.
CIAA
For the CIAA men, defending tournament champion Lincoln (Pa.) and
Virginia State are off to 4-0 starts in league play.
Lincoln, who won last year's tournament title over Fayetteville State
while being led by former head coach Jason Armstrong, is now being guided
by former NC State two-time All-American and first round NBA draftee
Julius Hodge.
The Lions, who return all five starters from a year ago, have won two of
their CIAA games by 12 and 14 points and two by single-digits including a
one-point, 64-63 win at Livingstone. They are 9-5 overall with losses to three
schools from the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC).
Lincoln has four players scoring in double-digits led by 6-5 all-CIAA
senior guard Bakir Cleveland's 13.1 points per game. The Lions' balanced
attack has two others averaging right at 9.0 ppg.
Head coach Lonnie Blow's Trojans of Virginia State are also 4-0 in
CIAA play though they did split two games with Shaw, losing at home 66-62
before beating the Bears on the road 74-60. Junior point guard Jacob Cooper
(14.8 ppg.) and 6-3 grad guard Clint Wright Jr. (11.8 ppg.) lead VSU.
Six-four senior guard Jordan Hinds of Bluefield State (8-5, 2-2), who
led the CIAA in scoring last season at 19.0 ppg., is the current leader this
season at 22.2 ppg.
SIAC
Clark Atlanta (6-0) in the East and Miles (6-1) in the West, the two
preseason favorites, are setting the pace early in the SIAC race. The two
division leaders met on Tuesday night in Atlanta before press time.
CAU (9-4 overall) has three players scoring in double digits led by 6-5
senior guard Jalen Williams at 13.6 points per game. The Panthers lead the
league in rebounding buoyed by 6-9 senior center Shemani Fuller's 5.8
caroms per game and 4.8 by 6-7 senior forward Martez Jones. Head coach
Alfred Jordan's troops are on a seven-game win streak, six of the wins in
conference play, four by single digits.
The only SIAC loss for Fred Watson's Golden Bears of Miles (9-3
overall) is a 77-75 overtime decision at Morehouse Saturday in Atlanta.
Watson's troops had won eight of nine before that loss with the only blemish
during that stretch a 60-57 loss at Auburn-Montgomery. The Morehouse
Maroon Tigers (7-6) are second in the East at 5-1.
Five-eleven senior guard Alvin Miles, the SIAC preseason player of the
year, leads Miles scoring at 14.8 points per game. He was held to just nine
points in the loss at Morehouse.
Edward Waters and Albany State are at 5-2 behind CAU and Morehouse
in the East. Tuskegee (4-3) is second behind Miles in the West.
Six-four senior guard Walter Peggs Jr. of Spring Hill, a 2023-24 first
teamer and preseason 2024-45 first teamer, is the runaway scoring leader in
the conference at 26.1 ppg., currently second in the nation in Div. II basketball.
Peggs had a season-high 40 points in a win at home over West Florida on Nov.
21 and 34 in close 96-92 loss to Edward Waters on Dec. 21. He is shooting
.495 from the field and .423 from 3-point range.
MEAC
Norfolk State (2-0), South Carolina State (2-0) and Howard (1-0) are
the early MEAC leaders.
Kenny Blakeney's Howard squad, the two-time defending tournament
champs, opened league play with a win Saturday over Delaware State 100-
94 before its date Monday vs. Maryland-Eastern Shore was cancelled by a
mini-blizzard in Washington, D.C. The Bison's 6-9 overall start has been led
by the remarkable play of freshman left-hander Blake Harper. The 6-8 guard
out of local Gonzaga HS had back-to-back 34-point games vs. Hampton and
DelState. He's currently third in the conference averaging 18.3 ppg. and leads
the league averaging 6.6 rebounds per game. He's also fourth in field goal
percentage (.463) and free throw percentage (.823).
Head coach Robert Jones' Norfolk State (11-7) team has been led by
6-2 Murray State transfer guard Brian Moore Jr.'s 18.7 ppg. (2nd in MEAC).
