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PRSRT STD

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

FT. LAUDERDALE, FL 33310

PERMIT NO. 1179

In observance and honor of the

late Dr. Martin Luther King

and his committent to equal

rights, The Westside Gazette

office will be closed on

Monday, January 20, 2025

THURSDAY,JANUARY 16 - JANUARY 22, 2025

VOL. 53 NO. 50 $1.00

As Dr. King once asked,

“Where do

we go from

here?”

By Charlene Crowell

The year 2025 marks the nation’s

39th observance of a national holiday

honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Ironically, the still-beloved minister

and martyr was only 39 years old age

when an assassin’s bullet took his life

on April 4, 1968.

While many will rightly recall

his valiant civil rights activism, his

equally vigilant call for economic

justice remains as urgent today as it

was decades ago.

Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos

or Community?, Dr. Martin Luther

King, Jr.’s fourth and final book was

published in 1967 after a decade of

activism that led to the enactment of

federal laws on civil rights (1964), and

voting rights (1965). Despite notable

and significant victories, he wrote of

the unfinished journey that America

still faced, and was morally-bound to

pursue.

“There is nothing to prevent

us from paying adequate wages to

schoolteachers, social workers and

other servants of the public to ensure

that we have the best available

personnel in these positions which

are charged with the responsibility of

guiding our future generations,” wrote

Dr. King.

“Let us be dissatisfied until

America will no longer have

high blood pressure of creeds

and an anemia of deeds. Let

us be dissatisfied until the

tragic walls that separate

the outer city of wealth and

comfort from the inner city

of poverty and despair shall

be crushed by the battering

rams of the fires of justice.”

Multiple and recent

research reports highlight

in precise terms many of the

ways Black America remains

economically shortchanged.

Across the country,

local communities continue

to struggle with the stillrising

costs of housing and

homelessness. In 2024,

about 23 of every 10,000

(Cont’d on page 2)

Special Counsel’s Report Details Systematic Efforts by

Trump to Overturn 2020 Election

Following a rigorous

investigation, the

Special Counsel’s office

found “substantial

federal interests in

prosecuting Mr. Trump,

citing the paramount

importance of

protecting electoral

integrity and the

peaceful transfer

of power.”

By Stacy M. Brown

NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

@StacyBrownMedia

Special Counsel Jack Smith during a statement regarding the

indictment of Donald J. Trump. (Wikimedia Commons)

Special Counsel Jack Smith, in a comprehensive

174-page report submitted to Attorney General Merrick

B. Garland, concluded a thorough investigation into

former President Donald J. Trump’s actions aimed at

overturning the 2020 presidential election results, and

the report concluded that there was sufficient evidence

to not only convict Trump but withstand any higher

court challenges to such a conviction.

The damning report meticulously documents

attempts by the now-incoming president to disrupt the

lawful transfer of power and manipulate the electoral

outcome.

The investigations delineated two principal areas:

the direct manipulation of

election results through

pressure on state officials

and the unlawful retention

of classified documents

post-presidency. Despite

significant public and

personal attacks, Smith’s

team strictly adhered

to fairness and nonpartisanship,

the report

said.

Smith details specific

incidents and revealed that

Trump applied intense

pressure on several state officials, leveraging baseless

claims of electoral fraud to alter the outcomes. Notably,

on January 2, 2021, Trump explicitly requested Georgia’s

Secretary of State to “find 11,780 votes,” precisely the

number required to overturn Biden’s victory.

The report also exposed a coordinated scheme to

submit fraudulent electoral certificates from seven

states where Trump lost. This was part of a broader

strategy to obstruct the January 6, 2021, Congressional

certification. Smith said Trump and his associates

orchestrated this plan, despite clear indications from

numerous officials, including Republicans, who affirmed

the election’s integrity and resisted these subversive

efforts.

Following a rigorous investigation, the Special

Counsel’s office found “substantial federal interests

Continue reading online at:

thewestsidegazette.com

pic

Carver Ranches: Historic, Beloved and Honored

By Nunnie Robinson

The article you are about to read had its origins at

my friend, Dr. Augusta Clark’s house, located in the

very community, Carver Ranches, the primary focus of

this piece. My college teammate, Thomas Ballard, and

I have developed a lasting friendship with Dr. Clark or

Gussie as she is affectionately known by many. When

she comes home, it is a foregone conclusion that we have

lunch together while simultaneously taking a nostalgic

peak down memory lane as Broward educators,

Gussie and Ballard at Hollywood Hills and I at South

Plantation. It was following one of those gatherings

that I had the privilege of meeting Audrey Warren,

the creator and founder of The Legacy Ball 2024. As

an occasional contributing columnist and sports editor

with the Westside Gazette, Broward County’s oldest

African American owned newspaper, I was extended

an invitation to both attend and cover this auspicious

event, honoring the legacy of the Carver Ranches

States Leading the Way in

Racial Progress Ahead of

MLK Day

Pictured L-R: Stephanie Bevel, Cynthia Strachan-Saunders,

Augusta Clark and Audrey Warren, Carver Ranches Sheroes

(Cont’d on page 5)

The report identifies regions with the highest

and lowest disparities, noting that Hawaii has the

smallest median annual income gap, while the

District of Columbia has the largest.

By Stacy M. Brown

@StacyBrownMedia

As the nation prepares to celebrate Martin Luther

King Jr. Day, significant disparities remain between

the income and employment rates of white and Black

Americans. In response, WalletHub has released its

comprehensive report on the “States That Have Made

the Most Racial Progress,” evaluating 22 key indicators

of equality across all 50 states and the District of

Columbia, including median annual household income,

standardized test scores, and voter turnout.

Texas tops the list as the state that has made the

most racial progress, particularly in reducing health

disparities and closing gaps in the business sector.

Wyoming and Mississippi also show significant income

levels and poverty reduction improvements, respectively.

The report identifies regions with the highest and lowest

disparities, noting that Hawaii has the smallest median

annual income gap, while the District of Columbia has

(Cont’d on page 5)

A MESSAGE FROM

THE PUBLISHER

Choose

LIFE and

don’t raise

RATS

By Bobby R. Henry, Sr.

The dream of inclusion,

of appreciating another’s

history, culture, and

choices—where voting rights

are protected, and equality is

celebrated—is the dream of

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

It is a dream where everyone

is accepted, so long as their

actions do not seek to kill the

dreams of others.

Dr. King once said,

“Everybody can be great

because anybody can serve.

You don’t have to have a

college degree to serve. You

don’t have to make your

subject and verb agree to

serve. You only need a heart

full of grace. A soul generated

by love.”

However, on January 20,

2017, as Donald Trump was

inaugurated President of the

United States on the eve of

Dr. King’s holiday, many of us

were reminded of how far we

are from fulfilling the dream.

That moment, rife with racial

overtones, underscored a

dangerous shift in our nation’s

values—a shift that seemed

to target Black and Brown

communities, Jewish people,

LGBTQ+ individuals, and

other marginalized groups. It

was a stark reminder of the

work yet to be done.

As we celebrate the hopes

of a dream deferred, let us

remain mindful that we

cannot realize its fulfillment

until we rid our temples—our

communities, organizations,

and collective bodies—of

R.A.T.S.

A temple, traditionally,

is a sacred space set aside

for spiritual connection,

Thursday

Jan 16 TH

Partly Cloudy

Sunrise: 6:48am

Fri

71°

49°

(Cont’d on page 11)

77°

61°

70°

54°

70°

54°

66°

47°

Sunset: 5:28pm

Sat Sun Mon Tues

73°

53°

The Westside Gazette Newspaper

@TheWestsideGazetteNewspaper

WESTSIDE GAZETTE IS A MEMBER:

National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA)

Southeastern African-American Publishers Association (SAAPA)

Florida Association of Black Owned Media (FABOM)


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B-CU Celebrates Day of Service with

Home Depot’s From “Retool Head Start Your to HBCU School” to Harvard: #1One Man’s Story

PAGE 2 • JANUARY 9 - JANUARY 15, 2025

Submitted by B-CU

Bethune-Cookman University

celebrated a significant day of unity

and service on Thursday, Jan. 18,

at the Michael and Libby Johnson

Center for Civic Engagement

(CCE). This momentous occasion

brought Kaalijah together Lollar, students, a 16 year faculty,

staff, alumni, old sophomore and student friends at to

commemorate

Miami Central

the

high

University’s

has

a wealth of talents. Her

recent accomplishment

gift of writing, singing,

– securing

the fourth dancing, position and acting in is Home

Depot’s beyond prestigious measure. Now “Retool she Your

School” competition has unleashed her and gift receiving of a

poetry.

substantial $60,000 grant dedicated

to campus enhancement.

Despite cooler temperatures and

overcast skies, the collective spirit

prevailed as almost 135 participants,

led by Home Depot Daytona Beach

Store Manager Therese Watson-

Murray, joined forces in yesterday’s

successful effort. Their mission

was ambitious, involving projects

ranging from assembling bookcases

and indoor-outdoor dining sets to

constructing arcade games, foosball

tables, basketball hoops, hockey

sets, and table tennis tables. Even

adverse weather conditions couldn’t

deter their dedication, with the only

Go inside their rooms

College

Prep

adjective

being at rest; inactive or

essentially presentin the opposing viewpoint to

motionless; challenge the quiet; original claim. still: a

quiescent HOW TO USE IN A SENTENCE: mind.

concession being the postponement of painting and

stripping the basketball court – a minor hiccup until

Association.

more favorable weather prevails.

Dr. William Berry, Provost and Acting President,

expressed excitement and gratitude, stating, “We are

excited about this project and grateful to all those who

NNPA NEWSWIRE — Know that your child’s involvement in

Head Start will be the best investment in their educational

experience that you can offer them. The holistic approach

to learning — physical care for self, care for your peers, and

learning how to exist in the world around you

By National Head Start Association

participated in the vote for B-CU. These enhancements

will NSAL help Florida create Ignites more vibrant and engaging spaces for

our students to retreat on campus for a brain break or

Artistic Dreams with New

find inspiration through the downtime.”

Season Home of Scholarships

Depot’s “Retool Your School” program,

established and Competitions 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

BOCA RATON, FL– The National talent,” says Kirsten Stephenson, NSAL

Continue reading online at: thewestsidegazette.com

Word of

the Week

counter-argument

(noun)

VICTOR

JONES

By Kaalijah Lollar

Victor Jones graduated from Head Start over 30 years ago.

Since then, Victor has built a career around his dedication to

you love your kids and your kids love you

fighting for children, a passion he credits to his early education

but everything being fine is simply something you assume

in Head Start. He has translated the Head Start mission into his

behind the curtains of their smiles there’s a stench of certain doom

work, first as a kindergarten teacher and today as an accomplished

for the love of God please go inside their rooms

Sandy hook had 26 deaths

And Parkland high had 17

Parents understand your children may not be all they seem

As a parent the one thing that might hurt the worst

Before Adam Lanza killed at that school he killed his mother first.

There’s depression and thoughts so deep tugging on their sanity

There’s a story ten miles deep behind that messy vanity

Poor souls lost by the snap of a finger

Though they may be gone, that grief will forever linger

We could’ve had scientists, astronauts, actors, actresses, and so much more Submitted by Kay Renz

But all those chances became worthless once the bullets shot through the

classroom door

I feel for the little girls who never knew of danger and threats

Society of Arts and Letters (NSAL) Florida President. “We take immense

Only Barbie dolls, and colorful barrettes

Florida proudly announces its exciting pride in our program’s alumni who have

I feel for the little boys who never again felt the warmth of their mother’s embrace

new season of scholarships and gone on to grace stages worldwide.”

Because have leaving for earned school that morning forgiveness would be the last after time they would see Biden

competitions,

credited

empowering

the success

young artists

their little boy’s face

a decade of dedicated service. of these across relief the state. efforts Applications to the are now

As an Ode and a favor to the Children who could never grow and bloom

I beg of you Additionally, please go in their roomsclose to 30,000 corrective open in instrumental measures performance, taken voice,

visual art, writing, and the national

individuals who have been to address broken student

spotlight competition – ballet. For full

in As Dr. repayment King once asked for from at Front least Pageloan

programs. details and guidelines He please asserted visit www.

the United 20 States years – experienced without homelessness receiving in an emergency that these nsalflorida.org fixes have removed

shelter,

relief

safe haven,

through

transitional housing

income-driven

program, or unsheltered

barriers preventing

“NSAL Florida

borrowers

fosters

locations across the country, according to the most recent report by artistic growth and inspires

the Department repayment of Housing plans & Urban will Development now see (HUD). from Further, accessing

future generations

the relief

by

they

although their Blacks debts comprise forgiven.

just 12 percent of the nation’s population, were entitled recognizing to exceptional under the young law.

and 21 percent of the country’s poor, we bear a disproportionate

32 percent of all people experiencing

homelessness.

In times past, America’s homeless

were frequently veterans. But in the

past year, children under the age of 18

represented a 33 percent increase in

homelessness, the single largest surge,

while that of veterans dropped by eight

percent, according to HUD.

“Sadly, we know exactly how we got

here”, said Congresswoman Maxine

Waters in reaction to the disturbing

findings. “For decades, a lack of

investment in affordable housing has

forced countless families out of their

homes and onto the streets. This is a

crisis in every county and city across

America, whether they be rural, urban,

or suburban communities.”

For generations of Black Americans,

higher education has long been viewed as

a ladder away from poverty. But today,

millions who dedicated time and energies

an argument that directly opposes another argument,

The author has tried to be fair in his analysis and presents a

balanced thesis, a counter-argument, on a very contentious topic.

The

Ballet

president

Takes Center Stage:

outlined the

broader Each year, achievements NSAL National selects of his

administration a discipline for a major in supporting

competition.

In 2025, ballet takes center stage, with

students and borrowers,

talented dancers aged 16-22 from across

including the country vying achieving for a chance the to win most

significant $15,000 in prizes. increases Entry to Nationals in Pell is

Grants in over a decade, aimed

Continue reading online at:

thewestsidegazette.com

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.

www.thewestsidegazette.com

social justice attorney. Victor’s commitment to lifelong learning

and his everyday efforts to make the world a more equitable

place for children make him a true inspiration for the Head Start

community. Victor shared his story with the National Head Start

We are excited to learn about your Head Start story, Victor!

When and where did you attend Head Start?

I’m a 1989 graduate of West Tampa Head Start, located in

Tampa, Florida. My mother and I only lived in Tampa for two

years, and these were the two years I attended Head Start.

Thereafter, we returned to where I was born and raised, in

Pascagoula, Mississippi.

Do you have any memories from your time in Head Start?

Favorite activities, classmates, teachers?

I remember my class was always out and about — going on

field trips to Busch Gardens to see the animals, going to the park,

taking trips to the grocery store, and learning about fruits and

vegetables. I also remember the times when doctors would visit

us and check our eyes, ears and hearts, and I’ll never forget the

day a giant toothbrush walked into our classroom, and we learned

about the importance of dental hygiene. I still remember a few of

my classmates’ names, though this was 30 years ago.

I can also still picture the uniform we had to wear on field trip

days — it was a red shirt with an image of a panda bear hugging

a bamboo tree, with black shorts or pants, and a black visor. And

for the strangest reason, I remember that my classmates and I

had to learn the song “Shower Me With Your Love” by an R&B

group named “Surface,” as part of our graduation ceremony.

The few times I’ve heard that song, I immediately think of my

Continue reading online at: thewestsidegazette.com

through the local competition.

Florida’s young stars can

compete for cash prizes awarded

to the top three dancers. The

first-place winner receives a

$2,000 award, an all-expense

paid trip to the National

competition in Pittsburgh,

PA, and a professional photo

shoot with Warner Prokos

Photography valued at $1,400.

“We’re excited to host Florida’s

most talented young dancers at this

year’s competition,” said competition

chair Shari Upbin. “Boca Ballet

Theatre has graciously agreed to

host this prestigious event, and

we’re grateful to our esteemed

panel of judges. We look forward to

Continue reading online at:

thewestsidegazette.com

Words compiled by KamarJackson,

Sophomore at Dillard High School

Leia’s Mathematics

Corner

FAITH BAKED 24 COOKIES AND WANTS TO

SHARE THEM EQUALLY AMONG HER 4

FRIENDS. HOW MANY COOKIES WILL

EACH FRIEND GET?

678

+ 25

679

- 78

Word Search

List Compiled

by Kamar

Jackson,

Freshmen

at Dillard

High School

Created by Leia Palmer 3rd grader!


www.thewestsidegazette.com

Photo: Getty Images

California wildfires serve to remind what’s really

important...

By Chuck Hobbs

(Source: Hobbservation

Point)

JANUARY 16 - JANUARY 22, 2025 • PAGE 3

‘Racist’: Black Men Face False Accusations

By BIN

of Looting Amid LA Wildfires

Two Black men were falsely

accused of looting after video

circulated of them carrying

items out of a home amid the

Los Angeles wildfires, an act

by social media users rooted in

apparent racism.

