The Westside Gazette

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23 - JANUARY 29, 2025

PRSRT STD

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

FT. LAUDERDALE, FL 33310

PERMIT NO. 1179

PAGE 3

Biden Uses

Pardon Power

President Joe Biden and members of his cabinet. (Photo: @whitehouse on Instagram.)

‘Daddy’s Back’

Elected Officials

Face Backlash

for Paternal

References

to Trump

PAGE 3

VOL. 53 NO. 51 $1.00

Trump

Outlines America

First Agenda:

What It Means

for Black

Americans

NNPA NEWSWIRE — A large

swath of the 62 members of the

Congressional Black Caucus who

were invited to the ceremonies chose

to observe the National King Day

away from the nation’s capital.

By April Ryan,

BlackPressUSA.com, Washington

Bureau Chief and Chief White

House Correspondent

“Today hits differently,” says

Democratic Texas Congresswoman

Jasmine Crockett who decided to

observe the National Martin Luther

King Jr. holiday away from the 60th

Presidential inauguration of Donald

John Trump. A large swath of the

62 members of the Congressional

Black Caucus who were invited to

the ceremonies chose to observe the

National King Day away from the

nation’s capital. “Today, unlike any

King Day before, I’ve truly searched

my soul for his strength and praying

for an ounce of his political prowess,”

according to the outspoken Texas

lawmaker who was a co-chair of

the Kamala Harris Presidential

campaign last year. The Harris

presidential campaign ended in

defeat on November 5, 2024, with

Donald Trump being named the 47th

President of the United States.

If Dr. King, a civil rights icon,

had lived; he would have been 96

years old on January 15th of this

(Cont’d on page 10)

NNPA NEWSWIRE — While the

policies aim to bolster what the

administration calls “American

values and safety,” they carry

profound implications for Black

Americans and other marginalized

communities.

By Stacy M Brown,

NNPA Newswire Senior

National Correspondent

@StacyBrownMedia

President Donald Trump has

unveiled his American priorities,

The Westside Gazette Newspaper

which include measures addressing

border security, economic policies,

government restructuring, and

social values. While the policies aim

to bolster what the administration

calls “American values and safety,”

they carry profound implications

for Black Americans and other

marginalized communities.

Border Security and Immigration

The president plans to reinstate

hardline immigration policies,

including ending “catch-andrelease,”

reinstating the “Remain

in Mexico” program and expanding

A Forward

March for

MLK

In the New

Trump Era

the border wall. The proposed

suspension of refugee resettlement

could disproportionately affect

Black migrants from African and

Caribbean nations who seek asylum

in the U.S. Increased deportation

operations targeting undocumented

immigrants, including those with

minor infractions, may further

contribute to fears of racial profiling

and discrimination in Black and

immigrant communities.

Additionally, deploying the

military, including the National


Joins Black Press USA as

Washington Bureau Chief and

Senior White House Correspondent

NNPA NEWSWIRE — we acknowledge the transformative contemporary benefit to

the amplification of the strategic importance of the Black Press that will be rendered

by the courage and professional effectiveness of April Ryan.

(WASHINGTON, DC, January 17, 2025) – The Black Press is the trusted

News and information source for millions of Americans, and it is bringing on news

trailblazer, April Ryan. This is April Ryan’s 6 th Presidency having covered five

Presidents as a White House Correspondent and Bureau Chief.

“April Ryan has exemplified the best of outstanding journalism for decades at the

White House for news companies across the nation and world. We are so proud to

announce that April Ryan will now be the Washington Bureau Chief and Senior

White House Correspondent for Black Press USA (www.BlackPressUSA.com ).

As the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) celebrates 2025 the

198 th Year of the Black Press of America, we acknowledge the transformative

contemporary benefit to the amplification of the strategic importance of the Black

Press that will be rendered by the courage and professional effectiveness of April

Ryan. April is the longest serving, Black tenured White House Correspondent

in the history of the United States,” emphasized Dr. Benjamin F, Chavis, Jr.,

President and CEO of the NNPA.

“I am going home to make history as the Washington Bureau Chief

and Senior White House Correspondent for Black Press USA. This is

the home of History Makers who were the first Black White House

Continue reading online at: thewestsidegazette.com

Carver Ranches: Historic, Beloved and Honored

Part II

By Nunnie Robinson

Legacy Ball founder

Audrey Warren, still on

cloud nine after detailing

the overwhelming support

from the West Park/Carver

Ranches community,

symbolically passed the

mic to Cynthia Strachan-

Saunders, but only after

Stephanie Bevel extolled

Cynthia’s special talent as

a historian, which led to

her publishing, Promises

from the Palmetto Bush, a

detailed account of Carver

Ranches’ genesis as a

community.

Cynthia began by

assuring us that this

powerful, important and

inspiring depiction was

unplanned. However, she

sheepishly admitted, “ If

you want to make God

laugh, tell Him your plans.”

Cynthia said that she

moved to the Virgin Islands,

traveled extensively, started

a very successful singing

telegram business, was

@TheWestsideGazetteNewspaper

thriving as an entertainer,

a jazz singer, expanded

by assuming a clown

business left vacant after

an individual’s departure

because of COVID and

was experiencing a great

social life with all of

its trappings. A Cat 5

Hurricane impacting the

island couldn’t compel her

to leave. Successful, joyful

and content, leaving wasn’t

even an afterthought, but

God had other plans for

her, though she didn’t

heed them immediately.

After spending seven years


A MESSAGE FROM

THE PUBLISHER

Trump’s Actions

Signal a Glaring

Warning for

Black and

Immigrant

Communities

By Bobby R. Henry, Sr.

As we witness the

unfolding of Donald Trump’s

latest wave of executive

actions and policy directives,

it’s clear his agenda

disproportionately threatens

marginalized communities,

including Black Americans.

Whether it’s targeting

immigrants, attempting

to rewrite constitutional

rights, or engaging in blatant

political vendettas, these

moves are part of a larger

pattern of undermining

justice and equity.

1. Targeting Sacred Spaces

Trump’s directive

allowing Immigration and

Customs Enforcement (ICE)

to arrest people at churches

and schools is a direct affront

to the sanctity of spaces long

regarded as safe havens.

Black churches, as we know

and I’m sure places of worship

in other ethnic groups,

hold historical significance

as pillars of resistance,

solace, and community

organizing. Inducing law

enforcement to invade such

spaces rekindles the painful

history of church bombings,

police intimidation, and

desecration of sacred spaces.

This decision isn’t just about

immigration enforcement;

it’s about the erosion of

fundamental protections for

vulnerable communities and

for those who oppose this, in

his own words [dictator].

2. Challenging Birthright

Citizenship


Thursday

Jan 23 RD

Partly Cloudy

Sunrise: 6:48am

Fri

71°

49°

77°

61°

70°

54°

70°

54°

66°

47°

Sunset: 5:28pm

Sat Sun Mon Tues

WESTSIDE GAZETTE IS A MEMBER:

National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA)

Southeastern African-American Publishers Association (SAAPA)

Florida Association of Black Owned Media (FABOM)

73°

53°

B-CU Celebrates Day of Service with

Home Depot’s “Retool Your School” #1

PAGE 2 • JANUARY 23 - JANUARY 29, 2025

Continue reading online at:

thewestsidegazette.com

www.thewestsidegazette.com

Submitted by B-CU

concession being the postponement of painting and

stripping the basketball court – a minor hiccup until

Bethune-Cookman University more favorable weather prevails.

celebrated a significant day of unity Dr. William Berry, Provost and Acting President,

and service on Thursday, Jan. 18, expressed excitement and gratitude, stating, “We are

at the Michael and Libby Johnson excited about this project and grateful to all those who Terrified

Center for Civic Engagement

(CCE). This momentous occasion

Someone asked what I feared most

I clenched my jaw like I’d seen a ghost

brought together students, faculty,

It is not ghouls, or fools with weapons or tools

staff, FPL,

alumni, United

and Way

friends Miami

to

launch program to train But the man up above who is overlooked and deemed as “not

commemorate the University’s

cool”

recent the next accomplishment generation – securing

of Lineworkers

Who sacrificed his son for us to be cleared of our sins

the Pre-Apprenticeship fourth position Program will in help Home students

Who only wants our lives to be dedicated to him so we’ll win

Depot’s develop the prestigious skillsets needed “Retool begin Your a career in

We disobey, steal, and kill

School” the energy competition industry and receiving a

We’d probably put a gun to his head in our own twisted will

months of formal training, which

substantial $60,000 grant dedicated

for a dollar bill

(Black PR Wire) includes classroom instruction,

But I always fear the wrath we’ll face if not following his rules

to MIAMI, campus FLA. enhancement.

– Today, field demonstration, computerbased

training modules and and two

The mark of the beast will be given and true Christians will

Florida Despite Power cooler & Light temperatures

Company (FPL) and United weeks of on-the-job training.

be beheaded and treated crude

overcast skies, the collective spirit

Way Miami proudly During the program, students

Many will die and few will survive

prevailed welcomed the as first almost class of 135 will learn participants,

to maintain and restore

Because of the seductive, unfaithful, and ones who lie

led students by to Home the pilot Depot Pre- overhead Daytona and Beach underground

Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) proudly welcomed Then if you don’t think trouble has then brewed

Store Apprenticeship Manager Program, Therese

power lines,

Watsonas

well as the safe the first class of students to the new Bright Path Pre- Once you face him you might hear “Depart from me,

which will prepare them operations and care for various

Murray, joined forces in yesterday’s participated

Apprenticeship

in

program,

the

“Learners

vote for

Today.

B-CU.

Lineworkers

These For enhancements

I never knew you.”

with technical skills and types of heavy equipment.

Tomorrow” which will prepare them with the technical

successful effort. Their mission will help create more vibrant and engaging All because spaces the path for of righteousness was “too much for you

knowledge required for “We’re honored to partner skills and knowledge required for a potential career as

was a potential ambitious, career as involving with United projects Way Miami our to lineworkers. students The to program retreat is a partnership on campus with United Way for a to brain take” break or

lineworkers.

help provide unique career Miami, UpSkill Miami, and the International Brotherhood of

ranging from assembling bookcases find inspiration through the downtime.”

You missed your one shot of eternal paradise

Electrical Workers labor union.

This program recruits development opportunities for

Now be sent to a punishment that was never fake

and candidates indoor-outdoor from United Way students dining throughout sets to South Home

Broward and

Depot’s

Palm Beach

“Retool

counties.

Your School” program,

Flames devouring you but never done

constructing Miami’s transformative arcade Florida,” games, said foosball Ed De Varona, established To learn in more 2009, about has UpSkill been a Miami, beacon visit for I positive want to know change, what made you think hell’d be fun

tables, workforce fund, basketball UpSkill FPL

hoops,

vice president

hockey

of power providing unitedwaymiami.org/UpSkillMiami.

over $9.25 million in campus A suffering improvement sentence that’s never ending

Miami, aiming to empower delivery. “At FPL, lineworkers Florida Power and Light Company

sets, and table tennis tables. Even grants to Historically Black Colleges and The chance Universities to have peace with God is painfully ending

Miami-Dade County provide an essential service that As America’s largest electric utility, Florida

adverse residents by weather offering skills conditions powers the couldn’t

everyday lives (HBCUs). of Power & Beyond Light Company the serves competition, more customers the Office When you of Alumni realize you’ve died, you’ve been denied, and

deter training their in high-demand dedication, our customers. with the The only skills these

Continue

and sells

reading

more power

online

than any

at:

other


utility, therefore you can’t hide

industries, bridging the gap

between a lack of skilled

have workers earned and unfilled forgiveness jobs. after

a decade

“At United

of dedicated

Way, we

service.

know that addressing

Additionally,

the challenges

close

our

to 30,000

individuals community faces who requires have Florida.” been

in bold repayment partnerships for and at least

innovative solutions,” said

20 years without receiving

Symeria Hudson, president

relief and CEO through of United income-driven

Way

repayment Miami. plans will now see

their

“Together

debts forgiven.

with FPL,

we’re proud to launch

this first class of nearly

a dozen individuals,

equipping them with

the skills and confidence

needed to enter the energy

industry. We are opening

doors to stable, rewarding

careers by addressing the

growing demand for skilled

lineworkers. Partnerships

like this demonstrate the

power of coming together

to create opportunities and

build a community where

every individual and family

can succeed.”

FPL’s Pre-Apprenticeship

Program is for

students interested in a

future career as a skilled

lineworker and features six

students will learn through this

Pre-Apprenticeship Program

will set the stage for them to

begin fulfilling careers that are

important to our company, their

communities and the state of

Biden credited million people. the success

FPL

of these relief

operates

efforts

one of

to

the

the

most fuel efficient

corrective and measures cleanest power taken

to address generation broken fleets in student the

loan programs. U.S and He in 2022 asserted

won

the ReliabilityOne®

that these fixes have removed

National Reliability

barriers preventing borrowers

Continue reading

from accessing the

online

relief

at:

they

were entitled to thewestside under the law.

During the program, students

will participate in a two-week

internship. Upon successfully

completing the program,

students may be considered for

job offers with FPL for open

positions based in Miami Dade,

College

Prep

ebullient

adjective

(adjective)

gazette.com

Word of

the Week

being cheerful at rest; and full inactive of energy or

motionless;

HOW TO USE

quiet;

IN A SENTENCE:

still: a

His quiescent mood was ebullient, mind. and he h

ad every reason to be satisfied.

providing clean, affordable, reliable electricity to

approximately 6 million accounts, or more than 12

Is exactly what makes ME terrified.

The president outlined the

broader achievements of his

administration in supporting

students and borrowers,

including achieving the most

significant increases in Pell

Grants in over a decade, aimed

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.

Kaaliyah Lollar, a 16 year old

sophomore student at Miami

Central high has a wealth of

talents. Her gift of writing,

singing, dancing, and acting is

beyond measure. Now she has

unleashed her gift of poetry.

Words compiled by KamarJackson,

Sophomore at Dillard High School

Leia’s Mathematics

Corner

LILA HAS 3 BOXES OF CRAYONS. EACH BOX

HAS 8 CRAYONS INSIDE. HOW MANY

CRAYONS DOES LILA HAVE IN TOTAL?

543

+ 12

987

- 65

Word Search

List Compiled

by Kamar

Jackson,

Freshmen

at Dillard

High School

Created by Leia Palmer 3rd grader!


‘Daddy’s Back’ References

“No matter who’s in the White House,

they’re not daddy,” Chavis remarked with

a decisive rebuke of the congressman.

By Stacy M. Brown

NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent@

StacyBrownMedia

Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) stirred up some controversy

with some unsettling remarks during a Fox News segment,

enthusiastically predicting public approval for Trump’s

forthcoming policies. “When Americans see deportations or

repatriations happen, they’re gonna be like, ‘Thank you!’ When

they see the border closed, they’re gonna say, ‘This is what I

voted for,’” Donalds explained. “When they see peace starting

to break out again around the world, they’re gonna be like,

‘This is the stability that we were asking for.’ Daddy’s back!

And that’s what you’re going to see.”

The trend of using the paternal term continued with

Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO), who tweeted, “Daddy’s home!!”

alongside an image of Trump on TIME magazine. Charlie Kirk,

founder of the right-wing Turning Point USA, also embraced

this narrative, posting, “Dad is home,” next to Trump’s official

portrait.

MAGA rapper Tom McDonald and comedian Roseanne

Barr joined to release a track titled “Daddy’s Home,” where

they chant, “We won, you mad, it’s done, too bad, boo-hoo, so

sad, now your daddy’s home.” Kid Rock also tapped into this

rhetoric at a pre-inauguration concert, roaring to his audience,

“Check the stats, stop throwin’ stones! Straighten up, sucker,

‘cuz Daddy’s home!”

Photo illustration of Marcus Garvey (A&E Television Networks / Wikimedia Commons.)

NNPA NEWSWIRE — Biden’s broad

act of clemency also included others

like Don Scott, the current Speaker of

the Virginia House of Delegates, who

transformed a past drug conviction

into a catalyst for advocacy in

criminal justice reform. Ravi Ragbir,

an immigrant rights activist; Kemba

Smith Pradia, a former drug offense

convict turned prison reform advocate;

and Darryl Chambers, a Delawarean

who now studies and writes about gun

violence prevention, were also granted

clemency.

Deeply Rooted

Elected Officials Face

Backlash for Paternal

to Trump

REP. BYRON DONALDS

Criticism of the language was immediate and severe.

Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., the president and CEO of the

National Newspaper Publishers Association and a former

NAACP president, criticized the use of ‘daddy’ to describe the

president.

Chavis declared that Donalds’ comment was highly

inappropriate and wreaked of submissiveness.

“Daddy is not home; Donald Trump is not our daddy. He’s

the president of the United States. No matter who’s in the

White House, they’re not daddy,” Chavis remarked with a

decisive rebuke of the congressman.

“This shows another bending of the knee, another kissing

of the ring when people need to be objective. Black people, in

particular, should never stoop to being submissive to power,”

he said.