Moore leads three Spartans scoring in double-digits. NSU took down UMES
Hodge Hinds Harper Peggs Anderson
(81-59, Sat.) and DelState (73-64, Mon.).
SC State is likely the surprise early leader under second-year head man
Erik Martin. Six-eleven sophomore forward Drayton Jones is scoring 13.1
ppg. and pulling down 5.4 rpg. to lead the Bulldogs in both categories.
SWAC
No SWAC team emerged from the non-conference schedule with an
above .500 record but five have gotten thru the first weekend of the conference
schedule unblemished. Defending tournament champion Grambling State
(3-12, 0-2) was not one of them.
Southern, Alabama State and Alabama A&M are at 2-0 with Bethune-
Cookman and Jackson State at 1-0.
Southern got narrow wins over Texas Southern (67-58) and Prairie
View (84-80). Alabama State downed Miss. Valley State (84-55) while
Alabama A&M beat the Delta Devils (79-67). ASU slipped by UAPB 93-91
while A&M downed the Golden Lions 89-79.
Prairie View's 6-5 junior shooting guard Nick Anderson leads league
scorers at 18.9 ppg. followed by Bethune-Cookman 6-2 senior guard Brayon
Freeman at 16.2 ppg.
On Saturday Alabama State is at Jackson State while Alabama A&M
is at Alcorn State. On Monday, the Alabama schools switch Mississippi
opponents. Southern hosts Florida A&M Saturday and B-CU Monday.
packers.com photo
SETTING SAIL!!
Green Bay running back EMANUEL WILSON (#31, FORT VALLEY STATE)
gets started on his 21-yard TD run in the Packers' game vs. Chicago. Wilson
had his highest rushing total of the year with 73 yards on 14 carries (5.2 ypc.).
BCSP NFL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
For NFL games of January 2-5, 2024
OFFENSE
– #31 EMANUEL WILSON, RB, Green Bay (3rd season, FORT
VALLEY STATE) – In the Packers’ 24-22 loss to Chicago, Wilson had
14 carries for 73 yards (5.2-yards per carry average) with a long run
of 21 yards, a 21-yard TD run. He also had one catch for -2 yards. He
was in for 27 offensive plays (42%).
DEFENSE
– #90 GROVER STEWART, DT, Indianapolis (7th season, ALBANY
STATE) - In Indy’s 26-23 win over Jacksonville, Stewart started
at nose tackle and had seven total tackles, one solo with one tackle
for loss. He played 43 defensive snaps (62%) and 13 on special teams
(37%).
SPECIAL TEAMS
– #29 BRANDON CODRINGTON, DB/KR, Buffalo (1st season,
NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL) - In Buffalo’s 23-16 loss to New
England, Codrington had two kickoff returns for 62 yards (31.0-
yard average) with a long return of 32 yards. He also had four total
tackles on defense, three solos. He played on 27 defensive snaps
(42%) and nine on special teams (36%).
THE STAT CORNER
WHO ARE THE BEST PERFORMERS IN BLACK COLLEGE SPORTS
CIAA
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 (Women's Standings and Weekly Honors)
CENTRAL INTERCOLLEGIATE
ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION
MEAC
MID EASTERN
ATHLETIC CONFERENCE SIAC
SOUTHERN INTERCOLLEGIATE
ATHLETIC CONFERENCE
SWAC
SOUTHWESTERN
ATHLETIC CONFERENCE
INDEPENDENTS
BLACK COLLEGE FOOTBALL
HEAD COACHING CHANGES
OUT
IN (Previous)
NORFOLK STATE Dawson Odums Michael Vick (NFL)
N. CAROLINA A&T Vincent Brown Shawn Gibbs (Fort Valley State)
PRAIRIE VIEW A&M Bubba McDowell Tremaine Jackson (Valdosta State)
DELAWARE STATE Lee Hull DeSean Jackson (NFL)
ALABAMA A&M Connell Maynor Sam Shade (Miles)
MISS. VALLEY STATE Kendrick Wade
Kyle Williams, Interim (Def. Coord.)