The false allegations

stemmed from a video that went

viral on social media of two men

carrying bags of items and a TV

away from a home as wildfires

in southern California continue

to devastate communities.

In a now-deleted post on

X, formerly Twitter, a user

wrote alongside the viral

video: “The usual suspects are

looting again.” A community

note quickly shut down the

looting allegation, providing

context that the people in the

video, obtained by KTLA News,

were friends and family of the

homeowner.

The homeowner told KTLA

that her brothers were trying

to save belongings from her

property amid the wildfires.

“They told us to leave and

we got what we could,” the

homeowner said. “We have dogs,

we have animals ... We just got

what we could get, that’s all

we could do. We’ve got to start

over.”

The homeowner added that

her son got “everything that was

of value to his mother” amid

evacuations.

Social media users reshared

the now-deleted post and called

out those who falsely accused

the men of looting.

“These degenerate online

suspected white supremacists

are falsely accusing Black

people who are HELPING

their neighbors move their

possessions to safety, as being

‘looters,’” one X user wrote.

“MAGA out here lying about

Black people looting during

these California fires, just

like they LIED about Haitian

immigrants eating pets!”

another user said.

“Because they’re Black, they

must be looting? This isn’t an

honest mistake,” a third person

tweeted.

I wish that my first

post of the year was on

a happier note, but the

wildfires in Southern

California this week

remind me of the critical

need for those of us in

the journalism business

to provide real facts—and

real hope—during perilous

times.

Anytime a natural disaster occurs,

it is normal for those of us outside of

the zone of impact to be moved with

compassion for those who are coping

with the devastating effects of the

latest fire or storm, and while I joined

the chorus of millions by using my

Facebook platform to check on my

family members and friends living in

Southern California yesterday, while

most noted that they were “safe” from

harm, several close friends that I met

during our collegiate years—each

hailing from the Pasadena/Altadena

areas in California—indicated via

social media that their homes and

hometowns were being razed in real

time ?.

In August of 1990, on the very first

day of our freshman year at Morehouse

College, I met Akil Grant, Derek

Ferrell, and Eric Brown—three from

among a very large contingent of “Cali Boyz”

who would become (and remain) close to my

crew, the “Florida Boyz.”

Years later, I would meet Ferrell/Grant’s

high school teammate, Jason Mitchell, a FAMU

alumnus who I met within the Fraternal Bonds

of Kappa Alpha Psi.

Each time that I checked my Facebook page

yesterday, these four Brothers kept all of

their family and friends updated on the latest

reaches of the deadly fires and the impact

that the same was having on their families

and their individual states of mind. By early

evening, I admit that my eyes welled up with

tears when Brother Brown wrote a comment on

my page that the home that he grew up in was

no more—one of many thousands of residences

lost to this calamity.

Cognizant that the end of this tragedy is not

near, it is my sincere hope that our collective

prayers and efforts are given to assist those in

need out in Southern California. While there

certainly are those who will use this tragedy

Nupe Jason Mitchell (to my right)

to settle political scores against old

ideological foes (yes, I mean you, Donald

Trump), most Americans are rational,

caring, and empathetic enough to

understand the dire straits that those

who have lost their loved ones and/or

their homes will face in the days ahead!

Thus, my humble request that each of you reach out to the

charity of your choice and give whatever you can to help our

fellow Americans TODAY. In ages past, I have patronized

individual Go Fund Me accounts as well as the American Red

Cross (1-800-RED CROSS).

As always, if nothing else, please continue to send your

prayers or positive vibes to our neighbors on the West Coast!

Black Man

from Ohio

Fights to

Keep Street

He Bought

at Auction

for $5K

Submitted by

Black News.Com

NATIONWIDE — Jason

Fauntleroy, an African

American man from Butler

County, Ohio, is battling the

city of Trenton to keep a street

he unintentionally purchased

at an auction for $5,000,

as officials try to reclaim it

through eminent domain.

In 2019, Fauntleroy

bought a vacant lot at a Butler

County Sheriff’s auction,

but to his surprise, he also

gained ownership of an entire

street, including five homes,

according to WCPO.

Now, the city of Trenton is

claiming ownership of the

street, stating that it needs to

be turned into a public road.

Fauntleroy, however, argues

he hasn’t been offered fair

compensation.

According to Ohio law,

individuals whose properties

are taken by eminent domain

should receive fair market

value, but Fauntleroy says

he’s only been offered the

amount he paid for the vacant

lot, not the entire street.

Fauntleroy said that city

officials have ignored his

calls. He said, “They shut me

out. They blocked my calls.

Jason

Fauntleroy

It’s hard to even get through anybody.”

Trenton City Manager Marcos Nichols

acknowledged the confusion about how

Fauntleroy ended up with the street. He

explained that it was originally a private

drive maintained by a homeowners’

Continue reading online at:

thewestsidegazette.com

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and

Instagram, has decided to end its third-party

fact-checking program in the U.S., claiming this

change will promote free speech. Mark Zuckerberg

stated this move is meant to reduce censorship

and errors but calling it a “relaxation” of content

moderation is misleading. This isn’t about

BlueYear

Resolution

$125 Toilet

Rebate

Check eligibility and apply at

Call 8002709794 for additional details.

loosening the reins—it’s about purposefully allowing harmful

and hateful content to flourish under the guise of free expression.

As someone who worked as a content moderator for Google’s

YouTube, I’ve seen the real impact of these policies. While I worked

in the CSAM (child sexual abuse material) department, we often

encountered content so violent, racist, and hateful that it could

only be described as soul-crushing. Social media platforms are

anything but free speech havens. Governments under different

presidential administrations set the guidelines these companies

Continue reading online at: thewestsidegazette.com

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Broward County Supervisor of Elections would like to

inform electors that the Voter Registration Books for the

Municipal Election, to be conducted on Tuesday, March 11,

2025 will close on February 10, 2025.

AVISO PÚBLICO

El Supervisor de Elecciones del Condado de Broward desea

informar a los electores que los Libros de Registro de Votantes

para las Elecciones Municipales, que se llevarán a cabo el

martes 11 de marzo de 2025, se cerrarán el 10 de febrero de

2025.

KOMINIKE PIBLIK

Biwo Sipèvizè Eleksyon nan Konte Broward la ta renmen

enfòme tout Votè yo, ke Liv Enskripsyon Votè pou Eleksyon

Jeneral la, ki gen pou fèt nan jou Madi 11 Mas 2025 la, ap gen

pou’l fèmen nan jou 10 Fevriye 2025.


PAGE 4 • JANUARY 16 - JANUARY 22, 2025

Westside Gazette

Calendar of Events

Deeply Rooted

LOCAL HAPPENINGS IN

BROWARD MIAMI-DADE

AND PALM BEACH

COUNTIES

HAVE YOUR COMMUNITY EVENTS

PLACED ON THIS PAGE

email:wgproof@thewestsidegazette.com

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

Celebrate Announcements:

Call -- (954) 525-1489

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CONNECTED --

www.thewestsidegazette.com

Follow @TheWestsideGazette Newspaper on Social Media

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

Events

Celebration

Dr.

Martin

Luther

King

2025 Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebrations

www.thewestsidegazette.com

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.

The City’s 2025 celebration of the legacy of Martin Luther

King, Jr. will feature FREE events on Saturday, January 18th

and Sunday, January 19th:

“Write Your Dream: A Poetry Workshop for Teens”

Saturday, Jan. 18 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Sunrise Civic

Center Art Gallery, 10610 West Oakland Park Blvd.

This writing workshop for students age 13 to 18 will be facilitated

by teaching artists from the Omari Hardwick bluapple

Poetry Network. Each poet will receive breakfast,

lunch and writing supplies.

Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Call (954)

747-4646 to sign up or REGISTER HERE.

FAMILY FILM: “The Color Purple”

Saturday, Jan. 18 at 2 p.m., Sunrise Civic Center Theatre,

10610 West Oakland Park Blvd. *Seating is limited: Up to

four free general admission tickets are available per family.

For more info cll (954) 747-4646 for details.

A NIGHT OF THE ARTS

Sunday, Jan. 19 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at Sunrise Civic

Center Art Gallery & Rotunda, 10610 West Oakland Park

Blvd.

Opening Reception in the Art Gallery at 5:30 p.m.

David German’s exhibit, “Futuristic Echoes,” pulls from the

artist’s interest in music and Hip-hop culture and is conveyed

through his use of acrylic, oil, and graphite in his

mixed media works. Meet the artist, enjoy live entertainment,

and light refreshments.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade and Celebration 2025

The City of Deerfield Beach is excited to announce the

special birthday celebration of the great Civil Rights Leader,

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., on Monday, January 20, 2025,

from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM!

MLK Parade

We invite all parade enthusiasts to our annual Dr. Martin

Luther King, Jr. Parade, starting at 10:00 AM from Pioneer

Park to Oveta McKeithen Recreational Complex. Parade

applications are now available by emailing dfbspecialevents@deerfield-beach.com.

Come and showcase your

business, service organization, band, or even your own

creativity with the best float!

MLK Celebration

Immediately following the Parade, the City will host an MLK

celebration at Oveta McKeithen Recreational Complex

on the backfield. This free community event will include a

picnic lunch, activities for kids, and live entertainment.

MLK holiday festivals, live music & other events in Broward

MLK events in 2025 in Broward include

Hollywood

Live music

7 p.m. – 1o p.m. Friday, Jan. 17 at ArtsPark at Federal Highway

and Hollywood Boulevard. Entertainment includes

Fushu Daiko taiko drumming, ReaXion Band and others

with free entry. Parking is $1.50 per hour. Garage Parking is

$1 per hour.

Garage locations are:

• 251 S. 20th Ave., between Harrison and Van Buren streets

• 251 N. 19th Ave., between Tyler and Polk streets

Parking information is online.

Pompano

Parade and Fest

The parade is 9 a.m. Monday, Jan. 20 from Ely High School,

1201 NW 6th Avenue, Pompano 33060, to Moore Park.

The fest is about 11 a.m. -5:30 p.m. January 20 at the

park, 901 NW 10th St, Pompano Beach 33060. The festival

includes kids area, entertainment, and food trucks

Gospel Extravaganza

Gospel and other entertainment are featured at Gospel

Extravaganza from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, at

Lincoln Park, 600 NW 19th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale.

Deerfield Beach

MLK Parade and Event Monday, Jan. 20 at McKeithen

Recreation, 445 SW 2nd St., Deerfield Beach.

Event with entertainment and free food is 10:30 a.m. –

2 p.m. at Pioneer Park, 217 NE 5th Ave, Deerfield Beach

33441.

Other MLK Holiday events

Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025 MLK Day of Service from 8:00 to 12

p.m / FREE | Pullman Miami Airport Hotel

MLK Parade at 8 a.m. & Celebration 1-3 p.m., Riviera Beach

8:00 am to 3:00 pm | FREE | Dan Calloway Park, Riviera

Beach

Beloved Community Public Market & Resource Fair

9:00 am to 2:00 pm | FREE | 6205 NW 27 Ave.

Family Fun Day for MLK holiday in Tamarac

10:00 am to 12:00 pm | FREE | Tamarac Park

Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025

Celebrating the Legacies of Brahma Baba and Martin Luther

King, Jr.

4:30 pm to 6:30 pm | FREE | Pullman Miami Airport Hotel

Monday, Jan. 20, 2025

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration, Royal Palm Beach

8:30 am to 12:00 pm | FREE | Royal Palm Beach Cultural

Center

MLK ceremony & celebration, Boca Raton

10:00 am to 3:00 pm | FREE | Mizner Park in Boca, Saturday,

Jan. 18, 2025 from 10 am to 12 p.m.

Family Fun Day for MLK holiday in Tamarac

Tamarac Park

Cost FREE


www.thewestsidegazette.com

Submitted by Katia Hetter

(Source:Phildelphia

Tribune)

If you have a primary care

provider, start there if you or

a loved one are feeling sick

and aren’t sure about the next

steps.

Welcome to winter virus

season.

Cases of acute respiratory

illness, Covid-19 and seasonal

flu are increasing in most

parts of the United States,

according to the US Centers

for Disease Control and

Prevention.

Emergency department visits

for flu and the respiratory

syncytial virus, or RSV, are

very high. While Covid-19

cases leading to emergency

department visits are still

low, they are increasing, with

wastewater testing already

revealing high coronavirus

levels.

How can you know

which infectious disease you

have? Does it depend on the

illness, the symptoms or the

characteristics of the person

who is ill? And how can people

find out what to do — should

they go to their primary

care provider, urgent care

or the hospital’s emergency

department?

Against

this

backdrop, norovirus cases

causing gastrointestinal

upset also have been surging.

Several other infectious

illnesses are making the

rounds, too, including the

viruses that cause the common

cold and bacteria that lead to

strep throat.

To help us with these

questions, I spoke with

CNN wellness expert Dr.

Leana Wen. Wen is an

emergency physician and

clinical associate professor

at the George Washington

University. She previously

served as Baltimore’s health

commissioner.

CNN: How should people who

are sick decide when they

need testing to figure out

JANUARY 16 - JANUARY 22, 2025 • PAGE 5

Sniffling, sneezing, coughing: What infectious disease do you have?

what illness they have?

Dr. Leana Wen: I would

approach this question by

thinking about whether what

you would do for yourself or

your sick loved one would

change if you knew the specific

pathogen. Your actions would

depend on the pathogen in

question and the person’s age,

underlying medical conditions

and type of symptoms.

Let’s begin with

respiratory illnesses. Most

healthy people who have mild

symptoms like runny nose,

congestion and fatigue do not

need to seek medical care.

More than 200 viruses cause

the common cold, which is

more than likely the cause of

these symptoms.

Even if these healthy

individuals with mild

symptoms have Covid-19

or influenza, they probably

wouldn’t be eligible for

antiviral treatment. They

could choose to take home

tests for Covid-19, influenza

or both if they want to

know if they have these two

viruses, but this knowledge

wouldn’t really change their

clinical management. The

recommendation would be

symptomatic treatment,

meaning rest, lots of fluids and

over-the-counter medicines

like acetaminophen and

ibuprofen to relieve symptoms

of fever and body aches.

Testing remains important

for some people though.

Individuals at higher risk

for developing severe disease

from Covid-19 and influenza

should get tested as soon

as their symptoms start so

that they can begin prompt

antiviral treatment. People

at higher risk for severe

disease from Covid-19 include

older individuals and those

with chronic underlying

medical problems. These are

also individuals at higher

risk of serious outcomes

due to influenza. For

instance, pregnant women are

considered especially

vulnerable to complications of

the flu.

Severity of illness also

plays a role for two reasons.

In the case of flu, antiviral

treatment is recommended

for those people who are very

sick with influenza, even

if they don’t have risk

factors for severe illness. In

addition, if someone is very

ill, they could have another

disease. Perhaps what they

have isn’t a simple cold but

rather a bacterial pneumonia

requiring antibiotics. Or

maybe they started with a

cold, but then they developed

pneumonia.

Someone who has

worsening cough, persistent

high fevers and other

concerning symptoms like

chest pain, abdominal pain

and trouble catching their

breath needs to seek medical

care to treat these symptoms

and to seek the underlying

cause. If symptoms are

not improving after five to

seven days, it would also be

reasonable to contact your

health care provider.

CNN: What about people

with other symptoms, such as

stomach upset? Do they need

testing?

Wen: The majority of people

with diarrhea, vomiting and

stomach cramps have viral

gastroenteritis caused by the

very contagious norovirus.

This illness comes on abruptly

and is very uncomfortable,

but the vast majority recover

fully within a few days. No

specific treatment exists,

and generally testing is not

recommended to confirm the

diagnosis.

There are exceptions.

If someone has persistent

symptoms of diarrhea and

vomiting, if they develop

fevers, if they have severe

abdominal pain, the concern

is that what they have isn’t

run-of-the-mill norovirus.

Maybe they have a bacterial

infection and need antibiotics.

Maybe what they have isn’t

an infection at all and could

be appendicitis. They should

consult with a doctor to see

if additional evaluation and

testing is needed.

Severity of illness,

especially in vulnerable

individuals, is another red

flag. Babies and other young

children, as well as the elderly

and people with chronic

kidney and heart problems,

need to visit the doctor sooner

rather than later to make sure

they are keeping hydrated.

CNN: What other symptoms

should people look out for

when it comes to whether

they need testing?

Wen: If your kid has a sore

throat and fever, seek care to

see if they have strep throat.

They will need antibiotics

to prevent complications

that come with the group A

streptococcal bacteria that

causes strep throat. Many

cases of sore throat are due to

viruses and do not need specific

treatment, so it’s important to

distinguish between viral and

bacterial causes of sore throat.

Clinicians can sometimes also

distinguish between them

based on symptoms, though

sometimes a strep test is

done.

CNN: How should people

think about when they go

to which setting — primary

care provider versus urgent

care versus the emergency

department?

Wen: I would think about

three factors here.