Journalist Ahmed Baba also responded to the trend with

alarm and embarrassment. “No amount of money or power

is worth going on national television and calling Donald


Biden Pardons

Marcus Garvey,

Others in One of His

Final Acts of Presidency

By Stacy M. Brown,

NNPA Newswire Senior National

Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia

In one of his final acts in office,

President Joe Biden posthumously

pardoned Marcus Mosiah Garvey Jr.,

a seminal figure in the civil rights

movement, whose advocacy for Black

nationalism and self-reliance left an

indelible mark on leaders like Malcolm

X and movements across the Black

diaspora.

Born on August 17, 1887, in Saint

Ann’s Bay, Jamaica, Garvey was the

son of a stonemason and a domestic

Biden Uses Pardon Power to Guard Against

Trump’s Threatened Prosecutions

NNPA NEWSWIRE — The preemptive

pardons, described by Biden, aim to prevent

the “baseless and politically motivated

investigations” that could harm the

reputations and finances of those targeted.

He emphasized, “Even when individuals

have done nothing wrong—and in fact have

done the right thing—the mere fact of being

investigated or prosecuted can irreparably

damage reputations and finances.”

servant. His journey to becoming a

leader began after traveling to Latin

America and studying in London,

where he was influenced by Pan-

African nationalism.

Garvey founded the Universal

Negro Improvement Association

(UNIA) in 1914, advocating for Black

nationalism through African history

and cultural celebration. His ambitious

efforts included the establishment of

the Black Star Line, a Black-owned

passenger line designed to facilitate



JANUARY 23 - JANUARY 29, 2025 • PAGE 3

7key focal points of

By Niels Lesniewski

CQ-ROLL CALL/TNS

key focal points of

Trump’s first-day

executive orders

President Donald Trump signs executive orders in the Oval Office on

Monday, Jan. 20 in Washington, D.C. (Anna Moneymaker/getty images)

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s flurry of firstday

executive actions included a slew of orders related to health,

energy, international relations and the federal workforce.

That’s in addition to the nearly across-the-board pardons of

those convicted of offenses related to the Jan. 6, 2021, attack

on the Capitol and Trump’s decision to pause enforcement of a

prohibition on TikTok operating in the United States.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on X that

there were “more than 200 executive actions” from Trump on his

first day back in office, and a total of “115 personnel actions.”

Overnight, Trump also announced that he was beginning

the process of dismissing holdover political appointees from

the Biden administration, as part of a review conducted by the

White House personnel office.

Here are seven key areas of the first day’s directives.

Birthright citizenship

One of Trump’s actions most likely to face legal challenges is

an order that would narrow the accepted constitutional definition

of those eligible for U.S. citizenship by birthright. Many children

born on U.S. soil to those not lawfully in the United States, or to

those on tourist visas or other temporary documents would face

the new restrictions.

“Donald Trump’s attempt to take Americans’ birthright

citizenship away is extreme, unconstitutional, and illegal. I will

do everything in my power to protect Nevadans’ Constitutional

rights,” Sen. Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., in a statement emblematic of

the criticisms of the order.

Federal workforce

Trump’s orders also seek to make it easier to remove career

officials, including members of the senior executive service. One

order, which largely reinstates what was known as “Schedule

F” in the first Trump administration, says that occupants of

“career/policy” positions are not required to politically support

the president, but, “They are required to faithfully implement

administration policies to the best of their ability, consistent with

their constitutional oath and the vesting of executive authority

solely in the President. Failure to do so is grounds for dismissal.”

Another of the president’s directives calls for the return of

federal employees to offices on a full-time basis as quickly as

possible.

World Health Organization

Trump also signed an order to resume the effort from his

previous administration to withdraw the United States from the

World Health Organization.

“World Health ripped us off,” Trump said from the Oval

Office while signing executive orders and answering questions

from the press. “Everyone rips off the U.S. That’s not going to

happen anymore.”

“The Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs

shall establish directorates and coordinating mechanisms

within the National Security Council apparatus as he deems

necessary and appropriate to safeguard public health and fortify

biosecurity,” Trump’s executive order said.

Denali

One Trump order includes a provision to restore noteworthy

locations to their former names, including a directive to rename

Denali in Alaska to its former name, Mount McKinley. Sen. Lisa



After 50 Years,

the Miami-Dade

Chamber of

Commerce

Finds a

Permanent

Home in

Liberty City

BlueYear

Resolution

Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce president Eric Knowles, Board chairwoman Lynda Harris, Dr. Willie Logan,

FIU College of Law trial advocacy program director H.T. Smith, Teri Williams, and commissioner Oliver G. Gilbert

III celebrate a legacy of service at the 19th annual holiday gala. (Howard Photography)

After serving as a pillar of business advocacy

and development for over half a century,

the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce has

reached a defining moment: securing its first

permanent headquarters in Liberty City.

“We won’t be looking for space anytime in

the near or distant future,” proudly declared

Eric Knowles, the chamber’s president, as he

reflected on this historic milestone.

For decades, the chamber has worked

tirelessly to empower minority-owned

businesses and promote economic equity in

South Florida. Establishing a permanent home

not only marks a new chapter of stability and



$125 Toilet

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Check eligibility and apply at

Call 8002709794 for additional details.


Westside Gazette

Calendar of Events

Exhibit Celebrating the Harlem Renaissance Opens

February 3 at AARLCC

- "Reveal the Beauty" honors the era's art, culture and literature -

BROWARD COUNTY, FL - Broward County's African American

Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC), 2650

Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311, presents Reveal

the Beauty: The Literature and Art of the Harlem Renaissance.

This new exhibit of rare books and art of the Harlem

Renaissance from AARLCC's Dorothy Porter Wesley

Collection will be on display from February 3 through June

28 during library hours, and is free and open to the public.

The exhibit's opening reception will be held at AARLCC on

Saturday, February 1 from 6-8:30PM. The reception is also

free and open to the public, but registration is requested.

Reveal the Beauty: The Literature and Art of the Harlem

Renaissance celebrates the centennial of the Harlem Renaissance

and its role in shaping African American artistic

expression from the 1920s to the 1940s. These dynamic

years redefined Black identity and challenged stereotypes

through a probing array of literature and visual arts. While

closely associated with Harlem, its influence reached Black

communities across the U.S., South Florida, and worldwide.

Reveal the Beauty emphasizes not only renowned artists

and writers like Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston and

James Weldon Johnson, whose works captured themes of

resilience and cultural pride, but also the lesser-known artists

and activists who collectively shaped this vibrant cultural

landscape.

Dorothy Porter Wesley was an influential librarian and

scholar, and her collection of manuscripts and rare books

is a vital repository of 19th- and 20th-century Black authors

that enriches our understanding of the Harlem Renaissance.

Reveal the Beauty: The Literature and Art of the Harlem

Renaissance is organized by the African American

Research Library and Research Center and is curated by

Christopher Norwood, founder of Hampton Art Lovers, in

consultation with Shawn Christian, professor of English at

Florida International University and AARLCC staff.

The African American Research Library and Cultural Center

is open Monday and Thursday from 10AM to 8PM and

Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10AM to 6PM.

For more information, please contact the African American

Research Library and Cultural Center at (954) 357-

6282.

About Broward County Libraries

Broward County Libraries Division, named 2020 and 2015

Library of the Year by the Florida Library Association, was

founded in 1974 and is one of the largest and busiest library

systems in Florida. Broward County Libraries Division's 37 locations

provide convenient access to a full range of innovative

and cost-effective services that satisfy the changing

needs of the people of Broward County for information,

education and recreation. Visit our website, Broward.org/

Library, or follow Libraries on Facebook and X.

Deeply Rooted

LOCAL HAPPENINGS IN

BROWARD MIAMI-DADE

AND PALM BEACH

COUNTIES

HAVE YOUR COMMUNITY EVENTS

PLACED ON THIS PAGE

email:wgproof@thewestsidegazette.com

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Celebrate Announcements:

Call -- (954) 525-1489

Happy Birthday * Weddings * Anniversaries

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Address:

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CONNECTED --


HOLLYWOOD HILLS HIGH CLASS OF 1975

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

SOUVENIR JOURNAL 7860 W

COMMERCIAL BLVD UNIT 830 LAUDERHILL,

FL 33351

Greetings,

On behalf of the Hollywood Hills High Class of 1975 Alumni

Association - “The Class of Classes”, you are cordially

invited to support our 50th Year Reunion Celebration! The

purpose of our association and this event gives us an opportunity

to:

REUNITE - REMINICE- REMEMBER PAST CLASSMATES - CEL-

EBRATE OUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS, AND MORE IMPOR-

TANTLY, ASSIST ALUMNI AND THE COMMUNITY THROUGH

CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES, PROVIDES SCHOLARSHIPS TO LO-

CAL DESERVING STUDENTS AND FOSTER RELATIONSHIPS

BETWEEN THE ALUMNI AND THE BROADER COMMUNITY!

Thus, we ask for your support of this event by becoming

a Sponsor, publishing an ad in our Souvenir Journal, and/

or by making a Donation, which we will recognize your

support of our efforts. The Souvenir Journal will be a commemorative

keepsake for our members and provide an

excellent resource for you to promote your business to our

members and the community.

Sponsorship:

We would like to present three sponsorship opportunities

Spartan, Orange, and Blue. Each level includes a special

recognition in our Souvenir Journal. As a sponsor, you

will not only promote your business to our alumni but also

demonstrate your commitment to community building.

Dear Alumni of the Hollywood Hills High School Class of

1975,

As we approach our much anticipated 50th Class Reunion,

we have an incredible opportunity to come together

and create lasting memories while supporting our

alma mater and each other. To make this celebration truly

special, we are excited to offer the chance for classmates,

businesses, and community members to become

sponsors and place ads in our official Hollywood Hills High

School Class of ’75 Reunion Souvenir Journal.

The Hollywood Hills High School Class of ’75 Reunion Souvenir

Journal will be a beautiful, commemorative keepsake

that will be distributed at the reunion and cherished

for years to come. It will feature personal messages, business

advertisements, and shout-outs from classmates,

family, and community partners.

We are reaching out to YOU, our classmates, to canvas

potential sponsors and help fill the Ad Journal with

well-wishes, memories, and business advertisements. Your

support will help us cover event costs, fund class activities,

and contribute to our scholarship fund, ensuring a legacy

of support for future generations.

How You Can Support

1.Sponsor a Page or Place an Ad – Showcase your business,

recognize someone special, promote your services,

celebrate your personal milestones, family achievements,

or share a message of support to your classmates.

2. Canvas Individuals, the Community, and Local Businesses

– Reach out to friends, family, local businesses,

family-owned companies, and community partners who

may want to advertise to the reunion audience. Send potential

sponsors the form to submit their ads and payment.

Need Help or Have Questions?

If you have any questions, please reach out through

our Hollywood Hills Class of 1975 Alumni email at HOLLY-

WOODHILLSCLASSOF75@GMAIL or voicemail, or text (954)

900-9329.

Follow @TheWestsideGazette Newspaper on Social Media

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



Deeply Rooted

Grieving After Caregiving:

After Death of Her Parents, Daughter

Finds Healing Through Puzzling

By Hazel Trice Edney


(TRICEEDNEYWIRE.COM) - Growing up in her Northwest Washington, DC, neighborhood,

Tisha Lewis’s mother would often call her a Daddy’s girl.

“I was always hanging on to his leg or standing on his feet as he walked,” she recalled fondly

in a recent interview. “Even as an adult, up until his passing, he would still greet me with, “Hey

Sugar’”.

But as she grew up through her teen rebellion stages, went away to college and ultimately

earned a doctorate degree in reading, she grew extraordinarily close to her mother. “She became

my very best friend and my confidant…She was so much closer to me than any other woman

that she was the matron of honor at my wedding.”

Actually, the loving relationship she had with both of her parents – Mr. and Mrs. Thomas

“Tom” and Lucille Lewis - was what any adult daughter would want and admire. That loving

relationship is why Dr. Tisha Y. Lewis Ellison, Ph.D. (Tisha) was shattered when her mother,

a healthy woman who was the faithful primary caregiver to her sickly father, broke the news to

her that she had been diagnosed with stage four colon cancer.

Norovirus Cases are Surging in the US

By Carmen Leitch

Cases of norovirus have

been surging around the

United States in recent

weeks. Norovirus is a very

contagious pathogen that is

the primary cause of diarrhea

and vomiting in the US,

according to the US Centers

for Disease Control and

Prevention (CDC). More than

2.2 million outpatient medical

visits and 465,000 emergency

department visits are due to

this virus every year.

Creative layout featuring

3D renderings of norovirus

structures, generated from

electron microscopy (top center

and bottom left and right),

and a transmission electron

micrograph of norovirus

particles in the background.


VLPs by NIH 3D (3dprint.nih.

gov); transmission electron

micrograph-which has been

repositioned and colored by

NIAID-is courtesy of CDC.

Note: not to scale. Credit:

NIAID and CDC

Creative layout featuring


structures, generated from

electron microscopy (top center

and bottom left and right),

and a transmission electron

micrograph of norovirus

particles in the background.


VLPs by NIH 3D (3dprint.nih.

gov); transmission electron

micrograph-which has been

repositioned and colored by

NIAID-is courtesy of CDC.

Note: not to scale. Credit:

NIAID and CDC



Broward Health Unveils Designs for New

Medical Office Buildings and Parking

Garage

Submitted by Nina Levine

FORT LAUDERDALE,

FLORIDA --– Broward

Health is excited to announce

plans for the construction

of two cutting-edge medical

office buildings and a parking

garage at Broward Health

Medical Center in Fort

Lauderdale and Broward

Health North in Deerfield

Beach. This expansion

represents a major step

in bolstering the system’s

healthcare offerings and

expanding its footprint across

South Florida.

“The new medical office

buildings will serve as a

cornerstone for our ongoing

growth, allowing us to expand

our network of physicians

Medical Office Buildings and Parking Garage

and services to better meet access to care and building

the needs of our patients,” a healthier future for our

said Shane Strum, President community.”

& CEO of Broward Health. The development,

“This project is a significant

designed by The Beck Group

part of our strategic plan

in collaboration with DMZ

to strengthen Broward

Health’s position as a leader

Architects, will introduce

in healthcare, enhancing Continue reading online at:


Scientists May Have Solved the “Mystery

Density” Behind Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s

A University of Michigan study suggests that polyphosphate

in brain fibrils could be key to tackling neurodegenerative

diseases, with further research needed to confirm its protective

role.

By University of Michigan

Brain Connections Network

Concept Illustration

A new study has identified

polyphosphate as a likely

“mystery density” within

fibrils associated with

Alzheimer’s and other

neurodegenerative diseases.

Brain Connections Network Concept Illustration

This discovery may deepen

understanding of fibril roles

in disease, potentially guiding

new treatments, though

further research is needed

to confirm polyphosphate’s

protective effects in the

human brain.

A research team from

the University of Michigan

has uncovered compelling

evidence that may solve

a fundamental mystery

surrounding the structure

of fibrils involved in

Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s,

and other neurodegenerative

diseases.

“We’ve seen that patients

have these fibril structures

in their brains for a long time

now,” said Ursula Jakob,

senior author of the new

study. “But the question is

what do these fibrils do? What

is their role in disease? And,

most importantly, can we do

something to get rid of them if

they are responsible for these

devastating diseases?”

Although the new finding

does not explicitly answer

those questions, it may

provide a missing piece of

the puzzle for researchers

that are trying to understand

how these diseases work at

a molecular level. And it’s

clear that this more intimate



Mrs. Lewis had nursed her husband through three bouts of cancer among other illnesses.

“Dad had always had health challenges. He was always going to the doctor. And Mom was

always by his side,” Tisha recalls.

So, because of her mother’s terminal illness, the next two years were harrowing. Especially

heart-rending was when Tisha decided to take a leave of absence from her tenured professorship

at the University of Georgia to become a caregiver to both of her parents at the same time.

“They were both admitted to home hospice care in Oct. 2019. I remember that dreaded day

when my family removed their king-sized bed so that they could put in two hospital beds. That

was so devastating and traumatic. This was going to be our new normal.”

Despite round the clock help from professional caregivers, her aunts and her older brother,

Patrick (Issa), Tisha wanted to be sure her parents were getting the very best care. They had

also designated her as their power of attorney. Before taking the leave of absence, “I would go

back and forth between DC and Atlanta. It was just incredibly difficult.”

With Tisha by her side, Mrs. Lewis died on Nov. 20, 2019, within a year of being diagnosed

with the colon cancer. Her father died from artery blockage and Alzheimer’s dementia only 15

months later. They had been married 50 years.

Meanwhile, the community, their church family, loved ones and friends rallied around this

couple, known widely for their monumental public service. Mr. Lewis, a retired D.C. police

officer, social worker and ordained minister, was founder of The Fishing School, a now 34-yearold

non-profit after school program in Northeast D.C., that teaches underserved children how to

excel through education.

Mrs. Lewis was a seamstress and tailor, who for 29 years ran her tailor shop, Japats, on

D.C.’s Georgia Avenue. From her business, Mrs. Lewis contributed the first $1,000 toward

her husband’s renovation of a former crack house to start his dream, The Fishing School. The

program received a visit and commendations from President George W. Bush in 2001.

It is a painful story that has slowly culminated into an unexpected blessing to Tisha and to

anyone grieving after caregiving.