ELIZ. CITY STATE Marcus Hilliard Adrian Jones (Shaw)
FORT VALLEY STATE Shawn Gibbs
Kenny Ray, Interim (Assoc. HC)
MILES Sam Shade Chris Goode (NFL)
LANE Vyron Brown Tommy Lewis Jr, Interim (Asst. HC)
SHAW Adrian Jones Greg Ruffin - Declined health reasons
OTHERS WITH BLACK COLLEGE TIES
KENNESAW STATE Mike MacIntyre Jerry Mack (former NC Central HC)
FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL
Willie Simmons (former Florida A&M HC)
CONF
ALL
NORTH DIVISION W L W L
Virginia Union 4 0 10 3
Bowie State 4 1 10 7
Virginia State 3 1 9 3
Lincoln (PA) 3 2 6 8
Elizabeth City State 2 2 5 7
Bluefield State 0 4 6 8
SOUTH DIVISION W L W L
Fayetteville State 3 1 7 5
Claflin 3 3 7 5
Shaw 2 2 5 8
Livingstone 2 2 4 9
Johnson C. Smith 0 4 3 8
Winston-Salem State 0 4 3 9
PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Ciani Montgomery, Sr., G, LINCP - 27 points, 5
rebounds,, 7 assists in win vs. Shaw.
DEFENSIVE PLAYER
Carmen Kweti, Jr., F, VSU - 17 rebounds, 3
blocks in win vs. JC Smith.
ROOKIE
Hunter Conway, Jr., F, LINCP - 10 points, 4 rebounds,
3 assists in win over Shaw.
CONF
ALL
W L W L
Norfolk State 2 0 14 4
Coppin State 2 0 11 7
Howard 1 0 8 8
Morgan State 1 0 8 8'
Md. E-Shore 0 1 5 11
N. C. Central 0 1 2 13
Delaware State 0 2 3 12
S. C. State 0 2 1 17
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Diamond Johnson, Gr., G, NSU - Averaged
24.5 points, 4.5 assists, 6.0 rebounds and 5.5
steals in two wins with 28 points, six assists, 5
rebounds, 8 steals Monday in win over DSU,
21 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals
in win over UMES.
NEWCOMER
Zinnia Thomas, 6-2, Jr., F, HOW - Kentucky
transfer had 12 points, 11 rebounds in win
over DelState.
DEFENSIVE
Angel Jones, 5-4, Jr., G, CSU - Averaged
17.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 5.0 assists in two
wins with 16 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists in
win vs. SCSU Mon., 19 points, 8 rebounds, 7
assists in win Sat. over NCCU.
CONF ALL
EAST W L W L
Edward Waters 5 2 8 3
Clark Atlanta 5 2 10 4
Allen 4 3 8 5
Benedict 3 4 5 7
Albany State 2 4 5 6
Savannah State 2 5 6 7
Fort Valley State 2 5 4 8
WEST
Central State 6 1 7 5
Miles 5 2 7 3
Lane 4 3 8 5
Spring Hill 4 3 5 8
Kentucky State 3 4 4 9
Tuskegee 2 4 5 8
LeMoyne-Owen 1 6 3 11
PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Taliah Wesley, 5-9, Sr., G, ALL - In 1-1
week averaged 19.0 points, 8.0 rebounds
with 16 points, 6 rebounds, 5 steals in loss
to CSU, 22 points, 10 rebounds, 2 steals in
win over KSU.
DEFENSIVE
Imani Harris, 6-3, Sr., C, EWU - 13 points,
10 rebounds in win over Tuskegee.
CONF
ALL
W L W L
Alabama A&M 2 0 9 5
Alabama State 2 0 4 10
Texas Southern 2 0 3 10
Florida A&M 1 0 4 8
Grambling State 1 1 4 9
Southern 1 1 3 12
Bethune-Cookman 0 1 3 10
Alcorn State 0 1 2 10
Jackson State 1 0 3 9
Prairie View A&M 0 2 3 8
Arkansas-Pine Bliuff 0 2 2 10
Miss. Valley State 0 2 1 12
PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Cordasia Harris, 6-1, Gr., F, ALS - Avgd.