First, if you have a primary

care provider, what access

do you have? Some people

can reach their physician or

another clinician in the same

practice 24/7. That’s terrific,

and in most circumstances,

it’s worth calling that person

to seek their counsel on next

steps. Perhaps they could even

do a same-day appointment

in person or virtually. When

possible, it’s always best to

see the provider who knows

you and your medical history.

If you cannot easily reach

your provider or don’t have

one, you will have to set a lower

bar for going to an urgent care

or emergency department

setting. I encourage everyone

to have a plan before getting

ill. Know what your insurance

covers and how crowded the

settings may be. It’s possible

that an urgent care visit is

significantly cheaper than the

emergency department, and

the wait is likely shorter.

Second, how severe is

the illness? If someone is

experiencing very concerning

symptoms, like chest pain,

trouble breathing, numbness

or weakness in an arm or

leg, they should go to the

emergency department right

away. On the other hand,

someone who isn’t feeling well

but their symptoms have been

going on for some time can

call their primary care office

for next steps. If they cannot

easily reach the provider and

don’t want to wait, they can

go to an urgent care facility.

Third, are you in a group

of individuals considered to be

especially vulnerable? Babies,

pregnant women, older

individuals and those with

underlying medical conditions

face additional risks of severe

illness. Patients and families

should have a plan. For

instance, pregnant women

should know if their first call

is to their obstetrician and

where they can access care.

Parents of newborns and young

babies should also know how

to reach their pediatrician.

In an emergency, they need

to know which specific place

they should go to, since not

all urgent care or emergency

departments have specialists

trained to treat babies. And

individuals with specific

conditions, such as cancer

patients on chemotherapy or

people who have received an

organ transplant, need to be

especially on guard and know

where they can access medical

assistance tailored to them.

CNN: What are some

preventive measures that

people can take to reduce

their risk of catching and

transmitting infectious

diseases?

Wen: It’s not easy to avoid

infections during winter

virus season, but people can

take steps. Everyone should

wash their hands regularly

with soap and water, and,

if soap and water are not

available, use hand sanitizer.

People who are especially

vulnerable to severe illness

should consider limiting

their interactions with

others. They should consider

wearing a high-quality mask

in indoor, crowded settings,

and they should ask family

members and friends who

have symptoms to stay away

until symptoms resolve.

Carver Ranches: Historic, Beloved and Honored

pioneers while celebrating the current beneficiaries and their continuing, impactful

contributions to and on this amazing community. In addition, I met Ms. Cynthia Strachan-

Saunders, a multi-talented singer, author, historian and founder of the Bowles-Strachan

House. Immediately I recognized the passion and commitment deeply held by these

phenomenal women for their beloved Carver Ranches community.

The Legacy Ball, which honored several successful business owners, community leaders/

activists, entertainers and educators, i.e., Dr. Clark, occurred as planned, flawlessly executed.

The problem: this writer failed in his commitment to attend and cover the ball. I must confess

that on the night of the ball I was cruising along the Broward intercostal waterways with

my fraternity, the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Eta Nu Chapter, completely unaware

of my previous commitment to the event organizers. So the remorse, contrition and selfpersecution

only occurred after seeing the ladies later when their disappointment of my

absence was benevolently articulated.

Given a reprieve, I was extended an olive branch, a second chance, you might say, to get

it right. I was even afforded the privilege of setting the time of the meeting, date previously

and firmly established. We agreed to meet at Gussie’s house at 10:30 A.M. This time

reinforcements were brought in for an additional historic perspective, while assuring that

they could depend on me to render befitting coverage of a deeply abiding living monument

known as Carver Ranches.

I must capture the setting: four passionate, devoted women of grace and class who love and

appreciate their community, its legacy and history, sitting around a table adorned with devil

eggs, pecan pie, coffee, water and wine but mostly resolve, resolve to tell the magical story of

the origin of Carver Ranches.

The only constraint was time based on obligations that we all had such as doctors’

appointments or picking up grandchildren from school. So is the life for many of us in our

60s and 70s. Once we began with introductions and opening comments, it almost felt like we

were back somewhere in the past, just sitting around, chatting, listening intently, taking it

all in. Time almost became irrelevant.

There was Dr. Clark, a wonderful host and friend, Stephanie Yearby Bevel, the

reinforcement and diehard Carver Rancher, Audrey Glover Warren, the Legacy Ball’s

Founder, teacher and event planner and Cynthia Strachan-Saunders, Bowles-Strachan

Continue reading online at: thewestsidegazette.com

States Leading the Way in Racial Progress

Ahead of

MLK Dayfrom

the largest.

Expert commentary within the report

points to historical discrimination in housing

and lending as significant contributors to

racial wealth gaps. Dr. Rodney Coates of

Miami University suggests that state and local

authorities can help reduce these disparities

through equitable funding for education

and incentives for businesses to operate in

economically disadvantaged areas.

WalletHub Analyst Chip Lupo stated,

“Wyoming has closed the racial income gap

by 42 percentage points since 1979, and

FP

Mississippi has decreased disparity in poverty

levels by 27 percentage points since 1970.”

Dr. Edlin Veras of Swarthmore College

adds, “The major causes of the racial wealth

gap are undoubtedly tied to the legacies

of slavery and white supremacy. Black

people’s concerted and systematic exclusion

from politics, business, education, and land

ownership in the United States has long-term

effects that are still evident today.”

For more detailed findings and expert

insights, visit the full report on WalletHub.

aAAA

This Week in Health: Recommendations for Physical Activity

FITNESS A 2025 GOAL? If you have made

improved fitness a personal goal for 2025,

celebrate! The journey can begin modestly,

with exercises that increase aerobic activity

levels without risking physical injury. The

American Heart Association (AHA) has

recommendations for safe, physical activities.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ADULTS

• Get at least 150 minutes per week of

moderate-intensity aerobic activity or

75 minutes per week of vigorous

aerobic activity.

• Spend less time sitting. Even lightintensity

activity can offset some of the

risks of being sedentary.

• Increase amount and intensity

gradually over time.

Aerobic (or “cardio”) activity gets your heart

rate up and benefits your heart by improving

cardiorespiratory fitness. When done at

moderate intensity, your heart will beat faster

and you’ll breathe harder than normal, but

Westside Health Brief

Marsha Mullings, MPH

January 13, 2025

you’ll still be able to talk. Examples of

moderate-intensity aerobic activities:

• brisk walking (at least 2.5 miles per

hour)

• water aerobics

• dancing

• gardening

• biking slower than 10 miles per hour

It’s clear that being more active benefits

everyone and helps us live longer, healthier

lives.

HERE ARE SOME OF THE BIG WINS:

• Lower risk of heart disease, stroke, type

2 diabetes, high blood pressure,

dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

• Better sleep.

• Improved cognition, including memory,

attention and processing speed.

• Less weight gain, obesity and related

chronic health conditions.

• Better bone health and balance.

• Fewer symptoms of depression and

anxiety.

• Better quality of life and sense of

overall well-being.

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get

moving!

Source: www.heart.org


PAGE 6 • JANUARY 16 - JANUARY 22, 2025

WESTSIDE

GAZETTE

Bobby R. Henry, Sr.

PUBLISHER

NEWSPAPER STAFF

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SENIOR EDITOR

Arri D. Henry

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Carma L. Henry

COMMUNITY NEWS

EDITOR

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Robinson SPORTS

Editor

Elizabeth D. Henry

CIRCULATION

MANAGER

NoRegret Media

WEBMASTER

Carma T. Taylor

DIGITAL SPECIALIST

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IT SPECIALIST

Ron Lyons

PHOTOGRAPHER

Levi Henry, Jr.: PUB-

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Yvonne Henry: EDITOR

(Emeritus)

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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.

Weaponizing

Misinformation

“Life is the greatest gift to humankind. Yet there are

those filled with racism determined to ruin this gift

with misinformation rather than add joy with simple

truths.”

John Johnson II…01/15/25

By John Johnson II

The American people must urgently

realize that weaponizing misinformation

is not just a threat but a pervasive

danger that infiltrates every aspect of

their lives. It impacts our social fabric,

political decisions, economic stability,

health choices, and climate. The status

of those who spread misinformation

only serves to amplify this threat, no

matter how seemingly insignificant. The

Oxford Dictionary defines misinformation

as disseminating false information, whether knowingly or

unknowingly.

Contrary to widespread belief, the danger of misinformation far

surpasses that of radicalization. Weaponized misinformation,

often intertwined with racism, can be as deadly as radiation.

This usually leads anti-democratic voters to intentionally

seek misinformation to validate their prejudices and racism.

In contrast, pro-democratic voters tend to seek facts to reach

informed decisions.

Weaponizing misinformation, like radicalization, is not

inherently illegal. However, both tactics can quickly become

problematic when they lead individuals or groups to resort to

violence. This constitutes a clear and present danger to society.

Given the advancements in media technology, the creation

of Artificial Intelligence (AI), and government hesitation to

establish regulations, America’s existence as a republic may

disappear. Voters, who are bombarded daily, every minute,

and every hour, need to apply critical thinking to protect

themselves from becoming hooked on misinformation and

radical ideologies.

Recently, Facebook and other media giants have scrapped

their ‘Fact Checkers’ in response to threats and awareness

that less scrutiny increases revenue. This trend raises critical

problems that will challenge political elections at the federal

and state levels and even court decisions.

Instead of dismantling the Department of Education, the

government could impose curriculum requirements instructing

students who struggle to distinguish between facts and lies.

This would dissuade individuals from quickly becoming antidemocratic

or hooked on a single media.

Rescuing democracy from a population lacking critical

thinking skills is necessary if we’re to save our “republic.”

Resoundingly, it’s a call to arms to sharpen our critical thinking

and be vigilant against misinformation.

Using your critical thinking skills readers, rate the following

statement as Misinformation or Fact using a check mark ( ):

President-elect Trump has stated on Day One, he will end the

Russia – Ukraine war.

_____Misinformation _____Fact

Submit Answer to:

wgproof@thewestsidegazette.com

YOU BE THE JUDGE!

The Gantt Report

Above The Law

By Lucius Gantt

The American phrase “no one is above the

law”, now has zero validity.

Recently, a criminal court in New York

City, found President Trump guilty on a total of 34 charges of

falsifying business records to hide hush money payments to his

alleged sidepiece.

The President-elect had a lot to say via video in his sentencing

hearing, but he was quiet as a mouse in an evangelical church

in other court proceedings, and Congressional proceedings held

to investigate his alleged wrongdoings.

The so-called Babayka, as always, suggested his felony

convictions were politically motivated witch hunts that were

designed and prompted to keep him from winning the 2024

election that he claimed he won by a “landslide”.

Well, Trump has been found liable in civil court for his past

behavior and his misrepresentations about his acts with a

woman, he has been indicted for election abuses in more than

one state, he was once associated with refusing to rent housing

to Black renters in New York, he has been sued by contractors

but he managed to get away without jail time in every instance.

How? Billionaires can lie their way out of almost any legal

peril.

Most of the President-elect’s comments about his felony

convictions were comical.

He’s said governmental employees orchestrated his judicial

proceedings but “the government” didn’t convict Trump, he

was convicted by New York citizens in a jury of his peers, some

of whom were selected by his attorneys.

Black Americans couldn’t be convicted of 34 felonies and

stay out of jail in a Hollywood movie!

Don’t act like injustice in America is a secret. Black men

and women in the United States have never been above the

law, alongside the law, or protected by the law

Donald Trump’s video rumblings at his sentences were far

from a court pleading, Trump delivered a message to his base

of nationalists and supremacists.

If you get a chance, read Bruce Wright’s book, “Black

Robes, White Justice”, the book details the differences in how

Americans of color are treated in the judicial system and how

others are treated in the courts.

The launch of theganttreport.online is near.

We Coming!

LET NO MAN PULL

YOU LOW ENOUGH TO HATE HIM.

-- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

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.

To Be Equal #1

Trump Is Poised To Launch An Unprecedented Attack On Racial

Justice. The National Urban League Is Ready To Fight Back

Marc H. Morial, President and

CEO National Urban League

“Every nation’s history includes

unsettling truths that many would prefer to

forget or deny. But true patriotism demands

confronting the truths of our history—no

matter how embarrassing or dishonorable—

and undertaking the difficult work of

learning from the lessons of our past in order

to move forward. For the United States, that

work requires reckoning with our shameful

legacy of racial subjugation of Black people

in this country—from slavery and Jim Crow

to mass incarceration and police violence—as well as our long

history of express discrimination against other people of color,

women, and LGBTQ persons.

Without uninhibited discussion and examination of that

legacy, we are ill-equipped as a nation to address its ongoing

manifestations in present-day forms of discrimination and

bias.” — National Urban League v. Trump

At the current rate of progress, it will take between 100 and

300 years for Black Americans to achieve parity with white

Americans.

First annually and now biannually, the National Urban

League publishes the Equality Index, a calculation of the social

and economic status of African Americans relative to whites.

Rooted in the Three-Fifths Compromise of 1787, which counted

enslaved African Americans as “three-fifths” of a person, the

Index would be 100% under full equality. Currently 75.7%,

the Index has moved less than 3% in 20 years, indicating a 180

year wait to achieve parity.

That squares with the findings of a McKinsey study showing

it will take between 110 and 320 years for “Black Americans to

reach a level of economic prosperity and quality of life that’s on

par with that of their White neighbors.”

President-elect Donald Trump and his allies are determined

to make sure that it takes even longer.

At the end of his first term, Trump issued an executive order

banning policies that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion

for federal agencies, contractors, and grant recipients. The

National Urban League immediately filed a lawsuit; Trump

lost reelection and President Biden overturned it immediately

upon taking office.

This time around, Trump isn’t waiting to start stamping

out racial justice initiatives. He’s vowed to rescind President

Biden’s Executive Order On Advancing Racial Equity, issued

on his first day in office.

Seizing on the widely-accepted myth that increasing

diversity is synonymous with “anti-white discrimination,”

the Trump administration plans to use civil rights laws to

reinforce white privilege in every facet of society, public and

private. Pete Hegseth, Trump’s nominee for Defense Secretary

has promoted the racist fallacy that the long-overdue elevation

of Black officers to senior leadership positions compromises

military readiness.

In fact, Trump’s proposed cabinet includes only one Black

member, a former NFL player whose only qualification to

head the Department of Housing and Urban Development is

his history of opposing affordable housing, protection for poor

tenants, and aid for the homeless.

Trump will eliminate federal funding for any school that

promotes racial equity or confronts the reality of racism in the

nation’s history. He has even vowed to direct the Department

of Justice to pursue federal “civil rights cases” against them.

He plans to resurrect the failed 1776 Commission, which

historians reviled as a plot to “elevate ignorance about the past

to a civic virtue.

Hoping to avoid attacks from the incoming administration

and its most fanatical defenders. many private corporations

are retreating from their commitment to DEI. The board of

Costco, in contrast, recently rejected an anti-DEI shareholder

proposal.

While post-election surveys show that Trumps’ election was

largely a misguided reaction to the cost of groceries, Trump

and his allies have taken it as an endorsement of their every

vicious and bigoted policies. Americans overwhelmingly

support corporate diversity policies. President Biden’s

administration — like most diverse institutions, was more

innovative, adaptable, resilient, and able to solve problems

more quickly because of its diversity.

If the incoming administration doesn’t realize the benefits

of DEI early on, the National Urban League and our civil rights

allies are on hand to hold it to account.

The Blueprint King Has Left Trump: Lessons

in Leadership and Integrity

By Wim Laven

On January 20 th , 2025, the Presidential

Inauguration will fall on Martin Luther King

Jr. Day. Reflections on King reveal truths on

the progress and challenges that have faced the

American public: reminding people of the central

role of unity (not necessarily agreement) in civic

life, and hopefully inspiring future generations

to do the work of serving their communities and striving for

a just and equitable world. One could imagine the advice he

would give Trump about his role as a leader; one could then

contrast King’s wisdom with the vision and administration

that Trump has promised.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. remains one of the most powerful

moral voices in American history, known for his unyielding

commitments to justice, equality, and moral high ground. He is

revered in large part for his leadership during the Civil Rights

Movement, which transformed the nation by advancing civil

rights, challenging systemic racism, and calling on Americans

to live up to the highest ideals and promises of the founding

fathers—”all men are created equal.” Today, America continues

to grapple with division, inequality, and polarized politics.

King’s vision is as relevant in 2025 as it was when the Civil

Rights Act passed in 1964.

Continue reading online at: thewestsidegazette.com

Dr. Martin

Luther King’s

Prophetic

Warning,

Denouncing the

Merchants of

Death

By Kathy Kelly

Over the

past three

years, a

collective of

volunteer researchers,

lawyers, and

commentators

created The

Merchants of Death War

Crimes Tribunal, dedicated

to holding accountable four

weapon manufacturing

corporations based in the

U.S. Their tribunal amassed

copious evidence to prove that

Boeing, Lockheed Martin,

RTX (formerly Raytheon),

and General Atomics (a

company which manufactures

weaponized drones) are guilty

of committing war crimes.