She had purchased a 1,000 piece puzzle during the Covid-19 pandemic. Someone had told

her how calming it was and the puzzle business was thriving across the nation because of the

national quarantine.

“It helped me to relax. It helped me to focus. I wasn’t thinking about my parents and sometimes

I did. Sometimes I cried on those puzzle pieces. I always said if these puzzle pieces could talk,

the things that they would say…I would have my hot tea and sometimes I would listen to music

while I was puzzling. And sometimes it would be quiet. It just made me feel calm, peaceful.”

That particular puzzle was of a Black woman with a wrap around her head, similar to

Nefertiti, an ancient Egyptian queen. Then, one evening, while watching a TV show about

entrepreneurship, she began to think of her hobby as a self-taught landscape photographer and

all of the pictures she’d taken in her travels.

“And then I thought, I will use the pictures from my landscape photography. I will generate

them into puzzles and I will sell them.” With that epiphany, Perfect Peace Puzzles was born.

She began selling – not only her landscape photos – but even custom-made puzzles from any

submitted photo, even pictures of loved ones who have passed away.

Tisha also participated in a Griefshare online group for over two years and received

counseling from a private therapist. But it’s been largely her Christian faith and the puzzles

that’s comforted her best during her personal and private time, she said.

Grief is inevitable when loved ones pass away. But there are ways to maintain good mental

health while going through it. Caregiving experts offer a string of advice to deal with trauma

and grief. They include, expect a range of emotions, be patient with yourself, find a good listener,

and don’t blame yourself.

Tisha cautions that, based on her experience, grief therapy is often an ongoing self-care

activity, one that may need to be revisited during anniversaries of the death, birthdays, and

during family holidays, for example, or even during deaths of other loved ones.

In fact, just as she had made significant progress two years following her parents’ death; she

was hit with yet another unexpected tragedy. Her brother, Patrick (Issa), who lived in the home


aAAA

This Week in Health: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

“present” –

nuary 20, 2025, let’s reflect on some of his

“

”

Westside Health Brief

Marsha Mullings, MPH

January 20, 2025

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only

only love can do that.”

From his “


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Bobby R. Henry, Sr.

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President Trump’s

Executive Orders:

Revelations or Luke’s

Jubilations

“Federal Bureaucrats don’t care how wasteful they

are with taxpayers’ money, and thieves only care

about how much they can steal and not get caught.

Regrettably, wasted and stolen money is merely added

to the debt.” John Johnson II 01/21/25

By John Johnson II

Uh oh, nukes coming in. Should we

retaliate?

This strikes me as the stupidest

question a human being could ask –

and, just possibly, also the last. Our

enemy of the moment is loosing hell on

us (if warning signals are accurate), so

let’s do the same back at them. If we kill more of them than

they kill of us, we win! Yes, human life – all life – will likely be

destroyed in a nuclear war, but that’s just the way things work.

That’s not our concern.

Among the global superpowers, this scenario remains etched

into the meaning of self-defense: the ability to retaliate, no

matter the consequences of doing so. The marketing slogan, of

course, is “deterrence.” As long as the bad guys understand that

we have the capability to retaliate, they won’t start a nuclear

war. Hence, staying safe as a nation means maintaining our

ability to create Armageddon.

It’s certainly the human paradox of the era. Are we stuck

with it?

Well, that’s the question I’m asking right now. It’s the

question most of humanity is struggling with in one way or

another, although not, of course, at the highest levels of power,

where wars remain a global certainty and the threat of nuclear

war is humanity’s . . . uh, salvation. Apparently.

And thus, as the New York Times explains:


Deeply Rooted

America’s 47 th President, Donald J.

Trump, was sworn in at noon on Monday,

January 20, 2025. Having previously

prophesized to ‘Make America Great

Again,’ he remains more committed than

ever. His actions suggest that he may

have drawn inspiration from the Book of

Revelation, which foretells that goodness

will finally triumph and prevail. However,

his plan to extend tax cuts for the wealthy

leads one to believe he hasn’t fully

embraced Luke’s Gospel.

This Gospel predicts the rich man’s liberation from bondage

to money, leading to a more equal distribution of wealth.

Hopefully, these scriptures will strengthen his moral compass

and sharpen his vision for America’s future. A president without

a vision can easily chart a course that leads to disastrous

results, especially for the poor.

Certainly, a vision that includes raising the federal minimum

from $7.25 to at least $15.00 or establishing a living wage

would be a start. Next, the following would be symbolic of

“undeserved favor:” building affordable housing; removing the

U.S. from being the Country with the highest incarceration

rate; tackling homelessness, eliminating poverty (fact, more

white people live in poverty); and ensuring health care is a

right and not a privilege.

As promised, President Trump issued a slate of Executive

Orders (EOs) designed to bring about unprecedented

revelations and jubilations for the people. However, it’s

essential that having been advised by competent advisors,

his (EOs) will achieve well-intended purposes and strengthen

Democratic values.

Regardless of political affiliation, patriotic voters eagerly

anticipate President Trump’s success throughout his four

years. Only an idiot or our nation’s worst enemies would wish

for the president to fail. Yet For America’s voters, failure isn’t

an option.

Could you imagine passengers on the Titanic wishing it

would encounter icebergs to prove it wasn’t unsinkable? We all

know the Titanic’s fate. President Trump must remain vigilant

and be prepared for any obstacles or obstructionists who may

lie in his path to success.

Unfortunately, Democrats underestimated Trump’s clarion

call for change and political astuteness. Yes, he seized upon

voters’ yearning for social/institutional changes. He raised to

another level former President Theodore Roosevelt’s aphorism,

“Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far.”

Instead, President Trump speaks boisterously and brags

about having an arsenal of tariffs and the world’s most powerful

military. His tough demeanor has enabled him to go “damn”

far. Admittedly, given the circumstances, becoming a two-term

President was phenomenal. We’ll wait to see what concessions

Mexico, China, and Canada will offer to avoid President

Trump’s “nuclear tariffs” threat. An end to the supply of phenol

drugs from Mexico and China would be a welcomed change.

President Trump must acknowledge voters were promised their

communities would be free of illegal and criminal immigrants,

lower food prices, reduced inflation, and affordable fuel prices.

Most importantly, the Federal budget must stop being gutted

by a new breed of thievery and senseless farmers. Remember,

the Aesop fable, where the senseless and cruel farmer killed

“The Goose That Laid The Golden Eggs.”

Is it not obvious that the Federal Budget has become “The

Goose That Laid the Golden Eggs?” An (EO) to address this

potential apocalyptic problem would constitute lofty revelations

and jubilations!

YOU BE THE JUDGE!

Transcending

Assured Insanity

By Robert C. Koehler

Mutually


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.

Can We Abolish War, Or Will

War Abolish Us?

By Jerry Tetalman

The organized murder of one group

of humans by another group of humans

is called war. We live in a world

where the vilest of crimes, which are

punished with severe consequences

within most societies, are somehow

acceptable when committed as part

of war. War has been an integral part

of human history and, in the nuclear

age, is the most imminent threat to

our continued existence. As modern,

civilized people, most of us find war

abhorrent, but few of us call for the abolition of war.

War exists because human society has been organized

around the concept of the in-group and the out-group. The ingroup

could be a tribe, city, nation, or group of nations. The outgroup

may be tolerated, but in many instances, it is considered

the enemy. The question of our time is, can we create a new

story where humanity is the in-group? Can we civilize a lawless

world by creating a basic system of enforceable global law?

Wars between countries continue because countries

exist in relative anarchy at the international level. We have

international law based on treaties that help maintain order,

but this system is not an actual law, as it is voluntary. Valid

law has consequences and enforcement mechanisms if one

breaks the law. At the international level, we still live and die

by the law of the jungle, which is “might makes right.”

The countries of the European Union have found peace

after thousands of years of warfare and two world wars by

trading away a piece of sovereignty to form a collective. They

now resolve disputes in the European Union’s parliament and

courts. The world’s countries can find peace by building an

international union of nations and creating a similar system of

courts and a global parliament.

The true challenge of our time is to bring rules, law, and


Welcome to Washington: On

the Eve of the Inauguration,

Monumental Advice

By Melinda Burrell

I love watching the brides pose for photos

by the Lincoln Memorial and the teenagers

wriggle through TikTok choreography near

the Washington Monument. Their modern

hopes breathe life into the centuries-old

wisdom of our capital city.

I have lived in Washington DC for years

and still can’t get enough of it. On sunny Saturday morning

walks, my pace is casual, but the insights are profound. DC is a

living lesson about what George Washington described as “the

last great experiment for promoting human happiness.” The

Inauguration brings new people to Washington DC and I hope

they will love and learn from the city as much as I do.

One of my favorite monuments is near the Capitol. Two iron

cranes stand together. Their wings thrust upward, and barbed

wire falls from their beaks. Around them is a complicated

mix of names: Japanese Americans who died fighting for us

in World War II, and the internment camps to which their

families and friends had been forced. Yet I am fiercely proud

to be an American when, amidst these names, I read President

Reagan’s words: “Here we admit a wrong. Here we affirm our

commitment as a nation to equal justice under the law.” Few

countries I’ve lived in have the strength to admit such a grave

national error.

That urge for improvement is in our national genes. As the

Constitution states, we’re constantly trying to “form a more

perfect union.”

Sure enough, a few miles away under a white marble dome


The Horrific and

Wonderful 2024

By Chris Houston

Let’s review.

2024 was an especially violent year. It

was also the hottest on record. While most

countries exist in high states of peace, we

live in times of rising conflict and a climate

crisis. We also live in times of optimism

and hope. Let’s explore recent trends and

apparent contradictions in the complex

world that we all share.

“Is it getting better? Or do you feel the

same?” Bono asks in the U2 song One. It

can be difficult to make sense of the world. Professor Max Roser,

who runs the website Our World In Data and said “The world

is awful. The world is much better. The world can be much

better…It is wrong to think these three statements contradict

each other.”

2024 was the hottest year on record and was the first

year to average more than 1.5 degrees Celsius over the preindustrial

average. The last 10 years have been the hottest 10

on record. Fires in Los Angeles have displaced 180,000 people

and destroyed or damaged some 12,000 structures. News

makes it easier to understand the impact on humans than the

wider ecology and annoyingly centers the stories of impact on

celebrities more than regular people.

In some ways the world is getting safer. The Institute for

Economics and Peace note that the impact of terrorism and

homicides reduced in 2024. The organization notes that “There

are currently 56 active conflicts, the most since the end of [the]

Second World War.” Truly apparently contradictory: globally

the world is getting less peaceful and that “North America

recorded the largest regional deterioration in peacefulness, with

both Canada and the US recording large falls in peacefulness.”


President Trump

Will Raise Your

Energy Bills

By Ben Jealous

Ratepayers beware. Team

Trump’s eagerness to enrich

his fossil fuel industry cronies

with his “drill baby drill” (and

export baby export) agenda is

going to raise energy costs for

American households.

Burning fossil fuels is deadly

on many levels. The pollution

in our air and water from

burning coal, oil, and gas kills’

people. The pollution from

extracting fossil fuels from

the ground and transporting

them kills people. And the

climate crisis and its extreme

weather events – extreme

heat waves, supercharged

wildfires and hurricanes – kill

people.

Just as our continued

reliance on fossil fuels kills

people and entire ecosystems,

slowing down our transition

to clean energy kills jobs.

Because of President

Biden’s signature legislative

achievements, the Inflation

Reduction Act (IRA), the

Bipartisan Infrastructure

Law (BIL), and the CHIPS

and Science Act we have seen

clean energy projects create

more than 406,000 new jobs

across this country. Hundreds

of thousands additional

jobs are being created as an

indirect result of these new

clean energy jobs.

We are reshoring entire

supply chains for the

products and technologies

that will be the foundation

of the new global economy.

American manufacturing is

back. And after losing 65,000

American factories since the

North American Free Trade

Agreement (NAFTA) went

into effect 30 years ago,

factories are now coming back

– this time, building solar

panels, wind turbines, electric

vehicles, and batteries.

But it is not enough for

fossil fuel interests and

their allies in the Trump

administration to put our

lives and livelihoods in

jeopardy. They are sprinting

to make those factories empty

once again, sending American

jobs anywhere but America as

they kill our pocketbooks with

higher energy costs.

Energy from solar and

wind power is not only already

less expensive and more

resilient than energy from

fossil fuels, it keeps getting

cheaper. So, efforts by the

Trump administration and

its allies in Congress to slow

the transition to clean energy

are not just anti-climate, they

are anti-consumer. When

they say they want to come

after the IRA or undo “Green

New Deal” policies, they are

talking about jacking up the

cost of lighting and heating

your home.

It is all based on the big

lie that increasing fossil fuel

production and supply will

lower energy costs. That is

hardly the case. Especially

when we are talking about

exporting those fossil fuels.

And that brings us to “liquified

natural gas,” or LNG.

The US is already the




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

IRS declares Jan. 27

as official start date

for 2025 tax season

The IRS expects more than 140 million tax returns to be

filed by April 15. Jon Elswick/AP 2023

Anthony Brunson, PA, Certified Public Accountants &

Business Advisors

By Cora Lewis Associated Press

The IRS has announced Jan. 27 as the official start date

of the 2025 tax season and expects more than 140 million tax

returns to be filed by the April 15 tax deadline.

The announcement Friday comes with the agency conducting

an extensive overhaul, attempting to improve its technology

and customer service processes with tens of billions of dollars

allocated to the agency through Democrats’ Inflation Reduction

Act, signed into law by President Joe Biden in August 2022.

The IRS said it is expanding its program that allows people

to file their taxes directly with the agency for free.

The federal tax collector’s Direct File program, which

allows taxpayers to calculate and submit their returns to

the government without using commercial tax preparation

software, will be available to taxpayers in 25 states starting

Jan. 27, up from 12 states that were part of last year’s pilot

program. The pilot program in 2024 allowed people in certain

states with very simple W-2s to calculate and submit their

returns directly to the IRS.

Those using the program claimed over $90 million in

refunds, the IRS said in October.

The IRS expects most refunds to be issued in less than 21



The Gantt Report

Economic and Political Views for Black People

Gantt Report Digital Launch

ATLANTA – At last,

America’s most provocative

political voice for Blacks

and other people of color is

coming to the world wide

web!

Gantt Report editor,

Lucius Gantt, began his

distinguished career as

a teenager when he was

hired to work at WSB-TV

in the station’s production

department.

He quickly rose to the

Promotion department, and eventually to the Cox Broadcasting

Research Department, where he began to develop his media

writing skills. Gantt also covered local sports for the Atlanta

Journal as a young writer.

Gantt studied Journalism and Philosophy at Georgia State

University; and after graduation, Gantt received a Graduate

Fellowship to study Public Affairs Reporting at the Washington

Journalism Center in Washington, D.C. He also has a master’s

degree, in Science, from Florida State University. Excerpts from

a Gantt Report column were also displayed in the “Freedom of

Speech” section of the National Freedom Museum.

In D.C., Gantt worked as a reporter-producer at National

Public Radio, covering events at the Capitol and producing

documentaries that were aired nationwide.

The next stop in Gantt’s career was at The Associated Press

in New York, where he was assigned to cover NY sports teams,

and, on occasion, he managed the AP wire service where his

writing and editing were read and enjoyed in newspapers and

broadcast outlets worldwide.

Gantt was also an editorial columnist for The Tallahassee


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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.


Every Christian's Church

SUNDAY @11:00 am

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

Bible Trivia

‘Test Your Bible Knowledge'

1) Although the word is not mentioned in the Bible what is it

when 3 persons are in God at the same time?

2) Where in the Bible are detailed qualifications for deacons

set forth? What are some of the qualifications mentioned?

3) According to the Bible satan was full of wisdom, perfect in

beauty and perfect in his ways. Where can this be found?

4) Who was Gamaliel and what relationship did he have with

Apostle Paul?

5) Complete the following verse: But my God shall supply all

your need __________________.

6) Complete the following verse: They that sow in tears_________.

7) When was Saul first called ‘Paul’ in the Bible?

** Biblical fact** The Babylonians (Chaldeans) were an African/Edenic

people of Mesopotamia. They were famous for astrology.

Answers: 1) Matthew 3:16-17 & Mark 1:9-11; 2) 1st Timothy

3:8-13; 3) Ezekiel 28:12-19; 4) Acts 22:3; 5) Philippians 4:19;

6) Psalm 126:5;

7) Acts 13:9

Spiritually Speaking

Spiritually Speaking:

Sin Manager

By James Washington

(Source: The Atlanta Voice)

Credit: stock.com/kevron2001

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How do you master sin? Is sin for you not sin for me? What

are the consequences of sin, or is it just a set of rules that

someone down through history decided were moral conditions

needed to keep society in check? I mean, is it not true that

the culture and customs of a particular nation might make the

stomachs of those in a different country turn inside out?

There are sins of the flesh as well as sins of the spirit.

However, there seems to be universal acceptance of what is

moral and immoral. As many people would agree with this,

some believe ‘it’s yo thang…do what you wanna do.’But isn’t

morality a barometer for sin? Aren’t there rules for the ages

that are etched in stone and never change?