23.5 points, 14.5 boards in two wins with 28
pts., 16 rebs, 5 steals vs. MVSU, 19 pts., 13
boards vs. UAPB.
DEFENSE
Alisha Wilson, 6-0, Sr., G, ALA&M - Double-double
of 13.0 ppg., 14.0 rpg, in two
wins with 13 points, 14 rebounds vs. UAPB,
13 pts., 14 rebs., vs. MVSU.
NEWCOMER
NA
CONF
ALL
W L W L
Florida Memorial 11 1 4 0
NC A&T 6 7 2 0
Langston 13 1 9 1
Hampton 4 9 0 2
West Virginia State 5 5 2 4
Tennessee State 4 10 0 4
Lincoln (Mo.) 1 10 0 5
PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Jordan Dorsey, 5-9, Sr., G, NC A&T - In
two wins averaged 18.5 points, 7.5 rebounds,
5.0 assists with 18 points, 7 rebounds,
4 assists and 3 steals vs. Hampton
19 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists vs. Elon.
DEFENSE
Chaniya Clark, 6-4, R-Jr., C, NC A&T - In
two wins averaged double-double of 1.0
points, 10.0 rebounds and added 5 blocks
per game with 8 points, 10 rebounds, 5
blocks vs. Elon, 12 points, 10 rebounds, 5
blocks vs. Hampton.
© AZEEZ Communications, Inc. Vol. XXXI, No. 23
www.thewestsidegazette.com
SPORTS
Nunnie on the Sideline
By Nunnie Robinson, Westside Gazette Sports Editor
As a follow up to last week’s NOTS,
former Alabama star Sam Shade, who
led Miles College to 2 outstanding
seasons, 1 undefeated regular season
and a deep run in the Division II playoffs
in ‘24, was recently hired as the football
coach at Alabama A&M, a member of
the Southwest Athletic Conference.
Despite having an overall winning
record at A&M and an alum, the
athletic administration was apparently
dissatisfied with the program’s progress
under recently dismissed coach Connell
Maynor. Former Alabama great and
NFL defensive back Chris Goode replaced Shade at Miles
continuing the HBCU trend of hiring former NFL players.
Here is the present and foreseeable future of college football
on the higher levels. Former MVSU receiver Nate Rembert,
who caught 7 passes in helping the Delta Devils defeat
FAMU in Tallahassee, entered the portal and signed with
rival Jackson State. After starting his career with Division II
Edward Waters, JSU will constitute his third team in 3 years,
which I find disturbing and disappointing. Entering the portal
gives the players carte Blanche to sign with any team, usually
the highest bidder, creating a one and done dynamic in what
was previously known as amateur athletics. It is occurring all
over the country and will continue until revisions are made
and common sense prevails. Please know that I am not opposed
to college players being adequately, appropriately and fairly
compensated, but extremism shouldn’t be the order of the day.
Since 45’s re-election my confidence in America has
diminished significantly while my attention to matters of
race and social justice have exponentially increased. There
will be a minority coach in the CFP finals, either Penn St’s
James Franklin or Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman. The other
semifinalists are Ohio State and Texas, representative of red
states as are Indiana and Pennsylvania, distinguished only by
their penchant for electing a convicted felon as president.
The New England Patriots fired Jerod Mayo after only
1 season, after compiling a 4-13 record with an unsettled
quarterback situation and a poor, still developing team. Who
does that? Fan disaffection, locker room dissension, and a
poor performance are credited as reasons for dismissal. The
owner, caught in a South Florida brothel scandal, blames
himself for placing Coach Mayo in an untenable situation. I ask
rhetorically: Wouldn’t he be a better coach in his second year
based on experience and knowledge gained?However, those
reasons could apply to several teams with losing records, not
playoff bound. I’m certain race played a part in his dismissal
though no one will admit it. This is the same area of the country
that discriminated against Bill Russell when he attempted to
purchase a home in a white area. And the busing bebacle in
the 70s was painfully revealing. Other coaches with inferior
records but given more time to fail or succeed remain employed.