On January 15, 2025, as the

world marks the birth of

the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther

King, a press conference will

announce the Tribunal’s

verdicts and release the

report of 10 international

jurors who have weighed the

evidence submitted to them.

Of necessity, the evidence

was culled from examining a

limited range of devastatingly

criminal U.S. “forever wars,”

of brutal and needless wars of

choice. The Tribunal focused

on specific U.S. war crimes

and crimes against humanity

in the invasions, occupations

and aerial assaults which

followed the “9/11” attacks in

2001.

What if we could enlarge

the Tribunal, bringing before

it war crimes occurring

right now, the U.S.-assisted

massacres we watch in

real time on our phone and

computer screens?

Continue reading online at:

thewestsidegazette.com

How Mass

Deportation

Harms All

Working People

By Andrew Moss

D o n a l d

Trump vowed to

begin deporting

undocumented

migrants “on

day one” of his

administration,

and day one is

rapidly approaching.

If Trump’s workingclass

voters believed that

deporting 13.3 million people

will somehow improve their

economic lives, many will soon

learn that mass deportation

harms all working people,

not only migrants, and will

help exacerbate a growing,

oppressive inequality.

Consider first the

anticipated labor shocks in

agriculture and construction.

Almost three-quarters of

agricultural workers are

immigrants, and 40 percent

of them are undocumented.

About one-fifth of workers

in construction are

undocumented. Because these

undocumented immigrants

make up such a significant

proportion of workers in these

key industries, deporting

them will lead to critical

labor shortages that will

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

JANUARY 16 - JANUARY 22, 2025 • PAGE 7

Meet the Founder and CEO of the First

Black-Owned Global Solar Franchise

(Source: BlackNews.com)

NATIONWIDE — Gridmaster

Solar One, founded by industry

veteran Michael Henry who is

also the company’s CEO, has

achieved a historic milestone

as the first Black-owned solar

franchise globally. With 45

franchises already on board,

the company is on a mission

to expand to 2000, redefining

renewable energy solutions

across diverse sectors.

Gridmaster Solar One

is revolutionizing the solar

energy industry by combining

cutting-edge technology with

a sustainable franchising

model. The company provides

comprehensive support to its

franchisees, including product

knowledge, ongoing training,

established brand recognition, a global network, marketing support, and in-house financing options.

“Our vision extends beyond simply selling solar solutions; we are committed to empowering underrepresented communities

and contributing to the global shift towards renewable energy,” stated Michael Henry, founder of Gridmaster Solar One. The

company’s innovative Solar Tower technology is adaptable for a wide array of applications such as hotels, schools, stadiums,

event centers, airports, churches, farms, apartment buildings, and gas stations.

With my team we have over 78 years of combined experience in the industry, Gridmaster Solar One is poised to lead significant

advancements in the renewable energy sector. “We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional solar energy solutions that meet

and exceed our clients’ expectations, transforming energy landscapes and paving the way towards a brighter, more sustainable

future!

Gridmaster Solar One offers a range of innovative solar energy solutions tailored to meet the needs of both residential and

commercial clients. The company ensures that all clients receive the highest quality service and support.

Discover how Gridmaster Solar One’s cutting-edge solar solutions can transform your energy landscape. For more information,

visit us at GridmasterSolarOne.com

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PAGE 8 • JANUARY 16 - JANUARY 22, 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

2251 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 School ..........................8:30 A.M.

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

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

Celebrating 100 Years of Service!

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) ‘God knows how much we can bear’ is a misquoted scripture.

What does the scripture actually say?

2) According to scripture the duration of a marriage should

last how long?

3) Is marriage an eternal thing?

4) According to scripture are abortions approved by God?

5) What is the meaning of the word ‘propitiation’?

6) What is the meaning of ‘Shekinah Glory’?

7) What type of word is ‘ABBA’ and what does it mean?

8) Complete the following: He will ________ those who have fallen

asleep in him.

9) Concerning “ End Time prophecy” what is the preterist

view?

Answers - 1) 1st Corinthians 10:13; 2) Matthew 19:3-9; 3) Matthew

22:30; 4) Exodus 20:13 & Deuteronomy 5:17; 5) 1st John

2:1-2; 6) Exodus 40:34-38; 7) Galatians 4:6 ‘ Aramaic, Father;

8) 1st Thessalonians 4:13-14; 9) Suggest that the Book of Revelation

was fulfilled before the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70

and there will be no millennium at all.

The Alphas Celebrate At New Mount Olive Baptist Church

The 2025 Celebration Service To Honor

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

New Mount Olive Baptist

Church, 400 Northwest Ninth

Avenue, Fort Lauderdale,

Florida, will host the 49 th Annual

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Celebration Service on Sunday,

January 19, 2025, at 4:00 P.M.

The service is sponsored by the

Zeta Alpha Lambda Chapter of

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

This year’s celebration will

include a musical extravaganza

with selections from The Men’s

Chorus of New Mount Olive

Baptist Church and Director

Kenny Smith. Reverend Dr.

Ezra Tillman, Jr., will be the

honored guest speaker.

Rev. Dr. Ezra L. Tillman, Jr.,

is a proud native of Detroit,

Michigan. He accepted Christ at

Rev. Dr. Ezra Tillman,

a young age and was spiritually nourished under the Pastoral

leadership of the late Dr. John L. Webb of the New Mt. Vernon

M.B.C. He humbly accepted the call of God into the Gospel

Ministry and is currently the proud Pastor of First Baptist

Church Piney Grove of Lauderdale Lakes, Florida. A Godly man

who supports the members with prayer and spiritual guidance.

This man of God conveys his love of God through his dynamic

and anointed approach to gospel preaching, sound teaching,

and soul stirring singing. A compassionate man of God shows

love and respect to the young, the elderly irrespective of race,

sex, color, creed or culture.

Pastor Tillman began his studies and has earned multiple

Degrees; a Doctorate in Theological Studies, a Master’s Degree

in Organizational Leadership (M.A.O.L.), a Master of Ministry

(M. Min.) in Biblical Counseling Degree, and a Bachelor of

Religious Education Degree (B.R.E.).

Pastor Tillman started his pastoral ministry as Assistant

Pastor of Greater Middle Missionary Baptist Church, in Royal

Oak, Michigan, in 2009. His knowledge of God’s Word, having a

servant’s heart, and understanding of others allowed him to be

effective in leading lost souls to Christ. Since then, he has been

called to Pastor in Cleveland Heights Ohio, Flint Michigan,

and now serves as the Pastor of First Baptist Church Piney

Grove of Lauderdale Lakes, Florida.

Within Dr. Tillman’s first year of serving as Pastor at First

Baptist Church Piney Grove, he launched the 700 Debt Free

Campaign in efforts to becoming a debt free congregation.

Within six months, over $300,000 was raised by the membership

resulting in the Burning of the Church Mortgage on May 15,

2024! To God be the Glory!

Additionally, new ministries have been birthed such as the

Women of C.L.A.S.S. (Christian Ladies Appointed to Serve

& Support) and the C.H.A.S.E. Ministry (Connecting Hearts

and Souls Effectively) developed to create a safe, spiritual

led environment for youth with special needs that includes

Christian education and development.

Pastor Tillman is no stranger to public service. While serving

in Flint he impacted the community at large during the Flint

Water Crisis. When government did not have a solution, Pastor

Tillman provided The Water Box in partnership with actor

and philanthropist Jaden Smith. The Water Box is a portable

water filtration system that can fill up a five-gallon jug of water

in 30 seconds. Due to his leadership, Pastor Tillman was

awarded the Key to the City of Flint in 2020, making him the

youngest pastor to receive this prestigious recognition to date.

In recognizing the uncertainties surrounding health as a result

of the water crisis, Pastor Tillman alongside his wife Catrine,

founded the Revive Community Health Center. Revive aids

in decreasing maternal/infant mortality and low birth weight

in the African American population in Flint/Genesee County.

He’s a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Pastor Tillman has a heart for family and has been married

to Catrina Tillman; a God fearing, spirit filled First Lady in her

own right, for sixteen years. Together they have been blessed

with four sons: Ezra III, Micah, Isaac and Luke.

The annual celebration service is in recognition of the

magnificent works of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Dr. King’s noble precepts and ideals regarding equal rights,

privileges and love for all humankind led to the Congressional

Declaration of January 15 th as a National Holiday in his honor.

The public is invited and the Divine Nine is encouraged to

attend this inspirational and educational program.

For further information, please contact Sister Sandra James

at the Church at (954) 463-5126 or Brother Michael A. Robinson

at (954) 831- 7258.


www.thewestsidegazette.com

Legendary Soul Singer Sam Moore, Half of

Sam & Dave, Dies at 89

Moore was best known as half of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

soul duo behind “Soul Man” & “Hold On, I’m Coming.”

By Melinda Newman

(Source: R&B Hip-Hop )

Sam Moore, half of the

seminal duo Sam & Dave,

died Friday (Jan. 10) in Coral

Gables, Fla. The cause of

death was complications from

surgery. He was 89.

Moore, who was revered

by artists including Bruce

Springsteen, Phil Collins,

Garth Brooks and Jon Bon Jovi,

had an instantly recognizable

tenor, first heard on such calland-response

classics as Sam

& Dave’s 1960s hits “Hold On,

I’m Coming” and the Grammywinning

“Soul Man,” both of

which reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, as well as “I Thank You” and “When

Something Is Wrong with My Baby.” The duo, who performed at

Martin Luther King Jr.’s memorial concert at Madison Square

Garden following his assassination in 1968, was inducted into the

Continue reading online at:

thewestsidegazette.com

Actress Dalyce Curry Dead At 95 After

Home Burned In LA Wildfire

By Jovonne Ledet

(Source: Black Information

Network)

Deeply Rooted

JANUARY 16 - JANUARY 22, 2025 • PAGE 9

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

Raymond

Benoit - 78 .

Camille N. Cianca –

77.

Rubye Lee

Beamon

Funeral

Service

was held

January 10th

at First Baptist

Piney Grove.

Elaine E. Bent

Funeral

Service

was held

January 11th

at McWhite’s

Funeral Home

Chapel

Albert G. Wilson

Funeral Service

was held

January 11th

at McWhite’s

Funeral

Home

Chapel.

Ivon L. Wright

Funeral

Service

was held

January 9th

at McWhite’s

Funeral Home

Chapel.

Roy Mizell & Kurtz

Funeral Home Services

Blues Brothers actress Dalyce

Curry has died, per TMZ. She

was 95.

According to reports, Curry’s

remains were found after

her home burned down in

Altadena amid the severe

wildfires devastating the Los

Angeles area.

Curry’s granddaughter

confirmed the actress’ death

in a Facebook post, saying

she last saw her grandmother

after dropping her off at her

Altadena home on Tuesday

(January 7). Later that

day, the Eaton Fire broke

out east of Los Angeles,

destroying buildings and

(Photo credit: Twitter.com)

forcing residents to evacuate

in Altadena and Pasadena.

The granddaughter said

she went back to check on

Photo: Facebook

Curry the next day but was

turned away by authorities,

Continue reading online at:

thewestsidegazette.com

Remembering Reality Star

Christopher “Big Black” Boykin

(Source: BlackDoctor+org)

Reality TV ‘Rob & Big‘

star Christopher “Big Black”

Boykin made everyone smile,

laugh and say “do work, son”

for over five seasons in new

shows and reruns on MTV.

In 2017, the loveable Boykin

passed away. But what made

it even more heartbreaking

was that he was only 45 years

old.

If you ever watched the

MTV reality series Rob &

Big, then you knew how

unpredictably funny he and

the show was.

The reality series follows

professional skateboarder Rob

Dyrdek and his bodyguard,

Big Black. The two live

together in the Hollywood

Hills and hatch crazy plans.

One week they decide to

teach Meaty the bulldog to

Continue reading online at:

thewestsidegazette.com

James C. Boyd

Funeral Home Services

Judith Ann

Kent - 70

Funeral

Service

was held

January 8th

at James C.

Boyd’s

Memorial

Chapel with Brother Reginald

Lewis officiating.

Lula Roland - 71

Funeral Service

was held January

11th at James C.

Boyd’s Memorial

Chapel with

Rev. Ernest King

officiating.

Davida Lanae

Sewell – 37

Funeral Service

was held

January 11th

at James C.

Boyd’s Memorial

Chapel with Rev.

Joyce Wright

officiating.

McWhite’s Funeral

Home Services

Lynette Edwaina & Vincent

Lloyd Burrell Funeral service

was held January 11th at Church

of God of Pembroke Pines.

Fannie Princess

Chestnut

Funeral

Service

was held

January 7th

at McWhite’s

Funeral

Home Chapel.

Deloris Dyer

Funeral

Service

was held

January 11th

at McWhite’s

Funeral Home

Chapel.

Vernon Eugene

Hampton, Sr.

Funeral Service

was held

January 7th at

McWhite’s

Funeral Home

Chapel

Elder Shaun C.

Smith

Funeral Service

was held

January 11th

at

Mt Hermon

A.M.E. Church.

Carroll Major Bannister – 85

Funeral service was held January

11th at Roy Mizell & Kurtz

Funeral Home.

Frances A.

Blocker – 87.

John Lewis

Williams, Sr.

- 77

Funeral Service

was held

January 11th

at Roy Mizell

Funeral

Home.

Gloria Jean Berry, Birmingham

Times Copy Editor, Dies at 76

Gloria Jean Berry, a copy editor for The Birmingham

Times, died on January 4. (Provided)

By Birmingham Times

(Source: Birmingham Times)

Continue reading online at:

thewestsidegazette.com


PAGE 10 • JANUARY 16 - JANUARY 22, 2025

Deeply Rooted

www.thewestsidegazette.com

NAACP Urges Biden To Deliver On ‘Critical Promises’ Before Leaving Office

By BIN

NAACP President Derrick

Johnson is urging President

Joe Biden to deliver on

“critical promises” before the

end of his administration.

On Wednesday (January

8), theGrio released an oped

by Johnson in which he

called on Biden to take action

on key promises, including

police accountability,

clemency for drug offenders,

and eliminating student loan

debt.

“Since the beginning

of his administration, the

Department of Justice

has also opened more

Florida – Jamaican-Born

Nesta Leeloo, 108 Years

Old, Second Oldest in US

(Source: nycaribnews)

Oliver Mair, Jamaican

Consul General, lauded

Nesta Leeloo, who celebrated

her 108th birthday on

January 6, 2025, as a brilliant

example of love, family

values, and perseverance.

Born in Mandeville, Jamaica,

and lovingly referred to as

“Mama,” Leeloo immigrated

to the US following her

marriage. In the United

States, she is the secondoldest

living individual.

At 114 years old, Naomi

Whitehead is the oldest

person living in America.

She currently lives in

Greenville, Pennsylvania,

but was born on September

26, 1910, in Georgia.

In the company of her

huge family and community,

Leeloo recently celebrated

her birthday in Tamarac,

South Florida, and thought

NAACP President Derrick Johnson

(Photo: Getty Images)

than a dozen pattern-orpractice

investigations of law enforcement

systemic misconduct with

agencies,”

back on the extraordinary

life she led.

She pondered at her

birthday party, saying, “I

had a wonderful life, I had

wonderful parents, I could

not ask for more.” Her

family and community are

still motivated by her life

philosophy, which is based

on morality and reverence

for her upbringing.

Her current lineage

consists of five great-greatgreat-grandchildren,

36

great-grandchildren, 23

great-great-grandchildren,

19 grandkids, and six

children. She was one of

twelve kids.

She said, “They are my

life,” demonstrating the close

relationship she has with

her descendants. Tamarac

Mayor Michelle J. Gomez

proclaimed January 6th to

be “Nesta Leeloo Day” in

honor of her extraordinary

journey, and Mair joined the

festivities to offer birthday

congratulations and a

proclamation.

Johnson wrote Wednesday.

“We are urging President

Biden to include the findings

of those investigations in the

public database, delivering

on his promise to bring about

more transparency and

accountability in policing.”

Johnson’s comments

By Leonard Greene

(Source: Daytona Times)

We can’t have it both

ways. We can’t. When

the Democratic nominee

for president hails from a

historically Black college or

university, we want to puff

out our chests and swell with

pride.

“Kamala Harris is a

to limit qualified immunity

for police through the George

Floyd Justice in Policing Act.

The NAACP president has

also recommended clemency

for thousands of cases and the

elimination of student loan

debt ahead of President-elect

Trump’s inauguration.

HBCU band unfairly scorned for accepting

Trump inauguration invite

Even at her advanced

age, Leeloo is quite active.

She still hems jeans for her

daughters and plays the piano

occasionally. She used to be

a seamstress. Additionally,

her enthusiasm for life and

feeling of independence have

not diminished despite the

fact that she recently began

using a walker.

come after Biden signed an

executive order in 2022 that

created a database to track

law enforcement misconduct.