There have been countless volumes of faith and dialogue

devoted to Jesus’ blood contract with us that, in fact, freed us

from our sins.“…and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful

witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings

of the earth.To Him who loves us and has freed us from our

sins by His blood…” Revelation 1:5.

It shouldn’t be complicated, but it appears that living morally,

righteously, and between the lines is a struggle matched only

by understanding the meaning of life itself. This is hard, I

know, but is it worth it?

I don’t know about you, but the struggle to live without sin is a

recognized and acknowledged impossibility. The beauty of this

is that God is a God of another chance. The key once again is

attitude, yours, not God’s. That attitude will eventually dictate

the outcome. If it is God-centered, if it is truly controlled by a

sense of humility and vulnerability in relation to God, if remorse

is real, then perhaps mercy will be forthcoming. With the right

attitude, then, in relation to the desired outcome, sins can be

mastered. Confess them. Yeah, that’s right! Confess them to

God. You see, confession to God is not like any other confession.

Lying ain’t happening to God because truth can’t hide, won’t

hide from you or the Lord.“If we claim to be without sin, we

deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our

sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and

purify us from all unrighteous.” 1 John 1:8-9.

The outcome, if we can comprehend it, is eternal life, which

requires faith, belief, and a daily resolve to choose against sin

in the name of the Lord. If you believe this life is all there is, I

might understand deliberate sinful pursuits. If you believe in

more, then the sinful mistakes are just those mistakes made

not in the name of the Lord.“But if anyone does sin, we have

one who speaks to the Father in our defense – Jesus Christ.”

1 John 2:1. From time to time, Jesus deserves a break. His

birthday might be a good place for us to start. It’s not that hard

in reality to get the outcome you want. Remember the rules

really are etched in stone.

May God bless and keep you always.



Charles Person, youngest Freedom

Rider who faced brutal beatings in

Alabama, dies at 82

Death and Funer-

A Good Sheperd's

Funeral Home

& Cremation Services

Central

Deeply Rooted

VIEW OBITUARIES ONLINE AT


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

Acknowledgments/ Announcements:

In Memoriam * Death Notices * Happy Birthdays

Card of Thanks* Remembrances

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

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

Obituaries

Keisha Scott

Celebration of Life

was held

Saturday,

January 18

at New Convenant

Cathedral.

al Notices


Nina Simone

Davis - 60

Funeral Service

was held

January 18th at

James C. Boyd’s

Memorial

Chapel with

Rev. Joyce Wright officiating.

Arnoldo Tomas

Gomez

Funeral

Service

was held

January 19th

at McWhite’s

Funeral Home

Chapel

By Melissa Brown Nashville Tennessean

(Source: Tennessean)

Charles Person, the youngest member of the original Freedom

Riders who faced racial violence to challenge segregation

in interstate travel, died on Wednesday in Fayetteville,

Georgia. He was 82.

In 1961, 18-year-old Person joined a group of 12 other Civil

Rights activists, both Black and white, to travel by bus into the

Deep South.

A recent Supreme Court ruling had outlawed racial segregation

in public transportation, but the South was holding fast to

illegal Jim Crow practices. The trip’s aim was to “test” facilities

like waiting rooms and bus depot restaurants on a route down

to New Orleans. The group would pair a white Rider and Black

rider together and have them try the facilities at stops along

the route.

The Morehouse College freshman had first become involved

in Civil Rights protests in Atlanta during lunch counter sit-ins

when he caught wind of the bus trip. In a 2021 interview with

the USA TODAY Network, Person recalled his slight figure – 5

feet 6 inches and 126 pounds – and said he was recruited for

his “squeaky clean” image.

The Riders were trained in non-violence tactics before

beginning their trip. The trip, which would send the small

group of Freedom Riders into hostile and often isolated

territory, was considered so dangerous by some prominent

Civil Rights leaders at the time that the Riders were warned

against departing.

“I probably should have been afraid, you know,” Person

recalled in 2021. “I probably should have been afraid, but, you

know, the movement was bigger than I was. It was not about

me.”

Person and the original Freedom Riders were met with

violent resistance in Alabama on May 14, 1961. One bus was

firebombed in Anniston, Alabama, by a white mob. Person, who

was riding on a second bus, was beaten alongside two others

in Anniston when they refused to go to the back of the bus.

The group later encountered a violent Ku Klux Klan mob in

Birmingham, Alabama.

Several Riders were seriously injured, and media reports

of the attacks spread quickly. Alabama Gov. John Patterson

refused to guarantee state protection if the group continued on

their route to New Orleans, and a bus driver boycott forced the

Freedom Riders to fly to New Orleans.

But the news and images of the Alabama attacks, including

a single photo from the Birmingham bus station melee that

pictured a dozen men attacking Person on the ground, inspired

a new movement of activists.

Groups of young activists poured into Mississippi and

Alabama over the summer of 1961, eventually pressuring

national authorities to enforce the integration law across the

South.

“As a group, we wanted to continue the rides. It gave us a

great solace to know that these young people were going to take

up the mantle,” Person said. “They knew they were either going

to get beat up or their bus burned. They knew that something

was going to happen to them. And yet, they came.”

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin, a Morehouse alumnus,

called Person a “giant in the civil rights movement.”

“His legacy will always be defined by his immeasurable

courage,” Woodfin said in a statement. “He stood firm so that

we may be able to experience the joys of freedom. Rest well.”

The Rev. Al Sharpton said Monday Person and his fellow

Riders “tore down the walls of segregation.”

“Person was an American hero that changed this country,

in his name we must fight to not allow the country to retreat

in any way toward the rights gained with the bloodshed of the

Freedom Riders,” Sharpton said. “We owe to Person to continue

that fight, so he can rest in the peace that we will not let this

country erase the progress and tangible change we enjoyed

because Person and the Freedom Riders withstood assaults,

threats and even death to give to us.”

When Person returned home to Atlanta after the trip to New

Orleans, his mother urged him to join the military, feeling he

would be safer there than in the Civil Rights Movement. He

served in the Vietnam War and retired from the U.S. Marine

Corps in 1981.

“He always focused on equality and justice in the world,” his

wife, Jo Etta Person, said in an interview Monday.

He later worked with Atlanta Public Schools as an electronics

technician.

His daughter Keisha Person said in an interview Monday her

dad didn’t always talk about his time as a Freedom Rider, and

she didn’t even know his role in the movement until the family

took a trip to the Birmingham Civil Rights Museum when she

was 10. As he later opened up about it, he would come to speak

to her classes about his experience and how he “paved the way

for us.”

“He encouraged us to pave the way for the next generation,”

Keisha Person said.

Person always counseled his kids to stand up for what is

right, Keisha Person said, and would tell them, “If you want to

see change, it starts with you.”

In recent years, Person worked to co-found the Freedom

Riders Training Academy in Anniston, Alabama, to develop a

curriculum in civic engagement and nonviolent resistance. He

also published a memoir, “Buses Are a Comin’, in 2021.

“The young people need to understand what happened,” Person

said. “The freedoms we enjoyed did not happen overnight. A lot

of people suffered. A lot of people sacrificed.”

With Person’s passing, Hank Thomas remains the last living

original Freedom Rider.

Gregory

Brown

Celebration of

Life was held

Saturday,

January 11 at

Mt. Pleasant

Baptist Church.

Vanessa Belizaire Celebration

of Life will be held Saturday, January

24 at Chapel.

Nelon Dixon

Viewing

was held

Saturday,

January 18

at Chapel.

Billie Lewis Celebration of Life

was held Sunday, January 12

both a Church Ephesus Adventisrt

Church.

Betty Moore Celebration of Life

will be held Saturday, January 25

both at House of God Church of

the Living God.

Velma O'Conner

Celebration of Life

was held

Saturday,

January 19

at Lauderhill

Seventh Day

Adventist Church.

Jeany Parker Celebration of Life

will be held Saturday, January

25 at New Convenant.

Todd Poole Viewing was held

Friday January 17 at Mt Nebo.

Ventetta Rozier

Celebration of Life

will be held

Saturday,

January 25

at Word of the

Living God

Johvon Taylor

Jr.

Celebration of

Life was held

Saturday,

January 11

at Convenant

Missionary

Baptist Church.

Cynthia Tisdale

Graveside

Service:

was held

Saturday,

January 11 at

Forest Lawn

Central.

Casey Myers

Love And Grace

Funeral And

Cremation Service

Jerry J. Chance,

Sr.

Funeral Service

will be held

Saturday,

January 25

at Friendly

Tabernacle

Henry E. Garmon

Jr.

Funeral Service

will be held

Saturday,

January 25

at Friendly

Tabernacle

Church of God in

Christ.

Altie Williams

Funeral Service

will be held

Saturday,

January 25

at Friendly

Tabernacle

Church of God

James C. Boyd

Funeral Home Services

Carolyn Evans

Edwards - 76

Funeral Service

was held January

18th at James C.

Boyd’s Memorial

Chapel with Elder

Noel Sterling

officiating.

Nan Gurdyal

- 75

Funeral

Service

was held

January 17th

at Thomas F.

Dalton Funeral

Home, New

Hyde Park, NY.

Maggie May

Lewis – 84

Funeral Service

was held January

18th at James

C. Boyd’s

Memorial

Chapel with

Brother Marvin

Davis officiating.

Glenda Jackson

Patterson - 85

Funeral Service

was held January

18th at James C.

Boyd’s Memorial

Chapel Bishop

Tony Mitchell

officiating.

McWhite’s Funeral

Home Services

Callie

Pauline Evans

Funeral

Service

was held

January 18th

at McWhite’s

Funeral Home

Keith D.

Marston

Funeral

Service

was held

January 18th

at McWhite’s

Funeral Home

Chapel.

Lena T. Powell

Funeral

Service

was held

January 18th

at McWhite’s

Funeral Home

Chapel.

PSALMS 73.26

"My

health

may

fail,

and

my

spirit

may

grow

weak, but

GOD

remains

the

strength

of

my

heart;

he is mine

forever."


Deeply Rooted


Meet the Finalist for

President and Chief

Executive Officer

of Broward College

Torey Alston

(Information provided by

the candidate)

Torey Alston has spent

nearly 20 years as a public

servant in the State of Florida.

In 2010, Florida Governor

Charlie Crist appointed

him to serve on the Florida

A&M University Board of

Trustees. Subsequent to that,

Florida Governor Rick Scott

reappointed Mr. Alston to

serve out the full five-year

term ending January 2015,

where he served as Chair of

the Student Affairs/Academic

Affairs Committee and

Governance Committee. Mr.

Alston then served two stints

under former Superintendent

Alberto Carvalho’s senior

leadership team with Miami-

Dade County Public Schools,

leading implementation of the

2012 General Obligation Bond

Program updating technology,

academic programs, school

construction and renovation of

existing facilities. In October

2021, Mr. Alston became the

first leader of the Greater

Miami Expressway Agency

(GMX), where he led the

transition from the dissolved

MDX to the new GMX, today

an agency with $3 billion in

assets and $270 million in

revenue. Previously, Mr.

Alston served as Chief of Staff

for the Florida Department

of Transportation. With

more than 6,200 employees

and then an annual $10.3

billion budget, he served

as the principal advisor to

the FDOT secretary and

main facilitator for other

state agencies on matters of

administration, policy, and

overall agency operations.

In November 2021, Governor

Ron DeSantis appointed Mr.

Alston to the Broward County

Commission (District 9),

where he served as a member

of the Broward Metropolitan

Planning Organization, Value

Adjustment Board, Circuit

17 Juvenile Justice Advisory

Board and Pompano Beach

N.W. Residential Advisory

Board. In August 2022,

Governor DeSantis appointed

Mr. Alston to the School

Board of Broward County,

Florida, where he would go on

to be the Chair.

Mr. Alston is a Broward

County native and a product

of Broward County Public

Schools, having attended

Walker Elementary, Parkway

Middle and Blanche Ely High

School. Mr. Alston received

his undergraduate degree

in business administration

from Florida Agricultural

and Mechanical University

(FAMU) and a master’s in

business administration with

a concentration in marketing

and management. Recently,

Mr. Alston was admitted

into the Doctor of Education

Program at the University of

Miami.

Public Forums

Jose Llontop

Mr. Llontop is currently an

Independent Director of the

Board at the Barton Group,

a manufacturer of garnet

material used in Waterjet

cutting and sandblasting

applications, where he serves

as the Chair of the Audit &

Finance, and as a member of

the Nominating & Governance

Committees. Additionally,

he is an Executive Partner

at Salt Creek Capital, a San

Francisco Bay Area-based

private investment firm. He

brings more than 30 years

of general management

experience in the Building

Materials and Industrial

Manufacturing sectors. Prior

to these roles, Mr. Llontop

was the President & CEO,

at Giant Cement Holding

Inc. a $250 million revenue

Cement Company, where he

led the company’s turnaround

from a negative operating

profit position to $37 million

in EBITDA within a fouryear

period, prior to selling

a majority stake – at a

premium valuation – to a

Mexican conglomerate owned

by the Carlos Slim group. He

has lived in 10 countries and

has had extensive domestic

and international experience,

having led five post-merger

integration acquisitions and

performing an equal number

of business turnarounds in

several regions primarily at

CEMEX, a Global Building

Materials Company, most

notably as the Regional

President of a $1 billion

vertically integrated business

in Central Eastern Europe

& Israel. Before that, Mr.

Llontop was the President of

the Company’s $250 million

Egyptian operations.

His success at branding

commodity products and

shape strategy in the

cement industry caught the

attention of academia, most

recently in a Darden School

of Business case study which

he co-authored. Prior to that

Mr. Llontop was the main

protagonist in a Harvard

Business case study (“CEMEX:

Rewarding the Egyptian

Retailers,” HBS, March 22,

2006). He holds a degree in

mechanical engineering from

the University of Virginia, an

MBA from Rice University

and graduated from the

general management program

at Harvard Business.

Mr. Llontop lives in the

Washington, DC area with

his family. An active sports

enthusiast, he received a full

scholarship to play soccer at

the University of Virginia

after being chosen as a Soccer

All American in Junior

College.

Public forums for each of the finalists have been

scheduled at 1 p.m. at Bailey Hall on the A. Hugh

Adams Central Campus, 3501 Davie Rd., Davie.

The forums are scheduled as follows:

Wednesday, January 29 and Thursday, January 30

In addition, there will be a final interview by the

Broward College District Board of Trustees of the

finalists, starting at 8:30 a.m. Friday, January 31

at the College’s Willis Holcombe Center,

111 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale.

The Honorable Judge Ilona M. Holmes as the Keynote

Speaker for FAMU National Alumni Association,

Broward Chapter Third Annual Benjamin Lampkin, Jr.

FAMU College of Law Scholarship Luncheon

The FAMU National

Alumni Association (NAA),

Broward Chapter, invites the

community to attend its Third

Annual Benjamin Lampkin,

Jr. FAMU College of Law

Scholarship Luncheon on

Saturday, February 1, 2025,

at the renowned Tower Club

of Ft. Lauderdale, located at

100 SE 3rd Ave, 28th Floor,

Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Guest seating will begin at

12:30 p.m.

FAMUNAA Broward

County Chapter is honored

to welcome retired Broward

County Circuit Court Judge

Ilona Holmes as the guest

speaker for the occasion.

Judge Holmes’ distinguished

career and lifelong dedication

to public service make her

an inspiration to all. Judge

Holmes’ leadership and

service has led her to serve

in several capacities across a

plethora of organizations.

Judge Holmes, a prominent

Trump

Outlines

America

First Agenda:

What It Means

for Black

Americans

from Front Page

member of the South Florida

community, is originally from

Philadelphia, PA but was

raised in Deerfield Beach,

Florida. She is an alumna of

Deerfield Beach High School,

Florida Atlantic University

(B.A. in Political Science),

and received her JD from

Texas Southern University’s

Thurgood Marshall School of

Law. Admitted to the Florida

Bar in 1982, Judge Holmes

built a remarkable legal

career, serving as a judge in

the Criminal Division of the

17 th Judicial Circuit Court

of Florida. She served as

Assistant State Attorney in

Miami-Dade County and later

as Assistant United States

Attorney for the Southern

District of Florida.

Appointed to the Broward

County Court in 1995 and the

Circuit Court in 1998, Judge

Holmes made history as the

first Black judge to serve as

an administrative judge in

irony of the day honoring

the civil and human rights

leader is that it is shared

with the 60th presidential

inauguration ceremony in

the Rotunda of the Capitol

Building. Historically, the

second inaugurations of

Presidents Bill Clinton and

Barack Obama took place on

MLK Day in 1997 and 2013.

There were some democratic

hopes that Kamala Harris

could be a repeat of today’s

swearing-in history. A few

months ago, some Kamala

Harris campaign staffers

believed the then-Democratic presidential candidate would have

been sworn in today by Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown

Jackson on this King Day.

Since the 15th of this month, there have been many

celebrations honoring the life and civil rights history of Dr. King.

One was at Riverside Church in Harlem, New York Rev. Mark

Thompson, host of “Make It Plain,” and NNPA Global Digital

Transformation Director, remembered Dr. King by saying,

“his memory calls us to transcend all of the things we are most

concerned about today.” Dr. King, who was killed in 1968 by an

assassin’s bullet, challenged authority at the highest levels to

achieve equality for African Americans in this nation like voting

rights and civil rights. Thompson warns in this new political

era, “rather than relax or be discouraged we should…continue to

hold the Office of the President accountable.”