Only in America.
The Dolphins supposedly passed on Mike Tomlin because
either he was too young or too hip hop. We Dolfans have seen
and lived with that philosophical idiocy.
Though changes will be exacted, the CFP is evolving as
scripted. It is my desire that the first historic CFP champion is
led by a minority!
Mississippi Valley State band
faces backlash over Trump
inauguration performance
The Mississippi Valley State University marching
band faces backlash after accepting an invitation to
perform at Donald Trump’s inauguration.
By Kiya Wimbush-Robinson
(Source Clutch Points)
Last month the Mississippi Valley State University “Mean
Green Marching Machine” band was invited to perform at
the 60th Presidential Inauguration in Washington D.C. on
January 20, 2025, for president-elect Donald Trump. Since the
announcement, both the band and university have received
major backlash, especially from the HBCU community.
The university is seeking help to raise $350,000 for the trip
to Washington. The money will help cover expenses for the
band, including travel, accommodations, meals, and equipment
transportation. Mississippi Valley State president Dr. Jerryl
Briggs spoke on the occasion in a statement released by the
university.
“This is not just a moment of pride for our university but for
the entire state of Mississippi. It is an opportunity to showcase
our legacy, celebrate our culture, and invest in the future
leaders of our community.”
Mississippi Valley is not the first HBCU band to perform
at Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration. The Talladega
College “Great Tornado Marching Band” performed at Trump’s
first inauguration back in 2017. Like Mississippi Valley,
Talladega College needed outside help to make the trip happen.
The band raised a total of $667,000, surpassing their initial
$75,000 goal.
Many people took to social media to share their disapproval
of the HBCU band accepting Trump’s invitation to perform.
“Will someone tell Mississippi Valley State University that
this is not the time to accept an invitation to march in the
Continue reading online at: thewestsidegazette.com
By Ramon Robinson
Deeply Rooted
Kristian Hobbs has made history as the first female JV head
coach of the boys’ basketball team at Fort Pierce Westwood
Academy in Fort Pierce, Florida. A former standout player from
Martin County, Hobbs enters her first season as head coach
with a mission to inspire and lead her team toward success on
and off the court.
Building a Strong Team
Coach Hobbs is preparing for an exciting season with a
talented group of returning players, including Chester McCoy,
Marquez Burgees, and Angelo Cyrius. Under her guidance,
the team is focused on developing both their skills and their
chemistry as a cohesive unit. Hobbs is supported by assistant
coach Rich Merillen and skills/training coach Kai Turner, who
bring their expertise to help the team reach its full potential.
Beyond Basketball: A Commitment to the Community
Hobbs’ impact extends well beyond the basketball court. She
is known for her dedication to empowering youth in St. Lucie
County through mentorship and community involvement. As
a staff member at the Boys & Girls Club of St. Lucie County,
Hobbs has had the unique opportunity to connect with her
players outside of basketball, instilling values like teamwork,
perseverance, and discipline.
A Role Model for Aspiring Leaders
Kristian Hobbs’ groundbreaking appointment as the first
female JV head coach for boys’ basketball at Fort Pierce
Westwood Academy is a testament to her leadership and
passion. She serves as an inspiration to young athletes and
aspiring female leaders, proving that barriers can be broken
with determination and hard work.
Looking Ahead
As Coach Hobbs leads her team into this historic season,
her vision and dedication promise to leave a lasting impact.
With a strong support system from her coaching staff, players,
and the community, she is paving the way for a season filled
with growth, achievement, and inspiration.
Thank you, Coach Hobbs, for breaking barriers and showing
us what true leadership looks like!
Michael Vick lands first transfer
portal commit after monumental
Norfolk State football hire
Michael Vick has landed his first commit in
the transfer portal after taking over as the
Norfolk State football head coach.