Johnson pushed for the

Biden administration to offer

more transparency on data it

shares publicly. Lawmakers

are still seeking legislation

Bison,” we bragged. “She’s

reppin’ Howard U.”

Some of us had never even

stepped on a Black campus,

but we were as proud as

parents of a newborn baby.

But when the marching

band at Mississippi Valley

State, an HBCU, accepts an

invitation to perform at the

presidential inauguration,

we want to treat them like

a bunch of Uncle Toms who

snitched on a runaway slave.

The harsh backlash

Why? Because the man

being sworn in as president

will be Donald Trump.

“This is not just a moment

of pride for our university

but for the entire state of

Mississippi,” said university

president Jerryl Briggs.

“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.”

German Coast Uprising – 1811

MVSU PHOTO

It’s as simple as that.

Yet, when the band went

on social media to raise money

for the trip, some detractors

— let’s just call them haters

— acted like Mississippi

Valley State was betraying

the Black race.

“That is not an excuse to

step and fetch for the most

heinous person in modern

AmeriKKKan history,” one

user on X wrote in response to

the fundraising request.

“No Valley.. Hell Nawl..

This ain’t it..,” another critic

cried on social media. “Not

raising money to go before the

Klan Rally. Raise money for

the betterment of Valley but

not to entertain the MAGA

faithful.”

C’mon. Really? Did the

tuba player raise money for

Donald Trump? Did the guy

on trombone promote Project

2025?

It doesn’t help that this

year’s Jan. 20th inauguration

falls on what is also the

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

national holiday.

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.”

By Don Valentine

The German Coast

Uprising, also known as

“Andry’s Rebellion”, was

the largest revolt of Black

slaves in the United States.

The land was initially settled

by Germans, and dubbed

“The German Coast. It

began on Manual Andry’s

plantation, near New Orleans.

The leader was Charles

Deslondes, a slave who

worked as a driver (overseer)

on a plantation. The blog

evergreen plantation.org

described a “Planter,” as

usually a White man but

sometimes a promoted slave

hand. Charles, a mulatto

enslaved by Manuel Andry,

was a Haitian inspired by the

Haitian Revolution of 1791.

Originally he was owned

by the Deslondes family who

fled Haiti in the wake of the

1804 revolution. Black Past

recorded, “Following months

of secretive plotting, Charles

led a group of enslaved

Headstones for Deterrence

people from the surrounding

plantations toward New

Orleans. The group included

enslaved people born in the

US, the Caribbean, and those

newly brought from Africa.

They left the plantation with

a few guns, pikes, shovels, and

other rudimentary tools, but

most importantly, with the

courage and determination

to free themselves from the

shackles of slavery.”

US History Scene

annotated, “Witnesses

stated that Deslondes united

slaves on his plantation with

runaways who formed a

maroon society in the nearby

swamps. The rebellion also

occurred during harvest,

when slave owners in the

South often gave slaves more

free time. This brief period of

relative autonomy for slaves

is believed to have provided

Deslondes an opportunity to

organize.”

Charles led his squad

of rebels to kill Master

Andry with an ax. They

scavenged the plantation

for fighting equipment that

included: pikes, axes, and a

few firearms. A remarkable

achievement was organizing

over 500 African people who

spoke 50 different languages.

All the early planning came to

fruition; the fighters, carrying

banners, marching to the beat

of drums, were broken into

sub-units with leaders on

horseback. For two days they

wreaked havoc on the region,

setting plantations on fire as

they marched towards New

Orleans.

The governor called for

army forces, and General

Wade Hampton, leader of

the militia, assembled two

companies of volunteers

and navy sailors to crush

the uprising. Nearly 700

soldiers—more men than the

number of rebels—crushed the

rebellion. A fierce punishment

followed a brief tribunal.

Smithsonian Magazine wrote,

“Their heads were cut off and

placed on poles along the river

to frighten and intimidate

other slaves…” This display of

heads on spikes stretched for

over 60 miles. A dismal side

note: several slaves, imitating

Judas Iscariot, gained

their freedom by providing

information. Apparently,

treachery was the guaranteed

key to emancipation.


www.thewestsidegazette.com

JANUARY 16 - JANUARY 22, 2025 • PAGE 11

Florida A&M University Students Express Concerns Over

Impacted Race Education Amid Legislative Changes

(Source: Tallahassee

Democrat)

The students at FAMU,

aware of the potential

implications of the new law,

are expressing apprehensions

about how it might impact

the teaching of topics related

to race and American history.

The concerns are rooted in the

fear that political constraints

could interfere with the

university’s core mission of

providing a comprehensive

education, especially in areas

vital to the understanding

of African American

experiences.

The law’s prohibition on

the use of taxpayer money

for diversity programs and

its constraints on certain

theories related to systemic

issues have sparked a campus-

Howard University Cinema Legends

Honored with NAACP Image Nominations

By Shaun White and

Sholnn Z. Freeman

(Source: HBCU News)

The nominations

for the 56th NAACP

Image Awards have been

announced, spotlighting

Submitted by

Ramon Robinson

Command Sergeant Major

(CSM) Clyde Mitchell, Jr., a

decorated U.S. Army veteran

and influential community

leader, has been recognized

with a custom trading card by

Positivity Pays. This tribute

celebrates his extraordinary

military career, his dedication

to community service, and

his enduring legacy as a

role model. His remarkable

journey is also highlighted

in the acclaimed book, 100

Sergeants Major of Color:

Black Americans Who

Paved the Way for Others

to Follow, which honors

military leaders of color who

have broken barriers and

inspired future generations.

two celebrated Howard

University alumnae, Taraji P.

Henson and Lynn Whitfield,

a third-generation Howard

graduate.

Both actresses graduated

from what is now Howard

University’s Chadwick A.

Boseman College of Fine

Arts and say Howard inspired

the positive representation of

Black women they bring to

their roles. The NAACP Image

Awards’ mission to honor

outstanding achievements

and performances of people of

color in arts, entertainment,

and culture.

Whitfield (BFA `75)

is a double-nominee this

yer. She in contention for

“Outstanding Supporting

Actress in a Motion Picture”

for her performance in Albany

Road. In the film, she takes on

the role of a mother who has

to work through challenging

family dynamics during a

road trip with her son’s exfiancée.

She is also nominated

Continue reading online at:

thewestsidegazette.com

Honoring the Legacy of Command

Sergeant Major Clyde Mitchell, Jr.

Continue reading online at:

thewestsidegazette.com

Congressman Maxwell Frost, Florida Congressional

Democrats Release Statement on Gov. DeSantis

Denying Food Assistance to Vulnerable Children

Submitted by

Samantha Ramirez

WASHINGTON, D.C.

— Recently, Congressman

Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-

10) and Florida Congressional

Democrats released the

following statement after

Governor Ron DeSantis opted

out of the Summer Electronic

Benefit Transfer (EBT, or

“Sun Bucks”) summer grocery

benefit program for the

second consecutive year. The

program provides parents

of school-aged children

assistance buying groceries

during the summer, when

school-provided and reducedcost

meals are less available.

“It is sad and alarming

that, for the second

consecutive year, Florida

has once again declined to

participate in the federal

Summer Electronic Benefit

Transfer (EBT) program—a

vital resource that helps fight

hunger among low-income

children and teens. Summer

EBT provides families with

a prepaid card to purchase

food during the summer

months when school is out

and children are no longer

receiving free or reducedprice

meals,” said Frost and

the Members.

“In 2024, approximately

2.2 million children in Florida

were eligible for Summer EBT

benefits, but the Florida State

Legislature and Governor

Ron DeSantis chose not to

participate, denying families

$259 million in essential

support. This is not just a

missed opportunity—it’s a

direct refusal to help those

who need it most,” continued

Frost and the Members.

“Governor DeSantis and

the Republican led Florida

Legislature once again failed

to prioritize the well-being

of our children and families.

Our state has the resources,

the infrastructure, and the

capacity to do better—and yet,

we continue to fall short when

it matters most. Florida’s

families deserve better.”

On January 1, 2025,

Florida officially missed its

final opportunity to receive

Summer 2025 benefits for

families in need, despite

ongoing pleas and the USDA’s

willingness to work with the

State to opt in.

wide conversation. Students are

closely monitoring developments

and seeking assurance that the

guidance stemming from the

legislation will not compromise the

integrity of their education.

This legislative shift reflects

broader discussions and actions

taking place across the country

regarding the boundaries of

diversity and inclusion initiatives

in educational institutions.

Critics argue that such laws stifle

academic freedom and limit the

exploration of critical topics in

the curriculum, particularly those

addressing historical and systemic

issues related to race.

FAMU’s contribution to

African American education is

at risk.

FAMU has a rich legacy and

has played a significant role in

advancing African American

education. The concerns raised

by students indicate the

tension between preserving the

institution’s commitment to

comprehensive education and

navigating the evolving legislative

landscape.

As the FAMU community

A MESSAGE FROM THE PUBLISHER

from the Front Page

reflection, and peace. But metaphorically, the “temple”

represents our families, our organizations, and

society itself. And R.A.T.S.—Resentment, Animosity,

Treachery, and Selfishness—are the forces that

threaten to destroy these temples from

within.

Rats, in the literal sense, are

creatures that infest, gnaw, and

devour. They leave destruction in their

wake, spreading disease and chaos.

Metaphorically, R.A.T.S. infest our

society with behaviors and attitudes

that breed division, hatred, and

inequity. They force financial collapse,

annihilate unity, and devastate entire

communities. But worse than material

destruction, they destroy the human

spirit—they destroy dreams.

When R.A.T.S. infest the temple,

people go to war with one another,

driven by selfish desires and unchecked

animosity. As James 4:1 reminds us,

“Where do wars and fights come from

among you? Do they not come from

your desires for pleasure that war in

your members?”

We cannot allow these forces to

fester in our temples. The inauguration

of Donald Trump, marked by divisive

rhetoric and policies that undermined

inclusion and equity, was a wake-up

call. It reminded us that the dream Dr.

King fought for is not inevitable—it

grapples with these concerns,

it adds to the ongoing national

dialogue about the balance

between legislative directives and

the academic freedom necessary to

provide a well-rounded education.

The impact of such legislation

on HBCUs, which often serve

as crucial centers for promoting

diverse perspectives and histories,

underscores the broader challenges

faced by educational institutions

in addressing systemic issues

and ensuring inclusivity in the

curriculum.

must be actively protected and pursued.

To cleanse our temples, we must choose

L.I.F.E.: Love, Introspection, Forgiveness, and

Endurance.

• Love: “He who does not love does not know

God, for God is love” (1 John 4:8). Let love be the

foundation of all our actions.

• Introspection: Examine our own hearts and

actions to ensure we are not harboring R.A.T.S.

within ourselves.

• Forgiveness: Let go of past hurts to move

forward as a united people.

• Endurance: Commit to the long and often

painful process of building a more inclusive and

just society.

Dr. King’s dream was rooted in hope—a hope

that transcends hatred, fear, and division. But

the fulfillment of that dream depends on our

willingness to choose L.I.F.E. over the destructive

forces of R.A.T.S.

Let us honor Dr. King’s legacy by working

to cleanse our temples and rid our society

of Resentment, Animosity, Treachery, and

Selfishness. Only then can we truly celebrate his

dream and ensure its realization for all people,

regardless of race, faith, orientation, or identity.

Happy Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Day! Let us recommit to the work of

keeping the dream alive.


PAGE 12 • JANUARY 16 - JANUARY 22, 2024

Deeply Rooted

www.thewestsidegazette.com

Los Angeles’s Historic Black Community

Devastated by Eaton Canyon Fires

NNPA NEWSWIRE — The

unincorporated community in

the San Gabriel Valley, home

to 42,000 residents, has long

stood as a beacon of Black

homeownership and middleclass

stability. With 18% of

its population identifying

as Black, Altadena also

hosts a diverse community

that includes Latino and

Asian American residents.

Tragically, the Eaton Fire

alone destroyed over 1,000

structures, killed at least five

residents in Altadena and

displaced thousands.

By Stacy M. Brown,

NNPA Newswire Senior

National Correspondent

As flames tore through

the picturesque foothills of

Altadena and Pasadena on

January 7, 2025, the Eaton

Canyon fires left a historic

Black community—rooted in

JANUARY 2025

SERVICE CHANGES

EFFECTIVE SUNDAY, JANUARY 19, 2025

CHANGES TO ROUTES

9 10 12

40 83 101

EXPRESS ROUTES

106 109

the Civil Rights Movement—

nearly wiped out. Among

the hardest-hit areas in Los

Angeles County, Altadena has

seen its many Black-owned

homes, churches, businesses,

“40 For 40 Art Experience” Transforms

Lives at Ali Cultural Arts Center

Written by Willie Brown

The recent “40 for 40 Art Experience”

at Pompano Beach’s Ali Cultural Arts

Center successfully brought together art,

wellness, and community engagement in a

groundbreaking two-hour program. With

support from the Community Foundation

of Broward, 40 students from the Broward

community participated in this innovative

three-part experience combining wellness

activities, outdoor art creation, and personal

expression.

Licensed therapists led participants

through yoga, breathing exercises, and sound

meditation during the wellness segment,

focusing on mental and emotional wellbeing.

In the open-air art session, students created

nature-inspired pieces under the guidance

of local artists, exploring various mediums

including drawing, painting, and photography.

The final segment empowered participants

through public speaking exercises where they

shared their reflections and expectations.

The impact of this unique program extends

beyond the event itself, as the artwork created

by participants will be showcased in a 40-day

Image from satellite sources / Google Maps.

public exhibition at the Jan Moran Collier City

Library starting on January 23, 2025, located

at 2800 NW 9 th Ct, Pompano Beach, FL 33069

with a public reception starting at 4:00pm.

This initiative was made possible in part to

the Community Foundation’s 40 th Anniversary

“Spread the Love” grants which exemplifies

their 40-year commitment to fostering arts,

wellness, and nonprofit empowerment in

Broward.

The program’s success relied on strong

community partnerships, including

collaboration with Kappa Foundation of

Pompano Beach, Go Eminent Foundation,

Ace Hi Records, Major Visibility Productions,

United Way of Broward, NAMI Broward

County, local mental health organizations,

and the Ali Cultural Arts Center itself, which

serves as a vital platform for celebrating

African American culture and enhancing

access to the arts in Pompano Beach.

Through participant feedback surveys and

comprehensive documentation, the program

demonstrated its effectiveness in fostering

self-awareness and strengthening community

bonds while making a lasting impact on

Broward’s cultural landscape.

For new schedules: Broward.org/BCT/Schedules • Wi-Fi available

and landmarks reduced to

ashes.

The unincorporated

community in the San

Gabriel Valley, home to

42,000 residents, has long

stood as a beacon of Black

homeownership and middleclass

stability. With 18% of

its population identifying

as Black, Altadena also

hosts a diverse community

that includes Latino and

Asian American residents.

Tragically, the Eaton Fire

alone destroyed over 1,000

structures, killed at least five

Continue reading online at:

thewestsidegazette.com

PUBLIC NOTICE

BROWARD COUNTY CANVASSING BOARD

MARCH 11, 2025 MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS

The Broward County Canvassing Board will convene at the Supervisor of Elections’ Office, located at 4650 NW

21 st Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 at the dates and times listed below for the purposes of preparing for

canvassing the Municipal Elections to be held on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. The times and dates, as well as any

amendments to the Canvassing Board schedule and agenda, will be posted online at the Broward County

Supervisor of Elections website at BrowardVotes.gov.

DATE/TIME

Wednesday, 2/19/25

10:00 am to conclusion

Thursday, 2/20/25

through Monday,

03/10/24

8:30 am – 9:00 am

(Monday through Friday

unless noticed otherwise)

Thursday, 2/20/25

through Tuesday,

3/11/2025

9:00 am until conclusion

(Monday through Friday

unless noticed otherwise)

Wednesday, 2/26/25

through Friday, 3/14/25

(To be noticed as needed

with at least 48-hour

public notice)

Tuesday, 3/11/25

8:30 am – 9:00 am

2:00 pm – 2:30 pm

3:30 pm – 4:00 pm

Tuesday, 3/11/25

after 7:00 pm

Friday, 3/14/25

2:00 p.m. to conclusion

ACTIVITY

− Canvassing Board to convene for the public Logic & Accuracy Test of the voting

and tabulating equipment to be used for Vote-by-Mail, and Election Day

ballots; and to authorize opening, processing, duplicating, and tabulation of

Vote-by-Mail ballots after the conclusion of testing.

− Canvassing Board to consider procedures regarding the conduct of meetings,

signature and ballot material inspections, and the participation of the public

and authorized observers.

− Canvassing Board to review standards and procedures for determining voter

intent.

− Candidate, Political Party, and Political Committee inspection of Vote-by-Mail

ballot envelopes (voter certificates) and signatures prior to daily processing,

opening, and tabulation.

− Inspection of tabulated Vote-by-Mail ballots and ballot materials (by

authorized observers).

− Duplication of Vote-by-Mail ballots (if any).