Carver Ranches from FP

in St. Thomas, she moved back home and just out of curiosity

began questioning her father and his side of the family about

its Bahamian roots. As an only child who didn’t know his

father, Cynthia’s dad would often travel with siblings to the

Bahamas where she gained invaluable knowledge. Much

of what she learned from him pointed back to early settlers

in Carver Ranches, piquing her curiosity. The very building

that houses the Bowles-Strachan Museum was one of four

display homes that her grandmother, Mrs. Evelyn Bowles,

purchased. Cynthia’s inquisitive mind and yearning to learn

more about her family’s history became entwined with Carver

Ranches. One final excursion to Atlanta to pursue personal

and professional goals failed miserably, so she returned home

humbled, depressed and broke. Perhaps now she was prepared

to follow God’s plan for her. Still curious, she found a willing

subject in Mrs. Blossie Hale, a robust, staunch and classy

woman who had lost much of her physical prowess after being

stricken with a serious illness. Cynthia arranged the interview

and was shocked to see the drastic physical change and decline

in Mrs. Hale, who lay peacefully at home in a hospital bed, and

whom Cynthia remembers as a reader or prophetess visited

by many in her darkly lit room, which proved foreboding and

frightening for impressionable young people.

Stephanie recalled that Mrs. Hale’s mother - Grammy, a

pipe smoker- and her husband PaPa lived directly behind Mrs.

Hale. Cynthia thought it very strange and unusual for three

white men to sell plots of land only to Black families in the

forties. When asked if she found out why, Cynthia said that she

interviewed 43 families, but no one could answer that question.

She now says she has the answer, but you’ll have to buy the

sequel to find out why, stating that even Gussie didn’t know

the answer .

Surprisingly, the interview went well, once she confirmed

who Cynthia was, (Mrs. Hale knew her grandmother) lasting

over three hours. Mrs. Hale had a plethora of knowledge

regarding the Carver Ranches and its pioneers. There was one

problem: Cynthia had only a pad and pencil so retaining all of

the information was difficult to say the least. So she sought

advice from Kitty Oliver, another local historian who used

cassettes tapes to record her subjects. Interviewing became

easier after borrowing her brother’s video recorder. Kitty

advised that receiving permission to record residential pioneers

was paramount from a legal perspective. Needless to say, the

primary motivation was simply a burning desire to learn as

much as possible about the trailblazers of Carver Ranches. I

noted the obvious, genuine passion from all - Stephanie, Gussie,

Audrey and Cynthia - for their hometown and wondered where


the Felony Criminal Division.

She retired on December

31, 2018, as the longestserving

Black circuit judge

in Broward County’s history.

Beyond the bench, she has

served on numerous boards

and advisory committees,

including the NAACP

Fort Lauderdale/Broward

County Unit, the Florida

Supreme Court’s Publications

Committee, and the Broward

County Police and Criminal

Justice Review Board. Judge

Holmes is also a proud

member of Delta Sigma Theta

Sorority, Inc.

The

luncheon

commemorates the legacy of

Attorney Benjamin Lampkin,

Jr., one of the original 57

graduates of the first FAMU

College of Law. A passionate

advocate for FAMU and its

success, Attorney Lampkin’s

contributions left an indelible

mark on the prestigious

Florida A & M University

and the Broward County

community. This event raises

funds for scholarships in his

name, supporting the next

generation of legal scholars.

WE are especially honored

to raise awareness for the

FAMU College of Law and

foster support among its

distinguished alumni and

future FAMU legal scholars.

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, February 1,

2025

Time: 12:30 p.m. (Guest

seating begins)

Location: Tower Club of Ft.

Lauderdale, 100 SE 3rd Ave,

28th Floor, Fort Lauderdale,

FL

Ticket Information: For

more information or to reserve

your ticket, please contact:

Rev. Dr. Pat Langston-Crusoe

at (727) 271-4334 or Mrs.

Millicent Thorpe at (954) 871-

6727 . You can also visit us

online at browardrattlers.

org/donate or make checks

payable to FAMU NAA

Broward Chapter and mail to

P.O. Box 9487, Ft. Lauderdale,

FL 33310.

A MESSAGE FROM THE PUBLISHER

FROM FRONT PAGE

Trump’s attempt to gut birthright citizenship, now

challenged by 18 states, is a dangerous attack on the

Fourteenth Amendment, which guarantees citizenship to

all born on U.S. soil. For Black Americans, this amendment

represents hard-won progress achieved after centuries of

enslavement. Dismantling it threatens not only immigrant

families but also the broader principle of equal rights that

Black activists have fought to uphold.

3. Clemency for Jan. 6 Insurrectionists

The clemency offered to Proud Boys and Oath Keepers

leaders further exposes Trump’s allegiance to white

supremacy. These groups actively sought to undermine

democracy on January 6, and pardoning them sends a

chilling message that violence in service of racial hierarchy

will be rewarded. For Black Americans, this blatant

favoritism contrasts starkly with the over-policing and

harsh punishments disproportionately inflicted on us for

minor infractions. We pray that this not police misconduct

on steroids.

4. Keisha Lance Bottoms and the Politics of Petty

Trump’s attempt to “fire” Keisha Lance Bottoms from

a role she already resigned from is another example of his

vendetta against Black leaders who challenge his authority.

Mayor Bottoms was a strong voice of reason and compassion

during the racial justice protests of 2020, making her a

target for Trump’s thinly veiled disdain for outspoken Black

leadership. This move reeks of insecurity and reflects a

larger pattern of undermining Black excellence and strong

Black women.

5. Executive Orders: A Glimpse of What’s to Come

Trump’s first-day executive orders, spanning

immigration crackdowns, environmental rollbacks, and

healthcare restrictions, reveal a return to policies that

prioritize corporate greed over community welfare. These

decisions will undoubtedly exacerbate systemic inequities,

disproportionately affecting Black and Brown communities.

The Bigger Picture

Trump’s recent actions confirm that his presidency

remains a threat to progress. His policies and pardons are

not isolated events—they are part of a calculated effort

to destabilize movements toward racial equity. Black

communities must remain vigilant, mobilized, and united

in resisting these attacks on our hard-earned rights and

freedoms.

As history has shown, we are no strangers to adversity.

Yet, in the face of such brazen attempts to turn back the

clock, we must continue to fight for justice, hold leaders

accountable, and demand a nation that lives up to its

promises of equality and liberty for all.

Deeply Rooted

UK – Ghanaian Woman Becomes First


Black Chair of UK Bar Council

(Source: nycaribnews)

For the first time in the

organization’s 131-year existence,

a person of color has

been named head of the United

Kingdom’s Bar Council,

which represents barristers

in England and Wales.

When King’s Counsel Barbara

Mills, who was born in

Ghana, was appointed chair

of the council this week, she

accomplished a historic first.

Submitted by Benice Clara

WASHINGTON, D.C. --

The House Foreign Affairs

Additionally, Mills,

together with Vice-Chair,

King’s Counsel Kirsty

Brimelow, and Treasurer

Lucinda Orr, will serve as the

head of the Bar Council’s firstever

all-female officer team.

According to an article in

the Solicitors Journal, Mills,

who was called to the Bar by

Inner Temple in 1990 and

named Queen’s Counsel in

2020, has a remarkable career

with a focus on challenging

Committee has announced the

selection of Congresswoman

Sheila Cherfilus-Mcormick as

Ranking Member of the high-

child issues. According to

the website, Mills has vast

experience in international

private law cases handled by

the high court and frequently

defends guardians and local

authorities in care procedures.

One of the top family

law sets in England and

Wales, 4PB, has Mills as

its joint head of chambers.

In addition, she serves as a

deputy high court judge. Mills

expressed her happiness and

humility at the selection,

according to the Solicitors

Journal Mills remarked that

she was “delighted and deeply

humbled”. According to

reports, she stated her goals

for the year are to increase

awareness of family law,

assist government initiatives

to lessen violence against

women and girls, encourage

wellbeing as a fundamental

competency for barristers, and

promote equality, diversity,

and inclusion within the Bar.

Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick Named Ranking

Member of Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee

National Civil Rights Museum

Announces Major Acquisition Of

Bayard Rustin Collection And

Opening Of New Exhibition

Museum Opens ‘Speaking Truth to Power:

The Life of Bayard Rustin’ March 28

MEMPHIS, TN -- (GLOBE

NEWSWIRE) -- The National

Civil Rights Museum at the

Lorraine Motel is proud to

announce the acquisition of

the extraordinary archive of

Bayard Rustin, a pivotal figure

Architect

of History

Pauli Murray

By Don Valentine

Sadly, America’s schools

often fail to teach about the

Black Episcopal priest, the

Reverend Dr. Pauli Murray.

Rev. Murray was a lawyer,

author, and women’s rights

activist, and became the first

Black person to earn a Doctor

of the Science of Law degree

from Yale, as well as the first

Black woman to be ordained

in the Civil Rights Movement

and a lifelong advocate for

non-violence, human rights,

and equality. This landmark

acquisition celebrates Rustin’s

legacy as a visionary architect

of change.

an Episcopal priest. (Editorial

Note: Reverend Murray was

gender nonconformist, and

out of respect, we will not be

using traditional pronouns.)

Born in Baltimore in 1910,

Rev. Murray’s life was filled

with a phenomenal array of

achievements. These included

co-founding the Congress

of Racial Equality and the

National Organization for

Women (NOW) in 1966, and

serving as Deputy Attorney

General of California.

Mademoiselle, named Rev.

Murray Woman of the Year in

1947.

A prolific poet and author,

Rev. Murray’s works include

Song in a Weary Throat: An

American Pilgrimage (1987),

which received a Lillian

Smith Book Award and a

Robert F. Kennedy Book

Award. Rev. Murray’s essays,

poems, and books—including

ly influential Middle East and

North Africa Subcommittee.

The Subcommittee oversees

the Middle East and North

Africa regions and holds responsibility

for monitoring

State Department activities

in these areas.

“I’m deeply honored to have

been chosen by my colleagues

to serve as the Ranking Member

of the Middle East and

North Africa Subcommittee.

At a time when our allies have

To honor this monumental

collection, the museum will

launch Speaking Truth to

Power: The Life of Bayard

Rustin, an exhibition opening

on March 28, 2025, in the

State of Tennessee Gallery.

Spanning eight months, this

exhibition will provide visitors

with an intimate look into

Rustin’s life as both a public

leader and private individual,

showcasing artifacts, fine art

photography, and personal

items from his extensive

archive thanks to Rustin’s life

partner, Walter Naegle, who

provided direction and access

to over 500 personal items.

Speaking Truth to Power

explores Bayard Rustin’s

innovative use of the “medium”

to communicate powerful

Pauli Murray

“Negroes Are Fed Up,” Dark

Testament, and States’ Laws

on Race and Color—were

essential, foundational works

of the civil rights movement.

The Durham News & Observer

reported that Murray’s 1950

book on segregation laws

and the U.S. Constitution—

called “‘the bible’” by



serious concerns about America’s

standing on the world

stage, this subcommittee’s

work is of grave importance.

In this new leadership role, I

will work across the aisle to

ensure that America continues

to stand with Israel on a

bipartisan basis, holds Iran

and their terrorist proxies accountable,

and dismantle terror

organizations who aim to

do us harm.”

“I am honored by the trust

messages of non-violence,

activism, and authenticity.

The exhibit emphasizes

Rustin’s ability to capitalize

on the technology of his time,

structuring awareness and

creating dialogue to inspire

social change.

Key highlights of the exhibition

include:

Passports, visas, and

driver’s licenses documenting

Rustin’s global commitment

to non-violence over four

decades.

Artifacts of activism, such

as Rustin’s notes for a March

on Washington for Civil

Rights, “Don’t Join Jim Crow


placed in me by House Foreign

Affairs Committee Ranking

Member Gregory Meeks,

and I am excited to work with

him on the critical issues that

lie before us in the 119th Congress,”

concluded Congresswoman

Cherfilus-McCormick.

“I congratulate Rep. Sheila

Cherfilus-McCormick on

becoming our new Ranking

Member of the Middle East

and North Africa subcommittee,

and look forward to her

partnership this Congress.

Her expertise and leadership

will be invaluable as Democrats

on the committee work

Army” buttons, and telegrams

from key historical events.

Personal and public

collections, including African

sculptures, early Christian

and Byzantine art, and folk

art from Rustin’s childhood in

West Chester, PA.

Intimate memorabilia, such as

letters, jewelry, and personal

gifts provided by Rustin’s life

Counsel Barbara Mills

to advance key U.S. interests

in the region. The subcommittee

will be well served

with Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick

as the lead

Democrat,” said Congressman

Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking

Member of the House Foreign

Affairs Committee.

IT PAYS TO

ADVERTISE IN THE

WESTSIDE GAZETTE

CALL (954) 525-1489

FOR MORE INFORMATION

partner, Walter Naegle.

Curated by art historian

and educator Gay Feldman,

this exhibition also features

fine art photography by David

Katzenstein, capturing over

200 artifacts from Rustin’s

personal and professional

life. Visitors will see Rustin’s

legacy in a new light,

including his global influence,

activism, and contributions

to identity, spirituality, and

human rights.

“This exhibition is more

than a tribute to Bayard



YOU AND A GUEST ARE INVITED

TO A SPECIAL ADVANCE SCREENING OF

Dr. Germaine

Smith-Baugh,

One of Seven

Distinguished

Community Leaders

to be Recognized by

Leadership Broward

During Annual Fun

Lunch set for

Friday April 11

FORT LAUDERDALE,

FL – Dr. Germaine Smith-

Baugh, President and

CEO of The Urban League

of Broward County and

graduate of Leadership

Broward SEO Class 2008,

is one of seven outstanding

community leaders who will

be honored by Leadership

Broward during the annual

Fun Lunch on Friday,

April 11 from 11:30 a.m. to

1:30 p.m. at the Seminole

Hard Rock Hotel &

Casino, 1 Seminole Way in

Hollywood.

Themed ‘Street Art,’ the

Fun Lunch showcases the

achievements of dedicated

leaders like Dr. Smith-

Baugh and recognizes

their contributions to

Leadership Broward and the

community. In addition to

Dr. Smith-Baugh, the 2025

honorees are:

Kareen Boutros, LB

Class XXIV, The Broward

Workshop

Gail Bulfin, LB Class XIII,

The Greater Fort Lauderdale

Alliance

Gregg Goldstein, LB Class

XXXIV, EM Consulting

Group

Paul Minoff, LB Class

XXXVIII, CACTIC

Commercial

Mary Lou Ruderman, LB

Class XXVIII, Ruderman &

Company CPA

Jennifer Whittington, LB

Class XXXIII, Franklin

Templeton Investments

Chairing the Fun Lunch

is Kelly Eppy, Covelli

Enterprises – Panera

Bread. Vice Chairs are

Chase Bowman, Marsh

McLennan; Leonard

Pounds, NSU Health;

Marianna Seiler, Tripp

Scott; Daphne Shephard,

Factset Research Systems;

and Michael Worley, MDW

Communications.

“The Fun Lunch always

lives up to its name,” said

Andrew Zullo, CEO of

Leadership Broward. “We

salute this year’s class of

Fun Lunch honorees who do



WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5 • 7:00 PM • AMC AVENTURA

For your chance to win a complimentary admit-two pass

to the advance screening, email us at

ttaylor@thewestsidegazette.com or wgaccts@thewestsidegazette.com

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

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

PASS DOES NOT GUARANTEE A SEAT AT THE SCREENING. This film is Rated R. Must be 17 years of age or older to receive pass.

IN THEATERS FEBRUARY 7

www.LoveHurtsMovie.com

LoveHurtsMovie

@LoveHurtsMovie

@LoveHurtsMovie

#LoveHurtsMovie

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1/15/25 11:05 AM


Deeply Rooted


Larry Robinson’s legacy too vast be defined in one moment

By Vaughn Wilson

FAMU’s 12 th President

Dr. Larry Robinson resigned

on July 12, 2024. It was

an unexpected turn in the

history of Florida A&M

University. Robinson, who

had three times served as

interim president before

being promoted to permanent

president in November of

2017, led FAMU through

murky waters literally his

entire tenure.

Robinson over the years

successfully navigated

FAMU through treacherous

circumstances. Though he

is a scientist by education,

he operated with surgical

precision in many cases

eliminating issues with

laser efficiency. Too soon

have some forgotten the

circumstances that brought

him to be interim president to

begin with.

One of Robinson’s tours

began in 2012 with the

university on probation by

the school’s accrediting body,

the Southern Association

of Colleges and Schools

(SACS). FAMU’s provisional

probation threatened

the very existence of

the university. Losing

accreditation and the ability

to attract federal funds is a

literal death certificate for a

public institution.

Robinson hired staff and

presented a comprehensive

plan to permanently

eliminate all of the issues

that SACS had presented in

their findings leading up to

the one-year probation. It

was under his leadership

that the focus, protocols,

and operating measures of

the university had to endure

drastic changes. He led the

university to a robust rebound

with SACS and the school has

not looked back since.