Photo: Nick Booker-Brown in Norfolk State football jersey
By Quinn Allen
(Source Clutch Points)
Norfolk State football made a major splash recently, hiring
ex-NFL quarterback Michael Vick as their next head coach.
Just 10 days since it was announced, Vick has landed his
first player in the transfer portal — former UTSA defensive
tackle Nick Booker-Brown.
Via LightOnSports:
Norfolk State has landed a commitment from former UTSA
DL Nick Booker-Brown. He recorded 45 tackles, 12.5 tfl, 5.5
sacks, 5 pbus, and 1 forced fumble during his time with the
Roadrunners.”
Booker-Brown was mostly a reserve at UTSA after
transferring from NC State. He should likely start with Norfolk
State football, though. The Spartans went just 4-8 in the 2024
season and decided to part ways with Dawson Odums after
four years, paving the way for Vick’s hiring.
The legendary NFL signal-caller had the chance for the
Sacramento State job but decided on Norfolk State instead. Vick
of course starred in Virginia during his college career, playing
for Virginia Tech before taking his talents to the professional
level.
After Norfolk State football hired him, Vick expressed
confidence in turning this program around:
“A prestigious HBCU with a rich athletics history, NSU
provides a tremendous environment for students to reach
their full potential on the field and just as importantly, in the
classroom,” Vick said. “I am honored to join the Norfolk State
family.”
The addition of Vick will certainly change things for the
Spartans. Just like we saw when Deion Sanders went to
Jackson State before taking over at Colorado, Vick should also
Continue reading online at: thewestsidegazette.com
JANUARY 9 - JANUARY 15, 2025 • PAGE 15
WG
Dolphins Loss to Jets Eliminates
them from Playoffs
Photo Credit: The Palm Beach
De'Von Achane rushes for 61 of his season high 121 yards
against the New York Jets, a game that ended in a 32-20
loss, closing out the Dolphins' season.
By Nunnie Robinson, Westside Gazette Sports Editor
Sports truly is a microcosm of life. I obviously don’t know
either Jimmy Butler or Tyreek Hill, but as a former athlete
void of the innate skills, talents and abilities God blessed them
with, they both appear to be selfish, spoiled, rich professionals
determined to get their way. It appears that walking away from
an untenable disappointing situation is easier than seeing
it through. If I have learned nothing else in life, l’ve learned
this: No one is irreplaceable or indispensable, no matter how
talented or great. Life is evolutionary and this too shall pass.
The Dolphins’ season came to a screeching halt even before late
afternoon loss to the New York Jets. You see, any opportunity
the Fins had of making the playoffs was predicated on the
outcome of the Denver Broncos/Kansas City Chiefs game and
the results were never in doubt. That’s what happens when
your destiny is in another’s control. Denver’s decisive victory
over the Chiefs eliminated both the Dolphins and the Bengals
from the playoffs, though Cincinnati’s 19-17 victory over
Pittsburgh kept their playoff hopes alive. The Dolphins’ defeat
reflects their middle of the road NFL status. A good draft, a
foray into free agency, a trade or two and possibly working
something out with Tyreek will elevate the Fins.
Regarding the game, the Dolphins started well, scoring the
first 6 points via field goals by Jason Sanders of 26 and 28
yards. Miami’s first score was ignited by LB Tyrel Dodson’s
interception of an Aaron Rodgers deflected pass by Jevon
Holland. It was Dodson’s third turnover of the year. Starting
at their own 14-yard line, Miami ended the first quarter by
driving 76 yards, culminating in a 28 field goal highlighted by
De’Von Achane’s 61 yard run.
The Jets rebounded in the second quarter by virtue of 2
touchdown passes by Aaron Rodgers on drives of 79 and 39
yards, staking the Jets to a 15-6 lead. Following a Miami
fumble, the Jets widened their lead to 18-6 with a 20-yard field
goal by kicker Greg Joseph to end a 10-play, 47-yard drive.