− Canvassing Board member(s) or alternate(s) to observe the opening, tabulating,

and duplication of Vote-by-Mail ballots (daily unless noticed otherwise).

Canvassing Board to continue canvassing and convene (as needed) to

consider:

• Voter/Ballot Challenges/Protests

• Determinations of Voter Intent

• Duplicated ballots

• Duplicated Overseas & Military

ballots.

• Blank ballots, undervotes,

overvotes

• Provisional ballots

(Photo: Getty Images)

Step Afrika! to Wow Audiences at The Parker

Setting the Stage for Black History Month

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL

– Audiences won’t want to

miss the opportunity to see

Step Afrika!, the world’s first

professional dance company

dedicated to the tradition of

stepping and one of the top

10 African American dance

companies in the U.S. Step

Afrika! will to kick off Black

History Month, performing

Step Afrika (Photo Credit: Keith Major)

in the Lillian S. Wells Hall

at The Parker on January

29 at 7:30 p.m. as part of

the Broward Center’s Mosaic

Series.

Step Afrika! is comprised

of 17 full-time dancers—all

college graduates—many who

attended Historically Black

Colleges and Universities

(HBCU) and are members

of Historically Black Greek

Fraternities and Sororities.

Founded in 1994, as an

exchange program with the

Soweto Dance Theatre of

Johannesburg, Step Afrika!

is the first professional

Dance Company in the world

dedicated to the tradition of

stepping and is the largest

African American-led arts

organization in Washington,

DC, and Washington, DC’s

only cultural ambassador.

As part of the world’s first

interactive stepping exhibit,

thousands experience Step

Afrika! at the Smithsonian

National Museum of African

American History and

Culture each day as part

of the museum’s Explore

More! interactive gallery. In

addition, Step Afrika! engages

50,000 college students across

the nation, teaches teamwork

and discipline to 100 kids as

part of the Summer Steps

with Step Afrika! summer

camp, and expands culturebased

arts education for more

than 20,000 Washington,

DC, Maryland, and Virginia

Continue reading online at:

thewestsidegazette.com

• Cure Affidavits

• Ballots without a voter

certificate

• Envelopes with multiple ballots

• Envelopes without a ballot

• Deceased voter ballots

• Any other relevant matter

− Candidate, Political Party, and Political Committee inspection of Vote-by-Mail

ballot envelopes (voter certificates) and signatures prior to daily processing,

opening, and tabulation.

− Inspection of tabulated Vote-by-Mail ballots and ballot materials (by

authorized observers).

− Announce preliminary results of Vote-by-Mail and Election Day.

− Order recount(s) if necessary and identify dates/times for recount(s).

− Conclude any machine and manual recounts

− Certification of Official Election Results.

− Conduct Post-Election Automated Independent Audit, if no manual recount is

conducted.

Call Customer Service at 954-357-8400 • TTY 954-357-8302, Florida Relay: 711

THE FOLLOWING CITIES WILL HOLD MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS ON MARCH 11, 2025:

Coconut Creek, Deerfield Beach, Miramar, Pembroke Pines, and Sea Ranch Lakes


www.thewestsidegazette.com

Deeply Rooted

JANUARY 16 - JANUARY 22, 2025 • PAGE 13

Dr. Myron Rolle’s journey from NFL player to neurosurgeon

By Stephanie Claytor/

Florida Courier

(Source: Florida Courier)

Remember the star Florida

State football player Myron

Rolle, who decided to postpone

entering the NFL Draft to

pursue a Rhodes Scholarship?

Well, his pursuit of academic

excellence has led Dr.

Rolle to the completion of a

neurosurgery residency program

at Harvard Medical

School/Massachusetts General

Hospital in June, and

now, a pediatric neurosurgery

fellowship at Johns Hopkins

All Children’s Hospital in St.

Petersburg.

According to Johns Hopkins

Medicine, there are only about

300 pediatric neurosurgeons

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www.thewestsidegazette.com

LEGAL NOTICES

NOTICE OF

PUBLIC SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on

02/06/2025 at 09:00 AM the following vehicles(s)

may be sold at public sale art 3759

NW 16TH STREET BAY 2, LAUDERHILL, FL

33311 for the amount owed on each vehicle

to satisfy the lien for repairs, services and

storage charges and any administrative fees

allowed pursuant to Florida Statute 713.585.

4JGDA5JB7HA835798 2017 MERZ 7728.52

The name, address and telephone number

and public sale location of the repair shop

claiming the lien for unpaid charges is:

Lienor Name: HAM 73 LLC

Lienor Address: 3759 NW 16TH ST #2,

LAUDERHILL, FL 33311

Liemor Telephone #: 954-822-5624

MV License #: [COMPANY _MV_LICENSE]

Location of Vehicles: 3759 NW 16TH ST STE

2, LAUDERHILL, FL 33311-4136

The customer or person claiming an interest,

or a lien may redeem the vehicle by satisfying

the amount due in cash on or before the

sale date and time. The customer or person

claiming an interest in or lien on a vehicle may

file a demand for a hearing with the Clerk of

Court in the BROWARD County where the

vehicle is held to determine whether the vehicle

has been wrongfully taken or withheld

from him or her. At any time before the date

of sale a customer or person of record claiming

a lien on the vehicle may post a cash or

surety bond in the amount stated on the invoice

with the Clerk of Circuit Court where

the disputed transaction occured.

January 16, 2025

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practicing in the United

States. Influenced after

reading the autobiography

of Ben Carson, at 11 years

old, Rolle knew he wanted to

become a neurosurgeon.

The pursuit of two dreams

But Rolle also desired to

be a star football player in

the NFL. Upon graduating

from high school, and rated

by ESPN as the number

one football recruit in the

United States in 2006, Rolle

ciphered through 83 football

scholarship offers, according

to a news release, to select

Florida State University.

A star defensive back for the

Seminoles, he was projected

LEGAL NOTICES

IN THE CIRCUIT

COURT OF THE

SEVENTEENTH

JUDICIAL

CIRCUIT IN AND FOR

BROWARD COUNTY,

FLORIDA

FAMILY DIVISION

CASE NO.: FMCE

24-013558

JUDGE: KANNER

IN RE: THE MARRIAGE OF

ROSALIA VINICIO SANTANA,

Petitioner/Former Wife

and

MUSTAPHA BOUHOUCH,

Respondent/Former Husband

NOTICE OF ACTION

FOR DISSOLUTION

OF MARRIAGE

(NO CHILD OR

FINANCIAL SUPPORT)

TO: MUSTAPHA BOUHOUCH,

CURRENT ADDRESS UNKNOWN

YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for

DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE has

been filed against you and that you are required

to serve a copy of your written defenses,

if any, to the Attotnry of the Petitioner,

Edward A. Lopez, Esq., whose address is

3440 Hollywood Blvd., Suite 415, Hollywood,

FL 33021 on or before FEBRUARY

27, 2025 and file the original with the clerk

of this Court at Broward County Courthouse,

201 Southeast Sixth Street, Fort

Lauderdale, Florida 33301. If you fail to

do so, a default may be entered against you

for the relief demanded in the petition.

Copies of all court documents in the case,

including orders, are available at the Clerk of

the Circuit Court’s office. You may review

these documents upon request.

You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit

Court’s office notified of your current address.

(You may file Notice of Current Address,

Florida Supreme Court Approved

Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in

this lawsuit will be mailed to the address on

record at the clerk’s office.

WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family

Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain

automatic disclosure of documents and information.

Failure to comply can result in

sanctions, including dismissal or striking of

pleadings.

Dated January 13, 2025

Clerk of the Circuit Court

Marilyn D. Robinson, Deputy Clerk

January 16, 23, 30, February 6, 2025

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.

to be drafted in the first round

of the NFL Draft, the release

stated.

Rolle decided to accept the

prestigious postgraduate

Rhodes scholarship in 2009,

where students from around

the world are chosen to study

for a year at the University of

Oxford in England.

According to the Rhodes

Trust, fewer than 2 percent

of American applicants

are chosen; some famous

recipients include former

President Bill Clinton, U.S.

Senator Cory Booker, U.S.

Secretary of Transportation

Pete Buttigieg, and NBA star

and U.S. Senator Bill Bradley.

Upon heading to England,

Rolle worked out and hoped

that he’d still be selected

high up in the draft when he

returned. But that’s not what

happened.

The Tennessee Titans drafted

Rolle in the sixth round of the

2010 NFL Draft.

“It was definitely a blow to

my athletic career by spending

that time in Oxford,” Rolle told

the hospital’s communication

staff in the news release.

Rolle played the position of

safety and was assigned to the

practice squad, while playing

for the Titans for a season;

the Titans released him from

the roster in September 2011.

Then he was cut from the

Pittsburgh Steelers in 2012.

Rolle recalled being asked

by coaches about meeting

Clinton or traveling with

celebrities on a humanitarian

trip to Africa, instead of

defensive schemes or recovering

from injuries like

they asked other players.

NNPA

HOROSCOPE

JANUARY 16, 2025

ARIES-At work, some matters have been on

hold but now you will get the green light.

Continue to work as diligently as you have

been in the pass to ensure success. Have faith

that your plans are on target.18, 53, 54

TAURUS-A message this week may necessitate

travel on your part, and you may feel obligated

to do something you don’t want to. Let the

energy flow past you and do what you think

is best. 9, 22, 41

GEMINI-Use better judgment with regard to

financial matters. Stop rationalizing. Money

is important. Do something about the fact

that you might find yourself broke more often

than you wish. 1, 22, 51

CANCER-This week make your spiritual

interest pay off in cash. Enough of goodness

for goodness sake. You’ve got bills to pay.

People expect generosity from a big hearted

person like you.1, 3, 8

LEO-Compromise to get what you want this

week. You’ll want to meet others half-way,

and in the long run, you’ll get what you want

anyway. 6, 17, 43

VIRGO-Money matters may seem a little

unstable this week; postpone a shopping trip.

On the plus side, however, your friends are

unusually supportive and wonderful. You’ll

enjoy conversations and being with another,

especially after dark!19, 30, 50

LIBRA-Personal goals are important to you

this week, and you’ll want to budget some

time to spend on formulating plans for your

brilliant future. Something that happens

without your knowledge is going to prove to

be a huge benefit. 7, 40, 43

SCORPIO-Your straight-up attitude is going to

come in handy this week. Plain talk is favored;

keep it simple so others will understand

where you’re coming from. 1, 29, 31

SAGITTARIUS-This is a good week to think

about long-term plans. Your mind is clear and

your vision of things to come will be lighted

by your razor-sharp instincts. 17, 18, 20

CAPRICORN-The clever way you think could

expose you to an experience for you unlike

any you’ve had recently. Move forward. Get

into it. Don’t doubt your ability to handle it.

Don’t let your mind get crowded with too

much useless information. 6, 21, 34

AQUARIUS-If someone has told you that you

are more mental than emotional, believe

them. This week especially your mind will be

working a mile a minute to make sure that

what you feel is good for you to feel. 3, 45, 51

PISCES-Usually you’re not much for gambling.

You like to investigate and make sure before

you make your move. This week you are

lucky. Move on impulse. Follow your heart.

Pay close attention to the love needs of your

mate this week. 12, 32, 53

Rolle believes the NFL treated

him differently because it was

afraid of him getting hurt and

what that would do to the

league’s image, according to

the release. His stint in the

NFL came simultaneously

with the rise in awareness

of the dangers of concussions

and chronic traumatic

encephalopathy or CTE, a

neurodegenerative disease

believed to be caused by

repeated injuries to the head.

“If something had happened

to me where I was no longer

able to fulfill that dream, then

it would be a terrible media

hit for the NFL,” Rolle stated.

“It’s a league that wants to

protect its image at all costs.”

‘The 2% Way’

After being cut by the

Steelers, Rolle decided to no

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PAGE 14 • JANUARY 16 - JANUARY 22, 2025

Deeply Rooted

www.thewestsidegazette.com

For the Week oF January 14 - 20, 2025

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

LADIES

FIRST

Spring Hill Sports Photo

DIAMOND JOHNSON: Senior

point guard has led Norfolk

State to 16-4 start, 4-0 in the

MEAC. and to Top Ten Mid-

Major ranking.

NEW COACH AT SHAW, STAFFS COMPLETED AT NC

A&T , NORFOLK STATE ; WOMEN'S HOOPS ROUND-UP

DIV CONF ALL

NORTH DIVISION W L W L W L

Virginia State 0 0 5 0 10 4

Lincoln (PA) 0 0 5 0 11 5

Bluefield State 0 0 2 2 9 5

Elizabeth City State 0 0 2 4 8 6

Virginia Union 0 0 1 2 7 8

Bowie State 0 0 1 4 8 8

SOUTH DIVISION W L W L W L

Shaw 0 0 3 2 8 7

Fayetteville State 1 0 3 3 10 6

Claflin 0 0 3 3 9 7

Johnson C. Smith 0 1 3 2 7 6

Livingstone 0 0 1 5 9 8

Winston-Salem State 0 0 0 1 2 10

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

Rell Williams, 6-3, Jr., G, BLST - 24 points on 9

of 13 FG, 1-3 3s, 7-9 FTs, 9 assists, 5 rebounds,

1 steal vs. King (TN).

DEFENSIVE PLAYER

Peter Sorber, Sr., F, LINCP - Averaged 14.5

points, 8.0 rebounds in two wins with 12 points,

10 rebounds vs. WSSU, 17 points, 6 rebounds

vs. FSU.

ROOKIE

Jahmire Brewer, 6-7, Fr., F, LINCP - Had 7

points, 7 rebounds, in win vs. WSSU Monday.

CONF

ALL

W L W L

Howard 3 0 8 9

S. C. State 3 1 9 10

Norfolk State 3 1 12 8

N. C. Central 2 2 9 12

Morgan State 2 2 8 12

Delaware State 1 3 8 10

Coppin State 1 3 2 16

Md. E-Shore 0 3 4 15

OFFENSIVE PLAYERS Kameron Hobbs, 5-10,

R-Sr., G, MSU - Led Bears with 24 points Sat. in loss

at Howard and then led with 23 points, 8 rebounds

in handing NSU its first MEAC loss Mon. Marcus

Dockery, 6-2, Sr., G, HOW - Back-to-back 25-point

games in wins over MSU and CSU hitting (9-15, 3-5

3s, 4-6 FTs) and 8-11, 6-8 3s, 2-3 FT)

ROOKIE

Blake Harper, 6-2, Fr., G, HOW - Had 23

points (7-12 FG, 8-11 FTs), 7 rebounds, 6

assists in win over MSU Sat., 25 points, 12

rebounds in win over CSU Monday. Leads

league in scoring (19.1 ppg.) and rebounding

(6.9 rpg.)

DEFENSIVE

Daniel Akitoby, 6-9, Sr., C, MSU - 10 rebounds,

six blocks in 2 OT win vs. NCCU, 17

points, 10 rebounds, 2 blocks in loss to HU.

CONF ALL

EAST W L W L

Clark Atlanta 7 1 10 5

Edward Waters 6 2 10 5

Morehouse 6 2 8 7

Albany State 6 3 9 7

Fort Valley State 3 4 4 10

Savannah State 4 6 6 8

Benedict 3 6 3 12

Allen 1 6 3 8

WEST

Miles 9 1 12 3

Kentucky State 5 5 8 7

Tuskegee 4 4 6 8

Central State 4 6 7 9

Spring Hill 3 6 5 9

LeMoyne-Owen 3 7 3 13

Lane 2 7 2 12

PLAYER Alvin Miles, 5-11, Sr., G, MILES

- Scored 28 points with 8 rebounds and 5

assists and 2 steals in 2 OT win vs. CSU

Monday, 11 points, 3 boards in win over

KSU Sunday.

DEFENSE Blaise Wallace, 6-7, So., F,

ALB - Averaged double-double of 16.0

points, 12.5 rebounds in two games with 18

points, 14 rebounds in win Sav. State, 14

points, 11 rebounds in loss vs. EWU.

CONF

ALL

W L W L

Southern 4 0 9 8

Jackson State 3 0 3 13

Prairie View A&M 3 1 4 13

Bethune-Cookman 2 1 5 11

Texas Southern 2 1 5 11

Alcorn State 2 1 2 14

Alabama A&M 2 2 6 11

Alabama State 2 2 6 11

Grambling State 1 3 4 13

Florida A&M 0 3 3 11

Arkansas-Pine Bluff 0 3 3 13

Miss. Valley State 0 4 2 15

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

Tanahj Pettaway, 6-2, Gr., PG, PVA&M -

Averaged 27.5 points, 9.0 rebounds in two

wins with 33 points, 11 rebounds vs. UAPB,

22 points, 7 rebounds vs. MVSU.

Daeshun Ruffin, 5-11, Jr., G, JSU - 11

points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists vs. ALST, 17

points, 4 rebs., 4 steals in 3 OT win vs.

ALA&M.