That came on the heels

of having to deal with a

major legal and compliance

situation with the Marching

“100,” in 2011. It was

Robinson who decided that by

hiring additional oversight,

instituting a band compliance

officer, and curating a new

modus operandi in general for

the Marching “100,” FAMU

could lift the shroud over the

band which led to its return.

DID YOU

KNOW?

Robinson would also go

outside of the university to

hire FAMU alumnus Dr.

Sylvester Young to direct

the university bands. Young

came in with a fresh slate

and guided the band back

under the most stringent set

of protocols that possibly any

marching band leader would

ever endure. Young would

turn out to be the perfect

choice for that task and the

Marching “100” has returned

to its glory with a glowing

graduation rate to boot.

Recreational marijuana isn’t

legal, and only registered

patients and caregivers with a

valid Medical Marijuana Use ID

can access medical marijuana

or delivery devices.

Source: Florida Administrative Code, Rule 64-4.011

Test your knowledge

about medical marijuana at

Connect with us @MMERIFAMURadio

mmeri.famu.edu/educate

During Robinson’s tenure

as permanent president,

FAMU was propelled into the

top spot in public HBCUs.

Now in its 138 th year, the

university boasts its sixth

consecutive designation as the

No.1 public HBCU, according

to U.S. News and World

Reports.

The university also met

one of Robinson’s long-time

goals in 2023 of breaking

into the Top 100 national

public universities. In 2022,

FAMU came close to the

goal rising to the No.103

slot. It broke through the

Top 100 and landed at

No.91 in 2023. While that

was momentous, it would

eclipse that mark in 2024 by

rising further to the No. 81

position. This has never been

achieved by Florida A&M

University in school history.

In November of 2017,

obinson hired former FAMU

All-American Dr. John

Eason as interim director

of athletics. He would

later promote Eason to the

permanent position. One of

Eason’s first assignments was

to hire a football coach. Eason

decided to forego the search

committee process. He would

lure coach Willie Simmons

from his head coaching

position at Prairie View A&M

to lead the Rattlers. That

single decision would lift

the profile of Florida A&M

University through athletics.

Simmons would go 6-5 in

his first campaign in 2018,

but from there, he would

never win less than nine

games. Simmons would end

his career at FAMU in 2023,

winning the Black National

Championship by way of the

Cricket Celebration Bowl.

It was FAMU’s first-ever

Celebration Bowl opportunity

after winning the first SWAC

Championship in school

history.

Unfortunately, in 2024 a

failed donation from a Texas

businessman would begin to

derail Robinson’s legacy. The

national attention to the

situation would in many ways

result in a black eye for the

university that was riding

high.

From Robinson’s side

and those involved with the

donation, it was initially

valued by a reputable

financial institution as

plausible. Armed with that

valuation the university team

went forward. However, in

the end, the financial entity

began to see red flags and

shortly before the whole

situation fell apart they

rendered a reduced-confidence

valuation on the gift. Shortly

thereafter, the bricks began

to fall, leading to Robinson’s

resignation and unwanted

attention and embarrassment

for the university.

It was a sad time….a

dark time, but the university

has rebounded in so many

ways. Even with the failed

donation, the university still

raked in a record amount of

donations in 2024.

While feelings were

mixed about Robinson’s

departure, it is very clear

that the students and most

alumni of FAMU were and

are still to this day endeared

to Robinson. He was engaged

with the students possibly to

levels unseen. He attended

many of their events, put on

ice cream socials, was always

approachable, and probably

most importantly to the

students, he met them where

they were. Robinson would

partake in some of the most

crafty social media campaigns

of any university, starring in

many of them. From dancing

to skits to memes, Robinson

connected with the students

in a way unseen.

At Friday’s university

Martin Luther King Jr.

Convocation, FAMU Interim

President Dr. Timothy Beard

presented Robinson with

an award. When it was

announced, a rousing chant

of “Larry, Larry, Larry,”

belted from the voices of the

students in attendance for an

extended period of time. It

was a true indication that



Cannabis in Florida: A Year in Review

Michelle Wilson and Anthony Washington

Marijuana was a hot topic

in 2024 as Floridians voted

on Amendment 3, which

proposed to amend Florida’s

constitution to legalize

recreational use for people 21

and older. The measure failed

during the November general

election. However, as the year

came to an end, the Florida

Office of Medical Marijuana

Use (OMMU) reported

nearly 900,000 Floridians

and seasonal residents had

obtained medical marijuana

cards.

Floridian’s understanding

of Cannabis use has evolved,

Submitted by Evan Bergwall III

in part, due to the educational

efforts of Florida A&M

University’s (FAMU) Medical

Marijuana Education and

Research Initiative (MMERI).

In 2024, community

engagement leaders Michelle

Wilson and Anthony

Washington worked to educate

Floridians about cannabis

and Amendment 3. “We had

a lot of questions [about

Amendment 3],” says Wilson,

MMERI’s program manager

for education, training, and

community engagement. She

emphasizes that MMERI

focuses on education, not

advocacy, when they inform

the public.

Washington, MMERI’s

statewide

outreach

coordinator, stressed the

importance of continuing

education on marijuana’s

effects and legality. “MMERI

is committed to addressing

misconceptions and ensuring

the public has access to factual

and unbiased information,”

he says.

As people sought

information, Wilson noted

many asked about the

“qualified conditions” listed

by the state Department of

Health for medical marijuana.

MMERI recommends the

Office of Medical Marijuana

Use (OMMU), www.

knowthefactsmmj.com,

and its own website, www.

mmeri.famu.edu, for more

information.

MMERI plans to continue

engaging communities

statewide

through

partnerships and educational

efforts. “We know that the

one-on-one experience is one

of the most effective ways to

engage our communities,”

says Wilson.

Visit https://bit.ly/

MMERIDecember2024

to watch MMERI’s

Conversations on Cannabis

Virtual Forum featuring

Michelle Wilson and Anthony

Washington discussing

“Marijuana in Florida: A Year

in Review.”

Sen. Sonya Halpern Sworn-in to

Represent the 39th Senate District

ATLANTA, GA — On recently, Sen.

Sonya Halpern (D–Atlanta) was sworn

in by Judge Trent Brown to serve the

39th Senate District for her third term.

The Democratic Caucus also elected Sen.

Halpern to serve as Democratic Vice

Chair for a second term.

“I am deeply honored to be sworn in

for a third term to serve the incredible

people of Georgia’s 39th Senate District

and to continue my work as Vice Chair

of the Senate Democratic Caucus,” said

Sen. Halpern. “Representing such a

vibrant and diverse community while

advocating for meaningful change is a

privilege. My focus remains on advancing

legislation that strengthens education

and expands our workforce and economic

opportunities for all Georgians. I look

forward to partnering with my colleagues

and constituents to turn these priorities

into progress.”

Elected in 2020, Sen. Halpern

represents the 39th Senate District,

which includes portions of Fulton

County. She is a member of the Senate

Committees on Appropriations, Banking

and Financial Institutions, Education and Youth and Health and Human Services. She also

serves as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Urban Affairs and an Ex-Officio member of the

Senate Committee on Public Safety.


Sheryl Lee Ralph to receive

Hollywood Walk of Fame star

By ELIZABETH

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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

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Sheryl Lee Ralph attends the 82nd Golden Globe

Awards at The Beverly Hilton on Jan. 5 in Beverly Hills,

California. She wore a custom St. John’s gown. Her look

was styled by her daughter, Ivy Coco. AMY SUSSMAN/

GETTY IMAGES/TNS

(Source: Florida Courier)

PHILADELPHIA —

Sheryl Lee Ralph continues to

soak up the Hollywood love.

Ralph, who plays Barbara

Howard on the Philly-centric

public school sitcom “Abbott

Elementary,” will receive a

star on the Hollywood Walk

of Fame on Wednesday, Jan.

29, at 11 a.m.

The

Hollywood

veteran, who is married to

Pennsylvania state Sen.

Vincent Hughes, announced

the coup on X on Sun- day,

Jan. 6.

“I am deeply grateful

to announce the honor

of receiving a star on

the Hollywood Walk of

Fame,” Ralph posted.

“What a celebration of

love, perseverance, and the

unwavering support of family,

friends, and fans. Thank you.

This star shines for us all!”

Ralph, 68, learned she was

selected as a walk-of-famer

back in 2023 along with other

TV stars Ken Jeong, Eugene

Levy, Mario Lopez, and Kerry

Washington. Honorees, who

have two years to plan their

parties, are nominated by

fellow recipients.

It’s about time Ralph got

her due. She’s has been in

the entertainment scene for

decades, kicking off her career

in the 1980s on Broadway

as Deena Jones, the leading

lady of Dreamgirls. (The

role Beyoncé would play in

the 2006 movie.) Over the

years, she’s acted in situation

comedies like “It’s a Living”

and in the 1990s, she starred

as Brandy’s stepmother in



Deeply Rooted

NNPA

HOROSCOPE

JANUARY 23, 2025

ARIES-Move slowly concerning

relationships this week. People are a

little edgy and they don’t know exactly

where you are coming from. Make full

explanations. 6, 8, 20

TAURUS-Exercise will work off some of

your excess energy this week. Take a walk

and remember that your world is made up

of many beautiful parts. 13, 29, 34

GEMINI-This week is a good week to dump

any extra baggage that has been pulling

you down. You have too much potential to

throw away and waste your time on issues

that will amount to nothing. 7, 29, 44

CANCER-This is a good week for exercising

that clever mind of yours. Luck will be

with you in all endeavors you start. 30, 41,

54,

LEO-Your careless ways with money are

going to be apparent this week. Financial

mistakes you’ve made in the past will be

especially painful.: 5, 22, 35

VIRGO-Take advantage of the great

weather and spend time outdoors enjoying

and relaxing with Mother Nature. Learn a

new sport and spend time with family and

friends.

3, 20, 23

LIBRA-Everything seems to be moving

along in a very pleasant way this week.

Friends are helpful, family is supportive,

even the sun seems to be shining just for

you! 12, 26, 36

SCORPIO-The bond that you established

with your spiritual side works well in your

relationship with a special person. 3, 8, 24

SAGITTARIUS-If you need some time to

yourself this week, take it. You’ll be doing

yourself an act of kindness. Since you do

so much for others, why not treat yourself

as well as you treat them?: 19, 39, 42

CAPRICORN-Remember that exercise is

a wonderful tension-reliever if things get

too intense this week. A walk over your

lunch hour could make all the difference

in how you feel this afternoon. 44, 49, 51

AQUARIUS-You’ve done some of your own

love homework. Hopefully you’ve had an

opportunity to learn a new way of seeing

the world and in that way you’ve found a

way of loving that is more natural for you.

14, 23, 37

PISCES-If you want to keep your positive

outlook intact, avoid gossip and those

who might want to just cry the blues for

no good reason. 12, 30, 50

(Source: BlackNews.com)

NATIONWIDE -- All six

seasons of A Different World,

the iconic sitcom that aired

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All Six Seasons of

“A Different World”

Coming to Netflix This February

February 7th. The series,

which featured a majority-

Black cast, remains a cultural

milestone offering a glimpse

into Black college life.

Set at the fictional Hillman

College, A Different

39

World follows a group of

students navigating college

life. The series, a spin-off

of The Cosby Show, addresses

important themes like

friendship, self-discovery, and

social issues, according to a

blog published by Netflix.

Under the leadership of

producer Debbie Allen, the

series shifted its focus to reflect

a more authentic portrayal

of HBCU experiences. She

even had writers spend time

at HBCUs to get the details

right. It featured real-life

campus buildings of HBCUs

like Spelman College and

Clark Atlanta University,

both in Atlanta.



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Deeply Rooted


For the Week oF January 21 - 27, 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

HEADED

FOR THE

HOME

STRETCH

Texas Southernl Sports Photo

VERNETTE SKEETE: Texas

Southern women's head coach

has Lady Tigers at 5-0 atop

SWAC race after taking down

defending champ Jackson State.

LEGACY BOWL ROSTERS, DEACON JONES TROPHY

NOMINEES FINALIZED; COACHING CHANGE AT FMU

DIV CONF ALL

NORTH DIVISION W L W L W L

Virginia State 1 0 6 0 12 4

Lincoln (PA) 1 0 6 0 12 5

Elizabeth City State 1 0 3 4 10 6

Bluefield State 0 1 3 3 10 6

Virginia Union 0 1 1 3 7 9

Bowie State 0 1 1 5 9 9

SOUTH DIVISION W L W L W L

Fayetteville State 3 0 5 3 12 6

Claflin 1 0 4 3 11 7

Shaw 1 1 4 3 9 8

Johnson C. Smith 0 1 3 5 8 8

Livingstone 0 2 1 7 9 10

Winston-Salem State 0 1 0 2 2 12

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

Xavier Tubbs-Matthews, 6-3, So., F, ECSU - 55

points (27.5 ppg.), 13 assists (6.5 apg.), 8 steals

(4.0 spg.) in two games.

DEFENSIVE PLAYER

Dericka Williams, So., F, ECSU - 23 rebounds,

28 points, 4 blocks, 2 steals in two games.

ROOKIE

Bobby Gardner, Fr., G, VUU - Career-high 14

points vs. VSU.

CONF

ALL

W L W L

Howard 3 0 8 11

Norfolk State 3 1 13 8

S. C. State 3 1 9 10

N. C. Central 2 2 9 12

Morgan State 2 2 8 12

Delaware State 1 3 9 10

Coppin State 1 3 3 16

Md. E-Shore 0 3 4 15

OFFENSIVE PLAYERS

Kameron Hobbs, 5-10, R-Sr., G, MSU - Led Bears

with 23 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals in

win over Norfolk State.

ROOKIE

Blake Harper, 6-2, Fr., G, HOW - Averaged

22.0 points, 10.0 rebounds in 1-1 week. Had

25 pts., 12 rebounds vs. CSU, 19 pts., 8 rebounds

vs. BSU.

DEFENSIVE

Martaz Robinson, 6-2, Gr., G, DSU - Averaged

double-double of 12.5 points and 10.0

rebounds in1-1 week with 14 pts., 8 boards vs.

NCCU, 11 pts., 12 boards vs. VUL.

CONF ALL

EAST W L W L

Clark Atlanta 8 2 11 6

Edward Waters 8 3 12 6

Albany State 8 3 11 7

Morehouse 6 3 9 8

Fort Valley State 5 5 6 11

Savannah State 5 6 7 8

Benedict 3 8 3 14

Allen 1 8 4 10

WEST

Miles 10 1 13 3

Tuskegee 6 4 8 8

Kentucky State 6 7 9 9

Central State 5 7 8 10

Spring Hill 4 7 6 10

Lane 3 8 3 13

LeMoyne-Owen 3 9 3 15

PLAYER

Kusamae Draper, 6-9, Jr., F, TUSK - Averaged

23.0 points, 8.0 rebounds in two wins with 17

points, 4 rebounds, 2 blocks, 2 steals vs. CSU

and 29 points, 12 rebounds, 2 steals vs. KSU.

DEFENSE

Hassan Diallo, 6-7, So., F, FVSU - Averaged

12.5 points and 7.5 rebounds in two wins with

11 points, 8 rebounds, 3 blocks vs. Benedict, 14

points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals vs. Allen.

CONF

ALL

W L W L

Southern 5 0 10 8

Texas Southern 4 1 7 11

Bethune-Cookman 4 1 7 11

Jackson State 4 1 4 14

Alabama State 3 2 7 11

Alcorn State 3 2 3 15

Prairie View A&M 3 3 4 15

Alabama A&M 2 3 6 12

Florida A&M 2 3 5 11

Grambling State 1 4 4 14

Arkansas-Pine Bluff 0 5 3 15

Miss. Valley State 0 6 2 17

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

Trey Thomas, 6-2, Jr., G, B-CU - Averaged

26.5 points in two wins with 22 points, 3

rebounds vs. MVSU, 31 points, 4 rebounds

vs. UAPB.

Sterling Young, FAMU - Averaged 27.0

points in two wins with 17 points, 2 rebounds,

4 assists vs. MVSU, 37 points, 3

rebounds, 2 assists vs. UAPB.

NEWCOMER

NA

CONF

ALL

W L W L

SAC

Langston - 1st 11 2 15 2

SUN

Florida Memorial - 3rd 6 2 13 4

GLVC

Lincoln (Mo.) - T5th 4 4 12 4

MEC

W. Virginia State - 7th 4 5 7 8

CAA

Hampton - 9th 3 4 10 9

NC A&T - 11th 0 7 4 16

OVC

Tennessee State - T8th 3 5 7 12

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

Jaedaun Slack, 6-6, Sr., F, WVSU - 25

points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal in

win over W. V. Wesleyan.

DEFENSE

NA

UNDER THE BANNER

WHaT'S GOInG On In anD arOunD BLaCK COLLEGE SPOrTS

FLA. MEMORIAL MAKES COACHING CHANGE:

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. | Florida Memorial

announced last week that Head

Football Coach Bobby Rome, II, who

has been at the helm for three seasons,

will not return next season as head

football coach.