The Dolphins responded with a 14-play, 78-yard timeconsuming
scoring drive of 7:23 seconds. Tua’s replacement,
Tyler Huntley, completed 5-of-7 passes for 53 yards on the drive
and Achane finished with 11 carries for 121 yards (11.0 avg.)
including a 15-yard rushing touchdown to bring the Dolphins
within five of the Jets’ lead with 14:12 remaining in the fourth
quarter.
The Jets, playing one of their best offensive games, scored
a subsequent touchdown, However, the unrelenting Fins
answered with a 4 yard Huntley touchdown pass to tight end
Jonnu Smith, 5:21 remaining in the fourth. The TD reception
established a record (8) for Dolphin tight ends, giving Smith
his eighth receiving touchdown of the season. He now holds the
single-season franchise record for receptions, receiving yards
and touchdowns by a tight end.
Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw his 500th touchdown
pass in the Dolphins defeat. His status with the team as well
as the Jets next coach is up in the air at this time. A final Jets
score extended their lead to 32-20, concluding the scoring.
Huntley, who completed 25-of-41 passes for 227 yards (61.0
pct.), one touchdown and two interceptions, spread the wealth
as several receivers had multiple catches: Jonnu Smith - 9
receptions for 56 yards and 6.2 average; Malik Washington-
4 receptions for 48 yards and 12.0 average; Jaylen Waddle- 4
receptions for 44 yards and 11.0 average; and River Cracraft- 4
receptions for 38 yard yards and 9.5 average.
Could the above statistics have contributed to Tyreek Hill’s
frustration and desire to play elsewhere post game. He is a
gifted receiver who can both catch and run. I certainly hope
that he stays with the Dolphins.
Though the defense didn’t play as well as expected, the
improvement overall is something to build on. Zach Sieler is
a consistent, productive defensive player, who, along Calais
Campbell, Jalen Ramsey, Jordyn Brooks, Chop Robinson and
Jevon Hollander, form the nucleus for a great defense next.
The Dolphins won six of their last nine games of the year,
finishing the season with an 8-9 record after a 2-6 start.
HBCU Student-Athletes:
Join the Fight for Justice Against
the NCAA’s Discriminatory Policies
Continue reading online at: thewestsidegazette.com
PAGE 16 • JANUARY 9 - JANUARY 15, 2025
Deeply Rooted
www.thewestsidegazette.com
6 TH Annual Boating & Beach Bash for People with
Disabilities Welcomes Back Families for Fun
Nation’s largest, FREE, one-day event for people with disabilities--both seen and unseen-- returns to Boca Raton on March 15, 2025
in 2009 as an event hosted
by the City of Boca Raton
Advisory Board for People
with Disabilities. The City
relinquished the Bash in 2011
to the management of the
late Bash Executive Director
Jay Van Vechten and his
wife, Lowell. Since then,
through community support
and donations, the couple
and the Bash’s planning
committee have pushed the
event’s growth beyond wildest
expectations. The Bash grew
to become the largest, free,
wholly disability-friendly
event in the country with a full
schedule of entertainment,
recreation, boat rides, beach
access, vendors, exhibitions,
workshops and food in the
nation. The event has grown
from a community gathering
to a beacon of inclusion and
joy that draws attendees
from across the nation. It has
also become a Spring Break
destination event in South
Florida. Learn more at www.
boatingbeachbash.com
Continue reading online at:
thewestsidegazette.com
BOCA RATON, FL --
The 16th Annual Boating &
Beach Bash for People with
Disabilities – the nation’s
largest, free, one-day event
for people with disabilities,
both seen and unseen – will
again welcome back families
who love the beach, boat
rides and fun! Presented by
the American Disabilities
Foundation (ADF), the Bash
returns to Boca Raton’s
Spanish River Park, which is
conveniently located between
the Atlantic Ocean and the
Intracoastal Waterway to
give guests easy access to the
beach and free boat rides.
Always a highlight are the
free boat rides, safely held by
volunteer boat captains who
donate their vessels for a day
of fun. On the other side of
the park, special Mobi-Mats
are rolled out on the sand,
making the beach accessible
to guests in wheelchairs.