NEWCOMER

Dorian McMillan, 6-3, Fr., G, JSU - Led Tigers

with 23 points with 7 rebounds, 2 steals

in win over ALST, 5 pts., 2 boards vs. AA&M.

CONF ALL

W L W L

SAC

Langston - 1st 9 2 13 2

SUN

Florida Memorial - 3rd 4 2 11 4

GLVC

Lincoln (Mo.) - T5th 4 3 12 3

MEC

W. Virginia State - 7th 3 4 6 7

CAA

Hampton - 9th 1 2 8 7

NC A&T - 11th 0 5 4 14

OVC

Tennessee State - T8th 2 4 6 11

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK Malcolm Davis,

6-2, Jr., G, LINCM - Averaged 17.0 points

and 6.5 rebounds in two wins with 12 points,

7 rebounds vs. SW Baptist, 22 points, 6 rebounds

vs. Drury.

Ryan Forrest, 6-4, So., G, NC A&T - In 0-2

week, averaged 26.5 points, 4.5 rebounds,

2.5 assists with 26 points, 3, rebounds 3 assists

vs. Delaware, 27 points, 6 rebounds, 2

assists and blocks vs. W&M.

DEFENSE

NA

UNDER THE BANNER

WHaT'S GOInG On In anD arOunD BLaCK COLLEGE SPOrTS

MANIGO RETURNS TO LEAD SHAW FOOTBALL:

Raleigh, NC – On Tuesday of last week, Shaw

University announced that Lamar

Manigo would be returning to become

the Bears' new head football coach.

He returns to Shaw where he

previously served as the offensive

coordinator from 2016 to 2021,

leading the Bears to some of their

Manigo

best offensive statistical seasons in

program history.

Most recently, Manigo served as the assistant head

coach, offensive coordinator, and quarterbacks coach at

Virginia State University, where he played an integral role

in the Trojans' resurgence as a powerhouse most recently

winning the CIAA regular season title and appearing

in the 2024 CIAA championship game. Known for his

innovative offensive strategies and ability to inspire his

players, Manigo is widely regarded as one of the brightest

minds in college football coaching today.

"I am honored and excited to return to Shaw

University as head football coach," Manigo said. "This is

a homecoming for me, and I look forward to working with

our talented student-athletes to build a program that makes

our university and alumni proud.

Shaw will host an introductory press conference for

Manigo on January 21, 2025, at 11 a.m. inside historic

Estey Hall on campus.

VICK (NORFOLK STATE), GIBBS (NC A&T),

COMPLETE FOOTBALL STAFFS:

Shawn Gibbs, the new football head coach at North

Carolina A&T, and Michael Vick, the new head coach

at Norfolk State, have released their much-anticipated

coaching staffs.

"I hired guys with experience and mental toughness

who understand the game of football," Vick said. "The one

thing I know is that they are going to put these guys in a

position to win. We all have the same mindset, and I felt it

was only right to hire guys who thought like me and want

to lead like me. I'm extremely proud of these guys, and I'm

excited for them."

"I'm excited about the staff we have assembled here,"

Gibbs said in a statement released by the university.

"We have several guys who have ties to A&T and have

accomplished many things as players and coaches in the

HBCU world and in the pros as players."

Michael Vick, Head Coach, Norfolk State

Terence Garvin (Defensive Coordinator); Elton Brown (Offensive Line); Jabo Smith

(Defensive Backs); Izaan Cross – Defensive Line); LaRoy Reynolds (Linebackers);

Darryl Bullock (Asst. Head Coach); Steve Adams (Special Teams / Recruiting

Coordinator); DeMarcus McMillan (Director of Football Operations)

Shawn Gibbs, Head Coach, North Carolina A&T

Denzel Jones (Defensive Coordinator); Tony McRae (Defensvie Backs); Ron Mattes

(Offensive Line); Nate Poole (Receivers); Keith Henry (Running Backs); Terry Lantz

(Linebackers); Stephen Barnette (Tight Ends); Alex Purviance (Asst. LBs); Greg

McGhee (Offensive Coordinator); O. C. Williams (Defensie Line); Theric Holt (Director

of Football Operations).

THE STAT CORNER

WHO ARE THE BEST PERFORMERS IN BLACK COLLEGE SPORTS

ALL-CONFERENCE BLACK COLLEGE

FOOTBALL TRANSFERS

FROM

TO

Javonnie Gibson, - 6-3, 205, R-So., WR Ark.-Pine Bluff Oklahoma

70 rec. (T1st), 1,215 yds. (1st), 9 TDs (2nd), 17.4 ypc. (6th), 5.8 rpg. (T1st), 101.3 ypg. (1st)

1st team all-SWAC

Reginald Vick, Jr., 6-3, 185, R-Jr., WR Virginia Union Wake Forest

48 rec. (2nd), 1,164 yds (1st), 12 TDs (1st), 24.2 ypc. (2nd), 4.0 cpg. (4rh), 97.0 ypg. (2nd)

1st team all-CIAA

Caden High, 5-10, 160, So., WR S. C. State Stanford

62 rec. (1st), 908 yds. (1st), 7 TDs (1st), 14.6 ypc.(9th), 5.2 cpg. (1st), 75.7 ypg. (1st)

1st team all-MEAC

Nathan Rembert, 5-9, 170, So., WR Miss. Valley State Jackson State

70 rec. (T-1st in SWAC), 1,038 yds. (2nd), 4 TDs (T6th), 14.8 ypc., (12th), 5.8 cpg. (T8), 86.5 ypg. (2nd)

1st team all-SWAC

J'Mari Taylor, 5-11, 200, R-Jr., RB NC Central Virginia

196 car. (1st in MEAC), 1,146 yds. (2nd), 5.8 ypc. (3rd), 15 TDs (1st), 104.2 ypg. (1st)

1st team all-MEAC

Andrew Jones, 6-2, 220, R-Jr., LB Grambling State South Carolina

122 tackles (1st in SWAC), 57 solos (1st), 65 assists (1st), 20.5 TFL, 1.71 tpg. (2nd), 10.2 tpg., (1st), 3 sacks

1st team all-SWAC - Co-Defensive Player of the Year

William Davis, 5-10, 195, Jr., DB Virginia Union West Virginia

56 tackles, 39 solos, 17 assists, 11.5 TFL, 2 ints., 1 sack, 1 FF (CIAA)

1st team all-CIAA

Karon Prunty, 6-2, 180, R-Sr., DB N. C. A&T Wake Forest

27 tackles, 23 solos, 4 assists, 10 TFL, 1.0 sacks, 1 int., 4 BU (CAA)

3rd team all-CAA

Malachi Bailey, 6-2, 180, R-Sr., DB Alcorn State Arizona

19.5 TFL (3rd in SWAC), 9.5 sacks (3rd), .79 spg. (3rd)

1st team all-SWAC

Women hoopsters leading the way

LUT WILLIAMS

BCSP Editor

Unbeaten ladies teams in conference play are leading the way in the early

going.

CIAA

The Lady Panthers of Virginia Union are off to a 4-0 start in conference

play. Preseason all-CIAA six-foot grad forward Taniyah Greene is leading

VUU in scoring at 15.7 points per game. Five-seven grad guard Rori Cox

(11.4 ppg.) and 5-5 senior point guard Nevaeh Reaves (10.3 ppg.) are the

other double-figure scorers. Greene also pulls down 7.6 rebounds per game,

fifth best in the conference.

Bowie State (5-1), with its only loss to Fayetteville State in league play,

is right behind VUU in the N. Div. race. Five-three senior guard Destiny

Ryles (18.6 ppg.) is the scoring leader, third in league stats. Five-eight junior

guard Mia Smith (10.4 ppg.) also scores in double-digits and is tied for the

lead in assists (3.8 pg.).

Virginia State (3-1) is just behind VUU. Six-foot junior forward Carmen

Kweti is averaging 7.2 points and a league-best 12.2 rebounds per game.

Three VSU players selected to the preseason all-CIAA team lead in scoring.

Five-nine senior backcourt ace Anil Harris (13.9 ppg.) is the Trojans' scoring

leader followed by 6-1 senior frontcourter Amesha Miller (13.1 ppg.) and

5-5 junior point guard Mihjae Hayes (9.7 ppg.). Hayes is tied for first in the

league at 3.7 assists per game.

VUU is at VSU Saturday (1:05 p.m.) in a key N. Div. match-up and is

at Bowie State Wednesday. VSU hosts Winston-Salem State Thursday (5:30

p.m.).

MEAC

Norfolk State (4-0), and Howard (3-0), teams that have met in the last

two MEAC Tournament finals (both wins by NSU) are setting the early pace

in the MEAC.

The start for Larry Vickers' NSU ladies has included wins over two

SEC schools (Auburn and Missouri) and has been led by the dynamic duo of

Diamond Johnson and Kierra Wheeler. Johnson, the 5-5 grad senior point

guard is leading the league at 18.6 points per game and is second at 4.2 assists

per game. Johnson is shooting fourth in shooting (.342) from behind the arc.

Wheeler, the 6-1 senior forward is posting a near double-double of 15.1 ppg.

(5th) and 9.1 rebounds per game (2nd) while leading the MEAC in blocks at

2.7 pg.

The Lady Spartans were up to eighth last week in the College Insider's

Mid Major Top 25, the only black college team to make the poll.

Howard head coach Ty Grace's Lady Bison have been buoyed by the

return of 6-foot senior guard Destiny Howell, the 2022-23 MEAC player of

the year who sat out the 2023-24 season with a knee injury. She has returned

to form scoring at 15.4 points per game. Howell also connects on 84.1% (2nd)

at the line. Five-seven freshman guard Saniyah King has been a revelation

scoring 11.2 points per game and dishing out a league-best 5.0 assists per

game. Six-two junior forward Zennia Thomas checks in at 9.5 ppg., a teambest

7.1 rpg. (6th) while shooting .459 (2nd)from the field.

Howard and Norfolk State are headed for a showdown on Sat., Jan. 25 in

Norfolk's gym (2 p.m.)

SWAC

Jackson State and Texas Southern, both at 3-0 sit atop the early SWAC

women's standings.

New JSU head coach Margaret Richards is continuing the Lady Tigers

recent success that included the 2023-24 tournament title under departed head

coach Tomekia Reed. Five-eight senior guard Taleah Dilworth, a Kentucky

State transfer, is leading the league in scoring at 14.6 points per game. She

is currently the only Lady Tiger scoring in double digits. Dilworth's .473

shooting percentage is also best in the SWAC.

Third-year head coach Vernette Skeete has TSU off to a 3-0 start with

home wins over Grambling (85-74) and Southern (55-51) and a road win

at Miss. Valley State (80-54). Five-eight grad guard Courtlyn Loudermill

has been setting the pace scoring at 13.5 points per game, fourth-best in the

SWAC. Five-eleven sophomore guard Aylasia Fantroy is getting 10.9 ppg.

and 5.3 rebounds per game.

JSU is at TSU Thursday in a the match-up of SWAC leaders.

SIAC

The SIAC is the only black college conference without a team with an

unblemished conference record. The best records are currently held by Clark

Atlanta (6-2) in the East and Miles (7-2) in the West.

CAU has won five consecutive SIAC games after losing to Central State

(66-64) and Lane (77-67) in December. Five-nine sophomore wing Atreonia

Garner (15.3 ppg.), 6-foot grad student Corianna Evans (11.9 ppg.) and 5-6

CIAA

grad point guard Trinity Jones (11.0 ppg.) lead the Lady Panthers in scoring.

CAU is second at 68.3 ppg. in league scoring while Clark leads in field goal

percentage (.563).

Miles head coach Pete Asmond has only senior swing Feliah Greer

(10.7 ppg.) scoring in double digits. Senior guard Iemyiah Harris leads the

SIAC canning 2.8 3s per game while making 30 of 85 attempts (.315).

CAU is at Savannah State Thursday (2 p.m.) and at Edward Waters

Monday (5:30 p.m.). Miles hosts LeMoyne Owen Monday (6:30 p.m.).

OTHERS

Florida Memorial (6-0) in the Sun Conference and North Carolina

A&T (4-0) in the CAA are on top of the standings in their conferences.

FMU has a balanced line-up with three double-figure scorers led

by senior point guard Kamesha Moore's 12.7 ppg. Seven others average

between 10.8 and 7.1 ppg. Five-eleven center Agar Farres-Garcia pulls

down a league-best 11.2 rebounds per game. Five-nine do-everything senior

guard Jordyn Dorsey is scoring 15.7 points per game, third-best in the CAA,

to lead the Lady Aggies while shooting .792 from the line, second-best. Sixfoot

soph forward Paris Locke (10.5 ppg.) and 6-4 redshirt junior center

Chaniya Clark (9.5 ppg., 6.8 rpg.) are key contributors.

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

DIV CONF ALL

NORTH DIVISION W L W L W L

Virginia Union 0 0 4 0 10 3

Bowie State 0 0 5 1 11 7

Virginia State 0 0 3 1 10 3

Elizabeth City State 0 0 4 2 7 7

Lincoln (PA) 0 0 4 2 7 8

Bluefield State 0 0 0 4 6 8

SOUTH DIVISION W L W L W L

Fayetteville State 1 0 3 2 7 6

Claflin 0 0 3 3 7 6

Livingstone 0 0 2 2 4 9

Shaw 0 0 2 3 5 9

Johnson C. Smith 0 1 0 5 3 8

Winston-Salem State 0 0 0 4 3 9

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

Anyssa Fields, 6-0, Sr., G, LINCP - 24 points, 13

rebounds in win vs. FSU.

DEFENSIVE PLAYER

Carmen Kweti, 6-0, Jr., F, VSU - In two wins

averaged 15.0 points, 13.0 rebounds, 4.5 blocks

with 20 rebs., 12 pts., 3 blks. vs. Livingstone, 10

pts., 14 rebs., 6 blks., 3 steals vs. WVSU.

ROOKIE

Kanyah O'Neal, 5-8, So., G, FSU - 6 points, 4

steals, 3 assists, 1 rebounds in loss vs. LINCP.

MEAC

MID EASTERN

ATHLETIC CONFERENCE SIAC

CONF

ALL

W L W L

Norfolk State 4 0 16 4

Howard 3 0 10 8

Coppin State 2 2 11 9

Morgan State 2 2 9 10

N. C. Central 2 2 4 14

Md. E-Shore 1 2 6 12

S. C. State 1 3 2 18

Delaware State 0 4 3 14

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Kyla Bryant, 5-8, Gr., G, NCCU - Averaged

27.0 points, 4.0 assists and 6.5 rebounds with

22 pts., 3 assists, 6 rebs. vs. DSU, 32 pts., 7

rebs., 5 assists in 2 OT win vs. UMES.

Diamond Johnson, Gr., G, NSU - In 2-0

week, averaged 22.5 points, 3.5 assists, 3.5

rebounds and 4.5 steals. Had 24 pts., 5 rebs.,

7 assists vs. MSU, 21 vs. CSU.

NEWCOMER

Saniya King, Fr., G, HOW - 23 pts., 4 assists,

4 steals, 3 rebs., in win over MSU, 17 pts., 5

rebs., 6 assists vs. CSU.

DEFENSIVE

Kierra Wheeler, 6-1, Sr., F, NSU - Averaged

21.5 pts., 13.5 rebs., 1.5 blks., in two wins with

24 pts., 13 rebs.,, 1 steal, 2 blocks vs. MSU,

19 pts., 14 rebs,. 1 blk., 2 steals vs. CSU.

SOUTHERN INTERCOLLEGIATE

ATHLETIC CONFERENCE

CONF ALL

EAST W L W L

Clark Atlanta 6 2 12 4

Allen 4 3 9 5

Edward Waters 5 4 8 5

Albany State 4 4 7 7

Benedict 3 5 5 8

Savannah State 3 6 7 8

Fort Valley State 3 6 6 9

WEST

Miles 7 2 10 3

Central State 6 3 7 7

Lane 5 3 9 5

Spring Hill 4 4 5 10

Tuskegee 3 4 6 8

Kentucky State 3 5 4 10

LeMoyne-Owen 2 7 5 12

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

Atreonia Garner 5-9, So., G/F, CLATL

- In 2-0 week averaged 17.5 points, 4.0

rebounds, 2.5 steals with 19 points, 5 rebounds,

2 steals vs.SHC, 16 points, 3 rebounds,

3 steals vs.Benedict.

DEFENSIVE

Faith Bland, 5-10, Gr., G/Fd, CLATL - 11

pts., 9 rebs., 4 stls., 2 blks. vs. Benedict, 5

pts., 4 rebs., 2 steals, 2 blocks vs. SHC.

Greene Wheeler Dilworth Garner Dorsey

DURANT ON DARNOLD!! Los Angeles defensive back COBIE

DURANT (#14, SOUTH CAROLINA STATE) flew off the Vikings right edge

to bring down Minnesota QB Sam Darnold (#14) for a sack in the second

quarter of the Rams’ 27-9 thrashing of the Vikes Monday. It was one of nine

sacks for the Rams in the game. Durant also had an interception in the quarter.