Under Rome's guidance, the

Lions achieved a record of 15-15-

Rome

1, including a record of 6-3-1 in

his final season. With Rome at the

helm, the FMU Lions rewrote the history books and set

several school records. His commitment to the sport and

to the student-athletes of FMU has been unwavering, and

his contributions have significantly shaped the football

program for further success in the future.

The school announced that a national search for a new

head coach will begin immediately.

AUTOMATIC BIDS COME TO D2 FOOTBALL:

Division II's football-sponsoring delegates at Friday's

business session of the 2025 NCAA Convention approved

a membership-sponsored proposal to provide automaticqualification

privileges to all conferences that sponsor

football, eliminating the current earned access legislation.

In effect, it means football champions of the CIAA

and SIAC will receive berths in postseason NCAA playoff

tournaments.

Division II football had been the only team sport

across all three NCAA divisions that did not use automatic

qualification,

THE STAT CORNER

WHO ARE THE BEST PERFORMERS IN BLACK COLLEGE SPORTS

ROSTERS FOR FEB. 22

LEGACY BOWL IN NEW ORLEANS

TEAM GAITHER

WR - Ah’shaan Belcher, Shaw; Jalal Dean, Tennessee State;

Jacquez Jones Norfolk State; Joaquin Davis, N.C. Central; Kasey

Hawthorne, Howard; Trejon Spiller, Prairie View A&M;

TE - Keshawn Toney, S.C. State; Kameron King, Fayetteville

State;

RB - Jada Byers, Virginia Union; Jaden Sutton Delaware State;

Jarett Hunter Howard; Elijah Burris Hampton;

QB - Eric Phoenix S.C. State; Draylen Ellis, Tennessee State;

Romelo Williams Virginia State;

OL - Nick Taiste, S.C. State; Cam Johnson, S.C. State; Michael

Todd, Fayetteville State; Jared Achuff, Bowie State; Darius Fox,

Howard; Keith Quick, Winston-Salem State; Queonte Hilliard,

Shaw; Eric Brown, S.C. State; Larry Jones, Virginia Union;

Jamaree MoyeR, Virginia Union;

K/P - Dylan West, Howard; Juan Velarde, N.C. Central;

DB - Justin Fleming, Winston-Salem State; Jordan White,

Hampton; Carlvainsky Decius, Morgan State; Terron Mallory,

Norfolk State; Kenny Gallop Jr., Howard; Kolby Merritt, Fayetteville

State; Carson Hinton, Howard; Kole Jones, N.C. Central; Elijah

Williams, Morgan State; Xavier Robiou, Howard University;

DL - Shi Gaskin, Fayetteville State; Isaac Anderson Jr., Virgina

Union; Jayden Broughton, S.C. State; Saevion Gibbs, Shaw;

John Hannibal, S.C. State; Jamel Stewart, Howard; Quantez

Mansfield, N.C Central;

LB - Benari Black, Johnson C. Smith; Jack Smith, Johnson C.

Smith; Sadiq Salawu, Bowie State; Terrance Hollon, Howard;

Ahmad Nelson, Tennessee State; Keandre Booker Tennessee

State; Carson Buchanan, Tennessee State;

TEAM ROBINSON

WR - Shemar Savage, Prairie View A&M; Jamari Gassett, Florida

A&M; DaShun Mitchell, Savannah State; DeJuan Bell, Fort Valley

State; Anthony Evelyn, Lane; Keenan Hambrick, Alabama A&M;

TE - Thomas Nance, Bethune-Cookman;Tavarious Griffin, Alcorn

State;

RB - Irv Mulligan, Jackson State; Brandon Marshall, Fort Valley

State; Walter Wilbon, Florida Memorial University; Isaiah (Ike)

Brown, Lane; Donovan Eaglin, Alabama A&M;

QB - Myles Crawley, Grambling State; Daniel Richardson, Florida

A&M; Jhaydon Sullivan, Savannah State;

OL - Steve Carter, Alcorn State; Jalen Goss, Florida A&M; Evan

Henry, Jackson State; Christian Twymon, Miles; Aurelious Dunn,

Alabama State; Kirk Ford Jr., Jackson State; Mehdi Torrence,

Texas Southern; Austin Euler, Clark Atlanta; Jordan Taylor,

Benedict; Christon Love, Arkansas-Pine Bluff;

P/K - James Lowery, Tennessee State University; Matt Noll,

Jackson State University;

LS - Braxston Blackwell, Southern;

DB - Kendall Bohler, Florida A&M; James Burgess, Alabama

State; Robert McDaniel, Jackson State; Marcell Blocker, Florida

Memorial; Edwin Summerour, Alcorn State; Travis Martin,

Langston; KeVric Wiggins Jr., Jackson State; Raymond Woodie

Jr., Bethune-Cookman; Amon Scarbrough, Alabama State;

S - Javius Williams, Texas Southern; Donte Reed, Mississippi

Valley State;

DL - Aaron Miller Benedict; Treqwan Thomas, Alabama State;

Roc Dowdell, Miles; Tru Thompson, Jackson State; Fred Stokes,

Prairie View A&M; CJ Pressley, Prairie View A&M; Jarell Culberth,

Tuskegee;

LB - Rico Dozier, Alabama State; Stemarion Edwards, Alcorn

State; Antwann Davis, Florida Memorial; Tyshun Gaiter,

Lane; DeMarkus Cunningham, Alabama State; Caleb Grant,

Morehouse;

Basketball races halfway home

LUT WILLIAMS

BCSP Editor

These are the latest developments in black college hoops over the past

week.

CIAA

Virginia State and Lincoln (Pa.) out of the North Division remained

the only unbeaten teams in men's CIAA play. VSU (1-0, 6-0, 12-4) won at

home over Winston-Salem State (74-68) and Virginia Union (78-74) while

Lincoln won at home over Bowie State (64-50).

VSU plays at Bluefield State on Wednesday (Jan. 22) before travelling

to Lincoln Sunday (Jan. 26) in a battle for N. Div. supremacy. Lincoln plays

at Elizabeth City State Wednesday.

Fayetteville State (3-0, 5-3, 12-6) leads the S. Div. after wins over Shaw

(80-) and WSSU (80-65). FSU hosts Livingstone Thursday and Claflin

Saturday.

The ladies of FSU (3-0, 6-2, 10-6) lead the S. Div. after wins at Shaw

(65-51) and WSSU (69-46) and head with the men to Livingstone and Claflin

this week.

Virginia State (13-4) and Bowie State (12-7) lead the N. Div. with 1-0

division and 6-1 conference records. BSU is hosting Virginia Union and

VSU is at Bluefield State Wednesday. BSU hosts ECSU Saturday while VSU

hosts Lincoln Sunday.

MEAC

The Norfolk State and Howard men's and women's team are headed for

a showdown this Saturday in Norfolk, Va.

In the men's race, Howard (3-0), despite two non-conference losses last

week to Div. II HBCUs (Bowie State and Morehouse), has a one-game lead

over NSU and SC State, both at 3-1. Norfolk State suffered its first conference

loss on Monday of last week at Morgan State (78-74). SC State men and

women will be in action at N. C. Central Saturday.

For the women, Norfolk State (4-0) has a half-game lead over Howard

(3-0). Every other ladies team has at least two losses. Both NSU and HU will

have virtually a week of rest headed into their showdown Saturday.

The HU/NSU men will play at 12:30 p.m. followed by the women at 4

p.m.

BCSP Notes

Allstate Legacy Bowl rosters completed,

Deacon Jones Award finalists named

The two 50-man rosters for the Feb. 22 Allstate HBCU Legacy

Bowl in New Orleans, featuring the top seniors and grad seniors in black

college football, have been completed (see STAT

CORNER).

The game, set for 3:00 p.m. CT at Tulane's

Yulman Stadium, will be carried live on the NFL

Network. It is presented by the Black College

Football Hall of Fame and will feature stars like

2024 black college rushing leader Jada Byers of

CIAA champion Virginia Union and Tennessee

State quarterback Draylen Ellis who led the Tigers

to a share of the OVC/Big South title and an FCS

playoff berth.

Both Byers and Ellis will play for the team named after legendary

former Florida A&M head coach Alonzo "Jake" Gaither. The Gaither

team is selected from senior standouts from the CIAA, MEAC, Tennessee

State, Hampton and North Carolina A&T.

The team named for legendary former Grambling head coach Eddie

Robinson was selected from SIAC, SWAC and Langston standouts.

Among the exciting players on the Robinson team are SWAC rushing

leader Irv Mulligan of SWAC champion Jackson State and the Aeneas

Williams Award winner as the best black college defense back, James

Burgess of Alabama State.

Twelve (12) Legacy Bowl selectees are among the 16 finalists for the

2024 Deacon Jones Trophy given to the black college player of the year

and to be presented at halftime of the game in New Orleans.

They include Byers, Ellis, Mulligan, Burgess, Alabama State

linebacker DeMarkus Cunningham, South Carolina State QB Eric

Phoenix, the MEAC offensive player of the year, Florida A&M QB

Daniel Richardson, Alabama A&M RB Donovan Eaglin, SC State wide

CIAA

SWAC

Texas Southern (5-0), under third-year head coach Vernette Skeete,

has surged to the top of the SWAC women's standings after a big 69-54 win

over defending champion Jackson State Thursday and a 70-48 win over

Alcorn State Saturday.

Skeete's Lady Tigers will play at Alabama A&M, one of their nearest

pursuers at 4-1 along with JSU and Southern, on Thursday. JSU will be

hosting Bethune-Cookman while Southern is at Arkansas-Pine Bluff. TSU

plays at Alabama State Monday.

Southern (5-0) is ahead of three 4-1 teams (Texas Southern, Bethune-

Cookman and Jackson State) on the men's side. The Jaguars defeated

defending champion Grambling State Saturday (67-60). They will play at

Arkansas-Pine Bluff Saturday and at Miss. Valley State Monday.

The TSU men handed JSU its first conference loss Monday in Houston

(81-73) while B-CU defeated UAPB (73-64).

TSU heads to Alabama A&M Saturday and to Alabama State on Monday.

B-CU plays at JSU Saturday and at Alcorn State Monday. JSU hosts Florida

A&M Monday.

SIAC

Clark Atlanta (8-2) bounced back from a 52-50 loss at Savannah State

Saturday to nip Edward Waters 63-61 Monday to retain its lead in the East

Div. men's race.

EWU (8-3), who had defeated Morehouse (70-66) Saturday, is tied with

Albany State (8-3) behind CAU. Albany defeated Allen Friday (78-63) and

handled Benedict Monday (74-64).

CAU is hosting Albany State Saturday while

EWU is at Benedict. CAU hosts Fort Valley State

Monday while Albany State is at Morehouse.

Miles is at 10-1 and leads the West Div. after

crushing LeMoyne-Owen 90-59 Monday. Fred Watson's

squad hosts Tuskegee Saturday and Spring Hill Monday.

Just like the men, the CAU (7-3) and Miles (8-

2) women lead their respective divisions. Miles hosts

Tuskegee Sat. and Spring Hill Mon., while CAU hosts Albany State Sat. and

FVSU Monday.

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 State 1 0 6 1 13 4

Bowie State 1 0 6 1 12 7

Virginia Union 0 1 4 1 10 4

Lincoln (PA) 0 1 4 3 8 9

Elizabeth City State 0 1 4 3 7 8

Bluefield State 1 0 1 5 8 9

SOUTH DIVISION W L W L W L

Fayetteville State 3 0 6 2 10 6

Claflin 1 0 4 3 8 6

Livingstone 1 0 3 3 5 10

Shaw 0 2 2 5 6 11

Johnson C. Smith 0 1 1 6 5 9

Winston-Salem State 0 2 0 7 3 13

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

Nya Morris, Sr., G, CLAF - In two wins, had

career-high 29 points in win over Livingstone, 23

in win over WSSU.

DEFENSIVE PLAYER

Mahogany Collis, Jr., C, SHAW - 15 blocks in

two games with 18 rebounds.

ROOKIE

Kanyah O'Neal, 5-8, So., G, FSU - 2 points, 2

rebounds, 3 steals vs. JCSU, 14 points, 7 rebounds,

4 steals vs. Shaw.

MEAC

MID EASTERN

ATHLETIC CONFERENCE SIAC

CONF

ALL

W L W L

Norfolk State 4 0 17 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

Da'Brya Clark, 5-7, So, G, NSU - In 2-0

week, averaged 18.5 points, 4.5 assists, 3.0

rebounds and 5.5 steals per game. Had 25

pts., 8 steals, 8 assists vs. VUL.

NEWCOMER

Saniya King, 5-7, Fr., G, HOW - Led the Biwon

with 17 points, 6 assists, 3 steals and 5

rebounds in win over CSU.

DEFENSIVE

Jada Tiggett, 6-2, So., F, NCCU - Careerhighs

of 20 points and 11 rebounds with 3

steals and 4 blocks in win vs. DSU.

Watson

SOUTHERN INTERCOLLEGIATE

ATHLETIC CONFERENCE

CONF ALL

EAST W L W L

Clark Atlanta 7 3 13 5

Allen 6 3 11 5

Benedict 5 5 7 8

Edward Waters 5 5 8 6

Savannah State 4 6 8 8

Albany State 4 7 7 10

Fort Valley State 3 8 6 11

WEST

Miles 8 2 11 3

Lane 7 3 11 5

Tuskegee 6 4 9 8

Central State 6 5 7 9

Spring Hill 5 5 6 11

Kentucky State 4 7 5 12

LeMoyne-Owen 2 9 5 14

PLAYER & DEFENSIVE

PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Taliah Wesley, 5-9, Sr., G, ALLEN - In 2-0

week averaged 22.0 points, 8.5 rebounds,

4.5 steals, 4.0 assists with 26 points, 11 rebounds,

3 assists, 5 steals vs. Albany State,

16 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals

and 1 block vs. FVSU.

BCSP NFL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

For Divisional playoff games of January 18-19, 2025

OFFENSE

– #73 TRENT SCOTT, OT, Washington (7th

season, GRAMBLING STATE) - In Washington’s

45-31 win over NFC top-seed Detroit Saturday,

Scott came in for an injured offensive lineman and

logged 46 snaps on offense (61%) and eight on special teams (28%).

The Commanders ran for 182 yards and three TDs and passed for 299

yards and two other scores while giving up no sacks.

DEFENSE

– #6 BRYAN COOK, S, Kansas City (3rd season, HOWARD / Cincinnati)

- In Kansas City’s 23-14 win over Houston in an AFC Divisional playoff

game, Cook had five solo tackles and one assisted tackle on special teams

while playing 39 defensive snaps (57%) and nine on special teams (35%).

SPECIAL TEAMS

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

A&M) - In the Rams’ 28-22 loss to Philadelphia Sunday, Smith returned

two punts for 21 yards (10.5 yards per return) with a long return of 18

yards. Smith was in for 14 special teams’ snaps (44%).

receiver Justin Smith-Brown, J. C. Smith linebacker Benari Black, the

CIAA defensive player of the DEACON JONES AWARD WINNERS

year, Morgan State defensive 2016 Tarik Cohen, RB, North Carolina A&T

lineman Elijah Williams, the 2017 Amir Hall, QB, Bowie State

2018 Amir Hall, QB, Bowie State

MEAC defensive player of the

2019 Chris Rowland, WR, Tennessee State

year and SC State offensive 2020 Aqeel Glass, QB, Alabama A&M

lineman Nick Taiste.

2021 Aqeel Glass, QB, Alabama A&M

The other finalists are junior 2022 Shedeur Sanders, QB, Jackson State

2023 Jeremy Moussa, QB, Florida A&M

wide receiver Brevin Caldwell,

Davius Richard, QB, North Carolina Central

Southern defensive lineman

Ckelby Givens, J. C. Smith junior QB Darius Ocean and Clark Atlanta

junior QB David Wright III.

SWAC

SOUTHWESTERN

ATHLETIC CONFERENCE

CONF

ALL

W L W L

Texas Southern 5 0 6 10

Alabama A&M 4 1 11 6

Jackson State 4 1 6 10

Southern 4 1 6 12

Florida A&M 3 2 6 10

Bethune-Cookman 3 2 6 11

Grambling State 2 3 5 11

Alabama State 2 3 4 13

Prairie View A&M 2 4 5 10

Alcorn State 1 4 3 13

Miss. Valley State 1 5 2 15

Arkansas-Pine Bliuff 0 5 2 13

PLAYER & DEFENSIVE PLAYER

OF THE WEEK

Aylasia Fantroy, 5-11, So., G, TSU - Averaged

13.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.5 blocks

and 2.0 steals with 20 points, 6 rebounds, 2

blocks and a 2 steals vs. JSU, 7 points, 11

rebounds, 3 blocks and 2 steals vs. Alcorn.

INDEPENDENTS

CONF

ALL

W L W L

SUN

Florida Memorial - 1st 7 1 14 2

CAA

NC A&T - 1st 6 0 10 7

Hampton - 9th 0 6 4 13

SAC

Langston - 1st 13 1 17 1

MEC

W. Virginia State - 9th 3 5 7 7

OVC

Tennessee State - T10th 0 8 4 14

GLVC

Lincoln (Mo.) - 15th 0 8 1 13

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

Jordyn Dorsey, 5-9, Sr., G, NC A&T - In

two wins, averaged 19.5 points, 2.0 rebounds

with 25 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists

vs. Stony Brook, 14 points, 2 rebounds

vs. Drexel.