YMCA’s water safety team
and physical therapists will
be on-hand to give everyone
access to the water and other
recreational activities on the
beach.
The 16th Annual Boating
& Beach Bash for People with
Disabilities will be held from
10 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday,
March 15, 2025, at Spanish
River Park, 3001 North Ocean
Blvd. (A1A), Boca Raton, FL
33431.
The committee is currently
accepting applications
for volunteers, sponsors
and vendors at www.
BoatingBeachBash.com.
Designed as a Spring
Break vacation for all people
with disabilities, their family
members and supportive
caregivers, the Bash has
welcomed guests from around
the world. It is the only
event of its kind, offering
complimentary, scheduled
boat rides, special access to
the beach and ocean with
Mobi-Mats, a Kids Fun Zone,
therapy workshops led by
trained specialists, wheelchair
yoga, music, costumed dance
parties, therapy ponies and
dogs, a BBQ lunch, and more.
Everything is free and geared
toward the guests’ special
needs.
The 16th Annual Boating
& Beach Bash for People with
Disabilities is generously
supported by The City of
Boca Raton, celebrating 100
years of rich history and
vibrant culture in 2025;
Rotary Club Downtown Boca
Raton; Coldwell Banker
Realty Cxsares Foundation;
Collective Impact Group; and
Soroptimist International of
Boca Raton.
ABOUT THE BOATING &
BEACH BASH FOR PEOPLE
WITH DISABILITIES:
The Bash was started
Mufasa: The Lion King
By Dwight Brown Film Critic
for DwightBrownInk.com and
NNPA News Wire
(***)
“Every being has a place
in the circle of life,” and “No
more kings, we are all one.”
Those lines of dialogue sum
up the two major themes of
this entertaining prequel/
sequel. It’s the successor
to 2019’s photorealistic/
animated The Lion King
($1.6B international box
office), which was the liveaction
version of the 1994
traditionally animated The
Lion King ($981M).
Anyone guessing what this
chapter’s box office receipts
will be, needs to consider the
heavy competition during
the holiday season. Sonic
the Hedgehog 3, Wicked and
Moana 2 are soaking up all
the oxygen in the room. That
said, Mufasa: The Lion King
will definitely charm families
and sell a lot of tickets. That’s
due to its captivating, lifelike
photoreal computergenerated
imagery and a
narrative that’s compelling
for its entirety (1h 58m).
Director Barry Jenkins
(Moonlight) and screenwriter
Jeff Nathanson (2019’s The
Lion King) have created a
storyline that champions
all the values good parents
would want to bestow on
their children: Finding ways
to survive and thrive in the
darkest moments, cherishing
friendships and family no
matter who they may be and
standing up to bullies. All
are good messages, in times
like these. Values that need
constant reinforcement.
Rafiki (John Kani), an
older griot-like mandrill,
schools the lion cub Kiara
(Blue Ivy Carter) on her
ancestors and heritage. His
recollections are witnessed
by a fidgety audience of two:
Pumbaa (Seth Rogan) the
warthog and Timon (Billy
Eichner) the meerkat. Rafiki:
“It’s time. I will tell you a
story…”
Mufasa (Braelyn
Rankins), a small lion cub, is
separated from his parents
during a natural disaster. He
washes up on a riverbank and
is saved by another cub, Taka
(Theo Somolu). His rescuer,
a prince, brings him back to
Continue reading online at:
thewestsidegazette.com
JANUARY 2025
SERVICE CHANGES
EFFECTIVE SUNDAY, JANUARY 19, 2025
CHANGES TO ROUTES
9 10 12
40 83 101
EXPRESS ROUTES
106 109
Excellence in Service
“The Broward Sheriff ’s
Office honors the legacy of
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
by providing excellence in
service to our community and
upholding the principles of
justice, equality and peace.”
For new schedules: Broward.org/BCT/Schedules • Wi-Fi available
Call Customer Service at 954-357-8400 • TTY 954-357-8302, Florida Relay: 711