BCSP NFL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

For Wildcard playoff games of January 11-13, 2025

DEFENSE

– #14 COBIE DURANT, DB, LA Rams (3rd season, SOUTH

CAROLINA STATE) - In the Rams’ 27-9 win Monday over Minnesota,

Durant had an outstanding game with two tackles, one solo, a sack

where he came off the edge and took down Vikings QB Sam Darnold

for a 12-yard loss in the second quarter. Durant also had a secondquarter

interception while playing 44 defensive snaps (59%) and 11 on

special teams (46%).

OFFENSE

– #71 TYTUS HOWARD, OL, Houston (6th season, ALABAMA

STATE) - In Houston’s 32-12 win over the Los Angeles Chargers

Saturday, Howard started at left offensive guard as the Texans

rushed for 168 yards on 34 carries with one TD and passed for 282

yards and one TD while the Texans’ line gave up three sacks for -21

yards. Howard was in on all 73 offensive plays (100%) and six on

special teams (21%) in the first round playoff win.

SPECIAL TEAMS

– #19 XAVIER SMITH, WR/KR, Los Angeles Rams (3rd season,

FLORIDA A&M) - In the Rams’ 27-9 win Monday over Minnesota,

Smith had one punt return for 8 yards while getting in on two plays

on offense (4%) and 17 on special teams (71%).

SWAC

SOUTHWESTERN

ATHLETIC CONFERENCE

CONF

ALL

W L W L

Jackson State 3 0 5 9

Texas Southern 3 0 4 10

Alabama A&M 3 1 10 6

Southern 3 1 5 12

Alabama State 2 2 4 12

Grambling State 2 2 5 10

Florida A&M 1 2 4 10

Bethune-Cookman 1 2 4 11

Alcorn State 1 2 3 11

Miss. Valley State 1 3 2 13

Prairie View A&M 1 3 4 9

Arkansas-Pine Bliuff 0 3 2 11

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

Taleah Dilworth, 5-8, Sr., G, JSU - KSU

transfer avgd. 16.5 points, 3.0 boards, 2.5

steals in two wins with 14 pts., 3 rebs, 2

steals vs. ALST, 19 pts., 3 boards, 3 steals

vs. AA&M.

DEFENSE

Treasure Thompson, 6-2, Sr., F, TSU - 15

points, 11 rebounds, 4 blocks, 1 steal vs.

MVSU.

NEWCOMER

NA

larams.com photo

INDEPENDENTS

CONF ALL

W L W L

SUN

Florida Memorial - 1st 6 0 13 1

CAA

NC A&T - 1st 4 0 8 7

Hampton - 9th 0 2 4 9

SAC

Langston - 2nd 10 1 14 1

MEC

W. Virginia State - 9th 2 5 6 6

OVC

Tennessee State - T10th 0 6 4 12

GLVC

Lincoln (Mo.) - 15th 0 7 1 12

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

Chaniya Clark, 6-4, R-Jr., C, NC A&T

- In two wins averaged 12.5 points, 9.0 rebounds

with 8 points, 8 rebounds vs. Delaware,

17 points, 10 rebounds vs. Towson.

DEFENSE

Mikayla Woods, 5-7, Gr., C, LANG - Averaged

double-double of 11.5 points, 11.5

rebounds in two wins with 11 points, 11

boards, 5 assists, 9 steals vs. Science &

Arts, 14 points, 12 rebounds, 3 steals vs.

SW Christian.

© AZEEZ Communications, Inc. Vol. XXXI, No. 24


www.thewestsidegazette.com

SPORTS

Nunnie on the Sideline

By Nunnie Robinson, Westside Gazette Sports Editor

The critics and naysayers, specifically

sports writers and pundits, are

unleashing their verbal assaults at

the Steelers’ continuing saga of losing

first round playoff games with specific

vitriol directed toward head coach

Mike Tomlin and quarterback Russell

Wilson. After enjoying early success

with a 10-3 start, Pittsburgh has

suffered 5 consecutive losses including

this week’s WildCard defeat at the

hands of the rival Baltimore Ravens

28-14. Closer scrutiny of their recent

tailspin reveals an average to good

team incapable talent wise of defeating the best AFC teams.

Losing to the 2 inferior opponents in regular season - the Colts

and Browns - left no room for error. Their 4 regular season

consecutive defeats came against the Eagles, Ravens, Chiefs

and Bengals, all highly seeded and playoff bound except for the

Bengals, a hot team on a winning streak fighting for a playoff

spot along with the Dolphins and Broncos. The Steelers are a

well coached but flawed team needing improvement in several

areas: offensive line, receiver, and secondary. Name a starting

quarterback who could have done better with this Steelers

team as presently constructed. And Mike Tomlin is a coaching

guru, an icon, who has the right to write his own ending in

Pittsburgh. Besides, half of the NFL teams didn’t even make

the playoffs. The studio experts need to temper their bias and

righteous indignation. We all realize that the NFL is a bottom

line business.Two reporters on Around the Horn picked the Los

Angelas Chargers over the Houston Texans Saturday because

the coach and quarterback were better. Demeco Ryans and CJ

Stroud proved otherwise.

The Rooney Rule, designed to ensure minority inclusion in

interviewing/hiring, is a useless and hypocritical sports concept.

Why do you think that way Nunnie, you may be conjecturing.

The Patriots interviewed 2 minority coaches, then summarily

hired Mike Vrabel, former New England SB winning player

and Tennessee Titans coach. It was foregone conclusion!

My pick to win the Super Bowl is Lamar

Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens. They are on a collision

coarse with the Buffalo Bills en route to the AFC Championship.

My ambivalence in the semi final contest between Penn St.

and Notre Dame left me twisted, knotted up and exhausted.

I thought the Fighting Irish’s Marcus Freeman could survive

a loss, while James Franklin was under much more scrutiny

because of his abysmal record in big games. Though his junior

quarterback failed him, the head coach always gets the blame.

Franklin suffers another heartbreaking, devastating defeat,

leaving the historic first CFP championship to be played

between 2 storied programs -Ohio State and Notre Dame.

Go Irish!!!

Angel Reese, Gabby

Thomas Cover

‘Vogue’ Winter Issue

By Jovonne Ledet

(Source: Black Information Network)

Basketball star Angel Reese and Olympic sprinter Gabby

Thomas are gracing the cover of Vogue’s Winter Issue.

On Wednesday (January 8), Vogue released its Winter Issue,

“How Sports and Fashion Fell in Love,” featuring stories from

Reese, Thomas, and other athletes highlighting the intersection

of sports and fashion.

“Now the stadium is the runway: The “tunnel ’fit,” the pregame

looks athletes wear ambling from team bus to locker room, has

turned NFL and NBA players into tastemakers, with stylists

pulling items straight from Paris shows and millions following

fan accounts like @leaguefits,” Vogue reports.

Reese, who just finished her rookie season on the Chicago

Sky, said: “It’s always been both: basketball and fashion.”

While she grew up around basketball, Reese said she also loved

fashion as a young girl. The WNBA star earned the nickname

“Bayou Barbie” as she glammed up for games during her college

basketball career at LSU.

“I was always in my mom’s closet, putting on her stuff. I liked

to carry a purse. Hair done. I wanted to look put together. I still

do,” Reese said.

Thomas, who earned three gold medals during the Paris

Olympics, said she’s been enjoying taking on fashion shows

and modeling during her free time.

“I’ve been so in athlete-world, I feel like I’m just starting

to get a sense of what I like,” Thomas told Vogue. “Not that I

don’t have my own style. I do, but then I put on something like

that white Carolina Herrera dress that I wore to the show, and

it’s like, Oh, oh-kaay. Since then I’ve been doing more ‘pretty’

looks. And more polished. Same with the hair and makeup, I’m

growing with that too.”

Top-ranked tennis player Frances Tiafoe also covered Vogue’s

Winter Issue, sharing his love for the intersection of fashion

and sports.

“If I’m in the city during Fashion Week, I’m not not going,”

Tiafoe, who headed to IB Kamara’s Off-White show after

dazzling at the US Open, said.

Tiafoe said he considers himself an athlete and an entertainer,

Continue reading online at: thewestsidegazette.com

Photo: Getty Images

Deeply Rooted

FAMU football recruiting: NCAA

Transfer Portal additions, key

returners bolstering trenches

Florida A&M football is landing commitments on the

offensive and defensive lines through the NCAA Transfer

Portal to assist its key returning players in the trenches.

By Gerald Thomas III

(Source: Tallahassee Democrat)

Football games are won at the line of scrimmage.

And Florida A&M wants to ensure it’s on the right side of that

statement more often than not during the 2025 football season.

So, the Rattlers are beefing up their trench mob.

After weeks of not having an offensive line commit from the

NCAA Transfer Portal, FAMU finally landed one, with former

Rutgers Scarlet Knight Mozell Williams announcing his

decision to join the Rattlers on Jan. 11.

Williams, a rising junior from Gainesville, comes to the

Rattlers standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 307 pounds. He

didn’t see any action for the Scarlet Knights in his two seasons.

Following Williams’ commitment was fellow offensive

lineman Gozy Okeke, who will join FAMU out of Iowa Central

Community College. The Tampa native also formerly played

for Division II powerhouse West Florida in 2022 and 2023.

Okeke is 6-foot-4 and 293 pounds.

Williams and Okeke join FAMU’s offensive line that’s headlined

by All-Southwestern Athletic Conference First Teamers

Charles Davis and Ashton Grable. This past season, Grable

was also an NCAA All-HBCU selection.

But that’s not all.

FAMU head football James Colzie III said he also wants to

recruit defensive linemen to the Rattlers.

The Rattlers have two commitments from the Power 4 football

ranks: DJ Jones from Virginia and Xavier Perkins from Florida

State. Other FAMU defensive line newcomers are Alijah

Alexander from Stetson and Sammy Mitchell IV from Western

High School in Davie.

Key returners to FAMU’s defensive line are James Ash, an

All-SWAC second-teamer, Davion Westmoreland, and James

Gardner Jr.

How FAMU offensive line helped impact the Rattlers in

2024

FAMU’s offensive line makes everything go.

Especially when establishing a rushing game.

For example, the Rattlers went 7-2 whenever they rushed

for over 100 yards. When finishing under 100 rushing yards,

FAMU went a winless 0-3 record.

In 2024, FAMU didn’t outgain an opponent on the ground

until its Week 9 game versus Southern when the Rattlers

edged out the Jaguars 126 to 122 in the 24-6 victory.

FAMU was 3-1 when outgaining opponents in rushing.

The Rattlers’ offensive line stepped up big during FAMU’s

Continue reading online at: thewestsidegazette.com

By Jovonne Ledet

(Source: Black Information Network)

Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman has made college

football history.

On Thursday (January 9), Freeman’s Fighting Irish team

defeated the Penn State Nittany Lions 27-24 in the Orange

Bowl semifinal, securing Notre Dame a spot in the College

Football Playoff National Championship game.

The win makes Freeman the first Black coach to lead a team

into the FBS title game, which is set to kick off on Monday,

January 20 in Atlanta, Georgia. Freeman, whose father is

Black and mother is South Korean, will also be the first coach

of Asian descent to compete in the national championship.

“I’ve said this before: I don’t ever want to take attention away

from the team,” Freeman said following his Orange Bowl win.

“It is an honor, and I hope all coaches -- minorities, Black,

Asian, white, it doesn’t matter, great people -- continue to get

opportunities to lead young men like this. But this ain’t about

me. This is about us. We’re going to celebrate what we’ve done

because it’s so special.”

The CFP National Championship game was guaranteed to

feature a Black head coach with James Franklin at the helm

of the Nittany Lions. Earlier this week, Franklin spoke about

making history with Freeman and the impact that seeing other

Black coaches like Tony Dungy and Lovie Smith face off in

Super Bowl XLI had on him.

“I remember thinking that, as a coach, how significant

that was in the profession and how significant that was for

young coaches coming up in the profession to see those guys

in that role,” Franklin said ahead of the Orange Bowl. “I also

Continue reading online at: thewestsidegazette.com

Photo: Getty Images

Marcus Freeman

Becomes 1st Black Coach

To Reach FBS National

Championship

JANUARY 16 - JANUARY 22, 2025 • PAGE 15

WG

By Nunnie Robinson, Westside Gazette Sports Editor

The Miami Heat currently sit in second place in the Southeast

Division of the Eastern Conference with a 20-17 record,

a half game behind the Orlando Majic and just ahead of the

Atlanta Hawks in 3 team race for the division. The Charlotte

Hornets and the Washington Wizards appear to be in a perpetual

rebuilding mode as they sit at the bottom of arguably a

weak though competitive division.

Standings

Southeast W L PCT GB L10

ORL 22 18 .550 0.0 4-6

MIA 20 17 .541 0.5 6-4

ATL 19 19 .500 2.0 5-5

CHA 8 27 .229 11.5 1-9

WAS 6 30 .167 14.0

The Jimmy Butler saga has created a palpable disruption

in the Heat season coupled with the regression in play of Bam

Adebayo, Terry Rozier and until recently Jamie Jaquez, Jr.

Butler’s trade request and 7 game suspension has also forced

a youth movement as several young players have seen increased

playing time: Kel’el Ware, Haywood Highsmith, and

Nikola Jovic. The one constant has been Tyler Hero, who has

drawn comparisons to Steph Curry. Hopefully, any trade involving

Jimmy Butler will benefit the team personnel wise and

financially. One possibility involves the Heat, the Sun and the

Rockets. Jimmy Butler goes to Phoenix, the Heat get Fred Van

Fleet and Ryan Dunn from Houston and receive Bradley Beal

and a first round draft pick via the Sun.

The defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers have

positioned themselves to challenge for a repeat based on team’s

standings. They currently are in second place behind the Toronto

Maple Leafs who lead the Atlantic Division by 3 points.

The Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers have been involved

in the playoffs the pass 5 years, the Lightning in’20-‘23

and the Panthers in ‘23 ‘24. Playing the Winter in Miami versus

the New York Rangers may prove to be a PR nightmare

Nevertheless, the same players that propelled the team to a

Stanley Cup title are making an impact this season including

Alexander Ekblad, Mathew Tkachuk, Gustav Forsling, Evan

Rodriguez, Carter Vehaeghe and Sergei Bobrovsky.

After losing a hard fought game to the Boston Bruins 4-3, ending

the Bruins 6 game losing streak, the Panthers travel to

New Jersey to play the Devils on Tuesday night. Go Panthers

Standings

Atlantic GP W L OTL Pts

TOR 44 27 15 2 56

FLA 43 25 15 3 53

TB 41 23 15 3 49

BOS 45 21 19 5 47

OTT 42 21 18 3 45

DET 42 20 18 4 44

MTL 42 20 18 4 44

BUF 43 16 22 5 37

Michael Vick

long-awaited

coaching staff

is revealed.

It includes

former NFL

players

By HBCU Sports

(Source: HBCU Sports)

Norfolk State head football coach Michael Vick announced

eight additions to his HBCU football coaching staff.

“I hired guys with experience and mental toughness who

understand the game of football,” Vick said. “The one thing I

know is that they are going to put these guys in a position to

win. We all have the same mindset, and I felt it was only right

to hire guys who thought like me and want to lead like me. I’m

extremely proud of these guys, and I’m excited for them.”

The prestigious group of individuals includes four former NFL

players.

Terence Garvin – Defensive Coordinator

Elton Brown – Offensive Line Coach

Jabo Smith – Defensive Backs Coach

Izaan Cross – Defensive Line Coach

LaRoy Reynolds – Linebackers Coach

Darryl Bullock – Assistant Head Coach

Steve Adams – Special Teams Coach / Recruiting Coordinator

DeMarcus McMillan – Director of Football Operations

Who are Michael Vick assistant coaches?

Gavin comes to the Michael Vick staff at Norfolk State from

DII HBCU Florida Memorial, where he held the role of codefensive

coordinator. The Lions forced a SUN-conference-best

13 fumbles last season, ranking second in the league with 13

interceptions as well. Prior to coaching, he played in the NFL

for six seasons including stints with the Pittsburgh Steelers,

Washington Redskins, Seattle Seahawks, and Miami Dolphins.

Brown spent the last seven years at the Apprentice School as

the team’s offensive coordinator. The Builders enjoyed historic

success on that side of the ball during his tenure, scoring a

school-record 37.8 points per game in 2022 on the path to a 9-1

Continue reading online at: thewestsidegazette.com

Photo: Norfolk State/YouTube


PAGE 16 • JANUARY 16 - JANUARY 22, 2025

Deeply Rooted

www.thewestsidegazette.com

Love.

Courage.

Hope.

Dr. King’s beliefs stand

strong today.

From his unwavering commitment to equality to his pursuit of a

more compassionate world, Dr. King has inspired generations to

lift each other up and be the love in their community. In honor of

Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we reflect on his teachings and find

inspiration in those who carry his ideals forward.

publix.com/mlkday

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