DEFENSE

Mikayla Woods, 5-7, Gr., G, LANG - Had

20 points, 11 rebounds, 2 steals, a block and

an assist in win Monday over Mid-Atlantic

Christian.

© AZEEZ Communications, Inc. Vol. XXXI, No. 25


SPORTS

Nunnie on the Sideline

By Nunnie Robinson, Westside Gazette Sports Editor

Well, my choice to win Super Bowl

LVIIII, the Baltimore Ravens, were

eliminated in a hard fought defeat

at the hands of the Buffalo Bills 29-

27 in the frigid, snowy confines of

High Mark Stadium. South Florida

native, Lamar Jackson, committed

two turnovers but otherwise played

like the MVP front runner and leader

he is. I was especially proud of his

response at the post conference about

usually sure handed Mark Andrews’

crucial fumble and drop, the latter

could have tied the game, thus sending it into overtime.

Basically, Lamar said that we win and lose as a team, that

each player, particularly me, has to accept the responsibility

for the loss, refusing to blame any one player or play for the

defeat. Lamar is a young man with a strong moral compass

who will accomplish much in the future, football related and

otherwise.

So the four finalists for the AFC and NFC conference

championships have been decided: the Kansas City Chiefs will

host the Buffalo Bills to determine the AFC representative

while the surprisingly, efficient Washington Commanders

will travel to Philadelphia and compete against the Eagles

to determine the NFC Champion. Usually the four best

teams end up competing for the conference championship,

but often a good team gets hot at the perfect time, plays

exceptionally well, positioning itself for a title run. So it is

with the Commanders and rookie sensation Jayden Daniels.

It is highly conceivable that the Commanders could defeat,

not upset, Philadelphia if their game (the Eagles) remains

inconsistent and stagnant.

My picks: the Chiefs over the Bills and the Commanders

in a major upset of the Eagles. When the NFL season

finally ends, the Kansas City Chiefs will be crowned World

Champions for an unprecedented third time.

Under any circumstances, there will be at least one

Black quarterback in the Super Bowl, possibly two. Why is

that so important you may be wondering. Race in America

will always be a factor. Just look at the results of the

presidential election and the attention given to the victims

in the tragic aftermath of the California fires. You’ve heard

about Palisades but are you at all familiar with Altadena.

Only in America…..

Notre Dame and Ohio State played on Monday for the

CFP Championship, a first involving twelve teams. Though

OSU is a heavy favorite based on talent, the Fighting Irish

are led by an Afro-Asian who has led his team to a 14 - 1

record and an opportunity to win the CFP, which would be

their first since 1988. Go Irish!!!! OSU held on to win the 34-

23, stymying a courageous Irish comeback. Here’s a caveat:

a Buffalo loss guarantees a duel of two Black quarterbacks.

The other finalists all start Black quarterbacks - Patrick

Mahomes, Jayden Holmes and Jalen Hurts.

One impact of the NIL and player compensation on the

NFL draft is readily apparent: fewer players are declaring for

the draft based previous years. And the reason appears just

as obvious. Players don’t have to leave for the NFL because

of financial concerns. Their compensation is sufficient to take

care of personal living needs. They aren’t leaving early out

of financial necessity, but because of mentally and prepared.

It makes for a better college football product on the field. My

concern is the impact that the NIL and player compensation

will have on FCS, D-II, and D-III. Programs

By Jarrett Hoffman

(Source: HBCU Sports)

Photo: Alabama State Athletics

Alabama State champion sprinter Jamarion Stubbs made

history in his season debut in the 60m at the Vanderbilt

Invitational.

After qualifying for the finals with a preliminary time of

6.69, Stubbs set a school record in the finals, running a time

of 6.59.

He finished second in the race behind Tennessee sprinter

Traunard Folson, who was running unattached, finishing

with a 6.53 time.

Stubbs also ran as part of Alabama State's 4×400 relay

team, helping the team finish with a time of 3:12.55, marking

the second-best time of all teams (first in their heat).

The Alabama State sprinter comes into the 2025 indoor

season after a 2024 campaign in which he claimed SWAC

championships in the 60m and 200m.

He became the first SWAC sprinter to claim the conference

championship in both events since 2014 (Devin Jenkins,

Southern).

Stubbs went on to have a successful outdoor season, which

finished with him qualifying for the finals of the 200m at the

Olympic Trials.

Deeply Rooted

B-CU track and field

athletes named Wildcats

of the Week

Xavier Bogan and Alyssa Williams of B-CU Track &

Field were named Wildcats of the Week for the week of

Jan. 6-12.

(Source: Daytona Times)

Freshman Xavier Bogan had an impressive performance

competing for his first time at the Game-cock Opener. The

freshmen secured a second-place finish in the men’s triple

jump with a 14.83m jump, documenting a personal best on

the season. He also recorded a fifth-place finish in the men’s

long jump with a jump of 23’. Earlier in the season at the

Birmingham Indoor Icebreaker, Bogan set a personal best in

the long jump with a 7.11m jump.

Junior Alyssa Williams also had a strong showing on Jan.

11. She grabbed a fourth-place finish in the 400m with a time

of 57.77. Williams has had three personal bests since March

2024 in the 200m, 800m and 400m. Each week, the Bethune-

Cookman Office of Athletic Communications recognizes one

male and one female student-athlete through the Wildcats of

the Week award.

This award recognizes student-athletes who have excelled

in competition, in the classroom, and in the community over

the past week, exemplifying the Championship Culture of

Wildcat Athletics.

Photo: Israel Carter/X

Michael Vick adds four-star FBS

transfer quarterback to Norfolk

State roster

By Jarrett Hoffman


The Michael Vick era is officially underway as he and the

Norfolk State Spartans have just fielded their biggest transfer

commit of the offseason.

Former four-star quarterback recruit Israel Carter has

announced his commitment to the team with three years of

eligibility remaining.

Carter comes to the Spartans after spending the last two

seasons at the University of South Florida (USF).

In the final two games of this past season, Carter produced

195 passing yards, completed 11-of-14 attempts, and scored

four touchdowns without an interception. He also rushed for

46 yards on 10 attempts.

Carter will join a Norfolk State quarterback room that

includes last season’s primary starter, Jalen Daniels.

Michael Strahan represents

HBCUs with College Football

Hall of Fame selection

Photo: ABC

By Jarrett Hoffman

(Source: HBCU)

The 2025 College Football Hall of Fame Class will have some

HBCU representation as former Texas Southern defensive

lineman Michael Strahan has been announced as one of 18

inductees.

This makes him the first person (player, coach, or administrator)

in Texas Southern history ever to be inducted into the College



HBCU women’s

basketball stars added

to national player of the

year award watch list

By Jarrett Hoffman


The Becky Hammon Mid-Major Player of the Year Award

Watchlist has been released, and it features two prominent

names from the MEAC.

Featured among the 15 players highlighted were Coppin

State forward Laila Lawrence and Norfolk State guard

Diamond Johnson.

Lawrence, who transferred from Texas A&M-Commerce,

is in her second season at Coppin State. She has the Eagles

on pace for their second overall winning season in the past

ten seasons.

The reigning MEAC Defensive Player of the Year is

averaging 16.8 points (second in MEAC), 9.3 rebounds (leads

MEAC), 2.7 steals (second in MEAC), and 1.4 blocks (fourth

in MEAC) through 20 games.

This includes averaging 17.7 points, 8.5 rebounds, and

2.3 steals in six games against Power Four opponents.

Meanwhile, Johnson has Norfolk State looking like a

strong contender to win its third straight MEAC tournament

championship.

She has helped lead the Spartans to a 16-4 record,

including a pair of wins against Power Four opponents

Missouri and Auburn.

The reigning MEAC Newcomer of the Year paces the

MEAC in scoring (18.6) and steals (3.4) while also ranking

second in assists (4.2).

Johnson has been on a tear since entering conference

play, putting up 22.0 points on 58% shooting, 5.0 rebounds,

5.0 steals, and 4.3 assists in four games.

The Mid Major Player of the Year award, named after

Pro Basketball Hall of Famer Becky Hammon, is in its fifth

year of existence.

The award’s 10 semifinalists will be announced, followed

by an announcement of five finalists in March, and then the

winner will be named during the Final Four.

Should either Lawrence or Johnson win the award, they

would become the first HBCU player to do so.

Clark Atlanta knocks off Edward

Waters to take top spot in SIAC East

By HBCU Sports

(Source: HBCU)

Photo: Clark Atlanta Athletics

The Clark Atlanta men’s basketball team earned its 11th

victory of the season with a 63-61 road win over Edward Waters

on Monday.

The Panthers improved to 11-6 overall and 8-2 in SIAC play,

led by Shemani Fuller, who scored a team-high 16 points.

Dez’Mond Perkins paced the Panthers with eight points in the

first half, but Clark Atlanta trailed 35-27 at the break. A poor

shooting performance in the first half proved costly, as the

Panthers shot just 39% compared to 51% in the second half.

Edward Waters’ lead ballooned to 10 points at the 18:30 mark

of the second half, sparking a Panthers comeback. The teams

traded baskets evenly until they were tied at 51 just before the

under-eight media timeout.

Edward Waters then hit a pair of free throws, but Fuller

responded with a 3-pointer to give Clark Atlanta its first lead

of the night, 54-53, with just under seven minutes remaining.

Fuller and Jalen Williams combined for nine points down the

stretch to help complete the comeback and secure the 63-61

victory.

Clark Atlanta’s bench played a key role, outscoring Edward

Waters’ reserves 18-7. The Panthers also dominated the paint,

outscoring the Tigers 38-34 and controlling the boards with 20

second-chance points compared to just four for Edward Waters.

Fuller led the Panthers with 16 points, followed by Jalen

Williams with 13, Dez’Mond Perkins with 12, and a 10-point,

10-rebound double-double from Martez Jones.


Deeply Rooted


Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis

issues snow, ice warnings

ahead of historic winter storm

By James Call, USA TODAY NETWORK

Gov. Ron DeSantis warned of “a generational

winter storm event” as ice and snow began barreling

into north Florida.

He spoke to reporters Tuesday at the state’s

Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee. A

complex mix of wintry weather has begun blanketing

the western Gulf Coast and will bring brutal cold and

dangerous conditions to the Sunshine State.

DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 41

counties Monday, expanded the declaration to 61

counties Tuesday morning. As snow began to fall in

Pensacola, he also ordered state offices closed in the

affected areas through Wednesday.

Given the cold, the governor said, anything that

falls on the ground is going to be there for a while,

making travel potentially dangerous for the next two

days.

“The roads could become hazardous beginning this

afternoon. There’s going to be ice, there’s going to be

snow. We don’t think it’s going to be warm enough for

that to really melt. It’ll be there,” DeSantis said.

The National Weather Service has placed North

Florida under a winter storm warning until 6 a.m.

Wednesday. Accumulations of snow and ice has closed

large sections of Interstate 10 – North Florida’s major

thoroughfare – in Texas and Louisiana. Frigid air is

headed east and will penetrate Florida as far south as

Marion County.

AccuWeather predicts the storm could evolve into

the Gulf’s biggest snow and ice storm in more than

100 years. DeSantis warned it will create unfamiliar

conditions, especially for driving, for many Floridians

not used to subfreezing temperatures.

He related a story about being a 20-year-old college

student in Boston driving a pickup truck that went

into a slide on black ice: “When you are in these icy

conditions there’s a lot that can go wrong. ... If you are

out there thinking, like, you can just power through

it. I mean, there will be accidents, and we don’t want

that. It’s avoidable.”

In preparation for the storm’s arrival, the state

has de-iced more than 600 bridges and has more than

250 workers and 200 pieces of equipment, including

snowplows, in place and ready when needed. An

extreme cold warning is also in effect.

Officials advise people to dress in layers, protect

pets, plants and pipes, and follow fire safety precautions

when using heating sources indoors. Officials warn up


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Los Angeles fires have scorched largest urban

area in California in at least 40 years

A small fire burns on the ruins of a house after it was destroy, -d by the Eaton

Fire, Jan. 9, 2025, in Altadena, Calif. - AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, File

Two wildfires still burning in Los Angeles have torched more

urban area than any other fire in the state since at least the mid-

1980s, an Associated Press analysis shows.

The Eaton and Palisades fires that erupted last week have

collectively burned almost 4 square miles of highly dense parts of

Los Angeles, more than double the urban acreage consumed by

the region’s Woolsey Fire in 2018, according to the AP’s analysis of

data from the Silvis Lab at the University of Wisconsin in Madison.

Experts say several factors could lead to wildfires reaching

cities more often. Urban areas continue to sprawl into wildland.

Climate change is raising global temperatures that lead to more

severe weather, including droughts, especially in the western

United States.

“If these conditions get worse or more frequent in the future, it

wouldn’t be surprising, in my opinion, if there were more events that

threaten densely populated places,” said Franz Schug, a researcher

studying the boundaries between the wildland and urban areas at

the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

The Eaton and Palisades fires’ rampage through Los Angeles

has killed at least 27 people, destroyed more than 12,000 structures

and put more than 80,000 under evacuation orders. The fires are

likely to be among the most destructive in California history,

according to the state agency CalFire.

The Woolsey Fire eventually grew to about twice the current

size of the Eaton and Palisades fires but most of the area it burned

was uninhabitated.

Silvis, and AP, defined urban areas as those that are “high

density,” where the land has at

least 3 housing units for every acre,

calculated with U.S. Census data.

The Great Chicago Fire of 1871

burned about 3.3 square miles of the

New Documentary in Production:

“In the Footsteps of Harry T. Moore

“Exploring the Legacy of a Civil Rights Pioneer”

MIMS, FL---The Harry T.

& Harriette V. Moore Cultural

Complex Board of Directors

in collaboration with award

winning independent film

producer/director Cathleen

Dean, Black Cat Media,

have joined forces to produce

a new historically accurate

cinematically engaging

documentary that traces the

life and legacy of Harry T.

Guard, to the border raises concerns about the

militarization of immigration enforcement.

The designation of certain cartels as foreign

terrorist organizations could lead to broader

enforcement measures that risk overreach

and collateral harm to immigrant populations,

many of whom are Black.

Economic and Energy Policies

Trump’s plan to “Make America Affordable

and Energy Dominant Again” centers on

reducing costs through expanded energy

production and deregulation. While these

measures aim to lower living expenses, they

could have mixed consequences for Black

Americans. Communities of color often bear

the brunt of environmental harm caused

by deregulated industries and fossil fuel

expansion, raising questions about long-term

health and environmental justice.

The administration’s withdrawal from

the Paris Climate Accord and rejection of

renewable energy investments could also slow

Destroyed homes from the Palisades Fire are visible on Jan. 15, 2025, in Malibu,

Calif. — AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File

Trees sway in high winds as the Eaton Fire burns structures Jan. 8, 2025, in

Altadena, Calif. - AP Photo/Ethan Swope, File

downtown area of the city, according to the Chicago Architecture

Center. San Francisco’s Great Fire of 1906 destroyed 4 square

miles of the city, according to the Museum of the City of San

Francisco.

Besides burning the most urban area, the Eaton and Palisades

fires are the largest ever for California in January. Alexandra

Syphard, a senior research scientist at the Conservation Biology

Institute, said their timing and path through the city “may have


Moore, a pioneer of the early

civil rights movement whose

work laid the foundation for

future generations of activists.

The documentary highlights

key accomplishments of

individuals and organizations

working to keep Moore’s

legacy alive, including the

Harry T. & Harriette V. Moore

Memorial Park and Museum

and the NAACP. Through

A Forward March for MLK from FP

interviews with historians,

activists and Moore’s family

members, the film explores

the impact of Moore’s

activism and the ongoing

struggle for racial equality.

The documentary is currently

in the pre-production phase

have recently completed the

“proof-of-concept” trailer,

https://www.cathleendean.

com and is now working

on securing funding for the

project including creating

a GoFundMe page https://

gofund.me/69e13d22 to move

into the next phase of the

project.

The Moores were educators

in Brevard County Florida

during the 1920’s-40’s. Harry

Moore became involved with

the civil rights movement

when he organized the first

Brevard County NAACP

branch in 1934. He went on

to organize some 50 branches

of the NAACP throughout

Florida and filed the first

lawsuit to equalize black

and white teachers’ salaries

in 1937. Later fired by the

Brevard School Board in 1946



progress in creating green jobs, an industry

where Black workers have begun to gain

traction.

Government Reform

In his pledge to “Drain the Swamp,” Trump

proposes freezing hiring in non-essential areas

of the federal workforce, with a specific focus

on reducing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

(DEI) initiatives. This could result in fewer

opportunities for Black professionals and

reduced attention to addressing systemic

inequities in federal agencies.

Plans to reduce remote work among federal

employees could disproportionately affect

Black workers, who often rely on flexible

arrangements to manage systemic disparities

such as longer commutes and caregiving

responsibilities.

Social Policies

Under “Bring Back American Values,” the



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